Smack in the middle of Europe, tuck away Romania, one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. With natural beauty aplenty, immense cultural heritage, and welcoming locals, it’s a haven for disheveled budget travelers seeking adventures that are far from the madding crowd.
From the rugged Carpathian Mountains to the pristine Black Sea coast, Romania is a country of contrasts, with medieval towns and ancient castles mingling with lively, modern cities. It is a country with a very eventful history imbued by Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Soviet influences that have created a culturally unique mosaic that is worth uncovering.
From the broke traveler’s point of view, few destinations in Europe offer such an unbeatable combination of affordability and accessibility as does Romania. With everything from a few euros per night accommodation to delicious street food for pennies, highly reliable, and, above all, public transportation at very affordable prices, Romania simply cannot be beaten by broke backpackers.
In this blog, we go into the world of broke backpacking through Romania: sharing tales of spontaneous encounters, hidden wonders, and unforgettable experiences. We take you on a hitchhiking tour of Transylvania to the underground Bucharest art scene to show that Romania has much more than affordability; it’s a journey that will captivate your heart, inspire you, and leave you craving for more. So take out your backpack and let us have an adventure in Romania!
How to get there:
From Bulgaria
The most popular route from Bulgaria is via the capital city, Sofia. Take bus number 21 or 22 from Sofia’s Central Bus Station to the border town of Vidin. From Vidin, cross the Danube River by ferry (approximately 10 lei/2.5 EUR) and continue to the Romanian town of Calafat. From Calafat, buses run regularly to major Romanian cities like Bucharest, Craiova, and Timisoara.
From Serbia
From Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, take bus number 78 or 79 to the border town of Vrsac. Cross the border on foot and continue to the Romanian town of Timisoara. Alternatively, take a bus from Belgrade to the Serbian town of Kikinda, then transfer to a Romanian bus to Timisoara.
From Hungary
Regular buses connect Budapest, Hungary’s capital, to Romanian cities like Oradea, Arad, and Timisoara. Take bus number 7 or 107 from Budapest’s Nepliget Bus Station to the Hungarian-Romanian border. From there, transfer to a Romanian bus to your final destination.
From Ukraine
From Ukraine, the most convenient route is via the southwestern city of Chernivtsi. Take bus number 14 or 41 to the Romanian border, then transfer to a bus to the Romanian city of Suceava.
From Moldova
Crossing from Moldova is relatively straightforward. Take bus number 1 or 2 from Chisinau’s Central Bus Station to the Romanian border. From there, transfer to a bus to major Romanian cities like Iasi or Bucharest.
When to go:
Spring (March to May)
As winter’s chill dissipates, Romania awakens from its slumber. Spring is an ideal time for:
- Hiking and trekking in the Carpathian Mountains
- Exploring blooming gardens and parks
- Enjoying festivals like Bucharest’s International Film Festival
- Avoiding peak tourist season prices
Weather: Mild temperatures (15-20°C/59-68°F)
Summer (June to August)
Summer brings warmth and vitality to Romania:
- Beaches along the Black Sea coast come alive
- Festivals like the Sziget-inspired Electric Castle and Untold take place
- Hiking and biking in the mountains are popular
- Cities can get crowded, but the atmosphere is electric
Weather: Warm temperatures (25-30°C/77-86°F)
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn’s kaleidoscope of colors transforms Romania’s landscapes:
- Golden foliage in the Carpathian Mountains
- Harvest festivals and wine tastings
- Comfortable temperatures for city exploration
- Fewer tourists, making it a great time for budget travelers
Weather: Mild temperatures (10-20°C/50-68°F)
Winter (December to February)
For a truly unique experience, visit Romania in winter:
- Skiing and snowboarding in the Carpathian Mountains
- Christmas markets and festive atmosphere
- Hot wine and traditional cuisine to warm your spirits
