Best Cities to Visit in Romania

Key Takeaways

• ✅ Cost: Budget accommodations in Romania can start from as low as 60 RON ($13/€12) for a hostel, and you can pay up to 600 RON ($129/€120) in luxury hotels.
• ✅ Timeline: Visa processing typically takes 10-15 business days.
• ✅ Warning: Romania is not a Schengen country. Travelers need a separate visa for the Schengen Area — plan accordingly.
• ✅ Pro Tip: Visit the Danube Delta during late spring or early autumn for the best birding experience and fewer mosquitoes.
• ✅ Timeline: The e-visa application process takes 10–15 business days. EU/EEA, US, and Canadian citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

Romania is one of the most historically and culturally rich countries in Europe. Steeped in legend and folklore, this enchanting country is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful and fascinating cities. From the frenetic energy of the capital, Bucharest, to the medieval ambience of the impressive medieval city of Sibiu, every city has its own charms and character. From the association with Dracula in charming Brașov, to the annual festivals and lively atmosphere of the lively city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania is a destination not to be missed.

Quick Answer: Best Cities to Visit in Romania

Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, Sibiu and Timișoara are the top picks for visiting Romania. Discover the best of history, culture and more in each of these Romanian cities, whether it's partying through the night in the capital or meandering through the medieval old town of Sibiu.

Expert Insight: Expats with more than a decade of experience living in Romania say the countries many diverse cities have the perfect blend of historical architecture and up-to-date infrastructure, making it a traveler's dream destination.Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit towns like Bucharest or Sibiu, having temperatures between 10°C/50°F and 25°C/77°F. In summer, the seaside season in Constanța begins and temperatures frequently exceed 35°C/95°F. In winter, the Carpathian Mountains turn into a amazing snow area, ideal for skiing in Poiana Brașov.

You probably don’t know this but the best time to visit the Danube Delta is in late spring or early autumn. While it might be tempting to take a trip there during the summer months, you should be aware that you’ll have to deal with the mosquitoes. If you take into account the festivals that take place in Romania, then September is the perfect time to visit, because you’ll be able to enjoy the George Enescu Festival in Bucharest which is held every other year, while in the summer, in July, there’s the Electric Castle Festival in Cluj-Napoca.

Rates do vary, significantly, with peak season increases of as much as 20-30% and off season discounts of 40% or more.

Top Cities and Destinations in Romania

Romania has two main cities: the capital city Bucharest and the second largest city Cluj-Napoca. Bucharest is a dynamic and cosmopolitan capital that combines old and new. Top attractions include the Palace of the Parliament and Herăstrău Park.Culture lovers may be interested to know that the second largest city Cluj-Napoca is known for its rich cultural events, as it's home to the annual Transylvania International Film Festival. Located in the north-west of the country, the city is close to the Apuseni Mountains.

Located in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, the medieval city of Brașov is close to the famous Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle). Sibiu, European Capital of Culture in 2007, has preserved the medieval flavor of the old city. Timișoara, also known as the City of Flowers, because of its beautiful parks and green spaces, was the European Capital of Culture in 2023.

Most tourists pass through without realising the gem that's northern Romania. Iasi has plenty of cultural events and unique churches, Sighisoara is the birthplace of Dracula’s inspiration, Vlad the Impaler, and Oradea has some of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau in Eastern Europe. Each of these cities has so much to offer, whatever your travelling passion.

Visa and Entry Requirements for Romania

As of 2026, citizens from EU/EEA countries, USA and Canada can enter Romania without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If a visa is required, it can be applied for through the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa online platform. The processing time is approximately 10-15 working days.

Visitors intending to spend more time in Romania must obtain a long-stay visa (D visa) and then a residence permit through the IGI (General Inspectorate for Immigration).

Most people don’t realize this, but Romania is an EU country, but not part of the Schengen Area, so the Schengen visa will need to be applied for separately.The e-visa application and assessment process has been improved for all visa applications to and from Romania.

Getting Around Romania: Transportation Guide

Romania has a very good transportation infrastructure. Train in Romania is provided by CFR (Compagnia Feroviară Română). Second-class ticket from Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca costs about 150 RON ($32/€30). Intercity buses are an excellent, cheap way of traveling. You may get a bus ticket from Bucharest to Brașov from just 50 RON ($11/€10).

