The beginning of autumn, with temperatures going down, but still mild enough for a beautiful holiday, can be the ideal season to visit some of the best Romanian destinations.
Especially in September and October, you still get plenty of daylight and the perfect balance between fresh air and comfortable conditions for exploring nature, visiting historical places, or attending local festivals. Not to mention the fact that in Romania you can find some of the most beautiful fall attractions, where nature follows its course and transforms the views into Instagram-worthy photos that need no filter.
Best autumn destinations in Europe – visit Romania!
Romania is one of the largest countries in Eastern Europe, and its vast size, combined with its diverse landscapes, means that fully exploring the country in a single vacation is no easy task.
What to do in Romania during the autumn months – September, October and November? Our article will give you a glimpse into the numerous spectacular places to visit in our beautiful country. Why not explore it through its distinct historical areas: Transylvania, Bucharest and Wallachia, Moldavia, and Dobrogea? This will allow you to appreciate the country’s depth.
You can choose Transylvania, probably the most popular Romanian destination, perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, with its Gothic castles, medieval towns, and beautiful Carpathian Mountains.
Another great option is to explore Bucharest, the capital of Romania, and its region, with the dynamic urban life, historical landmarks like the Palace of Parliament, and grand boulevards. Less known, but definitely appealing to the tourist in search of fabulous landscapes and a rich cuisine are Moldavia with its fabulous painted monasteries and Dobrogea, with the Black Sea area and Danube Delta.
Let’s embark on a journey through a selection of Romanian landmarks, sights and attractions which will definitely affirm the fact that fall is the perfect season to travel around the country. You will see that there are so many things to do in Romania in September and October – the most beautiful months of autumn for a holiday in Europe!
We begin our journey in the metropolitan heart of Romania, the capital itself, Bucharest. The city is buzzing with activity and interesting things to do; you’d be hard-pressed not to find something to your liking. With the arrival of fall, the city’s temperature cools down, making it much more enjoyable.
The weather in Bucharest during the autumn season makes it the perfect destination to explore. You’ll have quite some space to get to explore the city. Here are some attractions you should consider seeing:
- The Village Museum. This massive open-air museum is going to satisfy the curiosity of everyone who holds a passion for culture and all things traditional. The museum holds an extensive collection of upwards to 300 buildings, homage to the history of Romania’s rural architecture. Along with the village houses, the museum hosts numerous pieces of memorabilia.
- The Arch of Triumph. Located on the northern side of Bucharest, it is a monument that celebrates the Romanian Army’s victory in the First World War alongside the Allies. The first iteration of the arch was made of wood and was built in 1878 when the country gained its independence so the victorious troops could march under it.
- The Palace of the Parliament: among the most well-known Romanian destinations which tourists visit on a regular basis. In the past, it was the seat of power during the communist dictatorship. It boasts records, such as being the heaviest administrative building in the world and the second-largest, after the Pentagon.
Interested in visiting Bucharest and the central area of Romania? You can hop on a tour to get to see the fantastic attractions of the region.
Here are two highlights from our selection of tours in Romania:
Bucharest City Tour – Romania Wine Tasting – a one hour and a half drive through the capital of Romania to see the most interesting attractions followed by a wine tasting with Romanian wines and cheese platter, presented by a sommelier in a cool specialty bar.
Bucharest Evening Tour & Traditional Romanian food dinner – a guided tour that drives you through the center and the north part of the city with an English-speaking guide and see the most iconic landmarks illuminated. The tour is followed by a delicious dinner featuring traditional Romanian dishes at one of the most interesting local restaurants.
Transylvania – medieval charm and beautiful mountains
Fall is the perfect season to set your sights on exploring the thick woodlands of Transylvania. The days begin to grow shorter, while nightfall gains a bit more authority over the land. This means you can expect the air to get a bit breezy when the sun goes down.
The dim light and chilly air add to the region’s atmosphere and if you’re concerned about the weather, know it’s nothing a jacket can’t fix!
If this sounds exciting, then maybe you’d consider visiting:
- Bran Castle. The must-see attraction for those who want to know more about the famous Legend of Dracula! During September, the autumnal ambiance complements the castle’s medieval aesthetic. All in all, visiting the castle during this time of the year makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
- Peles Castle. Peles Castle is a shining beacon of white marble which complements the beauty of the entire Sinaia region, so make sure to include this Neo-Renaissance marvel on your travel list.
- Sighisoara: one of the best Romanian destinations for this season. It is a medieval town which has managed to blend the modern, while still retaining much of the splendor from the past.
- Sibiu – medieval towers, old churches, cobblestone streets and alleys, passages, staircases, and cast-iron bridges are just a few of the attractions of this stunning medieval city. It’s an ideal city for street photography, thanks to the warm, golden light that defines autumn days.
- The Village of Viscri: It’s a modest settlement that spans less than 2 km, that village gained international attention when the then Prince Charles of Wales purchased a villa in the area. The Prince made this decision based on his fascination with the region and in hopes to preserve its rural authenticity. Viscri has a remote atmosphere that harkens back to the days of yore, retaining the authenticity of an old Transylvanian village. There’s nothing quite like taking a walk in an autumn afternoon amidst the peaceful homesteads of Viscri.
