Romania Guide for Israelis 2026 — Bucharest, Castles & Transylvania

1Why Romania

Romania is a member of the European Union, and since January 2025 also a full Schengen member. What makes it special:

• A rare combination — a city with a huge government palace, mountain castles, medieval villages and a river delta on the same route.
• Comfortable prices — transport, restaurants and attractions are relatively affordable compared with Israel and Western Europe.
• A short direct flight — less than three hours from Tel Aviv.
• A varied destination — suitable for couples, families, history lovers and senior travellers.

2Flights from Israel

The Tel Aviv–Bucharest route (airport code: OTP) is operated on direct flights by several airlines — including El Al, TAROM, Wizz Air, HiSky and FlyOne Romania. Direct flight time: about 2 hours and 40–50 minutes. Prices and dates change — check in real time before booking.

3Visa & entry for Israelis

Romania is a full Schengen member since January 2025. Israelis enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen area, and must have been issued within the last ten years.

ETIAS is still not active as of 2026 — expected at the end of 2026. Check before travelling.

4When to fly

• Spring (April–June) — comfortable weather, good for city and nature trips. Recommended.
• Summer (July–August) — hotter and busier. Peak season.
• Autumn (September–October) — comfortable and less crowded. Excellent for trips.
• Winter (December–February) — cold, snow in mountain areas. Suitable for a wintry atmosphere and skiing.

5How many days & recommended itinerary

• 3–4 days — Bucharest only: the palace, the old town, museums, restaurants.
• 5–7 days — Bucharest + Sinaia (Peles Castle) + Brasov + Bran Castle.
• 8–10 days — Bucharest + the full Transylvania: Sibiu, Sighisoara, driving the Transalpina road.

For trips outside Bucharest — a rental car or intercity trains. For the Danube Delta — suitable as an add-on to a longer route.

6Attractions & things to do

• Palace of the Parliament — one of the largest buildings in the world, with daily guided tours. Admission: about 85 RON. Worth booking ahead.
• Peles Castle (Sinaia) — a magnificent royal castle in the mountains, surrounded by forests. Hours and prices — on the official site.
• Bran Castle — the castle associated with the Dracula legend. One of the most sought-after attractions in Romania.
• The Romanian Athenaeum — a unique concert hall in Bucharest, home of the National Philharmonic.
• The National Village Museum — an open-air museum in Bucharest with traditional houses from across Romania.
• The Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche) — a historic 15th-century site in the heart of Bucharest.
• Therme București — a large spa and pools complex, entry from 102 RON (Sun–Thu).
• The Danube Delta — a biosphere reserve with lakes and channels, an exceptional variety of birds.

7Where to stay — areas overview

• Central Bucharest — convenient access to the sites and transport. Suitable for most travellers.
• The Old Town / Lipscani — nightlife and restaurants, central and vibrant. Suitable for younger travellers.
• Piața Unirii — convenient for public transport and shopping.
• Brasov — an excellent base for trips to the castles and Transylvania.
• Sinaia — accommodation near Peles Castle and the mountain area.

8Transport & getting from the airport

• The airport: Henri Coandă International Airport, code OTP — about 16 km from central Bucharest.
• Train from the airport to the București Nord station.
• Bus line 100 from the airport to the city centre.
• Bolt / Uber — operate in Bucharest.
• Metro in the city — a convenient network. A 24-hour ticket: about 12 RON.
• For trips outside Bucharest — a rental car or intercity trains (cfrcalatori.ro).

9Internet & eSIM

• Local operators: Orange Romania, Vodafone Romania, Digi.
• Vodafone Travel eSIM (as of 31.5.2026): 10GB for 30 days ~$14; 20GB ~$21; 50GB ~$34.
• Orange Travel eSIM: packages vary — check the website.
• For Israelis on short stays — an international eSIM before the flight is the most convenient solution.

10Money, costs & tips

• The currency: the Romanian leu (RON). As of 31.5.2026: 1 RON ≈ 0.62–0.63 ₪ (i.e. 10 ₪ ≈ 16 RON). Rates change — check in real time.
• Price examples: a fast-food meal ~33 RON; a meal at a mid-range restaurant — from 50 RON per dish; admission to the palace 85 RON; a 24-hour metro ticket 12 RON.
• Price levels vary: transport and fast food — comfortable relative to Israel. Fine-dining restaurants and attractions — tens to hundreds of RON.
• Credit cards are accepted. Keep a little cash in RON for markets and stalls.

11Frequently asked questions