Romania Travel Guide: How to Explore Transylvania, Bucharest, and Beyond

Romania welcomed 15.2 million visitors in 2025, but the average stay was a measly 2.1 days. That means millions of people are rushing through medieval Transylvania and Bucharest without actually seeing them. I’ve spent three months navigating this country’s mountain passes, train networks, and underground salt mines to figure out what actually works. This realistic Romania travel guide will show you how to slow down, avoid the tourist traps, and see the real deal.

The Golden Rule: Don’t Wing It

Winging your trip to Romania is a massive risk that will leave you stranded at closed castle gates or paying triple for last-minute transport. Don’t do it. With Romania’s entry into the Schengen Area for air and sea travel, accommodation prices are climbing fast, and popular spots book out weeks in advance.

A classic rookie mistake is trying to see the entire country in a weekend. Stick to a tight, realistic route instead. This keeps your travel times low and your sanity intact.

The Perfect 5-Day Transylvanian Loop

If you only have five days, do not try to see the whole country. This train-friendly route keeps things simple and stress-free.

1. Day 1
   Bucharest Arrival

   Explore the Old Town and marvel at the Palace of the Parliament—the heaviest building in the world at 4.1 million tons. It is so massive it has its own indoor microclimate.

2. Day 2
   Sinaia & Peleș Castle

   Take the morning train to Sinaia to tour Peleș Castle, then continue onward to the medieval hub of Brașov.

3. Day 3
   Brașov & Bran Castle

   Explore Brașov’s cobblestone streets and take a short day trip to Bran Castle, the legendary home of Dracula.

4. Day 4
   Sighișoara

   Catch a train to Sighișoara, one of Europe’s last fully inhabited medieval citadels, and climb the Covered Stairway.

5. Day 5
   Return to Bucharest

   Head back to the capital for your flight out, or grab a final plate of local food before moving on.

Three Romanian Castles and Wonders Worth the Hype

Peleș Castle (Sinaia)

This Neo-Renaissance masterpiece features 160 lavish rooms and its own historic hydro plant. But a major rookie mistake is turning up on a Monday or Tuesday, when it’s strictly closed, or during its annual conservation shutdown in November. Arrive before 10:00 AM to beat the tour buses, and take the quiet forest path near Sinaia Monastery for a crowd-free walk up.

Turda Salt Mine (Salina Turda)

An otherworldly theme park buried 100 meters underground, complete with a Ferris wheel and a subterranean lake with rowboats. The temperature is a constant 11–12°C (53–55°F) year-round, so bring a warm jacket or the cold will eat you alive. To reach the floor of the Rudolf Mine, skip the massive queue for the single elevator and walk down the 172 steps of the historic ‘Rich Man’s Staircase’ instead.

Corvin Castle (Hunedoara)

One of Europe’s largest Gothic-Renaissance fortresses, complete with a massive drawbridge and a legendary 30-meter-deep well. Keep in mind that on Mondays, the castle doesn’t open until midday (12:00 PM)—show up early and you’ll be locked out. Also, bring cash for the parking lot at the foot of the hill, as card payments are rarely accepted there.

What to Eat: Real Romanian Comfort Food

Mici (Mititei)

These skinless grilled sausages are made from a spiced mix of pork, beef, and sheep meat, heavily garlic-seasoned with a signature bouncy texture. Grab them at Terasa Obor inside Bucharest’s busy Piața Obor for about 5 RON ($1.10 USD) per piece.

Papanași

These traditional fried cottage cheese doughnuts are topped with sour cream and blueberry or sour cherry jam. Try them at Caru’ cu Bere in Bucharest’s Old Town for 25–40 RON ($5.50–$9.00 USD), or hit Mahala café for a lighter, baked version.

Ciorbă de Burtă (Tripe Soup)

A rich, velvety, garlic-heavy soup made from beef tripe, soured with vinegar and thickened with sour cream and egg yolks. Order it at Hanu’ lui Manuc in Bucharest or any local ‘Autoservire’ (cafeteria) in Brașov for 18–30 RON ($4.00–$6.50 USD).

Scams to Avoid: Don’t Get Caught Out

Bucharest is generally very safe, but dishonest operators will eat you alive if you look like an easy target. Watch out for these three classic tricks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cash in Romania?

Yes, especially outside of Bucharest. While cards are widely accepted in major cities, you will need Romanian Leu (RON) cash for rural Transylvania, parking meters, market stalls, and tipping. A standard 10% tip is customary in restaurants, and leaving it in cash is highly preferred.

What is the best way to get from Bucharest Airport to the city center?

Skip the taxis and take the direct train from Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) to Gara de Nord. It runs 24/7, takes about 20 to 25 minutes, and costs only 5.50 RON (around $1.20 USD). You can pay by tapping your contactless bank card directly on the train’s readers.

Is tap water safe to drink in Romania?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in major cities like Bucharest, Brașov, and Cluj-Napoca. However, in rural villages and older buildings with outdated plumbing, it is safer to stick to bottled water. When in doubt, ask your host or hotel staff about the local pipes.

Romania is one of those places that makes you feel slightly guilty for not coming sooner. The food alone is worth the flight, and the train rides through Transylvania are spectacular. To keep things simple and avoid the airport kiosk queues, grab a Romania eSIM from Galactic Roam before you land. It activates instantly, keeps you connected from Bucharest to the Carpathian peaks, and lets you skip the hassle of registering your passport at a local store.

Get your Romania eSIM