Romania captivates visitors with its medieval castles, fortified churches, and the legendary Dracula's Bran Castle. From the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the Danube Delta's wildlife and the vibrant streets of Bucharest, Romania offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture.
Local currency: Romanian Leu (RON) — approximately 4.7 RON per USD / 5.0 RON per EUR (2025 rates).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Romania.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $12-20 dorm
- Budget
- $35-55 private guesthouse
- Midrange
- $70-120 hotel
- Luxury
- $180-400+ hotel
Food
- Street
- $2-4 covrigi, kebab, takeaway
- Local
- $8-15 traditional restaurant
- Midrange
- $20-35 mid-range dinner
- Fine
- $60-120+ fine dining per person
Transport
- Bus
- $0.50-1 city bus/metro
- Taxi
- $5-12 city ride via Bolt/Uber
- Airport
- $10-20 Uber/Bolt to Bucharest center
- Daytrip
- $8-15 train to Sinaia or Brașov
Activities
- Museum
- $4-8 most museums
- Sites
- $10-15 major castles
- Tour
- $35-60 guided day tours
- Excursion
- $60-120 specialty adventures
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Romania costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$210-315/week
Midrange traveller
$490-840/week
Luxury traveller
$1,400-2,800+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Buy CFR (Romanian Railways) train tickets online at cfrcalatori.ro for 20-30% cheaper than station prices, especially for IC trains to Brașov and Sinaia
Eat the meniu de prânz (lunch set menu) at traditional restaurants — 2-3 courses including soup for $6-10, compared to $20+ for the same dishes à la carte at dinner
Use Bolt app for all taxi rides — consistently 30-50% cheaper than unlicensed street taxis and with transparent pricing before you enter
City tourist cards exist for Bucharest and Cluj offering combined museum entry plus transport for $15-25/day — worth it if visiting multiple paid attractions
Accommodation in Brașov and Sibiu is 30-40% cheaper than Bucharest for equivalent quality — consider using these as touring bases for Transylvania
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) Bucharest exterior walk
Wander the paths of this open-air museum on Herăstrău Lake seeing traditional farmhouses and windmills; interior entry costs $5 but the grounds can be appreciated freely.
Revolution Square and Memorial
Central Bucharest's Piața Revoluției has free access to the balcony from which Ceaușescu gave his last speech, the memorial flame for 1989 victims, and the former Royal Palace facade.
Herăstrău Park Bucharest
Bucharest's largest park on the northern lake system is completely free to enter and walk. Rent a pedalo for $5 or just enjoy 200 hectares of green space in the capital.
Brașov City Walls Walk
The preserved medieval city walls, towers, and bastions of Brașov are free to walk and photograph. Piața Sfatului central square and the Black Church exterior are free to view.
Sibiu Old Town Wandering
Sibiu's UNESCO-listed medieval center with its colorful houses and three interlinking squares is completely free to explore. The famous 'eyes of Sibiu' window dormers and Liar's Bridge are free highlights.
Cișmigiu Gardens Bucharest
Bucharest's oldest and most beloved public park in the city center with a lake, chess tables, playgrounds, and pavilions. Perfect for people-watching and relaxing without spending anything.
Sighișoara Citadel Exterior Walk
The lower town and exterior walls of Sighișoara's medieval citadel are free to explore. Entry fees only apply to the Clock Tower museum and specific interior sites.
Danube Delta Free Bird Watching
The public roads and levees around Tulcea town and Sfântu Gheorghe allow free bird watching with over 300 species in the delta without taking a paid boat tour.