romania november travel

BEST Time To Visit Romania: Which Month or Season?

Not sure when is the best time to visit Romania? We are not surprised. As one of the biggest countries in Europe, Romania’s diverse landscapes offer something exciting at any time of the year. Each season represents a different side of Romania and your experience will greatly vary season by season. This is why we have written this Romania guide to tell the pros and cons of visiting Romania in each season. That way you can decide when it is the best time to travel to Romania !

Want A Quick Tip On The Best Time To Visit Romania?

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Romania is in the summer , when the weather is at its best and everyone is out to have a good time.

During this time, tourism in Romania is at its peak, nationally and internationally. Beach towns and cities in the mountains are popular destinations as local and foreign tourists seek refuge from the summer heat.

Bucharest , the capital of Romania, is saturated with tourists as it serves as an entry point to the rest of Romania.

Nightlife in Bucharest is in full bloom, and the streets of Old Town Bucharest are flooded with people. The vibes are young and lively, perfect for anyone looking for a fun summer vacation in Romania.

Many spectacular events and festivals in Romania occur in the summer, and no Romania trip is complete without participating in one of them. No matter which city you decide to go in Romania, there will be something happening!

Because summer is the peak season in Romania, we recommend  booking your accommodation in advance .

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Romania

We all have our own interests and hobbies, so saying that summer is the best season to travel to Romania might be prudent. There is no “best” time to visit Romania because it depends on what your intent is.

Below we will discuss the pros and cons of visiting Romania in each of the seasons so you can have a better idea of how to plan your Romania trip. 

Winter in Romania (December to February)

Winter in Romania is one of the lowest seasons for tourism . Temperatures drop below freezing on most days and frequent snowstorms ravage the country. The streets of Bucharest that were inundated with tourists are now desolate, and the lively atmosphere becomes grey and uninspiring.

If you plan on doing a  Romania road trip , you can forget about it. With the amount of snowfall, most roads are nearly impossible to drive on. The famous Transfagarasan Highway ( the best driving road in the world ) is usually covered in snow in the winter, and you definitely don’t want to leave Romania without seeing it!

Fortunately, the thick layer of snow creates the perfect slopes for winter sports. Skiing and snowboarding are popular in Romania during the months of January and February.

As one of the cheapest EU countries, visitors don’t have to pay a hefty price for winter sports, unlike in Switzerland or Austria. 

The ski resort town of Poiana Brasov is one of the best places to visit in Romania in the winter. When you are done skiing, enjoy some hearty Romanian food and soak in a spa to soothe your aching limbs!

Even when it is not winter, Poiana Brasov is one of the  best places to visit in Brasov , as it is filled with hiking trails and beautiful scenery.

If you are not into winter sports, the Christmas Markets in Romania are sure to impress.

Romania might not be well-known for its Christmas Markets, but it surely won’t stay like this for long. 

When it comes to Christmas Markets, the ones in Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca (the capital of Transylvania) are the most spectacular. Hundreds of merchants set up traditional wooden cottages in the historic center of these ex-Saxon settlements, selling anything from mulled wine to traditional handicrafts to sweets like  kurtoskalacs !

Along with the beautiful Christmas decorations, the whole town comes alive. The energy that swept the streets of Romania in the summer is revived, and Christmas just cannot be more perfect in Romania.

Though Sibiu and Cluj are known to have the most beautiful Christmas Markets, cities like Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara, and Timisoara also have Christmas Markets that won’t disappoint.

Winter Festivals And Events In Romania

• Christmas Markets Throughout Romania

As we have mentioned above, Christmas Markets are some of the best winter attractions in Romania. Most of them will start in mid-November and last till mid-January, giving travelers plenty of time to explore them all!

• The Annual Bear Festival In Comanesti

The annual bear festival (yes bear, not beer!) is one of the most unique and traditional festivals in Romania. It usually takes place in a small town called  Comanesti  in the northeastern region of Romania, where traditions and customs are engrained deep into their everyday lives.

Between Christmas and New Year, hundreds of participants in bear fur costumes would go from house to house, singing and dancing to ward off evil for the new upcoming year. Many of the fur costumes are real and weigh up to 40 kg; they can also cost as much as 2,000 euros.

This unique festival is an unusual thing in Romania , but if you are willing to venture out there, you will get a glimpse into some of the most authentic Romanian heritage .

Autumn In Romania (September To November)

Autumn is our favorite season to travel to Romania .  Flocks of summer tourists are now gone, leaving the cities with a surreal sense of serenity . Many of the Romania attractions that were filled with visitors are now nearly empty, allowing visitors to fully enjoy their grandeur.

Autumn is the best time to visit Transylvania , a historic region with charming castles and medieval towns. Fewer tourists will allow you to enjoy the attractions more, and any photo you take will be accompanied by the colorful autumn foliage . 

Small towns such as  Rimetea  that were busy in the summer are now ghost towns with no one on the streets and everything closed on the weekdays. 

Nature starts showing us its true color, and slowly the countryside of Romania becomes saturated with colorful foliage. It is the best season to do a Romania road trip, as the landscape itself is enough to bedazzle you.

Autumn is also harvest season , giving visitors an opportunity to get a glimpse into traditional Romanian life in the countryside.

With fewer tourists, demand and prices have lowered. Fully-booked hotels are now eerily empty, and some accommodations won’t even operate in autumn. Entrance fees to many attractions are also cheaper in autumn, perfect for anyone traveling Romania on a budget.

Autumn is a great season for hiking , as the weather is moderate with low chances of rain.

However, the mountainous areas of Romania can get quite chilly, especially toward the end of autumn. It is not uncommon to see some snowfall towards the end of autumn.

Autumn Festivals And Events In Romania

• Oktoberfest Brasov

Because of the Transylvania Saxon influences, many of the cities in Translyvania still hold German influences. Brasov is one of those medieval Saxon cities.

In the city of Brasov, autumn is extra delightful. The Carpathian Mountains that surround the city are darted with autumn foliage, and the annual Oktoberfest Brasov gives you “beer goggles” to further enhance the landscapes, which can be explored independently or on a tour from Brasov .

With traditional music, Bavarian costumes, sausages, and enough beer to cure a drought, Oktoberfest Brasov is an amazing time to visit Brasov.

• CibinFEST (OktoberFEST Sibiu)

A similar Oktoberfest also happens in the nearby city of Sibiu, another medieval Saxon walled-citadels. This annual event celebrates the seasonal harvest in the best way possible, with loads of Bavarian beer, cuisine, music, and dancing.

Starting in a big tent in the Large Square ( the center of the historic district), the party spreads and engulfs the entire city. It is certainly one of the most  fun things to do in Sibiu !

• ASTRA Film Festival (Sibiu)

If you are a film or documentary enthusiast, the ASTRA Film Festival (AFF) in Sibiu is an event you cannot miss. As the oldest international festival in Romania , the world-recognized AFF features mainly films from Eastern and Central Europe.

Many of these films tell a story about Romanian culture and traditions. Visitors will surely learn something interesting about the traditional Romanian ways of life when attending the AFF.

• Halloween Party At Bran Castle

Bran Castle is the alleged birthplace of the legend of Dracula , a skin-tingling horror character from Bram Stoker’s famous novel. During Halloween, Bran Castle becomes one of the biggest attractions in Romania, hosting its own Halloween party . The party usually consists of vampire costumes, delicious food, drinks, dancing, music, and a hint of spookiness.

This is your one and only chance to party the night in Dracula’s Castle!

If you are traveling Romania with kids, the Halloween special at Bran Castle also has something for them, but they will not be able to participate in the adult-only afterparty.

Find out more about the Halloween Party on the official Bran Castle site.

Spring In Romania (Mid-March To May)

By mid-March, the weather in Romania has started to improve. Gone are the dreadful winter days and comes the mild spring, along with frequent rain and spring blossoms.

Spring is the best time to go to Romania for birdwatchers , as migratory birds find shelter in Danube Delta. Even if you are not a bird enthusiast, you will find joy slowly cruising down the Danube Delta, admiring at the numerous species of wildlife that inhabit the area.

As the snow melts, hiking becomes more popular in Romania. Though the temperature might be ideal, hikers must beware of the rainstorms that frequent the area. 

The month of May is usually the month with the highest rainfall in Romania.

Accommodations and entrance fees are cheaper because of the lowered demand, similar to autumn. If you enjoy nature and a more authentic side of Romania, spring is a good time to visit.

Spring Festivals And Events In Romania

Martisor  is a Romanian traditional holiday celebrated on March 1st to welcome the arrival of spring.

To commemorate this seasonal tradition, small talismans (also called Martisor) made of red and white string in the form of a tassel are given to the ladies. These small trinkets are said to bring prosperity and health to anyone that receives one.

A week before Martisor, “Martisor” fairs will pop up in the big cities such as Brasov and Bucharest. There you will find local vendors selling Martisor-related items, accessories, and other handicrafts. With the “Martisor” fairs arrival, Romania is in high spirits once again!

• Film Festivals (Cluj Shorts, Este Film Festival, Transylvania International Film Festival)

Spring is the season of film festivals in Romania. Many big film festivals such as  Cluj Shorts ,  Este Film , and  Transylvania International Film Festival  take place in Cluj-Napoca or Sibiu. If you are a film-lover, don’t forget to check some of these out.

• Spotlight Festival (Bucharest)

The  Spotlight Festival  in Bucharest is one of the most stunning festivals in the world. To call it a festival would be a little misleading because there usually isn’t loud music, dancing, or lots of booze (but that can be arranged).

A series of light installations and projections transform the Old Town Bucharest into its own art museum. Using these projects and installations adds another dimension to the already stunning buildings of Bucharest. This unique expression of art is a must-see if you are in Bucharest in the spring.

