“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you” – Anonymous!
Adventure Awaits those willing to step out of their comfort zone. I am well and truly changed now after our time in Romania. It really does pay off to step outside your comfort zone, I hope this blog will encourage you to take that step too!
Our Road Trip journey through Romania was one of our most surprising and unforgettable adventures. From medieval towns and breathtaking mountain passes to salt mines and fairy-tale castles, this road trip offered a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and family fun.
If you’ve been wondering whether Romania is worth visiting—spoiler alert—it absolutely is! In this article we share our suggested 3 week itinerary, fun facts, and practical tips for an epic road trip through Transylvania, Romania – Oradea, Cluj-Napoca, Sighișoara, Brașov, the Transfăgărășan Highway, Sibiu, and Timisoara. We spent 25 days exploring as we like to take it slower, have some down time and well life happens in there too (you know home-schooling, work etc) but our 21 Day Itinerary below gives you a full Romanian experience and covers so much variety and the highlights, you’ll be certain to have a fantastic adventure.
When to Travel to Romania
Romania is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). These seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and stunning landscapes, whether you’re exploring medieval towns or driving through the Carpathian Mountains. We began our 3.5 week road trip in mid September. We had the most glorious weather, not too hot, not too cold, barely any rain and all attractions and roads were open.
Summer (July–August) is ideal for those who enjoy warmer weather, especially if you’re venturing into the mountains, but expect busier tourist spots. The famous Transfăgărășan Highway is only open between July 1st and November 1st, so plan accordingly if this is on your list.
Winter (December–March) transforms the country into a snowy wonderland, perfect for ski resorts like Poiana Brașov, but be prepared for colder weather and some road closures in mountainous areas.
Romanian Road Trip Logistics
- Car Hire: Renting a car is essential for a Romanian road trip. We recommend hiring from a reputable company like Discover Cars and ensuring you organise your vignette for highway use. This can be done at the fuel stations at the country borders and post offices, Banca Transilvania and even online if you’re hiring from the airport. Most accommodations offer private parking, and driving is generally safe, we didn’t encounter any problems while driving the whole time.
- Fuel: Fuel stations are widespread, with prices being cheaper than in most Western European countries.
- E-SIMs: Staying connected was a breeze with an e-SIM, which provided reliable coverage throughout the country. Services like MobiMatter are affordable and easy to set up.
- Groceries: Romania’s supermarkets (e.g., Carrefour, Kaufland, and Lidl) are affordable and well-stocked. Local markets are also fantastic for fresh produce and unique finds. We preferred Kaufland for our groceries, they had a good range of products, good quality and reasonable prices.
- Cash vs. Card: Romania is largely cash-friendly, and small towns and local markets often only accept cash in the local currency, Romanian Leu (RON). However, most restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels in cities accept major credit and debit cards. ATMs are widely available, and we recommend carrying some cash for rural areas or small purchases. We also had one attraction that we had to pay cash for as no card payments were accepted. We recommend a WISE card for you international money needs.
- Accommodation: We stayed in Airbnb accommodations throughout our trip, and they were fantastic! Each place was comfortable, centrally located, and offered great value for money. If you’re traveling as a family, Airbnb is an excellent choice for both convenience and affordability. This also allowed us to cook a lot of our meals ourselves, but eating out was also quite reasonably priced, so if you prefer not too, then hotels without kitchen facilities would work too.
- Travel Insurance: Don’t skip this! Travel insurance provides peace of mind, especially when driving in a foreign country. Make sure your policy covers all your personal requirements and activities like hiking. We use Safety Wing and they have been great for us.
- Public Transport: Romania has an extensive train network that can take you to many places. We didn’t have to use it due to our hire car but if you would like to day trip via train or not have a car then it is entirely possible too. There are also buses and UBER for other transport needs. We used UBER in the town of Brasov once, when we were too exhausted to walk back to our accommodation one day. It was very cheap, reliable and safe for us.
- VISA: Romania (as of January 2025) is now a part of the Schengen Zone in Europe. This means you can travel without the need for a VISA as long as you spend a MAX 90 days in a 180 period in the whole zone. It also means there is no longer a border crossing at the border between Hungary and Romania (which is where we entered) saving you a lot of time. If you are doing a long trip in Europe, we suggest using this Schengen Calculator to ensure you plan out your time correctly. The is talk of an ETIAS coming soon for the Schengen Zone (and EU) so stay up to date with that here.