Are you passionate about hiking?
For an active vacation in autumn in Transylvania, the 7 Ladder Canyon is a great destination. Its narrow ladders and waterfalls are what will make this hiking experience unforgettable. In the mountain crevice, you’ll climb almost vertical ladders and pass on metal bridges, while being only an arm’s length away from the mountain wall.
Get to See the Entire Transylvania
If you are interested in visiting Transylvania, you can hop on a tour to get to see the fantastic attractions of this magical region of Europe. Highlights from our selection of tours:
- Unesco Heritage Sites – To get to see the Unesco Heritage Sites.
- Medieval Transylvania Tour – For a tour across important landmarks in Transylvania, including Brașov, Bran, Sinaia, and Sibiu.
- Best Countryside of Romania Tour – A tour of many rural settlements from Transylvania.
Moldova and Bucovina – discover the natural beauty of Europe
Peaceful landscapes, natural beauty and some of the most beautiful monasteries in the world…. Welcome to the beautiful Moldavia!
Famous for their UNESCO-listed painted monasteries, Moldavia will offer you a glimpse into Romania’s deep religious traditions and tranquil countryside. For the traveler in search of a culturally rich experience, Moldavia is the perfect combination of history and nature. What to visit here?
- Suceava can be your gateway to the painted monasteries of Bucovina (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), including Voroneț and Sucevița. The city offers visitors a journey through Romania’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
- Iași: discover the rich history, universities, and impressive churches of the city that is considered the cultural capital of the region! You will love this beautiful and charming city, counting many fascinating places to visit.
- Neamț: You will be definitely impressed by Neamț Monastery and the Ceahlău Mountain, together with the picturesque surroundings of the area. The perfect area if you are looking for stunning natural beauty and tranquillity.
The painted churches of Bucovina, Romania
Bucovina is a region situated in the North-East of Romania and it’s one of the greenest areas of the country. Because it’s surrounded by hills and rivers, it’s an attractive destination this time of the year because the fall colors will take over. When visiting the area, it’s a must to include the painted monasteries on your itinerary because they truly are unique.
The exterior walls are painted with impressive 15th and 16th-century frescoes. The paintings represent portraits of saints, scenes from the life of Jesus, angels, demons, heaven, and hell. Some of the most beautiful painted monasteries in Bucovina are Sucevita, Voronet, Arbore, Humor, Moldovita – they truly are one-of-a-kind architectural sites in Europe.
The Danube Delta and Dobrogea – beautiful nature and the Black Sea
Sandy beaches, many historical towns that line along the Black Sea coast, and the wilderness of the Danube Delta… Autumn doesn’t seem the perfect season to visit the Romanian Black Sea coast, but you will love the still warm end-of-season weather or taking long walks along the beach and discovering the coastal cities that still have many things to offer.
And the Danube Delta… It’s a very good time to visit it, especially if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Over 300 species of birds, including pelicans, herons, storks, and egrets – and the spectacular migratory bird phenomenon are to be discovered in this season. The mild, cooler, but still pleasant weather will make you enjoy the Delta even more.
Interested in discovering this area of Romania? Here are two tours worth considering:
Romania tour: the Black Sea & Danube Delta Tour – The primary attraction is Danube Delta, and the best preserved delta in Europe. You will discover this natural treasure that is included of Romania on the UNESCO World Heritage list, with its unique landscape, fauna, and flora.
In Constanta, you will get the chance to see the ancient ruins of the Tomis, whispering long gone stories about ancient Greek and Roman colonists who settled over 2 000 years ago on the West shore of the Black Sea. You will also discover a vibrant, lively city full of interesting places.
One Day Tour from Bucharest to Constanta Romania – You will love the city of Constanta, the entry point to the Romanian Black Sea coast. It is a place with a long and interesting past, attested by its many Roman vestiges, historic buildings, facades, and mosques that give color to the Old City Centre. Join a local guide on the small-group One-Day Tour from Bucharest to Constanta (the ancient city of Tomis, in Romania) for a day of learning, discovery, and fun!
Fall weather in Romania and what to wear on your September or October trip
You will be happy to discover how mild and pleasant is the weather in Romania during fall, especially in September and October. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) and even higher in September, but you can expect the weather to get cooler in the evenings.
September can feel like late summer, especially in the central area of the country (Bucharest included) and the southern regions. The month of October in Romania brings cooler days and the vivid colors of autumn, but the weather remains pleasant. Consider layers when packing: light sweaters and / or a light jacket, comfortable shoes for walking, and a scarf or hat for chilly mornings or evenings. An umbrella or raincoat is also useful; as autumn showers can be common.
Read more about Best fall destinations in Europe – travel in Romania, a land of legend!
Interested in finding out more about the tours that we offer? Click on the tour links featured above or browse our catalog to see the tour offers we have available. Should you require any assistance, you can call us at +40 735 525 710 and we will be glad to assist you!