One Week Itinerary For The Best Of Romania

This is a suggested one week travel itinerary for Romania that covers Bucharest, Brașov, Sighișoara & the castles.

Why Travel To Romania

• Stunning architecture 
• Breathtaking castles
• Fascinating history
• Rich cultural heritage
• Spectacular natural landscape
• Diverse wildlife
• Vibrant city nightlife
• Budget friendly
• Delicious cuisine

Best Time To Visit Romania

Just considering the temperatures, the best time to visit Romania would be mid-May through mid-September. June to August the prices of accommodations and flights will be high since it is considered the high season. You could consider travelling in late spring or early fall when the prices are better and the temperatures are comfortable.

Romania Top Experiences

• Bucharest history and architecture
• Dimitrie Gusti - National Village Museum in Bucharest
• Medieval town of Brașov
• Stunning Peles Castle 
• Bear watching in Carpathian region
• UNESCO-protected historic town of Sighișoara

Romania Itinerary Map

A:Bucharest  B:Brașov  C:Sighișoara

Romania Travel Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest
• Day 2: Explore Bucharest
• Day 3: Explore Bucharest
• Day 4: Bucharest to Brașov
• Day 5: Explore Brașov
• Day 6: Day trip to Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Rasnov Citadel from Brașov 
• Day 7: Day trip to Viscri Village and Sighișoara from Brașov
• Day 8: Depart from Brașov

If you've extra days then you can include Sibiu, Cluj Nacova and the Monasteries of Bucovina

Day 1: Arrive In Bucharest

After your long journey to reach Bucharest, it would be wise to take it easy and recover upon your arrival. Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania.

Best location to book your stay in Bucharest is the City Center area.

Day 2: Explore Bucharest

• Begin your day in Bucharest with a refreshing night's rest and a delicious breakfast to energize yourself. Kickstart your morning with a guided walking tour of the city, where you'll delve into its rich history and admire its stunning architecture. Following the tour, treat yourself to a nice lunch of authentic Romanian cuisine at the renowned Manuc's Inn, a historic establishment.

• After lunch explore the charming Stavropoleos Monastery Church, a hidden gem constructed in 1724. Later in afternoon you can have a nice stroll in King Michael I Park (formerly Herăstrău Park), which is a large park on the northern side of Bucharest. End your day with dinner at one of the nice restaurants in the city center.

Piata Unirii (Bucharest)

Bucharest

Stavropoleos Monastery Church (Bucharest)

Day 3: Explore Bucharest

• Begin your day by exploring the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum. This unique outdoor museum features over 60 authentic houses, farmsteads, windmills, churches, and more from various regions across Romania.

• In the afternoon visit the massive Palace of Parliament. It is the second largest administrative building in the world. The Palace was ordered by Nicolae Ceaușescu who was the president of Communist Romania. Entry to the building is by guided tour only so please book ahead.

"Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum (Bucharest)

"Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum (Bucharest)

Palace Of The Parliament (Bucharest)

(Image By European People's Party - EPP_Congress_2361, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33091612)

 

Day 4: Bucharest to Brașov, Explore Brașov

Travel to Brașov from Bucharest in morning and check into your hotel. Brașov is a charming city and is a prefect base to explore the beautiful Transylvania region. In the afternoon join a guided walking tour of historic Brașov town. End your day with a dinner at one of the nice Romanian restaurants near the Council Square.

Best location to book your stay in Brașov is close to the Council Square.

Council Square (Brașov)

Brașov

Day 5: Explore Brașov

• Start your day by exploring The Black Church (Biserica Neagra), a stunning Gothic church dating back to the 15th century. The church earned its name from the tragic fire in 1689 that left its walls blackened. Afterward, make your way to Strada Sforii, known as one of the narrowest streets in Europe.

• Spend your afternoon either hiking up Mount Tampa or taking a cable car for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Alternatively, you can leisurely stroll through the charming streets around town and admire the lovely architecture. Afterward, unwind with a refreshing drink at the square and soak in the lively atmosphere. Finally, conclude your day with a delightful dinner at one of the nice restaurants located in the square. 

Black Church (Brașov)

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church (Brașov)

Day 6: Day trip to Peles Castle, Bran Castle & Rasnov Citadel from Brașov

• Join a day tour from Brașov to see the castles. After leaving from Brașov in morning you'll visit Peles Castle first. Peles Castle is a 19th-century neo-renaissance castle in the Carpathian Mountains with ornate architecture and furnishings. It is considered by many as one of the most stunning castles in Europe. 

• After lunch you'll visit the Bran Castle which was built by Saxons in 1377 and is a national monument in Transylvania. Outside Transylvania the castle is commonly known as Dracula's Castle. The castle is now a museum dedicated to displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie.

• In the end you'll visit Rasnov Fortress which is a 13th-century fortress-village located on a hilltop.

Peles Castle

Bran Castle (Dracula Castle)

Day 7: Day trip to Viscri Village & Sighișoara from Brașov

• Join a day tour to visit the Viscri village and Sighișoara from Brașov. After leaving from Brașov in morning, you'll stop at historical Viscri village which is a charming Romanian village. Here you'll visit the Viscri Fortified Church which is one of Transylvania’s UNESCO-listed fortified churches. 

• Then continue your trip to visit the UNESCO-listed medieval town of Sighișoara. It is a citadel-city with buildings, walls and defense towers build during the middle ages. Sighișoara is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind Dracula. 

• Later in afternoon you can tour the Carpathian mountain region with a guide to watch the brown bears.

Viscri Village

Viscri Fortified Church

 

Sighișoara

Sighișoara

Bear Watching (Carpathian Region)

 

Day 8: Depart from Brașov

On this last day of your trip you can do last minute shopping if you've some time. Then depart from Brașov to your destination.

What to Shop In Romania

Romania is known for wine, fruit jam, Romanian traditional blouse, painted eggs, ceramic objects, and Dracula souvenirs.

Foods To Try In Romania

• Sarmale (Cabbage rolls)
• Polenta
• Ciorbă de burtă (Beef tripe soup)
• Salata de vinete (grilled Eggplant salad)
• Mici (grilled meat rolls)
• Zacusca (vegetable spread)
• Papanasi (fried cheese doughnut)

Romanian Potato Soup (Ciorba de cartofi)

(Above Image By User Paulnasca on en.wikipedia - Own work, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=986545)

Please do let me know in the comments section below if you like this itinerary or if you've any questions/suggestions about the itinerary.