Long Weekend in Romania: Bucharest & Brasov Travel Guide – Updated for 2026

This post covers how to plan a 3-day itinerary in Romania, including what to see in Bucharest, the best day trip to Brașov, transportation tips, food to try, accommodation options, and a detailed travel budget. You’ll also find practical information on getting to Romania, moving around the cities, and deciding how many days to spend in the country. Perfect for travelers looking for an affordable weekend getaway in Eastern Europe.

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The number of days to spend in Romania depends largely on your travel plans.

One option is a longer road trip across the country, ideally lasting about a week. This allows you to explore multiple regions at a relaxed pace, stopping at historic castles, medieval towns, and natural attractions along the way. Driving gives you the freedom to visit more remote locations and truly experience the variety of Romanian landscapes and culture.

If you prefer a guided experience instead of driving yourself, there’s an excellent option: a 3-Day Medieval Transylvania Package Tour from Bucharest. This tour includes visits to the Moorish Monastery of Curtea de Argeș, Cozia Monastery, the medieval city of Sibiu, the fortified church in Biertan, the citadel of Sighișoara, Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), and Peleș Castle in Sinaia, with English-speaking guides, transportation, and 2 nights’ accommodation included. It’s a convenient way to see the highlights of Transylvania in just a few days without worrying about planning or navigation.

The other option is a shorter stay focused on Bucharest and nearby destinations. For a weekend or long weekend, 2–3 days are enough to see the main sights in the capital and take day trips to nearby cities such as Brașov or Sinaia. This is ideal if you want a quick introduction to Romania without spending too much time travelling between locations.

For our trip, we chose the shorter option: 2 nights and 3 days based in Bucharest, with a day trip to Brașov. This gave us a good overview of the country and allowed us to experience both the bustling capital and the charm of the Carpathian Mountains, while keeping the trip manageable for a single weekend.

The quickest way to reach Romania is by plane. Low-cost airlines operate regular flights from many European capitals to Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași. For example, Ryanair and Wizz Air currently offer direct flights from Berlin to Bucharest, which are also the most budget-friendly options.

Romania is also accessible by bus from neighbouring countries. From Bulgaria, Bucharest can be reached in around 4.5 hours from Varna or 6 hours from Sofia. From Hungary, buses travel to Timișoara in about 4.5 hours from Budapest and to Cluj-Napoca in roughly 5 hours from Debrecen. Buses also run from Chișinău in Moldova to Iași.

Trains provide another option for international travel, offering a more comfortable journey through the countryside. Services run from Hungary, Bulgaria, and Moldova.

For our trip, we flew from Berlin to Bucharest early on a Saturday morning, arriving in the Old Town by 10 AM and returning home on Monday evening. This allowed for a long weekend without taking more than one day off work.

Bucharest is served by two airports: Aeroportul Internaţional Henri Coandă, also known as Otopeni, and Aeroportul Internaţional București Aurel Vlaicu, also known as Băneasa. Due to their similar locations and the fact that buses stop near both, they can easily be confused. Currently, most flights arrive at Otopeni, but make sure to check the arrival and departure airport.

From Henri Coanda Airport to the city and back, you can take a train or a bus.

Trains depart every 40 minutes towards the North Railway Station. This option is fast and comfortable, with tickets costing 6,5 RON per trip (around €1,5). At the main station, you can transfer to other options: metro lines M4 and M5, as well as trams and buses.

Alternatively, from the airport you can take bus 100 to reach the Union Square directly. This option takes more time but is cheaper with tickets costing 3 RON (€0.6).

For a more comfortable and hassle-free option, especially if you have luggage or prefer a direct ride, private airport transfers are available. You can book a transfer in advance, which will take you directly to your hotel or apartment, saving time and avoiding queues at public transport. This is particularly useful for early morning or late evening arrivals.

Bucharest is often confused with Budapest, due to their similar names and the fact that both cities are capitals of neighbouring countries in Eastern and Central Europe. However, each city has its own unique history, culture, and architecture. Budapest, for example, is famous for its thermal springs and Secession-style buildings, while Bucharest draws attention with historical landmarks from its communist past, such as the Palace of Parliament.

Located in the southeastern part of the country, on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, Bucharest is Romania’s capital and largest city. With a population of around 2 million, it serves as the cultural, economic, and political centre of the country, and an important transport hub. The city offers a mix of historic architecture, green spaces, and modern entertainment options.

