Having lived in Romania doesn’t make it easy for me to create an itinerary to visit this wonderful country in just two weeks, but if you don’t have more time to travel I hope this post gives you enough support to help you choose where to visit and discover the most interesting places of this country.
Itinerary for your first time in Romania
Bucharest: 3 days
Being the capital city of Romania, it’s very likely you’ll find cheap flights landing at Henri Coandă International Airport.
Once in the city, get lost along the streets of the historical centre of the city, visit some church, enjoy its different cozy cafes and discover the night live of this city.
Tip: You can’t miss a visit to the Parliament (it’s the second biggest administrative building in the world).
The Palace of Parliament is the world’s second-largest administrative building (after the Pentagon) and former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu’s most infamous creation. Started in 1984, the 330,000-sq-metre building has more than 3000 rooms. Entry is by guided tour only (book ahead).
Transylvania Region: 3 days
This is arguably the most beautiful part of Romania and one of the most knowns because of the history of Count Dracula. You can visit what was meant to be his castle in the legend (Brasov Castle), Peles Castle, Sinaia Monastery, Pelisor Castle and enjoy some days hiking in the nature.
Tip: It’s best to rent a car as public transportation to this area is not well connected. There are lots of cheap rental options in Bucharest.
Nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the picturesque town of Sinaia, Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe.
Sibiu: 1 day
Getting out of Transylvania, this city is in the middle of Romania and it can be a good base to explore surrounding areas. You can decide whether to go North or East.
Sibiu is a very typical Romanian city, so worth walking it for a day to enjoy the architecture and customes.
Tip: The bus network from Sibiu is pretty good, with buses to most of the places you’d probably want to arrive.
A city that demands to be experienced on foot, Sibiu in southern Transylvania is home to Romania’s largest German minority. On a slope with intricate rings of fortifications, the city made a clear division between the Lower Town for artisans and merchants, and the Upper Town for the more affluent citizens and religious elite.
Sighisoara: 1 day
The historical centre of the city is absolutely stunning. Ancient churches, a walled town center, thousands of years of history… It’s no wonder this whole place is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tip: Climb up the hill to the church to have some wonderful panorama views of the whole city.
You cannot truly get lost in Sighisoara, because its tiny streets will always lead to the main squares. So just drop the maps and don’t ask for directions. When you see an interesting building, go to it and admire its carefully designed details. If you hear the bells ringing, follow them, they will probably take you to your next photo location.
Târgu Mureș: 1 day
Târgu Mureş is Transylvania’s most underrated town. This spirited place is an ideal starting point to explore Székely Land; its own population is almost an even Romanian-Hungarian split. Târgu Mureş’ showpiece is Piaţa Trandafirilor, which preens with statues, two cathedrals, and the unique Culture Palace, the region’s most riotously decorated building. Given its location at the heart of Transylvania, there are plenty of ways to whittle a Târgu Mureş detour into your travels – you’ll be very glad you did.
Among the many beautiful cities in Transylvania that do not have a high tourist profile, Târgu Mureș takes up a top spot.
Turda: 1 day
A visit to this area of Romania would be nothing without visiting the fascinating Turda Mines. It’s just something that doesn’t seem of this world: a sort of theme park inside an old salt mine, with its wheel, minigolf, basket fields, ping pong tables… you can even rent a boat and sail along the underground water!
The innovative look of this gargantuan amusement park seems like something out of a science fiction movie. It contains attractions like an amphitheater, an underground lake that may be explored with paddles and rowboats, a Ferris wheel, spa treatment rooms with natural aerosols, bowling alley, mini-golf, sports field, table tennis, pool tables.
Cluj-Napoca: 2 days
Cluj is the second largest city in Romania and it’s a beauty. Spend a couple of days here and if you have time don’t hesitate to go North to Maramureş, where you’ll find the now famous donde se encuentra el ya famoso Happy Cemetery of Sapantza.
Bohemian cafes, music festivals and vigorous nightlife are the soul of Cluj-
Deva – Hunedoara: 1 day
Come back South, again to the central part of the country and leaving the Transylvania Region on the East, to get to this small city with a wonderful castle.
Tip: Opt to go to Retezat National Park, where you can do trekking. Just watch out for the bears!
Hiking in Retezat National Park you may well lose your breath, not from the climb, but from the breathtaking views of nature at her wildest. Peaks of differing heights, many topping the 8,028 ft. mark (such as Peleaga Peak), provide hikers with plenty of challenges. Travelers willing to tackle them will have their efforts well rewarded.
Timișoara: 1 day
In the Western part of the country you’ll find this city, closer in spirit to its neighbour Hungary, and with an airport that has many international connections with very affordable prices (check the airline Wizzair).
The charm of this city, settled on the northern bank of the Bega River, lies in its distinct architectural character and vibrant cultural life. Frequently referred to as “Little Vienna,” Timisoara is home to year-round musical and theatrical performances, art galleries, museums and a buzzing nightlife.
There’s much more to see in Romania, but you’ll struggle to stretch more two weeks. If you think I’ve missed anything really worth detouring don’t hesitate to comment below ?