- Some attractions may be closed, but prices are at their lowest
Weather: Cold temperatures (-5 to 5°C/23-41°F)
Special Events and Festivals
Romania hosts various events throughout the year:
December: Christmas markets in major cities
February: Bucharest’s International Film Festival
May: Sibiu International Theatre Festival
June: Electric Castle music festival
July: Untold music festival
August: Brasov’s Summer Festival
Best Itineraries:
3-Day Itinerary: Bucharest and Beyond
Day 1: Bucharest
- Explore the Old Town (Lipscani)
- Visit the Palace of the Parliament
- Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine and beer
Day 2: Bucharest to Brasov
- Take a bus to Brasov (approx. 3 hours, 10-20 EUR)
- Visit Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)
- Explore Brasov’s historic center
Day 3: Brasov to Bucharest
- Return to Bucharest by bus
- Visit the National Museum of Art
- Enjoy a farewell dinner in the Old Town
1-Week Itinerary: Transylvania and the Carpathians
Day 1-2: Bucharest
- Explore the city’s historic center
- Visit the Palace of the Parliament
Day 3-4: Brasov
- Take a bus to Brasov (approx. 3 hours, 10-20 EUR)
- Visit Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)
- Explore Rasnov Citadel
Day 5: Sighisoara
- Take a train to Sighisoara (approx. 2 hours, 5-10 EUR)
- Visit the Sighisoara Citadel
Day 6-7: Sibiu
- Take a bus to Sibiu (approx. 3 hours, 10-20 EUR)
- Explore Sibiu’s historic center
- Visit the Brukenthal Museum
2-Week Itinerary: Explore Romania’s Diversity
Day 1-3: Bucharest
- Explore the city’s historic center
- Visit the Palace of the Parliament
- Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine
Day 4-6: Transylvania
- Visit Brasov, Sighisoara, and Sibiu
- Explore medieval towns and citadels
Day 7-9: Moldova Region
- Take a bus to Iasi (approx. 5 hours, 20-30 EUR)
- Visit the Iasi Palace
- Explore the surrounding monasteries
Day 10-14: Black Sea Coast
- Take a bus to Constanta (approx. 4 hours, 15-25 EUR)
- Visit the Constanta Beach
- Explore the nearby ancient city of Histria
1-Month Itinerary: The Ultimate Romanian Adventure
Week 1: Bucharest and Surroundings
- Explore the city’s historic center
- Visit nearby monasteries and castles
Week 2: Transylvania
- Visit Brasov, Sighisoara, and Sibiu
- Explore medieval towns and citadels
Week 3: Moldova Region
- Visit Iasi and surrounding monasteries
- Explore the Painted Monasteries
Week 4: Black Sea Coast and Danube Delta
Explore the Danube Delta by boat
Visit Constanta and the nearby ancient city of Histria
Transportation:
Romania’s public transportation network is extensive, affordable, and relatively efficient, making it an excellent option for travelers.
Bus Network
Romania’s bus network covers both urban and rural areas:
- Inter-city buses: Companies like Fany, Softrans, and Transbus connect major cities.
- Local buses: Municipalities operate buses within cities.
- Private buses: Companies like Maxi Taxi and Tudos offer door-to-door services.
Train Network
Romania’s train network is operated by CFR Calatori:
- Inter-city trains: Connect major cities, with frequent departures.
- Regional trains: Link smaller towns and villages.
- International trains: Connect Romania to neighboring countries.
Tram and Metro
Bucharest has an extensive tram and metro network:
- Metro: Four lines cover the city.
- Tram: 22 lines connect city districts.
Taxi and Ride-hailing
- Taxis: Yellow cabs are widespread, but ensure the meter is used.
- Ride-hailing: Uber, Bolt, and Clever operate in major cities.
Ticketing and Payment
- Cash: Pay drivers or ticket vendors directly.
- Card: Many transportation providers accept credit/debit cards.
- Online: Book tickets through company websites or mobile apps.
Prices
- Bus tickets: 5-20 lei (1-4 EUR)
- Train tickets: 20-100 lei (4-20 EUR)
- Tram/metro tickets: 1-5 lei (0.20-1 EUR)
- Taxi rides: 10-50 lei (2-10 EUR)
Useful Apps and Websites
- Autogari (bus schedules)
- CFR Calatori (train schedules)
- Uber/Bolt/Clever (ride-hailing)
- Google Maps (route planning)
Conclusion
Romania’s public transportation network offers an affordable and convenient way to explore the country. By understanding the options, ticketing systems, and prices, you’ll navigate like a local. Happy travels!
