Though Romania has started to appear on more travel bucket lists, it still doesn’t see that many foreign visitors. Which is a shame considering how much I loved this country. While there is so much more to see if you venture further away from the typical stops, this 2-week Romania itinerary is a perfect introduction to the country. Eastern Europe has a wonderful array of cultures and histories, and Romania is no exception. It’s a place I think more people need to see, but also somewhere I kinda want to keep all for myself!
Suggested Romania Itinerary
- Day 1: arrive into Bucharest
- Day 2: explore Bucharest
- Day 3: train to Brasov
- Day 4: explore Brasov
- Day 5: day trip to Bran
- Day 6: day trip to Sinaia
- Day 7: train to Sibiu
- Day 8: explore Sibiu
- Day 9: train to Sighisoara
- Day 10: explore Sighisoara
- Day 11: day trip to Saschiz
- Day 12: train to Bucharest or onward
- Day 13: fly home or onward
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Bucharest – 2 days
Whether you’re flying in or crossing the border from Bulgaria to the south, Bucharest will probably be your starting point. It’s a good place to begin exploring Romania, as it’s a great introduction to the country while also not being the most exciting place you’ll visit, so you know it’s only going to get better from here.
I highly recommend doing a free walking tour while in Bucharest. I learned so much about the city, and discovered places I probably wouldn’t have found by myself. The city is surprisingly modern, and it’s a lot bigger than you think. Prepare for lots of walking, but it’s worth it. Not only does Bucharest have the largest administrative building (and the heaviest building) in the world, but it also has a number of churches which in order to avoid being destroyed during the Communist era were moved – yes, actually physically picked up and moved – to new locations. Such a fascinating place.
I also highly recommend visiting the Cărturești Carusel Bookshop in the city centre. It’s easily one of the most beautiful bookshops I’ve ever seen.
Time to allow: 2 days. This gives you a chance to get settled in your accommodation, take the walking tour and explore the city a little before heading to your next stop on this Romania itinerary.
Highest-rated hostel in Bucharest: Mil Pasos Hostel
Brașov – 3-4 days
My first experience in Brașov was getting fined on the bus from the train station to my hostel because I didn’t realise you had to buy the ticket before getting on, which is the complete opposite of Bulgaria, where I had just travelled from. Thankfully it got better after that.
The main square of Brașov is absolutely beautiful, with the streets around it worth a wander. Again, I recommend the free walking tour, which takes you to the nearby Black Church, down one of the narrowest streets you’ll ever see, through ancient gates and ending with a traditional dance circle (participation optional).
One of my favourite things I did in the city was hike up through the dense forest to the top of the nearby hill, where the so-called Hollywood Sign can be found. Modelled after the famous one in LA, the giant Brașov sign has become an attraction in its own right, and isn’t the only one you can see of its kind in Romania. You’ll also find spectacular views across the whole city from up there.
Time to allow: 1.5 – 2 days for the city, with 2 for the day trips below. This gives you one day to explore the city and one to hike up to the sign with plenty of relaxing time in between.
Highest-rated hostel in Brasov: Secret Boutique Hostel
Day Trip from Brasov #1: Bran
There are two things that always made me think of Romania – Gypsies and Dracula. For the second, you need to head to Transylvania. Which is ironic considering the real Dracula – Vlad the Impaler – was actually ruler of Wallachia, another of Romania’s regions. Bran Castle has long been touted as “Dracula’s Castle”, and the tourism board here milks it for all it’s worth. But this castle has nothing to do with Dracula. It just happens to somewhat match the description of the Count’s castle in Bram Stoker’s novel.
Still, it’s a great day trip from Brașov. An easy 30-minute bus ride, it’s an interesting castle to visit for its own history and architecture, nestled in a pretty little village. Find out more about this must-see stop on your Romania itinerary in the full post I wrote about Bran.
Day Trip from Brasov #2: Sinaia
Another easy day-trip from Brasov, Sinaia has a few things worth visiting for. The number one spot goes to Peleș Castle, a stunning 19th-century, Neo-Classical palace that was built as a summer hunting residence for the king at the time. Getting there involves a bit of a trek uphill through the village, then a walk along a lovely tree-lined pathway. Along the way you’ll pass many stalls selling souvenirs, clothes and toys to the castle’s visitors.
