Exploring Eastern Europe has been a dream of mine for some time. From the stories I can tell there is something special about visiting Romania, Poland, Hungary, and Estonia. However, with the majority of posts being shared by male and non-black travelers, it’s been difficult to get a clear and concise understanding of what a solo-traveling experience is like for someone like me.
Recently, I had the opportunity to experience Romania solo as a Black woman. I stayed at a hotel in Bucharest and while I was waiting my turn at the concierge, another guest cut in front of me. To my surprise, the person went to a different hotel employee after their conversation was finished. While this was irritating, I was relieved to find that my experience in Bucharest wasn’t all bad.
My first time to the city was exciting and filled with new experiences. I spent my days exploring the city and its attractions like the Palace of the Parliament and the Village Museum. The architecture was stunning and the culture was so rich. I was able to sample traditional Romanian foods like sarmale, mititei, and zacusca. The locals were friendly and welcoming, always eager to help me find my way around.
At night, I found myself drawn to the lively nightlife. I was able to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife from rooftop bars to night clubs. One of the best parts was attending concerts and live music events. The atmosphere was always festive and welcoming.
I also had the chance to explore smaller cities like Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and Brasov. These cities had their own unique charm and I was able to experience the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains and the stunning landscapes in Transylvania.
Overall, I found Romania to be an amazing place to explore solo as a Black woman. I felt safe and welcomed, and I was able to have an incredible and memorable experience. While there were some moments that were unpleasant, I urge other travelers of color to not let fear hinder them from exploring this amazing country. Romania is an incredible place to explore solo and I’m so glad I was able to experience it.