• Sunwaves Music Festival (Constanta)

With the temperature on the rise, music festivals start to make a comeback in the spring. The most famous of which is the  Sunwaves Music Festival  that takes place on Crazy Beach in  Mamaia , a resort town in the coastal city of Constanta.

As one of the biggest music festivals in Romania , Sunwaves Festival features a wide variety of famous and rising artists. Come enjoy some nice music under the spring sun, dance on the soft sand of Crazy Beach, and wake up to the sounds of crashing waves!

• Easter Celebrations

Since most of Romania is Orthodox Christian, Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays in Romania. Because of this, Romania usually celebrates Orthodox Easter, which occurs around a week after Catholic Easter. This might mean you get to celebrate Easter twice if you decide to travel to Romania after Catholic Easter!

Easter markets will spawn in many parts o the city, perfect for visitors looking to purchase some Easter-related gifts or try some traditional Easter food in Romania. Hand-dyed easter eggs are a big part of Romanian Easter, so make sure you check them out.

Be aware that some shops and attractions might be closed during the Easter holidays.

Summer In Romania (June To August)

As we have mentioned above, summer is generally the best season to go to Romania,. Why? The weather is at its best, rainfall is infrequent, and the streets are filled with energy and good vibes.

However, keep in mind that you will be paying more for accommodations and activities, though the prices will still be cheap for Europe.

On average, the temperature is around 30 °C (86 °F) in lower areas like Bucharest, but it can reach upwards to around 35 °C (95 °F). The temperature in the higher-elevated regions tends to be a few degrees cooler.

Hiking is one of the most popular summer activities in Romania, as the mountains offer lush landscapes and a way to escape the heat. If you don’t like hiking, head over to Constanta and cool off in the Black Sea.

Summer is not a bad time to visit Transylvania, but keep in mind the long queues and crowded attractions. Overcrowdedness diminishes even the more beautiful thing on earth.

However, summer is the best time to visit Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

During the other seasons, the cold weather and the grey communist-era buildings suppress any kind of enjoyment. As more tourists flock to the streets in the summer, the winter curse is lifted, and sightseeing in Bucharest becomes fun and cheerful again.

Another  reason to visit Bucharest  in the summer is its spectacular nightlife, all at the fraction of the cost of other popular European cities such as Berlin or Prague. With its trendy bars, charming outdoor cafes, and beautiful historic buildings,  “Paris of the East”  is once again in full bloom.

Summer Festivals And Events In Romania

• Numerous Music Festivals

Music festivals are some of the best summer attractions in Romania. From the mega  UNTOLD Festival  (2015 Best European Festival) to the seaside  NEVERSEA Festival  to the hippie  Dakini Festival , there’s surely a music festival you will enjoy.

Because of how popular they are, we highly recommend you to reserve your ticket in advance, especially if you plan on visiting multiple music festivals in Romania.

Other notable music festivals are the fun and chill  Awake festival , the alternative  Summer Well festival , the hardcore rock  Rockstadt Extreme Fest , the unique  Electric Castle  (You party in a castle!), and the mysterious  Waha Festival  (it takes place in the woods!). 

• International Vampire Film and Arts Festival (Sighisoara)

As we mentioned above, Romania has a reputation as the land of vampires because of Bram Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula. In summer, Sighisoara (the birthplace of Vlad Dracula) holds the annual  International Vampire Film and Arts Festival  (Vampfest).

Here you will find different genres of vampire-related arts, such as films, literature, performing arts, and more. If you want to learn more about vampires and Dracula, Vampfest is worth a visit.

• Sighisoara Medieval Arts and Crafts Festival

Sighisoara, one of the old Transylvania Saxon walled citadels, holds the unique Sighisoara Medieval Arts and Crafts Festival in the last few days of July. During this time, Sighisoara travels back to medieval times, and visitors will find costume parades, performances, concerts, traditional handicrafts, and much more along the well-preserved cobblestone streets.

This is one of the best times to visit Transylvania as the reenactment gives visitors a glimpse into life in a medieval Transylvania Saxon walled citadel.

• Maiden’s Fair (Mount Gaina & Avram Iancu)

The  Maiden’s Fair  is one of Transylvania’s oldest and most popular folk events. In the past, the Maiden’s Fair was a matchmaking event that arranges marriages for young men and women.

Nowadays, the practice of arranged marriages has died out in Romania, and the Maiden’s Fair is mostly an ethnographic festival promoting local cultures. Here you will find music, performances, gorgeous local outfits, and as always, lots of traditional Romania food.

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As you can see, the best time of year to visit Romania depends on you. We hope our guide has given you some crucial information to help you plan your trip to Romania! Any questions? Leave a comment below!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

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LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

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Romania Travel Tips

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

I had no idea what to expect when I first visited Romania. Beyond the stereotypical vampire myths and legends of Transylvania, I knew shockingly little about the country.

What I found on arrival was a budget-friendly destination brimming with hearty food, amazing natural landscapes, and a fraction of the tourists found elsewhere in Europe .

The country has a long (and turbulent) history stretching back thousands of years. It was annexed by numerous powers over the centuries, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Holy Roman Empire, Hungary, and the Soviets (who left a particularly dark stain on the country’s history).

While Romania used to be far off the beaten path, in recent years, the country’s tourism numbers have been increasing. That said, it’s still relatively undiscovered compared to countries in Western and Central Europe and its charming historic cities with cobblestone streets and medieval architecture is both affordable and rarely crowded.

I love Romania to bits and I strongly, strongly encourage you to take the country slowly and spend extra time here. It’s a massive country perfect for road-tripping, hiking, and history buffs.

This travel guide to Romania can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Romania

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in romania.

1. Explore Brasov

Located in the historical region of Transylvania and surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is one of the best-preserved cities in Romania. Due to its location in the center of the country, the city has long been a hub for commercial and cultural activities (it was even the birthplace of Romania’s national anthem). Today, the city is best known to travelers as the launching pad for trips to “Dracula’s castle” (which isn’t actually his castle but is still a fun one to visit). There’s a bit of everything here, including great hiking nearby, a beautiful historic center, and charming medieval streets. The city also offers a wide variety of food, from local Romanian fare to tasty international dishes. Stay awhile and really soak in this cultural capital.

2. Wander Bucharest

Bucharest boasts a healthy mix of Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts buildings and communist-style concrete blocks. By European standards, it’s a relatively young city, and in recent years has become a tech hub for local and European startups as well as digital nomads. There are plenty of museums, cemeteries, historical sites, shopping centers, and architectural sights to check out here. Some of the main sights include the gigantic Palace of Parliament, the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral, the ethnographic Village Museum, Revolution Square, and the Ceausescu Mansion.

3. Trek the Fagaras Mountains

The Fagaras Mountains are the highest mountains in the Southern Carpathians and one of the most popular places in the country to go hiking. You can go on an awesome multi-day trekking experience that takes you along the main ridge of the Fagaras. The route is one of the longest and most continuous high-mountain traverses in Europe. Hikers can trek over Moldoveanu, Negoiu, and Vista Mare — three of Romania’s highest peaks that all tower over 2,500 meters (approximately 8,300 feet).

4. Visit Sibiu

Visiting Sibiu is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Located in the historical region of Transylvania, the city was the capital of the region at various points throughout history. Cobblestone streets, ancient town squares, castle walls, and historic buildings — this city has everything you want in an old European city but without the crowds found elsewhere. It has a wonderful medieval charm, beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, excellent food, and lots of green space. Don’t miss the Brukenthal Museum, the Citadel, and the unique Baroque eyebrow dormers that earned the city the nickname “The City with Eyes.”

5. See the painted monasteries in Bucovina

These Romanian Orthodox monasteries in the northeastern edge of the country are striking in that they have their exterior walls painted with elaborate 15th- and 16th-century frescoes featuring saints, prophets, Jesus, and other religious scenes. The walls are a masterpiece of Byzantine art and a pilgrimage destination for Romanian Orthodox believers. Eight of the monasteries have been designated a collective UNESCO World Heritage Site too.

Other Things to See and Do in Romania

1. see the alexandru borza botanic gardens.

Located in Cluj-Napoca , this massive botanical garden features rolling green hills, an observation tower, a rose garden, and even a Japanese garden. Founded in 1872, the garden is home to over 10,000 plants and spans 35 acres. There are greenhouses, ponds, and a wide variety of regional gardens with plants from all around the world. Admission is 15 RON per person (RON when the greenhouses are closed).

2. Get a cultural immersion in Maramures

This medieval region of Romania is one of my favorites. The traditional culture here is thriving and there is an interesting blend of local music, hand-made wooden structures, and colorful textiles to experience. Each village has a large wooden church and intricate wooden gates that are hand-carved (woodworking is a tradition here that goes back centuries). There are unique cemeteries as well, stemming from their belief that the afterlife is a beginning, not an end. For example, instead of solemn words on stone tombstones, there are blue wooden crosses with funny verses about the deceased. Don’t miss the Memorial Museum to the Victims of Communism & to the Resistance and the Elie Wiesel Memorial House (Wiesel was a famous Romanian-American who wrote the book Night about his experiences during the Holocaust.).

3. Hike at Mount Tampa

Towering above Brasov, this mountain is great for a quick hike if you’re looking to get a view overlooking the city. The mountain also has a large sign similar to the white “Hollywood” sign in Los Angeles . While the hike is pretty easy and takes less than an hour (the mountain is just 1,000 meters/3,280 feet high), there is also a cable car you can ride to the summit for 18 RON (round trip).

