Transylvania is another area of interest to tourists, with its medieval cities, dramatic landscape, and surprisingly low prices. Ever since I had made a low-fare ride in Bucharest, the adventure had been surging through me. Its history can be traced in stone-paved castles, pavements, and the local marketplace, where fresh cheeses, honey, and pastries are available at a third of the cost of what would be paid in Western Europe. I walked the Old Town in Brașov, stood on the foggy heights of the mountains, and had a hot mama licigua, but did not spend much money. The region’s transport infrastructure, including buses, trains, and shared taxis, also provides a convenient, inexpensive way to travel between towns and villages.
A traveller will not miss any bit of places to visit in Transylvania, and thus the sights that can be observed in Transylvania appear affordable in addition to being memorable. I work in Low Cost Vibes as a travel expert. I will provide my personal tips, places to visit, and some hidden secrets that make the region one of the most attractive places for people who want to experience history, culture, and adventure without spending much money. The general search term for this trip is a list of activities to do in Transylvania, and I shall integrate it into all my recommendations as we make sightseeing visits. Moreover, do not forget to bring nice shoes and a reusable water bottle; an unexpected detour will make you much happier.
Tour Castle Bran (Castle of Dracula)
I could remember the first visit to Bran Castle, the symbolic structure which most people regard as the myth of Dracula. Nevertheless, it was to me nothing but the fort, made of stones, and peering down the foggy valleys in the Carpathians. The history of Dracula’s castle dates back to the 14th century as a defensive fortification, and walking through its tiny corridors gave me a physical sense of what life was like during that period. I did this on weekdays, so I would not be in the crowd of tourists, and the admission cost was quite low, though it could be considered a minor investment in the experience. To be economical, I took the local bus between Brašov and Bran; the ride costs less than a cup of coffee, and the views are worth it.
At the entrance, I decided to do an audio tour because it was cheaper than a guided tour and provided historical background. The gardens at the castle are free, and one can have a nice picnic outside the castle with a thermos of tea bought at a market near the castle. After seeing the fortress, I walked up the hill to the village of Râșnov, which lies only a few kilometres away, and my experience in the village square was really a delight as people were selling fresh fruit and homemade pastry at a fraction of the price that any tourist market can offer.
I could spend the night at a low end hostel in Brașov, get a comfortable bed after a day of sightseeing, and even cook my own meals in the shared kitchen, which saved me even more money. The top view of the surrounding mountains in the castle is the thing that cannot be forgotten, and the whole adventure of the day demonstrated that visiting the Castle of Dracula may be a risky and, at the same time, not very costly thing to do.
Explore Brașov Old Town
The historic centre of Brașov is a children’s game, with the colourful facades and secreted courtyards. The best part is that you are not restricted to the whole area. My starting point was Council Square, where I could watch street entertainers and purchase local street food, such as grilled cheese or freshly squeezed juice, which is a low-cost, low-quality way to experience Romanian food. I also took an informal stroll around the Black Church, which is not very cheap but something a lover of history can afford. It is a Gothic interior, with an impressive stained-glass window and a medieval feast. I strolled through the ramparted walls of the city, and, later on, had a panoramic view of the mountainous scenery surrounding it, without having spent a penny after church.
The local market, also known as Snagov Market, is a place where people can buy fresh and baked goods at a good price, and I bought several pastries to eat as I was taking my walk. I had spent the night at a hostel near the square, which had a shared kitchen where I would cook. The nightlife in the city is also very cheap; a pub here served me a bowl of ciorbura burtar, and I paid less than what a cup of coffee costs in America. This experience has proven that the old town is not only a history-laden destination but also a place where a tourist can immerse themselves in the culture without spending excessively.
Climb Râșnov Fortress
One of the places that can never be forgotten is the Râșnov Fortress, built on a hill overlooking the Bistrița River. I bought a bus ticket in Brașov that took me to the base of the fortress; it cost less than a train ticket. The hill is well maintained as a hiking path, and along the way, I had a chance to observe the historic churches of Râșnov and the fortress’s four towers. I visited the armory and the underground galleries of the fortress and did not have to pay a fee because I am a student and had a tourist museum pass that I bought online.
