Visiting Romania for the First Time? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

If you're in the middle of your Romania trip planning, this guide will help you with everything from must-see destinations to transportation and local tips

Romania Trip Planning: When to Visit & What to Expect

Why Visit Romania?

Romania is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From medieval castles to charming villages and scenic mountains, the country has something for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring the bustling capital of Bucharest, hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, or discovering Transylvania’s fairy-tale towns, Romania is an unforgettable destination.

Best Time to Visit Romania

When planning your Romania trip, consider the temperatures. Even though we are in a temperate clime, due to global climate change, it can get very hot during summers (40-45°C / 100 - 112°F) , and sometimes very cold during winters (-10 -15°C / 14 - 5°F). For such reasons we recommend April-May and October-November. Based on your preferences, all seasons can be nice, though, with a bit of luck regarding the weather:

• Spring (March-May): Mild weather, perfect for sightseeing and nature walks.
• Summer (June-August): Warm and lively, great for festivals and outdoor activities.
• Autumn (September-November): Beautiful fall colors, fewer crowds.
• Winter (December-February): Ideal for skiing in the Carpathians and experiencing Romania’s magical Christmas markets.

How to Get to Romania

Most travelers arrive by plane, with Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest being the main entry point. From here, in order to get into the city, our suggestion is to book your transfer with UBER (approx. 20 euro) or with the Concierge desk at your hotel. Like other big capitals in the world, taxi drivers are sometimes overcharging. If your hotel is near a subway station, you can also take the train to Gara de Nord (30 min ride from airport) and than go into the subway.

Depending on what you would like to explore in Romania, other major airports include:

• Cluj-Napoca (CLJ) - for getting directly into Transylvania or if you want to visit the famous region of Maramures
• Iași (IAS) - if you are mainly interested in the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
• Timișoara (TSR) - for exploring the Western part of Romania (Timisoara - Oradea area)

Must-See Places for First-Time Visitors

1. Bucharest: Palace of Parliament, Old Town, Village Museum, Ceausescu's Residence
2. Transylvania: Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara.
3. Maramures: Wooden churches, traditional rural life.
4. Bucovina: UNESCO-painted monasteries.
5. Danube Delta: A paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Romanian Food & Drinks to Try

As part of the Eastern Europe region, Romanian cuisine is mainly based on meet and vegetables. Pork and chicken are common, beef and sheep are mainly found in Transylvania and Northern regions. Below you may find the TOP 5 dishes you MUST try on your trip to Romania + a beverage as a bonus!

• Mici (grilled sausages) – usually served during the summer, for barbeques
• Sarmale (cabbage rolls) – a traditional dish served on special occasions
• Ciorba de burta (tripe soup) – a local delicacy, which you either love, or you can not have
• Papanasi (Romanian donuts) – a must-try dessert, usually coming with sour cream and sour-cherry jam
• Palinca (plum brandy) – Romania’s strong national drink, usually made out of plumbs

While in Bucharest, you can try them all in Caru cu Bere restaurant - one of the most famous restaurants in town, but also in Vatra or Casa Doina. For an immersive experience in the authentical Romanian cuisine, we recommend the guesthouses in Maramures or Bucovina, where the hosts cook all these recipes for you, with fresh ingredients from their own household.

Travel Tips while in Romania

• A handshake is the common greeting everywhere. "Buna dimineata / Buna ziua / Buna Seara - Good morning / Good day / Good evening" are mostly use to simply say Hello to someone.
• Many Romanians speak English, especially young generation
• Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants
• Romania is a safe, but be cautious of pickpockets in crowded touristic places
• The official currency is Leu (Lei for plural). The abbreviation (RON) is commonly used, but it basically means the same and 5 lei are worth approx. 1 euro ; credit cards are widely accepted in all urban areas

Final Thoughts on Romania Trip Planning

Planning a trip to Romania for the first time? Follow these travel tips to make the most of your experience. Whether you explore medieval castles, taste delicious local food, or immerse yourself in Romania’s rich culture, you’re in for an unforgettable journey!

Looking for a stress-free experience? Check out our private tours of Romania or contact us for a personalized adventure!