Our Itinerary and Suggestion for your Epic Romanian Road Trip
Blue Bed – Towns we stayed in
Green Cutlery – Where we ate
Red camera – Photo viewpoints
Yellow Star – Recommended attractions
Purple Star – Recommended attractions we didn’t get to
Yellow Swings – Children’s attractions
Day 1-2: Oradea – A Perfect Start
Our road trip began in Oradea, and it completely exceeded our expectations. The Piata Unirii, at the heart of the city, is filled with stunning Art Nouveau architecture, including the iconic Black Eagle Palace and Moskovits Palace. We loved wandering the vibrant yet peaceful square, grabbing coffee, and soaking in the lively yet relaxed atmosphere. You can really see that they take pride in their town and are making huge improvements and renovations for their community. In the evening, we made our way to a scenic lookout nearby to Restaurant Ciuperca to watch the sunset over the city—a truly magical moment. We then enjoyed dinner at the restaurant afterwards and it was enjoyable.
We also visited the Oradea Fortress, a pentagon-shaped stronghold dating back to the 13th century. While the museum was unfortunately closed (Monday), we explored the grounds and learned about the fortress’s underground tunnels and passages. These secret passages were used for various purposes, from supplying the fortress during sieges to offering escape routes during times of danger. One of the most striking features of the fortress is its pentagonal shape. This unique design was intended to maximize defensive capabilities, making it an architectural masterpiece of its time. Today, the Oradea Fortress serves as a cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions, events, and a beautiful open-air theatre. It’s a dynamic space where history meets contemporary creativity. This incredible mix of history and culture made Oradea a wonderful first stop on our Romanian adventure.
Tip for kids: We found a playground in December 1st Park and a painted hopscotch and activity path along the river side park Liberty Park. Both were great fun for Aria.
Day 3: Bologa Fortress – A Stop on the Way
On our way to Cluj-Napoca, we stopped at Bologa Fortress, a medieval treasure surrounded by the picturesque Romanian countryside. Built in the 13th century, this fortress played a vital role in regional defense and saw countless battles throughout its history. While much of it now lies in ruins, the remaining tower and walls tell stories of the past. It was a quick and fascinating stop that offered a perfect break in our drive. We parked on the side of the road and took the short 5 minute walk up to the fort. There fortress is very well maintained with stairs, information signs and seating.
Fun Fact: The Hungarian king, Sigismund de Louxemburg after signing the alliance treaty against the Turks in 1399 gave the fortress of Bologa to the Romanian Country’s prince. In the 17th century the Turkish Sultan gave orders for it to be destroyed as it was making their troops’ life hard, however this order wasn’t followed and it was later destroyed by explosion and only a corner of the protection wall with the tower can be seen today. Interesting huh!! There is so much history at every corner in Europe, it is mind boggling!
Day 4-5: Cluj-Napoca – A Blend of History and Modern Life
Cluj-Napoca is a vibrant city and the cultural heart of Transylvania. We enjoyed strolling through the Old Town, where historic squares, beautiful churches, and bustling cafes create a lively yet relaxed vibe. We also treated ourselves to an incredible dinner in one of the main squares at Shadow Bar —delicious food in an atmospheric setting.
The highlight of this leg of the trip was our visit to Salina Turda, a unique underground salt mine turned amusement park. Underground, but several millions of years ago, as in Prehistoric times, Transylvania, Romania was covered by an immense sea. Millions of years later, the waters evaporated and left behind an impressive layer of salt, which spreads across the entire subsoil of Transylvania, with an average thickness of about 400 m. So, the salt from Turda Salt Mine dates back to prehistory, a treasure left behind by time.
Carved by hand, you travel down 112m through a tunnel and history and elevator (or stairs if you are keen). At the bottom is a generous amphitheatre hosting shows of all kinds, sports fields, bowling, mini-golf, billiards, playground, cafe and many other activities. There is also a lake where you can row boat if you wish. The size is beyond words to describe and it is a very unique experience.
Tip: All of the activities down in the salt mine are an additional cost which can only be paid in cash, so if you are planning on doing any of those, make sure you get some cash before you go.
Get more detail in our Oradea – Cluj YouTube Episode!
Recommended Tours in Oradea and Cluj-Napoca
Day 6-8: Sighișoara – A Medieval Masterpiece
Stepping into Sighișoara felt like stepping back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed town, famous as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula), is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval citadels. The cobblestone (& river rock 🤣) streets are lined with colorful houses, charming cafes, and historic landmarks, including the iconic Clock Tower and the Covered Stairway, which leads to the Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal), a stunning lookout point to enjoy views over the town and through the ancient cemetery.