4. Visit the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral

This cathedral in Bucharest was completed in 1659 and still has all of its original interior paintings and icons, in addition to some beautiful frescoes (most of the frescoes are reconstructions). The exterior façade was designed in the Brancovenesc style and the interior is lavishly ornate, spacious, and colorful. The acapella choir is particularly impressive to listen to. Admission is free but dress conservatively as this is a place of ongoing worship.

5. See the wildlife in Northern Dobruja

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the county, this region is home to over 400 species of birds as well as lots of wildlife. It’s a hilly expanse with over a dozen lakes, and more to be found just over the border in Bulgaria . It’s one of the best regions to explore by car as you can hop from town to town. Be sure to spend some time in the coastal city of Constanta, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania (it was founded in 600 BCE).

6. Visit the Danube Delta

Flowing over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) from its source in Germany , this is Europe’s second-largest and best-preserved delta (the Volga is the largest). The Danube stretches through 10 countries — more than any other river in the world — before draining into the Black Sea via Romania (and Ukraine ). The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a great nature preserve to explore if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. You can hike around the coastline or take a boat tour along the water for a better view. While the hiking is free, expect to pay around 210-300 RON for a full-day boat tour that includes lunch. A half-day tour without lunch is about 110-150 RON.

7. Celebrate Hora de la Prislop

Held every August, this festival is a celebration that brings together Transylvania, Moldova , and Maramures. Known more commonly as the Dance at Prislop, there is lots of traditional dancing and singing, beautiful costumes, parading, and awesome feasting. Dating back to the 1730s, the festival is a celebration of local and traditional culture and one not to be missed if you’re in the area. The festival is held in the remote Prislop Pass in the north of the country, where up to 50,000 people gather each year.

8. Hunt for Dracula in Sighisoara

Founded during the 12th century, this town is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. One of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, there are many towers, ornate churches, and burgher houses (traditional houses from the Middle Ages and Renaissance) to see throughout the colorful cobbled streets. This is also the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, more commonly known as Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula). Be sure to climb the clock tower for sweeping views of the city. Other highlights include the History Museum, the guild towers (part of the city’s historic defenses), and the Scholar’s Stairway (a 17th-century staircase that was used by schoolchildren).

9. Visit Peles Castle

Constructed for King Carol I in the 1870s as a getaway spot, this castle (which looks more like an elaborate palace or manor house) is lavishly decorated and serves as a great reminder of the luxurious lives these rulers enjoyed. It was also the first castle in Europe to have electricity. After touring the elaborate grounds and gardens you can head inside to look at the art and antique collection, which includes over 4,000 arms and armor. A visit to the ground floor of the castle costs 50 RON, a tour including the first floor costs 100 RON, and a tour of the ground, first, and the second floor costs 150 RON. The temporary exhibitions are free. Guided day trips from Bucharest cost around 100 RON and include Bran Castle.

10. Tour a salt mine

Salina Turda is a salt mine in Turda that has been converted into a subterranean museum. The mine dates back to antiquity and was used throughout the Middle Ages. Learn how the workers got the salt to the surface and how laborious the process was. There’s a small underground lake at the bottom where you can rent a boat and paddle around and there are also games like bowling and mini-golf and even a Ferris wheel! It’s a good place to visit with kids. There is also a spa if you want to treat yourself to some natural remedies. Admission is 50 RON on weekdays and 60 RON on weekends. Skip-the-line tickets (including a guide and ride from Bucharest) cost 500 RON.

11. Explore Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is pleasant university town located in Romania’s northwest and a big stopping point for people coming east from Hungary (it’s a hub for cheap flights too). The city dates back centuries, and there are a lot of historical churches, museums, and ruins (especially on Cetatuia hill) to visit. Because of the university here, there are a lot of affordable restaurants and a very happening nightlife in the city. I really liked the days I spent here. While not as historic and medieval as many of Romania’s other cities, if you’re looking for a city with a cool atmosphere in Romania, this place is it.

12. Explore Hoia Forest

This infamous forest has been the site of numerous ghost and UFO sightings over the centuries (as well as other paranormal activities). In fact, it’s often considered the creepiest forest in the world. Here, trees are warped and bent in unsettling ways that science hasn’t been able to explain. Take a stroll through the woods during the day for free (lots of locals walk and jog here) or do a guided night tour to learn about the unsettling paranormal events that have occurred here! Night tours cost 250-475 RON per person.

13. Unwind at Balea Lake

Located 90 minutes from Sibiu, Balea Lake makes for a worthwhile day trip from the city. Part of the Fagaras Mountains (often called the “Transylvanian Alps”), many people come here to hike or to ski during the winter (there is even an ice hotel built here in the winter). There are marked trails if you want to hike, offering both five-hour and nine-hour routes to some of the nearby summits. Located about an hour from the city, you can take a bus here for around 90 RON.

  For more information on specific cities in Romania, check out these guides:

• Brasov Travel Guide
• Cluj-Napoca Travel Guide
• Sibiu Travel Guide

Romania Travel Costs

Accommodation – A bed in a 4-8-bed hostel dorm costs about 50-70 RON per night. A private room in a hostel costs at least 130 RON per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also have self-catering facilities if you want to cook your own food. Most hostels in the country don’t include free breakfast.

A budget hotel costs around 150-175 RON per night. You can find rooms cheaper, however, you’ll have to share a bathroom with other guests. Free Wi-Fi is common and many hotels also include a simple free breakfast as well.

Airbnb is available throughout the country with private rooms starting around 90 RON per night, while entire homes/apartments cost around 130-175 RON.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is possible around the country, though stick to dedicated campgrounds. Wild camping is legal, but theft is a bit common so it’s much safer to camp in designated areas. It costs 25-40 RON per night for a basic tent plot.

Food – Romanian cuisine is hearty, influenced by nearby Hungary and other Eastern European neighbors. Stews and sausages are common staples, with garlic sausage being especially popular. Sour soup, lamb, meatballs, and meat pies are other popular traditional meals. Wine is the drink of choice here as Romania is one of the largest wine producers in the world.

Most cheap (yet filling) restaurant meals (such as schnitzel with mashed potatoes and salad) cost around 25-45 RON for dinner, and 10-20 RON for breakfast. Soup is a good option for saving money as it costs around 17-25 RON and is pretty hearty (it also typically comes with a side of bread).

At a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal costs around 80 RON. A burger or pasta dish is 35-40 RON while seafood or steak dishes typically cost 75-130 RON. A six-course tasting menu starts at 110 RON.

Fast food is around 6-9 RON for a burger or hot dog, while a combo meal (think McDonald’s) is around 30-40 RON. Takeaway sandwiches are around 20 RON.

A domestic beer out at a restaurant or bar costs around 8-10 RON, a glass of local wine is 7-18 RON while a bottle is 60-100 RON, and cocktails start at 20-35 RON. A cappuccino/latte is around 10-12 RON, a tea is 10 RON, and a bottle of water is 5-8 RON.

In tourist destinations like Brasov or Sighisoara, expect prices to be a little higher (but not too much).

If you buy your own groceries and cook your meals, expect to pay about 140-190 RON per week for groceries that include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic staples. Save money by shopping at local markets or small roadside stands, which usually have the cheapest and freshest products. There are also several discount supermarkets in Romania, like Profi, Lidl, and Penny Market.

Backpacking Romania Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 140 RON per day, you can stay in a hostel, cook all of your meals, use local transportation to get around, take slow trains between cities, and do mostly free activities like hiking and free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of about 265 RON per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks out at the bar, take the occasional taxi, take buses or rideshares between cities, and do more paid activities such as museum and castle visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 440 RON or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in RON.

Romania Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Romania is already a very affordable country to visit. You’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot of money here. You really have to go out of your way to do so. But, if you want some ways to lower your costs, here are ways to save money in the country:

• Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay but who can introduce you to all the great places to see and share their insider tips and advice. It’s a great community to be a part of.
• Eat lunch out – Although the food in Romania is inexpensive in general, you can save more money by cooking your own dinners and eating your lunches out. A lunch menu in Romania typically consists of three courses (soup, main, dessert), and can cost as little as 30 RON.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible). While buses might be cheaper, this is more fun and usually faster.
• Shop at discount grocers – If you’re going to cook or are just grabbing a snack, save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, and Penny Market.
• Stay at Balkan Backpacker Hostels – There are hostels all around Romania that are a part of the Balkan Backpacker network. Book directly with these hostels and tell them you’re aware of the network to get 10% off your stay.
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking in Romania is safe and quite common. It’s not the fastest way to get around but it works if you’re on a budget. Just make sure you have a sign and that you trust your gut when accepting rides. It’s a great way to connect with locals while also saving money.
• Take the train – The trains in Romania are slow, but they are the cheapest way to get around. If you’re not in a hurry, take the train. There are some night trains around the country as well if you’re going long distances.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your reliance on single-use plastic. I suggest a LifeStraw since their bottles have a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Romania

Romania has tons of budget-friendly hostels. Here are of my favorite places to stay in Romania:

• JugendStube (Brasov)
• Sleep Inn Hostel (Bucharest)
• PanGeea (Sibiu)
• Burg Hostel (Sighisoara)

How to Get Around Romania

Public Transportation – Buses and trams in most towns cost as little as 2 RON for a single journey, though the vehicles are often crowded and in varying states of disrepair. In Bucharest, the metro is 3 RON, though a day-pass is only 8 RON making it a much better deal. Weekly metro passes are 30 RON, which is worthwhile if you’re going to be using public transportation often (week passes are also available for the buses and trams but prices vary depending on your route).

In Brasov and Cluj, for comparison, a single-ticket ride on the public bus is 2-2.50 RON while a day pass is 12-14 RON.

Flights – Flying around Romania is an option if you’re in a hurry. You can often find great deals if you plan ahead. From Bucharest, you can reach pretty much any airport in the country for under 400 RON.

