The True Cost of Exploring Romania: Sleep, Feast, and Adventure
Romania. A land where mist-cloaked castles rise against jagged peaks. Where cobblestone streets hum with stories whispered by centuries. And the best part? Experiencing it all won’t drain your wallet like Paris or Rome. Whether you’re scraping by on a backpacker’s budget, savoring the sweet spot of mid-range comfort, or indulging in luxury fit for a monarch, Romania rolls out the red carpet. Let’s break it down—where you’ll rest, what you’ll feast on, and how you’ll fill your days with memories.
Where You’ll Rest Your Head
Sleep cheap. Sleep chic. Sleep like royalty. Romania has it all.
Budget-Friendly Sleeps
For the thrifty wanderer, options abound.
- Hostels: Snag a dorm bed for as little as €10 to €20. Free Wi-Fi. Free breakfast. Sometimes even a friendly hostel dog.
- Guesthouses & Budget Hotels: Private rooms start at €20 to €40. Basic, clean, and often family-run.
- Camping & Rural Escapes: Fancy waking up to fresh mountain air? A night in a traditional village home or a Carpathian campsite costs as little as €10.
Mid-Range Comfort
More legroom. More charm. Still easy on the budget.
- Three-Star Hotels: Expect €40 to €80 per night, often with breakfast thrown in.
- Boutique Hotels & Top-Rated Guesthouses: Unique stays with flair, ranging €50 to €100 per night.
- Apartments & Airbnb Rentals: Cozy city apartments start at €30, while a spacious central flat could hit €80.
Luxury & Lavish Retreats
High-end doesn’t always mean high cost—at least not compared to Western Europe.
- Five-Star Hotels: Prices start at €100, with ultra-luxe resorts reaching €200+.
- Converted Castles & Luxury Countryside Lodges: Spend €150 to €300 per night for a stay wrapped in history and grandeur.
- Spa Resorts: Romania is famous for its mineral-rich thermal spas. Expect to pay €100 to €250 per night, often with full spa access.
What You’ll Feast On
From street eats to fine dining, Romania serves up meals that warm the soul without freezing your bank account.
Cheap & Cheerful Eats
Street vendors and local joints dish out hearty bites for next to nothing.
- Covrigi (Romanian Pretzels) & Mici (Grilled Sausages): €1 to €3
- Shaorma, Plăcinte (Stuffed Pastries): €3 to €5
- Canteens & Casual Restaurants: A full meal for €5 to €10, often including a steaming bowl of ciorbă (sour soup) and polenta.
Mid-Range Dining
A proper sit-down meal without breaking the bank.
- Main Dishes: €8 to €15
- Three-Course Meal: €15 to €30
- Local Beer & Wine: €2 to €5 per glass
- Must-Try Specialties: Sarmale (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls), Ciorbă de Burtă (Tripe Soup)—both around €7 to €12.
Fine Dining & Extravagance
Romania’s top-tier restaurants offer gourmet experiences for a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere.
- Michelin-Recommended Dining: €50 to €100 per person
- Premium Romanian Wines: €20 to €100 per bottle
- Tasting Menus: €80 to €150 per person, with hand-selected wine pairings.
How You’ll Fill Your Days
History, Culture & Legends
- Bran Castle, Peleș Castle: Entry fees €8 to €15.
- Museums & Art Galleries: Tickets €5 to €10.
- Guided City Tours: €20 to €50 per person.
- Monasteries & Fortified Churches: Entry €2 to €10.
Outdoor Adventures & Thrills
- Hiking in the Carpathians: Mostly free, sometimes €10 for park fees.
- Skiing in Poiana Brașov: €25 to €50 per day for lift passes.
- Danube Delta Boat Tours: €20 to €50 per person.
- Bear-Watching Tours: €40 to €100, depending on duration and location.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soar over Transylvania for €150 to €250 per person.
- Caving Expeditions: Explore hidden underground wonders for €30 to €70.
- Paragliding Over Bucegi Mountains: Adrenaline rush for €70 to €150.
Nightlife & Entertainment
- Clubs & Bars: Entry €5 to €15. Cocktails €7 to €12.
- Traditional Folk Shows: €30 to €50 per ticket.
- Opera & Theater: €10 to €40, with discounts for students and seniors.
- Casinos in Bucharest: High rollers and casual gamblers alike will find games starting at €20 per round.
Getting Around Romania
Affordable and efficient—Romania’s transport system won’t let you down.
- Public Transport (Buses, Trams, Metro): €0.50 to €1 per ride.
- Taxis & Rideshares: €5 to €15 for a city trip.
- Intercity Trains: €10 to €30, with stunning scenic routes.
- Car Rentals: €20 to €50 per day, with fuel around €1.40 per liter.
- Domestic Flights: €30 to €100, perfect for covering long distances quickly.
- Bicycle Rentals: Pedal through charming villages for €5 to €15 per day.
What You’ll Spend Per Day
- Barebones Budget: €30 to €60 (hostel, street food, public transport)
- Mid-Range Comfort: €60 to €150 (hotel, sit-down meals, attractions)
- Luxury & Indulgence: €200+ (five-star hotels, fine dining, premium experiences)
Final Thoughts
Romania isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. A medieval fairytale. A budget traveler’s dream. A luxury seeker’s hidden gem. Hike through misty peaks. Wander through ancient towns. Savor meals that feel like home. And at the end of the day, whether you’re spending a little or a lot, one thing is certain: Romania gives you more than you ever expected.
Now, pack your bags. The adventure awaits.