Romania Itinerary for Budget Travelers (7–10 Days)

Planning a trip to Romania on a budget? Whether you’ve got one week or a bit more, Romania is one of Europe’s best-value destinations — packed with castles, medieval towns, mountains, and friendly cities.

This 7–10 day itinerary is designed for budget-conscious travelers, including transport tips, accommodation ideas, and local spots that are easy on the wallet. It’s flexible, fast-paced or slow, and fully doable by bus, train, or shared rides.

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Why Romania is Great for Budget Travelers

• Accommodation is cheap, even in major cities

• Local transport is affordable and fairly easy to navigate

• Food is hearty, local, and inexpensive

• You can explore castles, medieval towns, and mountains without expensive tours

This itinerary is based on routes I’ve taken and common travel flows among backpackers — adjusted for cost, convenience, and good vibes.

Romania Itinerary Overview (7–10 Days)

You can easily adjust depending on time and interests. Trains, buses, or BlaBlaCar can take you between cities for just a few euros.

Day 1: Bucharest (1–2 Nights)

Start in the capital. It’s not everyone’s favorite city, but it’s cheap, buzzing, and full of contrasts.

Things to Do:

• Explore Old Town (Lipscani)

• Visit the enormous Palace of Parliament

• Hang out at Cărturești Carusel bookstore

• Enjoy craft beer or traditional food for €5–€8

Where to Stay:
Use Booking.com to find hostels or guesthouses — dorms from €10, privates from €25.

Tip: Download the Bucharest metro map, it’s the fastest way around.

Days 2–4: Brasov + Bran Castle / Peles Castle

Take a 2.5–3h train or BlaBlaCar to Brasov — the gateway to Transylvania.

In Brasov:

• Stroll the old town and rope street

• Hike or take the cable car to Tampa Mountain

• Try chimney cake and cheap local food

Castles:

• Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle): Touristy but fun (~€10)

• Peles Castle: Stunning architecture, worth the detour

Transport Tip: Buses or minibuses go to both castles from Brasov’s Autogara 2 station.

Where to Stay:
Plenty of hostels and pensions under €30/night on Booking.

Days 5–6: Sibiu or Sighisoara

From Brasov, head west toward Sibiu (3.5h by train) or north to Sighisoara (2.5h by train) — two gorgeous medieval towns.

• Sibiu: Great squares, bridges, and coffee culture

• Sighisoara: UNESCO World Heritage Site, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler

What to Budget:
€5–€7 for intercity trains
€10–€15/day for meals
€20–€30 for accommodation

Days 7–8: Cluj-Napoca

Your final stop (or a loop back south if needed) — Cluj is a student city with art, cafes, and cool energy.

• Walk Central Park and Avram Iancu Square

• Grab a budget meal at local canteens

• Explore museums or chill in cafes

Transport Tip:
From Sighisoara/Sibiu to Cluj = 4–6h train or BlaBlaCar

Stay:
Affordable hostels and Airbnbs — dorms ~€12, privates ~€30

Bonus (Days 9–10): Rural Romania or Mountains

If you’ve got 10 full days, consider heading into:

• Maramureș: Traditional villages, wooden churches, nature

• Apuseni Mountains: Hikes, caves, and chilled countryside

These areas require more planning but reward with authenticity.

Budget Tips for the Trip

• Use Wise to pay in RON and avoid ATM fees

• Book trains early (online or at station) — slow but scenic

• Browse hostels and guesthouses on Booking — good filters + budget range

• Check BlaBlaCar for cheaper, faster rides

Sample Budget (Daily Average)

Trains/buses: €3–€10
Hostels: €10–€25
Meals: €3–€8 each

Final Thoughts

Romania is perfect for travelers who want adventure, culture, and scenery without breaking the bank. Whether you follow this route fully or mix it up, this itinerary gives you a foundation for exploring Romania your way.

It’s affordable, flexible, and full of unexpected highlights — from castles to countryside.

Related Posts to Check Out:

• Is Romania Cheap to Travel?

• How to Plan a Budget Trip to Europe

• Best Travel Accessories Under €25