Romania and Transylvania might not be the first places you consider when planning a short winter holiday, but a recent trip put Romania firmly on my list of favourite European destinations.

It has everything I want from a winter break. There are grand cities, snowy mountains, fairytale castles, hearty food and one of the most impressive spas I have ever visited. It also feels like a proper adventure, even though you can fly there cheaply and see an incredible amount in just three days.

Before this trip, Transylvania existed mostly in my imagination. It was a mythical place filled with vampires, castles and dark forests. Yes, I had been heavily influenced by Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the legends surrounding Vlad III!

It felt like the setting for a Halloween story rather than somewhere I would genuinely book for a long weekend. But that is exactly what makes it so exciting. Transylvania is atmospheric and mysterious, but it is also beautiful, welcoming and surprisingly easy to visit.

This three-day Romania itinerary combines a day in Bucharest, a full-day trip into Transylvania and a final day at Therme Bucuresti before flying home. It is fast-paced, but it works brilliantly if you want to squeeze the most out of a short break.

A quick look at this three-day Romania itinerary

This itinerary works best with an early flight into Bucharest on day one and an evening flight home on day three. If your flight times are less convenient, I would add a fourth night rather than rushing. I’d recommend using Uber to get around.

Why visit Romania in winter?

Romania is magical in winter. The mountains and castle grounds can be covered in snow, the Old Town restaurants feel warm and cosy, and steaming outdoor pools are infinitely better when the air is icy cold.

Winter also suits the character of Transylvania. Bran Castle would still be fascinating beneath blue summer skies, but mist, bare trees and a dusting of snow give it the drama you secretly hope for from Dracula’s Castle.

There are drawbacks. Days are shorter, mountain roads can be slow and snow is never guaranteed. You will also need proper winter clothing, particularly on the Transylvania day trip.

But for me, those things are part of the adventure. Romania is not a winter-sun break. It is a boots, bobble hats, red wine and snowy-castle kind of holiday.

Day one: Bucharest

Bucharest is one of those cities that gets better the longer you wander. It is grand in places, scruffy in others and full of contrasts. You will see enormous communist-era buildings, ornate Orthodox churches, lively bars and elegant old architecture within a few streets.

There are plenty of budget flights from the UK and a huge choice of affordable hotels and apartments, so it is a very easy place to use as the base for this trip.

Wander through Bucharest Old Town

If you have only half a day in Bucharest, my biggest recommendation is simple: stick to the Old Town.

Lipscani and the surrounding streets are compact, atmospheric and perfect for wandering without an agenda. This is where Bucharest’s layers really show, with ornate churches tucked between lively bars, grand but slightly faded buildings beside modern cafés and cobbled streets that feel full of stories.

I spent the afternoon doing what I love most in a new city: walking aimlessly. There was no rushing and no enormous must-see checklist. I simply let the streets lead me.

Look out for the beautiful Stavropoleos Monastery, the umbrella-covered Pasajul Victoria and Carturesti Carusel, the famously photogenic bookshop. You will also pass plenty of little courtyards, cafés and bars that make it easy to stop when you need to warm up.

Churches and quiet moments

One of the things that surprised me most about Bucharest was how peaceful it could feel, even in a busy area. You can be walking along a buzzing street, turn a corner and suddenly find a tiny church courtyard or quiet square where the noise melts away.

The churches are worth ducking into, even if you are not particularly religious. They are beautiful and atmospheric, and offer a moment of calm that balances the energy of the Old Town.

Remember that these are active places of worship rather than tourist attractions. Dress respectfully, keep your voice low and avoid taking photographs during a service.

Visit the Palace of Parliament

If your flight arrives early enough, begin at the Palace of Parliament. This colossal building is impossible to understand until you are standing in front of it. It is vast, extravagant and slightly overwhelming.

It was constructed during Nicolae Ceausescu’s communist regime and its scale tells you a lot about that period in Romania’s history. Interior visits are usually guided, so book ahead and take the identification requested with your reservation.

If you do not have time for a tour, it is still worth walking past the building and seeing it from Constitution Square. My apartment balcony looked towards the river and parliament building, which made its size even more striking.

Dinner at Caru’ cu Bere

For dinner, book a table at Caru’ cu Bere. It is touristy, but sometimes famous restaurants are famous for a reason.

The restaurant is inside an incredible historic building with carved wood, stained glass, sweeping staircases and a lively atmosphere. It is a lovely introduction to Romanian food, particularly if you want to try traditional dishes without having to decipher an enormous unfamiliar menu alone.

