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Trip Report

Romania and a hidden gem

Short trip trying to discover a hidden gem

  • Bucharest+ 5
  • Cluj-Napoca
  • Cluj-Napoca
  • Romania and a hidden gem
marioarchila67
About Me:Hi my name is Mario Archila but everyone call me mayito, I’m from Colombia and I’m 21 years old. I’ve been to almost 19 countries around the world, one of my favourites things about travelling it’s how easy you can meet people and make fri... read more

EuropeRomania4 days / April 2018

Highs & Lows

How cheap it is

Transport

Itinerary Overview

Despite not being so popular, Romania is a magnificent travel destination. I was in Romania for about two weeks before leaving to explore some Spanish seaside towns. Going to this country was a bit unexpected; everything started with a quick search for cheap flights from Paris, where I was based. With flight tickets bought from Paris to Cluj Napoca, a new adventure was about to start. I started looking for hotels, activities, and main destinations to plan my trip. When traveling, I prefer to research beforehand, but I also allow places to surprise me with unexpected treasures. Having a rough plan of what to do and where to go makes my experience much more enjoyable and relaxing. For this trip, I chose to visit two main cities and some attractions in the countryside. First, I arrived in Cluj Napoca, then I went to Dracula Castle and the towns around it, to finally visit the lively capital Bucharest.

  • 2 Nights: Cluj-Napoca
    Culture
  • 2 Nights: Bucharest
    Gastronomy
Cluj-Napoca - Culture
1

Cluj-Napoca Culture

Cluj-Napoca - Culture - null
Cluj-Napoca - Culture - null
Cluj-Napoca - Culture - null1+

Located in the heart of the country, Cluj Napoca is a medium-sized city full of young people. Most of its inhabitants are university students, one of the reasons why the nightlife there is so known. However, I decided to explore other aspects of the city, particularly the mix of medieval, soviet, and contemporary vibes; visible in the different architectural landmarks and traditions. After checking in at my hotel, and a quick stroll to the nearest streets, I bumped into a small restaurant of traditional Transylvanian cuisine. I tried a veggie Moussaka and a roasted aubergine dip; these dishes felt like part of a Romanian family dinner, and despite being thousands of miles away from home, I felt welcomed. Among other things, I visited the well-kept botanical gardens, where locals mostly enjoyed their free time. I also went to the folk museum Transylvanian Museum of Ethnography, where I discovered traditional garments made with ancient techniques and patterns.

Bucharest - Gastronomy
2

Bucharest Gastronomy

Bucharest - Gastronomy - null
Bucharest - Gastronomy - null
Bucharest - Gastronomy - null1+

After visiting Cluj, the Bran, or Dracula Castle, among other attractions, I finally got to the capital. Bucharest is noticeably a more international city than the other places I visited in Romania. It is also more populated, and everything has a faster pace, like in other capitals. Carturesti Carusel Bookshop, located in a restored historic building in the old town, was one of my pivotal spots in this city. Near the bookshop, you will find a selection of restaurants for all budgets. Another reason I loved Bucharest, and in general Romania, was the incredible food, either local or international, for accessible prices. If you love good food, beer, and beautiful architecture, you will love the Caru ' Cu Bere Brewery, placed in a neo-gothic style building. Rather than a brewery, this building resembles a church, museum, or castle

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    The transport inside the country is a bit of a mess
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    I couldn’t imagine how cosmopolitan Bucharest was so you wont have any problem finding a restaurant or any kind o food
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Forget about stereotypes
  • Packing tips?

    Try always to go light
  • Any surprises?

    At first I thought this was going to be a boring trip but at the end of it allá Rumania just shocked me, the people are amazing and so open
  • Booking details?

    As Romania is a really rare destination travel agency charge a lot for trips tours and more, the best you could do? Book everything by yourself

Lodging

  • Ramada by wyndham cluj, it can be a bit expensive for what they offer but still they’re super well located

  • Europa Royale Bucharest Hotel. From my point of view this hotel meets the perfect balance between price and quality, amazing