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Travel Daily News AnimaWings suspends flights until 24 OctoberTravel and Tour World Romania Focuses on Having the Most Varied Nightlife in Bucharest and Several Other PlacesThe Flight Deal Delta / KLM Royal Dutch: San Francisco – Bucharest, Romania. $724 (Basic Economy) / $964 (Regular Economy). Roundtrip, including all TaxesThe Flight Deal Delta: Portland – Bucharest, Romania. $724 (Basic Economy) / $964 (Regular Economy). Roundtrip, including all TaxesAeroTime Romanian airline Animawings files for insolvency, disposes of entire A220 fleetTravel Daily News AnimaWings suspends flights until 24 OctoberTravel and Tour World Romania Focuses on Having the Most Varied Nightlife in Bucharest and Several Other PlacesThe Flight Deal Delta / KLM Royal Dutch: San Francisco – Bucharest, Romania. $724 (Basic Economy) / $964 (Regular Economy). Roundtrip, including all TaxesThe Flight Deal Delta: Portland – Bucharest, Romania. $724 (Basic Economy) / $964 (Regular Economy). Roundtrip, including all TaxesAeroTime Romanian airline Animawings files for insolvency, disposes of entire A220 fleet
Sibiu – RomaniaBucharest – RomaniaBrașov – RomaniaBran Castle – RomaniaSighișoara – RomaniaVoroneț Monastery – Romania
📍 Sibiu📷 Kk70088 · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 Europe🗓️ Best: May–Jun and Sep–Oct

Romania ✓

Castles, painted monasteries and wild Carpathian mountains

🕒 –:– local time5 stories this week4 sources 6 top placesCapital Bucharest

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Romania📸 Photo album · 9 photos · Ultra-HD
Romania📜 History of Romania

The story of Romania

In ancient times the lands of present-day Romania were home to the Dacians, a Thracian people who built mountain fortresses in the Carpathians and grew rich from gold and silver mines. Under kings such as Burebista and Decebalus they challenged Rome, until Emperor Trajan conquered much of Dacia in AD 106, a campaign carved in stone on Trajan's Column in Rome. Roman rule lasted less than two centuries, but it left behind a Latin-based language that makes Romanian unique in Eastern Europe.

After the Romans withdrew, waves of migrating peoples crossed the region. In the Middle Ages three territories took shape: Transylvania, ruled by the Kingdom of Hungary and settled by Saxon Germans who built fortified churches; and the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia, founded in the 14th century. Rulers such as Stephen the Great of Moldavia and Vlad III of Wallachia, remembered as Vlad the Impaler, resisted the expanding Ottoman Empire, yet both principalities eventually accepted Ottoman overlordship. In 1600 Michael the Brave briefly united all three lands.

Read the full history

In 1859 Wallachia and Moldavia united under Alexandru Ioan Cuza, forming the core of modern Romania. Independence from the Ottomans was won in 1877-78, and the country became a kingdom in 1881. After the First World War, Transylvania and other regions joined on 1 December 1918, now Romania's national day. Following the Second World War a communist regime took power, later dominated by Nicolae Ceaușescu, whose rule ended in the revolution of December 1989. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007.

For travellers, this history creates a fascinating mix: Dacian ruins in the mountains, Saxon villages and fortified churches, the painted monasteries of Bucovina, wooden churches of Maramureș, fairytale castles, and medieval citadels like Sighișoara, all set amid the wild Carpathians and the Danube Delta.

