Romania on a Budget
A view of Brasov, Romania
After traveling to over 40 countries Romania is still up there as one of my most all-time underrated travel destinations. Everything about it surprised me, from the wide array of delicious and cheap food to the stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, there really is something here for everyone. I was at the very beginning of my photography career when I went here in 2015 and the combination of run-down beauty and colorful architecture had my camera out at every corner. Here are a few of my tips from my time training and busing through this country full of surprises.
A train station in small town Romania
WHAT TO PACK
1. Layers!
Romania is one of those places that can have four seasons in one day. It can go from boiling hot to crisp and cold the very next day, even in August, so be prepared for everything. Especially if you are going to the more mountainous areas.
2. Earplugs and eye mask.
Basic necessities of hostel living.
3. Neck pillow.
If you travel around Romania expect a lot of long bus and train rides. This was my savior on those trips and allowed me to catch up on some much-needed sleep that would not have been possible with my head banging around.
4. Elastic band pants.
You’ll see why when you read about the food.
5. Comfortable shoes.
With cobbled pathways and unfinished sidewalks in every city, it’s best to leave the stilettoes at home.
WHERE TO STAY, EAT, AND THINGS TO DO
Sure there are plenty of beautiful hotels for great prices in Romania, but if you are doing things on a budget and want to make your euro go further here are the best hostels and backpackers. Most places cost around 11 euro and include a free breakfast. Food is cheap, a rather large meal with drinks should only cost you around 10 euro at a restaurant, and you can pick up delicious street food for no more than 2 euro. Click on the link to find out the cost and further information on each place.
CLUJ NAPOCA
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STAY
Clean, quiet with two kitchens and a fantastic choice of cooked breakfasts included in the price. Close to the city center and located near a few cozy bars. This hostel is super organized, helpful and also has private rooms available for those wanting a little more privacy.
DO
The stunning salt mines are a thirty-minute ride from Cluj-Napoca and well worth the trek. The mine has been used as a source of rock salt since the late 13th century till 1932 when the excavation of salt stopped. There is a playground for mini-golf, bowling, basketball, table tennis, and snooker and a concert hall with heated seats- all in the mine. A big wheel and a subterranean lake complete this complex of wells, corridors, labyrinths, excavations of all sorts, rooms, and even an altar cut out of the salt. It’s a little bit mindblowing!
SIBIU
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STAY
This is a small but clean hostel with a very decent free breakfast including eggs, bread, filtered coffee, yogurt, and cereal. it’s in a great location, right next to the main square in the old town and the rooms have super comfortable beds.
EAT
Without a doubt, the best place to eat here is Crama Sibiul Vechi. They offer a huge menu packed with delicious Romanian food at dirt-cheap prices. The atmosphere is incredibly cozy, with the restaurant being in an underground cave and staff members regularly playing traditional folk music. You might have to wait for a table, but don’t let it put you off. Be sure to try the crumbed cheese sticks… heaven!
A view of Sibiu from the Cathedral tower. © Ainsley DS Photography
The strange and beautiful Brukenthal Museum is housed in the palace of Samuel Von Brukenthal. It features some stunning and rather interesting Romanian artwork, portraits, and furniture from the original house. There is also an underground section devoted to gothic relics, Dracula, and everything creepy. Best not to go to this section alone for the easily spooked.
Be warned, this 73m high climb is not for the faint-hearted. The stairs look rickety and the handrails are thin and greasy. Dating back to 1371, it’s dark and steep, but well worth the climb once you reach the view at the top. A stunning vista through four corners of the tower looking over Sibiu.
Looking up at the ceiling of the Orthodox cathedral © Ainsley DS Photography
This cathedral- so plain looking from the outside, will likely take your breath away once you step through the doors. A friend of mine who had visited a lot of Orthodox churches stated this was by far one of the best and most impressive he had ever seen. The mosaic tiles and the gold give fascinating detail to the ceiling. Almost every inch of this cathedral is ornately decorated. Well worth a look.
BRASOV
STAY
Kismet Dao is THE place to stay here.
Great hostel with an awesome alpine-hippy vibe. Organizes day tours to surrounding attractions and is only a short walk from the main square, supermarkets, and a great kebab shop. Lots of bathrooms, a big downstairs common area, and the price includes a free drink for each night you stay and cereals and coffee in the morning.
EAT
A modern cozy restaurant serving old traditional dishes with a twist. Famous for its pies and the eggplant salad is a must-try.
For the most incredible kebabs. Great for a quick and super cheap bite to eat. Be sure to ask for the spicy ketchup. Open late for those midnight cravings…
Take a break from all the sightseeing and enjoy one of the best coffees you will have in Romania. On a sunny day sit outside and make the most of the beautiful view.