Romanian food is filling, which is exactly what you want after walking around in the cold. Expect grilled meats, stews, sour soups, polenta, cabbage dishes and papanasi, a Romanian doughnut-style dessert served with sour cream and jam.

I would reserve a table, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. It is popular with tour groups as well as independent travellers.

Where to stay in Bucharest

I stayed at AIAStay, a gorgeous apartment sleeping four, which cost £77 per night for my stay. Prices naturally change, but it felt like incredible value.

The apartment was perfectly positioned on the edge of the Old Town and had a balcony overlooking the river towards the Palace of Parliament. It also had a great kitchen, an enormous entrance hall, a spacious living room and a lovely bedroom.

I will admit that the communal areas were a bit dodgy. The entrance, stairwell and lift did not feel especially inviting, and I was nervous when I first arrived. Once I stepped inside the apartment, I soon forgot about that because the apartment itself was beautiful.

This is quite common with city apartments in older buildings. The listing photographs usually show the private accommodation but not the communal entrance, so read recent reviews if that is something that would bother you, particularly when arriving alone at night.

For this itinerary, I recommend staying in or on the edge of the Old Town. You will be able to walk around on your first day, find dinner easily and get collected centrally for many Transylvania tours.

Day two: Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov

Day two is the big adventure: a full-day tour from Bucharest into Transylvania.

You can travel independently, but squeezing Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov into one winter day is complicated without a car. A tour removes the transport stress and lets you watch the snowy mountain scenery rather than worrying about trains, buses and connections.

I recommend this Transylvania day tour from Bucharest.

Tours typically leave early and return late, so do not make evening plans. Traffic on the route back to Bucharest can be unpredictable, particularly at weekends and during snowy weather.

First stop: Peles Castle

Peles Castle was the surprise of the trip for me. Bran might have the Dracula story, but Peles is the castle that looks as though it belongs in a snow globe.

It sits in the Carpathian Mountains near Sinaia, surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. Its turrets, elaborate timber details and grand interiors make it feel more like an extravagant Alpine palace than a gloomy medieval fortress.

The castle was a royal summer residence, and the interiors are incredibly ornate. Even if you think you have seen enough European palaces to last a lifetime, this one feels different.

There is an uphill walk from the parking area, so wear shoes with good grip. Snow and ice can make the path slippery, and this is not the day for fashion boots with smooth soles.

Most importantly, check the opening calendar before choosing your tour date. Peles is currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and sometimes has an annual conservation closure. Some tours still run on closure days but only show you the exterior or substitute another attraction, which is a very different experience.

Second stop: Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle

Next comes the place everyone knows: Bran Castle.

Perched on a rocky hill above the village of Bran, it looks wonderfully dramatic. Inside, narrow staircases and small rooms wind around an internal courtyard, with displays exploring the castle’s royal history and its connection to the Dracula legend.

The truth is more complicated than the souvenir shops suggest. Bram Stoker never visited Romania, and the historical links between Bran Castle and Vlad the Impaler are limited. But I do not think that ruins the experience.

The stories are part of what draws you there, and visiting gives you a chance to separate the fictional Dracula, the real Vlad III and the genuine history of the castle. It is less terrifying than I had imagined, but much more interesting.

Bran can be busy and commercial, with stalls selling Dracula mugs, magnets and every possible variety of vampire merchandise. Embrace a little of the theatre, but allow time to look beyond it too. The castle and surrounding landscape are beautiful in their own right.

Entrance tickets are not always included in day-tour prices, so check exactly what your booking covers. Carry a bank card and a little Romanian cash for food, drinks and smaller market stalls.

Third stop: Brasov

Brasov deserves far more than a quick stop, but even a couple of hours is enough to see why so many people love it.

The historic centre sits beneath forested hills and has colourful buildings, cobbled streets and a broad central square. The enormous Black Church dominates the old town, while the Hollywood-style Brasov sign looks down from Mount Tâmpa.

Use your free time to walk around Council Square, see the Black Church and wander down Strada Sforii, often translated as Rope Street. Then find something warm to eat or drink before the journey back to Bucharest.

If you have time, take the cable car up to the Brasov sign. You’ll find incredible views at the top and it’s fun to play around in the snow up there. When I visited, there was also an ice rink!

This will probably feel like the most rushed part of the tour. I wanted more time here, which is why I have included a four-day alternative below.

What the Transylvania day trip is really like

This is a long day. You may spend several hours on the coach and traffic can make the return journey longer than expected. In winter, there is also less daylight, so parts of the drive may be in darkness.