Timeline

  1. c. 82 BCBurebista unites the Dacian tribes
  2. AD 106Emperor Trajan conquers Dacia
  3. 1330Wallachia secures its independence at the Battle of Posada
  4. 1600Michael the Brave briefly unites Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania
  5. 1859Wallachia and Moldavia unite under Alexandru Ioan Cuza
  6. 1918Transylvania and other regions join Romania on 1 December
  7. 1989The December revolution ends communist rule
  8. 2007Romania joins the European Union
Romania 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • Schengen Area – Part of the Schengen Area – 29 European countries with no passport checks between them. Short visits are usually counted under the 90-days-in-any-180 rule across the whole area.
  • European Union – EU member – EU/EEA citizens can travel and stay freely.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Romania appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Romania✨ 10 best things to do in Romania

Things to do in Romania

  1. Drive the TransfăgărășanFollow one of Europe's most spectacular mountain roads over the Făgăraș Mountains to glacial Bâlea Lake.
  2. Explore SighișoaraClimb the clock tower of a lived-in medieval citadel where Vlad III was born.
  3. Visit the painted monasteriesAdmire vivid exterior frescoes on the monasteries of Bucovina in the north.
  4. Tour Peleș CastleWander the opulent halls of a royal castle set among the forests of Sinaia.
  5. Boat through the Danube DeltaPaddle among reed beds and lakes in one of Europe's great wetlands, home to pelicans.
  6. See Bran CastleVisit the hilltop fortress often linked to the Dracula legend.
  7. Wander Saxon villagesStay in villages like Viscri and see UNESCO-listed fortified churches.
  8. Hike the CarpathiansTrek through mountains that shelter some of Europe's largest populations of bears and wolves.
  9. Experience MaramureșSee tall wooden churches, carved gates and traditional rural life.
  10. Eat sarmale and papanașiTry cabbage rolls with polenta and fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and jam.
Romania🗺️ Where to visit in Romania

Where to go in Romania

  • BucharestWallachia · capitalA lively capital with the vast Palace of the Parliament, an old town and Belle Époque buildings.
  • BrașovTransylvania · medieval cityA charming city with the Black Church, a lively square and easy access to Bran and the mountains.
  • SibiuTransylvania · old townA beautifully restored town with 'eyes' in its rooftops and a major open-air museum.
  • SighișoaraTransylvania · citadelA colourful UNESCO-listed citadel still inhabited today.
  • 📍
    BucovinaNorth-east · monasteriesA green region famous for its painted monasteries and rural traditions.
  • 📍
    MaramureșNorth · rural heritageA region of wooden churches, traditional crafts and the Merry Cemetery of Săpânța.
  • Danube DeltaSouth-east · wetlandsA UNESCO biosphere reserve rich in birds and fishing villages.
  • 📍
    Cluj-NapocaTransylvania · university cityA youthful city with a buzzing café, music and festival scene.
Romania✨ Must-do experiences
  • Explore the fortified churches and villages of Transylvania
  • Drive the dramatic Transfăgărășan mountain road in summer
  • Take a boat trip through the Danube Delta at sunrise
  • Visit the colourful painted monasteries of Bucovina
Romania🍽️ Taste of Romania
  • Sarmale – cabbage rolls stuffed with spiced meat and rice
  • Mici – small grilled skinless sausages served with mustard
  • Mămăligă – soft polenta topped with cheese and sour cream
  • Papanași – fried doughnuts with sour cream and jam
Romania🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Romania

Best time to visit Romania

Romania has a continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters, especially in the Carpathians. The Black Sea coast is milder, and the high Transfăgărășan road usually opens only in summer.

BestMay-June and September - pleasant temperatures for cities, hiking and countryside, with green or golden landscapes.
ShoulderApril and October - fewer visitors and cooler days, though some mountain roads may be closed.
AvoidNo bad time - winters are cold but good for skiing and Christmas traditions; July-August can be hot in Bucharest.
2°💧Jan
5°💧Feb
11°💧Mar
18°💧Apr
23°💧💧May
27°💧💧Jun
30°💧Jul
30°💧Aug
24°💧Sep
18°💧Oct
10°💧Nov
4°💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Bucharest (approximate averages).

