Family-Friendly 11-Day Summer Adventure in Romania: Bucharest, Transylvania, and the Carpathians

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

Bucharest, Romania on July 1, 2025

10:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Bucharest and check into a family-friendly hotel in the city center with easy access to public transport.
0, 1h

11:30am

Breakfast at Origo Coffee Shop

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at Origo Coffee, known for excellent coffee and pastries, located near the old town.
USD25, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

Explore the open-air Village Museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic houses, great for kids to roam and learn.
USD20, 2h

3:00pm

Lunch at Caru' cu Bere

Dine at the historic Caru' cu Bere restaurant in Old Town, offering Romanian cuisine in an ornate setting, kid-friendly options included.
USD70, 1.5h

5:00pm

Explore Old Town

Leisurely walk through Bucharest’s Old Town with its colorful streets, shops, and plazas. Kids can enjoy street performers and ice cream shops.
0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Mama

Sample family-friendly traditional Romanian dishes with a welcoming atmosphere, located near the hotel for convenience.
USD60, 1.5h

Day 2: Bucharest Family Fun

Bucharest, Romania on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at M60 Cafe

Light breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee options at M60 Cafe, popular among locals.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Explore Herastrau Park and Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

Spend the morning at Herastrau Park boating or walking, and visit Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum for outdoor exhibits perfect for children to explore safely.
USD15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic in Herastrau Park

Enjoy a packed or nearby light lunch in the park, allowing kids to run and play before afternoon activities.
USD40, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Romanian Athenaeum

Tour this beautiful concert hall with impressive architecture. Guided tours are available, offering a glimpse into Romania's culture.
USD30, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Carol Park

Enjoy playgrounds and green spaces at Carol Park, great for all ages to unwind after a busy day.
0, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Energiea

A cozy gastro-pub offering meals with a casual vibe that caters well to families with kids.
USD65, 1.5h

Day 3: Travel to Brașov and Explore

Brașov, Romania on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel before driving to Brașov.
USD25, 1h

9:00am

Drive Bucharest to Brașov

Travel by rental car northwest to Brașov, approximately 3 hours. Scenic route through the Carpathian foothills.
USD50 (fuel), 3h

12:30pm

Check-in at Family-Friendly Hotel in Brașov

Check into your hotel in Brașov near the old town with amenities for children.
0, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Sergiana

Enjoy traditional Transylvanian fare at this welcoming restaurant that offers hearty dishes suitable for all ages.
USD70, 1.5h

3:00pm

Walk around Brașov Old Town and Council Square

Explore Brașov’s historic center including the Black Church and colorful medieval buildings. Plenty of spots for kids to explore safely.
0, 2h

5:30pm

Visit Tampa Mountain via Cable Car

Take the cable car up Tampa Mountain for fantastic views over Brașov, an exciting adventure for the kids.
USD45, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Prato

A family-friendly restaurant with diverse menu options including Italian dishes loved by kids and adults alike.
USD65, 1.5h

Day 4: Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress

Brașov Region, Romania on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast included at your hotel to fuel up for a day of castles and history.
0, 1h

9:30am

Bran Castle

Visit Bran Castle, popularly known as Dracula’s Castle, which kids will enjoy for its fairy-tale architecture and legends. Explore the museum and gardens.
USD70, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Casa din Bran

Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine close to the castle with kid-friendly menu options.
USD55, 1h

1:30pm

Rasnov Fortress

Walk or drive to Rasnov Fortress to explore this impressive medieval fortress with panoramic views of the area. Kids can imagine medieval times and roam safely within the walls.
USD40, 1.5h

3:30pm

Return to Brașov

Head back to Brașov for some downtime at your hotel or explore local parks.
USD20 (fuel), 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bistro de l’Arte

Relaxed dining with a diverse menu including vegetarian and child-friendly meals in Brașov’s old town.
USD60, 1.5h

Day 5: Bucegi Mountains Day Excursion

Bucegi Mountains Near Brașov, Romania on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for an active day exploring nature.
0, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Bucegi Mountains - Sinaia

Short 1-hour drive to Sinaia, gateway to the Bucegi Mountains, known for stunning mountain landscapes and family-friendly trails.
USD20 (fuel), 1h

9:30am

Peles Castle Tour

Visit the stunning Peles Castle, a fairy-tale palace with beautiful gardens and easy pathways for families, open 9 AM - 5 PM.
USD70, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuib Restaurant

Casual dining close to the castle offering Romanian mountain cuisine with kid-friendly meals.
USD60, 1h

1:30pm

Cable Car to Bucegi Plateau

Take the cable car up Bucegi mountain for hiking and breathtaking views. Trails are moderate and suitable for older kids; younger children can be carried or stay at the plateau café area.
USD80, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Brașov

Drive back to your hotel in Brașov for a well-deserved rest.
USD20 (fuel), 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bella Musica

Dining near Brașov’s old town, Bella Musica offers Italian and local dishes loved by families.
USD65, 1.5h