Additional Resources
Autogari: http://www.autogari.ro/
Romanian Transport Ministry: www.mt.gov.ro
CFR Calatori: www.cfrcalatori.ro
Top things to do:
Bucharest Area
- Explore the Old Town (Lipscani)
- Visit the Palace of the Parliament (free guided tours)
- Wander through Cismigiu Park
- Check out the National Museum of Art (free admission)
- Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine at Caru’ cu Bere
- Visit the Bucharest Flea Market
- Explore the historic neighborhood of Cotroceni
- Relax in Herastrau Park
- Visit the Museum of the Romanian Peasant
- Take a stroll along the Dambovita River
Transylvania
- Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle, 25 lei/5 EUR)
- Brasov’s historic center
- Rasnov Citadel (10 lei/2 EUR)
- Sighisoara Citadel (20 lei/4 EUR)
- Hike in the Carpathian Mountains
- Visit the medieval town of Sibiu
- Explore the Turda Salt Mine (20 lei/4 EUR)
- Check out the Barsana Monastery
- Visit the medieval town of Targu Mures
- Hike to the top of Postavarul Mountain
Moldova Region
- Iasi Palace (10 lei/2 EUR)
- Painted Monasteries (20 lei/4 EUR)
- Neamt Citadel (10 lei/2 EUR)
- Explore Iasi’s historic center
- Visit the Princely Court
- Check out the Vaslui Citadel
- Visit the Galata Monastery
- Explore the historic town of Piatra Neamt
- Visit the Bistrita Monastery
- Relax in the Egreta Park
Black Sea Coast
- Constanta Beach
- Ancient city of Histria (20 lei/4 EUR)
- Mamaia Beach
- Take a boat tour of the Danube Delta
- Visit the Constanta Aquarium
- Explore the historic town of Mangalia
- Visit the Callatis Archaeological Museum
- Relax on the beach in Vama Veche
- Check out the Tuzla Lagoon
- Visit the Dobruja Plateau
Southern Romania
- Vidin Fortress (10 lei/2 EUR)
- Drobeta-Turnu Severin’s medieval center
- Explore the Iron Gates National Park
- Visit the Retezat National Park
- Hike in the Mehedinți Mountains
- Check out the Golubac Fortress
- Visit the Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park
- Explore the historic town of Craiova
- Visit the Oltenia Museum
- Relax in the Park of the Heroes
Northern Romania
Relax in the Faget Forest
Maramureș region’s wooden churches
Explore the Apuseni Mountains
Visit the Turda Salt Mine (20 lei/4 EUR)
Check out the Cluj-Napoca Botanical Garden
Hike in the Rodna Mountains
Visit the historic town of Baia Mare
Explore the Somesul Mare River
Visit the Surdesti Wooden Church
Check out the Sapanta Peri Monastery
Food:
Romanian cuisine is a blend of flavors from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean-all very delectable to visitors. The food of Romania is hearty, comforting, full of tradition, and-a better thing yet-is a reflection of the country’s cultural heritage. Every dish, from those of savory meats to those of sweet pastries, tells a story of history and geography of the nation.
Meat is the leading role taken by Romanian cuisine, especially pork, beef, and lamb. The most famous dish is sarmale, stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of ground meat and spices. Usually, it is served with mămăligă. Among the staples are the cârnații, meatballs filled with pork and beef.
Smalls grilled sausages called mititei are a common street food in Romania, served with mustard and bread. The Covrigi is a pretzelderived pastry covered either with sesame or poppy seeds, eaten quite often. These, including the traditional cheese spread ardealul or the vegetable stew named zacusca, can also be tasted at local markets.
Ţuică is a strong plum brandy of Romania; palinca, its fruit-based spirit. If you want something weaker, try must-young wine-or șpritz, a mix of wine and soda water.
