How to visit Romania

Transalpina Vidra | Weekend perfect pe partie

2019-02-27T10:34:00.001-08:00

Postavaru | La apus pe munte

2018-12-12T06:19:00.001-08:00

Tampa | Poteci de toamna tarzie

2018-11-22T01:50:00.001-08:00

Iezer Papusa | Draga, plec cu baietii la un iezer

2018-10-15T23:04:00.001-07:00

Targoviste | In vizita la Curtea Domneasca

2018-02-26T23:42:00.001-08:00

Piatra Craiului | Drumetie de toamna la Cabana Curmatura

2017-11-03T04:24:00.001-07:00

Sibiu | Orasul lui Hermann

2017-09-27T00:13:00.001-07:00

Visit Băile Herculane

2012-06-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today I want to talk about Băile Herculane city, a famous resort situated on the river Cerna. Age resort dates back to early Christianity, the architecture and the landscape of the area is a real beauty. Although is situated at an low altitude (168 m), the climate just like in the high mountain forest, but with very pleasant both winter and summer time. The air is always fresh, because of the wooded heights surrounding the town, situated in a intra-mountain depression, the climate is sub-mediteranean. The resort is famous for the beneficial properties of sulphurous thermal water springs coming from underground. The resort is full of countless forms of accommodation for all tastes and pockets, starting from 35 € at 3 stars hotels up to about 1 € for a tent in a camping place. Entrance to the swimming pools with thermal water is somewhere between 1-2 € for a full day. In terms of food, specialties that are served here are from the traditional Romanian food from Banat and Oltenia area, and a wide variety of international cuisine, the prices turn somewhere from 4-5 € and up depending on what and how much you eat. Tourists here are of all ages and nationality and enjoy countless natural and architectural attractions it has to offer Băile Herculane. A worthy place to visit are the Ţăsnei Canyon (Cheile Ţăsnei in Romanian), which is a hill climb of medium difficulty, marked with a blue cross and a travel time estimated about for 2 hours. The location of The Ţăsnei Canyon is at 12 km upstream Băile Herculane city, at the end of the lake "Seven Springs" is also about one kilometer walk from km 14, where an indicator showing the entry in Ţăsnei Canyon (or Ţesnei). Another beautiful place to see, this time for its architecture, is the railway station of the city Băile Herculane , which is a masterpiece beautifully realized in Victorian architect style. The city of Băile Herculane looks more like the resort Karlovy Valy from the Czech Republic, but has a unique atmosphere that makes you never to leave this wonderful place.

Accomodation in Băile Herculane can be found here, but remember, if you have a tent, there's no more than 2 € per day to stay in a camping place, where you can shower, park your car or eat.
Places to eat in Băile Herculane there are many and I suggest you to try the Romanian cuisine.
How to get to Băile Herculane?
By Train, from North Railroad Station in Bucharest to Băile Herculane station the ticket costs about 20 € and you'll make the journey in about 6 hours.
By Bus , the price and time depends where to you take it from, but be extra careful with your luggage and ask about the price to be sure.
Image Gallery

Presentation of the city

Ţăsnei Canyon

How to visit Romania Blog

2011-06-03T03:37:00.000-07:00

The blog that encourages you to visit Romania and tells you all about the places you need to see in Romania, from tourist objectives, to train tickets, to places were to spend the night, were to eat a good meal, tips about the locations and many more useful facts.

