Romania offers Irish visitors an exceptional road trip experience filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and charming towns. From bustling cities to tranquil villages and towering mountains, this journey immerses you in the heart of Romanian culture, offering both adventure and relaxation. With essential tips on driving, seasonal weather, and local culture, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate this diverse landscape. From the heart of Wallachia to the majestic Carpathians, get ready to savour mouthwatering food, embrace the warmth of Romanian hospitality, and take in spectacular views at every turn. Next, let’s explore the starting point of your journey!
Your adventure begins in Bucharest, Romania’s dynamic capital. Known as “Little Paris” in the early 20th century, the city blends grandiose architecture with lively street culture. As you navigate wide boulevards lined with Eastern‑bloc apartment blocks and Belle Époque mansions, stop to explore Lipscani, the old town district. Here, cobbled lanes conceal hidden bars, craft breweries, and cafés where you can sample ţuică (plum brandy) or a plate of sarmale (cabbage rolls).
From the Palace of the Parliament—the world’s heaviest building—to the peaceful walks around Herăstrău Lake, Bucharest offers a compelling mix of history and modern life. As evening falls, seek out an Irish pub near Piața Unirii to toast the start of your journey with a pint of Guinness and live folk music. The next morning, you will be ready to leave the city’s bustle behind and head for the mountains.
A two‑hour drive north along the E60 takes you into the Bucegi Mountains and the mountain resort of Sinaia. Known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians”, Sinaia was a favourite summer retreat of Romania’s royal family. At its heart stands Peleș Castle, a Neo‑Renaissance masterpiece set against forested slopes. Marble staircases, intricate wood carvings, and priceless art collections reveal the opulence of Romania’s monarchy.
After touring the castle’s lavish rooms, lace up your boots for a walk in Bucegi Natural Park. Well‑marked trails lead through fragrant pine forests to viewpoints overlooking the Prahova Valley. In summer you will find carpets of wildflowers; in autumn the beech woods glow gold. As night falls, stay in a guesthouse beneath the mountains. Share a bowl of ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup) by a crackling fire and drift to sleep surrounded by the scent of pine.
Continuing west brings you to Brașov, a medieval city encircled by the Carpathians. Its main square, Piața Sfatului, is framed by pastel‑coloured baroque buildings and dominated by the Black Church, a Gothic landmark with a darkened façade. Wander the narrow Rope Street (Strada Sforii), one of Europe’s narrowest lanes, before riding the cable car up Mount Tâmpa for sweeping views over red‑tiled rooftops and forested hills.
Brașov makes an ideal base for day trips to Bran Castle, popularly known as “Dracula’s Castle”. Although its connections to Vlad the Impaler are tenuous, the castle’s turrets and ramparts perch dramatically on a rocky outcrop. Close by, Râșnov Fortress provides a genuine medieval experience, featuring stone walls and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After your visit, return to Brașov and enjoy a traditional meal of mititei—grilled spiced sausages—at a local tavern with a glass of Romanian wine.
Heading north on DN13, you reach Sighișoara, one of Europe’s best‑preserved fortified towns. Its citadel perches on a hill, with pastel houses, cobblestone streets, and the famous Clock Tower, which houses a small museum. Legend has it that this was the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, the historical figure behind Dracula. Climb the Scholars’ Stairs to the Church on the Hill, then lose yourself in the medieval ambience as lanterns flicker at dusk.
Overnight in a guesthouse within the citadel walls and wake to church bells echoing through mist‑shrouded streets. Before you depart, browse local workshops for colourful woven textiles, carved wooden objects, and handcrafted ceramics—perfect mementoes of your journey through Transylvania.
A longer drive north brings you into Maramureș, a region celebrated for its wooden churches, rustic villages, and folk traditions. Here, time seems to stand still. Horse‑drawn carts share village lanes with chickens and goats, and craftsmen still fashion ornate gates and crosses by hand. The UNESCO‑listed wooden churches, with their tall spires and shingled roofs, stand as testaments to centuries of rural faith.
Stay in a family‑run pension, where you will be welcomed with home‑baked bread, cheese, and honey. Join the evening ritual of gathering around the table for tocăniță (stew) and homemade plum brandy. At dawn, mist rises from the fields as villagers head to work with scythes on their shoulders—an evocative scene that feels worlds away from modern life.
From Maramureș, loop back south towards the Transfăgărășan Highway, famed for its hairpin bends, viaducts, and high‑altitude passes. Often referred to as one of the world’s most breathtaking roads, it winds its way through the Făgăraș Mountains and reaches altitudes of over 2,000 metres. Stop at Bâlea Lake, a glacial tarn ringed by peaks, and take the cable car to the plateau for panoramic views.
Further along, pause at Vidraru Dam to admire the sweeping curve of the hydroelectric dam and the emerald waters below. In summer, the road is open all the way; in early autumn, you may even glimpse the first snow on the highest summits. This section of the road demands careful driving—steep drop‑offs and tight turns reward those who venture here with some of Europe’s finest mountain scenery.
Romania’s climate varies dramatically with altitude. Summer (June–August) offers warm days in the lowlands and mild weather in the mountains, making it ideal for road trips—though it is also peak tourist season. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are ideal times to visit, with fewer tourists, lower costs, and beautiful scenery—spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers golden-hued forests. Winter travel rewards skiers and snow lovers but requires winter tyres and caution on icy passes.
Renting a car is essential for navigating Romania’s diverse routes with confidence. Finalrentals offers a modern fleet, from compact hatchbacks perfect for city streets to robust SUVs designed for mountain terrain. Booking is straightforward: choose your pick-up and drop-off locations and select dates and times that fit your itinerary. Transparent pricing means no hidden fees and free cancellation provides flexibility if your plans change. All cars have unlimited mileage, comprehensive insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Need extra items? You can request a child seat or GPS during booking. With round-the-clock customer support, help is always just a call away.
From the grand avenues of Bucharest to the vertiginous curves of the Transfăgărășan, this Irish road adventure through Romania blends history, culture, and natural beauty. You will trace the footsteps of medieval princes, breathe mountain air above glacial lakes, and savour rustic hospitality in timeless villages. With careful preparation, respectful driving, and a reliable rental car, every mile becomes part of the story.
Are you ready to write your chapter on Romania’s roads? Rent a car in Romania today with Finalrentals and set off on the journey of a lifetime!