Each region of Romania boasts special culinary traditions. Transylvania is famous for gulyás, a stewed beef. Mămăligă cu smântână, a kind of polenta with sour cream, belongs to Moldova. Another local specialty is grătar-grilled fish and seafood-of the Black Sea Coast.
Eating out in Romania is very affordable. For inexpensive dining, try cantinas, or small restaurants that focus on traditional cuisine. Gastro pubs serve up old country food with a modern twist. Street food and markets are also very cheap.
Food plays an important role in the culture of Romania. The tradition of dining has always been a social occasion that sometimes lasts for hours. Gastropubs and wine bars have become a social scene.
Romanian cuisine is seasonal. Salată de roșii is a fresh tomato salad for summer, while ciorbă is thick soup to warm up for winter. Sarmale in autumn and mămăligă in spring are just some of the many agricultural delights the country offers.
Traditional Romanian food, street food, or regional dishes are all reflections of the rich history and culture of that beautiful country. Each piece of food has a lot to say, be it traditional food, street food, or regional specialties. Eating at an affordable place, indulging in high-end food, Romania is always ready to surprise its gourmets.
Besides introducing you to the authentic flavors of Romania, local markets and street food stalls introduce you to traditional life. Sample the classic dishes in family-run restaurants, try regional specialties, and time your visit to festivals and celebrations that offer special culinary experiences. Be adventurous and try new flavors and ingredients.
Take a gastronomic tour through Romania and get to experience the friendliness and welcoming nature of this country one delectable mouthful at a time.
Culture:
If the complex history, geography, and influences all worked together, the culture of Romania has emerged as one living, breathing, resilient creation. From traditional folklore to modern-day expressions, Romanian culture bears testimony to the nation’s adaptability and creativity.
The core of Romanian culture actually dwells in family, community, and social bonding. Meal times, holidays, and celebrations are times to be kept holy for getting together and strengthening bonds. Hospitality-hotel de gust-people are very open with their guests and offer them more than they can handle.
The folk traditions are where Romania’s cultural heritage can be found. Colorful, patterned textiles, carvings of intricate pottery, and fancy wood carvings reflect the brilliant artisanal legacy of this country. Traditional music and dance still impress audiences, from famous “doina” being a melancholy folk song to energetic “sârbă” being a round dance.
Orthodox Christianity has a greater contribution to Romanian culture, as more than 85 percent of the population describe themselves as Orthodox. Many monasteries and churches, as well as festivals, testify to the enduring power of faith in everyday life.
Literature and poetry have always been treasured in Romanian culture. Great figures such as Mihai Eminescu, Ion Luca Caragiale, and Mircea Eliade helped the country boast a very strong literary tradition. Contemporary writers discuss the issues of identity, history, and change in society.
From medieval frescoes to modern installations, Romanian art is a reflection of the great cultural diversity of this country. Works, now famous, of Nicolae Grigorescu, Ștefan Luchian, and Constantin Brâncuși bear evidence to the creative spirit of the nation.
Cinema and theater have turned into important features of Romanian cultural life. The New Wave cinema of Romania, promoted by such directors as Cristi Puiu and Corneliu Porumboiu, is very popular abroad.
Equally important, the cultural landscape of Romania is based on its numerous festivals and feasts. The well-known Sziget Festival, Electric Castle, and Untold Festival reveal the love of this country for music, dances, and self-expression.
Even though it has a rich cultural heritage, Romania has experienced some setbacks regarding its traditions and culture. Urbanization, globalization, and socio-economic changes have also played their part in eroding traditional practices and values.
However, revitalization and reinvention of Romanian culture are in process. Cultural awareness is promoted through cultural institutions, community activities, and projects at the grass-root level where traditional craftsmanship is being preserved and creativity is encouraged.
Romanian culture is dynamic; it contains many facets, which keep on developing. Because it was able to embrace its rich heritage and adapt to the demands for modernity, Romania has been able to keep its cultural tapestry alive and relevant for generations to come.
