18 Things to Do in Romania

Planning a visit to Romania? You’re so fortunate, this place is my dwelling nation and it has so many distinctive sights and locations to go to that you just gained’t know the place to begin!

Luckily I’m right here to level you within the route of the most effective issues to do in Romania! I’ve made an inventory of the finest sights within the nation so you possibly can simply determine the place to begin. I’ve additionally added a piece with the finest cities the place to remain in Romania and provide you with some unbelievable resort choices for every metropolis.

This nation actually is one in all Europe’s distinctive gems because it has such an enchanting historical past, breathtaking castles, and distinctive wilderness! What I’ve bought to say is that Romania is getting an increasing number of standard amongst vacationers so I like to recommend reserving your tickets upfront for the large sights as you may threat squandering precious time ready in line! 

Ready to drink scrumptious Romanian wine?

Let’s go!

If you’re in a rush 

I do know a few of you don’t have the time to learn this complete submit with issues to do in Romania, so here’s a fast abstract of the details. 

Here are the primary issues to e-book upfront:

And listed below are the most effective accommodations in Bucharest: The Marmorosch (Luxury), Intercontinental Bucharest (Mid Range), Capitol Hotel (Budget)

1. Visit all of the Castles of Transylvania

If there’s one factor everybody thinks of when Transylvania is talked about it’s castles… And for a very good cause, Romania’s castles are so distinctive!

I’m not saying this simply because I’m Romanian and I’ve been visiting these locations since I used to be somewhat lady, however actually, these locations are architectural wonders! 

Below you’ll discover 3 well-known castles that you just shouldn’t miss out on 

whereas visiting Romania:

1.1 Bran Castle

Who hasn’t heard of Dracula’s Castle and Vlad the Impaler?

I’m positive you could have at one level! Located in Bran Commune close to Brasov, a wonderful town in Transylvania, this can be a standard vacationer vacation spot so positively buy your tickets in advance!

Bran Castle was given to Queen Marie in 1920, who turned it into the residence of Romania’s royal household. Now the citadel has a museum devoted to the life and artwork assortment of Queen Marie.

However, this place turned one of the vital well-known castles in Romania as a result of many believed that Count Dracula, a fictional character from Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror novel (who is usually confused with Vlad the Impaler) has a connection to this place. 

Although these have been simply tales, I can vouch {that a} go to or night tour of Bran Castle will certainly provide the chills! I nonetheless keep in mind my final time right here vividly (I used to be fairly scared).

PRICE: 50 Ron (US$10)

1.2 Peles Castle

While Bran Castle might have a extra thrilling story, Peles Castle positively wins the prize for the most lovely fortress in Romania!

Once you see it you’ll perceive why it took 10 years to complete this place! The former royal palace, constructed because the household’s summer time residence in the course of the reign of King Carol, is positioned in Sinaia, close to Brasov.

I not too long ago visited right here and I used to be nonetheless so shocked by the German new-Renaissance structure, the furnishings, and the entire environment! If you’ve by no means been right here earlier than, I believe a guided tour will give you some nice perception! 

One of my favourite issues about Peles is that the majority rooms have devoted themes from world cultures!

P.S.: If you’re staying in Brasov you possibly can mix the journey with Bran Castle and go to each in a single day trip tour! 

PRICE: 50 Ron (US$10)

1.3 Corvin Castle

If you’ve ever wished to see a citadel from the tales you learn as a baby, then I believe a go to to Corvin Castle is the reply!

Built within the fifteenth century on the highest of a rocky cliff overlooking town of Hunedoara (not too removed from Sibiu and Timisoara), this positive instance of Transylvanian structure actually is among the finest vacationer sights within the space!

Corvin Castle can also be one in all Europe’s largest castles, so I might allocate extra time to exploring all of the hidden corners and towers.

While exploring Corvin Castle you possibly can be taught all about its fascinating tales and legends like how John Hunyadi stored Vlad the Impaler as a prisoner right here! 

If you’re in Timisoara you possibly can simply go to the citadel on it’s personal guided tour, or mix it with a go to to Turda Salt Mine, one other massive attraction I’ll talk about in part #3 on a full day trip.  

PRICE: 35 Ron (US$7)

2. See the humorous tombstones on the Merry Cemetery

I do know you most likely assume {that a} cemetery is something however “merry”, however depart it to the Romanians to make enjoyable of one thing as critical as demise!

