At a glance

  • Brașov is a base for seeing both the Carpathian Mountains and the Old Town.
  • Peleș Castle in Sinaia is an iconic site from the Kingdom of Romania.
  • Bucharest has a striking contrast between architecture from the socialist era and the modern city.

Day by day

Suggested itinerary

See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.

3 nights, 4 days · 1 night in Bucharest

Day 1: Stay overnight in Bucharest. On Day 2, take the train from Bucharest North Station to Brașov. Don’t add Peleș Castle in Sinaia as a side trip that day.

Days 2–3 · 2 nights in Brașov

Walk around Brașov’s Old Town on the afternoon you arrive, then take a round-trip bus to Bran Castle the next day. If it rains or you’re tired, keep things closer with the Black Church and indoor stops in the Old Town.

Day 4 · Departure connection

Leave time to travel from Brașov to your departure city. If you have an early flight from Bucharest, change your Day 3 overnight stay to Bucharest or add another day.

5 nights, 6 days · If extending your trip

Break up the round-trip travel with 1 night in Bucharest, 3 in Brașov, and 1 in Bucharest. Use the extra day to visit either Sinaia or Sighișoara, not both.

History and context

Transylvania

German Saxon towns, mountain fortresses, and a multiethnic history are part of the region around Brașov.

The Kingdom and modernization

Peleș Castle reflects the tastes and European outlook of Romania’s modern kingdom.

Socialism and transition

Bucharest’s monumental architecture bears traces of the political history of the 20th century.

Places and meals

Brașov Old Town

A mountain Old Town that’s a good introduction to Romania.

Google Maps
Peleș Castle

A signature castle near Sinaia. Check visiting hours and closures.

Google Maps
Bran Castle

Famous for its Dracula image, but it’s worth learning about the real historical context too.

Google Maps
Sighișoara Citadel

An optional stop for a feel of a medieval fortified town.

Google Maps

Food and restaurants

  • Dishes such as ciorbă, mici, and sarmale are options for a Romanian-style meal.
  • In Brașov’s Old Town, compare prices for tourist-oriented restaurants and places serving local food.
  • On long travel days, it’s often better to plan a meal after you arrive than to eat near the station.
Sergiana

A local-food option in Brașov. Check opening hours and reservation details.

Brașov Google Maps
La Ceaun

A good option for a meal in Brașov’s Old Town.

Brașov Google Maps

How to fit it in

With Brașov as your base, combining castles and mountain towns gives even a short trip a clear focus.

Reality check

Transport

Allow about 3 hours for the train from Bucharest North Station to Brașov, plus time to reach the station, and check the current CFR schedule. Bran has no train station, so allow about 1 hour by bus toward Bran/Moieciu from Brașov Autogara 2. If you choose Peleș Castle in Sinaia, allow another 30–45 minutes to walk uphill from Sinaia Station, or arrange separate transportation. Brașov Station and Autogara 2 are different places, so also check how to get from your lodging to the bus terminal.

Time

Opening days and last admission can affect visits to Peleș Castle and Bran Castle. Leave a buffer before the last bus or train on castle days.

Cost

Budget separately in RON for lodging, transportation, and castle tickets in Romania. Ticket prices vary depending on whether you choose basic admission or extra experiences at Bran Castle, and how many floors you visit at Peleș Castle. For example, a 4-day food budget capped at RON120 per person per day comes to RON480; lodging, trains, buses, and tickets are extra. Don’t leave out the total cost of both castles based only on an assumption that they’ll be cheap.

Safety

Train delays are fairly common, so leave extra time between connections and keep your belongings close in and around stations.

If plans change

Backup plan for mountain train delays

On your arrival day in Brașov, skip castles and tours; stick to the Old Town and checking in.

Backup plan for mountain road risks

If there’s snow or fog, skip the Transfăgărășan and switch to an itinerary connecting cities by train.

Small tip

Train delays are possible, so don’t plan castle visits to finish just in time for the last bus or train.

Final check before departure

  • Check train classes and seat conditions on Romania’s CFR railway.
  • Check seasonal opening dates for castles and fortresses.
  • Check for mountain road closures and winter equipment requirements.

The first thing to check is a backup plan for mountain train delays. Factor in same-day opening hours and booking availability, along with alternate transport costs and lodging. On your arrival day in Brașov, skip castles and tours; stick to the Old Town and checking in.

Information checked: 2026-10-03