If you’ve been chasing the usual Western Europe backpacking trail—Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona—it’s time to go off the beaten path. Welcome to Romania: one of Europe’s most underrated destinations for budget travel, rich culture, and jaw-dropping nature.

Whether you're hiking through the Carpathian Mountains, exploring medieval towns like Brașov, or wandering the lively streets of Bucharest, Romania is a dream for adventurous backpackers.

🇷🇴 Why Romania?

  • Incredibly affordable (food, transport, and hostels are all budget-friendly)

  • Safe for solo travelers, especially women

  • Less touristy than most of Europe, but still very welcoming

  • A mix of ancient history, Gothic castles, rural charm, and buzzing cities

✈️ Getting There & Around

Romania is well-connected to Europe with budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air flying into Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara.

Transport tips:

  • Trains are scenic but slow (and cheap!)

  • Buses are faster for short distances (check Autogari.ro or Flixbus)

  • Ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar are great for meeting locals

  • Hitchhiking is still common and considered safe in rural areas

🏙️ Must-Visit Backpacker Stops

1. Bucharest – The Balkan Berlin

Start in the capital. It’s gritty, eclectic, and buzzing with creative energy.

  • Explore Old Town (Lipscani) for cheap eats and nightlife

  • Visit Palace of Parliament – the second-largest building in the world

  • Chill in Herăstrău Park or find a rooftop bar

Backpacker tip: Stay at Podstel Hostel – yoga classes, live music, and fellow travelers guaranteed.

2. Brașov – Gateway to Dracula’s Castle

A medieval town surrounded by the Carpathians.

  • Climb to the Hollywood-style Brașov sign

  • Take a day trip to Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

  • Walk cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored houses

Don’t miss: Râșnov Fortress, just 15 minutes from Brașov by bus.

3. Sibiu & Sighișoara – Time Travel Towns

These towns feel like stepping into a fairy tale.

  • Sibiu was once the European Capital of Culture

  • Sighișoara is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler and has one of Europe’s best-preserved citadels

Perfect for slow days, cozy cafes, and romantic vibes.

4. Cluj-Napoca – The Cool Kid City

A youthful city with art, music, and digital nomad energy.

  • Great base for Transylvanian countryside day trips

  • Affordable vegan food, tech-friendly cafes, and hostels galore

  • Party with students or catch a jazz night

5. Maramureș & Rural Villages

Get out into the real countryside.

  • Wooden churches, haystacks, horse-drawn carts

  • Locals are incredibly hospitable

  • Stay in guesthouses or on small farms for a true Romanian experience

⛰️ Outdoor Adventures for Backpackers

Romania is paradise if you love the outdoors:

  • Hiking in the Carpathians – try Piatra Craiului or Făgăraș Mountains

  • Camping is allowed in many areas (wild camping is legal in most national parks)

  • Transfăgărășan Road – the most scenic drive in the country

  • Caves, gorges, and waterfalls everywhere you look

🍲 What to Eat (on a Budget)

Romanian food is hearty, cheap, and filling. Don’t leave without trying:

  • Sarmale (cabbage rolls)

  • Mămăligă (polenta with cheese & sour cream)

  • Ciorbă de burtă (sour tripe soup – better than it sounds!)

  • Covrigi (cheap street pretzels)

  • And of course, țuică – Romanian plum brandy

Backpackers can eat well on €10–15 per day.

💸 How Cheap Is Romania for Backpackers?

ExpenseEstimated Cost (USD)
Hostel Night$10–$18
Local Meal$4–$7
Beer$1–$2
Train Ticket$5–$15
Museum Entry$2–$6

For under $40/day, you can travel comfortably.

🧳 What to Pack for Romania

  • Lightweight layers (weather can change fast in the mountains)

  • Good hiking shoes

  • Power adapter (European plug)

  • Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe to drink)

  • Download Google Translate for Romanian signs (locals often speak English too!)

🧭 Final Tips

  • Stay flexible – Romania rewards spontaneity

  • Learn a few Romanian phrases – locals appreciate the effort

  • Try couchsurfing or work exchanges for authentic experiences

  • Travel slow – the magic is in the little moments

✨ Why Romania Should Be Your Next Backpacking Destination

Romania is raw, real, and ready to surprise you.

It’s where you can hike through misty forests one day, wander a medieval castle the next, and end it all with a shot of țuică and a new friend by your side.

So if you're looking for Europe without the crowds or the cost, Romania is calling.

Backpack up. Go explore. 🇷🇴