Planning my trip to Romania was exciting at first, but a bit challenging. It’s one of the bigger countries in the EU, boasting many highlights – none of which I wanted to miss. And I only had two weeks to get to where I wanted to go.
I eventually finalized my 2-week Romania itinerary and made my way to “The Wild East.”
And now that I’ve returned, I can confidently recommend this itinerary to anyone considering a visit to this underrated country.
If you’re hoping to explore famous castles, stunning Carpathian Mountain settings, historic Transylvanian towns and cities, and some of the country’s more hidden gems, here’s how to do so in two weeks.
Day 1-3: Timisoara – A Hidden Gem City to Ease-In
Things to do in Timisoara:
- Wander the historical center, including Union Square, Freedom Square, and Victory Square
- See landmarks such as the Timisoara Orthodox Cathedral and Opera House
- Visit the moving Museum of the 1989 Revolution
- Stroll down Alba Iulia Street, the city’s colorful umbrella street
- Visit the Banat Village Museum
- Check out the impressive Iulius Town Mall
- Take a river boat down the Bega
- Sign up for a street food tour, communist tour, or standard walking tour
- Cafe-hop, both within the historical center and outside of the core in the quieter neighborhoods
I visited most of Romania’s most well-known best places like Sibiu, Brasov and Sighisoara. But a perfect first stop was the lesser-known city of Timisoara in the far west.
The idea was to start west in Timisoara before making our way east through Transylvania and finishing in Bucharest. But Timisoara deserves recognition as much more than just a convenient starting point. This historic city has a lot to offer, evidenced by being named a 2023 European Capital of Culture. I’d also been told there’s been a boast in visitors since the NYTimes recommended Timisoara to eager travelers.
Known as “Little Vienna” for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and past Austro-Hungarian Empire ties, Timisoara boasts arguably the most impressive old town in Romania. Its three squares – Freedom Square, Liberty Square, and Union Square – were very unique and each super impressive. Altogether, the area makes up the largest pedestrian-only area in the country.
The Bega River divides the inner core of the city with the more residential neighborhoods. City planners did a fantastic job making the most out of this small waterway. The river is entirely lined with parks, a walking path, and a cycling path. It’s also the only place in Romania that was a water taxi service!
Modern trams make it very easy to get around Timisoara if you plan on exploring more than just the historic center. We stayed just a few minutes’ walk outside of the Old Town, allowing us to experience Timisoara like a local. Iulius Town Mall is an impressive five-story mall that’s walkable from the center and definitely worth checking out if you want to shop. The historic Elisabetin and Fabrik neighborhoods were lovely to explore.
We filled time on Day 3 with a wonderful street food tour provided by Timisoara City Tours.
For the rest of tour time in Timisoara, we explored the city’s plentiful coffee shops and parks, people-watched on the squares, and took in the beauty of the city’s most eye-popping architectural feats including the Orthodox Cathedral, Opera House, and Serbian Cathedral. We also rented bikes and rode along the Bega into the countryside. We stopped at a riverfront, buffet-style outdoor restaurant called La Livada where we enjoyed a wonderful traditional meal.
One thing we didn’t get to visit was the Banat Village Museum. We visited multiple open-air museums on our trip last year, so took a break on this trip. But by all accounts, this museum is one of the best things to do in Timisoara, allowing you want to experience a depiction of what life has been like for villagers in this region throughout centuries.
Narativ Coffee, Brewno, Ovride Specialty Coffee, and Acas la cafea were four of many great coffee shops in Timisoara.
Irish Pub, Drunken Rat Pub, Brewers Garden, and 80s Pub were great drinking spots if you’re looking for nightlife in Timisoara. Brewers Garden in particular was an awesome beer garden in the Fabrik neighborhood. D’arc pe mal was also wonderful for a cocktail on the Bega River.
And for food, Neata Omelette Bistro, Jack’s Bistro, and Bruck Cafe hit the spot for breakfast and lunch. Restaurant Sabres was a more upscale, very good spot for a fancy Romanian dinner.
Day 4: Day Trip to the Countryside
Three days is enough to really get to know Timisoara. Next, you can experience the serene surrounding countryside with a guided tour. We also used Timisoara City Tours for this one.
This western region of Romania falls within the historical Banat Region, which also encompasses Northeast Serbia. Traditionally, this is a mostly rural region of Europe. A very culturally immersive experience is to visit a few farms.
