3 days in Romania during winter turned out to be one of our most memorable family trips. Romania was not originally on our travel list, but winter vibes, Christmas markets, castles, and affordable flights made us curious. So we decided to spend 3 winter days in Romania with our family, flying from Stockholm to Bucharest.
It turned out to be a memorable and totally worth-it family trip. Here’s our full experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest & Christmas Markets
We landed in Bucharest around 1:00 PM. From the airport, we took the direct train to Bucharest North (Gara de Nord).
- Adult ticket: 11 RON
- Kids ticket: 7.75 RON
- Travel time: ~25 minutes
First Impression – Bucharest North 😕
Honestly, our first impression wasn’t great. Bucharest North station didn’t feel like Europe. It looked quite unclean and reminded us of railway stations in South Asia.
Language was another challenge. Most locals didn’t understand English, so getting directions was difficult.
Outside the station, we searched for a kiosk to buy public transport tickets. Finally, we found a ticket office just outside the station. With some effort and hand gestures, we managed to buy a 24-hour public transport ticket.
- Price: 18 RON
- Valid for bus, tram, trolleybus, and metro
- Valid for 24 hours after first validation
After lunch, we took a bus to our Airbnb, located about 2 km from the Old Town. We rested for a bit and went out again around 4:00 PM.
Bucharest Old Town & Christmas Markets 🎄
We took a bus to the Old Town, and the atmosphere completely changed. The city suddenly felt lively, colorful, and festive.
We walked through Umbrella Street and continued exploring. As it got dark around 4:30 PM, the Christmas lights and decorations made everything feel magical.
University Square (Piața Universității)
A small Christmas market with a few rides for kids. We spent about 15 minutes here.
Constitution Square (Piața Constituției)
This was the highlight of the evening.
- Located in front of the Palace of the Parliament
- Large Christmas market
- Many food stalls, rides, and family activities
Even though it was freezing cold, we really enjoyed the atmosphere. After dinner, we headed back home.
Day 2: Castles, Dracula & Brașov (Day Tour)
For our second day, we booked a full-day tour to Peleș Castle, Bran Castle, and Brașov through GetYourGuide.
Before booking, we checked public transport options. The cost was almost the same, and since Romania is a non-English-speaking country, we decided a guided tour would be easier and stress-free.
The tour started around 9:00 AM.
Peleș Castle
Our first stop was Peleș Castle, located in Sinaia.
Since it was Monday, the castle was closed inside, but even from outside, it looked stunning. Surrounded by mountains and gardens, it truly feels like a fairytale castle, especially in winter.
We spent about 30 minutes here before heading to the next stop.
Cantacuzino Castle (Wednesday Castle)
Next, we stopped briefly at Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni, known as a filming location for the Netflix series “Wednesday.”
It was a short stop, but fun to see a place connected to a popular series.
Bran Castle – Dracula’s Castle 🧛
This was the main highlight of the tour.
When we arrived, the queue was extremely long. Near the entrance, we bought tickets from a ticket machine.
- Fast Pass ticket:
- Adult: 160 RON
- Kids: 100 RON
Totally worth it — we skipped the long queue and entered quickly.
About Bran Castle
Bran Castle is often called Dracula’s Castle, although there’s no strong evidence that Vlad the Impaler actually lived here. Built in the 14th century, it served as a defensive fortress and later became famous through Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Inside, the castle has:
- Narrow staircases
- Medieval rooms
- Great views from the top
We also visited the torture chamber, which added to the experience. Overall, it was a very interesting and unique visit.
Afterward, we had some pizza and chips nearby.
Brașov City
Due to heavy traffic, we only had about 45 minutes in Brașov.
We walked straight to Piața Sfatului (Council Square), where a Christmas market was taking place. The city looked beautiful in the evening lights, and kids enjoyed a few rides.
Despite the short time, Brașov was definitely worth the visit.
Day 3: Bucharest City Walk & Therme Spa
On our final day, we explored more of Bucharest city.
Arcul de Triumf
We first visited Arcul de Triumf, similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
- Built to honor Romania’s independence
- Closed during Christmas and New Year
- Still impressive to see from outside
Bucharest National Opera House
After the Arc, we walked to the Bucharest National Opera House.
