14-Day Shoestring Budget Rail Trip in Romania

Day 1: Explore Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Placinte

Start your Romanian adventure with a traditional breakfast of mămăligă (polenta) at La Placinte.
Walk to La Placinte, located near the Old Town.
RON25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Palace of the Parliament

Explore the enormous Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world.
Take the metro from Piața Unirii to Izvor.
RON40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Caru' cu Bere

Enjoy traditional Romanian dishes and a refreshing beer at one of Bucharest’s oldest restaurants.
Walk back to Caru' cu Bere in the Old Town.
RON50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Old Town

Wander through the charming streets of Bucharest’s Old Town, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk through the pedestrian streets.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Cismigiu Gardens

Relax at Cismigiu Gardens, a beautiful park in the heart of the city.
Take a 15-minute walk to the gardens.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Hanu' lui Manuc

End your day with dinner at Hanu' lui Manuc, trying out the sarmale (cabbage rolls).
Walk to Hanu' lui Manuc, easily accessible in the Old Town.
RON55, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Grab a quick coffee and pastry at The Coffee Shop to fuel your day.
Located near Hotel Intercontinental.
RON20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Romanian Athenaeum

See this stunning concert hall, renowned for its architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Walk over to the Romanian Athenaeum, close by the coffee shop.
RON10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

National Museum of Art

Explore Romanian art at this impressive museum filled with historical pieces.
Walk 10 minutes to the museum.
RON30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at 5 to go

Enjoy a quick, budget-friendly lunch at this popular eatery known for its sandwiches and salads.
A short 10-minute walk.
RON22, 1 hour

2:00PM

Cinema City (IMAX) experience

Experience the latest films in a comfortable cinema nearby.
Walk to Cinema City for your movie time.
RON30, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through the Village Museum

Visit this open-air museum displaying traditional Romanian village life.
Take the metro to Herăstrău Park and walk to the museum.
RON20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Mama

Dine at La Mama, where you can relish the taste of traditional Romanian dishes.
Walk back towards the Old Town area.
RON45, 2 hours
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Day 3: To Sinaia

Sinaia, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Răsărit

Fuel up at Răsărit with a hearty breakfast of omelets and fresh bread.
Walk to the restaurant from your stay in Bucharest.
RON30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Sinaia

Take a morning train to Sinaia, famous for its beautiful landscapes and castles.
Catch the train from Gara de Nord Station.
RON15, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Peleș Castle

Discover the grandeur of Peleș Castle, a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture.
Take a 30-minute walk from the train station.
RON45, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Casa Ana

Enjoy a traditional Romanian lunch at Casa Ana, known for its cozy atmosphere.
A short walk from Peleș Castle.
RON35, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Sinaia Monastery

Visit Sinaia Monastery, a cultural and religious landmark with beautiful frescoes.
15-minute walk from Casa Ana.
RON10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Hike around Sinaia

Enjoy the breathtaking views while hiking on one of the nature trails near Sinaia.
Access trails from the monastery.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Forest

End the day with dinner at Restaurant Forest, tasting local specialties of the region.
Walk back into town.
RON50, 2 hours
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Day 4: Discover Brașov

Brașov, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Primavera

Savor a delicious breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee at La Primavera.
Walk from your accommodation in Sinaia.
RON28, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Brașov

Catch a train to Brașov, an enchanting city surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains.
Return to Sinaia Train Station.
RON15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Walking Tour of Brașov

Explore the historic center of Brașov, including the Black Church and Council Square.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the pedestrian areas.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sergiana

Try traditional dishes such as ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup) at Sergiana.
Located in a historic building near the square.
RON40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Tampa Mountain

Hike up Tampa Mountain for panoramic views of Brașov and its surroundings.
Take the cable car or hiking trails from the city.
RON30 (cable car), 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Bistro Velo City

Indulge in local flavors at Bistro Velo City, known for its casual atmosphere.
Walk back into town.
RON45, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Relax in Poiana Brașov

Poiana Brașov, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, taking in the mountain views.
At your accommodation in Poiana Brașov.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiking in the Carpathians