We got to know three wonderful ladies at their respective properties on our day tour with Timisoara City Tours. The first woman guided us through her farm, showing off her animals an equipment. Much of her equipment, including her tractor, dated back to the Communist times of the mid 20th century.
Our guide Sergiu then took us just a few minutes away to another woman’s rose farm. Waiting for us was a shaded table with rose jam donuts and rose lemonade – just what we needed on a sunny afternoon. She showed us all of her rose products, which included syrup, jam, perfume, and lotion. A real niche product to make a living off of, but it was really neat. And the setting was gorgeous.
Finally, we had a grand lunch at the home of Emilia Popa. This traditional Romanian meal was particularly memorable both for the quantity and quality of the food. The winner were the cabbage rolls (sarmala).
Overall, it was an amazing experience. Don’t forget that tipping culture in Romania does typically involve tipping tour guides and waiters around 10-12%!
Day 5-6: Sibiu – The Historical Capital of Transylvania
Things to do and see in Sibiu:
- Walk over the Bridge of Lies
- Hang out in Piata Mare (Big Square) and Piata Mica (Little Square)
- Tour the Brukenthal National Art Museum
- Walk to the top of Saint Mary’s Evangelical Cathedral and Council Tower for the best views
- Leave the old town to walk, run, scoot, or bike through the impressive city park – Parcul Sub Arini
- Visit Muzeul ASTRA, the largest open air museum in Europe
- Dine at SPIC Paste si Vin for breathtaking views while enjoying a great meal
Transylvania is the most famous region of Romania, and there’s no better place to start than the former capital of the regiom: Sibiu.
Sibiu punches well above its weight as a city (population 150,000). It was named a European Capital of Culture in 2007, and it wasn’t difficult to see why.
Sibiu was first settled by Germanic Saxons in the 12th century. Evidence of these first settlers is still prevalent throughout the city. The city’s Gothic and Baroque architecture, along with signs still showing German translations for streets, buildings, and more, will make you forget you’re in Romania. “Sibiu” signs often include the city’s German name, “Hermannstadt.”
I met a Swiss couple who travel here every year because of its medieval feel, hospitable locals, and overall charm. Sibiu’s historic center used to be the administrative center of Transylvania, and today it’s one of the most beautiful sites in all of Romania. When we arrived, there was a symphony playing on the square. It felt like a magical moment to take in.
“The Eyes of Sibiu” is a slogan that’s been coined due to so many of Sibiu’s buildings having shudders on the roofs in the shape of eyes. Saint Mary’s Evangelical Cathedral and Council Tower on the outskirts of the main square, Piata Mare, are both worth the walk up for 360-degree views of Sibiu and the mountains in the distance.
I recommend getting out of the old town at some point for other explorations as well. We walked to Parcul Sub Arini, a really impressive city park. It was lined with a plethora of running, biking, and trail running paths.
Further south, you’ll find Muzeul ASTRA, the largest open-air museum in all of Europe. This museum boasts replications of former Transylvanian homes and villages.
Our favorite dining experience in Sibiu was undeniably at SPIC Paste si Vin. The food and pasta were great. The setting, dining outside at the foot of Saint Mary’s Evangelical Cathedral, as arguably my all-time favorite dinner setting. It was here where we chatted with the Swiss couple who mentioned coming to Sibiu twice a year. We don’t blame them.
As for where to stay in Sibiu, I have to recommend ART Hotel. This boutique hotel was located two minutes away from Piata Mare, the main square, by foot. You’ll be blown away by the view of Saint Mary’s Evangelical Cathedral when you walk out of the hotel’s front doors.
Day 7: Transfagarasan Highway – Scenic Drive and Hikes
The Transfagarasan Highway is undoubtedly the most scenic drive in Romania. In fact, it’s even been deemed one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of road. Countless car commercials and an episode of Top Gear were filmed here.
Located in between Sibiu and Brasov, the Transfagarasan takes about 2.5 hours to cross.
Places to stop along the Transfagarasan:
- Balea Lake (here’s a full guide to visiting Balea Lake)
- Lake Vidraru
- Vidraru Dam
- Poenari Castle
- Capra Waterfall
- Capra Lake (requires a hike)
If you’re looking for the best hike near the Transfagarasan, consider the Balea Lake to Capra Lake loop. These are two beautiful glacial lakes.
