February 10, 2009
Going to Romania
Reader submitted question:
This may be a longshot. I am going to Romania next month, not for any reason, just wanted to visit someplace I haven't been to before. I have several questions about what I should do, I am landing in Bucharest so I will definitely spend some time there, but I am not sure the merits and/or difficulty of trying to go somewhere in Transylvania.
Also, does anyone know about the discount airlines for travel within Europe? I was considering making a side trip to Budapest, but I haven't found any reasonable flight prices. I have found reasonable flights to Vienna, but I have to believe there is a way to get to Budapest by plane fairly cheap. And don't tell me about taking the train there, that is not something I want to do.
Thanks.
I’ll try to help but I’ve never been to Romainia or Hungary so this is all second-hand. If you can help feel free to comment below.
Flights:
Try Wizzair, a Hungarian discount airline based in Budapest so they've got flights just about everywhere for pretty good fares.
Bucharest:
Go to Cismegu Park and then check out the big parliament building. Otherwise walk around, that's the best thing to do. Spend 1 day there max honestly and then go to countryside.
The rest of Romania:
Check out Peles Castle in Sinaia if you can (the town is 70 miles north of Bucharest, so you might have a problem getting there). It is said to be one of the nicer castles in Europe.
Although the painted monasteries in Jassy are very attractive. Jassy has two important sites for Catholics: the church of the Three Saints and the monastery of the Three Hierarchs.
Budapest:
Most people seem to recommend Budapest over Bucharest so plan to spend more time there. Budapest is far more attractive and Romania is more for the hard core traveler interested in Eastern Europe.
Bucharest is somewhat up and coming, still pretty cheap, etc. Bucharest has a very good subway system as well which is a plus. However there just is not much to do. One day is plenty probably to see the main sites before making your way out to the countryside. On the other hand, Budapest is amazing with a great transportation system, tons to do, etc. Romania is cool if you’re feeling adventurous but go in with the proper expectation and don’t spend too much time in Bucharest.
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I've been to Romania 5 times. One day in Bucharest is probably enough, perhaps you can arrange a day tour as there are some interesting museums & monasteries.
Don't miss Transylvania. Take a train (1st class, reserved seat)from Bucharest to the beautiful Mts.
Peles castle is in Sinai not far from Castle Bran. Sinai is a ski resort so there are many hotels. Brasov is an interesting city, possibly you could stay there & take an excursion to the castles.
Sigisoara is an ancient Saxon city with all sights an easy walk from the train staion. By legend, the birthplace of Dracula.
I am an older woman & have taken the train alone from Bucharest to Sigisoara and also to Budapest. Traveling thru the mts is beautiful.
The worst part is buying the ticket at the train station. I think a travel agent in Bucharest can do this. Just make sure it is the rapid train & you go 1st class.
Hope this helps.
Also, don't miss out Sibiu! In the heart of Transylvania..It's such a beautiful city, very well preserved and so easy to get around and see..It was also the Cultural Capital of Europe for 2007! Should definitely see it. It won't take you more than 2 days to visit. And you will truly leave the place enchanted!
If you plan to spend more time in the country, go for Transylvania. Other cities, bigger, restored and with a lot of options as in Culture, Museums, Arts, Pubs, different kinds of entertainment/restaurants you will find in Cluj Napoca, Timisoara, Brasov...
Keep in mind that there's trains that connect all cities and can take you pretty much everywhere...Just ask for a first class ticket:"Bilet clasa 1" - that's how you ask for it :)
What else...hmmm...try the food, definitely: SARMALE - Rom. dish made of cabbage with rice and meat, the cakes/pastries, MAMALIGA, etc. When you go to a restaurant and ask for a specific dish, they'll know what to recommend you.
You'll notice that people are usually friendly and welcoming. All the kids and young adults know English so don't hesitate to ask for help/advice. They'll be happy to oblige.
Also, when traveling by taxi, ALWAYS go for a well-established company like Diesel, TerraNova and make sure that the register machine, or whatever they call it, is working properly.
For exchanging money, go to a bank, don't do it on the streets.
Be aware of the gypsies..they won't harm you or anything but they can be a little obnoxious in begging for money.
I hope you'll enjoy your stay and have a wonderful time! :)
I have been to Romania several times. Have not been as the usual tourist but to visit missions and orphanags. I love Romania and the people I have met there. Two classes, very rich or very poor. I was able to get out walk around without any fear. Have flown into both Bucharest and Budapest. Can not tell much about airfare from states since I live in France, but there are several cheap flights in Europe between the 2 countries. One difference I have found is that when you fly internationally you have a greater amount of luggage allowance.....usually when you fly between Euopean countries you are limited to 1 suitcase. This is my experience so you might want to check on that. I might add, I enjoy much more the country side than the big cities and I adore the country side of Romania and the small villes.
Posted by: martha at February 11, 2009 9:05 PMthere are more pubs,clubs,museums,theaters,art galeries,shops etc in Bucharest than the entire Hungary.
the core fact is that Bucharest is quite ugly(architecturally speaking) due to it's recent history under communist rule.
went there to party after the recent boom in music Romania went through;awesome party people.
i'm serb :P