What budget for activities and outings Romania?
With the exception of a few highlights such as Bran and Peleș castles, or the Palace of Parliament, admission to museums and tourist sites is generally very inexpensive. Children and students benefit almost systematically from reduced rates (often divided by two or four), as do pensioners and senior citizens (a little less systematic and often a little less reduced). Proof of entitlement is required. Infants are admitted free of charge.
If you want to take photos, you will be charged an additional fee.
Bring change to pay: card payment terminals are not always available!
Some towns offer group rates for visiting different sites. This is the case in Sibiu and Brașov, for example.
Bucharest's many parks lend themselves well to running (especially Regele Mihai 1, ex Herăstrău, in the north). But beware, many of them are crowded at weekends. Their paved paths are also popular for rollerblading. In winter, they're popular for tobogganing. The same applies to the larger cities such as Timișoara, Iași, Cluj and Oradea, reputed to be Romania's greenest city.
There are many opportunities for hiking in the country, especially in the Carpathian Mountains and their foothills. Trails are generally well-marked in the natural parks, but more uncertain outside them. Another hiking option is the Via Transilvanica, a 1,000 km route linking Drobeta-Turnu Severin to Putna. The number of signposted bike and mountain bike trails is also growing. The Transylvanian hills around Saschiz and Sighișoara, as well as Maramureș, are among the best places for cycling.
The lakes of the Carpathians offer great swimming opportunities.
The cost of living is lower than in France. But some imported products are only slightly cheaper.
Payment by bank card (including contactless) is widespread in shops.
Bucharest is an increasingly popular destination for partying. There are plenty of clubs to choose from, and entry and consumption prices are much lower than in France.
You can also take advantage of your stay in Romania to treat yourself to anopera or classical music concert: every major city has a number of fine theaters offering quality programming.
The Zece la Rece website (www.zecelarece.ro), founded by two Frenchmen living in Bucharest, lists the capital's best spots. All the clubs, bars, cafés, restaurants and stores on the site have been tested: a mine of good tips!
What budget to eat Romania?
The good news is that you'll be able to indulge yourself when it comes to food, with restaurants offering low prices. In the cheapest establishments and rural guesthouses, you can get away with a full meal for less than €10. Count on €10 to €20 for a good table. Beyond €20, you're in the lap of luxury.
If you're feeling a bit peckish, you'll find covrigi, plăcinte and pateuri (savoury puff pastries) on offer for next to nothing. Also keep an eye out for popular canteens and self-catering establishments, where you'll often find very good food at even lower prices.
Expect to pay around €3 for a pint of classic beer. For a local craft beer, you're looking at around €4. An espresso costs between €1.50 and €2 (up to €4 for specialty coffees), a soda or juice around €3, tea or a large homemade lemonade around €4.
As in restaurants, it's customary to leave a tip for service, equivalent to 10% of the bill.
What is the budget for accommodation Romania?
Youth hostels, increasingly common in cities, are the most economical option. Count €10 to €20 for a bed in a dormitory. Many also offer double rooms at attractive prices. Another solution for small budgets: mountain refuges(cabană) and campsites, most of which offer cabins(căsuțe) for 2 people, often basic.
In the countryside, the countless guesthouses often offer very good value for money. Options range from a simple room in a traditional rural house to a comfortable guesthouse with swimming pool. The average price for a double room is between €30 and €50, a little less for the more rustic guesthouses and a little more for the more comfortable ones. We advise you to opt for half-board: meals are often delicious and inexpensive. In tourist areas, you'll be offered bed and breakfast(cameră de închiriat): often less expensive, but of more uncertain quality. Don't hesitate to visit and agree on the price before making a deal.
In small towns, mid-range hotels are similar in price to guesthouses. In larger towns, you can expect to pay between €60 and €100 for charming establishments, and over €100 for luxury hotels. On the coast, accommodation prices soar in July and August, often doubling or even tripling.
Travel budget Romania and cost of living
Romania is a destination to suit all budgets. The cost of living is fairly low and, whether you use public transport, stay in modest guesthouses, youth hostels or small hotels, you'll find the country is cheap. Food prices, whether in restaurants or stores, are very low. Of course, you can also rent a car and stay in 4 or 5-star hotels. Lodging will be the biggest part of your expenses: count €10 to €15 per night per person for small budgets, €30 to €60 for medium budgets, and more for big wallets.
It's customary to leave a tip in bars and restaurants (around 10% of the bill).