The 3 to 4-hour round trip hike begins with a summit of the peak overlooking Balea Lake. On the other side is the stunning Capra Lake. You can walk down and around the lake or choose to continue on up to higher mountain peaks to your left or right once you summit.
Or, like us, you can get caught in a hailstorm right when you finish the walk up. We hunkered down on the shore of the lake for 30-45 minutes before the torrential rain and hail finally stopped.
We then went to check out a stone monument on the other side of the lake before realizing there was a trail down the other side of the mountain. The skies were significantly clearer on this other side than the Balea Lake side, so we forged ahead. The trail led to the top of Capra Waterfall before bringing us back down to the Transfagarasan. We attempted to hitchhike back to our car but ended up failing and walking the 2.5 miles back.
You can’t really go wrong with any hikes in the area around Capra Lake and Balea Lake – all are beautiful.
Keep in mind that the area around Vidraru Lake near the Transfagarasan has a staggering amount of brown bears. At one point, we saw three bears in five minutes.
Unfortunately, they often expect food from passerby’s who ignore warnings and decide to throw food at them. Because of this, these bears are less afraid than most and will sit at the side of the road waiting for food.
As long as you stay in your car you have nothing to worry about. And if you’re hiking, just don’t approach bears or turn your back to them. They will scurry off or mind their own business 99% of the time if you leave them alone. They also don’t venture above the tree line, where many of the best hikes are located.
Day 8: Viscri – A Fortified Transylvanian Saxon Village
Things to do and see in Viscri:
- See King Charles of Wales’ house
- Explore the Viscri fortified church
- Bike or horseback around the surrounding countryside
- Ask your host if they can setup a time to shadow a blacksmith
- Stop by Kredenz Cafe Viscri for a coffee and locally-made souvenirs
The Transylvanian countryside is dotted with tiny, centuries-old Saxon villages. Most of these villages can be spotted from a distance by their fortified church.
Viscri has become the most well-known of the seven fortified Transylvanian villages. It has the stamp of approval from King Charles of Wales, who owns property here.
I highly recommend an overnight stay at one of the guesthouses in town. We stayed at Viscri125, which included homemade breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and surprisingly modern accommodations (walk in shower, TV, etc.). All of the food was locally sourced and produced by Viscri farmers. The hosts will help plan activities for you, such as horseback riding or shadowing a local blacksmith. One minor note is you might want to bring bottles of water if visiting the countryside. Tap water in Romania is generally fine, but it can be murky every now and then.
Exploring the Viscri Fortified Church is a must. Thanks to how intimate we found the experience walking around its grounds, we actually thought this church was cooler than Romania’s most famous castles.
Viscri a wonderful place to hit pause for 24 hours and catch your breath before continuing on your two-week trip to Romania.
Day 9: Sighisoara Day Trip – Dracula’s Birthplace
Things to do and see in Sighisoara:
- Walk around (and up) the Clock Tower
- Walk up the Covered Stairway
- Hang out on Piata Cetatii
- Visit Muzeul de Istori Sighisoara (Sighisoara History Museum)
- See the birthplace of Dracula
- Discover the Church on the Hill
- Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets in Upper Town
If there were ever a place tailor-made for a day trip, it would be Sighisoara. The historical center of this small, once-fortified city is entirely on a hilltop, making for sensational views.
Known for being the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Dracula), Sighisoara is attractive for both the Dracula lore and for people who just want to discover a historic, picturesque city. The Sighisoara Clock Tower is one of the coolest buildings I came across during my two weeks in Romania.
The quaint cobblestone streets webbing off from the Citadel Plaza (Piata Cetatii) were quiet and quaint. The colorful buildings lining these streets were charming.
Sighisoara is home to just around 20,000 people, so you can get a good feel for the city in one day.
Day 10-12: Brasov – Stunning City Nestled in the Mountains
Things to do and see in Brasov:
- The Black Church (Biserica Neagra)
- Black Tower (Turnul Negru)
- White Tower (Turnul Alb)
- First Romanian School
- Adventure Park Brasov for kid-friendly adventure activities
- Visit Poaina Brasov for more adventure activities
- Hike Seven Ladders Canyon
- Hike Mount Tampa
- Day trip to Sinaia, Viscri, or Sighisoara
- Hang out in Council Square
Brasov is a can’t-miss, always finding itself included on Romania itineraries.
