Romania itinerary: 7 days in Romania

Tips for planning your Romania trip

One thing to keep in mind: don’t overstuff your schedule. Getting around Romania is easy by Romanian trains and roads can be slower than you might expect, so it’s best to leave some flexibility.

Romania is huge on seasonal festivals, from the Sighisoara Medieval Festival in July to the wine harvests in September. If you can, try to plan your trip around one of these events.

When it comes to booking accommodation, you’ll find great deals on Booking.com for hotels, but don’t overlook the local guesthouses, called pensiune. They often offer a more authentic experience, not to mention amazing home-cooked breakfasts that will make your mornings even better.

Also, make sure to grab the CFR Călători app for train schedules. And don’t forget to download offline maps on Google Maps or Maps.me—cell service can be spotty in rural areas, so it's good to have a backup plan.

When is the best time to visit Romania?

Late spring, around May and June, is the best time to visit Romania. The weather is mild, temperatures are comfortable, and the scenery is lush and green, perfect for hiking and sightseeing. Plus, it’s before the summer crowds arrive, so you can explore without the rush. It’s a great time for a relaxed trip with pleasant weather. 

Fall (October - November) is also a great choice, because of the beautiful autumn colors and wine harvests in regions like Dealu Mare, plus lower accommodation prices.

From June to August, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking the Carpathians or visiting Transylvania’s castles, with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F (24-29°C). However, these months also bring the highest number of tourists and prices. 

How to get to Romania?

From the US, the most convenient routes to Romania go through major European hubs. Direct flights to Bucharest’s Henri Coandă International Airport are limited, but you can connect through cities like London, Paris, or Frankfurt. The main airlines for these routes include Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways.

Book your US flights 3-4 months in advance for the best deals. Alternatively, consider flying into Budapest or Vienna and taking a short connecting flight to Romania—it can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars.

How to get around during your Romania trip?

To get around Romania, you can make use of its train network, run by CFR Călători, that connects major cities and smaller towns. It's affordable but can be slow at times.

If you want more flexibility, consider renting a car from agencies like Avis or Europcar —but be ready for varying road conditions and aggressive drivers in cities.

Romania's intercity bus network has also improved, with companies like FlixBus offering comfortable, air-conditioned buses between major destinations. In cities, public transport is efficient, especially in Bucharest, where the metro is great. For more remote areas or personalized travel, you can easily arrange private transfers through your accommodation.

Do you need a visa for Romania?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. US citizens can stay in Romania for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa, as Romania is part of the EU (though not in the Schengen Area). UK citizens have the same privilege. 

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date and issued in the last 10 years. If you're staying longer than 90 days or working, you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa through a Romanian embassy or consulate. Romania accepts US and UK driver's licenses, but if you plan to rent a car, an International Driving Permit might be a good idea. 

Our favorite 7 day Romania itinerary

If you're intrigued by the legend of Dracula, this 7-day Romania itinerary will take you through the heart of Transylvania, where the real-life events of Vlad the Impaler unfolded. Explore the castles, towns, and landscapes that inspired the infamous tale, and discover Romania’s rich history and stunning scenery along the way. 

Day 1: Explore Bucharest 

Travel time: 30-45 minutes from airport to city center by taxi or bus

Bucharest is Romania’s capital, and it’s a place where different architectural styles blend together. You’ll see grand boulevards next to old Byzantine churches, along with Communist-era buildings and Art Nouveau gems. One of the first things you’ll want to check out is the Parliament Palace, which is the heaviest building in the world, made from over a million cubic meters of marble. Afterward, take a city tour that includes a visit to Vlad the Impaler’s Old Royal Court.  

As the historical figure who inspired Dracula, Vlad’s legacy is everywhere here. In the evening, head to Lipscani, the Old Town area, where you can walk around and get a feel for Bucharest’s nickname, "Little Paris of the East." There are also a lot of rooftop bars with views of the city’s varied architecture, plus a growing craft beer scene with local brewers using unique ingredients like plums and honey. 

Day 2: Following Dracula's trail

Travel time: 2 hours to Targoviste, then 2.5 hours to Bran Castle

Targoviste may not be on most tourists' radar, but this former capital holds the key to understanding medieval Romania. The Princely Court here was once the capital of Romania and a key place in Vlad the Impaler’s reign. 

