Top attractions and things to do in Romania
Romania is a beautiful country in Eastern Europe, known for its stunning landscapes, medieval castles and rich history. It has everything from the wild Carpathian Mountains to charming old towns and vibrant cities. It is a must-visit for those who love nature, history and unique experiences. We visited Romania mainly for two reasons — to drive the famous Transfăgărășan Road, one of the most scenic roads in the world and to see the brown bears that roam freely in the forests. We enjoyed that as well as many other places/experiences while we were there.
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In this article, we try to give you an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Romania.
Bran Castle
Bran Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Romania. It is located near Brașov and is often called 'Dracula’s Castle' because of its link to Bram Stoker’s novel. The castle sits on a hill and has a mysterious, medieval look. Inside, you can explore old rooms, secret passages and displays about Vlad the Impaler and Romanian royalty. The views from the top are stunning.
Pre-booking is recommended as the castle gets quite busy with tourists. You could also go for a Bran + Peles Castle combined guided tour as it will work out better and help you make the most of your time.
Peleș Castle
Peleș Castle is a beautiful palace in Sinaia, in the Carpathian Mountains. It was built for Romania’s royal family and looks like something from a fairy tale. The castle has fancy towers, wooden carvings and beautiful stained glass. Inside, you can see luxurious rooms, paintings and a huge collection of weapons. The gardens around the castle are also worth exploring.
Corvin Castle
Corvin Castle, also called Hunedoara Castle, is one of the most impressive Gothic castles in Romania. It is located in Hunedoara and has a dramatic look with tall towers, a wooden bridge and a dark dungeon. You can walk through its large halls, see medieval exhibits and hear legends about prisoners and ghosts. It is a great place to feel like you have stepped into a medieval story.
Palace of Parliament
The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest is the second-largest administrative building in the world. It was built during the communist era and is known for its grand size and luxury. You can take guided tours to see huge marble halls, crystal chandeliers and richly decorated rooms. It is one of the most visited places in Bucharest.
Pre-booking your tour is recommened as based on our experience, it is not easy to book tours on the day.
Curtea de Argeș Monastery
Curtea de Argeș Monastery is a beautiful religious site in the town of Curtea de Argeș. It is famous for its unique architecture and the legend of the builder who had to sacrifice his wife to complete it. The monastery is also the resting place of Romanian kings. You can admire its detailed stonework, tall towers and soend time in the peaceful gardens.
Merry Cemetery (Săpânța)
The Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, in northern Romania, is not like other cemeteries. Instead of being sad, it is colourful and full of life. The wooden crosses are painted bright blue and have funny or touching messages about the people buried there. You can walk through and read these stories, getting a unique look at Romanian culture and humour.
Mogoșoaia Palace
Mogoșoaia Palace is a lovely historic palace just outside Bucharest. It was built in the 17th century and has a mix of Romanian and Ottoman architecture. The palace is surrounded by a peaceful park and a lake, making it a great place for a relaxing visit. Inside, there are old rooms, a small museum, and exhibitions about Romanian history.
Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest is an open-air museum that shows traditional Romanian village life. It has many old wooden houses, churches and windmills brought from different parts of Romania. You can walk around, go inside the houses and learn how people lived in the past. It feels like stepping back in time.
We loved this open-air museum and recommend it highly. When we visited, it also had an artisan market going on with artists selling everything from paintings to jewellery to traditional Romanian dresses.
Cistercian Abbey of Cârța
The Cistercian Abbey of Cârța is a ruined medieval monastery in Transylvania. It was built by Cistercian monks in the 13th century and is one of the oldest of its kind in Romania. When you visit, you can explore the ruins, see parts of the old church and enjoy the peaceful setting. The place has a quiet, mysterious atmosphere and is perfect for history lovers.
After a visit to the monastery, we recommend a walk in the village. It is lovely - with colourful houses and flower blooms evertywhere.
Transfăgărășan Road
The Transfăgărășan Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world, winding through the Carpathian Mountains. It connects Transylvania and Wallachia and offers breathtaking views, waterfalls and hairpin turns. You can stop at viewpoints, hike in the area and visit Bâlea Lake. The best time to visit is from June to October, as the road is closed in winter due to heavy snow.
We loved this scenic road and highly recommend it if you love scenic drives.
Transalpina Road
Transalpina is the highest paved road in Romania, reaching an altitude of over 2,100 meters. It crosses the Parâng Mountains and offers stunning panoramic views. The road is popular with drivers, cyclists and hikers. It is best visited between June and October, as it is often closed in winter. You should bring warm clothing, as it can be chilly even in summer.
Danube Delta
The Danube Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Europe for birdwatching. It is located in eastern Romania, where the Danube River meets the Black Sea. You can explore by boat, see pelicans and other rare birds and experience traditional fishing villages. The best time to visit is spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and wildlife is most active.
Bâlea Lake
Bâlea Lake is a stunning glacial lake in the Făgăraș Mountains, accessible via the Transfăgărășan Road. It is surrounded by rugged peaks and is a great place for hiking and photography.