Here are some of the main places to visit on the first day:

Palace of Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului). Start your visit with this impressive construction, one of the largest civilian buildings in the world. A guided tour is highly recommended to appreciate its history, architecture, and hidden rooms: book a Palace of Parliament tour. Entrance ticket costs around 60 RON (~€12).

Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation (Catedrala Mântuirii Neamului). This majestic Orthodox cathedral will impress with its scale and intricate interior. It's one of Bucharest’s key symbols.

Constitution Square (Piața Constituției). After the Palace of Parliament, stroll through this spacious square and admire the Monument of the Romanian Constitution.

Union Boulevard (Bulevardul Unirii). Bucharest’s main thoroughfare, lined with monumental buildings from the communist era, is perfect for a walk and photos.

Little Paris. Explore this historic area of the city with charming streets, architectural masterpieces, and cafés that give Bucharest its nickname.

Macca-Villacrosse Passage. A beautiful covered passage with arches and cozy cafés, ideal for a short coffee or just to enjoy the old-town atmosphere.

Stavropoleos Monastery. A historic Eastern Orthodox monastery founded in 1724 by Greek-Catholic bishop Nicolae Mihălcescu. Its name means “Glorious Place of the Cross.” The monastery is famous for its beautiful courtyard, frescoes, and icon collection. You can also explore the art and history of Eastern Orthodox churches in Bucharest on a guided tour, which includes Stavropoleos and other important religious sites. 

You can spend the second day in Bucharest visiting the following attractions:

University Square (Piața Universității). A central square near Union Boulevard. Here you can see the University of Bucharest and other architectural highlights. The square also played a major role during the Romanian Revolution of 1989.

Revolution Monument (Monumentul Revoluției). Located in Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției), this monument commemorates the overthrow of the Communist regime in 1989.

Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român). A stunning concert hall, one of the most iconic symbols of Bucharest’s cultural life.

Cișmigiu Park (Parcul Cișmigiu). One of the oldest and most beautiful parks in the city. Enjoy a stroll along scenic alleys, visit monuments and sculptures, or relax in cozy squares. In winter, the park’s lake offers ice skating.

I'd like to highlight the fascinating Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest, named after the Romanian sociologist and anthropologist Dimitrie Gusti. You can reach the museum by metro: take the M2 line towards Pipera and get off at Aviatorilor station. The adult entrance ticket costs 30 RON (~€7).

The museum is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the culture and traditions of Romanian villages. Here, you can explore authentic village houses, farm buildings, mills, churches, and other structures representing different regions of Romania. Each building reflects unique local architecture, crafts, and customs, offering a vivid glimpse into rural life throughout Romanian history.

For visitors who prefer a guided experience, the museum can be visited as part of a guided Bucharest city tour. On this tour, your guide will not only explain the history and significance of the museum but also share insights into Romania’s folk culture while passing by other key landmarks such as the Triumphal Arch, Revolution Square, and the Romanian Athenaeum. This is an ideal way to combine cultural exploration with a broader introduction to Bucharest’s history and architecture.

After a day of sightseeing in Bucharest, you might want to take some time to relax and recharge. Just 20 km from the city center, Therme Bucharest is Europe’s largest wellness and entertainment complex, offering a mix of relaxation, fun, and wellness activities for all ages.

You can make your visit easy and stress-free by booking a package that includes round-trip transportation from central Bucharest and skip-the-line entry. Pick-up is available from two central locations, and tickets grant access to the Galaxy and Palm zones for 4.5 hours. A perfect option if you want to head to the spa after lunch and enjoy a few hours of rest before heading back to the city.

I was absolutely delighted that we chose Brașov for a day trip from Bucharest. This charming town, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, has a picturesque Old Town full of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks. It offers a completely different pace and atmosphere compared to the bustling capital.

Since the Old Town is a bit far from the main station, we took bus 4 to the center towards Primărie. Our first stop was lunch at “Mămăliguță”, a small, peaceful, and authentic restaurant in the heart of the Old Town. Perfect for a budget-friendly taste of traditional Romanian cuisine.

After lunch, we rode the cable car from the lower station to the top of Tâmpa Mountain. The round-trip ticket costs 35 RON (~€7). From the observation deck, the view over Brașov is breathtaking, with the famous “Brașov” sign above the city. Keep in mind that in winter, the wind can be quite piercing at the top. Descending from the mountain, we strolled through the Old Town to visit the Black Church and the White Tower, both offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. Admission to the White Tower observation deck is free.

