Traveling to Romania with EF Ultimate Break
Romania’s on the rise
- Undiscovered vibes: Romania is having a moment—for good reason. Travelers looking for something beyond the usual European circuit are discovering medieval castles, dramatic mountain scenery, and cities full of character that haven’t been overrun yet.
- Bucket-list moments: Bran Castle, the Carpathian Mountains, and Bucharest’s Old Town are showing up on more and more travel lists—and once you’ve been, you’ll understand why.
- Amazing value: Romania offers a lot for your money. Think boutique-style stays, hearty local food, and unforgettable experiences—without the Western Europe price tag.
- History and folklore: From Vlad the Impaler to Saxon villages frozen in time, Romania’s past is genuinely fascinating. This is a place where the stories feel as big as the landscapes.
- Group travel sweet spot: Romania is made for group trips—long scenic drives through the countryside, shared dinners in Transylvanian farmhouses, and the kind of experiences that are just better with people around.
Language
Romanian is a Romance language—closer to Italian or Spanish than you might expect from a country in Eastern Europe. Most people working in tourism speak English, but learning a few words goes a long way and locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
Currency & tipping culture
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON)—not the Euro, which surprises a lot of first-time visitors. Cash is still king in many places, especially outside the major cities, so it’s worth having some on hand. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON).
Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 RON. Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 bani.
Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and shops in cities—less so in rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find in cities; look for ones attached to banks to avoid high fees.
Tipping guidelines:
- Restaurants & cafes: 10% is standard and appreciated.
- Bars: Rounding up is fine.
- Taxis: Round up to the nearest leu or add 10%.
- Hotels: 5–10 RON per bag for porters; 10–20 RON per day for housekeeping.
Transportation
Getting around Romania is part of the adventure. The country is large and varied, so how you travel depends on where you’re going—but the good news is, when you’re on an EF Ultimate Break trip, we handle all of it for you.
Your main mode of transport on an Ultimate Break Romania trip—comfortable, air-conditioned, and a great way to take in the scenery between cities.
Widely available in cities. Apps like Bolt are popular and reliable—always use a metered taxi or app to avoid overcharging.
Romania has an extensive rail network connecting major cities. Scenic but slow, and great if you’re not in a rush.
A good option for exploring rural areas and mountain roads independently. An international driving permit may be required.
Available between major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara for longer distances.
Romania’s iconic destinations
Storybook towns, vibey mountain villages—Romania delivers it all.
Can’t-miss experiences in Romania
Explore Bran Castle
Perched dramatically on a rocky cliff in the Carpathians, Bran Castle is legendary—and the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Whether or not Vlad the Impaler ever actually slept here is up for debate, but the 800-year-old fortress is both haunting and beautiful.
Wander the old town of Brașov
Brașov is a city that makes you stop mid-step and just look around. Ringed by the Carpathian Mountains and anchored by the imposing Gothic Black Church, its cobblestoned center feels straight out of a storybook.
Get lost in Sibiu
Once the capital of Transylvania, Sibiu is all gingerbread-colored houses, medieval towers, and a legendary bridge called Liar’s Bridge (the story behind the name is worth asking about).
Experience Timișoara
Romania’s “City of Flowers” is a Baroque gem with wide plazas, colorful facades, and a laid-back energy. It was also the spark point of Romania’s 1989 revolution, giving it a history as compelling as its architecture.
Take in Bucharest’s Old Town
Bucharest earned its nickname “Little Paris” for a reason—grand boulevards, ornate buildings, cute cafes. The Old Town is the beating heart of it all: buzzy, walkable, and full of good food and even better people-watching.
Visit the Palace of the Parliament
This one’s hard to wrap your head around until you’re standing in front of it. The Palace of the Parliament is the heaviest building in the world, made of steel, bronze, marble, glass, and wood.
Have a Transylvanian countryside dinner
One of the most memorable things you can do in Romania is sit down to a home-cooked meal in the Transylvanian countryside. Think slow-roasted meats, fresh bread, and local wine.
What’s the weather like in Romania?
May–September
Warm temps, long days, and all the outdoor experiences you came for—hiking in the Carpathians, exploring castle grounds, and wandering old towns without a coat. Summer is also when Romania’s festivals and outdoor events are in full swing.
April–May & September
Mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices make spring and early fall the ideal time to visit if you want the full Romania experience without the peak-season rush. The countryside is especially beautiful—wildflowers in spring, golden foliage in fall.
October–November
Halloween in Transylvania is a real thing—and it’s exactly as atmospheric as it sounds. If you’re into that kind of thing, this is the time to go. Temperatures drop and some rural areas slow down, but the mood is unmatched.
December–February
Winter in Romania is cold and snowy, but it has its own kind of magic—especially in the mountain towns. Crowds are minimal, prices are low, and the landscape looks like something out of a fairy tale. Just pack accordingly.
When is the cheapest time to visit Romania?
If you’re looking to experience Romania without the peak-season crowds or peak-season prices, you’re in luck—Romania has a sweet spot for budget-friendly travel. Here’s when EF Ultimate Break travelers get the best deals.
What to eat in Romania?
More than just sarmale and mămăligă—satisfy your appetite with these Romanian staples.
Safety in Romania
Romania is generally a safe destination for travelers, with violent crime being rare in tourist areas. Like anywhere in Europe, petty theft—pickpocketing, bag snatching—can happen in busy spots like train stations, markets, and crowded city centers, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your belongings. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use reputable taxis or rideshare apps, and trust your instincts. And of course, when you travel with EF Ultimate Break, you’ve got a Tour Director and 24/7 support on your side the whole time.
Your safety is our top priority
Traveling with EF Ultimate Break means you’re not exploring Romania alone—you’ve got a full support system making sure you feel comfortable, informed, and protected every step of the way.
Traveler photos from Romania
Romania travel reviews
Our travelers love visiting Romania , and they aren’t afraid to tell us.