Day 6: Travel to Sibiu and City Walk

Sibiu, Romania on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy leisurely breakfast at Brașov hotel before checking out and traveling to Sibiu.
0, 1h

9:00am

Drive Brașov to Sibiu

Approximately 2.5-hour scenic drive to Sibiu through Transylvania’s charming landscapes.
USD35 (fuel), 2.5h

12:00pm

Hotel Check-in in Sibiu

Settle into a family-friendly hotel near Sibiu’s historic center.
0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Crama Sibiul Vechi

Enjoy traditional Romanian dishes in a cozy cellar atmosphere that provides space and comfort for kids.
USD65, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Sibiu Old Town and Small Square

Walk through Sibiu’s UNESCO-listed old town, enjoying the charming squares and kid-friendly street performances.
0, 2h

5:30pm

Visit ASTRA National Museum Complex (Open-air museum)

Explore Romania’s largest open-air ethnographic museum showcasing rural life with traditional farmhouses, animals, and crafts perfect for kids (open 10 AM-7 PM).
USD40, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kulinarium Austriac

Try Austrian influenced dishes in this family-friendly restaurant famous for its pastries and relaxed atmosphere.
USD55, 1.5h

Day 7: Sibiu Day Excursion and Nature

Sibiu / Surrounding, Romania on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with hotel breakfast, perfect for family.
0, 1h

9:00am

Day Trip to Transfăgărășan Road and Balea Lake

Drive the famous Transfăgărășan road (seasonally open June-October) and visit Balea Lake; enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views suitable for all ages.
USD60 (fuel + parking), 6h

3:00pm

Return to Sibiu

Relax at your hotel or nearby park after the day excursion.
0, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Pardon Cafe

Enjoy casual dining in Sibiu with options for pizza, local dishes, and kids' meals.
USD60, 1.5h

Day 8: Return to Bucharest via Curtea de Argeș

Bucharest via Curtea de Argeș, Romania on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast and check out from your hotel in Sibiu.
0, 1h

8:30am

Drive Sibiu to Curtea de Argeș

Drive approx. 3 hours south to Curtea de Argeș to see its famous monastery and scenic surroundings.
USD40 (fuel), 3h

11:30am

Visit Curtea de Argeș Monastery

Explore the beautiful Romanian Orthodox monastery, known for its architecture and legends, and kid-friendly open grounds.
USD20, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Simfonia

Welcome family restaurant nearby offering Romanian specialties and meals for children.
USD50, 1h

1:30pm

Drive Curtea de Argeș to Bucharest

Return to the capital city, approximately 2.5 hours drive, dropping off luggage at your final accommodation.
USD30 (fuel), 2.5h

4:00pm

Check-in at Bucharest Hotel

Check-in at hotel located centrally for ease of transportation and shopping on the last days.
0, 0.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Local Park

Option to rest or take a stroll nearby to unwind after the drive.
0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest

Enjoy a casual dining experience suitable for kids with international menu options.
USD65, 1.5h

Day 9: Bucharest Museums & Parks

Bucharest, Romania on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Verona

Start your day with a cozy breakfast spot favored for pastries and coffee.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit National Museum of Romanian History

Explore historical exhibits that provide engaging stories for children and adults alike (open 10 AM-6 PM).
USD30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bistro Ateneu

Enjoy a modern bistro with healthy options and kid-friendly menu near the Athenaeum.
USD55, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Dimitrie Leonida Technical Museum

A wonderful science and technology museum fun for kids of all ages, interactive exhibits encouraging learning through play (open until 5 PM).
USD20, 2h

4:00pm

Walk and Play at Tineretului Park

Large park with playgrounds and open spaces for children to expend energy and families to relax.
0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Shift Pub

Casual dining in the city with variety including vegetarian and kid-friendly meals and relaxed atmosphere.
USD60, 1.5h

Day 10: Shopping and Packing

Bucharest, Romania on July 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Origo Coffee Shop

Enjoy your final morning in Bucharest with quality coffee and delicious pastries.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Shopping at AFI Cotroceni Mall

Spend the morning shopping at one of Bucharest’s biggest malls offering entertainment, toys, clothes, and souvenirs, suitable for the whole family.
USD150 (shopping misc.), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Food Court, AFI Cotroceni

Wide selection of quick and tasty meals for everyone including kids.
USD50, 1h

2:30pm

Return to hotel for packing and rest

Organize luggage and get some rest before the final day tomorrow.
0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at local Romanian restaurant near hotel

Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Romanian dishes tailored for families.
USD65, 1.5h

Day 11: Departure Day

Bucharest, Romania on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast at hotel before departure preparations.
0, 1h

9:00am

Morning free time or last-minute local stroll

Enjoy a gentle walk or ride on public transport for final sightseeing or photos around the city.
USD10, 2h

12:00pm

Check out and travel to airport

Complete final packing and take public transport or taxi to the airport for your flight home.
USD30, 1h