Information

2011-06-03T03:24:00.000-07:00

About Romania
Yahoo Travel Guide for Romania
Map of Romania
Weather
Local time
Exchange rate
Official promos

Romanian cities

2011-06-03T03:17:00.000-07:00

Braşov

Băile Herculane
Cluj Napoca
Miercurea Ciuc
Piatra Neamţ
Sibiu
Sighişoara
Timişoara
Vama Veche

Local Romanian time

2011-06-01T03:13:00.000-07:00

Digital watch

Analog watch

Country Info

2011-06-01T01:28:00.000-07:00

The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their autonomy in 1856; they were de facto linked in 1859 and formally united in 1862 under the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.
Location:
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Ukraine.
Geographic coordinates:
46 00 N, 25 00 E.
Area:
total: 238,391 sq km
country comparison to the world: 82
land: 229,891 sq km
water: 8,500 sq km
Coastline: 225 km
Climate:
temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms
Terrain:
central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m
Population:
21,904,551 (July 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 54
Major cities - population:
BUCHAREST (capital) 1.933 million (2009)
Airports:
54 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 88
Railways:
total: 10,784 km
country comparison to the world: 21
broad gauge: 57 km 1.524-m gauge
standard gauge: 10,645 km 1.435-m gauge (4,002 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 5 km 1.000-m gauge (2010)
Roadways:
total: 81,713 km (does not include urban roads)
country comparison to the world: 57
paved: 66,632 km (includes 321 km of expressways)
unpaved: 15,081 km (2009)
Waterways:
1,731 km (includes 1,075 km on the Danube River, 524 km on secondary branches, and 132 km on canals) (2006)
Country comparison to the world: 47

Weather

2011-05-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

Because of its position on the south-eastern portion of the European continent, the Romanian climate that is transitional between temperate and continental. Romania climatic conditions are somewhat modified by the country's varied relief. The Carpathians serve as a barrier to Atlantic air masses, restricting their oceanic influences to the west and centre of the country, where they make for milder winters and heavier rainfall.
The mountains also block the continental influences of the vast plain to the north in Russia, which bring frosty winters and less rain to the south and southeast. In the extreme SE of Romania, Mediterranean influences offer a milder, maritime climate. The average annual temperature in Romania is 11°C / 51.8°F in the south and 8°C / 46.4°F in the north.
In Bucharest, the temperature ranges -3°C / 26.6°F in January and 23°C / 73.4°F in July. Rainfall, although adequate throughout the country, decreases from west to east and from mountains to plains.
Some mountainous areas receive more than 1,010 millimetres of precipitation each year. Annual Romanian precipitation averages about 635 millimetres in central Transylvania, 521 millimetres at Iasi in Moldavia, and only 381 millimetres at Constanta on the Black Sea.

Current weather from:
Bucharest

Sibiu

Cluj Napoca

Timişoara

Constanţa

Piatra Neamţ

Tulcea

Visit Timişoara

2011-05-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

Timişoara is in the west of Romania, in the region of "Banat". The city architecture is much like a Central or Western European city, but with an Serbian, Austrian and Hungarian air. It was the first city in Europe with electric street lighting. It's crosses bz the river "Bega", that is a navigable river, so you can try a tour ride with a small ship. Is one of the important university center of the country, with lots of students.
Arrived at the Cathedral in the town center, where a pedestrian crossing going through the "Opera" Square and then get in "Unirii" Square, with all kind of shops, restaurants and clubs to enjoy.
In the "Unirii" Square you can hang out, stay on a bench and watch the city life, this place is the central point of the town.
Right next to the "Unirii" Square, you can enjoy a coffee at a terrace or a beer at "Taine", that is a real awesome heavy metal pub. And if you want a place full of students and fun you can go in the Polytechnic University Campus, here are many pubs, one you can try out is "Old Boys".
For accommodation in Timişoara I can recommend you The North Hotel , it's a relatively inexpensive hotel, with prices from 14 € per night in a double bed room. But also you can search on the web before coming here maybe for a more nicer place to stay.
For food, you can try going to the "Iulius" Mall, here you can find all kind of places to grab a bite, from McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Spring Time, Chinese food, Indian food, traditional Romanian food, all kind a of food you like to try. But also you can eat at a fast food place somewhere in downtown, maybe try a "shaworma", a "kebab", or a pizza. A meal it will cost you about 4-6 € (15-25 Lei, in Romanian money).
To get to Timişoara, you can take a 7 hours journey, from Bucharest North Train Station to Timişoara North Train Station for a price of 17 €.
Timişoara is a city of the youth, practical the revolution of December 1989, started here, which destroyed the communist regime led by "Nicolae Ceauşescu".
Is considered the city of flowers, filled with flowers, greenery and parks.
A personal recommendation would be a ride in the old, but the picturesque trams of Timişoara, its a great way to see the city, to feel the pulse of the locals and why not enjoy the views of women, who are known to be some of the beautiful Romanian girls.