DO
A beautiful bear from the Liberty Bear Sanctuary. © Ainsley DS Photography
A beautiful 160-acre sanctuary filled with bears that have been rescued from abusive owners. Often, ex-circus performers, these bears are given a better life and rehabilitation in the beautiful mountainside with medical care, and friends to play with (did you know that bears get depressed?). All proceeds from your ticket entry go directly toward the upkeep and maintenance of the sanctuary.
Unfortunately Dracula never actually lived here, however, Bran Castle was the setting for Bran Stokers’ “Dracula” novel. It’s not as well decorated as Peles Castle, and people have left a bit disappointed at what’s left. But it’s worth a look if you want to see the spooky inspiration behind the infamous horror.
If you’re only in Romania for a short time and choosing between Brans Castle and Peles Castle, without a doubt choose Peles. With over 170 rooms decorated in neo-renaissance style a tour of this castle packed with oriental weapons and exotic goods will leave you feeling a little blown away. Be sure to grab a coffee and a delicious sweet treat from the café next door and enjoy your morning tea with a beautiful view of the palace. More recently, Peles castle was the setting for the cheesiest but well-loved Netflix film; A Christmas Prince.
Peles Castle in Romania
BUCHAREST
A Romanian and his ancestor, Vlad the Impaler.
STAY
After talking to others about hostels in Bucharest I think this was definitely one of the best. The whole place is made to make you feel like you could be at home. With a cozy lounge, loads of bathrooms, and a fully equipped modern kitchen you could easily live here.
DO
Daily at 10.30 and 18:00 leaving from Unirii Square and lasts for about two hours. A great way to get some history of Romania and Bucharest and find out a few of its many quirky facts. Even though this is a “free” walking tour bear in mind that a tip is still expected at the end of the tour.
Palace of the Parliament (People’s Palace).
Measuring over 270m by 240m and 12 stories high, this is the largest public building in Europe and has plenty of room to explore. This extravagant building is open to public tours in a number of languages, but be sure to book in advance.
Nightlife
Bucharest certainly has no shortage of great places to party. There are hundreds of underground bars and nightclubs in the old town, and then, of course, the large Vegas-style clubs that you have come to expect from Eastern Europe. Ask your hostel for the best places to go to help you narrow it down.
SIGHISOARA
The beautifully colourful Town of Sighisoara is one not to miss.
STAY
If you want to go for that whole haunted Transylvanian building thing then go ahead and stay at Burg hostel. An old historic building right next to the square. Not that clean, and certainly has a creepy atmosphere but a great location.
Otherwise, for a truly authentic experience get hold of Chuck from the Gypsy House Hostel about 35km away from Sighisoara. An eco-tourism project set up by locals where you can spend the night in a small village with local Gypsys and get a real cultural experience.
DO
Cultural Experience
If staying overnight isn’t your thing. You’ll be happy to know that the Gypsy House Hostel also welcomes guests who just want to come and visit and catch a glimpse of what it’s like living like Roma in the countryside. A great way to connect to a culture that is so often misunderstood or misrepresented in Europe.
Connect with local Roma Gypsy people in Romania © Ainsley DS Photography
Take a Hike
Take a leisurely stroll up the top of the hill and enjoy the stunning vistas of Transylvania on your way.
WHAT TO EAT IN ROMANIA
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If you like meat, cheese or fried things, you will be well satisfied in Romania. Romanian traditional dishes are good for the soul, but not so good for the waistline…especially as they are so delicious you will find it hard to control yourself!
According to tradition, a great traditional hangover cure in Romania. This delicious sour soup is light and full of flavor it is often seasoned with vinegar and a sauce of crushed garlic mixed with a little bit of oil.
Sarmale
Cabbage rolls are normally stuffed with minced pork, onions, veggies, and herbs. Delicious and filling goes well alongside your ciorba.
Papanași
This traditional dessert consists of two fried dough balls smothered in soft cheese and a sour jam. Best saved for a restaurant that you know does it well to avoid disappointment and a waste of some heavy calories. This is the perfect combination of sweet, sour, and heavenly fried goodness.
Covrigi or Gorgosi
Similar consistency to pretzels often sprinkled with poppy seeds or stuffed with a variety of flavors, everything from vanilla custard to strawberry jam. These soft and doughy treats are the best kind of street food and are available everywhere.
Coffee
Coffee lovers rejoice! I was blown away by Romania’s very healthy relationship with delicious and real coffee. Every coffee I had there was amazing, no Nescafe, no instant, they’re all about the espresso and filtered American coffee, sometimes for as little as one Lei. Make the most of it.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
If Romania wasn’t on your travel list before I really hope it is now. With amazing vistas, delicious food and rich and interesting history, it really ticks all the boxes for an exciting budget-friendly getaway.
Eat well, Travel well, Live well.
xx Ainsley
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