Bucharest to Cluj or Timisoara, for example, can be done for under 170 RON one-way. Ryanair, Wizz, and Blue Air (the Romanian low-cost carrier) are the three airlines to check for the lowest prices.

Bus – Buses connect all the major cities in the country, though since Romania is a large country, the journeys can be quite long. For example, the journey from Bucharest to Cluj costs around 100 RON and takes 9 hours. The journey from Bucharest to Brasov takes around 4 hours and costs 50-65 RON.

Contrary to most countries, the trains here are a cheaper option in many cases. If you’re on a budget, be sure to compare bus and train prices.

Train – Trains in Romania are a slow (but reliable) way of getting around. There are 3 different kinds of trains: InterCity (IC), InterRegional (IR), and Regional (R). The InterRegional trains are the fastest and nicest and likely the ones you’ll be using to travel from city to city.

Standard seats (second class) are usually quite comfortable and adequate for even long journeys. Wi-Fi and catering are not available so bring your own entertainment and food if you have a long journey.

As for prices, the 9-hour journey from Bucharest to Timisoara is around 100 RON while the trip from Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca takes about the same amount of time and costs a little less at 90 RON.

Rideshare – Uber is available in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, Timisoara, and Iasi. It’s the cheapest option if you need to get somewhere and don’t want to take public transit as the taxis in Romania charge an arm and a leg.

For longer distances, use BlaBlaCar. It’s a great (and safe) ridesharing service for intercity travels. Just download the app, make a profile, and search for rides.

Car – Car rentals are about 70 RON per day for a multi-day rental. Always be sure to lock your rental car when leaving, as rentals are targeted for theft more often than local vehicles. Drivers need to be at least 21.

For the best rental car prices, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Romania is very easy. Just make sure you make it clear to the driver that you are hitchhiking, as some drivers will demand payment if it’s not made clear. For more information about hitchhiking in Romania, use Hitchwiki .

When to Go to Romania

The best (and most popular) time to visit Romania is during the summer, from June to August. Temperatures are hot and rain is infrequent. Expect daily highs around 30°C (86°F) during this time. These are the busiest months of the year for tourism, though it’s only noticeable in destinations like Brasov or Sibiu where tourism is the main draw. But even then, the crowds are much smaller than in Western Europe.

The shoulder seasons (late April-May and September-October) are great times to visit as well. You’ll beat the crowds and have much milder temperatures, which are perfect for anyone looking to head into the hills for some hiking. There’s more rain in the spring, but there are also stunning autumn colors in the fall which makes for a beautiful backdrop to your trip (especially if you’re traveling through Transylvania).

Winter in Romania can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Snow is common though not abundant, which can affect conditions if you’re traveling by car. While cities like Sighisoara and Brasov look quite charming in the winter, Bucharest has a much grimmer atmosphere due to the influence of Soviet architecture and their reliance on gray, bland concrete. In short, I wouldn’t recommend a winter visit unless you have a specific desire to enjoy the cold and quiet cities.

How to Stay Safe in Romania

Romania is a very safe country and crime against tourists here is rare. It’s a safe destination for solo travelers.

That said, petty theft can still occur so always keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Theft is most common when riding crowded city buses and trams (mostly in Bucharest) so take extra precautions when riding.

Additionally, take some extra precautions when renting a car. While the roads are safe, rental cars are targeted for theft more than local cars, so take precautions and lock your vehicle when you’re not using it. When booking, make sure your insurance covers theft.

While scams are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should feel comfortable exploring on their own, though the standard precautions apply (don’t accept drinks from strangers, don’t walk alone late at night, etc.). As in any city, never leave your drink unattended when out at the bar and never walk home alone if intoxicated.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Romania Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Romania Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Romania and continue planning your trip:

The Cost of Traveling Far Eastern Europe

Finding More Than Dracula in Romania

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The climate is pretty crucial in planning a trip to Romania. Winters can be brutal – snow blankets much of the country, temperatures of -15°C to -20°C are not uncommon, and a strong, icy wind (the crivaţ ) sweeps down from Russia.

Festivals and holidays in Romania by month

Tailor-made travel itineraries for romania, created by local experts.

7 days  / from 1908 USD

Relaxing beach fun - the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria and Romania

The perfect trip for those that are looking for sun, sea and sand while also getting to know the culture and history of both Bulgaria and Romania. Start and end in Bucharest and discover Constanta, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Burgas and Madara Rider.

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The legend of Dracula

Transylvania is known to be the land of Dracula. Are you curious to visit the places mentioned in the book and the castles that hosted the major life events of Vlad the Impaler, the cruel ruler known as Dracula? Explore mysterious places and breathtaking landscapes all over Romania.

12 days  / from 3827 USD

Luxurious Highlights of Romania: From Bucharest to Transylvania

Romania offers plenty for the discerning traveller, including beautiful Boutique properties. On this trip, discover Bucharest, the Danube Delta, Bucovina and Transylvania with Dracula's castle. A private guide will accompany you throughout the trip, well-equipped with Romanian knowledge and facts.

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Conditions improve with spring , bringing rain and wild flowers to the mountains and the softest of blue skies over Bucharest, and prompting a great migration of birds through the Delta. By May, the lowlands are warming up and you might well find strong sunshine on the coast before the season starts in July.

Although by far the hottest time of the year, summer or early autumn is the perfect time to investigate Transylvania’s festivals and hiking trails (though brief but violent thunderstorms are common in the Carpathians during this period), and to see the painted monasteries of Bucovina, while flocks of birds again pass through the Delta in late autumn .

While Romania is not particularly known for its range of festivals, there are a number of increasingly diverse events taking place throughout the country, especially in music and film. Inevitably, the cities – in particular Bucharest, Cluj and Sibiu – boast the most impressive roster of events, though there remains an excellent spread of local festivals based around strongly rooted seasonal traditions.

Aside from the main festivals listed below, there are dozens of other, more local, events taking place across the country, some of which are also described in the Guide. However, obtaining information on dates and locations for most festivals is notoriously difficult, so contact a tourist office or local agency wherever possible.

• Bucharest International Film Festival : Mid-April b-iff.ro. Now one of the Balkans’ most important film gatherings, with a terrific selection of both domestic and foreign screenings.
• Pageant of the Juni : Braşov, first Sunday after Easter. Colourful parade in which the town’s youth don elaborate costumes and ride through town on horseback, accompanied by brass bands.
• Measurement of the Milk Festival : Ciucea, first or second Sunday of May. Hugely entertaining gathering in which shepherds compete to see who has the most productive flock.
• Europafest : Bucharest, mid-May. A dynamic ten days of pop, rock, jazz and blues constitutes the capital’s foremost contemporary music festival.
• Transylvanian International Film Festival : Cluj, end May/beginning June tiff.ro. Romania’s premier film festival puts on ten days of top-quality domestic and international movies shown at the city’s many picture houses.
• International Theatre Festival: Sibiu, mid-June sibfest.ro. Wonderful open-air jamboree serving up classical, rock and world music, alongside contemporary dance, film, theatre and art.
• Girl Fair of Muntele Găina: Avram Iancu, the closest Sunday to July 20. The match-making origins of this boisterous event, taking place atop Mount Găina, have largely given way to a feast of music and dance, though it remains a hugely enjoyable spectacle.
• Medieval Arts Festival: Sighişoara, last weekend of July sighisoaramedievala.ro. Medieval Transylvania comes to life in the town’s atmospheric citadel, with street performers, open-air concerts and handicraft displays.
• Songs of the Olt: Călimăneşti, first week of August. Superb gathering of musicians and folklore ensembles from Oltenia performing in the streets of this small spa town.
• Anonimul Film Festival: Sfăntu Gheorghe, mid-August www.festival-anonimul.ro. International independent film fest with an eclectic mix of long and short films, competitions and open-air screenings, all in a delightful Delta setting.
• Transylvanian International Guitar Festival: Cluj transilvaniaguitar.ro. Brings together some of the world’s foremost guitarists, and stages competitions, lectures and workshops.
• Rowmania: Tulcea, last weekend of August rowmania.ro. Danube river races in specially designed canoes (canotca), set against a backdrop of live music, food and drink along the promenade.
• Vama Under Oscar Lights: Vama Veche, last week of August vslo.ro. Multidimensional visual arts festival encompassing principally film and photography, but also painting workshops, music and theatre, most of which takes place on Vama Veche’s lovely beach.
• Plai Festival: Timişoara, second week of September plai.ro. The “Field Festival” is three days of top-class world and jazz music, plus theatre, art, photography and literature.
• George Enescu Festival: Bucharest, every odd-numbered year festivalenescu.ro. Romania’s most prestigious festival, of any description; three weeks of world-class classical music staged in the stunning surrounds of the Romanian Atheneum.
• Sachsentreffen: Biertan, or another Saxon village, second or third Saturday of September. Annual gathering of Saxons, both from the region and those returning from Germany.
• Astra: Sibiu, mid-October astrafilm.ro. Well-established international festival of documentary film, with presentations and screenings from around the world.
• Plum Brandy Festival: Vălenii de Munte, end of October. Plum brandy producers from all over Romania gather and compete to see who has the country’s finest brew.
• Winter Customs Festival: Sighet, end of December. Ancient pagan and Christian beliefs are celebrated in this vibrant coming together of costume, street theatre and music.

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11 Magical Things to Do in Romania in Winter

If you’re wondering if Romania in winter is a good idea… we’re here to convince you that yes, it is!

We’ve seen this country dusted with snow and let me tell you, it makes the candy-colored houses and mysterious castles of Transylvania just that much more enchanting.