The view is magnificent, and the surrounding vineyards and the city of Brașov are below. I paused for a while at one of the bakeries in town, which was on the hill, and tried a sweet bun, which cost me several euros. When I came back, I circled the village, and local artisans were selling handmade goods at low prices. I spent the night in a low-end guesthouse at Rasnov and had myself a home-cooked meal, which cost less than a typical restaurant meal. This trip made me realise a fortress can be a historical masterpiece and a day trip that is not expensive.
Stroll around Sighișoara Citadel
Sighișoara has one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe, and it is not very costly. I also took a bus to Braşov, which was an economical ride costing less than half the price of an entrance fee. The angle of strolling across the citadel is one of the free adventures, and I liked the Clock Tower and the House of the Hummingbird, without spending even a single euro on these experiences. I did not spend a lot because I was staying in a low-cost hostel that was very close to Market Square and had a communal kitchen and free bread and eggs for breakfast.
During my initial guided tour, I took a self-guided walk to City Hall, where I read about the citadel’s history through informative plaques in Romanian and English. I also attended the local square, where a band performed live traditional Romanian music, and I could sit down and listen freely. During dinner, I bought a bowl of local soup in a local stall, and it was cheaper than in a restaurant. This experience made me realise that Sighișoara is not a city where one needs a lot of money to see its beauty.
Visit the Sibiu historic squares
Historic Sibiu consists of Union Square, Hermann Square, and the Old Market Place, the centre of the city and the region’s highest-density area of cultural heritage. My trip began at Union Square, where I took a free walking tour highlighting the city’s Gothic and Renaissance architecture. I visited Hermann Square, a very active place with a small church and a market featuring local products at reasonable prices.
I got a coffee at a local shop; it wasn’t too expensive, like in a typical coffee shop. The most pleasant experience was crossing the Latin Square, where I discovered another fantastic treasure: a set of stained-glass windows and the city’s ancient clock tower. I have been staying in a cheap hostel with Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen, where I cook my own meals. It taught me that Sibiu is an attractive destination worth visiting, offering insight into its culture and low-cost hotels.
Explore the Strengths of Transylvania Villages
The fortified villages of Transylvania, such as Dumbraveni, Bargau and Maramureș, resemble medieval defence architecture and local heritage. I took a bus in Brașov to Dumbrăveni at a mere fraction of a few euros. The self-guided route through the village led me to the fortress church, a bell tower, and a small museum, which was free for students.
The town square had several stalls selling locally handmade products at affordable prices. Transformed into a sightseeing tourist, I went to Maramures by bus and discovered a very nice wooden church with a special roof. At the small market of the village, there were fruits and some local cheese, and I bought a small loaf of bread at a small fraction of what you would get in town. I learned that the fortified villages are part of Transylvania’s lifestyle and can empower me to experience adventure on a low budget.
Hike in Turda Gorge
Turda Gorge is likewise a nature wonder which provides a refreshing break from urban living. I took a bus to Brașov and purchased an inexpensive entry ticket that allowed me entry to the footbridge and the trail. It was a mere 30-minute walk up, and the view of the turquoise river was magnificent. I rested at one picnic place, where I took a lunch I had prepared myself and bought a sandwich at a neighbouring stand, inexpensive and nutritious. After walking through the historical market, I returned to town and picked up local souvenirs at an affordable price. This expedition was one of those instances in which nature and low-cost travel can best suit each other.
The City Life of Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is a lively city that takes both culture and university life into account. The bus service in Brașov was cheap, and I was able to get around to the city centre. Spent my leisure time in the old town, where old churches and museums were accessible with a single entry fee, open to visiting tourists.
