If you’re visiting Bucharest for more than a few days, you need to try these day trips. Despite the capital being a beautiful city, you do not want to miss out on the rest of Romania. Bucharest is the perfect starting point for exploring the country, but here are the best day trips further afield.
Peles Castle, Sinaia
1. THE Best Day Trip From Bucharest – Peles Castle and Sinaia.
Peles castle is without a doubt one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. Situated in a picturesque mountain town called Sinaia, just a 2-hour drive from Bucharest. This spectacular Neo-Renaissance castle was originally the summer residence of Romanian royalty. It is also still used to this day by some of the family. With its elaborate architecture, luxurious interiors, and breathtaking gardens, Peles Castle offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Romanian royal family. Peles castle offers two tours, one of the lower floors and an extended tour including the upper floors. The tour of both floors is the best value, as you get to see so much more of the castle.
You have two options for getting to Peles castle. Firstly, organising your own trip using a car or a train (running directly from Bucharest to Sinaia). Alternatively, you can go on one of many day trips organised and ran by a tour company. Many of the tours also include other attractions in the same day. For example, I visited Peles castle, Bran castle and Brasov all in one day. Personally, I think the combination of these attractions makes for one of the best day trips from Bucharest. You can find the day trips here.
Equally, if you are organising your own trip, you have other options in Sinaia when you finish exploring the castle. For example, you can take a stroll through the charming town and visit the Sinaia monastery. Or enjoy a hike in the surrounding Bucegi Mountains.
2. Curtea de Argeș Monastery.
If you enjoy architecture, history or religious sites, the Curtea de Argeș Monastery is a must for you. Located roughly 2 hours from Bucharest, this historic monastery, is an important part of Romania’s cultural heritage. Known for its intricate carvings and beautiful frescoes, the Curtea de Argeș Monastery is an important part of Romania’s cultural heritage. Also, the monastery is surrounded by peaceful gardens and offers a serene escape from the city.
As with the others, you can drive directly from Bucharest. Or you can take a train to Curtea de Argeș and then a short taxi ride to the monastery. Equally, there is still the choice of a day trip with a tour guide here. Coincidentally, this also takes you along the beautiful Transfăgărășan Highway I have just described above.
Brasov, Romania
3. The Best City Day Trip From Bucharest – Brașov.
Brașov is one of Romania’s most charming cities and easily one of the best day trips from Bucharest. Located about 2.5 hours from Bucharest, this beautiful city is nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. Honestly, the setting is incredible, with the mountain peaks overlooking the enchanting old town. Brașov is also known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. This city, and especially the old town, is a must do day trip if you have enough time whilst you are in Bucharest. As well as wandering through the charming streets, you should also take the cable car ride up to Tâmpa Mountain for panoramic views of the city.
You can get to Brașov easily from Bucharest, either by car or by direct train. You can also book guided tours to Brașov here. However, these are generally always tagged in with other attractions. So, if you just want to see the city then you will need to make your own way there.
4. Târgoviște and the Chindia Tower
This one is closer to Bucharest, located about an hour from the capital. Târgoviște is a charming and historic city with significant cultural landmarks. For example, the Chindia Tower. This tower is a symbol of the city and offers historical insights and panoramic views. You can also explore the ruins of the former princely court and enjoy a walk through the city’s quaint streets. If you want to explore a more traditional and authentic Romanian city, away from Bucharest, this one is unmissable.
You can find direct trains from Bucharest to Târgoviște. There are not any listed tours from Bucharest, so you will have to make your own way for this trip.
Bran (Dracula’s) Castle – Image by Chavdar Dimitrov
5. Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress.
You may have heard of Bran Castle, or Dracula’s castle as it is also known. This castle was inspiration for Dracula’s castle in Bram Stoker’s famous Novel. This castle is one of the most famed castles in the world and the reason many tourists visit Romania. The castle is located about 2.5 hours from Bucharest. Standing atop a small hill in the mountains, this medieval fortress offers outstanding panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Personally, I much preferred Peles castle. However, if you are a fan of the Dracula novel and films, this is definitely a must visit destination.
