Romania travel guide
Romania is a country of Carpathian peaks, painted monasteries, medieval towns and a countryside where traditional village life endures. You can wander the cobbled squares of a Saxon town, drive mountain roads through forest and meadow, and finish the day with hearty local food. The pace is slower than in much of Europe, and that is part of its appeal. Transylvania is the main draw, with Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca offering contrasting urban characters, one medieval and the other youthful. Timișoara brings Habsburg-era elegance in the west, Bucharest is the capital, and Constanța and the coast open onto the Black Sea. The Danube Delta is a wildlife-rich wetland in the east. Late spring to early autumn is the best time to travel in Romania, with winter suited to Christmas markets and mountain skiing. It suits history lovers, hikers and curious travellers. Plan your Romania itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Bucharest.
Before you go to Romania
- Currency
- RON lei
- Emergency number
- 112
- Plug type
- Type C, F
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- Usually free at bank ATMs; Euronet machines charge heavily and push DCC
Cities in Romania
- Bucharest Romania's sprawling capital on the Dâmbovița River, mixing Belle Époque "Little Paris" boulevards, communist-era monumentalism and a lively…
- Brașov Medieval Saxon-founded city at the foot of the Carpathians — Transylvania's premier tourist base and gateway to Bran and Peleș castles.
- Cluj-Napoca Transylvania's vibrant university and tech capital, built around a Gothic old town, Baroque squares and buzzing cafe culture.
- Constanța Romania's main Black Sea port and oldest continuously inhabited city (ancient Tomis), pairing an atmospheric peninsula with the Mamaia…
- Timișoara Elegant "Little Vienna" of the Banat and 2023 European Capital of Culture, laced with restored Baroque squares and the Bega canal.
- Sighișoara Remarkably preserved 12th-century Saxon walled hill town — a UNESCO World Heritage citadel and reputed birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
- Sibiu Superbly preserved medieval Saxon town of cobbled squares and pastel burgher houses; European Capital of Culture 2007.
Frequently asked questions about Romania
- What currency is used in Romania?
- The currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (lei). lei1 is about ₹20.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Romania?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Romania?
- Tipping in Romania: optional. Tipping around 10% is customary and appreciated in restaurants and for taxis; rounding up is common.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Romania?
- Tap water is safe. Tap water is safe to drink in Romanian cities.
- What plug type does Romania use?
- Romania uses Type C, F plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Romania?
- Emergency: 112. Police: 112. Ambulance: 112.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Romania?
- SIM and eSIM available in Romania.
- What is the capital of Romania?
- The capital of Romania is Bucharest. Time there: IST - 2 h 30 min.