The backpacker scene in Romania is relatively small but growing in popularity. The country offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous travelers. Backpackers can explore the stunning landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, …
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Backpacking Romania in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Romania with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Romania
Step into Romania, where medieval charm meets diverse landscapes, creating a captivating destination for backpackers. Pros? Explore castles, hike in the Carpathians, and savor affordable local cuisine. Romania offers a blend of history and nature on a budget. However, infrastructure may vary, and language barriers can pose challenges in rural areas. For the backpacker seeking a European adventure off the beaten path, Romania's authenticity, affordability, and the mix of cultural richness make it a distinctive choice, promising a journey filled with surprises at every turn.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Romania
Backpackers
Architecture
Romania is home to a wealth of ancient ruins and interesting architecture. The country is famous for its well-preserved medieval castles, including the iconic Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. The fortified churches of …
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Mountains
The Carpathian Mountains in Romania are a great destination for exploration. With their stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, they offer a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
One popular destination is the Făgăraș Mountains, …
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One popular destination is the Făgăraș Mountains, …
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Wildlife
Romania is great for seeing wildlife because it boasts a diverse range of habitats, including the Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta, and dense forests. These varied landscapes provide a home to a wide array of wildlife, such as brown bears, wolves, …
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Uniqueness
Exploring Romania offers a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. The country is home to medieval castles, fortified churches, and charming villages, providing a glimpse …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Romania can vary depending on travel style and preferences. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $25-40 per day, which includes accommodation in hostels or budget guesthouses, meals at local restaurants or …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Romania
- Explore the stunning landscapes of Transylvania: Transylvania is famous for its breathtaking scenery, including the Carpathian Mountains, charming medieval towns, and picturesque countryside. Visitors can hike through the beautiful landscapes, visit historic castles like Bran Castle, and immerse themselves in the region’s rich history and folklore.
- Discover the vibrant capital city of Bucharest: Bucharest is a dynamic city that blends old-world charm with modern attractions. Visitors can explore the historic Old Town, visit impressive landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament, and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife and cultural scene.
- Visit the painted monasteries of Bucovina: Bucovina is home to a unique collection of monasteries adorned with vibrant frescoes. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are a testament to the region’s rich religious and artistic heritage, and offer a glimpse into Romania’s Byzantine past.
- Experience the beauty of the Danube Delta: The Danube Delta is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. This vast wetland is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birds. Visitors can explore the delta by boat, kayak, or on foot, and enjoy the tranquility of this untouched natural wonder.
- Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Sibiu: Sibiu is a charming city that perfectly preserves its medieval heritage. Visitors can wander through its cobblestone streets, admire the well-preserved architecture, and visit landmarks like the Brukenthal National Museum and the Council Tower. Sibiu also hosts a renowned annual theater festival, making it a cultural hotspot in Romania.
But Romania offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Romania
The best time to visit Romania for backpacking is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural beauty. Additionally, the tourist crowds are smaller compared to the summer months, allowing for a more peaceful and authentic experience.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Romania
- The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile. Do not travel from Romania to Ukraine.
- Pickpocketing and bag-snatching occur. Thefts from hotel rooms are common. Assault and theft happen on intercity trains. Keep your personal belongings close. Lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside.
- Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Bucharest's Old Town. Don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met.
- Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your ID and wallet. Romanian police won't stop you at random to do this. If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer, ask to see their identification.
- Financial, dating and marriage scams occur. Only use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres, especially at night. Always keep your credit card in sight. Be wary of people you've met online.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
RomaniaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Romania sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Romania. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Romania may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Romania. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Romania may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Romania, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Romania, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024