Overview
Romania is a large, geographically diverse country in southeastern Europe, sharing borders with Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, and the Black Sea coast. Its landscape ranges from the broad Danube Delta wetlands in the east to the Carpathian arc that sweeps through the center and northwest, with fertile plains in between.
The country carries layers of history — Dacian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and communist-era influences all visible in its architecture, food, and culture. Transylvania, Moldavia, and Wallachia each have distinct regional identities, traditions, and culinary styles.
Romania joined the European Union in 2007. Its tourism infrastructure has grown steadily, with Bucharest developing a lively arts and nightlife scene, while rural areas and smaller cities remain relatively off the mainstream European tourist circuit — a quality many travelers appreciate.
- Major cities: Bucharest (capital), Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Brașov, Iași, Sibiu
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Danube Delta, Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains, Historic Centre of Sighișoara, Painted Churches of northern Moldavia, Wooden Churches of Maramureș, Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
Before You Go
Visas
Romania is an EU member state and joined the Schengen Area (for air and sea travel) in 2024, with full land border inclusion expected to follow. Entry rules vary by nationality and are subject to change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Romanian Immigration Inspectorate website for current requirements before you travel.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers, but routine immunizations should be up to date. Romania has public and private hospitals in major cities; rural areas have limited medical facilities. Travel health insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Verify current health advisories with your home country's travel authority.
Money
The currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Card payments are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas, though cash is still preferred in rural villages and markets. Currency exchange offices (case de schimb) are common; verify rates locally.
Connectivity
Romania has strong mobile and broadband infrastructure, frequently ranking among Europe's fastest for internet speeds. SIM cards from major providers (Orange, Vodafone, Digi/RCS) are available at airports and shops. EU roaming rules apply for travelers from EU member states.
Getting There
By Air
Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest is Romania's main international gateway, with direct connections to major European hubs and several intercontinental routes. Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) serves as a convenient entry point for Transylvania and is increasingly well-connected. Timișoara, Iași, and Sibiu also have international airports. Verify current schedules and airlines on the official airport websites.
By Train
Romania is connected to the European rail network. Trains arrive from Budapest (Hungary), Vienna (Austria, with changes), and other Central European cities. The journey from Budapest to Cluj-Napoca or Bucharest is a popular land entry route. Check CFR Călători (the national rail operator) and Trainline or Rail Europe for current schedules and booking.
By Bus
Long-distance international bus services connect Romania to neighboring countries and many Western European cities with large Romanian diaspora communities. Operators and routes vary; verify schedules locally or through aggregator booking platforms.
By Car
Road entry from Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, and Moldova is possible. Border crossing wait times can vary; verify current crossing conditions before travel. An International Driving Permit is advisable alongside your home license.
Getting Around
Trains
CFR Călători operates an extensive national rail network. Train travel is affordable and connects most cities and towns, though services can be slow by Western European standards and some rolling stock is aging. Express and intercity trains (InterCity, IR) are faster and more comfortable; book in advance for weekend or holiday travel.
Buses and Minibuses
For intercity and regional travel, private bus and minibus (maxitaxi) companies often offer faster and more frequent services than trains on many routes. Terminals are sometimes separate from train stations; verify locally.
Car Rental
Renting a car is one of the most flexible ways to explore rural areas, the Carpathians, Maramureș, and the Danube Delta. Roads in cities and major routes are generally adequate; mountain and rural roads can be narrow or unpaved. A vignette (rovinietă) is required for driving on national roads; purchase before entering or shortly upon arrival — verify current procedures with the CNAIR website.
Urban Transport
Bucharest has a metro system, trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Other cities rely on surface public transport. Ride-hailing apps (Uber and local apps such as Bolt) operate in larger cities. Taxis: use official metered cabs or app-based services to avoid overcharging.
Things to See & Do
Bucharest
The capital offers a dense mix of Belle Époque architecture, communist-era monuments (including the massive Palace of the Parliament), modern art galleries, lively café culture, and a well-regarded nightlife scene. The historic Lipscani district is the old town hub.
Transylvania
The fortified city of Brașov, the medieval citadel town of Sighișoara (a UNESCO site and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns), and the city of Sibiu with its large main square are all major draws. Bran Castle — often associated with the Dracula legend — and the nearby Peleș Castle in Sinaia are the country's most visited historic monuments.
