Things to Do in Romania

Attractions 

• Bran Castle: Often called “Dracula’s Castle” this medieval fortress captivates visitors with its dramatic architecture, legends, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Palace of the Parliament: Located in Bucharest, this is one of the world’s largest administrative buildings, showcasing incredible interiors and monumental architecture.
• Painted Monasteries of Bucovina: Famous for their vivid exterior frescos, these 15th and 16th century monasteries depict biblical scenes and local history.
• Transfăgărășan Highway: A scenic mountain road winding through the Carpathians, offering breathtaking views, hairpin turns, and adventurous drives.

Nightlife

Romania’s nightlife is vibrant and varied. Bucharest hosts stylish rooftop bars, underground clubs and lively pubs, while Cluj-Napoca attracts students with energetic venues and live music. In summer, the Black Sea coast comes alive with beach parties and open-air music festivals. Affordable drinks, welcoming crowds, and safe environments make Romanian nightlife appealing to all, whether you're looking for a relaxed evening, cultural experiences, or high-energy dancing until dawn.

Dining out

Romanian cuisine blends hearty Eastern European flavours with Mediterranean and Balkan influences. Traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (cornmeal porridge), and ciobra (sour soup) are widely enjoyed, while seasonal ingredients like mushrooms, berries, and game feature in rural recipes. Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca offer fine-dining, modern bistros, and casual taverns, allowing visitors to taste authentic flavours, homemade pastries, and local wines in cosy, welcoming settings.

For Families 

Families can enjoy Romania’s castles, museums, and outdoor adventures. Children will love Bran Castle for its Dracula legends and interactive exhibits. Dinosaur-themed museums in Bucharest and Transylvania are sure to delight young visitors, while animal parks such as Targu Mures Zoo allow them to learn all kinds of fun facts about wildlife. Nature lovers can hike family-friendly trails in the Carpathians or explore the Danube Delta’s unique wetlands. Summer beach trips along the Black Sea coast provide sun, sand, and safe swimming for kids.

Shopping

Shopping in Romania ranges from modern malls to traditional markets. Bucharest’s AFI Cotroceni and Băneasa Shopping City offer international brands, while local boutiques sell handmade crafts, ceramics, and embroidered textiles. Traditional markets like Obor Market have fresh produce, cheeses, and smoked meats. Tourists often look for souvenirs like painted eggs, wooden carvings, and tasty yet affordable local wines.

Best Time to Go 

The ideal time to visit Romania is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the days are long. Summer allows for beach trips, festivals, and hiking, while late spring and early autumn offer fewer crowds, colourful landscapes, and pleasant temperatures for exploring both cities and countryside.

Local Info

Currency 

Romania uses the Romanian Leu.

Time Zone

Romania is 2 hours ahead of Ireland.

Getting around 

Getting around Romania is straightforward. Major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Brașov have efficient public transport networks including buses, trams, and metro lines. For longer distances, trains and intercity buses connect towns and regions reliably, while car rentals provide flexibility for exploring scenic areas, mountain routes, and rural villages at your own pace.