Located in Sapanta village, Maramures, simply 4 hours drive from Cluj Napoca (one other unbelievable metropolis with plenty of things to do), the Merry Cemetery is a nationwide vacationer attraction that’s now thought-about an open-air museum and in addition a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 

Each tombstone on the Merry Cemetery is tremendous colourful and it depicts totally different illustrations that present the life or character of the deceased particular person.

The illustrations are accompanied by brief amusing poems or items of textual content that add to the illustrations and supply the reader a helpful life lesson however with a humorous contact!

NOTE: As you possibly can think about the messages on the colourful tombstones are in Romanian so I extremely advocate approaching a guided tour right here so you possibly can have somebody clarify every message and what it means! 

PRICE: 4 Ron (US$1) entrance, US$39 guided tour

3. Spend a enjoyable day at Turda Salt Mine

If there was a prize for probably the most spectacular attraction in Romania, I believe Turda may simply come first place!

The Salt Mine is positioned in Turda City, Transylvania, and it’s one of many oldest mines on this planet, courting again to the center ages.

One of the best underground locations to go to for each adults and children, Turda Salt Mine offers you the possibility to discover an underground salt labyrinth. Admire hanging salt stalactites and have enjoyable in its amusement park (which has a cool ferris wheel and a mini-golf course) or go on boat rides on an underground lake! 

Oh sure, this place is tremendous advanced, and that’s why I even stated “fun day,” as you’ll most likely find yourself spending various hours right here if you wish to attempt all of the cool perks. And if you happen to’re considering of spending the night time, there are various accommodations and eating places within the space, which you’ll find out about on their website.

Usually, vacationers go to the Salt Mine on a day journey from Cluj Napoca, and the best means to do this is by taking a day trip tour, which additionally supplies transportation.

P.S.: If you’re visiting this space then I might additionally advocate exploring Turda Gorge which is simply 5 miles (8 km) away from Turda city. You’ll love this place if you happen to’re into climbing or mountaineering. The 3km (2 miles) lengthy canyon has 300m-high partitions sculpted in weathered limestone!

PRICE: 50 Ron (Adults US$10), Children 30 Ron (US$7)

4. Learn about Romanian historical past in Sighisoara Old Town

History lovers, if you happen to’re searching for a spot to go to in Romania the place you possibly can dive into the previous of this nation, then Sighisoara is the place for you! 

Dating again to the twelfth century, the Sighisoara’s historic middle is among the most well-known UNESCO World Heritage websites in Romania! And the birthplace of the notorious voivode of Wallachia (Vlad the Impaler), also called Vlad Dracula!

Just like Sibiu county, and different places to stay in Transylvania, Sighisoara is fairly small however oh my, it’s stuffed with cool sights! 

You can begin by exploring the cobblestone streets (that are full of boutique shops) after which making your option to the citadel, the primary factor to see within the metropolis, which was constructed within the twelfth century by Saxon settlers! There are plenty of fascinating issues to find out about Sighisoara and there’s nothing like a guided walking tour to catch you updated! 

5. Explore the fascinating capital of Sarmizegetusa Regia

Ready to see one of the vital necessary archeological websites in Romania?

Built 2,000 years in the past, Sarmizegetusa Regia was the capital of Dacia, a land inhabited by the Dacians who symbolize the traditional ancestor of the Romanians. They primarily lived on the territory of what we all know right this moment as Transilvania.

At Sarmizegetusa Regia, you possibly can see a few of their ruins, that are positioned close to Hunedoara, 4 hours away from Cluj Napoca. 

This is actually one of the vital thrilling locations to see in Romania if you happen to’re a fan of historical historical past. While you’re right here you’ll have the ability to discover the ruins of those essential Dacian buildings, and in addition be taught extra about their way of life! 

PRICE: From 15 Ron (US$3)

6. See the Painted Monasteries in Bucovina

If a factor or two about this nation, then you definitely may’ve heard that we’ve bought many historic church buildings. Despite being constructed a very very long time in the past, these church buildings stood the take a look at of time and have become nationwide vacationer sights!

Some of probably the most well-known ones in addition to the fortified church buildings (#11 on this listing), are the painted monasteries of Bucovina! 

Set within the picturesque villages of the North-Eastern area of Bucovina (not too removed from the place I used to be born), these fifteenth and Sixteenth-century monasteries are positive examples of Byzantine artwork!

Known for his or her well-preserved, distinctive exterior frescoes depicting Bible scenes, the monasteries turned a cultural image for the area and the entire nation (and even gained a UNESCO World Heritage title).

