Did you know that Romania is home to one of the world’s largest underground amusement parks, hidden inside a salt mine over 400 feet below ground?
Romania is a country of unexpected wonders, where medieval castles, ancient fortresses and stunning mountain landscapes meet lively cities and rich traditions. From the mysterious legends of Dracula’s castle to the peaceful Saxon villages of Transylvania, Romania offers travelers an unforgettable blend of history, culture and adventure.
Excited already? Keep reading to get itching to book your trip!
Overview of Romania’s Tourism Growth in 2025
To begin with, does Romania rely on tourism and how much of Romania’s GDP is tourism? In 2023, Romania’s tourism industry accounted for 4.19%, which is expected to increase to 5.72% in 2025.
In terms of what Romania ranked in tourism, the country ranks 4th in the world for best-performing destinations in terms of receipts from international tourists.
Okay, so Romania’s tourism industry makes up a good portion of Romania’s income, but does Romania get a lot of tourists?
Yes, we can see through tourism in Romania statistics by year how many tourists go to Romania each year. In September 2024, Romania reached 11.15 million tourist arrivals.
- 2023: 13.65m
- 2022: 11.3m
- 2021: 9.28m
- 2020: 6.34m
- 2019: 13.37m
From this, we can see that tourism in Romania has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, which is exciting to see!
So, of these tourists in Romania numbers, who visits Romania the most? In terms of tourism in Romania statistics by country, we can see that Ukraine nationals visit Romania the most:
- Ukraine: 3,799,790
- Moldova: 3,048,560
- Bulgaria: 1,584,080
- Hungary: 1,180,420
- Turkey: 749,800
Is Romania safe? Well, it has a safety index of 67.59 and a crime index of 32.41, compared to a safety index of 50.77 and a crime index of 49.23 in the United States, this means there’s a higher perception of crime in the US compared to Romania.
Now that you know a little about tourism statistics in Romania, let’s dig deeper to help you build your itinerary!
Key Tourist Attractions in Romania: Where Visitors Are Flocking
What is Romania like for tourists and what can you expect to see when you’re there?
If you’re wondering why is Romania so popular, we’re sure the first things that come to mind are Dracula and Vlad Tepes, but what about other attractions to add to your list?
Romania offers diverse experiences for all types of travelers, from historical landmarks to stunning natural beauty and vibrant cities.
Here are the must-see spots:
- Bucharest: Romania’s capital, often called the ‘Paris of the East,’ is known for its beautiful architecture and attractions like the Palace of Parliament and the Romanian Athenaeum.
- Bran Castle: Famous as ‘Dracula’s Castle,’ this iconic fortress in Transylvania draws fans of gothic history and Romanian lore. It also features a museum dedicated to Queen Maria.
- Brașov: A picturesque city in Transylvania with attractions like Mount Tâmpa and the famous Black Church. Perfect for hiking, history and architecture lovers.
- Peles Castle: Located in Sinaia, this neo-Renaissance masterpiece is one of Europe's most beautiful castles, with stunning interiors and scenic surroundings.
- Transfăgărășan Highway: Known as one of the best road trips globally, this dramatic highway offers breathtaking mountain views but is not for faint-hearted drivers.
- Poenari Citadel: An impressive fortress linked to Vlad the Impaler. Visitors must climb 1480 steps to reach the top for stunning views.
- Râșnov Fortress: This medieval fortress in the Carpathians was built to protect the region from invaders.
- Cetatea Făgărașului: A well-preserved fortress turned museum that offers insight into Romanian history.
- Viscri: A charming Saxon village, home to the UNESCO-listed Viscri Fortified Church. Ideal for a cultural escape.
- Sighişoara Citadel: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, known for its colorful streets and historical significance.
- Salina Turda: A unique salt mine transformed into an underground amusement park, complete with a Ferris wheel and boating lake.
- Scărişoara Glacier Cave: One of Romania’s natural wonders, home to the country’s largest underground glacier.
- Sibiu: A picturesque city known for its Saxon architecture, medieval towers and the ASTRA Folk Museum. Great for history buffs.
Romania’s Festivals and Events: When to Visit for Local Celebrations
One of the best ways to schedule your trip to a country is around festivals. You get to experience the culture as well as have something to look forward to, and Romanian festivals are no different.
Here’s a quick guide to some of Romania’s most popular festivals that highlight the country’s rich culture, from music and food to ancient traditions:
- UNTOLD: Romania’s largest electronic music festival takes place over four days in August in Cluj-Napoca. Featuring top global DJs like Major Lazer and Don Diablo, it has become one of Europe’s most anticipated festivals since 2015.