It is a culture that will be as near as the warmth of the locals’ smiles, yet different as the ring of traditional music that echoes from every corner of every town, city, and landscape. Romanian culture will be etched in each stranger who touches down in this country, never to be forgotten.
Accommodations:
For a poor backpacker, the quest through Romanian hostels is an adventure unto itself: no fancy amenities, waxed floors, or polished decorations-the cheapest are promising the most unforgettable experiences. Amidst these inconspicuous, no-frills hostels lies the real thing you are looking for: genuine Romanian hospitality.
The traveler is apt to find a family-run pension, a guesthouse with quirk, or a makeshift hostel created in an apartment when reservations are made on a broke budget. Such treasures are tucked away in quiet neighborhoods or busy city centers.
The beauty of hostels within the budget category in Romania lies in their unpredictability. You might end up sharing a dorm with a motley bunch of travelers, telling stories and laughing into the wee hours. Or you could end up in one owned by some eccentric owner who regales you with tales of Romania’s tumultuous past.
In these humble abodes, there is not much of a distinction between who is a visitor and who plays the host. You will often find yourself being invited to join dinners, cooking sessions in traditional style, or impromptu singing. You will be taken under the wing by hostel owners who will share insider knowledge of where to find the best local food, hideaways you probably would never have thought existed, and off-beat adventures.
The cheapest hostels almost invariably come with a side order of quirky character: narrow staircases to negotiate, low-slung pipes to avoid bumping your head on and bathroom facilities shared with fellow travelers. But it’s just this rough-around-the-edges charm that’s doing a lot to engender a sense of community and cameraderie.
Indeed, in this country, most budget hostels are set up with a general living room atmosphere rather than a sterile hotel lobby; comrades share tales and tips of fellow travel experiences, and budding friendships are born amidst chaos in the queue at check-in and makeshift queues for drying laundry. It’s here, in the chaos, that you come across the real spirit of backpacking.
Admittedly, there is a bit of risk when booking the cheapest option out there. You can sometimes get yourself into an odd, broken showerhead here or creaky bed frame there, maybe even that mysterious stain on the carpet. To the broke backpacker, though, all these are minor inconveniences to pay for the riches on offer outside.
It is to the credit of the resourcefulness and hospitality of Romania that even its hostels have turned into kaleidoscopic bits of the travel experience. By embracing the whimsical nature of budget accommodations, you will enter a world of warmth, generosity, and adventure with no conventional boundaries.
Ditch the guidebooks and booking sites, and take a leap of faith into the unknown. Book that dodgy hostel with its suspiciously low price tag. And you might never know what indelible experiences, crazy stories, or lifelong friendships are waiting around each and every corner of even the most unlikely of places.
Nightlife:
As the sun sets, Romania turns into a pulsating organism, luring nocturnal action and party people into its dynamic nightlife. From laid-back bars to underground clubs, and from cosmopolitan cities to quaint towns, Romania’s night landscape is a treasure trove of excitement and adventure.
The capital, Bucharest, sets the pace for nightlife in Romania with its glittering bars, swanky clubs, and bohemian hangouts. As one moves through the city’s historic center, the cacophony of laughter, music, and clinking glasses echoes through the streets, pulling one into a world of revelry and abandon. The famous “lipscani” street of the city is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants, becoming the scene of real hustle and bustle, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Apart from Bucharest, other nightlife cities in Romania include Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași. Each city has its flavor, born from the local youth culture, music scenes, and urban atmosphere, from posh cocktail bars to grungy punk rock clubs. Cluj-Napoca has an ultra-trendy street “Piezisa,” with fashionable bars aligned in the streets, while in Timișoara, “Unirii” square is a center for al fresco events with live music performances.
Smaller towns and rural areas are places where nightlife becomes intimate, almost communal. It is in the local taverns and inns that locals and strangers alike will share stories of traditions and drinks until the early hours of morning. Here, in the warm light of fireplaces, accompanied by traditional folk music, is where you’ll find the true spirit of Romanian hospitality. As for most festivals and fairs, in every village in Maramureș or across Transylvania, communities come together to raise songs and dance. Much feasting is done, too.