Carpathian Mountains
Hiking in the Bucegi, Fagaraș, and Retezat ranges offers serious mountain terrain. The Transfăgărășan Highway, open seasonally, is considered one of the most scenic mountain roads in Europe. Wildlife including brown bears, wolves, and lynx inhabit the Carpathians.
Danube Delta
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of Europe's largest wetland ecosystems. The area is exceptional for birdwatching — over 300 species recorded — and boat-based exploration of canals and lakes. The gateway town is Tulcea. Visit between April and October for best conditions.
Painted Monasteries of Bukovina
A cluster of Orthodox monasteries in northeastern Romania (Voroneț, Sucevița, Moldovița, Humor) feature exterior frescoes dating to the 15th and 16th centuries — rare in European religious art and well preserved.
Maramureș
A rural region in the northwest known for traditional wooden churches (UNESCO listed), carved wooden gates, and villages where traditional rural life remains more intact than almost anywhere else in Europe.
Food & Drink
Romanian cuisine is hearty and rooted in rural tradition, with strong influences from Ottoman, Hungarian, and Slavic neighbors. Staples include pork, polenta (mămăligă), sour cream (smântână), fresh cheeses, and fermented vegetables.
Dishes to Try
- Sarmale: Cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with minced pork and rice, typically simmered in tomato and sauerkraut juice — considered a national dish
- Mămăligă: Polenta served as a side dish or base, often with cheese and cream
- Ciorbă: Sour soup, a broad category; ciorbă de burtă (tripe) and ciorbă de fasole (bean) are common
- Mici (mititei): Grilled skinless sausages of mixed minced meat, typically eaten with mustard
- Cozonac: A sweet enriched bread with walnut or poppy seed filling, prominent at holidays
Drinks
- Romanian wines have a long history; the Dealu Mare, Cotnari, and Murfatlar regions produce wines with growing international recognition
- Țuică (plum brandy) is the traditional spirit; pălincă is a stronger double-distilled version from Transylvania
- Craft beer has grown significantly in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca
Farmers' markets (piețe) in most cities sell seasonal produce, local cheeses, and cured meats and are worth a visit for quality and authenticity.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
Verify all emergency numbers through official Romanian government sources before travel, as these can vary by service. Generally in the EU, 112 is the universal emergency number covering police, fire, and ambulance.
Electricity
Type C and F plugs, 230V / 50Hz — standard across continental Europe.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in restaurants, typically rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for good service. It is not always expected but is appreciated.
Opening Hours
Many shops and markets are open seven days a week in urban areas. Government offices, banks, and some attractions may have reduced or no hours on Sundays and public holidays. Verify admission hours locally or on official attraction websites.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacie) are widely available in towns and cities. Some are open 24 hours (de gardă). A prescription is required for many medications; bring adequate supply of any regular prescription drugs with documentation.
Safety
Romania is generally considered safe for tourists. Street crime such as petty theft and pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas, tourist sites, and on public transport in Bucharest and other cities — standard urban precautions apply.
Traffic and road safety deserve attention. Driving standards and road conditions vary; Romania has historically had higher road fatality rates than the EU average, and caution is warranted, particularly on rural and mountain roads at night.
Stray dogs are present in some cities and rural areas, though population management programs have reduced their numbers significantly since the 2010s. Avoid approaching unknown dogs.
Check your government's current travel advisory for Romania before departure, as assessments reflect the most up-to-date conditions.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Romania is a predominantly Orthodox Christian country, and the church plays a visible role in community life, festivals, and architecture. Religious holidays are widely observed; Easter is the most significant, marked by distinctive traditions including midnight church services and the sharing of red-dyed eggs.
Romanian is the official language, a Romance language descended from Latin that is broadly intelligible in written form to speakers of other Romance languages. English is widely spoken by younger generations and in tourism-facing businesses in cities, less so in rural areas and among older populations. French and German have historical presence, particularly in Transylvania.
Romans generally appreciate visitors who show awareness that the country's culture and history are distinct from stereotypes and neighboring nations. Acknowledging the diversity within Romania — between Transylvania, Moldavia, Wallachia, Bukovina, and other regions — is a mark of respect.
Photography of individuals, particularly in rural or traditional settings, warrants courtesy and permission. Religious sites should be entered with appropriate dress (shoulders and knees covered); many churches provide scarves or coverings at the entrance.
