Where to stay in Romania for cheap? That was my first question when planning a month-long trip across the country — and I quickly learned that Romania offers some of the most affordable and charming accommodations in Europe.
Whether you’re into hostels, guesthouses, or small boutique hotels, you’ll find excellent places under €30–€40 per night in most cities. Below is a breakdown of my favorite Romanian cities for budget stays — including where I stayed, what I liked, and what I’d recommend.
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Bucharest: Big City, Low Prices
Despite being the capital, Bucharest is surprisingly affordable for accommodation. You can find dorm beds for under €10 or clean private rooms for €20–€30.
Top pick: First Hostel Bucharest, T5 Social, Sleep Inn Hostel
Other great options: Little Bucharest Old Town, Popcorn Hostel
Booking link: Budget Stays in Bucharest – Booking.com
Tip: Avoid staying too close to the Old Town party zone if you want quiet nights.
Brașov: Mountains and Medieval Charm
Brașov is the best mix of scenery, history, and value. It’s walkable, close to castles, and full of cozy guesthouses.
Recommended: Centrum House Hostel — right in the heart of the old town
Other good options: JugendStube Hostel, Downtown Hostel, Pensiunea Hanna
Booking link: Affordable Places to Stay in Brașov
Bonus: You can do day trips to Bran Castle, Peles, and Rasnov from here.
Sibiu: Culture Meets Comfort
This city has a laid-back, elegant vibe. Sibiu’s budget stays are usually quiet, clean, and family-run — great for slow travel.
Popular budget choice: B13 Hostel — basic but unbeatable location
Also check out: Welhome Guesthouse, Villa Levoslav House (on the edge of “budget” but worth it)
Booking link: Top Budget Options in Sibiu – Booking.com
Cluj-Napoca: Youthful and Active
Cluj is a university town with a more modern energy. It’s slightly pricier than other cities, but you can still find dorms and guesthouses under €30 if you book early.
Good value: Zen Hostel — minimalist, quiet, great kitchen
Other affordable options: Retro Youth Hostel, Hugo Stay
Booking link: Best Cheap Stays in Cluj – Booking.com
Sighișoara: A Night in a Fairytale Town
This tiny citadel town is perfect for a one-night stay. The old town is small, so even budget places feel atmospheric.
Top options: Burg Hostel, Casa Lia, Casa Wagner (just above budget, but right inside the citadel)
Booking link: Affordable Guesthouses in Sighișoara
Bonus: Timișoara – Western Romania’s Hidden Gem
Timișoara is a great stop on your way to or from Serbia/Hungary. Accommodation is modern and underpriced for the quality.
Check out: Boutique Hotel Casa del Sole (worth the extra €), Hotel Victoria
Booking link: Timișoara Budget Hotels – Booking.com
How to Find the Best Deals on Accommodation in Romania
Use Booking filters: sort by “lowest price” and read reviews carefully
Book 1–2 weeks ahead for cities like Cluj or Brasov (they fill up)
Consider pensions: small, family-run guesthouses are common and often cheaper than hotels
Hostels = social + cheap: great for solo travelers and backpackers
Related Posts to Help Plan Your Trip
Final Thoughts
Romania makes it easy to travel affordably — even in the most popular cities, you can stay comfortably without spending more than €25–€40/night. Whether you prefer a downtown hostel or a countryside guesthouse, you’ll find that value for money is Romania’s secret weapon.
Plan Your Stay
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog!