Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Romania (Plus, Itineraries)

Embarking on a Look-See trip to Romania is an essential step for anyone considering relocating to this culturally rich and diverse country. Such a trip allows potential expats, retirees, and digital nomads to explore various cities and towns firsthand, helping them to gauge the lifestyle, amenities, and community that best suits their needs. It's an opportunity to experience the local atmosphere, understand the cost of living, and assess the availability of essential services, making it a crucial part of the decision-making process for a successful move.

Recommended Itineraries

For a comprehensive Look-See trip in Romania, consider two itineraries based on the length of your stay. A 10-day trip could focus on the major cities and cultural hubs, such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, and Timisoara. This would give a good balance of urban living and historical charm. For a more in-depth 20-day trip, add the regions of Transylvania, Banat, and Maramures to your itinerary, including visits to smaller towns like Sibiu, Oradea, and Sighetu Marmatiei, which are popular among expats and digital nomads for their unique local cultures and lower cost of living.

Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania's capital, is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 1.8 million. It offers a vibrant city life with a mix of historical architecture and modern conveniences. Expats and digital nomads are drawn to Bucharest for its dynamic cultural scene, diverse job opportunities, and relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals. The city is also well-connected, with easy access to international travel through its airport.

Travel Tip: While in Bucharest, make sure to visit the grand Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. For a taste of local cuisine, dine at Caru' cu Bere, a famous traditional Romanian restaurant in the heart of the city.

Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is known for its vibrant cultural life, booming tech industry, and large student population. With a lower cost of living than Bucharest and a population of around 320,000, it offers a more relaxed pace of life while still providing all the amenities of a major city. The city is also a hub for arts and festivals, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a creative and youthful environment.

Travel Tip: Visit the Central Park of Cluj-Napoca and the nearby Cluj-Napoca Botanical Garden for a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle. For a unique dining experience, try the local dishes at Samsara Foodhouse, known for its creative vegetarian cuisine.

Brasov

Brasov is a charming city in the heart of Transylvania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. It's popular among expats for its picturesque setting, historical landmarks, and proximity to outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. With a population of approximately 250,000, Brasov offers a cozy small-town feel with the benefits of city living. The cost of living is moderate, and the city has a growing community of remote workers and expats.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania. For a memorable meal, head to La Ceaun, which serves up hearty Romanian stews and local specialties.

Timisoara

Timisoara is known as 'Little Vienna' for its elegant architecture and rich cultural life. It's the third-largest city in Romania and is set to become the European Capital of Culture. With a population of around 320,000, it offers a high quality of life, a vibrant arts scene, and a diverse population. The cost of living is reasonable, and the city is becoming increasingly popular with expats and digital nomads looking for a blend of tradition and modernity.

Travel Tip: Explore the historic Union Square (Piata Unirii) and visit the Timisoara Orthodox Cathedral for its stunning frescoes. For dining, Casa Bunicii is a local favorite, offering traditional Romanian dishes in a cozy setting.

Sibiu

Sibiu is a cultural gem in Transylvania, with its cobblestone streets and baroque squares. It has been designated a European Capital of Culture and is known for its high quality of life. The city has a population of around 150,000 and is particularly appealing to those looking for a slower pace of life without sacrificing cultural experiences. Sibiu is also attractive for its affordability and friendly expat community.

Travel Tip: Visit the Brukenthal National Museum, one of the oldest museums in Romania, and stroll through the Large Square (Piata Mare) to soak in the city's historic atmosphere. Culinarium, a restaurant offering a fusion of international and Romanian cuisine, is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Oradea

Oradea is a beautiful city near the Hungarian border, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and thermal baths. With a population of over 200,000, it offers a tranquil lifestyle with a rich cultural heritage. The cost of living is low, making it an attractive option for retirees and digital nomads. Oradea is also gaining popularity for its investment in urban development and green spaces.

Travel Tip: Spend some time relaxing in the Oradea Fortress, which has been beautifully restored and now serves as a cultural and leisure complex. For a culinary treat, try the local flavors at Cyrano, known for its Hungarian-influenced dishes.

Sighetu Marmatiei

Sighetu Marmatiei is a small town in the Maramures region, close to the Ukrainian border. It's known for its traditional wooden churches and the Merry Cemetery, which reflects the local folk culture. With a population of just over 37,000, it offers a peaceful rural lifestyle, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The cost of living is very low, and the community is welcoming to newcomers.

Travel Tip: Visit the Sighet Prison Museum for a poignant look at Romania's communist past. For a taste of local cuisine, dine at Casa Iurca, which serves up Maramures specialties in a traditional setting.