What Do You Think About a Mountain Holiday in Romania? Looking for Tips and Opinions

Hello everyone! I've recently heard a lot of wonderful things about Romania, especially when it comes to mountain destinations, and I'm really curious to learn more from people who may have visited. Friends keep telling me that Romania is surprisingly beautiful - full of fairy‑tale landscapes, untouched nature, and charming mountain villages that feel authentic and peaceful. It sounds like a place where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the outdoors.

I've also been told that traditional Romanian food is excellent, hearty, and full of flavor. Apparently, the service in many mountain areas is on par with what you'd expect in Western Europe, which honestly surprised me in a good way. From what I understand, the prices are still quite acceptable compared to other popular mountain destinations, making it a good balance between quality and affordability.

So I'd love to hear your opinions. Have any of you been to Romania for a mountain holiday? Which regions, towns, or resorts would you recommend? Are there any hidden gems, must‑try dishes, or practical tips you think a first‑time visitor should know? I'm really looking forward to your suggestions and personal experiences - they would help a lot!

That's not my experience of it, except maybe the hearty bit.

Transylvania is nice to visit, especially the few remaining Saxon German communities.

If you want a holiday in central European mountains, Poland is an excellent choice and safer than Romania. Plus of course it has better infrastructure.

I've been to Bucurest a few times and once to Constanta and did the overnight train from Bucuresti to Budapest a couple of times....

Bucurest is a wonderful mess of a city, often ugly and chaotic but there's an energy you don't find much in Europe (similar to Latin America)

Constanta is potentially beautiful but terribly neglected, so many great buildings in such bad repair..

The countryside at night is.... something, kind of wild and terrifying. I'd like to see it in daylight sometime but the forests are super dense (apparently barely managed) and the habit of putting cemeteries on hillsides adds to the.... atmosphere.

I know a couple of romance languages to varying degrees and Romanian had the quickest payoff of any I ever tried. I could get the jist of some conversations on the first day and people were genuinely delighted and eager to help when you make the effort (unlike Hungary where they bellow at any mistakes you make).

Small scams with change are common in Bucuresti but they back down immediately if you call them out....

Supposedly Bucuresti is pretty safe if you stay away from Gypsies and don't stand out too much (I was told the pickpockets all went to Italy).

It's been a few years since I've been in Romania but I saw real, perceptible improvements between my first and most recent visits.

I like the food a lot, very... original... like a hybrid between Bulgaro-turkish and Hungarian. If you like the food of those places you'll like Romanian too.