Who doesn’t know Count Dracula? This fictional character has spawned tons of movies and TV series, even the animation franchise Hotel Transylvania.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Dracula is just a made-up character, but the place where his castle is located is very real, and the castle is located in Romania.
Aside from this, the country is also known for the Carpathian Mountains, brown bears, its food, the Danube Delta, and more.
Romania is located at the crossroads of Eastern, Central, and Southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Ukraine to the north, Moldova to the east, Bulgaria to the south, and the Black Sea to the southeast.
It is the 12th largest country in Europe and the sixth most populous state in the European Union.
You will find 3 options for 2 weeks in Romania itinerary here. You can choose which one works best for your travel style or simply use these as inspiration as you create your own European travel itinerary.
BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR ROMANIA
When is the best time to travel to Romania
The best time to visit Romania depends on what you want to experience.
The shoulder seasons, spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), offer milder weather and fewer tourists, making it an excellent time for sightseeing and enjoying Romania’s beautiful landscapes. This is what I personally think is the best time to travel to Romania.
Peak season is during summer, from June to August when the weather is warm and perfect for exploring cities and beaches, but it’s also when tourist spots are most crowded.
Winter, from December to February, is ideal for those who love winter sports, especially in the Carpathian Mountains. However, it can be quite cold, and some attractions may have limited access.
The rainy season in Romania is typically during late spring and early summer, with May and June experiencing the most rainfall.
Are 2 weeks enough for Romania
How to get around
The fastest way to travel between major cities is by domestic flights, which connect Bucharest with cities like Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași.
For a more scenic and affordable option, trains are a good choice, offering extensive coverage across the country, though they can be slower.
Buses are the most affordable way to travel, with a wide network and frequent services, especially between smaller towns and rural areas.
Car rental is recommended if you plan to explore remote regions or enjoy the flexibility of creating your own itinerary. However, be prepared for varying road conditions and the occasional challenging mountain route.
In cities, public transportation is efficient and budget-friendly, with options like buses, trams, and metro systems in Bucharest.
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are available in major cities, offering a convenient and often cost-effective way to get around.
Taxis are also widely available, but make sure to use reputable companies or apps to avoid overcharging.
Language and currency
The main language spoken in Romania is Romanian. It’s a Romance language, similar to Italian, Spanish, and French. While Romanian is the primary language, many people, especially in urban areas and tourist spots, speak English.
Younger generations and those working in the hospitality industry are more likely to be fluent in English. Tourists can generally get around using English, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and popular attractions.
However, learning a few basic Romanian phrases can enhance your experience and help in more rural areas where English might not be as widely spoken.
The main currency in Romania is the Romanian leu (plural: lei), abbreviated as RON. Tourists generally cannot pay with other major currencies like the euro or US dollar, so it’s essential to have some local currency on hand.
Cash is widely used, especially in smaller towns, local markets, and for small purchases.
However, in larger cities and tourist areas, credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It’s a good idea to carry some cash for convenience, but using a card is usually fine in most urban settings.
Visa
Cost of 2 weeks in Romania
A 2-week vacation in Romania can vary widely in cost depending on your travel style and preferences.
For an affordable trip, you might spend around $800 to $1,200 per person. This budget-friendly option typically includes staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating at local restaurants or street food vendors, and using public transportation like buses and trains.
A mid-range vacation might cost between $1,500 to $2,500 per person. This price range covers staying in comfortable three to four-star hotels or charming guesthouses, dining at a mix of mid-range and local restaurants, and occasionally hiring private transportation or taking domestic flights for convenience.
For a luxury vacation, expect to spend $4,000 or more per person. This includes staying in high-end hotels, boutique accommodations, or even castles. You’ll dine at top restaurants, enjoy private tours and exclusive experiences, and have access to premium transportation options, such as private car services or business-class flights.
These cost estimates cover accommodations, meals, transportation within Romania, and activities or tours. These don’t include international flights to and from Romania, travel insurance, or personal shopping expenses.
Travel arrangement tips
MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN ROMANIA
Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google
2 WEEKS IN ROMANIA ITINERARY
Romania isn’t as well-known as other Eastern European countries, but this should be remedied as this country has a lot to offer.
There’s something to do for those who like slow travel, those who love vacations with jam-packed activities, or if you prefer nature-centric or history-focused travel; whatever it is that you prefer, Romania has got you covered.
There are three itineraries for you in this 2 weeks in Romania post. Don’t worry because you don’t have to follow these itineraries to a tee; they only serve as guides to provide you with ideas on what you can do in each of the locations.
