Friends, picture pastel medieval lanes ringed by forested peaks, a cinematic salt mine with an underground lake, and a capital where grand boulevards meet cozy gardens.

Romania rewards curious travelers with short hops between cities, fair‑priced stays, and year‑round adventures. Use this guide for realistic prices, best‑time windows, and easy connections that make 7–10 days feel rich, not rushed.

Bucharest

Start with the monumental Palace of Parliament, then balance scale with strolls along Lipscani's cobbles, the Romanian Athenaeum's neoclassical curves, and leafy Cismigiu. Guided palace tours typically cost $12–$18 and last 60–90 minutes. Fly into OTP; rideshare to the center runs $10–$18. Mid‑range hotels near Old Town sit around $60–$110 per night.

Brașov & Bran

Ringed by the Carpathians, Brașov mixes mountain air with café‑lined squares. Ride the cable car up Tampa for city panoramas ($6–$10 return). Day‑trip to Bran Castle (often $12–$18 entry; 40 minutes by bus or 35–50 minutes by rideshare). Overnight in Brașov for quieter evenings and easy transfers to nearby fortresses.

Sibiu

The Brukenthal National Museum complex typically charges $6–$12 depending on galleries. Don't miss the ASTRA open‑air museum (short taxi; $7–$10 entry), a half‑day of traditional architecture set by lakes and forest trails. Many central guesthouses run $55–$95 with breakfast.

Sighișoara

A fairytale citadel with a clock tower, colorful houses, and cobbled alleys still lived in. Citadel sites usually bundle to $6–$10; climb the tower for sweeping rooftops. Arrive by mid‑morning before day‑tour crowds, then linger for golden‑hour photos along the bastion walks and narrow lanes.

Danube Delta (Sulina)

Use Sulina as a calm base for boat safaris across channels, reed beds, and sandy Black Sea strands. Fast boats from Tulcea take 1–2.5 hours; one‑way tickets $12–$25 depending on speed and season. Half‑day wildlife cruises run $25–$45. Book waterside pensiuni ($45–$85) that include breakfast and jetty pickups.

Deva Gateway

Ride the cable car to Deva Citadel for wide‑angle views ($6–$9). It's a handy overnight between Alba Iulia and Hunedoara. Evenings are pleasant along pedestrian boulevards; local hotels range $45–$80.

Băile Herculane

Thermal springs in a tree‑framed valley make a restorative pause between the west and the south. Day spa access often runs $10–$25; historic baths and riverside walks are free. Trains from Timișoara or Craiova arrive in 2–3 hours. Pack a light robe and sandals.

Cluj‑Napoca

A university city humming with galleries, green squares, and a year‑round arts calendar. Expect $60–$115 for central stays and $5–$10 for museum admissions. Use Cluj as a base for the Apuseni's karst scenery—day tours to caves and gorges run $45–$90 per person.

Suceava Base

Well placed for northern fortresses and folk villages, Suceava offers a compact citadel museum ($5–$8) and easy bus links. Plan 1–2 days to roam countryside viewpoints and craft workshops. Regional trains connect Suceava and Iași in 2–3 hours.

Timișoara

Nicknamed "Little Vienna," the west's cultural hub shines with pastel squares, manicured parks, and frequent festivals. Cafés cluster around Union and Victory squares; expect $4–$8 for mains at casual spots. The compact center is walkable; trams help in heat or rain.

Vama Veche

On the Black Sea near Bulgaria, this beach village is summer‑lively with sunrise gatherings and acoustic sets. Buses from Constanța take 1.5–2 hours. Budget stays start $35 on weekdays; weekends climb fast. Bring a light jacket—sea breezes cool nights even in July.

Maramureș

A slow‑travel dream of wooden gates, hay meadows, and hand‑craft traditions. Base in Baia Mare or Sighet; hire a driver for hamlet‑hopping across rolling hills. Farmstays with home‑cooked dinners average $45–$85 per night. Farmers' markets brim with cheeses, jams, and seasonal fruit.

Sinaia & Peleș

Peleș Castle's intricate woodwork and mountain setting make a must‑see pairing with forest walks. Tickets vary by route ($10–$20); guided English slots sell out on weekends—book the first tour. Trains from Bucharest take 1h50; town hotels run $55–$100 outside ski season.

Salina Turda

An amphitheater‑like salt mine with panoramic lifts, an underground lake (rowboats $4–$7), and galleries carved in glittering rock. Entry typically $12–$18; allow 2–3 hours. It's an easy hour from Cluj by car; public buses and tours operate daily in season.

Practical Routes

- Rail: Intercity trains link Bucharest–Brașov (2.5–3.5h), Brașov–Sibiu (2.5–3.5h), Cluj–Sibiu (4–5h). Book early for seats and air‑conditioning.

- Car hire: $30–$55/day; the Transylvania loop (Bucharest–Brașov–Sibiu–Sighișoara–Cluj) fits 6–8 days.

- Stays: Pensiuni (guesthouses) often include breakfast and parking; cards accepted in cities, cash handy in villages.

Smart Timing

- Spring/Fall: Mild days, golden forests, fewer queues.

- Summer: Reserve castles and salt mine slots in advance.

- Winter: Ski in Poiana Brașov; book mountain transfers and snow tires.

Dress in layers—mountain weather shifts quickly.

Conclusion

Romania shines when days braid one medieval town, one mountain view, and one quirky wonder—never far apart, always fairly priced. Which trio calls first: Brașov + Bran + Peleș; Sighișoara + Sibiu + ASTRA; or Cluj + Salina Turda + Apuseni trails?