7-Day Road Trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia from Bucharest to Craiova, City of Niš, and Pleven

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Bucharest in Romania. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Bucharest for 1 night.

Catch an early flight to Romania to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Bucharest before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

Something that makes Bucharest the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding park, Cișmigiu Gardens. This local gem has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 37,510 visitors.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Bucharest. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Romania. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Romania's delectable cuisine at one of Bucharest's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Make sure to book a table at Coftale Specialty Coffee Shop, a popular restaurant in Bucharest. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bucharest at PAPILA, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Complex Herăstrău. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Bucharest tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The Vintage Pub, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Newton Cocktail Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, QP Pub provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Your multi-country road trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Bucharest in Romania. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Craiova, your home for 1 night.

A tour of Bucharest is not complete without a visit to the famous Tineretului Park. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 37,528 travelers.

Make the most of your Bucharest travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" Park. This park and unique destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,714 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Constitution Square for an experience worth remembering. This local point of interest and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,690 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous King Mihai I Park. This amazing site is a wonderful park with more than 60,835 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Craiova’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Craiova boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Romania.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Hotel Bavaria, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Mode Cafe offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Essenza Bar & Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Craiova.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Tipsy after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Miky's Pub, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Gelateria SCENA also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia! Enjoy your evening in Craiova to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply just relaxing.

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Craiova in Romania, and Vidin in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in City of Niš, where you will stay for 2 nights.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Craiova, including the outstanding Nicolae Romanescu Park. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,275 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Craiova is also home to the captivating "Alexandru Buia" Botanical Garden, a local park considered one of the highlights of the city. About 8,212 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

After soaking in Craiova’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Vidin, Bulgaria. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 34 min. When you arrive in Vidin, it's time to take a break from the road.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Vidin today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Baba Vida Fortress. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,272 visitors.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in City of Niš.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Serbia's delectable cuisine at one of City of Niš's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

This renowned restaurant holds and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Zlatkovic, an iconic dining spot in City of Niš. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Kafana Skadarlija, a popular restaurant in City of Niš. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Flert, a hidden gem nestled in City of Niš. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Beer Garden after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Hub - pub and club for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Vespa Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 4 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful City of Niš. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

One place travelers keep coming back to in City of Niš is the magnificent Skull Tower. Around 4,748 visitors have rated this excellent monument and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing St. Sava Park on this leg of your adventure in Serbia. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 10,335 travelers.

The remarkable Park Čair is known to be one of the best places to visit in City of Niš, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,609 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into City of Niš by exploring the captivating King Milan Square. With a stellar average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,548 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your City of Niš exploration list!

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in City of Niš. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Галија, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Caribic pizza is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Kafana Laki. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in City of Niš tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Industrija Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Distrikt cafe&bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Pivnica Berta also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Today's main destinations are Karlukovo in Bulgaria, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Pleven. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

When you’ve had your share of City of Niš, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Karlukovo, Bulgaria. Your travel time is around 3 hours 16 min.

A tour of Karlukovo is not complete without a visit to the famous Prohodna. This incredible cave and attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 8,894 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lukovit. This car ride takes around 11 min.

Panega Eco Trail is a travelers’ favorite in Lukovit, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,509 visitors.

In Lukovit, don’t miss Riverside Landscape Park "Panega", a great park and place to see in the village. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,319 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Lukovit off your list when you visit the wonderful Zlaten Park. This popular sight is an outstanding point of interest, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,316 travelers.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Pleven. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia by rewarding yourself with a taste of Pleven’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at КОМПЛЕКС "ЗАМЪКЪТ", a highly-rated dining destination in Pleven. If you're eager to try something different, consider Pizzeria Cantonata, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Дежа Вю Пица & Ресторант. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Pleven this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Momento bar & pizza stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Sky Lounge offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Кафе-Бар Бораго is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

As the night falls in Pleven, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your multi-country journey across Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Pleven in Bulgaria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Bucharest where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

In Pleven, the extraordinary Pleven Water Cascades and Fountains awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,309 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Pleven is the spectacular Pleven Panorama. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,206 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Skobelev Park. This local park and wonder has an overall review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,569 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pleven and set your GPS to Ruse. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 1 min. Upon reaching Ruse, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Monument of Liberty. This outstanding monument and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from 2,688 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Monument of Liberty is worth pages in your travel diary.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Bucharest of your choice.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Bucharest. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia.

Savor the flavors at Bruno Wine Bar & Bistro, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Hanu' Berarilor Casa Oprea Soare beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Vatra Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bucharest tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Control Club, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Wicked Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bucharest. Manasia Hub is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 7 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Bucharest before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Romanian Athenaeum. This outstanding concert hall and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from 14,475 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Romanian Athenaeum is worth pages in your travel diary.

Get a last taste of Romania’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Bucharest and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant Bucătărașul, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Aubergine Restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

The time has come to say farewell to Bucharest for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 7-day European road trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia with fond memories. Safe travels!