ALSO READ: 2 weeks in Eastern Europe itineraries or 2 weeks in Europe itineraries
Itinerary #1: First-timer (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara)
This first 2 weeks in Romania itinerary is perfect for first-timers. You can take a stroll through Bucharest’s oldest and most charming park, Cismigiu Park, and then have a coffee break in one of the speciality cafes there.
Next is Brasov, where you can visit the largest Gothic church east of Vienna, the Black Church. This is the city you want to be if you plan to visit Dracula’s Castle.
Cluj-Napoca is filled with stunning castles, medieval towns, and mountains, and it is a place that will surely capture your heart, as it did with Prince Charles, who fell in love with the place and has visited it many times
Lastly is Timisoara, a small town with a lively vibe where you can also sample Serbian foods as it shares a border with Serbia. Read on to learn more about what each of these cities offers.
Bucharest for 3 days
Bucharest is the most prosperous city in Romania, surpassing Budapest a couple of years ago. It is also known as Paris of the East because you can see the French influence in some places here, like Calea Victorei.
Brasov for 3 days
Brasov is a city in Transylvania, fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains. It has an overall gothic vibe, with baroque and Renaissance architecture.
It is also home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe, Rope Street, which is only 3.6 to 4 feet wide.
The distance between Bucharest and Brasov is 186.2 km (115.69 miles). The most recommended option is to travel by train, which only costs between $7 and $19. The travel time is almost 2 hours. Other options include riding a bus, riding a taxi, or driving.
Cluj-Napoca for 4 days
If you’re staying for 14 days in Romania, I highly recommend that you stay in Cluj-Napoca for 4 days. It is the second-most populous city in Romania and is considered the unofficial capital of the historical province of Transylvania.
It is considered an art city of the future as it’s brimming with national and international art galleries. It also houses some remarkable artistic projects in the country, including the Paintbrush Factory and the Centrul de Interes.
The distance between Brasov and Cluj-Napoca is 270.6 km (168.14 miles), and the most recommended option is to ride a bus via Feldioara Hm. The travel time is more than 4 hours. Other options include riding the train, riding the night train, or driving.
Timisoara for 4 days
Timisoara is considered the informal capital of the Banat region and the main social, economic, and cultural centre in Western Romania.
It is located on the Bega River. It is known as Little Vienna because some of the architecture, green spaces, and trams evoke a Viennese vibe. It has a lively cultural scene, with no less than four theatres and numerous museums.
The distance between Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara is 315 km (195.73 miles). The most recommended option is by bus, with a travel time of almost 7 hours.
Driving is faster, with a travel duration of more than 3 hours, but it is more expensive. Flying actually takes longer compared to driving, so I don’t really recommend this unless it’s the only option in that location.
Itinerary #2: Off-the-trail (Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, Constanta)
People who love off-the-trail locations will surely love this second itinerary. Let’s start with Bucharest, where you can walk to your heart’s content, and you’ll never run out of fascinating things to see.
One of these is numerous churches that were physically picked up and moved to new locations to avoid being demolished during the communist era.
The next stop is Brasov, where you’ll get to stroll through one of the narrowest streets and fascinating ancient gates.
After that, you’ll stay in Sibiu, Romania’s cultural capital, known for its ethereal natural landscapes, culinary prowess, and medieval charm.
Your last stop will be in Constanta, the oldest city in Romania, which is also considered both a seaside city and a party city.
You can also have a day tour here if you’re coming from Bucharest, so it means that going back to Bucharest if Constanta is your last stop will be a breeze.
Bucharest for 4 days
One of the greatest things about starting in Bucharest is that you don’t need a car to explore this place, as the tourist attractions are near each other or are easily accessible by public transport.
Free parking is also abundant in areas near tourist attractions, should you choose to travel by car.
Brasov for 3 days
Brasov is among the most stunning places in Romania, with its nostalgic cobble-stoned streets, mysterious gothic-style churches, and medieval Saxon fortifications.
In fact, Brasov is one of the seven Saxon-walled citadels used to protect the Hungarian Empire, so this city is brimming with history. It is also the second most visited city by tourists, next to Bucharest.
From Bucharest to Brasov, I highly recommend that you travel by train because it’s a little faster than riding a bus and cheaper than driving or riding a taxi.
However, you can also choose to ride a taxi or drive if you prefer privacy and schedule flexibility.
Sibiu for 3 days
Sibiu is a well-preserved, fortified medieval town in central Romania. It is nicknamed The Town with Eyes because of the historical buildings with partly open rooftops.
It is domestically and internationally well-known for its gastronomy, diverse architecture, culture, and history.