For more photos of Timişoara click here.

Map of Romania

2011-05-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Vizualizare hartă mărită

Visit Piatra Neamţ

2011-05-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

Piatra Neamţ is the capital city of Neamţ Country, in the historical region of Moldavia, eastern Romania. Because of its privileged location in the Eastern Carpathian mountains, it is considered one of the most picturesque cities in Romania.
Tourism has developed more recently in this town with over 100,000 inhabitants, and slowly becomes a major tourist center, especially in winter time.
There is a gondola that crosses over the city, leaving the train station and reaching the top of the mountain "Cozla", where you can admire a splendid panorama over the city. A two way ticket is about 3 € and is well worth because it's spectacular view from up there.
Piatra Neamţ lies in the "Bistriţa" River Valley, surrounded by mountains "Pietricica", "Cozla" and "Cernegura". The nearest airport is in the city of Bacău, situated at 60 km south. The area around Piatra Neamţ is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Romania, called "Petrodava" in the past and is known for its array of old monasteries surrounding the area.
Downtown is a perfect combination of old and new, with the central park where the old monastery was built 1498 by the former head of Moldavia Stephen the Great ("Ştefan cel Mare") and also a 15th century Clock Tower (the city symbol) in the medieval town square.
The local football stadium of "Ceahlaul" is a recently work of art, one of the most modern stadium in the country.
Not far from the city toward the town of Bicaz, passing the great dam on Bicaz river is a true impressive monument of nature, The Bicaz Canyon ("Cheile Bicazului").
A big meal and acceptable in price can be served at any restaurants or terraces in town, Moldavia is the cheapest area in terms of prices in Romania, but instead here is probably the best prepared food in the country, from "sărmăluţe", to "poale în brâu", to "papanaşi", to "pârjoale", to many more local specialties, all are absolutely delicious. With about 9-10 € a full menu, I guarantee that you can never get up from the table.
About accommodation in Piatra Neamţ, there are several hotels, villas and pensions with prices starting at 8 € per night.
If you'll take the train from the North Central Train Station ("Gara de Nord") in Bucharest its a 6 hours journey at a price of about 8 €.
Piatra Neamţ is a quiet town with nice people, where you can spend a few relaxing days.
For more photos of Piatra Neamţ click here.

Romania land of choise

2011-05-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Who is..

Nadia Comăneci - is a Romanian gymnast, winner of three Olympic gold medals at the 1976 Summer Olympics, and the first gymnast ever to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastic event. She is also the winner of two gold medals at the 1980 Summer Olympics. She is one of the best-known gymnasts in the world .

Ilie Năstase - is a Romanian former professional tennis player, one of the world's top players of the 1970s. Năstase was the World No. 1 tennis player between 1973 (August 23) and 1974 (June 2). He is one of the five players in history to win more than 100 ATP professional titles (57 singles and 45 in doubles). He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1991. Năstase won seven Grand Slam titles: two in singles, three in men's doubles, and two in mixed doubles. He also won four Masters Grand Prix titles and six Championship Series titles (1970-73) the precursors to the current Masters 1000.

