Romania Itinerary for 10 Days: Top Towns + Local Tips

Castles, vampires and stunning scenery! My home country sure is an exciting place to visit and today I’ll help you plan your trip there, with this Romania itinerary for 10 days.

I’ve been exploring Romania since I was little and over the years I’ve gathered so many tips on how to make the best out of your holidays here! I’ve included all that plus much more information on transportation, costs and attractions in this post.

I custom built this itinerary so that you can do it either by renting a car to get around or just using public transport (mainly trains). 

Definitely book your hotels and attraction tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the summer or winter months. 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here’s a short list with the main things to consider for your trip to Romania:

Days: 10
Cost: US$1500 if traveling on a tight budget & around US$2000 for mid-range travelers, and for luxury the prices can go as high as possible
Transportation: train, bus, car
Best luxury hotels in the itinerary: Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Cluj Napoca
Best mid-range hotels: Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Cluj Napoca
Best budget accommodation: Bucharest, Sinaia, Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Cluj Napoca

Quick picks for your stay

Here are all the stops that we’ll make in this 10 day Romania itinerary:

Day 1 – 2: Bucharest
Day 3: Leave Bucharest for Sinaia
Day 4: Go to Brasov from Sinaia
Day 5: Leave Brasov & go to Sibiu
Day 6: Take a day trip from Sibiu
Day 7 – 8: Leave Sibiu & arrive in Sighișoara
Day 9 – 10: Go to Cluj from Sighișoara

Day 1 – 2: Arrive in Bucharest & start exploring

● Distance & travel time: –
● Why visit: unique architecture
● Key activity: Palace of Parliament
● Estimated daily budget: US$200
● Where to stay: The Marmorosch Bucharest ($$$), Hilton Garden Inn ($$), Rembrandt Hotel ($)

Welcome to Bucharest, a city that I’ve been calling home for a few years now!

The vibrant capital is the perfect place to start your adventures, since you’ll most likely land here from wherever you’re coming from.

Bucharest is packed with unique attractions, from countless museums and gorgeous buildings with stunning architecture! You’ll also find plenty of parks where you can escape the city heath (if you’re visiting during the summertime) and historical areas where you can learn more about the country’s past.

One of the biggest attractions here is the Old Town! That’s a great place to start your adventures as there are lots of unique buildings.

Another perk is that Bucharest has a super fun nightlife scene! Yep, once the sun sets you can hit many bars (especially in the Old Town) and grab some drinks.

If you’re wondering how to get around Bucharest, you can use public transport (metro, buses, trams) or Ubers (I’d avoid local taxi companies as sometimes they charge tourists more than the fare actually costs).

I wouldn’t recommend renting a car in Bucharest as the traffic is pretty bad here and you’ll probably waste more time rather than gaining.

Day 1 in Bucharest

• Grab some coffee at Origo (map)
• Explore Bucharest’s Old Town (map) & visit Stavropoleos Church (map)
• Learn new things at National History Museum of Romania
• Visit the Palace of Parliament
• Dinner at Caru’ cu Bere (map) or MOM (map)

Day 2 in Bucharest

• Grab some brunch at Bucătăria.localfood (map)
• Go on a walk on Calea Victoriei (map)
• Admire the Romanian Athenaeum
• Visit the National Museum of Art
• See the Triumphal Arch (map) & explore King Mihai I Park (map)

Optional extras

Planning to spend 1 more day in Bucharest? Here are some extra places that you could visit:

• Visit the “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History
• Check out Old Princely Court (map)
• Explore Cismigiu Garden Park (map)

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Where to stay in Bucharest

Check out this short list below with some of the top hotels in Bucharest. If you want to see a more extensive list, here’s a post on where to stay in Bucharest where you’ll find more areas and accommodations:

• The Marmorosch Bucharest ($$$)
• Hilton Garden Inn ($$)
• Rembrandt Hotel ($)

Day 3: Leave Bucharest & head to Sinaia

● Distance & travel time: 1h 30min by train, 2h by car
● Why visit: learn more about Romania’s history
● Key activity: visiting Peles Castle
● Estimated daily budget: US$150
● Where to stay: Chalet Royal ($$$), Hotel Sinaia ($$), Hotel Marea Neagra ($)

Alright, let’s leave the city and head into the mountains!

Romania is known for its natural beauty and there’s no better place to get acquainted with its wild side than Sinaia!