Several low cost airlines such as TAROM and Blue Air operate domestic flights. they're a fast way to cover large distances. Fares for domestic flights can vary greatly depending on the route and the time of the year. As of 2026 fares start from 200 RON (43 USD or 40 EUR) one way from Bucharest to Timișoara. Car rentals are also often necessary for visiting the countryside. They usually start from 150 RON (32 USD or 30 EUR) per day. Few people know, but the Transfăgărășan Highway can only be fully appreciated by car.

Check each city for a detailed overview of transportation options for that city: For some parts of the country, especially larger cities, the metro is developed, whilst in cities such as Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara the tram and bus systems are highly efficient. Also, the Romanian government has in the recent years invested a lot in the railways, which has increased the speed of traveling to and from intercity destinations.

Where to Stay in Romania: Accommodation Guide

Accommodation in Romania is also very affordable and the costs vary depending on your budget. In general, a 3-star hotel room in the city centre of Bucharest costs on average 250 RON (54 USD/50 EUR) per night, while a 5-star hotel in Cluj-Napoca will cost more than 600 RON (129 USD/120 EUR) per night. Budget travellers can find very affordable hostels, like this one in Brașov, where prices start from 60 RON (13 USD/12 EUR) per night.

Staying in a guesthouse in a rural area like Maramureș can be an unforgettable experience. The prices here are around 150 RON ($32/€30) per night. Airbnb prices in Sibiu start from 200 RON ($43/€40) per night for an entire private apartment. Few people know that Romania has a lot of new, ecological options to stay and you can choose from them mainly in Danube Delta and in the Carpathians.

In Timișoara you’ll find modern hotels and charming old hostels, and in medieval Sighișoara, there are plenty of themed options. New rules on promoting sustainable tourism in Romania encourage the use of the ecological certification for hotels and guesthouses, a practice on the increase all over the world.

Food and Dining Culture in Romania

Romanian cuisine is rich and delicious, and often heavy. Try some of the dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat) and mămăligă (polenta). Expect to pay about 100 RON for a meal in a mid-range restaurant. A good glass of tuica, the Romanian plum brandy, will cost no more than 10 RON.

Street food is very cheap, a covrigi (pretzel) and mici (grilled sausages) can be purchased for 5 RON each, $1 or €1. When dining in a restaurant, tipping is required and should be around 10% of the bill. it's also polite to wait until the host starts to eat before you do, as this is considered a sign of respect during formal occasions. Not many people realise that Romania also has a number of excellent wine regions, notably Dealu Mare, which is slowly growing in popularity, with more tourists taking vineyard tours.

Old Town in Bucharest offers great variety of restaurants, while the coffee culture in Cluj-Napoca is simply impressive. However the tendency of Farm to Table Restaurants to source local produce from various farms in the country, serves not only to increase the quality of food but also contributes to the more authentic experience of tasting the real local dishes.

Safety Tips for Tourists in Romania

Romania in general is a safe country to visit as a tourist. A little caution is advised when passing through densely populated areas as pick pocketing is relatively common. The emergency number is 112. As well as police stations in all the larger towns, there are also a large number of “police officers“ – police who patrol on foot and on two and four wheels, so you'll be often be haled over for a casual search. Water from the tap is drinkable, but is recommended that you buy bottled in the country side.

Using safe transport in Romania is important, especially as the majority of scams occur when attempting to hail a cab on the street. Using a registered taxi service or ordering a ride through a transport app like Uber or Bolt is recommended. The Bucharest Metro is a great way to get about the city without hassles. it's efficient and easy to follow. Many tourists don't realise the bears which exist in the Carpathian mountains can occasionally be a hazard when hiking. it's key to listen to and follow the advice of local guides.

Sibiu and Brașov are considered to be the safest places, while caution is advised in the capital city of Bucharest, especially in busy areas. Tourist police have also been stationed in more popular tourist destinations such as the cities, to ensure that holidaymakers are protected, which shows that the country is making an effort to ensure that tourists have a safe experience while travelling in Romania.

Budget Breakdown: Daily Costs in Romania

In Romania, budget travelers will find it quite easy to manage daily expenses. Budget accommodation starts from as low as 60 RON ($13/€12) for a hostel bed and 300 RON ($65/€60) for a mid-range hotel. Meals range between 30 RON and 100 RON depending on whether you choose street food or a restaurant.

