Want to Visit Eastern Europe

Romania

Duration 10 days Cost ~EUR 1,600 for two Season May-September Currency RON (Romanian Leu) USD 1 USD = 4.25 RON Lang Romanian

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

— Saint Augustine

Romania still feels like a secret — pristine wilderness, medieval towns untouched by time, painted monasteries, and an unhurried way of life that has disappeared elsewhere in Europe.

Why I Want to Visit

Transylvania has Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, fortified Saxon churches, and the Carpathians where bears and wolves still roam. Equally drawn to Bucovina’s painted monasteries and the pastoral life of Maramures.

Planned Itinerary

Ten days to explore this surprisingly diverse country:

Bucharest (2 days) - Palace of the Parliament, old town, communist-era architecture, cafe scene
Brasov and Bran (2 days) - Medieval town center, Bran Castle, Carpathian foothills hikes
Sighisoara (1 day) - Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace, best-preserved medieval citadel in Europe
Sibiu (2 days) - Old town with “eyes” rooftops, ASTRA open-air museum
Bucovina Monasteries (2 days) - UNESCO painted monasteries of Voronet, Sucevita, and Moldovita

What I’m Most Excited About

Bucovina’s frescoes that have survived five centuries
Hiking the Carpathians and possibly spotting bears
Sighisoara’s citadel cobblestone streets at twilight
Bucharest’s contrast between communist architecture and modern culture

Where to Eat

Caru’ cu Bere (Bucharest) — Legendary 1879 beer hall with Neo-Gothic interiors and live folk music. ~RON 60-110. 📍 Maps
Bistro de l’Arte (Brasov) — Stylish old town bistro blending Romanian and French cooking. ~RON 80-140. 📍 Maps
Roata (Cluj-Napoca) — Traditional Transylvanian restaurant with rustic decor and hearty dishes. ~RON 45-80. 📍 Maps
Lacrimi si Sfinti (Bucharest) — Hip old town gastropub with modern Romanian cuisine. ~RON 70-120. 📍 Maps
Sergiana (Brasov) — Saxon-Transylvanian restaurant in a historic cellar. ~RON 50-90. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

Rembrandt Hotel ★★★★ (Bucharest) — Boutique hotel in a restored heritage building in the old town. ~RON 450/night. Book
Casa Wagner ★★★ (Sighisoara) — Family-run guesthouse on the citadel’s main square with Clock Tower views. ~RON 280/night. Book
Teleferic Grand Hotel ★★★★ (Brasov) — Modern hotel at Tampa Mountain base with spa. ~RON 500/night. Book
Hotel & Spa & Aqua Nera ★★★ (Cluj-Napoca) — Affordable central hotel with good wellness facilities. ~RON 250/night. Book

Tours & Excursions

Transylvania Castles Tour: Bran, Peles & Rasnov — Three castles in one day: Bran, Peles Palace, and Rasnov Citadel. 12h, ~RON 200. Book
Bucharest Communist Era Walking Tour — Palace of the Parliament. 3h, ~RON 80. Book
Brasov Old Town & Black Church Day Trip — Medieval streets, Black Church, and Tampa Mountain cable car. 8h, ~RON 150. Book
Transfagarasan Road Scenic Drive Tour — One of the world’s most spectacular mountain roads with Balea Lake. 12h, ~RON 250. Book
Sighisoara Medieval Citadel Walking Tour — Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace with colorful houses and the Clock Tower. 2h, ~RON 70. Book