And since Bucharest is full of cozy cafés, fantastic bookstores, hidden bars, and other great things to do in Bucharest in winter , even the country’s capital makes a fantastic winter Romania getaway — provided you pack appropriately, that is!

So, let’s get into it – here’s why you shouldn’t discount a vacation to Romania in winter!

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The 11 Best Things to Do in Romania in Winter

Stay in a luxury ice hotel in bâlea.

Thought ice hotels were only for the Arctic? Think again! The beautiful Lake Bâlea in Romania has an ice hotel that is open each winter.

Deep in the Făgăraş Mountains, right on the banks of Bâlea Lake, the lake hotel is made by local craftsmen who carve blocks of ice from the nearby lake to create a real hotel you can sleep and stay in. The beds are literally carved by hand from ice, and on top, you can stay warm with reindeer-fur blankets and thermal blankets to provide extra warmth. There’s even an ice church!

Accessible only by cable car, Ice Hotel Bâlea is a romantic getaway that will have you feeling like the rest of the world is miles and miles away. There’s a well-reviewed restaurant on-site (which is good… seeing as you’re a lengthy cable car ride away from civilization) plus buffet breakfast, as well as a bar which serves drinks – in glasses made of ice, no less!

I haven’t gotten the chance to stay here yet, but trust me, it’s on my winter in Romania bucket list! Check out prices and availability here , if you’re curious!

Check out the seriously adorable Bucharest Christmas market

Bucharest’s Christmas Market is one of the best in the Balkans, with cute log-cabin themed kiosks full of handcrafted wintry souvenirs, traditional Romanian Christmas food, as well as your Christmas market standards like roasted sausages, mulled wine, and hot punch.

The big Christmas market is located in front of the Palace of the Parliament and the festivities should start on December 1st. For more information, read here .

Or peruse one of the smaller but equally cute Christmas markets elsewhere in Romania

Bucharest isn’t the only Romanian city that seriously delivers on the Christmas market cuteness.

Sibiu has one of the most adorable Christmas markets in Romania, which takes up the bulk of the buzzing Piata Mare (Big Square) and is lit up to the nines in the winter.

Brasov also has an adorable Christmas market, which is called Christkindlmarkt, which sells local Romanian food products, hand-crafted souvenirs and decorations, and other traditional gifts.

Cluj-Napoca also has an excellent Christmas market modeled after the market in Sibiu, lit up beautifully and with a stunning backdrop of the gorgeous Gothic-style cathedral. 

Hide from the cold in the largest spa complex in Europe

Therme is perhaps the best thing about Bucharest, and since it’s located just a short Uber away from the Otopeni airport, it’s a must on either end of your stay if you are flying into Bucharest.

Therme Bucharest costs 100-109 lei for an adult ticket depending on when you visit, about $24 USD. It’s not the cheapest way to spend a day in Bucharest in winter… but it may just be the warmest!

… or stay in a thermal resort town!

I freaking love thermal springs, and there are a few towns in Romania which are well-known for their hot springs which have been enjoyed since the days of the Romans.

The best-known resort town built on thermal springs in Romania is Băile Herculane (we recommend Afrodita Resort for a mid-range budget and Grand Hotel Minerva for a more luxury experience). It’s quite a distance from Bucharest, but it’s about 2.5 hours from Timisoara, so it’s good if that’s one of the places on your Romania winter itinerary.

Other well-known thermal resorts are located in Băile Felix close to Oradea (which has an airport) and about 2.5 hours from Cluj-Napoca, as well as Vatra Dornei in Bucovina – our favorite region of Romania – which is home to ski slopes as well as mineral springs which spas have been built around.

Tour Bucharest with a twist

In the summer, I love to just aimlessly walk down streets in unfamiliar cities, finding street art to gawk at, buildings to lust over, and cafés to rest my feet in. But in the winter? Get me from A to B as fast as possible, unless I have a plan.

I actually really enjoy doing walking tours in the winter because it forces me to have an objective yet still get outside and see a lot of the city. Luckily, Bucharest has a ton of themed tours that run even into the winter, so you can pick the best tour for your interests.

Whether you’re morbidly curious about Bucharest’s dark history tour , fascinated by a foray into the past with a communist history tour , want to wander street art and hidden bars with a local on a hidden gems tour , or want to warm up Romanian-style on a craft beer tour — there’s an option for you, and it’ll keep you warm and moving with purpose even in the winter.

Spend the day chilling in a salt mine

Stephanie and I are big salt tourists. Before you laugh, it’s a thing, okay? Salt mines are amazing and if you’ve never been in one before, prepare for a treat: you are about to breathe like you’ve never breathed before.

Being in a salt cave basically drains all the mucus you never knew you had from your face, allowing you to breathe like you’re a kid again. And in the Romania in winter, where smog can really be a damper on winter days, a salt mine is the perfect antidote to a stuffy nose and blocked sinuses.

The largest salt mine in all of Europe , Slanic Prahova Salt Mine, is located not too far from Bucharest, so you can easily visit it on a day trip .

If you’re planning to head to Cluj-Napoca in northern Translyvania on your trip, the Salina Turda is also an excellent choice and an easy day trip from Cluj.

The one Romanian salt mine we can’t recommend (told you guys we’re salt people) is Praid Salt Mine near Targu Mures, also in Transylvania. It’s basically a child free-for-all with amusement park rides, lines, and chaos galore — it may be fine for families, but if you’re looking to relax and clear your lungs, it’s not the place to go.

Ski (or just spa) in snow-covered Poiana Brasov

Just 30 minutes’ outside of Brasov, Transylvania’s most charming city, Poiana Brasov is our personal favorite place to spend winter in Romania.

While we wish we could say it’s because we’re Balkan ski connoisseurs… the reality is that we just really, really love the spas there, especially the one at Téléferic Grand Hotel.

We recommend booking a room for a few days if you can to really soak in those mountain views (check prices and availability here) , but a day pass to the spa is also a great option if you don’t have the time or funds to stay. The restaurant is also fantastic!

Warm up with some tasty Romanian wine

Your mind probably doesn’t go instantly to Romania when you’re thinking of wine – but what a shame that is, because Romanian wine is tasty! And since Romania produces stellar red wines (basically, all I want to drink in winter), it’s the perfect drink to consume inside a toasty warm room or by a fire on a cold Romanian winter day.

If you’re basing yourself in Bucharest, you can go on a wine tour of the city if you’re curious to learn more about Romanian wine (as it’s really hard to get outside of the country – it’s rarely exported). Otherwise, if you prefer to go independently, there are a handful of wine bars around the city wh ere you can sample wine at your leisure (I like Industry Wine Bar on Strada Șepcari).

If you want to get out of the city, there are winery tours near Bucharest that are a great way to warm up on a wintry day. The first winery tour covers 10 different kinds of wine across two beloved wine cellars; check more details here . A similar but slightly different winery tour includes two wine cellars, two wine museums, a traditional lunch, and several tastings; check more details and itinerary here .

Basing yourself in Brasov? Check out winery tours from Brasov or check out the chic Le Sommelier wine bar on Strada Diaconu Coresi 6.

Sample hearty Romanian food

There are also some food tours which will give you a look at the gastronomic scene of Romania.

This bohemian food and culture tour covers markets, street food, and a local side to Bucharest (through your stomach), and this budget-friendly food tour mashes up a walking tour with a delicious three-course Romanian lunch and plenty of drinks to wash all that learning down with.

If you’re spending winter in Romania this year for a special occasion, this private food and wine tour is more upscale and private and caters more to couples and luxury travelers. It includes a sommelier-led wine and cheese pairing that allows you to try five of the best Romanian wines in production!

If you’ll be in Brasov, you can try a local cooking class or explore the city’s best restaurants. Sibiu is also a fine place for foodies, as it was a former Gastronomic Capital of Europe!

See Romania’s most beautiful castles covered in snow

I was lucky enough to see Bran Castle under a dusting of early winter snow in 2017 and it was even more magical than it would have been any other time of year.

If you’re basing yourself in Bucharest for your winter in Romania trip, there’s a fantastic day tour that covers both Bran Castle and Peles Castle – two of the most beautiful castles in all of Romania. Check out the tour here.

You can also add on a third castle, Rasnov Fortress, as well on the day trip as it’s not too far from Bran and Peles – this is the three-castle tour from Bucharest .

Quick note: be aware of the different inclusions when comparing prices, as some tours include entrance fees and some don’t, which can easily make something that looks cheaper on paper be more expensive on the ground.

However, as Bran is really close to Brasov, it’s much better to tour the castles of Transylvania if you’re basing yourself in Bran as you’ll spend a lot fewer hours on the road. Check out tours leaving from Brasov here (includes Rasnov, Peles, and Bran).

What is the Weather in Romania in Winter?

Romania is a large and mountainous country, and the weather depends where you’ll be spending your days!

Generally, though, winter temperatures in Bucharest are the following:

December: average lows of 28° F and average highs of 39° F (-2° C to 4 °C) January: average lows of 28° F and average highs of 37° F (-2° C to 3 °C) February: average lows of 29°F and average highs of 44° F (-2° C to 7° C)

Lows in Brasov, Sibiu, Cluj, and other Transylvanian cities are markedly colder. Throughout the winter, we’re talking average lows of 20° F and average highs of 36° C, give or take a few degrees depending on the city (-7° C to 2°C).

However, it can easily dip to -20° C (-4° F) on some of the coldest nights — so be prepared and pack appropriately for winter in Romania. This goes doubly if you’ll be spending time in mountain resorts like Balea or Poiana Brasov, where the altitude will not do you any favors!

What to Pack for Romania in Winter

We have a full  Romania packing list , but in case you just want the quick version, here are a few essentials you shouldn’t forget to pack!