- Entry ticket: 15 RON for adults
- Free for kids
- Cash only
The opera house is large, elegant, and well maintained. Opened in the 1950s, it is the main venue for opera and ballet performances in Romania. Inside, the building has a classic interior with a spacious hall and a grand stage.
Even without attending a performance, it was nice to walk inside and see such an important cultural landmark.
Cașin Church
Next, we walked toward Cașin Church.
This is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Bucharest, built in the early 20th century. We didn’t go inside but took photos from outside and admired its architecture before heading toward the Old Town.
Old Town Highlights
Umbrella Street (Day View)
We visited Umbrella Street again during the day, and it felt very different from the evening visit. The colorful umbrellas stood out beautifully against the old buildings, making it a great spot for photos.
Macca – Vilacrosse Passage
Macca – Vilacrosse Passage is a beautiful glass-covered passage in the Old Town. The yellow-tinted glass roof creates a warm atmosphere even on cold winter days.
With small cafés and bars inside, it’s a calm and elegant place to walk through and take photos.
Stavropoleos Monastery Church
The Stavropoleos Monastery Church is small but stunning. Built in the early 18th century, it features detailed stone carvings and a peaceful courtyard.
Hidden in the busy Old Town, it offers a quiet break from the city.
Cărturești Carusel
Cărturești Carusel is often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
With its bright white interior, elegant staircases, and multiple floors, it’s a joy to explore even if you don’t buy a book. There’s also a café on the top floor.
Romanian Traditions & Street Life
In the Old Town, we experienced something unique.
- Kids wearing bear costumes, playing drums and dancing — a traditional Romanian winter ritual
- Men with parrots and birds offering photos for 20 RON
Our kids absolutely loved it, and it was worth it just to see their smiles.
After a late lunch, we returned home to get ready for our final experience.
Therme Bucharest – Perfect Ending 💦
In the evening, we took a cab to Therme Bucharest, Europe’s largest wellness center.
We entered the Galaxy zone, which is perfect for families.
- Adult: 77 RON
- Kid: 63 RON
We enjoyed wave pools, slides, and warm pools. The best part was the outdoor warm pool — freezing cold air, warm water, and a very unique feeling.
After 3 hours of fun, we returned home.
Back to Stockholm ✈️
Our return flight was at 6:00 AM, so we left for the airport around 4:00 AM with very little sleep but full hearts.
We flew back to Stockholm with lots of memories.
Practical Tips
After spending 3 days in Romania, here are some practical tips that can help make your trip smoother, especially if you’re traveling with family.
Useful Apps
- InfoTB – Very useful for public transport in Bucharest. You can check routes, schedules, and connections for buses, trams, trolleybuses, and metro.
- GetYourGuide – Great for booking day tours like Peleș Castle, Bran Castle, and Brașov. It saves time and removes the stress of planning transport in a non-English-speaking country.
- Google Maps – Works well for walking routes and estimating travel time.
Public Transport Tickets
- If you plan to move around the city a lot, buy a day ticket or a 72-hour ticket based on your trip duration.
- It’s much cheaper and more convenient than buying single tickets every time.
Carry Enough Cash
- Always keep enough cash with you.
- Many places, ticket counters, and small attractions accept only cash, including some major sights.
- ATMs are available, but having cash beforehand saves time.
Visiting Bran Castle (Dracula Castle)
- Buy the Fast Pass ticket if you’re visiting Bran Castle.
- It will save you hours of waiting in long queues, especially during weekends and holiday seasons.
- Tickets can be purchased online or from ticket machines near the entrance.
Visiting Therme Bucharest
- Be very careful with the wristwatch token you receive at the entrance.
- If you lose it, you’ll have to pay a penalty of 300 RON.
- Arrive earlier in the day if possible, as it gets very crowded in the evening.
Language & Communication
- English is not widely spoken everywhere.
- Be patient, use simple words, and don’t hesitate to use translation apps if needed.
Winter Travel Tip
- Winter days are short, with sunset around 4:30 PM, so plan outdoor sightseeing earlier in the day.
- Dress warmly, especially if you plan to visit Christmas markets in the evening.
Final Thoughts
Romania surprised us in many ways. From castles and Christmas markets to traditions and family-friendly experiences, this winter trip to Romania was absolutely worth it.
Would we visit again?
Yes — maybe in summer next time.