You can take guided tours of the sumptuous interior of the castle, but there no is photography allowed unless you buy a fairly pricey photographer pass.
On your way back down, stop at the monastery before getting the train back to Brasov. Top tip: if you smile at the ticket seller, he may just let you in for free!
Sibiu – 2 days
The next stop on your Romania itinerary is the town of Sibiu. Of all the places I’ve been to over the last six years, the reason I travelled to Sibiu was probably the weirdest. I came for the windows.
Sibiu is one of those places that is so bizarrely unique I’m not sure I’ll ever see another place like it. Ever heard the saying “the walls have ears”?. Well, these walls have eyes. Due to a particular architectural style found only in this part of Romania, most of the buildings in Sibiu have roof windows with a very distinct shape. Walking through the town feels like a hundred very judgmental eyes are on you at all times. It’s a weird feeling, but makes for some very cool photos.
Sibiu also has a handful of beautifully-decorated churches and a flower market in the main square. Though it’s busy with visitors, Sibiu feels authentic, with little old ladies peering out open windows and crumbling ancient arches along side streets.
Time to allow: 1 – 2 days. Sibiu doesn’t have a whole lot to do apart from stare into those eyes and check out the beautiful painted churches. One night and two half days should be plenty of time.
Highest-rated hostel in Sibiu: PanGeea Hostel
Sighisoara – 2 days
My favourite place in Romania, Sighisoara is a rainbow-paletted town straight out of a fairytale. Not only is it a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting atop a hill, but it’s also the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the original Dracula. The house he was born in still stands in the main square. The uneven cobblestone streets can be explored in just a couple of hours, but you’ll find yourself walking down them again and again. The impressive church at the very top of the hill is surrounded by an ivy-covered graveyard. There are also plenty of little restaurants and souvenir shops to take up your time, as well as a historical clock tower with beautiful views.
Read more: Visit Sighisoara: Romania’s Colourful Town
Time to allow: 1.5 – 2 days. Because Sighisoara is so small and there isn’t a huge amount of activities to do, this is more of a place to slowly wander and relax. You could spend just one night/one day here, but I enjoyed the chill vibe and wanted to stay longer.
Highest-rated (and only!) hostel in Sighisoara: Burg Hostel
Day trip from Sighisoara: Saschiz
A perfect day trip from Sighisoara, Saschiz is definitely a good place to get away from all the other tourists. While on the hunt for UNESCO sites to tick off the list, I discovered the small village of Saschiz, where one of the impressive fortified churches of Romania can be found. The church itself is interesting, and the tower next to it imposing, but the real treat can be found at the top of the hill above the village.
Following a narrow dirt track switching back and forth across the hill, you can make your way to the ruined fortress at the top. The views across the landscape and over the village are simply gorgeous, and the ruins are very fun to explore. On the other side is a dense forest just calling out to be explored, but as I was there solo, I decided to stick to the fortress. There are photo opportunities galore here, and for the braver among you, you can even climb up on the crumbling walls before heading back down the hill.
From Sighisoara, you can head back to Bucharest to finish your trip or go further north to the university city of Cluj Napoca, which is known for its night life. The best thing about this Romania itinerary is its flexibility – you can change it around to suit your needs, or just use it as starting inspiration.
Practical Information:
- The currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu. 1 euro = 4.75 leu. $1 = 4.20 leu. £1 = 5.50 (as of October 2019).
- Those from EU countries don’t need a visa to enter Romania. Visitors from most other countries can get a visa on entry.
- Getting around: I definitely found trains the easiest way to get from place to place. Railways between the major cities and destinations are decent, with several trains a day for really good prices. For shorter day trips, there are usually buses that run multiple times. Use BusBud to find the best prices!
Have you ever considered travelling to Romania? I hope you do after reading my Romania itinerary!
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[…] Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania. There are seven separate churches that make up this entry, and while I only visited one, it gave […]
OMG, you’ve been to Brasov and you missed the bears! Seeing them in the wild, in their natural habitat, in a bear watching tour in Romania, is a must if you visit this country.
Unfortunately, I was short on time for my whole trip! I love seeing animals in the wild, and bears are very high on my bucket list so I was disappointed I couldn’t make the time to see them. Maybe next time! 🙂
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