- Artmania: Held in Sibiu in late July, this three-day festival blends art and music, featuring progressive rock and neo-dark folk. Artmania is known for its unique atmosphere and has hosted acts like Porcupine Tree.
- Sighisoara Medieval Festival: Set in the UNESCO-listed Sighisoara Citadel, this festival showcases medieval music, dances and parades. The event is a lively display of knights, troubadours and traditional food, making it a must-see for history lovers.
- Street Food Festival: This traveling festival, held from May to October, offers a wide variety of dishes from food trucks in major cities across Romania. It’s perfect for food enthusiasts looking to sample both traditional and international flavors.
- Dancing Bears Festival: Held annually from December 24 to 30 in Comanesti, this ancient tradition features locals dressed in bear costumes performing dances to ward off evil spirits. It's a unique cultural experience that draws visitors from around the world.
- Haferland Week: Celebrating Saxon culture in Transylvania, this festival features traditional food, crafts, music and tours of Saxon villages. Held in August, it’s a great way to experience rural life and Saxon heritage.
Culinary Delights: Traditional Romanian Dishes You Must Try
Romanian cuisine reflects its multicultural history, blending influences from the Balkans, Turkey, Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Due to this, Romanian food offers a rich, hearty experience, perfect for those seeking authentic, traditional dishes during their travels.
But what food is Romania famous for? Here’s a quick overview of some must-try dishes to add to your list!
- Ciorba: A rich, sour soup made in various styles across Romania. Popular versions include Ciorba de Fasole cu Afumătură (bean soup with smoked pork) and Ciorbă de Perișoare (sour meatball soup). These hearty soups are a staple in Romanian homes and restaurants.
- Sarmale: Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice, minced meat and vegetables. This beloved dish is a favorite at celebrations like Christmas, Easter and weddings.
- Tochitură: A heavy, rich dish of roasted pork, bacon and sausage, cooked in lard and served with polenta, fried eggs, cheese and pickles. It’s a must-try for pork lovers.
- Mici (Mititei): Grilled minced meat rolls, similar to sausages, made from pork, veal or lamb, and packed with spices. This is a popular street food, best enjoyed with mustard and a cold beer.
- Ciorbă de Burtă: A polarizing tripe soup, sour and creamy, made with tripe and egg yolks.
- Mămăligă: A comforting dish of soft polenta mixed with cheese and sour cream and sometimes topped with a fried egg.
- Plăcintă: Traditional Romanian pies filled with apples, cheese, cabbage or meat. Sweet or savory, this is a classic Romanian comfort food.
- Papanasi: A Romanian dessert made from ricotta-like cheese doughnuts, topped with sour cream and blueberry jam. It’s sweet, indulgent and a must-try for dessert lovers.
- Kürtőskalács: A Transylvanian dessert, also known as chimney cake, made by wrapping dough around a cylinder, roasting it over embers and covering it with caramelized sugar and nuts. Best eaten hot.
- Cozonac: A sweet bread enjoyed during Easter and Christmas, often filled with nuts, cocoa or Turkish delight. It’s a must-have holiday treat but can be found year-round.
Best Time to Visit Romania: Seasonal Highlights for Tourists
Romania’s climate offers a variety of experiences across its regions, influenced by both its central European location and diverse landscape. Romania’s climate and geography provide a range of travel experiences, whether you're seeking sun, snow or scenic landscapes.
You might be wondering what to expect when you’re there, so here’s what to know:
Romania experiences all four seasons, with hot summers, mild springs, cool, dry autumns, and cold winters. Rainfall is generally moderate, but regional differences make for diverse weather patterns.
Regional Climate Breakdown:
- Carpathian Mountains: This region has a cooler, wetter climate, especially at higher elevations. Winter snowfall makes it ideal for skiing, with popular resorts like Poiana Brașov and Sinaia. In the summer, temperatures are mild (around 25°C in August) and thunderstorms are common.
- Black Sea Coast (Dobrogea): The temperate climate here is moderated by the Black Sea, keeping summers warm but pleasant (26°C in July/August) and winters cool -3°C in January). The coastal city Constanța enjoys milder winters than the rest of Romania, making it a popular year-round destination.
- Eastern Romania (Romanian Plain): This region experiences continental extremes. Bucharest sees very hot summers (often peaking at 35–40°C) and cold winters -5°C on average in January). The area is dry, with sharp day-to-night temperature changes.
