Romania
Eastern Europe · Europe
- Capital
- Bucharest
- Currency
- Romanian Leu (RON lei)
- Language
- Romanian
- Timezone
- UTC+2
- Safety rating
- 7.8/10
- Best time to visit
- May–June and September–October offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and hiking, while winter suits skiing in the Carpathians.
Overview
Romania blends the Gothic castles and painted monasteries of Transylvania with the wild Carpathian Mountains and the vast Danube Delta wetlands. Medieval towns like Brașov and Sibiu, the legend-laden Bran Castle, and Bucharest's blend of belle-époque and communist grandeur captivate visitors. Brown bears, scenic mountain roads, and hearty cuisine round out the appeal.
Visa requirements
An EU member, Romania permits visa-free entry for many nationalities including US, UK, Canadian and Australian travelers for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Safety information
Romania is generally safe, though pickpocketing, ATM scams, and taxi overcharging target tourists in Bucharest. Use ride-hailing apps and stay alert in crowded areas and on overnight trains.
Travel tips
Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry lei for rural areas and markets. The Transfăgărășan highway is only fully open in summer. Trains are scenic but slow, so buses or rentals are often faster between towns.