Is Romania Safe For Solo Female Travelers? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Looking for safety advice to plan your trip to Romania alone? I am a solo travel expert who visited Romania solo in 2016 and again in 2023! So if you are wondering “is Romania safe for solo female travelers”, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide is tailored to first-time visitors to Romania, where I’ll recount my journey from Bucharest, the capital city, to the picturesque village of Brasov.

Will I Feel Safe as a Woman Alone in Romania?

Is Romania safe? The simple answer is a resounding YES! But, of course, there are a few nuggets of wisdom to share. I’ll shoot it to you straight—I made a few mistakes on my first solo journey to Romania. But it happens even to the most seasoned travelers. All in all, I am happy to report that even when hopped on public transit I felt as secure as can be.

I loved kicking it solo in Romania so much that I went back for a second trip in 2023. I’m also pleased to say that the city still felt safe, and the locals were as friendly and helpful as I remembered.

How To Get Around Romania Solo

I’m proud to say I was able to navigate the public transit in Romania as well as rent a car all by myself! And if I can do it, you can do it!

But be prepared, when it comes to getting around Romania you will find it isn’t as well connected as some of its Eastern European neighbors.

For this reason, it is super important to plan your route ahead of time, especially when alone.

Regional Trains

Good news! Romania does have public transportation to some major tourist attractions like Peles Castle, Dracula’s Castle, and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Bad News! These trains are incredibly slow and lack direct routes!

My best advice if you want to travel from Bucharest to Bran Castle is to either book a tour or rent a car.

Otherwise, you must take the train all the way to Bravsov, switch trains, and then take a taxi from the station near the castle.

Pro Tip: If you are planning a day trip that involves long distances, rent a car. It will be the best way to explore the 12th largest European country.

Rental Cars

Renting a car in Romania was very affordable and straightforward! If you are curious as to whether you meet the qualifications to rent a car in Romania, you can download my helpful guide.

I recommend renting a car with Discover Cars. They have great customer service and you can read all about the driver requirements and fees on their website.

Getting From Bucharest Airport to the City Center

If you are flying into the main Bucharest Airport and traveling to the city center, you can either take the train, bus, or taxi or get an airport transfer.

All these modes of transportation are safe for solo female travelers, but avoid the major mistake I made when I arrived and took a taxi.

Airport Transfer

You can book an affordable airport transfer, which I suggest for all newbie solo travelers. If you are looking for the one I use, I recommend this one.

The cost should be around €40, but prices change, so check online to be sure.

Depending on traffic, and there is surprisingly a lot, you should arrive in around 35-45 minutes.

Train

There is also a convenient train that will take you directly from the airport in Bucharest to the city center train station where you can either switch to the metro to get to your hotel or go by foot if it is close.

Taking the train will be the cheapest way to get to Bucharest from the airport. And I took many trains alone in Romania and felt perfectly safe doing so.

The 783 Express line provides a round-the-clock connection between Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and the city center.

During nighttime hours, the bus departs every 40 minutes, offering a convenient and affordable metropolitan journey lasting 90 minutes for just 3 lei.

Taxis

I have advice for you if you are interested in taking a taxi, which is smart if you have a lot of luggage.

There will be a number of taxi drivers just sitting outside the arrivals gate waiting to take you to the city center.

I hadn’t done my research and didn’t think using a credit card to pay would be a problem.

Well, it was, kinda. The taxi driver let me know that he could take my card but it would cost me more.

I ended up paying triple the cost. Yeah, not ideal, right?!

This major mistake of mind could have been avoided had I done some research on my options.

So my advice to you is either to have Romanian currency on hand (RON LEI) which should cost around, 150 lei ( €30), or download a ride-share app.

PRO TIP: Download the Bolt App! On my return trip from the city to Bucharest airport my ride on Bolt cost me 70 LEI!

What is the Best Time to Visit Romania?

1. Spring (April to June): Spring is a pretty awesome time to visit as the weather becomes milder, and nature awakens.
2. Summer (June to August): Summer is perfect for those who want to enjoy the Black Sea coast, as the weather is warm and beaches are bustling. It’s also a great time for hiking in the Carpathian Mountains. However, tourist spots can get crowded during this season.
3. Autumn (September to November): October in Romania is my favorite time to visit! The weather is still mild and the leaves changing adds something very special.
4. Winter (December to February): If you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, the Carpathian Mountains offer fantastic opportunities. Cities like Brasov and Sibiu are charming during the winter holidays but be prepared for cold temperatures.

Is Bucharest Safe for Solo Females?

If you are flying to Romania you might be wondering if major cities like Bucharest are a good option for solo female travelers. From my personal experience in 2023, I’m giving it the thumbs up, yes.

But you need to make sure you are staying in an area that is deemed safe, likely the city center. And although in recent years the prices have risen for accommodations, luckily the center is very affordable.

This is good news for those planning Romania budget travel.