Some of probably the most well-known ones that you just shouldn’t miss when you’re in Bucovina are Voronet, Humor, Moldovita, Probota, Sucevita.

PRICE: From 10 Ron (US$2)

7. Check out the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest

It’s truthful to say that no journey to Romania is full with out at the very least one go to to its capital, Bucharest, a bustling metropolis, full of plenty of issues to do and awesome places to stay! 

This is the place I stay in the meanwhile so I do know just about the whole lot worldwide vacationers ought to contemplate whereas they’re on the town (and I’ve added all of them to this post)! There are plenty of artwork galleries, a Village Museum, and an Athenaeum with a wonderful live performance corridor that you could go to, however la creme de la creme is the Palace of Parliament!

Known because the second-largest administrative constructing on this planet, this monumental palace is a real Romanian landmark!

Built in the course of the time when dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was the president of the nation, the “People’s House” homes the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, a world convention middle, and three museums!

PRICE: 40 Ron (US$8.30)

8. Go snowboarding in Poiana Brasov 

Still occupied with whether or not or not you must go to Romania throughout wintertime?

Well, if you happen to’re into snowboarding or some other winter sports activities, then purchase your ticket straight away since you’ll have the most effective time!

Poiana Brasov is the final word vacation vacation spot for many Romanians and worldwide vacationers. Set only a 20-minute drive away from Brasov Old Town, this place has the whole lot you want if you happen to’re coming to ski or snowboard from schools, gear rental, and naturally superb slopes! 

Ski season often opens in December and lasts till late February, however prepare as a result of Poiana Brasov is often full of vacationers!

For these of you who should not coming throughout that interval however nonetheless wish to go to this place, then you definitely shouldn’t let snow (or the dearth of it) cease you! In summer time there are many climbing trails to get pleasure from on this space plus different issues to take a look at just like the Alpin Magic Land theme park, and the paintball middle at Outdoor Adventure Brasov!

9. Take a ship journey on the Danube Delta’s river canals 

Whether you’re a nature lover or not I believe a visit to our lovely Danube Delta will persuade you that Romania absolutely is among the finest locations to go to in Eastern Europe! 

This UNESCO pure reserve website is so massive that you just may contemplate spending just a few days right here if you wish to see most of it.

Known second-largest river delta in all of Europe, the Danube Delta is initially a house to a whole lot of animals (together with wild horses) and chook species, lush vegetation, and breathtaking river canals which you’ll discover on boat rides. 

NOTE: I like to recommend visiting the Danube Delta on a tour as the primary option to discover it’s on a ship, plus if you wish to additionally be taught some issues about this place, it might be nice to have a tour information. 

As you sail the Danube River by way of the Iron Gates you’ll see the big statue of King Decebalus carved right into a rock. He was the final king of Dacia who fought wars in opposition to the Romans!

10. Hike the Bucegi Mountains to see the Romanian Sphinx

A sphinx in Romania? I’m positive you haven’t heard of that!

Set means up excessive within the Bucegi Mountains, not too removed from Brasov, the Romanian Sphinx represents a thriller for us all! You can attain this website both by cable automotive from Busteni or on totally different hiking tours that lead as much as the Sphinx. 

There are many tales and legends about this nationwide monument, many courting again to the Dacian instances. Some even assume the Sphinx has one thing to do with aliens! Who’s intrigued?

While we might not know for positive about its origins, I can let you know that this can be a fairly distinctive factor to see when you’re right here. So positively be part of a hike or take the cable automotive if you wish to test it out! 

11. Admire Romania’s fortified Churches 

As I discussed earlier, Romania is full of distinctive church buildings! We’ve talked concerning the well-known painted monasteries in part #6 however I couldn’t allow you to go with out providing some data on these ones too!

Known as among the most spectacular fortified church buildings in Europe, these websites have been constructed by the Saxons who got here from Germany to Transylvania. 

There are round 150 fortified church buildings within the nation and most of them have been constructed between the thirteenth and Sixteenth centuries!

I’m positive you gained’t have time to go to all 150 however some main ones that I believe you shouldn’t miss are Biertan, Harmam, Viscri, and Calnic. Out of all these ones, I believe Biertan is among the most lovely and it’s positioned simply 50 miles (80 km) away from Sibiu.

P.S.: If you’re in Sibiu, be sure you cease by Brukenthal National Museum, it’s a surprising place!

