Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Romania? Look no further! Located at the heart of Eastern Europe, Romania is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. While Bucharest is an amazing city with plenty to offer, it’s not the only notable destination in this incredible country. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best day trips near Bucharest, exploring Transylvania, the Black Sea coast, salt mines, monasteries, national parks, and much more.
1. Transylvania: Dracula’s Castle and Brașov
Imagine stepping into a medieval fortress perched atop a hill, surrounded by rolling green hills and dense forests. Welcome to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, the legendary home of the infamous Count Dracula. Located just two hours from Bucharest, this castle is an absolute must-visit for any history buff or fan of Gothic architecture.
How to get there: Take the train or drive for about 2 hours and 30 minutes (Get directions).
Opening hours: Bran Castle is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sundays.
Ticket price: The ticket price for Bran Castle costs approximately €7.00, €5.00 for over-65s, €4.00 for students, and €2.00 for children.
Tips and Tricks:
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid queues and save time.
- Consider visiting Bran Castle early in the morning or later in the evening for a more peaceful experience.
- Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from the castle’s observation deck.
Getting Around:
- The closest train station is located in Brasov, which is about 45 minutes away from Bran Castle by taxi or bus.
- There are also guided tours available that include transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions.
2. Constanta and Mamaia
Located on the stunning Black Sea coast, Constanta is a treasure trove of ancient history, cultural attractions, and breathtaking beaches. Explore the National Museum of History and Archaeology, visit the famous casino, and relax at one of the many thermal baths. For a touch of glamour, head to Mamaia, with its vibrant nightlife, bars, and discos.
How to get there: The distance is 258 km – 2 hours and 17 minutes by car via E81 spending approximately €40.00 (Get directions). Alternatively, take the train with a direct national line IR that takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, paying around €7.00 (Get directions).
Opening hours: Always accessible
Ticket price: Free. Tours start at €85.00.
Tips and Tricks:
- Consider visiting Constanta during the summer months for warmer weather and longer days.
- Don’t miss the stunning sunsets over the Black Sea at one of the many beaches in Mamaia.
- Be sure to try some of the local seafood dishes, such as mussels or squid, which are fresh and delicious.
Getting Around:
- The closest airport is located in Bucharest, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Constanta (about 3 hours).
- There are also guided tours available that include transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions.
3. Turda Salt Mine
Located in western Romania, the Turda Salt Mine is an engineering marvel formed over 13 million years ago. This underground wonderland features stunning salt formations, wave-like patterns, and even an amusement park! Take a guided tour to explore the mine’s depths and discover its fascinating history.
How to get there: The package offers pickup service from certain hotels and hostels in Bucarest. These places are located approximately 5 hours by car from Bucarest spending around €60.00 (Get directions).
Opening hours: Tours last 8 hours, starting at 08:30 am until 16:30 pm.
Ticket price: The excursions cost €72.00 per person.
Tips and Tricks:
- Consider visiting the Turda Salt Mine early in the morning or later in the evening for a more peaceful experience.
- Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the mine’s observation deck.
- Be sure to try some of the local saltwater products, such as salt water baths or salt water ice cream.
Getting Around:
- The closest train station is located in Turda, which is about 30 minutes away from the mine by taxi or bus.
- There are also guided tours available that include transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions.
4. Snagov Monastery and Mogosoaia Palace
Step into the mystical world of medieval Romania with a visit to the Snagov Monastery, built in 1408 on an island in the middle of Lake Snagov. This ancient monastery has played a significant role as a spiritual center throughout history. Nearby, explore the impressive Mogosoaia Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
How to get there: The distance is 44.2 km – 49 minutes from auto spending approximately €10.00 (Get directions).
Opening hours: Open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (excluding weekends).
Ticket price: Adult ticket about €2.50, student ticket about €1.00, group tickets over 5 people about €2.00.
Tips and Tricks:
- Consider visiting the Snagov Monastery during the summer months for warmer weather and longer days.
- Don’t miss the stunning views of Lake Snagov from the monastery’s observation deck.
- Be sure to try some of the local traditional dishes, such as sarmale or mamaliga.
Getting Around:
- The closest bus station is located in Bucharest, from where you can take a bus to Snagov (about 1 hour).