Next up is Bran Castle, and while locals might chuckle at its "Dracula's Castle" marketing, this 14th-century fortress is precisely what you imagine when you think of Transylvania – perched dramatically on a rocky cliff, it's the Romania of your imagination come to life (and easily one of the best things to do in Romania).

Finish the day in Brasov, a medieval city that was once an important trading post, protected by large Saxon walls that still stand today. If you’re looking for a good view, take the cable car up Tampa Mountain for a look at one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the region).

Day 3: Brasov and Sighisoara

Travel time: 2.5 hours from Brasov to Sighisoara 

Start day 3 of this 7 day Romania itinerary in Brasov. The Black Church is one of its key highlights—this Gothic church survived a huge fire in 1689 and a religious reformation, making it the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe. 

From there, head to Sighisoara, one of the few medieval citadels in Europe that’s never stopped being inhabited since it was first built. The clock tower here has been keeping time since the 14th century, and its mechanism still works perfectly. Walking through Sighisoara’s UNESCO-protected streets feels like stepping into a fairy tale, however with people living and working in the 16th-century buildings.

Day 4: Birthplace of Dracula to the Borgo Pass

Travel time: 3.5 hours total driving

On day 4 of this week long Romania itinerary, you’ll drive through the "Borgo Pass", a place that might look familiar even if you’ve never been there. Bram Stoker described it in such detail in Dracula that it became the setting for countless gothic horror stories. Many believe that this route is the one that Jonathan Harker took in Stoker’s novel.  In reality, you’ll wind through the Tihuta Pass—Borgo was actually Stoker’s invention, though the name stuck with tourists.  

Be sure to fill up your gas tank before heading into the pass, as gas stations are few and far between. The road through the pass can be a bit rough, so take it slow and enjoy the views.

After that, visit Colibita Lake, often called "Transylvania’s Como," for a peaceful break away from the day’s Gothic attractions. Your final stop is Bistrita, a town  known for its well-preserved architecture, including the Bistrita Monastery.

Day 5: From Cluj to Medieval Sibiu

Travel time: 2.5 hours to Cluj, then 2.5 hours to Sibiu

Cluj-Napoca is often called Romania’s unofficial cultural capital. It's been a major center of learning since 1581, when the first university in Transylvania was founded. Today, the city is buzzing with tech startups, with more per capita than anywhere else in Romania. Cluj’s central market is a great place to try local cheeses and pastries, so be sure to go hungry.  

In the afternoon, head to Sibiu, a city so well-preserved it was named European Capital of Culture in 2007. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, Sibiu also has a lively arts scene and a beautiful Old Town, and is the perfect place to spend the evening.

Day 6: Sibiu and Corvin Castle

Travel time: 2.5 hours each way to Hunedoara

Start day 6 of this 7 day Romanian itinerary with a visit to Sibiu’s famous Bridge of Lies. Local legend says the bridge can tell if someone is lying while crossing it. After that, make your way to Corvin Castle in Hunedoara. 

This massive castle is one of the largest in Europe, built by one of Eastern Europe’s most powerful medieval families. Some historians believe it may have held Vlad the Impaler as a prisoner, adding a bit of Dracula history to your trip. The castle’s audio guide is worth the extra cost—it's packed with details you’d likely miss otherwise. 

Day 7: Return to Bucharest

Travel time: 5 hours from Sibiu to Bucharest

The drive back to Bucharest takes you through the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. The scenery is stunning with mountain views.

Be sure to stop at roadside stalls selling honey and homemade jam along the way  – they make great souvenirs. 

Once you’re back in Bucharest, wrap up your week-long itinerary at Caru' cu Bere, where the Neo-Gothic interior hasn't changed since 1879. From here, it's off to home or maybe somewhere else in Eastern Europe.

More ideas for your Romania itineraries

Need a starting point for your adventure? Our trip ideas gallery  has plenty of itineraries that are worth exploring. 

Or, if you'd like the let a local plan your itinerary, see our tailor-made travel service. Our trips are created by travel experts that know the ins and outs of the area. They handle the bookings, and offer you 24/7 support, so all you need to do is pack your bags.