PRICE: From 15 Ron (US$3)

12.  Indulge in all the standard Romanian meals

One of the most effective issues to do in Romania (and one thing that I like to recommend to all my pals from overseas after they go to) is to attempt our conventional meals! 

It’s tremendous scrumptious, and most of it’s made with nice high quality elements from folks’s gardens (particularly within the conventional villages). Although Romanian delicacies favors meat lovers, you’ll additionally discover some dishes for vegetarians! 

To be taught all about it you possibly can be part of a food tour, however if you happen to’re simply questioning what to check out first, take a look at my listing beneath. It has among the finest conventional dishes: 

• Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls) – A dish made with minced meat blended with rice that’s rolled up in fermented cabbage leaves
• Zacusca (Vegetable Paste) – This scrumptious vegetable paste tastes heavenly on heat, recent bread
• Mamaliga (Polenta) – A aspect dish manufactured from corn flour boiled in water
• Jumari (Smoked bacon and greaves) – Perfect for winter, this pork meat is often made with plenty of spices and fried in a pan 

13. Drive the Transfagarasan Highway

Whether you’re becoming a member of a tour or renting a car so you are able to do this by your self, you’ll find yourself falling in love with this street journey! 

I’ve not too long ago been right here, and I’ve bought to say, get able to cease each 5 minutes to take footage! 

This 90 miles (150 km) street throughout Fagaras Mountains is among the finest issues to do in Romania and it was even named the most effective street on this planet by BBC’s Top Gear present. 

If you’re into driving then you definitely’ll love all of the steep turns and S curves on the Transfagarasan Highway, however if you happen to’re not an enormous fan of driving on a lot of these roads then I like to recommend becoming a member of a guided tour! 

Opened solely in the course of the summer time because of the snow (you could find out extra concerning the opening dates on the official website), the Transfagarasan Highway affords the possibility to admire the world’s blue lakes, historical citadel ruins, and breathtaking mountain views! 

And after all, you possibly can cease by the ruins of Poenari Castle, which was the house of Vlad the Impaler. But keep in mind that Poenari Castle is about excessive atop a mountain and it’s important to climb 1,480 stairs to succeed in it! 

14. Sunbathe on the seashores in Constanta 

If you’re coming throughout summertime, then a visit to see the gorgeous Black Sea is necessary… Especially if you happen to’re touring from Bucharest, which is simply 135 miles (220 km) away from all of the seashores in Constanta!  

Since I stay in Bucharest in the meanwhile, in the course of the sizzling months I depart town for both the mountains or the ocean!

There are plenty of totally different seashores in Romania for all tastes, however listed below are among the finest ones:

• Tuzla Beach – Perfect for tranquility, this wild seashore doesn’t have a lot happening but it surely’s one in all my favorites because it’s surrounded by wilderness and it’s often empty 
• Mamaia Beach – If you’re seeking to occasion and splendid accommodations, then Mamaia is the place for you
• Vama Veche Beach – With a hippie environment happening, Vama Veche can also be a great spot to occasion

15. Go climbing within the Carpathian Mountains

If you’re into out of doors actions otherwise you’re eager on happening a enjoyable street journey round these mountains that encompass Transcarpathia and Transylvania area, then you definitely’re in for a deal with! There are plenty of issues to do right here from climbing to mountain biking and plenty of others!

The Carpathian Mountains occupy one-third of Romania and their altitudes can attain 2500m! 

If that is your first time exploring Romania’s mountains and wilderness, I like to recommend searching for guided tours from Brasov, Cluj, or some other close by cities in Transylvania that supply out of doors actions within the Carpathian Mountains. Going alone may be too overwhelming, particularly if you happen to haven’t been right here earlier than. 

NOTE: Romania is called Europe’s final wilderness reserve, and there are many guided tours that take you to see brown bears of their pure habitat. Alternatively, you possibly can go to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti, a village positioned within the Piatra Craiului Mountains, that are a part of the Southern Carpathians mountains vary. 

16.  Enjoy the wine of Romania

Wine-making goes means again in my dwelling nation, to nearly 6000 years in the past!

Romania is Europe’s fifth largest wine producer, and the climate right here is ideal for viniculture a glass of our wine can positively persuade you of that!

No go to to Romania may be completed with out happening a wine tasting tour or visiting some wineries! During your exploration, you’ll discover plenty of large-scale producers, which supply many forms of wine, nonetheless, you’ll additionally stumble throughout small enterprises that focus simply on 2-3 sorts. 