We spent our days exploring the town’s nooks and crannies, snapping photos of the vibrant buildings, intricate doorways and breathtaking views. In the evening, we retreated to our cozy accommodation, which was a welcome reprieve from a storm on our first evening. Our phones started having an alarm sound. We looked at each other and then a Romanian text message came through (it used the cell tower connection to send the message to anyone connected to the relevant towers). We found the English section which was a severe flooding and electrical storm warning, to avoid driving or walking and remain indoors. We were glad we had a top level apartment as we could enjoy the storm views. All was fine and no damage occurred.
Tip: Visit Atelier Specialty Coffee on Umbrella Street for an excellent coffee and hot chocolate, in a cheerful setting. The prices were great too, 2 hot chocolates, 1 coffee, 2 pastries cost us $12aud.
Recommended Tours in Oradea and Cluj-Napoca
Day 9-15: Brașov and Surroundings – A Family Favourite
Brașov quickly became one of our favourite towns in Romania. Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, it offers a perfect mix of history, outdoor activities, and incredible scenery. We explored landmarks like the the Town Square, Black Church, Black and White Towers, The Council House , the Citadel, Old City Walls and the Schei Gate, learning about Brașov’s fascinating history.
For nature lovers, Tampa Mountain is a must-visit. We took the cable car up for stunning panoramic views of the city and the iconic Brașov sign. You catch a cable car to the top, or walk or bike if you’re keen, and can head to the lookout or take the many walking tracks. You can buy a one-way or return cable car ticket too, so you can do a mix of both. We chose a return on the cable car and walked to the Brasov Sign lookout and the old fort lookout. For $6pp a return ticket was a bargain. If you’re looking for something a little different, at the top at the cable car entry/exit point there is a cafe/food truck style eatery space with beers available. We didn’t buy anything so not sure on price, quality or options.
Another highlight was the Seven Ladders Canyon, a thrilling hike through a lush forest and vertical ladders leading to hidden waterfalls. We weren’t sure what to expect but had heard it was a lovely forest walk and an interesting experience. The forest was indeed lovely, however it was only part way through that we realised the Carpathian Mountains are home to Europe’s largest population of Brown Bears AND there was a warning sign about them. All of a sudden walking and eating our sandwiches didn’t feel safe anymore. We continued along at a little faster pace and made it to the canyon. The staff weren’t sure if Aria was capable of doing the ladders unassisted by harness (which you can hire) as they are quite vertical but we were confident with her travel experience she isn’t really like many other 6 year olds.
On our walk back we didn’t get far before we spotted a…………..fox, then another. They were quite scared but also interested, but as our first wild foxes we were pretty excited. I am happy to report, no Brown Bears were seen on this walk, not saying they didn’t see us though!
Finally, for more nature love and outstanding views, we recommend the short 20minute drive to the ski village, Poiana. It is also the biggest and most luxurious mountain resort in Romania. We caught another cable car before hiking to the highest point of that area, Postavaru at 1799m. You can even hire mountain bikes to ride down (or walk) or if you’re visiting in winter, ski or snowboard. We took a picnic lunch with us, for lunch with a view, however there is a mountain lodge which has food and drink options. We stopped for a cider at the mountain lodge before making our way down – $5AUD each cider, sooooo cheap!!
No trip to this region would be complete without visiting Peleș Castle and Bran Castle. Peleș Castle’s fairy-tale architecture and opulent interiors were a feast for the eyes, while Bran Castle offered a unique mix of medieval history and Dracula folklore.
We had the most magical day wandering through the fairy tale-like Peleș Castle nestled in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. This architectural masterpiece is straight out of a storybook! When you think of Romania, you think of vampires and not prestigious castles, well believe me there is no vampire in sight here! Surrounded by lush forests and picturesque landscapes, Peleș Castle has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. It was commissioned by the first King of Romania, King Carol I. The interior is equally impressive, with opulent rooms adorned in the finest decor, intricate woodwork, and beautiful stained glass windows. Did you know that it served as the summer residence for the Romanian royal family until 1939?
The castle’s stunning gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the walk from the car parking is beautiful too. The view from the terrace is simply breath-taking. The castle also boasts an impressive collection of armour and weaponry in the Grand Armory, showcasing a slice of Romania’s military history.