From the city’s well-preserved medieval historical center to the lush mountains in the backdrop, to the arguably tacky yet still fashionable ‘Brasov’ sign mimicking the Hollywood sign atop said mountains, it’s an incredibly photogenic city. Known as Mount Tampa, you can hike to the sign in about one hour (it’s a doable hike for anyone in fair shape but a good workout to start the day).
Brasov has enough to offer that it warrants two full days to explore.
Whether it’s taking in the gorgeous Black Church, walking up the White Tower (Turnul Alb) or Black Tower (Turnul Negro) for stunning views, visiting the First Romanian School, or going to the local adventure park for kid-friendly outdoor activities, you’re not going to be short on things to do in Brasov. You can fill time by meandering around Council Square, get lost in a hidden side street, or bar-crawl down the always lively Strada Republicii. And make sure to hike Mount Tampa if you can. The trail can be accessed from multiple places along the walking path within Parc Sub Tampa (a wide city park).
O’Peter’s Irish Pub was a blast for karaoke and dancing after dinner hours, and Times was a fun nightclub for dancing into the early morning hours. Both are on Strada Republicii.
Aftar Stube was an awesome beer garden near Council Square. We frequented the place three times in three days. It has the best beer selection on Brasov.
As for coffee shops in Brasov, you can’t miss Ch9 Speciality Coffee. It’s perched right at the base of the Black Church, making for an unbeatable spot to chill outside with your morning coffee while gazing at the architectural wonder. NOLA Coffeeshop, Sufra, and Book Coffee were a few other cafes I enjoyed.
One of my favorite things to do in Brasov was the Seven Ladders Canyon hike. A 15-minute Uber took us right to the trailhead. We first traversed along a relatively flat path before weaving in and out of canyons and around waterfalls via the seven ladders. Campers as young as five or six were doing the hike, so as long as you’re up for an adventure, it’s doable. There were few, if any, steep or rocky sections of the trail.
Brasov is also a fantastic jumping-off point for several day trips. The previously mentioned Viscri and Sighisoara are within one hour and 90 minutes, respectively. You can also reach Sinaia, home to the famous Peles Castle, via a 40-minute train ride. Peles Castle is widely considered one of Romania’s best castles to visit, so go early before the crowds arrive. The town also its at the base of some of Romania’s tallest peaks, so hikers can take advantage of trailheads being walkable from the train station.
Day 13-14: Bucharest & Fly Home
Things to do and see in Bucharest:
- The Palace of Parliament
- Stavropoleos Monastery
- The Royal Palace
- The Romanian Athenaeum
- Revolution Square
- Therme Bucuresti (Europa’s largest spa)
- The Communist Museum of Bucharest
A scenic 2.5-hour train ride will take you from Brasov to Bucharest.
History lovers and architecture lovers could spend days in Bucharest and not get bored. But as someone who enjoys the smaller cities, quaint towns, and outdoors more than a bustling, often chaotic metropolis like Bucharest, I only dedicated 1.5 days here.
There’s no question a lot to see in Bucharest. The Palace of Parliament is genuinely one of the most impressive buildings in Europe. It’s the second-heaviest building in the world after The Pentagon in the U.S. The National Opera House, Royal Palace of Bucharest, and Romanian Athenaeum are also stunning. The Church of the Stavropoleos Monastery is an Orthodox monastery for nuns built in 1724 that makes for a really unique sight in the city.
The Museum of Communism is also well-worth your time. There are only three rooms in the museum and it can be done in one hour, but you will learn a lot.
Bucharest’s Old Town has some fun spots for the partiers and boasts a couple wonderful hotels. However, I’d generally avoid it for food or drinks as it’s the one part of town where there are plenty of tourist traps and people looking to make a quick buck. There are some exceptions, like the famous Caru’ ce bere. This authentic Romanian restaurant, in operation since 1879, is considered the oldest in Bucharest. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some traditional Romanian dancing.
In-Summary: Two-Week Trip Itinerary to Romania
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Romania for two weeks. Places excluded from this 2-week Romania itinerary like Cluj, Oradea, the Maramures region, and the Danube Gorge are still worth visiting.
If you only have one week to explore and need a condensed version of this agenda, consider a 7-day itinerary strictly in Transylvania.
While the places you visit will surely be memorable, the hospitable and outgoing Romanian people played equally as much of a role as to why I love this country. So no matter where you go, you’re destinated to be welcomed and have a rewarding visit.