Once the residence of Romania’s royal family, Sinaia is home to some castles and old buildings with unique architecture.

To get here from Bucharest, you can rent a car and get there in around 2h if the traffic is light. Or if you’re not renting a car, you can use the train and get there in 1h and 30 min. You can get your tickets from this website, and leave from this station (map).

PRO TIP: If you’re traveling by car during the summer (June, July, August) or winter (December, January, February), I’d avoid leaving during the weekend, as everyone goes there and the traffic builds up (if it’s busy it can take even up to 3h to get there from Bucharest). If you can’t avoid traveling during the weekend, make sure you leave Bucharest super early in the morning.

Once you get to Sinaia you can do your hotel check-in and then head out to explore. Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage places in Sinaia, but I’m sure that if you talk to the hotel staff, they’ll be able to keep your bags for you, until you head to your rooms.

NOTE: For those who have a car, you could also easily visit Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle). It takes only 1h to get there from Sinaia. Unfortunately, there is no public transport to get to Bran from Sinaia. But, if you have the time, you could take a day trip there from Bucharest or from Brasov.

Day 3 in Sinaia (drive from Bucharest to Sinaia & spending the night there)

• Explore Bulevardul Carol I (map)
• Grab a bite at La Roq restaurant (map)
• Visit Peles Castle & Pelisor Castle

Where to stay in Sinaia

Here are some amazing hotels in the city, all set in the center or near it so you can easily get to the attractions:

• Chalet Royal ($$$)
• Hotel Sinaia ($$)
• Hotel Marea Neagra ($)

Day 4: Leave Sinaia & go to Brasov

● Distance & travel time: 1h by train, 1h by car
● Why visit: rich history
● Key activity: the Gothic Black Church
● Estimated daily budget: US$200
● Where to stay: Kronwell Brasov Hotel ($$$), Safrano Palace ($$), Casa Chitic ($)

Ready for your next destination? Now we’re headed to Brasov, one of the main cities in the Transylvania region.

To get to Brasov from Sinaia you can go by car and it’ll take you around 1h to get there. Or you can also take the train from Sinaia Station (map) to Brasov Station (map) and get there also in 1h. You can buy your train tickets from this website.

Once you get to Brasov, get all comfy in your hotel! If your check-in is later, ask them to help you with the luggage so that you can explore the city. If that’s not possible, you can head to this storage facility (map) and leave your bags there.

You can head straight to the Old Town, which is one the main sites in the city. You’ll find most of the attractions there too so you can easily hop in and visit them.

Brasov is a pretty quiet town, so if you’re looking for some tranquility you’ll definitely like it here!

Day 4 in Brasov

• Explore the Old Town (map)
• Visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe
• Go on a walk around the Council Square (map)
• Take the cable car or hike up to Mount Tampa (map)

Where to stay in Brasov

Check out this short list of the best places to stay in Brasov! Or if you’d like to see more accommodations in the region, have a look at our post with the top hotels in Transylvania:

• Kronwell Brasov Hotel ($$$)
• Safrano Palace ($$)
• Casa Chitic ($)

Day 5: Leave Brasov & go to Sibiu

● Distance & travel time: 3h by train, 2h 40 min by car
● Why visit: to see the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture
● Key activity: National Brukenthal Museum
● Estimated daily budget: US$200
● Where to stay: Noblesse Boutique Resort ($$$), Apartment Green ($$), Lumiere House Sibiu ($)

Pack your bags and get ready to visit one of my favorite cities in Romania: Sibiu!

It takes around 2h and 40 min to get to Sibiu by car and around 3h by train from Brasov. You can buy your tickets from this website.

Once you get to Sibiu, leave your bags at the hotel or if they can’t accommodate you yet, I’ve found this storage facility (map) right in the train station.

Sibui is known as one of Transylvania’s culture hubs and its Old Town is packed with super Instagrammable buildings with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. It’s such a pleasure to walk around Piata Mare (map), the main square in Sibiu where you can admire some of them.

Since you’ll mostly stay in the central area where all the attractions are, you can easily get around on foot, you won’t need a car or to use public transport here.

Day 4 in Sibiu

• Admire the Gothic, Renaissance & Baroque architecture in the Old Town
• Walk around Piata Mare (map)
• Learn new things at Brukenthal National Museum
• Check out the Council Tower
• Admire the Saint Mary Evangelical Cathedral (map)
• Visit the Natural History Museum 
• Cross the famous Bridge of Lies (map)!