Costs depends on how many levels of the castle you want to see. We just did the grounds and the first level and that was plenty. We got a real understanding of the castle and saw so much. Including parking fee and entry it was approximately $37 but you can do one or two additional levels for more if you wish. Plus there is a 2nd Castle – Pelisor Castle which was built for one of the King’s Princes that you can explore too. Further there are restaurants and shops on the grounds, plus two very inquisitive foxes (our 2nd wild fox spotting and they were happy to pose for a pic).
Bran Castle AKA Dracula’s castle – We couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit here even though the reviews we saw weren’t very good. What the reviews did tell us was that you NEED to get there before 10am if you want any chance to see anything and have space to walk. So we did and we 1005 agree and recommend it too.
We really did enjoy it, it was completely different to Peles Castle, due to the different history and the attempt to incorporate some vampire themes too (under 12s and under 18s not allowed in some sections). The highlight was the building itself perched on the hill and the design. There is a garden space at the bottom also which gives you great views of the castle, plus a space for kids to run around. There is the main street of shops and eateries, plus a market type walkway at the base. Costs for this worked out the same as Peles, although our parking was cheaper, entrance fees more expensive. We didn’t do the two additional attractions at the castle (tortured chamber was one) as they were not suitable for Aria and didn’t have the best reviews.
For History lovers The Council House in Brașov was originally built as a defensive watchtower in the 13th century. It was part of Brașov’s fortifications, designed to help protect the city from invasions and attacks. The layered wooden balconies and external walkways which circle the upper levels of the building, were originally designed to serve as observation and defense platforms, allowing guards to keep watch over the square and surrounding area. Over time, as the city expanded and its needs evolved, the structure was repurposed into the administrative center of Brașov, becoming the town hall in the 15th century. The main building now hosts a Medieval museum which costs approx. 10 lei pp for entry, however wandering the grounds and balconies is free.
As you wander the town, around the city walls, the Citadel and the towers, there are numerous information signs (in English and Romanian) helping to give you an understanding of Brasov’s past.
Tip: The town central square was a stunning open space that hosted a local market on a Saturday evening. Be aware though, food and drinks in this main square are more expensive than just one or two streets back.
Hot Tip 2: If you have spare time, plan a couple of nights at Busteni. We day tripped here from Brasov to Peles Castle and wished we knew how beautiful it was as we would have stayed a couple of nights.
Get more detail in our Sighisoara & Brasov YouTube Episodes!
Day 16: The Transfăgărășan Highway – The Drive of a Lifetime
The Transfăgărășan Highway is often called the world’s best driving road, and it’s easy to see why. This winding mountain pass, reaching heights of 2,042 meters, offers jaw-dropping views at every turn. From cascading waterfalls to serene lakes, it was a feast for the senses. Along the way, we had a face to face encounter with a brown bear—a thrilling and unforgettable experience, that I’m glad I’m still here to tell the story.
The drive from Brasov, through the Transfăgărășan Highway took us roughly 7 hours. We started at the South and headed North to our next town Sibiu. We stopped for lunch along the way, and only another 2 stops, however we enjoyed the views the entire time. In the South it is more forested and river side valley and mountain driving, before reaching the Vidraru Dam. On the North of the Dam Wall (which you drive over) the road turns from forest to alpine mountains, continuous hairpin turns, and even more amazing views. Don’t forget this road is closed over Winter and Spring so plan accordingly, as you want to have this drive on your Road Trip MUST Do list!
Tip: DO NOT FEED THE BEARS FROM YOUR CAR!! This is just simply wrong and so dangerous! We saw this happen while we were driving, which then put a motorcyclist in danger, who doesn’t have the protection of a car, like most.
Watch our EPIC Transfagarasan Episode!
Day 17-18: Sibiu – The City of Eyes
Sibiu charmed us with its quirky roof windows that give the impression the city is watching you. We loved wandering the historic Large Square and Small Square, crossing the Bridge of Lies, and climbing the Council Tower for just 30c to enjoy panoramic views. Sibiu’s medieval past, combined with its welcoming vibe, made it a delightful stop. We wandered some more and stumbled up the Bastionul Porții Cisnădiei! This historic fortress, dating back to the 16th century, is a true marvel, showcasing the city’s rich medieval past. Climb the wooden steps to the towers and walk along the wooden balcony, imagining the history that took place here.
We didn’t venture too far from the main old city as everything we wanted to do was right there. We stayed right next to the old city walls, which had a park on the outside, fabulous for Aria.