In winter, an ice hotel is built here, attracting visitors looking for a unique stay. The best time to visit is summer (June to September) for easy access or winter (December to February) for the ice hotel experience.
Bigăr Waterfall
Bigăr Waterfall, located in Caraș-Severin County, is known for its fairytale-like appearance. The water flows over a moss-covered rock, creating a beautiful curtain effect. It was once called one of the most unique waterfalls in the world. The best time to visit is in spring or early summer when the water flow is strongest. You should wear comfortable shoes, as the area can be slippery.
Retezat National Park
Retezat National Park is one of Romania’s most beautiful natural areas, home to deep valleys, clear lakes and diverse wildlife. It is perfect for hiking, with trails leading to glacial lakes and mountain peaks. The park is also a protected area for bears, lynxes and rare plants. The best time to visit is from June to September when the weather is ideal for hiking.
Turda Salt Mine
Turda Salt Mine is a fascinating underground attraction in Transylvania, near Cluj-Napoca.
Once a working salt mine, it is now a unique tourist site with an underground lake, a Ferris wheel and a health therapy area. You can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the cool, fresh air. The mine is open year-round, but it is a great place to visit in summer to escape the heat.
Sibiu
Sibiu is a beautiful medieval city in Transylvania, known for its colourful old town, cobbled streets and unique houses with "eye-shaped" windows on their roofs. It has many historical buildings, including the Large Square, Brukenthal Palace and the Bridge of Lies. Visitors can explore museums, climb the Council Tower for great views and enjoy local food. A great souvenir to take home is traditional Romanian pottery from the local markets.
Brașov
Brașov is a charming city surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. It is famous for its medieval walls, lively main square and the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania.
You can stroll down Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe, and take a cable car to Mount Tampa for panoramic views.
Sighișoara
Sighișoara is a small but stunning medieval town in Transylvania, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is best known as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. You can walk through the colourful streets, see the Clock Tower and visit Vlad’s birthplace, now a small restaurant. A great Romanian souvenir to pick up from Sighișoara is a handmade wooden mask or a Dracula-themed keepsake.
Timișoara
Timișoara is a lively city in western Romania, known as the "City of Flowers" and the place where Romania’s 1989 Revolution began. It has grand squares, colourful baroque buildings and a vibrant arts scene. You can explore Union Square, Victory Square and the Bega River promenade. A great souvenir from Timișoara is a bottle of local Timișoreana beer, Romania’s oldest beer brand.
Alba Iulia
Alba Iulia is a historic city famous for its star-shaped Vauban Fortress. It played an important role in Romania’s history and is a great place to explore Roman ruins, medieval gates and grand churches. You can walk along the fortress walls and watch the daily guard-changing ceremony. A unique souvenir from Alba Iulia is a replica Roman coin or a small decorative piece inspired by the fortress.
Visiting a Bear Sanctuary
The Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești is a special place where rescued bears live in a safe, natural environment.
Many of these bears were once kept in tiny cages or used for entertainment, but now they roam freely in the forest. You can take guided tours to see the bears up close and learn about their rescue stories. This is a unique experience because it helps support the protection of Romania’s wildlife.
Riding the Mocănița Steam Train
The Mocănița Steam Train is a beautiful old-fashioned train that runs through the scenic Maramureș countryside. It is one of the last working narrow-gauge steam trains in Europe. As the train slowly moves through forests and mountains, you can enjoy breathtaking views. What makes this ride unique is the chance to step back in time and experience train travel as it was over a century ago.
Exploring the Wooden Churches of Maramureș
The wooden churches of Maramureș are stunning examples of traditional Romanian craftsmanship. These tall, wooden churches with pointed roofs and detailed carvings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can explore the peaceful interiors, admire the hand-painted icons and learn about the region’s religious history. What makes them special is that they are built entirely from wood, without nails and have lasted for centuries.
Walking Through the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina are some of Romania’s most famous religious sites. These monasteries, covered in colourful frescoes inside and out, tell biblical stories through paintings. You can admire the detailed artwork, learn about their history and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. What makes this experience unique is that the vibrant paintings have survived for hundreds of years, despite being exposed to rain and snow.
Caving in Scărișoara Ice Cave
Scărișoara Ice Cave, located in the Apuseni Mountains, is home to one of the largest underground glaciers in the world. You descend into the cave through a deep sinkhole and will find yourself surrounded by giant ice formations. The frozen stalactites and icy floor create an otherworldly atmosphere. What makes this cave special is that the ice inside is over 3,000 years old, making it a natural wonder to explore. Amazing!
This list highlights some of the best things to see and do in Romania, from breathtaking mountain roads and medieval castles to unique cultural sites and stunning natural wonders. However, it is not an exhaustive list as there is so much more to explore in this beautiful country. Whether it’s hidden villages, scenic hikes or more historic landmarks, Romania has something for everyone.
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