As with Peles Castle, you have two options for visiting. Firstly, organising your own trip using a car or a train (running directly from Bucharest to Brasov, and then a bus or taxi to Bran). Or, booking a day trip through a tour company. I previously mentioned that you can visit Peles Castle and Bran Castle as one trip, which you can book here.
As well as Bran Castle, you can combine your visit with a trip to Râșnov Fortress, just 50 minutes away. This is a well-preserved citadel offering unbelievable panoramic views and a touch of history. Situated above the picturesque Transylvanian countryside, the fortress was originally built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights for defense against invading forces. During your visit, you can walk the ancient walls, explore the inner courtyard, and enjoy the beauty of the fortress’s historic setting.
You can also find day tours which include Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress here.
6. Snagov Monastery
Another short trip from Bucharest at around 45 minutes, is the Snagov Monastery. This monastery is famously associated with the legend of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. Snagov Monastery is located idyllically, on an island in Snagov Lake. Thus, the monastery provides a tranquil retreat with beautiful lake views and historical intrigue. As well as the beauty of the monastery and its surroundings, you can also visit the alleged tomb of Vlad the Impaler.
There are a few tour options for you to choose from for this day trip, you can find them here. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus from the centre of Bucharest.
Transfăgărășan Highway – Image by Mogildea Justin
7. Transfăgărășan Highway.
The Transfăgărășan Highway is known to be one of the most stunning roads in the world. Winding through the valleys of the Făgăraș Mountains, this high-altitude route is absolutely breathtaking. Along this incredible highway you will find various attractive stopping points. All of which contribute to this experience being one of the best day trips from Bucharest. For example, the Balea Waterfall, the Balea Lake, the Capra Tunnel, the Vidraru Dam and the Plenary Citadel. This highway is best enjoyed over a couple of days. But, you can drive and see part of it easily in one day as well. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Bucharest to the beginning of the Transfăgărășan Highway. So, you will need to start early to make the most of your day.
If you are not keen on renting a car or driving that far, you can jump on with a tour which will take you along the highway and include stops at some of the other attractions. Book yours here.
8. Therme Spa: A Relaxing Retreat
Therme București îs the largest spa in Europe. It is also famed as one of the most popular attractions for you to visit in Romania. It is just a 30-minute drive from Bucharest, and is the ideal destination for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. At this incredible spa, you will find a range of facilities. Including thermal pools, saunas, mineral pools, wellness treatments, a mini water park for the kids. If this isn’t enough, the spa is housed inside the largest botanical garden in Romania.
Therme București is split into three sections, with children only being allowed into one of these sections. Therefore, if you are heading as a family, or want to avoid the kids, this is one of the best day trips from Bucharest for any lifestyle.
You can catch any of the following buses (441, 442, 443, 447, 448, 477) for around £0.60 direct from the airport. Alternatively, you can catch a public bus from Bucharest, or book yourself a transfer and your entry ticket here.
9. The Slănic Prahova Salt Mine.
Located about 2 hours from Bucharest, the Slănic Prahova Salt Mine is one of the largest salt mines in Europe. This day trip from Bucharest offers a fascinating experience. A visit to the Slănic Prahova salt mine will teach you about the history of salt mining in Romania. You will also be able to explore the huge underground chambers and see the unique saline lake.
You can get here by car, although the easiest and most informative method is by booking a group tour. So, I suggest choosing one of the many tour options that can be found here.
Bucharest, Romania
Conclusion – The Best Day Trips From Bucharest
Bucharest is an amazing base for a holiday. But, it will probably only keep you entertained for a few days. Luckily, its location allows for extremely easy access to a variety of fascinating day trip options. Whether you enjoy exploring medieval castles, driving scenic routes, or visiting ornate architectural sites, these day trips offer diverse experiences that showcase Romania’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. If you are visiting Bucharest, or simply looking for things to do in Romania, these are the best day trips from Bucharest.
If you are looking for a budget short break to Bucharest, including one of these day trips, you can see how I did this trip for under £250 per person here. Also, make sure you don’t get caught out with expensive flights by following my expert guide. You can get 25% off the marked price with the code BLOG now!