Tip: Our two nights here was plenty of time for the main attractions. As much as we really enjoyed the vibe and the town, and think it is a must, if you are strap for time and need to cut a day somewhere you could visit all of these attractions in 1 full day (2 night stay), but who likes to rush if you don’t have to!
Day 19 – Corvin Castle – A Fairytale Castle Stop
This medieval masterpiece is a true gem nestled in the heart of Transylvania. We wandered through its ancient corridors, marvelling at the intricate architecture and Gothic details that transport you back in time. The imposing towers and well-preserved rooms tell tales of knights, kings, and legends that echo through the centuries.
Don’t miss the jaw-dropping Knights’ Hall – a grand space adorned with stunning frescoes and a majestic vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale! And can we talk about the impressive drawbridge? It’s like stepping into a scene from a fantasy novel! Another well priced gem found in Romania!
Tip: They are doing renovations so this place is only just going to get even better!!
Day 20-21: Timisoara – A Cultural Finale
Our final stop, Timisoara, was buzzing with energy. Known as the birthplace of the Romanian Revolution in 1989, which ended the communist regime, Timișoara has a rich history of resilience and cultural significance; today, it thrives as a vibrant European city, celebrated for its stunning architecture and lively arts scene. It was the perfect way to end our Romanian adventure.
We happened to be visiting when they were hosting a European Capital of Culture Festival so we ensured we didn’t peak too early with our exploring once we arrived so we had some energy left that night to explore. What a wonderful cultural activity! We had an absolute blast especially the ‘bobble people’, they were hilarious!
We made the most of our short stop and walked our legs off. We had a few sights we wanted to visit, which like most of our stops are just to look at and admire the beauty of the architecture and history. These European towns really know how to do walking centres well. We had our hire-car but we didn’t need it at all while in town. It is so easy and safe to get into the town squares and back again.
Our key highlights in Timisoara for you are Union Square (Piața Unirii), Brück House, The Old Town of Timișoara (Centru), Liberty Square (Piața Libertății), “Three Hierarchs” Metropolitan Cathedral, Ion Creangă Children’s Park and the Botanic Park.
Fun Facts: Brück House was designed by László Székely and Arnold Merbl in the Secession style and resembles a thin slice of cake. Initially, there was a pharmacy on the site of the building since 1898 and it was called Golden Cross. It was refurbished and used in the following years by pharmacist Salamon Brück. The pharmacy still works today and much of the original furniture and display cases are still in use. The building, which was originally built in the Viennese Baroque style, was later rebuilt in the Secession style at Brück’s request. The reconstruction began in 1910 according to the plans of the chief architect of Timișoara at the time, László Székely, and was completed a year later. Falling into disrepair after 1989, the house was renovated in 2012 by an Italian businessman who bought an apartment in the building in 1999.
Watch our Romanian Finale!
Final Thoughts on Romania
Romania is a hidden gem that exceeded every expectation. From its rich history and breathtaking landscapes to its affordability and warm hospitality, this road trip left us speechless. All of the cities and towns we visited were amazing. They were safe, clean, friendly, interesting, unique and historic just to name a few characteristics. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable travel destination, Romania should be at the top of your list!
Summary:
No. Of nights: 25
No. Towns Visited: 11 (including day trips)
Top 2 Towns: Brasov, Sibiu
Favourite attractions: Transfagarasan, Salina Turda, Poiana, Peles Castle
Costs:
Accommodation: $2991
Car Hire: $576
Attractions: $226
Eating Out: $483
Groceries: $934
Fuel, Parking, Tolls: $346
Other: $342 (E-sims, flights, misc)
TOTAL: $5 808 ($242/day)
This definitely could have been cheaper but we ate out a bit and stayed in top notch accommodation as it still came in under budget, so we treated ourselves. You could definitely do it cheaper and save money in Romania.
Have you been to Romania, or is it on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
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Planning a Trip to Romania?
~ Hiring a car? We recommend getting a quote from DiscoverCars
~ Hiring a Motorhome? We recommend Motorhome Republic
~ Arranged your Travel Insurance? We recommend SafetyWing
~ Booked your accommodation? We use Expedia or Airbnb or TrustedHouseSitters (25% off code on our Travel Tools Page)
~ Need a house or Pet Sitter while you’re away? We recommend finding a Trusted House Sitter.
~ Got your E-Sim sorted? We use MobiMatter to stay in touch!
~ Organised your spending money? We use WISE to get the best rate with the lowest fees!
~ Booked your flights? We use SkyScanner to find the best deals!