Day 6: Take a day trip from Sibiu

● Tour duration: from 9AM to 5 PM
● Why visit: learn more about Romanian culture
● Key activity: Corvin Castle
● Tour price: US$95
● Book your tour: Corvin’s Castle & Alba Iulia tour

Up for something exciting? If you don’t have a car and you want to visit other parts of the country, then check out this day trip tour that I found from Sibiu, which costs US$95.

NOTE: If you do have a car you can totally visit these places on your own!

The tour includes a visit to Corvin Castle, which was built in the 15th century on the top of a rocky cliff overlooking the city of Hunedoara. This is one of the largest castles in Europe and there are lots of legends and stories about it.

From Corvin Castle, you’ll get back in the van and visit Alba-Iulia, one of the oldest settlements in the country, where you’ll do a walking tour of the city, and learn more about it.

Once you’re done in Alba-Iulia you’ll get back to Sibiu and still have time for some dinner! Sounds pretty amazing, right? Honestly I think this is the best way to see a bit more of the region if you’re not renting a car, as it’d take much longer to visit these places  by using public transport.

Day 4 day trip from Sibiu

• Day trip to Corvin Castle & Alba Iulia

Where to stay in Sibiu

Looking for some of the best places to stay in Sibiu? Then check out this short list of accommodations:

• Noblesse Boutique Resort ($$$)
• Apartment Green ($$)
• Lumiere House Sibiu ($)

Day 7 – 8 : Leave Sibiu & head to Sighișoara

● Distance & travel time: 3h by train, 1h 30 min by car
● Why visit: see the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town
● Key activity: Clock Tower
● Estimated daily budget: US$180
● Where to stay: Casa Georgius Krauss ($$$), Casa Savri ($$), Gloria Apartments ($)

Here’s another amazing Romanian city with a rich history that I’m sure you’ll love!

To get to Sighisoara from Sibiu, you can take your rented car and be there in 1h 30 min or the train from Sibiu station (map) and get there in 3h. You can buy your tickets from this website.

Once there, leave your bags at the hotel (I didn’t find any storage facility here so talk to the staff at your accommodation and see if they can help and hold the bags for you) and head out to explore the city.

Sighișoara dates back to the 12th century and its Old Town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Everytime I come here, I feel transported to another era, especially as I start exploring!

You can start in the Old Town, which is the city’s main spot! There you’ll find a few souvenir shops, cafes and lots of historic attractions! Luckily the town is pretty small so you won’t need to use buses or anything like that to get around.

Day 7 in Sighișoara:

• Explore the Old Town
• Grab a bite at Martini (map)
• Stop by Clock Tower (map)
• Snap a pic of the The Ironsmiths’ Tower (map)
• Visit the House of Vlad the Impaler (map)

Day 8 in Sighișoara

• Grab some coffee at Atelier Specialty Coffee (map)
• Climb up the Covered Stairway (map)
• Visit Biserica din Deal (map)
• Stop by Butcher’s Tower (map)
• Learn new things at Casa Breslelor
• Grab dinner at Gasthaus Altepost (map)

Where to stay in Sighișoara

Here are 3 amazing hotels in Sighisoara, that are set in the center or near it.

• Casa Georgius Krauss ($$$)
• Casa Savri ($$)
• Gloria Apartments ($)

Day 9 – 10: Leave Sighișoara & arrive in Cluj

● Distance & travel time: 4h by train, 2h 30 min by car
● Why visit: Unofficial capital of the Transylvania region
● Key activity: St. Michael’s Church
● Estimated daily budget: US$200
● Where to stay: Hotel Platinia ($$$), Golden Tulip Ana Dome Hotel ($$), Carpe Diem Cluj ($)

We’re getting to the end of this fun 10 days Romania itinerary and we’ll end it with a bang!

Pack your bags and get ready to visit Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region that is home to some amazing attractions and tons of festivals!

It takes around 2h 30 min to get to Cluj Napoca by car from Sighisoara and if you’re taking a train from Sighisoara station (map) to Cluj Napoca station (map) , the journey will take around 4h. You can buy your tickets from this website.

Once you arrive in this university city you can leave your bags at the hotel or in this storage facility room (map) set right in the station.