Gheorghe Hagi - is a former Romanian footballer. He was famous for his passing, close control, long shots and was regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe during the 1980s and 1990s. Galatasaray fans called him 'Commandante' (The Commander). Nicknamed "The Maradona of the Carpathians", he is considered a hero in his homeland as well as in Turkey. He has won his country's "Player of the Year" award six times, and is regarded as one of the best football players of the 20th century. He played for the Romanian national team in three World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 1998, as well as in three European Football Championships in 1984, 1996 and 2000. He won a total of 125 caps for Romania, being ranked second after Dorinel Munteanu, and scored 35 goals, being ranked first. In November 2003, to celebrate UEFA's Jubilee, he was selected as the Golden Player of Romania by the Romanian Football Federation as their most outstanding player of the past 50 years. Hagi is one of the few footballers to have played for both the Spanish rival clubs Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. In March 2004, he was named among the top 125 living footballers by Pelé.

Visit Braşov

2011-05-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

Braşov is one of the largest cities in Romania, with a population around 300,000 inhabitants. It's a tourist attraction especially for the winter time, but all year round there are a lot of stuff to do in Braşov.
The city of Braşov was called for some time 'Stalin City', but all this in the communism era.
By train in Braşov you can come from Bucharest, that is not so far away, about 3 and a half hours of journey at a price between 5 to 8 €.
Accommodation in Braşov is easy to find and most of them are cheap, but I can recommend you maybe the best one, it's right next to the town center square and it's called "Aro Sport Palace Hotel", and it's about 9-10 € per night in a double bed room.
In Braşov there are many sights to visit, once you have entered the "Republicii" pedestrian street and you're going to the "sfatului" Center Square, on the left and right you will see a lot of shop of all kind, bars, pubs and restaurant you can enjoy. In the "Sfatului" Center Square every year here is taking place a international music contest, called 'The Golden Deer'. Next to this square is 'The Black Church', a impressive Gothic architecture work of art, dating from 1380.
Other interesting things to see would be 'The String Street' (Strada Sforii) that is the longest narrow street in Europe. Another thing to do is to go up where was the old town fortress and visit its towers, where you can see a beautiful panorama of the city.
But there are a lot more places you can visit in Braşov, a tip wold be especially in the winter time, to take a bus ride (around 2 € a 2 ways ticket) to "Poiana Braşov" that is a beautiful winter resort that you must see, the view is breathtaking. Here you can practice all kind of winter sports and then have a hot chocolate or a boiled cup of wine.
About food you can check out "Ando's" Fast Food Place, where the food is great and cheap. A few meters ahead you'll find probably the best pub in Romania, 'For Sale', is a quiet place with good music, very fine people, all you can eat free peanuts, many varieties of teas, drinks and cocktails, the place is just awesome, you really must try it, you would not regret it. Also another pub to go to is 'Britania Arms', and it's right next to the McDonald's on the start of "Republicii" Street.
Braşov city is an impressive, important tourist and cultural center, one of the cities that this country is proud.

For more photos of Braşov click here.

Visit Miercurea Ciuc

2011-05-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Miercurea Ciuc, or Csíkszereda for the Hungarian minority in the area is a coquettish little town. The town is situated in the "Olt" River valley in eastern Transylvania in Harghita country. It's kinda like a little Hungary in the heart of Romania, because lots of Hungarian live here.
The town is nice, is clean, it's civilized and goulash is very good, here is the best place in Romania where you can eat it.
It's a small town, with Hungarian influence in all things, that gives it a special feeling like you are in another country.
Petőfi Street is the main pedestrian street in the city. It has a young feel thanks to the presence of many students and many restaurants and cafés, all making it like a small city in Western Europe.
One of the obvious point of interest is the Baroque church and in the city center, the main point of interest is the Mikó Castle, built in a late Renaissance style.
Accommodation in Miercurea Ciuc in a double room costs from 9 € per night and upwards based on the condition given.
The train from Buchareast to Miercurea Ciuc costs around 10 €, and it makes around 6 hours.
Here you can eat all kind of Romanian and Hungarian foods at reasonable prices in the center of the city and enjoy the peace and quiet of an old beautiful town.
Miercurea Ciuc is also known for his hockey teams, "Sport Club Miercurea Ciuc" and "HC Csíkszereda", and the local derby at "Vacar Lajos" Skating Arena is one of a kind.
In Miercurea Ciuc and Harghita county is registers the lowest winter temperatures in in Romania, reaching minus 35 degrees Celsius, so if you wanna experience a very strong cold adventure you must come here in winter time.