When backpacking in Romania, you should know that using public transport in cities like Bucharest costs around 5 RON per ride, while going from one city to another can easily amount to 100 RON per day. The entry fee for Bran Castle, for example, is around 45 RON. Students and seniors can benefit from a discount though. Few backpackers are aware that you can get a glimpse into the history and culture of the main cities of Romania by taking part in the free walking tours available.

Accommodation and food prices in Cluj-Napoca are slightly higher than in other cities in Romania due to the large student population and dynamic nightlife. However, prices remain affordable compared to Western Europe, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs

Romania has a formal cultural norm that revolves largely around politeness. it's customary to shake hands firmly and to use titles such as Dom/La Domnul, Doamna/Dna, or academic titles until you're invited to use first names. If invited to someone’s home, it's appreciated to bring flowers or candy but be wary of an even number of flowers as this is associated with funeral rites.

Dining: it's acceptable to wait for the host to begin eating before you do. This is also a good time to tell the host how much you enjoyed the meal. Casual attire is accepted, but for visits to the theatre or opera, more formal clothing is required. Few people know, but punctuality is highly appreciated. especially in a business context.

Romania’s business culture tends to be formal in the capital Bucharest, but relatively more casual elsewhere, such as in the southern city of Sibiu. Efforts to preserve old traditions have however contributed to the increasing number of folk festivals across the country celebrating its customs and diverse cultures.

Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss in Romania

Home to impressive wooden churches and villages, Maramureș is a region steeped in tradition and offering a true taste of rural Romania. Nature lovers will also adore the Apuseni Mountains with their hiking trails and caves, an untouched region with unparalleled scenery. The village of Viscri is perhaps one of the most picturesque and has even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved fortified church and Saxon wooden homes.

Biertan has one of the largest and most impressive fortified churches in Transylvania and is rarely visited by tourists. Few people know that the Iron Gates section of the Danube River has some incredible scenery and attractions such as the Rock Sculpture of Decebalus.

Oradea is a stunning Art Nouveau gem that most tourists overlook entirely. The city center features beautifully restored early 20th-century buildings with ornate facades. Alba Iulia, with its star-shaped Vauban fortress, offers a fascinating journey through Romanian history from ancient Dacia to modern times. Both cities have invested heavily in tourism infrastructure and are well worth the detour.

Cost and Data Comparison Tables

When planning a visit to Romania, understanding the cost implications is crucial for budgeting purposes. Below are detailed tables that compare various costs and data relevant to tourists and travelers.

Romania's cost of living can be quite affordable compared to Western European countries. During peak tourist seasons, such as summer and winter, accommodation prices can increase by 20-30%. Conversely, visiting during off-peak seasons could result in discounts of up to 40% on accommodation. For tourists interested in cultural events, the George Enescu Festival and Electric Castle Festival are significant attractions. However, attending these events during peak times may require early booking to avoid increased costs.

Recent Updates and Changes in 2026

New eco-friendly tourism initiatives were launched to promote sustainable travel practices.

Romania has announced plans to invest heavily in the rail network and modernise key routes to significantly cut journey times between cities.

Romania simplified its e-visa application process, making it more accessible to travelers.

Cost of Living Breakdown

If you’re planning to visit Romania or move there, it’s important to have some idea of what the cost of living is. The table below shows average monthly living costs in some of the main cities in Romania. Although Bucharest is by far the most expensive, cities such as Brașov and Sibiu are relatively cheap. Prices for apartments differ greatly between cities and regions, with average monthly rent for one-bedroom apartment being 2,500 RON (535 EUR/USD) in Bucharest, 2,000 RON (428 EUR/USD) in Cluj-Napoca and 700 RON (147 EUR/USD) in Timisoara. Generally, food and eating out are relatively cheap, with average price for mid-range restaurant meal being 60 RON (13 EUR/USD).

Insider Tips

Visit the less touristy neighborhoods for a true Romanian experience. In Bucharest, taking a walk through Cotroceni is highly recommended — some of the oldest aristocratic villas here date back to before the Ottoman period. In Cluj-Napoca, the Hașdeu student district offers vibrant nightlife and affordable restaurants. In Brașov, the Schei neighborhood features romantic cobblestone alleys and colorful old houses. Purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival is recommended — prices start from 20 RON (approximately €4 or $3.50) for a basic data plan.