NOTE: Although not as big as Bucharest, Cluj is definitely a large city so if you’re wondering how to get around, you can totally use the trams, buses and even Ubers as they’re pretty affordable. I wouldn’t recommend using a car inside the city as traffic can be quite bad, especially during rush hour.

Cluj is a fun city and it has a wide range of attractions for all interests so you’ll definitely won’t get bored here! There are tons of museums, churches and parks where you can relax and take a break from all the city noise.

PRO TIP: During the summer months there are lots of festivals taking place in Cluj so if you’re coming during that time, make sure you book your accommodation way in advance, as the city is packed with tourists from all over the country and the world, during that time. The main 2 festivals are Electric Castle, which takes place mid-July and UNTOLD, which takes place usually in August.

Day 9 in Cluj-Napoca:

• Grab a coffee at Samara restaurant (map)
• Go for a stroll around Unirii Square (map),
• Visit the Gothic Saint Michael Church (map)
• Admire the art at Art Museum
• Check out the Ethnographical Museum of Transylvania

Day 10 in Cluj-Napoca:

• Start your morning with coffee at Olivo Coffee Culture (map)
• Check out the Botanical Garden
•  Head to Cetatuia Park (map)
• Visit the The National Museum of the History of Transylvania,

Where to stay in Cluj

Looking for some amazing places to stay in Cluj-Napoca? Here are some amazing hotels, all located near the center:

• Hotel Platinia ($$$)
• Golden Tulip Ana Dome Hotel ($$)
• Carpe Diem Cluj ($)

📅 How many days:	10
🤩 Best town:	Bucharest
🏨 Best hotel:	The Marmorosch Bucharest
🌞 When to visit:	April to June

Alternative Romania itineraries

Since the itinerary you’ve read all about just above is just for 10 days I thought I’d offer you 2 more options for itineraries for less and more than 10 days.

Check them out below:

Romania Travel Itinerary for 7 Days

• Day 1: Explore Bucharest
• Day 2: Take a day trip tour to Dracula’s Castle, Peles & Brasov
• Day 3: Head to Sibiu
• Day 4: Leave Sibiu for Cluj
• Day 5: Explore Cluj Napoca

Romania Travel Itinerary for 14 Days

• Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest
• Day 2: Visit the attractions in Bucharest
• Day 3: Take a day trip to Dracula’s Castle & Peles
• Day 4: Head to Brasov and explore
• Day 5: Visit the attractions in Bravo
• Day 6: Leave Brasov & head to Sibiu
• Day 7: Explore Sibiu
• Day 8: Take a day trip to Corvin Castle & Alba Iulia from Sibiu
• Day 9: Leave Sibiu & head to Sighișoara
• Day 10: Explore Sighișoara
• Day 11: Leave Sighișoara & head to Cluj
• Day 12: Visit the attractions in Cluj
• Day 13: Take a day trip from Cluj to Turda Salt Mine
• Day 14: Go on a day trip around Maramures from Cluj

Transportation in Romania

Wondering if you should rent a car or just use the bus or train to get around Romania?

Well, it depends on your preference but you can read this section and I’m sure that by the end you’ll be able to make up your mind!

Since Romania is not a super expensive country, renting a car here shouldn’t be too costly. The price for renting a car starts at US$15 per day and can go as high as US$50 per day, which is pretty good. But take into account the gas price too.

NOTE: In Romania, we drive on the right-hand side.

However, if you’re not feeling comfortable driving or you don’t have a driver’s license, you can just use public transport, mainly trains and buses.

If you are, you should know that most of the trains in Romania are pretty old but at least the ticket prices are sort of cheap, which is a good thing!

The main issues that the trains have are during winter when it snows heavily (and the train tracks get absolutely covered in snow and icy) and during summer when it’s too hot (and the tracks get too hot so the trains have to slow down, which usually causes delays). Apart from that you should be fine!

FAQs about Romania Itinerary 10 days

Final thoughts on Romania itinerary 10 days

Who’s already making charts and trying to decide how many cities they can visit?

I know the feeling and I hope that this Romania itinerary for 10 days helped you decide which places to pick and where to go!

Don’t forget that you can always drop me any questions in the comment section below! As I’m from Romania, I can totally help you out with anything that you’re not sure about.

Make sure you book your hotels and attraction tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the summer or in the winter which are the high seasons.

Have fun visiting my home country and let me know if you spot Dracula!

Happy exploring,

Victoria

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