quaint attractions, this traditional country still clings to its dog-eared charm. Yes, you’ll find the usual smattering of resort towns clustered around the Black Sea Coast, but outside the tourism hotspots Romania dances to the same rhythm it’s tapped out for a hundred years.

South of the east-west line of the Carpathians lies the flat Danube plain of Wallachia with the capital Bucharest, its border with Bulgaria being defined by the course of the Danube. The Danube Delta, the best-preserved of its kind in Europe and a haven for wildlife, is a biosphere reserve and a biodiversity World Heritage Site. Romania’s other major rivers include the Olt, the Siret and the Mures.

Romania’s coastline runs for nearly 200 km (120 miles) along the Black Sea, incorporating the port of Constanta and the Danube Delta.

Currency

New Leu (RON; symbol (plural) Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Bani50, 10, 5 and 1. (Old notes were in denominations of Lei1,000,000, 500,000, 100,000, 50,000 and 10,000 and coins in denominations of Lei5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100.)

Electricity

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the two-pin type.

General business opening hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

2018

Anul nou (New Year’s Day): 1 and 2 January 2018
Paştele (Orthodox Easter): 8 and 9 April 2018
Ziua muncii (Labour Day): 1 May 2018
Doua Zi de Rusalii (Orthodox Whitsun): 27 and 28 June 2018
Adormirea Maicii Domnului (Assumption Day): 15 August 2018
Ziua Sfantul Andrei (St. Andrew’s Day): 30 November 2018
Ziua Naţională (Republic Day): 1 December 2018
Crăciunul (Christmas): 25 and 26 December 2018

All information subject to change.

Over 25,000 illuminated paper box lanterns line the pathways and dangle from strings and sculptures in Cluj-Napoca’s central park. The idea is to take yourself away from the distractions of daily life for a couple of hours. The family-friendly event is organised by the national scouting organisation.

Inspired by Berlin’s Love Parade, Delahoya kicked off in 1997 and is Romania’s oldest electronic music festival. Live artists and DJs perform and spin house, drum ‘n’ bass and techno beats, keeping festival goers on their toes into the early hours amid the magical setting of Hoia Forest.

Romania’s first international feature film festival has been entertaining cinema lovers since 2002 and now attracts around 60,000 film fans to almost 400 screenings. It’s a terrific chance to catch new Romanian releases, take part in lively workshops and seminars, or mingle with the glitterati.

There’s no time to snooze during the movies at this nanofest, as each film is no more than three minutes long. Billing itself as ‘an event without borders’, the films are screened simultaneously in nearly 100 cities in over 20 countries.

Launched in summer 2013, Jazz in the Park’s inaugural event saw crowds pouring into the park armed with picnics and blankets for a packed day of live jazz, folk, blues and classical music. The festival proved a hit and looks set to remain a favourite fixture on Cluj-Napoca’s summer calendar.

Daring drivers speed, bounce and spin on gravel and asphalt in a testing course starting from Cluj-Napoca and racing round the neighbouring countryside. Thousands of fans gather at the roadside to cheer them on as they battle to gain control of the race.

Whether you enjoy strumming a tune or are happy just to listen, this festival is a treat. Professional guitarists perform and lead masterclasses, while soloists and chamber groups participate in a highly regarded competition. Visitors can gaze enviously at the fine instruments on display in a special guitar exhibition.

The Transilvania State Philharmonic Orchestra hosts Romania’s longest running classical music festival each October. Performances by the orchestra and invited guests cover the entire gamut of classical music, from early printed music to 21st-century compositions. Audiences can enjoy symphonies, chamber recitals, mass choral works and solo concerts.

Belly chuckles are guaranteed at this film festival dedicated to comedies. On the go for several years now, the competition invites professional submissions from across the globe as well as showcasing works by film students. Directors, actors and critics also take part in thought-provoking discussions and debates.

Each year, amateurs and pros land on Cluj-Napoca for 10 days of cutting-edge exhibitions, intense debates, creative workshops and photography competitions. Visitors might hear insights into sports photojournalism, pick up new Photoshop tips or attend a gala concert or fashion show.