Why take a day trip from Bucharest?

Peles Castle in Sinaia, Romania, surrounded by autumn foliage.
Rasnov Fortress surrounded by lush green forests in Brasov, Transylvania.
Constanta Casino by the Black Sea with people walking along the promenade.
Group of tourists listening to a guide at Bran Castle, surrounded by lush greenery.
Tourists enjoying transfer in car
1/5

Explore more without switching hotels

A day trip from Bucharest lets you see Romania’s most iconic regions while still returning to the city by evening. No extra hotel nights, no repacking, just easy sightseeing.

Big highlights within easy reach

Many major attractions sit just 1 to 3 hours away, meaning you can visit Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Brasov, or even the Transfagarasan Highway without losing a full day to travel.

Diverse experiences in one trip

From royal palaces and medieval towns to alpine roads and Black Sea beaches, Bucharest’s day trips offer a huge variety, perfect if you want a mix of history, scenery, and culture.

Richer insights with guided experiences

Guided trips add depth with Dracula stories at Bran, royal history at Peleș, medieval legends in Bulgaria, or conservation stories at the Bear Sanctuary, making the visit to each destination more meaningful.

Stress-free transport & tour logistics

With tours that include transfers, skip-the-line access, and multilingual guides, planning becomes effortless. Most routes are straightforward and beginner-friendly.

No time to read? Bucharest’s top day trips in a nutshell

DestinationTour durationTop highlightsIdeal forBook now

Bran Castle, Peles Castle & Brasov

12 hours

Dracula legends, royal palace, medieval old town

First-timers, culture lovers

Click here

Peles, Bran & Cantacuzino Castle (“Wednesday Castle”)

12 hours

Three iconic castles incl. Netflix’s “Wednesday” Castle

Architecture fans, pop-culture fans

Click here

Mogosoaia Palace & Snagov Monastery

5 hours

Brancovenesc palace, lake monastery (Dracula’s tomb)

Easy escapes, short trips, families

Click here

Transfagarasan Highway (TopGear Road)

12 hours

Epic alpine road, Vidraru Dam/Poenari Castle

Adventure seekers, photographers

Click here

Constanta & Black Sea Coast

12 hours

Roman ruins, mosques, cathedrals, beach time

Summer travelers, families

Click here

Bulgaria: Veliko Tarnovo

12 hours

Medieval fortress, cliff monasteries, old capital

Cross-border exploration, history lovers

Click here

Bear Sanctuary, Bran Castle & Brasov

11 hours

Wildlife sanctuary, Dracula Castle, medieval town

Families, animal lovers

Click here

Best time to do day trips from Bucharest

Day trips from Bucharest work year-round, but spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the best combination of weather, open sites, and manageable crowds. Summer brings longer days and great conditions for Constanța and the Black Sea, though castle queues and highway traffic can spike. Winter is quieter and atmospheric, especially around Bran and Brașov, but mountain routes like the Transfagarasan Highway may close.

Winding Transfăgărășan Road through the Carpathian Mountains, Romania.

Quick tips:

  • Best seasons: April to June & September to October
  • Avoid: Weekend crowds at Bran and Peles, especially July to August
  • Departure time: Aim to leave before 8:30am for castle trips
  • Seasonal notes:

    • Transfagarasan Highway is usually open from June to October only
    • Black Sea trips shine from late May to September
  • Special moments:

    • Autumn foliage on the Prahova Valley
    • Summer beach days on the Black Sea
    • Christmas markets in Brasov (late November to December)

Highlights of day trips from Bucharest

Bran and Peles Castle

Castles | Medieval city | First-timers

Distance: 180 km from Bucharest

Visit Romania’s royal residence, the iconic Dracula Castle, and Brasov’s medieval old town for a complete history-and-legends experience in one day.

Cantacuzino Castle

Film location | Architecture | Scenic views

Distance: 140 km from Bucharest

Explore the “Wednesday Castle” with its Neo-Romanian architecture and mountain panoramas. Pairs perfectly with Bran or Peles for castle lovers.

Mogosoaia Palace

Architecture | Gardens | Short trip

Distance: 15 km from Bucharest

A serene retreat showcasing Brancovenesc design, lakeside promenades, and airy gardens, ideal if you want a nearby half-day getaway.

Snagov Monastery

Legends | Lake views | Culture

Distance: 40 km from Bucharest

Discover the alleged tomb of Vlad the Impaler on a tiny island monastery reached by a peaceful lakeside drive.

Transfagarsan Highway

Nature | Road trip | Adventure

Distance: 150 km from Bucharest

One of the world’s most spectacular roads with zigzags, tunnels, alpine lakes, and views made famous by Top Gear.

Constanta & Black Sea

Beaches | Roman ruins | Summer escape

Distance: 225 km from Bucharest

Explore ancient Greek-Roman sites, mosques, cathedrals, and enjoy free time on the sun-soaked coast.

Bulgaria: Veliko Tarnovo

Cross-border | Medieval sites | Churches

Distance: 180 km from Bucharest

Discover Bulgaria’s former capital with cliff-built monasteries, a dramatic fortress, and sweeping river views.

Bear Sanctuary & Bran

Wildlife | Conservation | Castles

Distance: 170 km from Bucharest

Meet rescued bears in a forest sanctuary before heading to Bran Castle and Brasov for a mix of nature and culture.



Frequently asked questions about day trips from Bucharest

Most trips last 10 to 12 hours, while half-day options like Mogosoaia & Snagov take about 5 hours.