The nightlife in Romania also draws much from its cultural festivals and events. Outdoor concerts, beach parties, and music festivals pepper the summer, while cozy wine tastings, jazz sessions, and traditional holiday celebrations adorn the winter. For one thing, Sziget Festival, Electric Castle, and Untold Festival are three well-known events that show how much Romania loves music, dance, and self-expression.
Within the nightlife in Romania, you’ll find an intellectual clash of old with new: sleek bars and clubs in historic buildings, the mix of ancient traditions with modern tastes, and an intoxicating combination of sounds, flavors, and experiences leaving one out of breath. From Bucharest’s suave, Art Deco-inspired bars to rural Transylvania’s rustic, folk-themed taverns, every single nightspot tells something about Romania’s rich cultural heritage.
Deeply experiencing the nightlife in Romania means embracing the ‘unknown’: find some hidden pearls, follow the sound of music, and join the crowd of having-a-good-time people. Do not be shy to strike up conversations with locals, try different kinds of drinks, or even dance the night away with complete strangers. Nightlife in Romania is basically a social thing, so just jump into that atmosphere.
It is nightlife representative of the Romanian people: warm, resilient, and passionate. Step out into the nightlife of this country, and you will find yourself in a nation that truly knows how to live life-took up each and every moment with proper joy, laughter, and a shot of palinca-spirits of Romania. From spontaneous singing to sudden dancing, they know how to enjoy themselves-the Romanians, at least-do not mind sharing that spirit with company.
The night is still young in Romania, full of endless possibilities. Now come and join the party, letting infectious energy from this country sweep you off your feet. Be a party animal or just looking for a relaxed evening out, Romania’s nightlife has something for all.
When night stretches on and the rhythm of the music pounds in your veins, you’ll be carried into the enchantment of Romania’s nightlife. Breathing heavily, it would have already wanted to return home, starting to plan the next adventure in this pulsating country.
Backpacking Romania costs:
Daily Budget: $10-20
Accommodation:
Hostel dorm: $5-10 (25-50 LEI) per night
Camping: $3-5 (15-25 LEI) per nightFood:
Street food/meals: $2-3 (10-15 LEI) per meal
Grocery shopping: $1-2 (5-10 LEI) per day
Traditional restaurants: $5-10 (25-50 LEI) per meal (occasional treat)Transportation:
Public transportation: $0.25-0.50 (1-2 LEI) per ride
Walking/biking: freeAttractions:
Museums: $2-5 (10-25 LEI) per person
Historical sites: $2-5 (10-25 LEI) per person
National parks: free or $2-5 (10-25 LEI) per personOther expenses:
Miscellaneous souvenirs/snacks: $1-2 (5-10 LEI) per dayTotal daily budget: $10-20
Weekly Budget: $70-140
Accommodation: $35-70
Food: $21-42
Transportation: $7-14
Attractions: $14-28
Other expenses: $14-28
Total weekly budget: $70-140
Conclusion:
Four-star hotels and half-a-grand attractions are not part of the true spirit of backpacking, and it is in raw, untamed experiences waiting on the road that you will find the true spirit of backpacking. That’s where Romania comes in-a destination boasting of great landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
If you embrace the vagaries and challenges of budget travel, then you’ll discover an authentic, vibrant, and utterly captivating Romania. From the rugged Carpathian Mountains to the tranquil Black Sea coast, every moment spent in this enchanting country will be breathtaking.
Whether walking through the curving streets of Bucharest, medieval towns of Transylvania, or picturesque villages of Maramureș, one would realize very well that Romanian beauty is not at all within its landscape but within the people. The locals greet you with a warm smile and open their homes to you to share all their stories as if you were part of the family.
Broke backpacking Romania isn’t about living dirt cheap; it’s about living life on your terms, taking jumps into the unknown, and finding your happy in the mundane. It is sharing a meal with fellow travelers, swapping stories around the campfire, or dancing the night away in some quirky hostel.
So pack light, be fearless, and let the rugged charm of Romania capture your heart, as it is in this beautiful, bewildering country that you’ll find often the best experiences come very cheaply.