But I still think it is worth doing when you only have three days. In one day you travel from Bucharest into the Carpathian Mountains, see two completely different castles and get a taste of one of Romania’s loveliest cities.

Take water, snacks and a portable charger. Wear warm layers and comfortable, waterproof footwear.

Day three: Therme Bucuresti

After an early start and a huge day in Transylvania, day three is deliberately easy. You are going to spend it floating in warm water beneath palm trees at Therme Bucuresti.

Therme is an enormous wellness and water complex close to Bucharest Airport. It has indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, swim-up bars, relaxation areas, waterslides and a botanical setting filled with palms.

It feels almost surreal in winter. You can swim from a warm indoor pool into the outdoor water while cold air hangs above the surface. If you are lucky enough to visit when there is snow on the ground, it is even more magical.

Which area of Therme should you book?

Therme is divided into different zones and your ticket determines where you can go.

Galaxy is the family-friendly waterpark area, with slides, pools and activities for children.

The Palm is the main relaxation area, with thermal pools, palm trees and swim-up bars. This is the section I would choose for a relaxing girls’ trip or couples’ break.

Elysium adds the premium sauna and wellness spaces. Choose this if you want the full spa experience and plan to spend most of the day there.

Age restrictions apply in some areas, so families need to check the current rules carefully. Tickets are sold for different lengths of time, but I would allow at least four and a half hours. It is very easy to stay longer than you expect.

Visiting Therme before your flight

Therme is close to Henri Coanda International Airport, making it ideal for the final day. Check out of your Bucharest accommodation, travel to Therme with your luggage, relax for several hours and then continue to the airport.

Check the current luggage arrangements before travelling. I would also pack a separate spa bag near the top of your case so you are not unpacking everything in the changing room.

Bring swimwear, a hairbrush, clean underwear and simple toiletries. Check whether towels and robes are included with your chosen ticket or need to be rented, as the details can vary. If you have space in your luggage, take your own robe and flip flops.

Travel Hack Tip: You cannot enter without flip flops so you’ll need to either take your own or buy them there. Robes are optional but I recommend!

Do not cut the timing too fine. Allow time to shower, dry your hair, collect your luggage and travel to the airport. I would aim to leave Therme at least three hours before a short-haul departure, and earlier if airline guidance, traffic or baggage check-in requires it.

There is nothing relaxing about floating in a thermal pool while anxiously watching the clock.

The better four-day Romania itinerary

If you can stretch this trip to four days, I would do it. Brasov is really special and deserves more than the brief visit included in most coach tours.

Here is the alternative itinerary I recommend:

Day one: Explore Bucharest and stay near the Old Town.

Day two: Take the train from Bucharest to Brasov and spend the afternoon and evening exploring. Stay overnight in Brasov.

Day three: Take a castle tour from Brasov to Bran and Peles, checking that the route and castle opening days work. Stay in Brasov again or return to Bucharest that evening.

Day four: Travel back towards Bucharest, visit Therme and fly home.

This version gives you a proper evening in Brasov, when the day trippers have gone and the old town feels much calmer. It also reduces the amount of sightseeing you are trying to squeeze into one coach trip.

Be careful with the logistics on day four as you’ll need a generous amount of time to get back to Bucharest via train.

How to get around Bucharest and Transylvania

Use Uber for airport transfers and small journeys. Central Bucharest is very walkable, especially if you stay near the Old Town. 

For the three-day version, I would not hire a car. Winter driving adds unnecessary stress and a guided tour is far easier, especially with limited daylight.

For the four-day version, the train between Bucharest and Brasov is a practical option. Book the correct station, check the latest timetable directly and allow extra time during severe weather or busy holiday periods.

Where to base yourself

For three days, use one accommodation in Bucharest. Moving hotels would waste time and make the early tour departure more complicated.

I stayed at AIAStay Riverside Apartments and loved it. My apartment was huge and very affordable. I would say that the hallways and entrance to this apartment felt a little dodgy but the actual apartment was gorgeous and the high-tech doorway entry system was brilliant so I felt very safe.

Look for somewhere close to the Old Town but read reviews carefully if noise matters to you. Staying just outside the busiest nightlife streets usually gives you the best balance between walkability and sleep.

If you choose the four-day route, spend at least one night in central Brasov. Staying around Council Square or within an easy walk of the historic centre lets you enjoy the city before and after the tour crowds.

How much does a three-day trip to Romania cost?

Romania can be an affordable short break, but it is better to think of it as good value rather than assume everything will be incredibly cheap.

I made an Instagram post about how much my trip cost in 2025.