Festival Guide

Romania is a wonderful place to experience its numerous colorful festivals that combine the diverse cultural heritage with great open air fun. Classical music lovers will be fascinated by the most popular event, the George Enescu Festival in Bucharest which invites numerous foreign musicians. Electronic dance music fans can have fun during the Unfold Festival in Cluj-Napoca held in August and this is actually one of the biggest music festivals in Europe. Those who are interested in finding out more about traditional Romanian culture should by all means visit the Astra Film Festival in Sibiu, the International Documentary Film Festival that highlights the doconumentary cinema. The festivals represent an exceptional opportunity in enjoying the diverse Romanian art, but they also offer the possibility of meeting the local population, getting involved in their everyday lives and discovering the different aspects of the Romanian spirit and the amazing festive spirit of this unique country.

Transportation Costs

Public transportation in cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca is reasonably inexpensive and well developed and includes buses, trams and the metro. A single ticket usually costs 3 RON (€0.65, $0.65 USD). Taking the train and buses between cities is also very common, as they offer a great chance to see the picturesque countryside. Prices vary, but a ticket for the train from Bucharest to Brașov will set you back by approximately 60 RON (€12, $13 USD) in 3rd class. Another way to travel around Romania is by renting a car.Romania is also a great destination for those who wish to experience travelling in all forms of transport in an affordable way.

City-specific Attractions

In Bucharest, the massive Palace of the Parliament offers guided tours for 50 RON ($11/€10). For a more peaceful experience, Herăstrău Park offers boat rentals at 20 RON ($4/€4) per hour. Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania's cultural hub, features the National Museum of Transylvanian History with entry at just 15 RON ($3/€3).

One of the most beautiful Romanian cities, Sibiu is home to plenty of medieval structures that have been perfectly preserved. Visiting the Brukenthal Palace, which occasionally hosts some great exhibitions, costs 20 RON (4 EUR).

Accommodation Options

Accommodation in Romania is plentiful and available for all budgets. Budget hostels in the capital city, Bucharest, can be secured for as little as 60 RON or $13/€12 per night. Average rates in the mid range for hotels in Bucharest will be 250 RON or $54/€50 per night. In the picturesque north western university city of Cluj-Napoca, there are excellent boutique hotels where you can have a very unusual stay. Expect to pay from 200 RON (or $43/€40) per night. it's also possible to stay in one of Brașov’s 5 star hotels which may cost as much as 600 RON or $129/€120 per night in season for accommodation that usually has views of the Carpathian mountains just a short distance away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cities to visit in Romania?

Romania offers a great variety of scenery and experiences. The cities in Transylvania — Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, Sibiu, and Timișoara — showcase the best of the country, blending Austro-Hungarian heritage with modern Romanian culture.

Is Romania safe for tourists?

Is Romania Safe? Yes, Romania is a safe country, but as with any country, theft in crowded places and tourist hotspots can be a problem.

What is the best time to visit Romania?

Spring and Autumn seasons have the mildest and most comfortable weather and the fewest number of tourists.

What are some must-try Romanian dishes?

You must try the sarmale, mămăligă and mici as well as the local wines and tuica.

How do I get around Romania?

Romania has a very good rail and bus network with plenty of domestic flights and car rental options in case you wish to travel further afield.

Are there any hidden gems in Romania?

Yes, Maramureș, the Apuseni Mountains and places like Viscri are also special.

Do I need a visa to visit Romania?

Citizens of the EU, EEA, USA, Canada and several other countries can enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the full list of eligible countries.

Final Thoughts

Romania has so much to offer — from busy cities to peaceful landscapes. It is perfect for those searching for an unforgettable holiday filled with adventure and tranquility.

When planning a trip here, please bear in mind that some of the best things to see and do are off the beaten track. Take the time to do your research and really immerse yourself in all things Romanian, and you'll have a holiday that you'll never, ever forget.

Sources and Official Links

For travelers planning a trip to Romania, here are reliable official resources:

• Romanian National Tourism Office — Official tourism portal with attractions, travel tips, and itineraries.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa requirements, travel advisories, and entry regulations.
• National Institute of Statistics — Economic data and demographic statistics for Romania.
• Romanian Railways (CFR) — Train schedules, ticket prices, and booking options.
• Bucharest Public Transport (STB) — Routes, schedules, and ticketing for buses, trams, and metro.

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