A good guidebook:  While travel blogs are great, we still think a good guidebook is always handy. We own and recommend Lonely Planet Romania & Bulgaria for travel in Romania and beyond!

One or two swimsuits:  While swimsuits may not come to mind for winter, if you’re staying in a resort with a sauna, indoor pool, or steam room — or just visiting Bucharest’s epic Therme spa — you’ll likely want one! We suggest bringing two so you never have to put a cold wet one back on.  We love this one .

Plenty of winter clothing:  You can check our packing list above for our full winter packing suggestions for men and women. At a minimum, you’ll want to bring a warm winter jacket (I love this  North Face parka ), cozy  snow boots , warm  wool socks , touch-screen friendly  gloves , a  scarf , and a  winter hat .

Any ski equipment and clothing, if needed:  We’re not skiers ourselves, so we don’t have specific ski gear equipment, but special ski clothes — waterproof pants and jackets, goggles, etc. — and ski gear obviously should be on your packing list, unless you have decided to rent it all when you arrive at your Serbia ski resort.

Moisturizer:  Travel will beat your skin up in the best of times — and winter travel in addition to skiing will really do a number on it! If you use a moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used  a moisturizer  before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside in the cold all day.

Sunscreen : We strongly suggest wearing sunscreen when you spend time outdoors, no matter the weather outside — especially if you’re skiing! The higher altitudes combined with the reflection of the sun off the snow can lead to unexpected sunburns. I love this  solid Neutrogena sunscreen  – it’s mess-free, works well in carry-ons, is ultra-protective, and blends in well.

More Romania Resources

If you’re going to Romania, we have a goldmine of resources for you to take advantage of! First, check out this guide to  planning a trip to Romania . It’s a good starting point for planning your trip.

We also have a specific winter guide to Bucharest already published, and guides to Brasov and Sibiu on the way!

Next, check out all the  things to do in Transylvania  and  things to do in Bucharest . You can also check out our Instagram guides to  Sibiu ,  Brasov , and  Bucharest  – more are on the way.

You can also read about the best  Romanian castles , the  Romanian food  you should try on your trip, or how to plan some epic  day trips from Bucharest .

We publish new content nearly every day! Bookmark our pages on  Romania  and the  Balkans  so that you don’t miss out on any new info or resources that we publish before your trip!

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that  travel insurance  is a good idea for traveling in Romania (or really, any part of the world)! Stephanie and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While Romania is perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel – especially winter travel! – so it’s better to play it safe rather than chance having your vacation ruined by a lapse of judgment.

If you’re planning to do winter sports, be sure to check that your specific policy covers ski or snowboard accidents or if you require a higher level of coverage. For example, with World Nomads, ski and snowboarding coverage is only provided on the higher-tier Explorer plan, so be sure to consider that when deciding what insurance plan to purchase if you’re doing winter sports.

>>  Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here  <<

Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.

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Going to visit Romania next Sunday again so I was looking for the best things to do there thanks for your post as all things looks awesome.

Great piece of information in this post! Looking forward to being able to travel again. Romania is so beautiful at this time of the year.

We hope so too! We love Romania covered in snow

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Home > Winter In Romania: Amazing Places To Visit In Romania In Winter

Winter In Romania: Amazing Places To Visit In Romania In Winter

Written by our local expert Bram

Bram was born and raised in Belgium and has traveled the Balkans & beyond. He is a professional freelance travel writer and photographer specializing in outdoor travel with an emphasis on national parks, nature, and wildlife.

Visiting Romania in winter is like spending time in a real-life fairy tale. In winter, Romania’s mountains, castles, and towns are magical!

It may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about winter destinations in Europe —it’s probably not even the second, third, or even sixth—but Romania is nothing less than stunning in winter.

Occupying much of the eastern Balkan Peninsula, Romania is one of the largest countries in southeast Europe. Home to the scenic Danube River delta, the spectacular Carpathian Mountains, historic regions like Transylvania , and amazing cities like Bucharest, Sibiu, and Brașov, Romania is an absolute gem of a destination.

And yes, you can visit Romania in winter, too! In fact, Romania’s winter tourism is very much a thing in this underrated Balkan country .

From December to March, snowfall turns mountainscapes into winter wonderlands. While Christmas markets occur in vibrant towns, people head out skiing or snowboarding, and many centuries-old winter events and traditions survive in charming villages .

With this Romania in a winter travel guide , we hope to inspire you to visit Romania in January, February, or December, the most festive month of the year.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the best places in Romania to visit in winter, along with suggestions for things to do in each destination in Romania in winter.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

5 Best Places To Visit In Romania In Winter

While winter brings a wealth of sights and events to towns and cities all over Romania, there is a handful that stands out.

Assuming you’re visiting Romania in winter as a typical tourist, the following places should be at the top of your travel list. They’re the very best Romania has to offer, super-popular in summer, but also totally amazing in the heart of winter.

If you’re wondering what to do in Romania in winter, trust us when we tell you that a visit to Bucharest will exceed all your expectations. The capital and largest city in Romania, Bucharest is home to numerous architectural landmarks, cultural highlights, and tourist attractions. Known for its stylish buildings and sophistication, this is easily one of the most incredible destinations in this part of Europe.

When visiting Bucharest , Romania, in winter, you can enjoy pretty much the exact same things that you would in summer, too. After all, most of the top attractions in Bucharest are historical and/or cultural, including museum visits and walking tours. All of those are 100% possible in winter.

Examples of Bucharest highlights are the Palace of the Parliament, Revolution Square, the superb Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, and Old Town Bucharest.

However, what makes Bucharest such a great Romanian winter destination, along with its other attractions, is the amazing Christmas market.

The vibrant Bucharest Christmas market is set up in a typical Viennese style, boasting all kinds of stands, shops, and wooden stalls. The scent of mulled wine , roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked cookies float through the crisp winter air while thousands of lights twinkle in trees and on historic buildings. Yes, Christmas in Bucharest is nothing less than magical. This alone makes visiting Romania in winter absolutely worth it.

Bucharest guide here.

Previously ranked in the top 10s of Europe’s most idyllic and charming cities, Sibiu is easily one of Romania’s top destinations to visit in winter.

Located in Transylvania , Sibiu is also known by its German name Hermanstadt, which shows the region’s Saxon history and heritage. This is a great base to explore Transylvania, Romania, in winter, a city that oozes medieval flair, from its narrow cobbled streets in the Lower Town to the spacious square of the Upper Town.

The Christmas market in Sibiu is arguably the best in Romania. We even put it on our list of the best Christmas markets in the Balkans ! Also, picturesque Sibiu hosts a phenomenal Christmas market from late November to early January.

The Sibiu Christmas Market is a popular festival located in the city’s center at the Main Square of Sibiu and has been running for over ten years. Over 70 merchants from 20 countries set up stalls and small huts within the square to sell unique gifts and trinkets for Christmas market-goers to purchase.

To fully make it a Christmas market, visitors can sip on mulled wine and munch on roasted chestnuts while exploring the stands and stalls. You’ll find everything from cured meats and cheese to local pies , handmade decorations, and sweet gingerbread here.

Children visiting the market will also have a great experience. Please bring them to the Little Gifts Factory, where they can make their own Christmas gifts to take home!

Covered by a dusting of snow, Sibiu’s Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively square are truly fairytale-like. So, if you’re researching where to go in Romania in winter, Sibiu is a fantastic option.

Sibiu hotels guide here.

One of the most visited cities in winter in Romania, Brașov offers both historic urban charm and outdoor winter recreation. The best of both winter worlds, in other words. Brașov, Romania, in winter is stunning—we can’t describe it in any other way. This is just a very, very beautiful city to explore in December or January.

This historic city sits in the heart of Transylvania, surrounded by the spectacular southern Carpathian Mountains. In summer, the mountains offer various activities such as hiking, camping, and biking, while winter brings some of Romania’s best skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

A short drive from Brașov, you’ll find the Poiana Brașov, arguably Romania’s best ski resort . It features about a dozen slopes of various degrees of difficulty and is a super-popular winter destination .

Other favorite things to do in Brașov during winter include ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and simply enjoying the magnificent mountain landscapes.

And what did you expect? In the city itself, there’s also a great Christmas market ! The Brașov Christmas fair features all the typical Christmassy stuff, from countless flickering lights and carols to mulled wine, sweets, and just general merriment and joy.

Brasov guide here.

Bran castle.

Out of the hundreds of castles —yes, literally hundreds!—in Romania, Bran Castle is probably the most famous. Built by the Saxons, this imposing castle is known for its association with the legend of Dracula .

Located in Transylvania, Bran Castle is strikingly similar to the castle described by Bram Stoker in his book. It’s known far and wide as “Dracula’s castle” and is one of Romania’s most fantastic tourist attractions.

The castle has that iconic medieval appearance. It has dark corridors and rooms, towers that point high into the sky, and sits in the stunning green countryside. In addition to the legend, this is also just a magnificent building.

When you visit Bran Castle in winter, you get that extra dose of charm in the form of snow and icicles. It is exceptionally photogenic on a sunny winter’s morning, covered by a fresh layer of Romania snow from the night before. The castle is open to the public and houses a museum. An absolute must-visit place in Romania !

Romanian castles guide here.

A glacial lake at the highest point of the iconic Transfăgărășan road, Bâlea Lake sits at the breathtaking—quite literally—altitude of 2,040 meters. This gorgeous lake is accessible via this mountain road in summer but can only be reached by cable car during the rest of the year, including winter.

The cable car starts at the Bâlea waterfall, one of Romania’s largest, and runs up to the lake and its famous ice hotel. A stay at the Bâlea Lake Ice Hotel is easily one of the best things to do in Romania in January, February, or December.