The distance between Brasov and Sibiu is 146.9 km (91.28 miles), and the most recommended option is to ride a bus. It has a travel time of more than 2 hours. Other options include riding a train, a taxi, or driving.
Constanta for 4 days
Constanta is a port city in the Dobruja historical region of Romania and is the fourth largest city in the country. It is famous for its archaeological treasures.
It also has a long and interesting past, with its historical buildings and colourful facade inspired by Greek and Roman vestiges. These could be found in the Old City Center.
It’s by the Black Sea, which is a nice place to go during summer. There are boat tours you can do simply to enjoy the beach.
You will also see a lot of places of worship for various religions here, such as orthodox churches and mosques.
The most recommended option if you’re coming from Sibiu is to go by bus. It has a travel time of 8 and a half hours.
If you want to reach Constanta faster, you can also drive, but it is way more expensive, with rates ranging from $75 to $120. The travel duration is more than 6 hours. Other options include riding the train or the night train.
Itinerary #3: Winter Visit (Bucharest, Sibu, Transylvania)
For the last 2 weeks in Romania itinerary option, I have handpicked the cities that I think are perfect winter destinations. Starting off with Bucharest, which is simply a winter wonderland during this season.
You can look for seasonal produce at the advent markets during the holiday season, enjoy their winter treat Papanasi, which is a dessert, and warm up at Therme Spa, their wellness-focused waterpark with a natural hot spring.
There are tons of winter activities in the Carpathian Mountains near Sibiu, including skiing, hiking, or snowshoeing. You can also experience a sleigh ride at Astra Museum and visit the ice hotel at Transfagarasan.
Your last stop is in Transylvania, where you can tour Castle Bran in the snow, ski to your heart’s content at the Poiana Brasov, view the snow-capped Sighisoara from above, and do other memorable activities.
Bucharest for 4 days
Bucharest’s charm is revealed through exploring its museums, charming lanes, and city parks. You could opt for a guided tour because cities are best understood through the lens of the locals.
You should start your trip here because it is a perfect introductory place for the country, as it is filled with historical buildings and artefacts, so you’ll get to learn more about the country that you’re visiting.
Sibiu for 4 days
Sibiu is not very well-known, unlike the other cities in this article. However, most, if not all, of the people who went there stayed in this place far longer than their original plan. That’s how good Sibiu is.
In 2019, it was even named the European Region of Gastronomy.
A couple of places to visit here are the Large Square and Small Square, Sighisoara, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Transfagarasan Road, which is considered the best driving road in the world.
You can even take a day trip to Corvin Castle and the Citadel of Alba-Carolina. When travelling from Bucharest to Sibiu, I highly recommend that you ride the bus, as it’s the cheapest and the travel duration from other options isn’t that far.
Riding the bus has a travel time of 5 and a half hours while driving lasts for almost 4 hours. Other options include riding the train or the night train.
Transylvania for 6 days
Transylvania is a cultural and historical region in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Carpathian Mountains to the east and south and the Apuseni Mountains to the west. It is known for its Carpathian landscape.
It also houses a couple of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Dacian Fortresses in the Orastie Mountains, villages with fortified churches, and more.
The distance between Sibiu and Transylvania is 149 km (92.58 miles). The most recommended option is to ride the train or taxi, with rates ranging from $47 to $67. It has a travel time of more than 2 hours.
The cheapest option is to ride the bus, with rates ranging from $4 to $7, but it has a travel time of more than 4 hours. Other options include riding a taxi or driving.
