Discover Romania with your family in 2024

ROMANIA

Best Time to Visit Romania

Romania has a continental climate, known for its four distinct seasons. Whether you're attracted by the blossoming colors of spring, the sunny days of summer, the amazing colors of the autumn, or the magical snowy winter, Romania welcomes you throughout the year.

Coming from a scorching Mediterranean climate, summers in Romania are a true blessing for us. Transitioning from temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, entering regions of Romania surrounded by mountains offers a refreshing change in climate. Spending 2-3 weeks in Romania changes completely our surroundings and provides much-needed relief from the intense heat.

Where to stay in Romania

When you come to Romania, most of the time you will have the option to fly to either Cluj-Napoca or Bucharest. We prefer to stop in Bucharest, spend 2-3 nights there and continue our family trip from there.

A hotel we liked and can recommend to you is Capital Plaza Hotel Bucharest. Situated in the heart of Bucharest, Capital Plaza Hotel offers luxurious accommodations and great service.

The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, modern amenities, including a fitness center and spa and convenient access to the city's attractions and landmarks.

Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, Capital Plaza Hotel Bucharest provides a comfortable and stylish retreat for your stay in Bucharest.

Best place to eat in Romania

When you step into a traditional restaurant in Romania, you're in for a treat! Expect to taste rich flavors and experience the warm hospitality that defines our country's culinary scene.

Be sure to try some of Romania's culinary delights:

• mămăligă (polenta)
• sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls)
• mici (grilled minced meat rolls)
• ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup)
• papanași (fried doughnuts with cream)

Here are the top 5 family-friendly restaurants in Bucharest:

1. Caru' cu Bere - Amazing restaurant with classic Romanian food, live music and a cool vibe for families.
2. La Mama - Cozy restaurant serving tasty Romanian dishes with fresh ingredients - perfect for a family meal.
3. Hanul lui Manuc - Amazing place in an old inn with great Romanian food and a big outdoor area for kids to run around.
4. Pescăruș - Seafood spot that has a play area for kids.
5. City Grill - Grilled food, salads, pizzas - casual meals for families, having great kids' menus and fun activities.

Top Attractions in Romania

Bucharest city

Most of the time, our family trips start in the capital city, Bucharest.

We are attracted to architectural styles, so one of the highlights of our last visit was to explore the Palace of the Parliament.

For our daughter Diana, the Village Museum was a perfect place to discover the rich cultural heritage of Romania. She was captivated by the charm of the traditional village life and she also liked to get lost among the traditional houses.

Alba Iulia

After leaving Bucharest, our next stop was Alba Iulia, a city rich in history, with numerous ancient fortifications.

The Alba Carolina Citadel is considered the crown jewel of Alba Iulia. It boasts well-preserved bastions, gates and watchtowers, each with its own story to tell.

Be sure not to miss the Union Hall, where the Great Union of 1918 was proclaimed, uniting Transylvania with the rest of Romania.

Sibiu

One of our family's favorite cities in Romania is Sibiu. The city showcases an incredible blend of history with modernity.

There is nothing better than taking a walk through the streets of the Old Town, where colorful houses, squares and medieval architecture create an enchanting scene.

At the Council Tower and the Bridge of Lies, you can explore the Brukenthal National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

Not far from Sibiu, there is a haven for kids: Castelul de lut (Clay Castle), located in the nearby village of Porumbacu de Sus. The Clay Castle is a charming retreat surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. Opposite the castle, you will find Povestea Calendarului (The Story of the Calendar), a theme park that presents the calendar, along with the legends of the 12 months of the year and Romanian traditions, in a spectacular way.

In an area called Valea Avrigului (Avrigului Valley), full of numerous cabins and guesthouses, you will find an upside-down house. It's the only one of its kind in the county. Kids love the house and they also enjoy spending time in the park around it.

And if you find yourself in this area, don't miss out on one of the best roads in the world, the Transfagarasan Road, which offers breathtaking views of the Fagaras Mountains."

Belis

Let's head to the Belis village, nestled in the Apuseni Mountains. Surrounded by lush forests and pristine lakes, it's a haven for family adventurers like us.

Here, you can relax by Lake Belis-Fantanele and explore the Apuseni Natural Park.

We opted to take the cable car, located not far from Belis Lake, to get a fantastic view of the entire village.

Sovata

Sovata is a resort town located in the heart of Romania. It's famous for its Bear Lake, known for its therapeutic saltwater.

Even in winter, the lake doesn't freeze, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation and spa treatments.

The town is surrounded by beautiful forests and hills, enhancing its charm and magnetism.

Turda Salt Mine

Our final destination in Romania was the Turda Salt Mine, an underground marvel that will amaze you.

As one of the world's oldest salt mines, it has been transformed into an underground amusement park. Inside, you'll discover colossal salt chambers known for their health benefits.

Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat ride on the underground lake and experience its therapeutic microclimate.

The Turda Salt Mine offers a unique combination of history, natural beauty and entertainment, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.

In conclusion, our trip to Romania was truly relaxing. We had the chance to enjoy the buzz of a big city like Bucharest, while also exploring the mountains and lakes. This mix of experiences left us feeling refreshed, ready to return to Cyprus full of energy.