Built from scratch each year, the ice hotel is one of only a few in Eastern Europe and is open for three months during winter in Romania. It is a huge igloo constructed with blocks of ice.

There is an ice bar and about fifteen ice rooms with warm and cozy blankets, pillows , and furs.

More Romania hidden gems guide here.

Brands we use and trust, top ski resorts in romania.

Home to the spectacular Carpathian Mountains, Romania has its fair share of excellent ski resorts . There are dozens of them, so how do you know where to go in Romania in winter if you want to ski or snowboard? To help you get started, we’ve listed the top Romania ski resorts below.

• Poiana Brașov
• Vatra Dornei
• Transalpina

Hot Springs In Romania

If you’d like to enjoy the beautiful Romanian winter landscape and visit its vibrant Christmas markets but don’t care for winter sports, there’s another alternative for you. Romania also has numerous hot springs !

What’s better than soaking in a natural pool of warm water in the middle of winter? That’s right, almost nothing. Here are some of the best hot springs in Romania to visit in winter.

• Băile Herculane
• Călimanești – Căciulata
• Băile Felix

Driving In Romania In Winter

While roads in, around, and between the major cities in Romania are generally of decent quality, the conditions in more rural areas and the mountains are not guaranteed to be good. In fact, out of 137 countries surveyed by the World Economic Forum in 2018, Romania ended up at number 120 in terms of road quality. That’s not great, by any means.

The number of freeways in Romania is limited, while many secondary roads tend to be relatively narrow, poorly lit, and lack markings. If you stick to the major roads, you shouldn’t experience many issues. That’s not to say that driving in Romania in winter is super-dangerous, though. It’s just a good idea to be aware of the situation.

If you are planning on driving into the mountains or exploring the countryside of Romania in winter, you should consider some safety suggestions.

• Many mountain passes are closed during winter. The open mountain roads may be covered with ice or snow. They can be pretty dangerous in winter.
• Always ensure your car has winter or snow tires with deep threads, and consider carrying tire chains when heading into more remote areas.
• Check your windshield wipers and wiper fluids before your trip.
• Test the brakes of your car.
• Don’t drink and drive! There’s absolutely no tolerance for that in Romania.

Driving in the Balkans guide here.

How cold is romania in winter.

When researching what Romania is like in winter, you’ll probably see someone say that Romania is “very cold in winter.” And they’d be correct. Romania is cold in winter.

The country has a continental climate, which means its summers are pretty hot, and its winters can be ice-cold. People traveling to eastern Europe in winter should prepare for severe winter weather and temperatures.

Typically, December and January are the coldest months in Romania, with the average winter temperature in Romania varying between 3°C and -15°C. In the mountains, the mercury can drop even (much) lower.

Romanian blizzards are no joke and are generally heavier than those in western Europe. Winter in Romania also comes with significant snowfall. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially if you’re planning to drive somewhere (not on a guided tour or by public transportation).

It’s those very snowfalls, though, that make visiting Romania in winter such a wonderful experience. Its winter wonderlands are stunning, from snowy city roofs to frosty trees and icy lakes.

These are the rough chances of having a white Christmas in Romania, including the top winter destinations in Romania mentioned above, as well as some other major tourist towns across the country:

• Brașov: 85%
• Bucharest: 75%
• Timișoara: 70%

Here’s some more detailed information on winter temperatures in some of Romania’s top winter destinations.

• Bucharest temperature in December, average high to low: 3.8°C (38.8°F) to -3.4°C (25.9°F)
• Sibiu temperature in December, average high to low: 3.1°C (37.6°F) to -5.3°C (22.5°F)
• Brașov temperature in December, average high to low: 1.5°C (34.7°F) to -5.2°C (22.6°F)
• Bucharest temperature in January, average high to low: 2.8°C (37°F) to -4.8°C (23.4°F)
• Sibiu temperature in January, average high to low: 1.8°C (35.2°F) to -6.9°C (19.6°F)
• Brașov temperature in January, average high to low: -0.3°C (31.5°F) to -8.3°C (17.1°F)

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How To Dress For Winter In Romania?

So, now that you have an idea of the average winter temperature in Romania , depending on location, it’s pretty obvious you’re going to have to dress warmly. You’ll probably need to bring/wear your thickest down jackets , coziest mittens, and warmest hat. Packing a lovely scarf or two might be a brilliant idea, too.

Additionally, it’s also essential to bring a good pair of solid winter boots . Please ensure they’re comfortable to walk in, waterproof, and, perhaps above all, warm.

Visiting Romania in winter is like spending time in a real-life fairy tale. In winter, Romania’s mountains, castles, and towns are magical! So, where will you go first?

• Romanian Food
• Things To Do In Romania
• Bucharest Tours
• Facts About Romania
• Things To Do In Brasov, Transylvania
• Where To Stay In Brasov
• Souvenirs To Bring Home From Romania
• Traveling As A Vegan In Romania

Comments (4)

What an amazing article @Bram! Loved the way you have described all these places.

winter is my favorite weather and when you have opportunity to spend it in a place like Romania is really awesome.

Very Nice Blog…Thanks for sharing this information with us.

Amazing blog, I just loved the way you explained all the important points one should keep in mind. Especially about the roads and driving on our own and safe things. It’s just awesome. thanks a lot for such useful information.

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The Best Time to Visit Romania for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Romania for ideal weather are

April 23rd to September 30th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Romania Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Romania Travel Info

Weather in romania.

Average temperatures in Romania vary drastically. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 39th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Romania, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid August where highs are regularly around 85.9°F (29.9°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 61.4°F (16.3°C) at night.

Romania Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Romania temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Romania Perceived Temperature (F)

Romania perceived temperature (c), average romania temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Romania are December, January, and then November. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around late October to early November. For example, on the week of October 29th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late November to early December with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of November 26th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Romania.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Romania (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Romania has some extremely humid months, with other comfortably humid months. The least humid month is April (56% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (81.1%).

Wind in Romania is usually calm . The windiest month is April, followed by January and March. April’s average wind speed of around 6.6 knots (7.6 MPH or 12.3 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early April where average top sustained speeds reach 12.8 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Romania.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to romania.

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for Romania; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Romania is August, followed by January and June. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Romania in November. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall romania travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 71.9°F (22.2°C) and 44.9°F (7.2°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 5 to 6 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is fairly slow for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the most precipitation with 4 to 6 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Romania, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 76.4°F (24.7°C) and 39.5°F (4.2°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 4 to 5 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is far too cold this time of year in Romania to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 48.6°F (9.2°C) and 29.2°F (-1.6°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: consistently 4 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Romania

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Hiking in Romania in November – Putna Vrancea Natural Park

Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit Romania, in my opinion. What can you expect hiking in Romania in November? An entire explosion of colors, especially in the mountains. The tenderness of the sunlight, the pleasant temperatures (around 15-20 degrees), and the specific smell of wet leaves and humid soil in the forests make it an irresistible destination for nature lovers and photographers. You should consider that there is also a lot of rain in November, so check the weather before starting your adventure.

Preparation for the hike

First of all, don’t go on to this destination without having the proper equipment with you. The hike is ranked as an easy one, but there are a few dangerous areas and you can risk getting hurt. What you should have with you:

• Trekking boots (covering the ankles for better support)
• Headlamp (there is a 200 meters long tunnel on this hike!)
• Water (it is not recommended to drink water from the rivers)
• Sunglasses (even if the sun is not so bright in the autumn) I didn’t take mines and regretted it afterward…the light is still strong enough to hurt your eyes.
• waterproof jacket
• non-slip gloves. I would have used those as it had rained just before we arrived, and the handrails of the wooden bridges and stones were very slippery. I also managed without, but it would have been better with them 🙂

Putna waterfall

First, I stopped at the Putna waterfall. This is a natural protected area, part of the Putna Vrancea Natural Park. There is an entrance fee to access the waterfall. On the rocks of this waterfall, you can find the Edelweiss.

This area is also the place where the legend of Miorita was born. This legend is one of the most profound and definitory of the folklore of Romanian people.

Before descending the stairs and arriving at the waterfall, you can find local people with natural products for sale: honey, jam, seabuckthorn, honeycombs, and traditional Romanian alcoholic drinks (Palinca, Visinata). Yum! 🙂

November hike through Tisita Natural Reserve

This is also a protected area. To access the Natural Park, there is an entrance fee of 3 RON (0,63 EUR).

The entire hike is quite long. It lasts approximately 10 hours. It has 2 parts; the first one is easy, and the second one moderate in difficulty—the reference point in a 200 meters long tunnel.

I covered the easiest and most touristic part of it, the first 10 km. Unfortunately, my timing didn’t allow me to arrive at this tunnel and admire it. During this time of the year, the days are much shorter, it gets dark early, around 5 PM. I was pretty close to the tunnel when I had to go back. As I have said in other blog posts when you are traveling in wild places you have to be flexible and put safety first.

My hike lasted for approximately 6 hours, and I walked 20 km in total. It is an easy hike with no significant altitude differences. This road used to be a railway, built by the Germans during the First World War, when they occupied part of the region for approximately 2 years.

Even if this is an easy hike, some parts can be dangerous if the ground is wet and slippery. There are 2 wood bridges that I had to cross.

The picturesque views of the gorges and Tisita river made it difficult for me to keep looking where I set my foot instead of admiring the surroundings and taking pictures. 🙂

How to get there

The route that I took was: Bucharest – Buzau – Focsani – Putna Waterfall (Lepsa). There is a distance of 260 km from Bucharest to Putna waterfall. If you go there by car, the drive is around 4 hours (breaks included). One drawback is the incredibly small parking near the entrance in the Natural Park. I imagine that during the summer season it is impossible to find parking spots. In this case, you may want to leave your car somewhere before arriving at the entrance. The bus I traveled with was quite big, so we didn’t even go to the entrance because it was not enough space to turn around.