This is the perfect place to finish your trip because there’s so much to do here all year round. In fact, there are a couple of locations in Transylvania (Romania) that are known as skiing spots, such as Ski Resort Transalpina, Straja Resort, and Vârtop Ski Slope, among others.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN ROMANIA (per city)
Bucharest
- Book a day tour to Dracula Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov or Transylvania and Dracula Castle only
- Snagov Monastery
- Transfagarasan Mountain Road – Learn about the famous road with a visit to Vidraru Dam and Poienari Castle via this guided tour
- Old Town
- Book a transfer and entrance ticket to Salt Mountain and the Slanic Prahova Salt Mine
- Cismigiu Gardens
- Spring Palace
- Try riding a private tuk-tuk around the city
- National Museum of Art
- Explore the Palace of Parliament – book your tickets here
- Herastrau Park
- Village Museum
- Try wine tasting in Romania – one of Europe’s oldest wine hubs
- Discover Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas via this food tour
- Stavropoleos Church
- Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
- Day trip to Bulgaria – see tour cost or this one
- Carol Park
- Carturesti Carusel
Cluj-Napoca
- Centrul Istoric Sighisoara – book a private tour with Biertan Fortified Church
- Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden
- Turda Salt Mine – compare this tour with this one
- Steampunk Transylvania
- Join a walking tour through the city of Cluj – read tour reviews
- Try hiking the Vladeasa Peak and Bride’s Waterfall
- Cetatuia Park
- Cluj Museums
Timisoara
- Explore the city of Timisoara – compare this walking tour with this one or book a private tour around the city
- Victory Square
- Join a day tour to Corvin Castle and Sibiu
- St. George’s Cathedral
- Explore the beauty of Danube Gorge and Banat Waterfalls – check what’s included
- Roses Park
Brasov (Bran Castle)
- Explore the city’s architecture via a candlelight tour
- Peles Castle Tour
- Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) – Join a combo tour with Rasnov Fortress and Peles Castle or compare it with this one
- The Black Church
- See Carpathian brown bears up close – see tour cost
- Brasov Old Town Hall
- Join this tour to enjoy the views at Transfagarasan Highway with a visit to Transylvania famous sites
- The Council Square
- Join a hiking tour at the Piatra Craiului National Park
- Cable car ride to Mount Tampa
- Try visiting the Romanian Mountain Village to learn about their way of life
- Hike to Seven Ladders Canyon
Sibiu
- Discover the famous landmarks of Sibiu – compare this tour with this one
- Explore Sibiu’s Old Town at your own pace via this self-guided tour
- Bridge of Lies
- Brukenthal Palace
- Book a combo tour to Bran Castle, Brasov and Rasnov Fortress
- Citadel Street
- Grand Square Clock Tower
- Visit Sambata de Sus via an E-bike tour
- Large Square and Small Square
- Join a tour to Sighisoara and Biertan
- Transfagarasan Road – book a tour with a visit to Balea Lake, Balea and Capra Waterfalls
- Day trip to Corvin Castle and the Citadel of Alba-Carolina – check what’s included
Constanta
- Roman Edifice
- Genoese Lighthouse
- The Casino of Constanța
- Constanta Archeology Park
- Constanta Art Museum
- Modern Beach
LOCAL ROMANIAN DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY
Romanian dishes are a delightful blend of flavours influenced by neighbouring countries. Don’t forget to try a few during your 2 weeks in Romania:
Romania offers a rich culinary experience with a variety of traditional dishes, desserts, and drinks that you shouldn’t miss. Here are some must-try items:
- Sarmale – Cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and spices, usually served with polenta and sour cream.
- Mici (Mititei) – Grilled skinless sausages made from a mix of pork, beef, and lamb, seasoned with garlic and spices.
- Ciorbă de burtă – A sour tripe soup flavoured with vinegar, garlic, and sour cream, often garnished with hot peppers.
- Mămăligă – A traditional cornmeal dish similar to polenta, often served as a side with various stews and cheeses.
- Tochitură – A hearty stew made with pork or beef, served with mămăligă, cheese, and a fried egg on top.
- Papanasi – Fried or boiled doughnuts made with fresh cheese, usually topped with sour cream and fruit preserves.
- Zacuscă – A vegetable spread made from roasted eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes, typically served on bread.
- Covrigi – Romanian-style pretzels, often sprinkled with salt, sesame, or poppy seeds.
- Cozonac – A sweet bread filled with walnuts, poppy seeds, or Turkish delight, traditionally made during holidays.
- Papanași – Mentioned as a dish earlier, but also enjoyed as a dessert, these cheese-filled doughnuts are topped with sour cream and jam.
- Plăcintă – Traditional Romanian pies with various fillings such as apple, cheese, or pumpkin.
- Țuică – A strong traditional plum brandy, often homemade and enjoyed as an aperitif.
- Vișinată – A homemade sour cherry liqueur, sweet and fruity.
- Socată – A refreshing non-alcoholic drink made from fermented elderflower, lemon, and sugar, popular in the summer.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ROMANIA
Bucharest
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Cluj-Napoca
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Timisoara
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Brasov (Bran Castle)
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- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
Sibiu
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Constanta
- Affordable:
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SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN ROMANA ITINERARY
Romania is one of the most sought-after countries in Europe because of its rich culture, history, diverse sites, and scenery, both filled with natural wonders and well-preserved establishments. This is where the old and new coexist, creating an aesthetic balance.
This country has a lot to offer, so aside from the places mentioned above, here are some additional sites that you might explore during your two weeks in Romania. First is Maramures County, considered Romania’s most traditional county.
The other one is Unirea Salt Mine, which is the largest salt mine in Europe. With that being said, you can always go back and extend your stay if you feel like 14 days isn’t enough. But one thing’s for sure, this trip of yours will be one for the books.