Best Things to Do in Romania

Imagine arriving in Romania as dawn mist curls over the Carpathians, a shepherd leads his flock past wooden churches, and somewhere in the distance a fortress clings to a cliffside. The country feels like a fairytale only it’s real. Yet with so much to see, from the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the wild Danube Delta, figuring out where to go and when can feel overwhelming. That’s where TripPilot, your AI Travel Planner, turns a dream into a tailored reality. It’s like having a personal travel planner in your pocket, helping you create a travel itinerary online, optimize routes, and even uncover hidden gems all while keeping your style and budget in mind.

Key Takeaways

• Discover Romania’s must-see highlights: castles, medieval towns, monasteries, mountain roads, and the Danube Delta.
• Get practical travel tips on best times, transport, culture, food, and safety.
• Learn how to build a custom trip with AI assistance from TripPilot, turning complex routes into smooth experiences.
• Save time and money with custom travel planning tools like TripPilot’s free vacation trip planner.
• Explore both iconic attractions and off-beat gems for a balanced Romania itinerary.

Romania’s Iconic Castles and Medieval Towns

Romania’s castles and medieval citadels are the stuff of legends.

Bran Castle

Often marketed as “Dracula’s Castle,” Bran is perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop near Brașov. While the Dracula connection is more myth than history, its medieval towers and dramatic silhouette make it Romania’s most photographed landmark.

Arrive early or after 4 p.m. to avoid long queues. Entrance fees are modest, and guides bring folklore alive.

With TripPilot’s custom travel planning tools, you can pair Bran with nearby Rasnov Fortress or schedule a relaxed half-day in Brașov’s old town.

Peleș Castle

In Sinaia, Peleș feels straight out of Bavaria with ornate spires, stained glass, and richly decorated interiors. It was once the summer residence of Romania’s kings.

Closed Mondays; tickets vary by tour type. Photography permits are extra.

If you create a travel itinerary online, TripPilot ensures you don’t miss opening hours, suggests nearby hikes, and plans dining stops.

Sibiu, Brașov & Sighișoara

These medieval towns are alive with cobblestone charm, pastel squares, and fortified churches. Sibiu was a European Capital of Culture; Sighișoara is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.

Sighișoara’s citadel is best explored in early morning light. Sibiu’s food markets are excellent for local cheeses and cured meats.

Use TripPilot’s AI travel planner to decide whether to overnight in Sibiu or Brașov, optimize train vs. car routes, and sprinkle in lesser-known Saxon villages.

Nature at Its Wildest

Transfăgărășan Highway

Dubbed “the best road in the world” by Top Gear, this mountain highway zig-zags through the Carpathians with sharp switchbacks and panoramic lake views.

Open only late June–October; pack layers and drive carefully.

When you build a custom trip, TripPilot will alert you if the road is closed, recommend alternatives like Transalpina, and map fuel stops.

Danube Delta

The Delta is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and bird-watching paradise. Explore by boat from Tulcea, spotting pelicans, herons, and wild horses.

Bring mosquito repellent and stay overnight in local guesthouses for authentic meals.

As your personal travel planner, TripPilot can schedule wildlife tours, recommend eco-lodges, and estimate seasonal travel costs.

Carpathian Hikes & Wildlife

Beyond roads, the Carpathians offer trails through pine forests and alpine meadows. You might see brown bears, so hike with guides.

Hiking gear is essential. Trails are marked but remote.

Use the free vacation trip planner feature to select hikes by difficulty and integrate them into your broader route.

Cultural & Spiritual Treasures

Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

Voroneț, Moldovița, and Humor are famous for vivid frescoes that have survived centuries of weather. These monasteries tell biblical stories in art form.

Dress modestly and visit early to avoid tour buses.

TripPilot maps monasteries in clusters, ensuring efficient driving routes and cultural context.

Wooden Churches of Maramureș

UNESCO-listed, these wooden masterpieces reflect centuries of craftsmanship. Villages nearby still maintain folk traditions.

Bring cash local homestays often don’t take cards.

With custom travel planning, TripPilot can suggest village homestays and seasonal festivals worth attending.

Romanian Cuisine

Try sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled sausages), and papanasi (cheese donuts with jam). Wine regions like Dealu Mare produce excellent reds.

The AI Travel Planner recommends food tours in cities and family-run restaurants in rural areas.

Coastal Romania & Slow Travel Routes

Black Sea Resorts

Constanța mixes history and seaside leisure, while Mamaia offers nightlife and beach clubs.

Visit in June or September for fewer crowds and lower prices.

If you create a travel itinerary online, TripPilot balances coastal relaxation with inland exploration.

Via Transilvanica Trail

Romania’s long-distance trail crosses mountains, villages, and historic landmarks.

Hike sections rather than the entire route unless you have weeks.

Perfect for those who want to build a custom trip focused on slow travel and cultural immersion.

Sample 7-Day Romania Itinerary

Here is the 7-days itinerary of Romania Itinerary

• Day 1: Explore Bucharest Old Town, Palace of Parliament, local dining.
• Day 2: Sinaia & Peleș Castle, overnight in Brașov.
• Day 3: Brașov old town + Bran Castle.
• Day 4: Drive Transfăgărășan, overnight in Sibiu.
• Day 5: Explore Sibiu & Sighișoara.
• Day 6: Bucovina monasteries.
• Day 7: Danube Delta wildlife cruise, return.

By using TripPilot’s free vacation trip planner, you can tweak this adding Black Sea days, hiking detours, or village stays without losing balance.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Best time to visit Romania: May–June and September for mild weather.
• Transport: Rent a car for flexibility. Public transport works between big towns, but rural spots need private transfer.
• Budget: Romania is affordable; expect €40–70/day outside luxury travel.
• Currency & language: Use RON; English common in cities, less so in villages.
• Safety: Romania is safe, but drive cautiously in mountains and respect local customs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to plan a Romania trip without stress?

Using an AI travel planner like TripPilot saves time. It works as your personal travel planner, helping you compare routes, optimize days, and build a custom trip without spreadsheets.

Can I use a free tool to create my Romania itinerary?

Yes. TripPilot doubles as a free vacation trip planner, letting you create a travel itinerary online that matches your budget, travel style, and timeframe.

Is Romania good for road trips?

Absolutely. Roads like the Transfăgărășan and Transalpina are world-class drives. With TripPilot’s custom travel planning, you can combine road trips with city breaks and cultural stops.

Do I need cash everywhere in Romania?

In cities, cards work. In rural villages and monasteries, cash is best. TripPilot can flag locations with limited ATM access during your planning.

Conclusion

Romania is a land of legends and landscapes where castles guard valleys, frescoes light up monasteries, and rivers run wild into the Delta. Whether you’re here for a short escape or a long exploration, the real magic is weaving it all together. That’s where modern tools come in: TripPilot lets you create a travel itinerary online, enjoy custom travel planning, and act like a personal travel planner who understands your style.

Explore Best Itinerary of Romania:

• Bucharest to Braila
• Pitesti to Sibiu
• Iasi toTimisoara