17. See the biggest Gothic Church in Eastern Europe

18. Stop by the Palace of Culture in Iasi

If you’re in Iasi you possibly can’t miss out on this majestic constructing that was used as an administration constructing and courthouse!

At the second, the Palace of Culture hosts 4 totally different museums, the History Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Science Museum, and the Art Museum. Plus many different totally different rooms and halls. 

One that you just shouldn’t miss out on is the Voivodes Hall, which has plenty of necessary work of the royal household and Romanian kings. 

PRICE: 16 Ron (US$3)

Places to remain in Romania 

I couldn’t wrap up this submit with out providing a piece with the most effective locations to remain in Romania! Since I’m speaking about the entire nation, I made a decision to choose 4 of crucial cities the place vacationers often keep in Romania.

Let’s examine them out: 

Bucharest 

Romania’s capital metropolis is also called “Little Paris” and it’s the most effective spots to begin your journey. This is the place I stay in the meanwhile and belief me, there are such a lot of issues to see from the National Museum of Art to the open-air museum Dimitrie Gusti Village Museum and the Museum of Natural History, plus many different websites. 

Below are my prime selections however if you’re searching for extra choices, take a look at our submit on the top hotels in Bucharest.

• Luxury: The Marmorosch – A wonderful 5-star resort close to the Old Town and the National Museum of Contemporary Art with a restaurant and a health middle. The lodging has a novel design and it affords nice views. 

• Mid Range: Intercontinental Bucharest – You’ll love the snug rooms with ceiling-to-floor home windows at this resort that has a wellness middle and a swimming pool. 

• Budget: Capitol Hotel – Set in a 1901 constructing, this resort is positioned close to many metropolis sights just like the National Museum of Art or the Grigore Antipa Museum of Natural History, and it has a restaurant on-site plus rooms with metropolis views. 

Brasov 

Home to Bran Castle and Peles Castle, Brasov is the biggest metropolis and central hub for hotels in Transylvania, making it an important place to dive into the Romanian tradition!

• Luxury: Kronwell Brasov – Offering deluxe ensuites with a bath, this beautiful resort has a restaurant and a swimming pool the place you possibly can chill out after exploring town. 

• Mid Range: Safrano Palace – With elegant decor and distinctive furnishings, this resort comes with free wifi and a buffet breakfast. 

• Budget: Casa Chitic – This lodging has an important location, spacious rooms with wood components, and affords an airport shuttle. 

Cluj-Napoca

This college metropolis has turn into extra standard with vacationers in the previous couple of years. Filled with plenty of places to visit and residential to among the greatest music festivals in Romania, Cluj is a spot you possibly can’t miss out on! 

• Luxury: Hotel Platinia – This lodging has snug and fashionable rooms with a flat-screen television, 2 eating places, and a backyard.  

• Mid Range: Golden Tulip Ana Dome – Equipped with all of the amenities you want together with a spa middle, a bar, and a restaurant, this resort is certainly a keeper! 

• Budget: Brickyard Apartments – An inexpensive and tremendous sensible place to remain in Cluj that has plenty of area, a kitchen, and rooms with balconies. 

Sighisoara

Dating again to the twelfth century, this metropolis’s historic middle was named a UNESCO World Heritage website and when you see it you’ll fall in love with it (as all of us did)!

• Luxury: Casa Georgius Krauss – A boutique resort set within the former home of chronicler Georgius Krauss which nonetheless has its authentic frescoes! Each room has medieval-style furnishings and a non-public lavatory. 

• Mid Range: Casa Savri – This lovely visitor home has a surprising design, a solar terrace, and rooms with a non-public lavatory and a flat-screen television. 

• Budget: Casa Lily – Perfect for a tranquil keep in Sighisoara, this visitor home comes with snug rooms with a balcony, free personal parking, and barbecue amenities. 

FAQs about Romania 

Conclusion

Wow, I suppose a few of you had no concept that Romania is so beautiful!

I hope this submit helped you determine that are the most effective issues to do in Romania! I’ve made a brilliant lengthy listing and I’ve additionally added a piece with the most effective cities to remain within the nation whereas providing you with some resort choices as nicely. 

Don’t overlook to e-book your tickets and lodging upfront, Romania is tremendous standard and when it’s full of vacationers, the whole lot tends to promote out so quick!

For now, that is the place I depart you, I hope you get pleasure from your journey and if you happen to’ve bought any extra questions, pop them within the feedback beneath and I’ll reply all of them! 

Have a beautiful journey, 

Victoria

Pin it for later!

Pin it for later!