For more photos of Miercurea Ciuc click here.

Visit Cluj

2011-05-25T03:19:00.000-07:00

Cluj Napoca is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Romania. Is the biggest city in Transylvania region, with over 300,000 inhabitants. It is a college town, full of clubs and bars, but also museums, art galleries and theaters.
In terms of football (soccer) the town is divided into two parts, the supporters of "CFR Cluj" and the ones with "Universitatea Cluj", both teams have impressive stadiums ("Dr. Constantin Rădulescu" is the "CFR" stadium and "Cluj Arena" is "U" Cluj stadium), and the local derby it's really a thing you must see.
"Someş Mic" river passes through the center of Cluj. The city's two huge cathedrals are the Orthodox one and the Catholic one, both are true architectural masterpieces.
In terms of accommodation in Cluj there are many hotels, motels or guest houses, with prices ranging, with a minimum of about 13 € per night. For shopping and relaxing you can visit "Iulius" Mall, is the town's biggest shopping center.
The Botanic Zoo is one of the biggest and beautiful in all eastern Europe and in the warm season is a must see thing in Cluj.
Transylvanian food is delicious, I suggest you to try "Cabbage a la Cluj", and the prices are okay even at the terraces and restaurants of downtown. Also there a lot of pizzerias and cake shop (you must try the local sweets). In terms of money, a large pizza is somewhere around 4-5 €, a soda (0.5 liter bottle of Coca-Cola is 0.80 €) and if you smoke a Dunhill pack is 3 €.
To arrive in Cluj from Bucharest by train it's a price about 15-17 €, but you can also arrive by plane from Bucharest "Otopeni" or "Baneasa" Airport.

For more photos of Cluj Napoca click here.

Visit Sighişoara

2011-05-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Sighişoara is a medieval city, located in "Mureş" country and the old part of the city is the main attraction. The little town's population exceeds to about 30,000 inhabitants. The first historical evidence of the city dates from 1280, was founded by Germans.
The old town is now intact as it was 500-600 years ago, with a medieval aspect emphasized, with small streets and narrow, specific era houses, with towers, churches, museums. Sighişoara is by far a cultural oasis in real time and space.
An interesting fact is that here in the city was born "Vlad Dracul", also known as "Dracula" in Bram Stoker's novel.
The town people are friendly and willing to answer any questions about direction or history and always try to be a help if they can.
Accommodation in Sighişoara is affordable, starting at least 10 € per night per person, a good tip would be if the pension is located in the new part of the city for a better price.
You can try the local cuisine, a very nice mix of dishes Romanian, Hungarian and German, and the prices are real good, so you an have a strong dinner for about 10 €. Should really tried specialties like "gulaş", "sarmale", "mici", "ciorbă de burtă" and don't forget about the specific alcohol drinks like "ţuică", "palincă" and the Romanian wine.
You can reach Sighişoara by train from the Romanian capital Bucharest, by taking the train from North Station ("Gara de Nord") for a price somewhere about 13 €.
From here you can go to other places nearby that are worth visiting in Romania, such as the cities of Braşov, Făgăraş or Sibiu.

For more photos of Sighişoara click here.

