"Absurdistan, wooden churches, Dracula. And cheese." Romania by Romanian_Bat

Romania Travel Guide: 8,170 reviews and 18,900 photos

Dracula Park? Bad roads? Stupid bureaucracy? Lousy officials? Gypsies? Ceausescu? Compulsory seat reservation on most train tickets? Ugly communist architecture? Poverty? For sure these all make up the present or past reality in Romania, but this is not all. Beyond the damaged and dusty package and the odd smell, Romania has things for people to discover. Drop the guide book and the already familiar images you have got from the international magazines and come to see for yourself. After all, no camera whatsoever has the sensitivity of the human eye...

Whether in the middle of the Danube Delta, up the trails of Fagaras Mountains, in Sighetu Marmatiei, Iasi, Cluj or Bucharest, you will never, ever know what you are going to get. You may go to a restaurant in one of those fine old Transylvanian cities, ask for zacusca, be served aubergine salad instead and get a bill for pork steak (the price of which is listed by 100 g. in the menu and not by the portion anyway). Then, this is one of the few countries I have been to where people's ego goes far beyond any imagination and where people will always blame everyone else but themselves for their own incompetence or / and impotence. But to hell, Welcome to Romania and do not worry, it is going to be a unique experience. One that you will never forget. Amen (enters the choir of priests in black).

Manele, Beer and Football - Romanian Holy Trinity

The subcontinent? No-pe, Dorohoi, Romania, EU.

Intro Updated Jun 15, 2008
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Reviews (64)

A Bucharest Classic Hotels (13)

Without being affiliated to any international chain, this is Bucharest's finest hotel. A classical style place which... more travel advice

Bucarest d'antan Hotels (13)

Tastefully restored, the two are centrally located, near Cismigiu Gardens and the City Hall. They blend the comfortable... more travel advice

Traditional Music an d Plenty of Wood Hotels (13)

With a fine wooden staircase, tastefully decorated rooms, as well as with - by far - the best restaurant in the region,... more travel advice

Elegance and Gustave Eiffel Hotels (13)

An imposing building designed by Gustave Eiffel and opened in 1882, the Traian was carefully restored a few years ago.... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Traffic. BEWARE.
Things to Do (38)
See All Spas and mountain resorts
Tourist Traps (2)
See All DRACULA'S REAL STORY, BY THE...
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All TRADITIONS, FOLKLORE,...
Local Customs (1)
1. Men generally shake hands,...

What to Pack (1)
Packing List
Transportation (1)
Flying is safe (everything is...
Restaurants (2)
See All Restaurant Nicoresti,...
Favorites (1)
Go to the countryside
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Comments (84)

Neit Aug 3, 2008 at 4:36 AM Report Abuse

A wonderful page about your country¡ I stayed there 3 years ago and I was sincerely surprised. Maramures was shocking, beautiful, different... One of the best places I have visited.
doug48 Jun 10, 2008 at 9:50 AM Report Abuse

alexandru, great romania page. i am contemplating a trip to romania and your pages were very helpful ! thanks.
paul.b Apr 2, 2008 at 9:04 AM Report Abuse

Great Romanian info RB. Thanks. I'm coming to Romania in June and your info and advice is very illuminating. Regards, Paul.
DanishInRomania Feb 3, 2008 at 1:56 AM Report Abuse

Very helpful advice. Currently I live in Târgu Neamt and will eagerly seek out all the best hiking trails and beautiful monasteries in this quiet area of Romania.
lavalie Dec 28, 2007 at 7:35 AM Report Abuse

Dear Alexandru, We have been in Rumania last summer and autumn. Your detailed information inspire us to plan a new trip to Romania, especially Maramures, Bukovina and Transylvania.
zlatiq Dec 18, 2007 at 6:19 AM Report Abuse

wow,these some great tips and photos!i'll definitely have to come back for more;thanks
HORSCHECK Dec 2, 2007 at 9:24 AM Report Abuse

Alex, I hope all is well in lovely Bucharest. Fabulous accomodation updates here. Very useful for my next trip to Romania.
Florida999 Oct 29, 2007 at 9:37 AM Report Abuse

Great page, very informative! We're thinking about visiting Romania next year. I do want to see Bran castle :-) , Dracula or not...
kenyneo Oct 6, 2007 at 12:42 AM Report Abuse

lovely page on Romania ...
Scarlie Jun 24, 2007 at 3:02 AM Report Abuse

Loved your page. We are planning a short visit to Romania in a few weeks and this gave us lots of tips. Thanks!