Spend the morning hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, choosing a trail suitable for your fitness level.
Access trails directly from Poiana Brașov.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Coliba Haiducilor

Refuel with hearty mountain fare at Coliba Haiducilor, known for its rustic charm.
Walk from the trailhead.
RON40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at the hotel

Take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Back to your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Zanoaga Cave

Explore Zanoaga Cave, a hidden gem showcasing the striking beauty of Romanian caves.
Access with a short transport from Poiana Brașov.
RON25, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Floria

Indulge in a quality dining experience with Romanian gourmet dishes.
Take a 15-minute walk.
RON60, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Sighișoara

Sighișoara, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Mămăligă

Start your day with a traditional dish made of cornmeal at La Mămăligă.
In Poiana Brașov.
RON30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Sighișoara

Take a scenic train ride to Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Catch a train from Brașov.
RON30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Casa Vlad Dracul

Savor lunch at Casa Vlad Dracul, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
A short walk to the restaurant in the Citadel.
RON50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Sighișoara Citadel

Wander through the medieval streets of the Citadel, taking in its historic architecture.
Stroll around Sighișoara Citadel.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Clock Tower

Climb to the top of the Clock Tower for breathtaking views of Sighișoara.
Walk to the Clock Tower from the Citadel.
RON20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Sighișoara

Cap off the day with a meal at Restaurant Sighișoara featuring local and Romanian cuisine.
Only a short walk away.
RON50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Explore Sibiu

Sibiu, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Wien

Start with a Viennese coffee and sweet pastry at Cafe Wien.
A walk from your accommodation.
RON28, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Sibiu

Take a train to Sibiu, known for its remarkable medieval architecture.
Board a train from Sighișoara.
RON25, 2 hours

11:00AM

Council Tower

Climb to the top of Council Tower for stunning views of the city.
Take a short walk to the tower.
RON15, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Crama Sibiul Vechi

Enjoy Romanians dishes with a touch of creativity at Crama Sibiul Vechi.
Located near the city center.
RON40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Brukenthal Palace

Visit the Brukenthal Palace, home to a vast art collection.
A short walk to the palace.
RON35, 2 hours

4:30PM

Bridge of Lies

Check out the iconic Bridge of Lies, surrounded by city legend.
Stroll to the bridge.
Free, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at La Cuptor

Wrap up your day with a meal that boasts traditional flavors at La Cuptor.
Walk back into the center.
RON50, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Discover Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ristorante Da Pino

Enjoy fresh pastries and local coffee at Ristorante Da Pino.
Within walking distance from your accommodation.
RON30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Cluj-Napoca

Take a train to Cluj-Napoca, Romania’s unofficial capital.
Train station in Sibiu.
RON30, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Central Park

Relax in Central Park and enjoy the open green spaces.
Walk to Central Park in Cluj.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Tonic

Try a variety of pizzas at this beloved spot among locals.
A short 10-minute walk.
RON40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit St. Michael's Church

Visit the beautiful Gothic architecture of St. Michael's Church.
Easily reachable from Central Park.
RON10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore the Botanical Garden

Wander through the lovely Botanical Garden, filled with diverse plant life.
Short walk from the church.
RON15, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Bob Cafe

Enjoy a vibrant dining experience with creative dishes at Bob Cafe.
Walk back towards the center.
RON50, 2 hours
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Day 9: Adventures in Turda

Turda, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vivo!

Fuel up with breakfast at Vivo!, a popular local spot.
Easily accessible from your stay in Cluj-Napoca.
RON25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Turda

Take a train to Turda, famous for its salt mine.
Train station in Cluj-Napoca.
RON20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Turda Salt Mine

Explore the fascinating Turda Salt Mine with its stunning underground formations.
15-minute walk from the train station.
RON50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Mureșan

Enjoy a lunch featuring local dishes at Restaurant Mureșan nearby.
Short walk from the mine.
RON40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Turda Gorge

Go hiking in Turda Gorge, experiencing beautiful landscapes and nature.
Take a taxi or public transport to the gorge.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Turda Restaurant