I met local students who provided me with complimentary advice on where to go and what to eat. I was staying in a low-end hostel that provided free breakfast. The hostel kitchen also allowed me to prepare my own meals, which made me even more economical. I have also walked around the city’s parks and sampled the free street art. This experience proved that Cluj is a low-cost cultural and modern cerebral centre.
Visit Alba Iulia Fortress
Romanian history is told at the Alba Iulia Fortress, a large fortified complex. Took the bus to Brașov, as it was affordable and would take me to the fortress entrance. Also I was wandering about the fortress, and the view of the plains was breathtaking. I used a self-guided audio guide, which explained the fortress’s role in history; this tour did not require a ticket.
I then went to a local bakery and bought a pastry, which was quite affordable and good. Also I was staying in a hostel with a shared kitchen in the neighbourhood. This trip revealed that Alba Iulia Fortress is a cheap way to explore Romania’s past.
Baroque architecture in the form of a star in Alba Iulia Fortress
The mountain views are also a feature of Poiana Brașov
Poiana Brașov is an expensive mountain resort that does not offer scenic views like other, similarly priced ski resorts. And I decided to take a bus to Poiana, which was not expensive and got me to the foot of the mountain in Brașov. I strolled around and hiked along the free trails in the woods. I arrived at a spot where a lake was, and I could relax and watch the sun set behind the hills. Freedom and unforgettable.
Then I returned to my low-end hotel and made a simple meal in the shared kitchen. I also discovered that fresh fruit is sold at lower prices at the local market. The experience has enabled me to appreciate the mountainous, spectacular view without necessarily spending a lot of money in Poiana Brașov.
Final Thoughts
Is Transylvania worth visiting? Yes, a treasure box of cultural prosperity that does not require a high price to open. The stone walls of Bran Castle to the vibrant streets of Cluj-Napoca all have their own spooky stories, perspectives, and tastes of life in the country, all easily included in any budget. The secret to a cost-effective adventure is planning: you need to decide to travel cheaply, stay in hostels or guesthouses, cook for yourself, take free walking tours, and visit local markets. This is me, but you can get a more personalised, customised itinerary the way you want with Low Cost Vibes, so don’t worry!
What to do in Transylvania? Slow travel helps you experience the region’s history and people, and to pay close attention to the hidden gems that are usually overlooked during a tour. Always keep in mind that you should take care of the places you visit: clean the streets, do not take photos without asking, and help local artisans by buying their original products. The views, the castles, and the citizens of Transylvania will inspire you, and the memories you gather thereafter will stay with you even after you have no money left. Thus, come with lots of light and adventure, and you will discover that Transylvania can show you that budget travelling is a beautiful thing. What to do in Transylvania? You know now the best travels!
Frequently Asked Question
The best moment to visit is towards the end of spring (May- June) or the beginning of autumn (September- October). The climate is pleasant, the people are fewer, and the scenery, mountains, forests, and vineyards are at their best. Winter: It is very good to ski in Poiana Brașov, but some routes and attractions may be harder to reach.
Transylvania has a stable, affordable transport network. The major cities and villages are linked by buses and trains, and shared taxis can also be used for shorter distances. Online ticketing tends to be more expensive than booking locally, and a student or youth discount can make it even cheaper
Not always. There are several castles, fortresses, and museums where students, youths, and Older people receive discounted tickets. There are free attractions, such as the gardens of Bran Castle, or some sections of Rasnov Fortress. Guided tours are usually more expensive than audio guides or self-guided tours.
Transylvania is, as a rule, quite secure among solo travellers. Cities such as Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, and Sibiu are also accessible to tourists and feature good infrastructure and well-labelled streets. Basic precautions for safe travelling, like locking your bags and avoiding poorly lit places at night, still hold.
Absolutely. A trip can be very affordable by staying in hostels or guesthouses, cooking some of your own meals, taking free walking tours, and visiting local markets. Even the most popular attractions, such as Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress, and Sighișoara Citadel, can be experienced without having to spend a large amount of money.