Romania🎉 Festivals & events in Romania
  • March 1
    MărțișorPeople give red-and-white tokens to welcome spring and wish good luck.
  • June
    Sibiu International Theatre FestivalOne of the world's largest performing arts festivals, with street performances across the city.
  • September (every two years)
    George Enescu FestivalA prestigious classical music festival in Bucharest honouring Romania's greatest composer.
  • December-January
    Winter traditionsCarolling, bear and goat dances and masked processions, especially in Moldavia and Bucovina.
Romania🧭 Romania itinerary ideas

How many days in Romania?

5 daysTransylvania highlights

Day 1 explore Bucharest. Day 2 visit Peleș Castle on the way to Brașov. Day 3 see Bran Castle and Râșnov. Days 4-5 visit Sighișoara and Sibiu.

10 daysCastles to monasteries

Days 1-4 cover Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov and Bran. Days 5-6 visit Sighișoara and the Saxon villages, then Days 7-8 Sibiu and the Transfăgărășan (in summer). Days 9-10 head north to the painted monasteries of Bucovina or Maramureș.

Romania🎒 Backpacking Romania – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $30–50 a day

  • Trains are cheap and scenic but slow; buses and minibuses can be faster on some routes.
  • Brașov, Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca have great hostels and are easy bases for exploring.
  • Eat lunch menus (meniul zilei) in local restaurants for filling, cheap meals.
  • Rural guesthouses often include home-cooked meals and are good value.
  • Ride-sharing apps are widely used in cities and are often cheaper than taxis.
Romania🛡️ Safety & money in Romania

Stay safe

  • Romania is generally safe; watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport.
  • Use official taxis or ride apps rather than unmarked cars.
  • Be bear-aware in the mountains and follow local advice on hiking safety.
  • Drive carefully, as some roads are narrow and may be shared with horse carts.

Money

  • The currency is the Romanian leu; cards are widely accepted in cities.
  • Carry cash for rural areas, markets and small guesthouses; ATMs are easy to find in towns.
  • Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants.

Emergency: 112 police, fire & ambulance

Romania🛬 Getting to Romania

Bucharest's Henri Coandă International Airport is the main gateway, with other international airports including Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara and Sibiu. Romania has land borders with Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine.

✈️ Cheap flights to Romania: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Romania💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Romania
  • Romanian is a Romance language, closely related to Italian, French and Spanish.
  • Bucharest's Palace of the Parliament is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world.
  • The Carpathians are home to one of Europe's largest brown bear populations.
  • Bran Castle is often called 'Dracula's Castle', though its link to Vlad III is limited.
  • The Merry Cemetery in Săpânța features colourful wooden crosses with humorous epitaphs.
Romania❓ Romania travel FAQ

Romania travel questions

Is Romania safe for tourists?

Yes, Romania is generally safe for travellers. Take ordinary precautions against pickpockets and taxi scams in big cities.

What is the best time to visit Romania?

Late spring and early autumn are ideal for sightseeing and hiking. Summer is great for the Transfăgărășan and the Danube Delta, and winter for skiing and Christmas traditions.

How many days do you need in Romania?

Five days covers Bucharest and the highlights of Transylvania. Allow 10 days or more to include Bucovina, Maramureș or the Danube Delta.

Is English spoken in Romania?

English is widely spoken by younger people and in tourist areas. In rural regions, a few Romanian phrases are helpful.

Do I need a visa for Romania?

It depends on your passport. Check the official Romanian government website or your nearest embassy before you travel.

Romania💰 What a trip costs
$price level
$30–50backpacker / day
$70–130mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Romania🚌 Getting around

Trains connect the main cities but can be slow, so buses and minibuses are often faster. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore villages in Transylvania.

Romania🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Voroneț Monastery – Painted monastery famous for its bright 'Voroneț blue' outdoor frescoes
  • Bârsana Monastery – Tall wooden church complex in the traditional Maramureș style
  • Curtea de Argeș Cathedral – Richly decorated 16th-century church and resting place of Romanian kings
Romania🤝 Local etiquette
  • Take your shoes off when entering someone's home
  • Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting monasteries and churches
  • Give flowers in odd numbers – even numbers are for funerals

📰 Older Romania stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

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