Savor a hearty dinner at Turda Restaurant, perfect after a day of adventures.
Walk back towards the town.
RON50, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Visit Bistrița

Bistrița, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Starbucks

Start your day with a coffee and pastry at Starbucks.
Near the train station in Cluj-Napoca.
RON30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Bistrița

Catch a train to Bistrița, a town brimming with history.
Train station in Cluj-Napoca.
RON25, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Bistrița Monastery

Explore Bistrița Monastery, an important cultural landmark.
Walk from the train station.
RON15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Bistritei

Enjoy a robust lunch at Restaurant Bistritei, featuring authentic Romanian dishes.
Located in the city center.
RON40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Old Town

Stroll through Bistrița's charming Old Town and discover its rich history.
Walk around the center.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Bistrița City Park

Relax at Bistrița City Park, a lovely green space to unwind.
Short walk from the Old Town.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pandelescu

End your day with dinner at Pandelescu, known for its delicious local cuisine.
Located within walking distance.
RON50, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Explore Bucovina

Suceava, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Cafe

Have breakfast at La Cafe and try a local pastry.
Close to your accommodation in Bistrița.
RON20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Suceava

Catch a train to Suceava, known for its monasteries.
Train station in Bistrița.
RON25, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Casa Pogăceanu

Dine at Casa Pogăceanu, and try the famous mămăligă with cheese.
Located near the historical center.
RON40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Suceava Fortress

Explore the impressive ruins of Suceava Fortress, learning about its history.
A short walk from the restaurant.
RON15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Painted Monasteries

Visit the UNESCO-listed Painted Monasteries of Bucovina in the nearby region.
Organize a local tour to reach the monasteries.
RON90, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Bucovina

End your day with dinner at Restaurant Bucovina, enjoying authentic Romanian flavors.
Return to Suceava.
RON50, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Discover Gura Humorului

Gura Humorului, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Suceava.
Within your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Gura Humorului

Take a local bus to Gura Humorului, famous for Wooden Churches.
Bus station in Suceava.
(Breaking down cost: - Bus ticket: RON10 ), 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Voroneț Monastery

Discover the famous Voroneț Monastery, known for its stunning frescoes.
Take bus or a local taxi from Gura Humorului.
RON10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Casa Gura Humorului

Relish a delicious traditional meal at Casa Gura Humorului.
Walk to the restaurant.
RON40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Local Markets

Spend your afternoon browsing local crafts and products in Gura Humorului's markets.
Easily walkable within the town.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Humor Monastery

Experience the beauty of Humor Monastery, another stunning landmark.
Short taxi or bus ride.
RON10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Conac

End your day at La Conac with delicious local dishes and a pleasant atmosphere.
Short walk back to the restaurant.
RON50, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Cultural Visit to Iași

Iași, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Restaurant Select

Kick off your day with assorted plates at Restaurant Select.
Within walking distance from your accommodation.
RON35, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Iași

Catch a train to Iași, one of Romania's most historic cities.
Train station in Suceava.
RON25, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Casa Bolta Rece

Try local specialties at Casa Bolta Rece, renowned for its rich history.
A short walk from the train station.
RON45, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Palace of Culture

Explore the Palace of Culture, a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture.
Walk from Casa Bolta Rece.
RON10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Botanical Gardens

Spend some time wandering through the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Iași.
A short 15-minute walk.
RON15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at La Cazemata

End your day at La Cazemata, enjoying the local cuisine.
Return towards the city center.
RON50, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Return to Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Restaurant Taverna

Enjoy your final breakfast at Restaurant Taverna, known for its delightful offerings.
Located near the train station.
RON30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Bucharest

Take a train back to Bucharest, reflecting on your incredible journey.
Board the train from Iași.
RON25, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Buca

Relish a closing lunch at La Buca, known for its cozy atmosphere.
Located in the city center.
RON40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Last-minute shopping in Old Town

Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs in Bucharest's vibrant Old Town.
Explore the shops in the pedestrian areas.
Varies, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at La Căruța cu Prenă

End your trip with a farewell dinner at La Căruța cu Prenă, enjoying traditional fare.
Best reached via metro to the city center.
RON55, 2 hours
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