What I appreciated the most

This was a group trip Organized by Oxigen Tour . This is what I liked about it:

• The balanced schedule. Overall there were enough breaks; the pace was not too fast nor too slow. If you are thinking of going on your own, probably you should consider an entire weekend. To drive 7-8 hours from Bucharest and back and hike for 6 hours, it’s a bit too much, in my opinion.
• The guides. These are the kind of people who are not just doing their job but are passionate about going into the mountains. This showed in their attitude, their stories, and their enthusiasm while leading the group.

Facts and Figures

This Natural Park is recognized as an officially protected area by the Romanian Government since 2004. It has a total surface of 302 km2. The forest contains mostly beech and pine.

Tisita Natural Park in Romania is home to several wild animals specific to this area. The most important predatory species are the Brown Bear, the Grey Wolf, and the Lynx. After entering the park, you will find information boards on the route about these animals.

Also, an interesting fact about this part of the country is that, in the past, the people from this region were almost all the time under attack.

They were situated right at the border with great empires, like the Austro-Hungarian, before Transylvania was part of Romania, Russia, Ottoman Empire. These great forces around this small country were constantly attacking and trying to conquer it. The people usually ran off into the Carpathians mountains to save themselves from the attackers. Then they came back to the villages or cities and rebuilt everything from scratch.

For example, the city of Buzau, a 1600 years old settlement, was destroyed 6 times, and every time the people rebuilt it. This is why today you will find the Phoenix on the city emblem, as a symbol of rebirth.

What to do in Zingaro Natural Reserve, Sicily?

5 reasons to choose guided tours in small groups

A 2 days trip to Transylvania – The land of Hațeg

Romania looks like a beautiful country. I like the information you give in your blog, and your photos are great.

Thank you! Romania is indeed a great destination for adventure!

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Holidays in Romania in November

Tour to Romania in November can be fully devoted to excursions to the most memorable and significant places for this country. With the arrival of this month, weather conditions worsen significantly, so when planning a vacation in Romania in the fall, do not forget to take warm and waterproof clothes.

Holidays in Romania in November can also be called one of the cheapest of the year. The price of a tour to Romania in November 2016 will not exceed 3,500 RON including flight, accommodation in a decent hotel and full meals for two people. If you have a question, what to occupy yourself with during a tour to Romania in the fall ? The answer will be simple! On the territory of the country a large number of interesting museums, exhibition halls, castles and ancient churches. After visiting these institutions, you will plunge into the history of the development of local culture.

Due to the fact that the price of vacation in Romania in November is reduced, even budget tourists can afford to visit the national restaurants of the country, buy traditional souvenirs and take part in the most popular entertainment. Romania in November will take you to the amazing beauty of the Carpathian Mountains and give you the opportunity to contemplate the landscapes of the Danube Delta.

Romania – Festivals, News & Events. November highlights

Planning to visit Romania this fall? Wondering about the things to do in Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu or other major cities this November? Unveil Romania, your travel planner & consultant, keeps you up to date with the hottest news & events in Romania: festivals, concerts, shows, exhibitions and so on.

If you need a hand with planning your next holiday in Romania and you’re not looking for a predefined tour, we can help you create your own tailor-made itinerary , completely designed around you.

November highlights

1 st -19 th SoNoRo International Festival celebrates its 10 th anniversary – 10 years of making classical music. The concerts will be held in Iasi, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Arad. For more details check-out the official website of SoNoRo Dreamers .

7 th The Mission . Romania’s first and finest electronic music events organizer is celebrating 15 years of existence. Main guests are Sven Väth & Luciano. The event takes places at Sala Polivalenta, Bucharest.

12 th -15 th Romanian traditional fair market at Romexpo.

13 th -15 th Danube Jazz & Blues International Festival held in Galati city, at the “Nae Leonard” theatre.

19 th Chris de Burgh concert – live in Bucharest at Sala Palatului.

20 th -22 nd Goodwine International Wine Fair . Reaching its 9 th edition, this year’s fair is held in Bucharest, at the Romexpo halls.

24 th Sepultura . The famous thrash metal band returns to Bucharest for another cracking show. The concert will take place in Bucharest at Arenele Romane and is part of the band’s “Sepultura – 30 years” tour. You can listen to song from all their albums, from 1991 to the present day.

24 th Arash concert at Sala Polivalenta, Bucharest.

28 th Black, Wonderful life concert at Sala Palatului, Bucharest.

Wanna be up to date with the hottest events of the month in Romania – festivals, concerts and so on? Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest Time Travel News, right in your inbox!

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Romania travel: Six places to visit during the December 1 break

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The end of november comes with a short holiday for many romanians as november 30, when the country celebrates st. andrew's day, and december 1, its national day, are public holidays. for public sector employees, these add up to a five-day holiday after the government declared december 2 a legal day off for them. for those who want to take the opportunity to travel at this time, here is a list of six destinations to consider..

December 1 is Romania's National Day , marking the union of Romanian-majority provinces of Transylvania, Banat, Crişana, Maramureş, Bessarabia, and Bucovina with the Kingdom of Romania, which at the time was made up of Wallachia and Moldavia.

Alba Iulia (opening photo) , one of Romania's most stunning cities, has a special charm to the celebration of the union. The city is ideal for history lovers, as here is where The Great National Assembly was held and where it was agreed to have Transylvania, Banat, Crișana, and Maramureş unite to the old Romanian kingdom.

Make sure to visit the Alba Carolina Bastion Fortification, which was built more than 300 years ago. Here you can travel back in time and witness the strongest fortification used to defend against the Turks. 

Moreover, there are numerous additional attractions in Alba Iulia that visitors shouldn't miss, including the Batthyaneu Library, the Horea, Cloșca, and Crișan Obelisk, the Coronation Cathedral, the National Museum of the Unification, and many others.

A short trip there might be insufficient to see all the historical sites within or close to the city, but the charm of Alba Iulia is sure to leave an impression.

For a unique Romanian experience, Maramureș is the place to visit on December 1. Among the major attractions in this region are historical sites and winter scenery. You may have a vacation in the true Romanian spirit in many of the region's villages, as they have managed to maintain their cultural identity and customs.

Do not miss Săpânţa's Merry Cemetery to see the hilarious messages on the crosses, which make it unique. Stan Ioan Pătraș was the architect of this location, and a memorial house, exhibiting other works by him, can be found nearby.

Furthermore, the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Sighetul Marmației is a museum covering a significant piece of our history and should not be skipped. The museum depicts the atrocities of the communist era in photographs, letters, newspaper collections, novels, and other artifacts. The former Romanian prime minister Iuliu Maniu's prison cell is a significant draw for visitors to the museum, keeping many of the items discovered when it was operational. 

With its impressive number of  Art Nouveau buildings , Oradea can make for a popular destination for the December 1st holiday. Oradea's historical and cultural center, Unirii Square, dazzles with its various architectural styles (baroque, classicist, eclectic, historicist, secession, modernist). 

Church of the Moon, Church of St. Ladislaus, and Church of St. Nicholas are all well-known churches that can be found in the city center. Tourists can also visit the over 1000-year-old medieval fortress in Oradea, which serves as the city's symbol and provides a fantastic experience. 

The city can be admired both day and night from Ciuperca Hill, also known as Dealul Oradei. Additionally, the largest spa resort in Romania, Baile Felix, which is only 9 km away from Oradea, offers year-round access to its thermal pools for relaxation.

Băile Felix Spa Resort near Oradea

For those seeking a relaxing time off, the largest spa resort in Romania, Băile Felix, only nine kilometers away from Oradea, is open year-round.

The Băile Felix treatment center has numerous medical treatments and facilities, such as paraffin and mud heaters, physiotherapy, hot mineral water baths in tubs and pools, thermal water pools, medical gyms, hydrokinetic therapy, electrotherapy, and many others, but it is also a suitable location for those in need of a few days of spa time.

Prahova Valley

Prahova Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations, whether in summer or winter. Because of the beautiful mountain landscape and the abundance of lodging options, Romanians love to spend their vacation days here. In the area, visitors can choose Sinaia, Azuga, Breaza, Buşteni, and Predeal for a few days of relaxation.

However, for the December 1 mini-holiday, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, as there is a high probability of these destinations being overbooked.

The Romanian capital is definitely worth a visit. The month of December is a busy month in terms of  events  in Bucharest, so make sure you check them out.

The cold December month might drive you to seek cozy and warm places, so visit Carturesti Carusel. Centrally located, it is a unique six-floor bookstore with a wide collection of about 10,000 books, all aesthetically sorted in a castle-like interior.

However, you can take a cup of hot chocolate on the go and make sure you do not miss the Military Parade for Romania's National Day. More than 1,500 soldiers and specialists from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Special Telecommunications Service, and the National Administration of Penitentiaries, as well as approximately 120 technical means, including 40 aircraft, will take part in the military parade in Bucharest's Arc de Triumph Square on Thursday, December 1, starting from 11 a.m.

For another Romanian experience, be sure to visit the fair held on December 1 and 2 at the National Village Museum "Dimitrie Gusti" in Bucharest.

(Opening photo:  Marius Dorin Balate  |  Dreamstime.com )

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How warm is it in Romania in November?

Daytime temperatures usually reach 10°C in Bucharest, Romania in November , falling to 2°C at night.

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There are normally 3 hours of bright sunshine each day in Bucharest, Romania in November - that's 30% of daylight hours .

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There are usually 9 days with some rain in Bucharest, Romania in November and the average monthly rainfall is 51mm .

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