- There are also guided tours available that include transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions.
5. Retezat National Park
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Romania’s largest national park, covering over 30,000 hectares. Explore glacial lakes, vast valleys, and towering peaks (20 above 2000 meters). This natural oasis is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna, including 12 species of fish, 185 species of birds, and 55 mammal species.
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How to get there: The distance is 349 km – 5 hours and 33 minutes by car via E81 and then A1 spending approximately €56.00 (Get directions).
Opening hours: Open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.
Ticket price: Approximately €2.00 per person.
Tips and Tricks:
- Consider visiting Retezat National Park during the summer months for warmer weather and longer days.
- Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from one of the many observation decks.
- Be sure to try some of the local traditional dishes, such as carasovari or sarmale.
Getting Around:
- The closest train station is located in Bucharest, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Retezat National Park (about 6 hours).
- There are also guided tours available that include transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions.
6. Churches of Ivanovo
Step into the historic town of Ivanovo, home to an ancient complex of churches and buildings carved into the rock itself. Explore the monastery’s rich history as a spiritual center during the feudal period.
How to get there: The distance is 96.3 km – 1 hour and 48 minutes by car via DN5/E70/E85 spending approximately €30.00 (Get directions).
Opening hours: Open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (excluding weekends).
Ticket price: Student ticket about €1.00, adult ticket about €2.50, group tickets over 5 people about €2.00.
Tips and Tricks:
- Consider visiting the Churches of Ivanovo during the summer months for warmer weather and longer days.
- Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from one of the many observation decks.
- Be sure to try some of the local traditional dishes, such as mămăligă or sarmale.
Getting Around:
- The closest bus station is located in Bucharest, from where you can take a bus to Ivanovo (about 1 hour).
- There are also guided tours available that include transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions.
7. Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
Discover the charming town of Veliko Tarnovo, known as “The City of the Czars.” Explore the palaces for Bulgarian emperors, the Patriarchal Cathedral, and other buildings surrounded by thick defensive walls. Nearby, visit the 17th-18th-century churches and buildings in Arbanasi.
How to get there: The distance is 179 km – 2 hours and 49 minutes by car via DN5/E70/E85 spending approximately €40.00 (Get directions).
Opening hours: Always accessible
Ticket price: Free
Tips and Tricks:
- Consider visiting Veliko Tarnovo during the summer months for warmer weather and longer days.
- Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from one of the many observation decks.
- Be sure to try some of the local traditional dishes, such as shopska salad or banitsa.
Getting Around:
- The closest bus station is located in Sofia, from where you can take a bus to Veliko Tarnovo (about 2 hours).
- There are also guided tours available that include transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions.
8. Sighisoara Medieval Town
Step into the charming medieval town of Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Eastern Europe. Explore the narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks such as the Clock Tower and the Church on the Hill.
How to get there: The distance is 200 km – 3 hours by car via E60 spending approximately €30.00 (Get directions).
Opening hours: Always accessible
Ticket price: Free
Tips and Tricks:
- Consider visiting Sighisoara during the summer months for warmer weather and longer days.
- Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from one of the many observation decks.
- Be sure to try some of the local traditional dishes, such as sarmale or mamaliga.
Getting Around:
- The closest train station is located in Brașov, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Sighisoara (about 1 hour).
- There are also guided tours available that include transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions.
9. Bucharest’s Old Town
Explore the charming old town of Bucharest, one of the largest and oldest cities in Eastern Europe. Discover historic landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament, the National Museum of Art, and the Revolution Square.
How to get there: The distance is 0 km – 0 minutes by car (you’re already here!)
Opening hours: Always accessible
Ticket price: Free
Tips and Tricks:
- Consider visiting Bucharest’s Old Town during the summer months for warmer weather and longer days.
- Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from one of the many observation decks.
- Be sure to try some of the local traditional dishes, such as sarmale or mamaliga.
Getting Around:
- There are many public transportation options available in Bucharest’s Old Town, including buses and trams.
- Consider taking a guided tour that includes transportation and a visit to other nearby attractions.
In conclusion, there are countless amazing destinations to explore near Bucharest, from the stunning natural beauty of Retezat National Park to the charming medieval towns of Transylvania. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, we have something for everyone. So why wait? Book your tickets and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