- Western Romania: Milder than the east, western regions like Arad experience moderate temperatures with summer highs of 28°C and winter lows of -5°C. It’s wetter and cloudier than the east, but summers still bring sunshine.
Best Times to Visit:
- Late Spring (May–June) and early Autumn (September–October) are the most comfortable times to visit for mild temperatures and pleasant weather.
- Summer (July–August) is perfect for visiting the Black Sea resorts, such as Mamaia, where cooling sea breezes keep temperatures in check despite the heat.
- Winter (December–March) is ideal for skiing in the Carpathians, where snow and cold temperatures make for excellent conditions.
Transportation in Romania: Getting Around with Ease
Transportation in any country can be confusing, but even more so in one where you don’t speak the language. Romania’s transportation options vary, with pros and cons for each, depending on where you are and what you’re wanting to experience.
Here’s a simple guide to transportation in Romania, perfect for travelers:
Flights:
- Best for long distances: Flying is the fastest and often cheapest option. It takes 45 minutes to fly from Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca, versus 7 hours by car or 10 hours by train.
- Airlines: WizzAir, RyanAir, HiSky, and Tarom connect major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Oradea, Suceava and Iași.
- Cost: Tickets range from €15 to €50, depending on how early you book.
Trains:
- Pros: Great for scenic views, especially crossing the Carpathians. Most cities and towns are connected by train and tickets are cheap.
- Cons: Trains are slow, often old and delays are common for long-distance travel (1–2 hours). Services like food or clean toilets may be lacking.
- Types of Trains: IR (InterRegio) trains connect major cities and are faster; R (Regio) trains stop frequently and are slower.
- Prices: Bucharest to Brasov costs about €10, while longer routes like Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca cost around €20.
Cars:
- Best for flexibility: Renting a car is ideal for exploring remote areas like Maramures or Bucovina’s monasteries. It saves time and allows for more scenic stops. You might find it more convenient to hire a driver!
- Rental Requirements: Must be 21+, with a valid driver’s license and credit card.
- Road Conditions: Main roads are well-marked, but traffic can be heavy on weekends. Watch out for potholes, horse carts and stray dogs. Avoid driving at night when possible.
Taxis:
- Available everywhere: Taxis are common in cities and towns. Look for official taxis with meters and avoid drivers who approach you at airports or train stations to avoid inflated fares.
- Uber: When in Bucharest, stick with Uber.
How to Plan the Perfect Romania Vacation: Tips for First-Time Visitors
When heading to a new country, it’s incredibly important to learn about some cultural etiquette and safety tips to help you navigate with respect and caution.
Here’s a simplified guide to the do's and don'ts in Romania:
Do's:
- Gift Giving: If invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift like flowers (avoid even numbers), chocolates or liquor. This is polite, though not mandatory.
- Carry Cash: Many small shops, fast-food places and taxis don’t accept credit cards. It’s best to have some cash for these situations.
- Tipping: Tipping is common in Romania, especially for service providers, but in some cases (like doctors), it’s more polite to give a gift instead of cash.
- Learn Basic Romanian: A simple “Mulțumesc” (thank you) goes a long way. People appreciate small efforts to speak their language.
Don'ts:
- Sensitive Topics: Avoid making strong comments about communism or corruption. Let locals guide the conversation if these topics arise. Religion, particularly Orthodox Christianity, is sensitive for many Romanians. It’s best to steer clear of religious debates.
- Avoid Looking Too Touristy: Be cautious about showing wealth in public and protect valuables in crowded areas like Old Town or public transport to avoid pickpockets.
- Currency Exchange: Don’t use private exchange shops; airport exchanges offer better rates.
- Unsolicited Help: Avoid parking scams or people offering unsolicited services, especially as guides, as they will demand money for their efforts. Stick to official sources for advice.
Future Projections for Tourism in Romania
The market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.98% from 2025 to 2029, reaching an estimated market value of US$3,447.00 million by 2029. By 2029, 70% of Travel & Tourism revenue is expected to come from online sales.
Romania is a country rising in popularity, especially among adventure seekers and those wanting to explore rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes. The country is expected to receive about 16.6m arrivals in 2028, and, as seen above, there’s a lot for these visitors to see.
Conclusion
Do you need help creating an itinerary that allows you to visit all you’re looking to see in Romania? With a GoWithGuide private Romanian guide, you can create a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and requirements.
Your guide will ensure your trip to Romania is one that brings lifelong memories!
