Romania offers a rich blend of historical charm, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences. From the medieval castles of Transylvania to the dramatic Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea coast, there's something for every traveler.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$50/day
Mid-range$75/day
Luxury$300/day
Known For
TransylvaniaWallachiaMoldovaCarpathiansBucharestEastern EuropeBalkans
🇷🇴 Country Information: Romania
CapitalBucharest
CurrencyRomanian leu (lei)
Language
Romanian ,
Hungarian, Romani, German, Ukrainian
Phone Code+40
Electricity230V (Type C, F)
Tap WaterNot recommended
Tipping
- Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes (usually 10
- 15%)
- Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also common (rounding up or a small amount)
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available
- Credit cards are accepted in most urban areas but less common in rural areas
- It is advisable to carry some cash, especially outside major cities
- There is no black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Romanians are generally polite and hospitable
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries
- It is common to greet people with a handshake
- Avoid discussing politics or sensitive topics with strangers
- Punctuality is appreciated, but flexibility is also understood
LGBTQ+ Information
Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights in Romania are limited. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no laws protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- The legal drinking age is 18
- Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties
Special Laws
- Photography of military installations or strategic buildings is prohibited
- Be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport
Common Phrases
NoNu (noo) Nu
YesDa (dah) Da
HelloBună (boo-nuh) Bună
PleaseVă rog (vuh rog) Vă rog
Thank youMulțumesc (mool-tsoo-mesk) Mulțumesc
Climate
Generalized climate for the country of Romania.
Climate Zone: Continental Warm
Best Time to Visit
- Extreme Cold: Dec
- Mar
- Extreme Heat: Jul
- Aug
- Floods: Often occur in spring due to melting snow and heavy rains
Getting There
- Fly into Bucharest (Henri Coandă International Airport, OTP) with various airlines from major European cities; train travel is available from neighboring countries; buses connect major cities within Romania and internationally
Getting Around
- Taxis and ride
- sharing apps like Bolt and Uber are common in major cities; public transportation (buses, trams, metro in Bucharest) is widely available and affordable; intercity trains and buses connect most towns
Health & Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations are recommended; Hepatitis A and B are often advised; rabies vaccination may be considered for extended stays in rural areas or if interacting with animals; consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice
Staying Connected
- eSIMs are widely available from major Romanian mobile network operators like Orange, Vodafone, and Digi Mobil; Airalo and Nomad eSIM are good options for international travelers
Local Cuisine
Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls)
must_try
Often considered the national dish of Romania, these delicious cabbage rolls are stuffed with a mixture of minced meat (usually pork), rice, and herbs
Mici or Mititei (Grilled Sausages)
street_food
Skinless grilled sausages made from minced meat (pork, sheep, or veal) and various spices, served hot. This quintessential Romanian dish is a popular
Ciorbă de Burtă (Sour Tripe Soup)
regional_speciality
A traditional Romanian sour soup made from beef tripe, often dressed with sour cream, egg yolks, and garlic, and soured with vinegar. It is considered
Mămăliguță (Polenta)
snack
A cornmeal porridge, often served as an accompaniment to various meat and stew dishes, or enjoyed on its own with cheese and sour cream (Mămăliguță cu
Papanasi (Cheese Doughnuts)
dessert
A very popular Romanian dessert, these are fried or boiled cheese doughnuts typically made with ricotta cheese. They are usually served with fruit pre
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 1.5–3 months in advance
High-quality, unique, or centrally located accommodations in popular Transylvanian towns, especially guesthouses and boutique hotels, book up quickly for the peak summer months.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 3 weeks to 2 months in advance
Sleeper cabins and couchettes on popular domestic and especially international train routes (like the route between Budapest and Istanbul mentioned in search) have limited availability and provide the best comfort.
Book 1–2 months in advance
Specialized, multi-day tours—especially walking/hiking, wildlife viewing (bears), or cycling tours in the Carpathians (as referenced in search)—often have fixed, small group sizes and sell out quickly.
Fun Facts
- 1. The earliest Homo sapiens fossils discovered in Europe, estimated to be between 37,800 to 42,000 years old, were found in 2002 in the Cave of Bones in southwestern Romania.
- 2. Romania's capital, Bucharest, was once nicknamed “Little Paris” and its mass transit network is the fourth largest in Europe.
- 3. Timișoara, a city in western Romania, was the first city in Europe to have electric street lamps in 1884, making it the second city in the world after New York.
- 4. The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest is the world's second largest administrative building, following only the Pentagon, and stands 84 meters high.