If you’d like to see even more mountain landscapes, towns like Bușteni or Sinaia are just a short drive away. We passed by these towns on the way to Brașov, and their taller mountains, cable cars, and hiking trails make them ideal for nature lovers.

If you want to see some of Romania’s most famous sites in a day, you can take a guided tour from Bucharest that visits Peleș Castle, Bran Castle, and the medieval town of Brașov. The tour includes a short walk through Brașov’s Old Town and gives a nice introduction to the history and legends of the region. Check availability and book the day tour here.

Romanian national cuisine bears a striking resemblance to familiar Eastern European dishes, as if we've travelled to grandma's village. In Romania, you won't encounter blood-curdling names or exotic ingredients; the dishes are familiar and understandable, with some of them even being staples in post-Soviet countries that remained part of the culinary landscape after the USSR's dissolution.

Here are some dishes we tried in Romania:

• Ciorbă de fasole în pâine - Bean soup in bread
• Iachnie cu ciolan - Pork knuckle with beans
• Tocanita de miel - Stewed lamb steak with honey
• Sarmale - Cabbage rolls with meat
• Mici - Grilled stuffed meatballs
• Polenta - Cornmeal porridge
• Papanăși - Doughnuts with sweet cheese, sour cream, and jam
• Covrig with cherry jam and Nutella - Pretzel with cherry jam and Nutella
• Luca traditional, Happy Luca, Luca pikant - Ham and cheese rolls

On average, lunch for two in Bucharest and Brașov costs around 120 RON, which is approximately €24. The price for four rolls in a bakery is 20 RON or €4. Prices will be slightly higher at popular cafes like Caru’cu Bere and Manuc’s Inn due to live music and additional staff. Additionally, Romania does not include a service charge in the bill, and a 10% tip is considered standard. Card payments are widely accepted.

Here are the restaurants and bakeries we visited:

• La Mama (Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 11-13, Bucharest)
• Mămăliguță (Strada Republicii 20, Brașov)
• Caru‘cu Bere (Strada Stavropoleos 5, Bucharest)
• Luca Bucharest (Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 16, Bucharest)
• Luca Brasov (Strada Republicii 47, Brașov)

Good restaurants and bakeries based on internet reviews that I found but didn't have a chance to visit:

• Taverna Covaci (Strada Covaci 1, Bucharest)
• Manuc’s Inn (Str. Franceză 62-64, Bucharest)
• Vatra Restaurant (Strada Ion Brezoianu 19, Bucharest)
• Sergiana Brașov (Strada Mureșenilor 28, Brașov)

If you rent an apartment with a kitchen in Bucharest, all the necessary groceries will be available at the Mega Image supermarket. We bought groceries for breakfast and dinner every day, and our grocery basket cost around €10-15. The prices were the same as in Germany.

Let's do the math! Here are the important expenses from the trip:

• Flights Berlin - Bucharest - Berlin — €68
• Apartment rental in Bucharest for 2 nights — €98
• Trip from the airport to the city — 12 RON (~€2.4)
• Transportation — 3 RON * 8 = 24 RON (~€4.8)
• Meals in cafes — 140 RON * 3 = 420 RON (~€85)
• Bakery — 20 RON * 2 = 40 RON (~€8)
• Grocery shopping — 55 RON * 2 = 110 RON (~€22)
• Train tickets to Brasov and back — 258 RON (~€52)
• Cable car tickets in Brasov — 70 RON (~€14)
• Souvenir — 10 RON (~€2)
• Bus from the city to the airport — 6 RON (~€1.2)

In total, it was €357.4 for 3 days for two people with prices in € and an exchange rate of €1 = 4.97 RON at the time of the trip. In my opinion, the total amount was reasonable, as we didn't deprive ourselves of anything. Intercity train tickets could have been cheaper, but I bought them less than a week before the trip, so I am more than satisfied. What do you think about the prices? Is it cheap for a weekend trip to Romania? Which expense category surprised you the most? Looking forward to your comments under this post! :)

I really enjoyed our weekend in Romania! The prices for flights and hotels were low, we tried new dishes, and learned a lot about Romanian history. Moreover, getting around Romania was quite easy, thanks to good transportation connections and the ability to pay by card almost everywhere.

That's all for now! I hope you enjoyed the article, thank you for reading to the end! Support the blog by liking this post or sharing it on social media :)