Best Areas in Bucharest To Stay Solo

1. Old Town (Lipscani) – Historic and lively:
   • Old Town, or Lipscani, is the historic center of Bucharest. It’s a great place for solo travelers to explore the city’s history and socialize with locals and fellow tourists.
2. Herastrau – Serene and scenic:
   • Herastrau is a peaceful and upscale neighborhood surrounding Herastrau Park and Lake.
3. Dorobanti – Upscale and fashionable:
   • Dorobanti is known for its upscale shopping boutiques, trendy cafes, and leafy streets.
4. Cismigiu – Central and green:
   • Cismigiu is home to Cismigiu Park, one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces.
5. Cotroceni – Historic and cultural:
   • Cotroceni is known for the Cotroceni Palace, the official residence of the Romanian president. The neighborhood is tranquil and offers opportunities for solo travelers to delve into the city’s heritage.

Fun & Safe Things to Do in Bucharest

1. Visit the Palace of the Parliament: Explore the massive Palace of the Parliament, one of the world’s heaviest and most expensive administrative buildings. Tours are available to discover its opulent interiors and learn about its history.
2. Stroll Through Herastrau Park: Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride in Herastrau Park, a large green oasis surrounding a picturesque lake. You can rent a boat or simply relax in the park’s serene ambiance.
3. Wander in the Old Town (Lipscani): Explore Bucharest’s Old Town, Lipscani, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. Visit trendy bars, restaurants, and clubs.
4. National Village Museum (Muzeul Satului): Discover the cultural heritage of Romania by visiting the National Village Museum, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life and architecture.
5. Contemporary Art at MNAC: Explore contemporary art at the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC), housed in the Palace of the Parliament. It features a diverse collection of modern Romanian and international art.
6. Cismigiu Gardens: Relax in Cismigiu Gardens, a beautiful park with a lake, walking paths, and lush greenery. It’s an ideal place for a peaceful escape from the city.
7. Try Romanian Cuisine: Savor Romanian cuisine at local restaurants and street vendors. Don’t miss dishes like mămăligă, mici (grilled sausages), and sarmale.
8. Tuk-Tuk Tour in Bucharest: Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour around the entire city with a private guide!

Traveling to Transylvania A-L-O-N-E

So Transylvania may sound scary, but OMG, it is such a safe and beautiful part of the country!

What is Transylvania known for?

The historical region of Transylvania is located in the Carpathian Mountains just west of Bucharest.

What is Transylvania Known For?

“Transylvania” is mostly famously associated with the fictional novel by Bram Stoker, “Dracula”, even though the author had never visited Romania.

The character Dracula is said to be based on a real-life person named Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Țepeș, from the spooky town of Sighisoroa. Vlad III was a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, a region in what is now Romania.

He earned his nickname, “Vlad the Impaler,” due to his brutal and sadistic methods of punishing his enemies, which often involved impaling them on large spikes.

Stoker did draw some inspiration from Vlad III’s reputation for cruelty and his historical background, but the character of Count Dracula is a fictional creation with supernatural elements, including vampirism.

Is Brasov Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

A popular destination to visit in Romanis is Brasov. I felt very safe when wandering around this medieval village by myself! I loved it so much, I am considering a third visit to the area!

Brasov is the 8th largest city in Romania with only 287,000 people. It is the ideal small village to visit if you are looking to immerse yourself in the culture.

The safety rating in Brasov for walking alone in Brasov is very high at 87.33.

A solo trip to Brasov is a good idea for anyone looking for a beautiful city with unique and interesting architecture.

Best Areas To Stay in Brasov, Romania

Romania is one of the cheapest countries I’ve visited, nice accommodations are reasonably priced! I recommend you stay in the core of the old town of Brasov. It is so walkable and one of the most idyllic places I have ever visited.

Search hotels and guest houses in Brasov

Best Things to Do Alone in Brasov

1. Explore the Historic Center (Old Town): Wander the charming streets of Brasov’s Old Town, where you can admire colorful buildings, visit historic churches, and enjoy the local ambiance.
2. Black Church (Biserica Neagră): Visit the iconic Black Church, one of the largest Gothic churches in Eastern Europe. Its impressive interior and history make it a must-see attraction.
3. Hike to Tampa Mountain: Hike or take the cable car to the summit of Tampa Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Brasov and the surrounding Carpathian Mountains.
4. Brasov Citadel (Cetatea Brasov): Explore the remains of the Brasov Citadel, which offers both historical insights and beautiful views of the city.
5. Council Square (Piața Sfatului): Relax in the Council Square, a central gathering place surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and the Council House.
6. Rope Street (Strada Sforii): Walk through one of the narrowest streets in Europe, the Rope Street, and enjoy its unique charm.
7. Visit Bran Castle: Take a day trip to Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, and explore the history and legends surrounding this iconic fortress.
8. Day Trips: Consider taking day trips to nearby attractions such as the fortified churches of Transylvania, the Rasnov Fortress, or the Piatra Craiului National Park for hiking.
9. Join a Free Walking Tour: Participate in a free walking tour to learn more about Brasov’s history and culture from knowledgeable guides.

Conclusion: Is Romania Safe for Solo Travelers?

As we wrap up this exploration of Romania as a solo traveler’s paradise, it’s clear that this Eastern European gem has all the right ingredients for a memorable journey.

Romania’s safety record is why I would recommend a trip to solo female travellers who love adventure. You will find an opportunity to immerse yourself in this beautiful country, embrace its unique culture, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.

Check out some of my best resources when organizing and planning your trip!