7-Day Cultural and Scenic Road Trip Itinerary in Romania

Day 1: Explore Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Origo Coffee

Enjoy some of Bucharest's best specialty coffee and light breakfast options; well known for quality beans and relaxing ambiance.
RON40 (~$9), 1h

9:30am

Palace of the Parliament Tour

Tour the second largest administrative building in the world, a monumental example of Romania's communist architecture and history. Open 10am-4pm.
RON50 (~$11), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Caru' cu Bere

Dine in a historic Romanian brewery and restaurant offering traditional Romanian dishes and an atmospheric setting dating back to 1879.
RON70 (~$15), 1h30m

2:00pm

Stroll Old Town

Explore the vibrant Lipscani district with its historic streets, lively cafés, and shops. Great for photos, souvenir shopping, and light walking.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Sinaia

Pick up rental car and drive approx 2 hours northwest to mountain resort town of Sinaia to prepare for next day’s exploration.
Car rental approx $50/day, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kuib

Modern restaurant with local and international cuisine, located in Sinaia with beautiful mountain views, perfect after a day of sightseeing.
RON80 (~$17), 1h30m
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Day 2: Castles & Mountains

Sinaia, Bran, Romania on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Your Hotel or Local Café

Start early with a breakfast to fuel your day before castle visits.
RON40 (~$9), 1h

9:00am

Peles Castle Tour

Visit the stunning neo-Renaissance Peles Castle, open 9am-5pm, known for architecture and beautiful interiors surrounded by Carpathian forests.
RON50 (~$11), 2h

11:30am

Drive to Bran Castle

Drive about 45 minutes to Bran to visit the iconic castle famed as Dracula’s Castle, an intriguing cultural landmark.
Fuel approx $5, 45m

12:30pm

Bran Castle Visit

Explore Bran Castle, open 9am-6pm, with rich history and legends. Great photo opportunities of the castle and surroundings.
RON45 (~$10), 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Bistro de l'Arte

Relax and enjoy lunch in Bran with a menu featuring Romanian and European dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
RON60 (~$13), 1h

3:30pm

Drive to Brașov

Travel 30 minutes by car to Brașov for an afternoon of medieval town exploration.
Fuel approx $3, 30m

4:00pm

Explore Brașov Old Town

Walk through the Piata Sfatului, Black Church, and stroll along cobblestone streets to absorb your surroundings.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Tudor

Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine with elegant ambiance in the heart of Brașov old town.
RON70 (~$15), 1h30m
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Day 3: Medieval Charm

Brașov & Sibiu, Romania on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafe Pub Brașov

Start your day with fresh pastries and aromatic coffee in a chill urban café.
RON30 (~$7), 1h

9:00am

Drive to Sibiu

Depart Brașov and head approximately 2 hours west to Sibiu, a gem of Transylvania known for its Germanic architecture.
Fuel approx $8, 2h

11:30am

Explore Sibiu Old Town

Visit the Large Square, Brukenthal Palace, and walk the Bridge of Lies. Sibiu is vibrant with its medieval charm.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Crama Sibiul Vechi

Enjoy hearty Transylvanian dishes and local wines in a traditional cellar restaurant close to main square.
RON65 (~$14), 1h

3:00pm

Visit Astra National Museum Complex

Open 9am-6pm, this outdoor ethnographic museum displays traditional village life with windmills, houses, and crafts.
RON25 (~$6), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pardon Café Bistro

Contemporary dining with a mix of local and international dishes set in a beautiful area near the river.
RON70 (~$15), 1h30m
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Day 4: Historical Journey

Sighișoara, Romania on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Bakery

Enjoy a quick and filling breakfast to prepare for a day trip to Sighișoara.
RON30 (~$7), 1h

8:30am

Drive to Sighișoara

Travel about 1.5 hours to Sighișoara, one of Europe's best preserved medieval towns, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
Fuel approx $6, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Sighișoara Citadel

Wander through the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel, visit the Clock Tower Museum and old churches.
RON20 (~$5), 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Casa Wagner

Dine in a beautifully restored medieval building offering traditional Transylvanian cuisine.
RON60 (~$13), 1h

2:00pm

Visit Vlad Dracul House & Museum

Explore the history of Vlad the Impaler in this historic home turned museum, giving insight into local legends.
RON15 (~$3.50), 1h

3:30pm

Return to Sibiu

Drive back to Sibiu (1.5 hours) for the evening.
Fuel approx $6, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Cuptor

Cozy restaurant serving Romanian specialties with a home-cooked feel near Sibiu center.
RON60 (~$13), 1h30m
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Day 5: Cultural Exploration

Cluj-Napoca, Romania on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Check-out

Start day with breakfast and prepare for departure to Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania.
RON30 (~$7), 1h

8:30am

Drive to Cluj-Napoca

Approximately 2.5 hours drive from Sibiu to Cluj-Napoca.
Fuel approx $10, 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Central Park and Old Town

Take a walking tour of Union Square, St. Michael’s Church and the lively cafes surrounding central park area.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Baracca

Modern dining with farm-to-table philosophy in a cozy setting offering seasonal Romanian dishes.
RON80 (~$17), 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit the Art Museum and Botanical Garden

The National Museum of Art and Botanical Garden open until 5pm; great for art lovers and nature enthusiasts.
RON25 (~$6), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Samsara Foodhouse

Enjoy innovative vegetarian-friendly cuisine in an artistic atmosphere.
RON65 (~$14), 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Bucharest

Drive back to Bucharest, Romania on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Departure

Fuel up and start early for the long drive back to Bucharest (approx. 6.5 hours).
RON30 (~$7), 1h

8:30am

Drive to Bucharest

Long drive through the scenic Romanian landscape back to the capital.
Fuel approx $25, 6h30m

3:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Arrive in Bucharest, check into your hotel or accommodation, and relax after the journey.
Varies, Variable

7:00pm

Dinner at Lacrimi și Sfinți

End your trip enjoying traditional Romanian cuisine with a modern twist in a cozy setting in Bucharest.
RON80 (~$17), 1h30m
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Day 7: Leisure Day in Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania on June 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at M58

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast featuring healthy and fresh options in a bright and friendly atmosphere.
RON40 (~$9), 1h

10:00am

Visit Romanian Athenaeum & Cismigiu Park

Tour the iconic concert hall (check guided tour times) and take a relaxing stroll in the nearby Cismigiu Park.
Free or Small Donation, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shift Pub

Casual dining in a popular spot known for great burgers and salads, perfect for mid-day refuel.
RON50 (~$11), 1h

2:00pm

Museum of the Romanian Peasant

Visit this fascinating museum open 10am-6pm showcasing Romania’s rural traditions and folk art.
RON15 (~$3.50), 2h

5:00pm

Shopping and Coffee at AFI Cotroceni Mall

For any last-minute shopping or to relax with coffee before departure, this mall has a variety of stores and eateries.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at The Artist

Enjoy a refined experience featuring contemporary Romanian and international cuisine to end your trip memorably.
RON150 (~$33), 2h
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