Exchange rate for Romanian money

2008-08-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

curs valutar bnr »

Romanian money:

Visit Sibiu

2008-08-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

Sibiu (German Hermannstadt, Nagyszeben in Hungarian, Latin Cibinium) is the capital and largest city of Sibiu County, Romania. It is an important cultural and economic center of southern Transylvania. He holds the title of martyr city.
It has a population of approximately 175,000 inhabitants. Sibiu is one of the most important and flourishing cities of Transylvania, being the Saxon colonists settled in the area. In recent years there was a significant cultural and economic renaissance, is today one of the cities with the highest level of foreign investment in Romania.
Sibiu was European Cultural Capital in 2007, together with Luxembourg and is the most safest and the most civilized town in the country. When Sibiu was the cultural capital of Europe, Scorpions, Prodigy, Europe, Helloween came to sing here.
Places that should be visited are just about all in downtown, places like The Brukenthal Museum , The Lutheran Church, The Big Square (Piata Mare), The Small Square (Piata Mica), Liars Bridge, Tower Ladder or Tower Hall. An other thing to see is the old tram from Dumbravă neighborhood going up to the village of Răşinari, which was actually the first tram of Romania. Also in Dumbravă neighborhood is the Zoo.
Necessarily you have to get to the Clock Tower, located in front of The Liars Bridge between Big and Small Square, if you will climb until the top of the tower you can see from there a beautiful view from height of the city.
Accommodation in Sibiu range from small hostels to five star hotels. To keep the idea of the site, I will recommend Emigrantul Pension and Pension Arcaş, in which I staid, at a price around 9-12 € a night (24 hours).
This city offers a unique sensation, I would suggest it is worth trying a walk in the morning or at night, when the streets are still almost deserted, and so you are walking down the historical center you will get a view and a great feeling, I assure you.
Regarding food, you can try to eat at a restaurant in the old city center, it's a bit expensive, but instead the quality of food and service are impeccable, so totally worth the price. But don't worry, you can also find cheap places where you can have a traditional Romanian meal for say about 6-7 €.
You can arrive in Sibiu by train from Bucharest for around 12 € and a 6 hours journey.
Sibiu is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited, because it has a great architecture of the buildings (German Style), the scenery, the people and the impression that you get are one of a kind. In Sibiu you can't get bored as a tourist, just simply walk around and look left and right and you'll see wonderful things.
For more photos of Sibiu click here.

Visit Vama Veche

2008-08-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

"At the sea,in the sun, the girls are naked," said one popular Romanian song a long time ago. On the Romanian Black Sea shore is the Mecca of free people, the sure path to Nirvana is coming and staying in Vama Veche. Those who did not make annual pilgrimage here are marginalized by society, excluded from social life, abandoned by lovers (not really, but that's the spirit that keeps at a life).
Vama Veche is a small village on the southernmost beach on the Romanian seaside that was once the refuge of intellectuals, a place where people meet to have a beer and so on talk about anything about everything, or doing nude on a wild beach, eat anchovies purchased from fishermen, sleeping in a tent, waking up with the sea in your view.
Today it's not all like that, only a small part of the old atmosphere has remained. The cheapest way to reach customs in Mangalia is by train and from there by bus or on foot the 10 km from Mangalia to Vama Veche is a interesting road, through May 2 village, meaning a further opportunity to stop at a terrace for a cold beer on a warm day in summer.
Vama Veche or the Old Border in English, is something like Spring Break, only it starts from 1st of May and it ends on the last day of summer.
As for accommodation in Vama Veche to put the tent on the sand is free, but you can also put it in a local court for about 2-3 € (10 lei) for 24 hours. The accommodation rooms ranging from 6 € the cheapest, to 30 € with all the luxury you can imagine.
To come here you can take the train from Constanţa to Mangalia (about 2 €) and then a bus from Mangalia rail road station for 1 €.
The food, maybe the most practical thing would be anchovies, but there are also several restaurants and terraces, where you can have a more complex meal.
And for fun, no need to say, there all over the place, from bars to pubs, just pick one, oh ya.. and the beer is cheap.
Ow.. and if you're a heavy metal music fan you should definitely go to the "La Piraţi" place (Pirates), for a few beers and good music.
Something like this would be Vama Veche from my point of view, a place where it still does not matter how you look, or how much money you got, or how cool you are, everybody here is equal.. and the party never stops all summer long.
For more photos of Vama Veche click here.