Your biggest costs will usually be flights, accommodation, the Transylvania tour and Therme admission. Castle entry may be additional, and premium Therme zones cost more than basic access.

You can keep costs down by travelling with hand luggage, sharing an apartment, booking flights early and eating a little way beyond the most touristy streets. But I would not save money by choosing a castle tour that does not allow enough time at the main stops.

Prices change too frequently for a fixed total to remain useful, so check the full cost of your dates before booking. Include seat selection or luggage, airport transfers, attraction tickets and food rather than looking only at the headline flight price.

What to pack for Romania in winter

You do not need an enormous suitcase, but you do need sensible layers.

• A warm waterproof coat
• Thermal base layers
• A jumper or fleece
• Waterproof boots with a good grip
• Thick socks
• Gloves, a hat and a scarf
• Swimwear and a separate spa bag
• A portable charger
• A small umbrella
• Lip balm and moisturiser
• A reusable water bottle

The temperature can feel very different in Bucharest and the mountains, so pack for the coldest part of the trip. A neat wool coat might look lovely in the Old Town, but a practical insulated coat will make the castle day much more enjoyable.

Important things to know before booking

Build the trip around the Transylvania day, not the other way around. Check Peles Castle’s official calendar first, find a suitable tour and then book your flights and accommodation around it.

Read the tour description carefully. Confirm whether entrance tickets are included, how long you have at each stop, where collection takes place and what happens if a castle is closed.

Do not schedule anything important after the tour. Mountain traffic and winter conditions can delay the return to Bucharest.

Romania uses the Romanian leu rather than the euro. Cards are widely useful in cities and major attractions, but a small amount of cash is handy.

Finally, take out travel insurance as soon as you book. Winter weather can affect flights, roads and itineraries, so check that your policy covers the activities and disruption that matter to you.

Is three days in Romania enough?

Three days is enough for an exciting introduction, but it is not enough to see Romania properly. This itinerary works because it is focused: Bucharest, one epic Transylvania day and one very relaxing spa day.

You will come home feeling as though you have had a much bigger adventure than a standard European city break. You will also probably want to return for Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara and a slower journey through Transylvania.

If you hate long day tours or prefer unhurried travel, choose the four-day route. If you love maximising a long weekend and do not mind an early start, the three-day itinerary is brilliant.

My final thoughts on a winter trip to Romania

Romania completely surprised me.

I went expecting Dracula stories and a couple of dramatic castles. I found a destination that was beautiful, affordable, fascinating and far easier to visit than I had imagined.

In three days, I wandered through Bucharest, ate traditional Romanian food in an incredible historic restaurant, travelled into the snowy Carpathian Mountains, visited two extraordinary castles, saw Brasov and floated beneath palm trees in a steaming outdoor pool.

That is a lot of adventure for one long weekend.

If you want a winter break that feels exciting rather than predictable, put Romania on your list. Go for the Dracula legends, but expect the fairytale mountain scenery, beautiful cities and blissful spa day to be the things that make you want to return.

Frequently asked questions

Is Romania good for a winter city break?

Yes. Bucharest has plenty to do indoors, while the Carpathian Mountains, castles and Therme make the trip feel much more varied than a standard city break. You need warm clothing and flexible expectations around winter weather.

Can you visit Dracula’s Castle from Bucharest in one day?

Yes. Many full-day tours combine Bran Castle with Peles Castle and Brasov. It is a long day and can involve substantial time on the road, but it is the easiest option for a short trip.

Is Bran Castle actually Dracula’s Castle?

Bran Castle is strongly marketed through the Dracula legend, but its connections to Bram Stoker and Vlad the Impaler are much looser than many visitors expect. It is still a fascinating historic castle in a dramatic setting.

Can I visit Therme Bucuresti before flying home?

Yes, and its location near Bucharest Airport makes this one of the best ways to structure the final day. Leave a generous airport buffer and check the current arrangements for luggage, towels and entry zones before you go.

Is Bucharest safe for a solo female traveller?

I felt comfortable exploring the central tourist areas, but the communal entrance to my apartment initially made me nervous. Use the same precautions you would in any unfamiliar city: read recent accommodation reviews, plan late-night arrivals, use licensed transport or a reputable ride-hailing app and keep valuables secure.

When is the best time for a winter trip to Romania?

December feels festive, while January and February generally offer the strongest chance of properly wintry mountain scenery. Snow is never guaranteed. Autumn is gorgeous for that colourful autumnal vibe and even more exciting if you’re there for Halloween! Check public holidays, castle closures and maintenance dates before booking.