Romania
Europe · Bucharest · RO
Romania is a country that toggles between medieval legend and modern energy, where the Carpathians bend around a landscape of painted monasteries, fortified villages and the brooding castles that inspired a thousand dark fairy tales. Bucharest, once known as the Paris of the East, pairs grand boulevards with a fast-changing arts scene, while Transylvania's region beyond the passes holds Saxon towns like Sighisoara and Brasov. The Maramures woodlands of the north shelter carved gates, straw-roofed churches and the tall wooden towers that ring the region's valleys. The Danube ends its journey through the country in a delta of channels, reeds and pelicans, and the Apuseni massif hides caves that hold some of Europe's deepest cave bear remains. Romanian food is hearty and seasonal, with polenta, cabbage rolls, sausage and plum brandy appearing at every family feast. The country's mix of Latin heritage, Saxon influence and mountain isolation makes it one of the most distinctive corners of Europe.
Overview
Romania is a country in Europe. Its capital is Bucharest and the international dialling code is +40. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Romanian. Local currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). Our guide covers 1 airport, including Henri Coandă International. We also list 1 city in Romania: Bucharest.
Getting around Romania
Romania's strongest rail links radiate from Bucharest, with overnight sleeper trains and high-quality services by the CFR; the Oradea–Cluj–Brasov corridor and the historic "Mocănița" narrow-gauge steam trains offer scenic riding through the Carpathians. Buses and car hire cover the rural trails and mountain villages.
In the cities, trams and buses run well; Bucharest's metro is cheap and extensive. Driving is on the right; Romania joined the Schengen area's open land-border space on 1 January 2025 and the air-border space in March 2024, so travel from most of Europe is now seamless.
When to visit Romania
May to September is the classic season: warm days in Transylvania, the painted monasteries of Bucovina at their best in late spring and early autumn, and Brasov buzzing with visitors. July and August are the peak, and the mountain resorts of the Bucegi and Rodna ranges come alive.
Winter is cold in the mountains — a good time for skiing in Poiana Brașov. Bucharest is enjoyable year-round, with a huge café and nightlife scene. The Danube Delta is best from April to October, with bird migration at its most spectacular in spring.
Eating and drinking
Romanian food is generous and rustic: sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced-meat rolls), ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup), and polenta (mămăligă) as a constant side. Traditional "țiuit" and slow-cooked stews dominate rustic menus, and the country's wine regions — Moldova hills, Dealu Mare — produce increasingly respected reds.
Şpriț (wine spritzer) is the casual drink of choice, and palinca (fruit brandy) rounds off a meal. In Bucharest, the café culture and fusion restaurants grow fast. Tipping 10% at restaurants is standard, especially with card, where you can ask to add the tip.
Money and local customs
Romania uses the leu (RON; about 5 lei to the euro). Cards are accepted in cities, but cash is essential in villages, markets and on the mountain roads — bring enough notes for the countryside.
Romanians are warm and expressive; a handshake and direct eye contact are the norm, and saying "mulțumesc" (thank you) warmly makes a good impression. Keep your passport with you, particularly for border and police checks in rural areas. A smile and a little patience go a long way in a country where connections are remembered long after the visit.
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- Capital
- Bucharest
- Currency
- Romanian Leu (RON)
- Languages
- Romanian
- Calling code
- +40
- Internet TLD
- ro
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Romania.
Which nationalities can enter Romania?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (1)
All airports →Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Romania?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Romania visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Romania?
Bucharest is the capital of Romania, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Romania?
You pay with Romanian Leu (RON) in Romania. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Romania?
The languages we list for Romania are Romanian. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Romania?
The dialling code for Romania is +40 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Romania?
Henri Coandă International (OTP) in Bucharest is the airport we cover for Romania.
Which cities in Romania do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Romania: Bucharest (capital).