10 Best Places to Visit in Romania: Bucket List Destinations
Plan out your Romanian itinerary to include these top 10 destinations in Romania and the best things to do in each.
Romania is a beautiful country located in southeastern Europe. It’s known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes ranging from medieval castles and charming towns to rugged mountains and pristine beaches.
Romania is also a country steeped in folklore and legend with famous tales of Dracula and other mythical figures adding to its allure. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or adventure, Romania has something to offer everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 places to visit in Romania and what makes them so special.
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1. Bran Castle
The best place to visit in Romania is Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. This beautiful Gothic-style castle is located in the Carpathian Mountains near the city of Brasov. It was built in the 14th century and is most famous for its association with the legend of Dracula, written by Bram Stoker.
Add this iconic Romanian landmark to your itinerary. You’ll be able to explore the castle’s winding staircases, secret passages, and towers while learning about its history as a royal residence and military stronghold. Learn all about visiting Bran Castle.
Book a day trip to Dracula’s Castle, Peles Castle, and Brasov from Bucharest.
2. Sinaia and Peles Castle
Nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains is Sinaia, a picturesque town renown for its natural beauty and historic landmarks. This makes it a popular place for skiing and hiking in Romania for those looking for outdoor adventures in Romania.
The most famous attraction in Sinaia is Peles Castle. This lavish palace was built in the 19th century for the Romanian royal family and should make your Romanian bucket list.
Peles Castle was built with a number of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau. When you take a tour, you’ll also be able to appreciate its impressive furniture, paintings, and sculptures.
3. Bucharest
Romania’s capital city, Bucharest, is known for its vibrant energy, rich history, and mix of architectural styles. It’s also the jumping off point for most visitors to Romania. The city offers tons of things to do from museums and theaters to parks and gardens.
Make sure to visit the most iconic landmark in Bucharest – the Palace of Parliament. It’s the second largest administrative building in the world, coming in right after the Pentagon. You’ll also want to spend at least one night in Bucharest to enjoy it’s thriving nightlife.
See the highlights of Bucharest with a two hour city walking tour.
4. Danube Delta
See a different side of Romania at the Danube Delta. This unique ecosystem stretches across the border of Romania and Ukraine where the Danube River meets the Black Sea. The delta is home to over 300 species of birds, plus rare fish and mammals which has helped land it on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
To explore the Danube Delta, plan a boat tour. It will take you winding through the waterways of the delta to observe the wildlife and explore the traditional fishing villages and reed-thatched homes.
Do a day trip to the Danube Delta from Letea, Romania or as a private day tour from Bucharest.
5. Sighisoara
One of the best places to visit in Romania is Sighisoara. It’s a beautiful medieval town in Transylvania featuring a well-preserved historic center and hilltop citadel. The town was founded back in the 12th century and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
During a visit to Sighisoara, you’ll want to wander the cobblestone streets, admire the colorful buildings, and step back in time with the ancient churches. You also won’t want to miss climbing up the stairs to the citadel for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Take a 2 hour city tour to get acquainted with Sighisoara.
6. Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is a lively university city in Transylvania and a must-visit town in Romania. It’s best known for the cultural attractions and architecture of the city. It’s a blend of Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles and also has modern buildings and sculptures scattered throughout.
When visiting Cluj-Napoca, you can explore museums, theaters, and galleries, attend concerts and festivals, such as the Transylvania International Film Festival, and enjoy the lively nightlife of the town.
Book a guided tour of Cluj-Napoca.
7. Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina are a series of eight Eastern Orthodox monasteries located in northeastern Romania. They are most famous for their intricate frescoes and vibrant colors.
Dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, these monasteries are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Painted Monasteries to admire their intricate paintings of scenes from the Bible and Christian history. You’ll also learn about the history and culture of this region of Romania.
Book a guided tour to the Painted Monasteries from Suceava, Romania.
8. Corvin Castle
Another castle has made the list for top places to visit in Romania: Corvin Castle, also known as the Hunyadi Castle or Castelul Corvinilor. This stunning Gothic castle is located in the town of Hunedoara in western Romania. The castle was built back in the 14th century and has been beautifully restored and preserved.
During a visit to Corvin Castle, you can explore the castle’s towers, courtyards, and dungeons, while learning about its history as a royal residence and military fortress. Some of my favorite aspects of this castle are the large drawbridge, beautiful courtyard, and of course, the chapel.
Take a tour to Corvin Castle, Alba Iulia, and more from Sibiu.
9. Transfagarasan Highway
Embrace adventure by visiting the Transfagarasan Highway. This spectacular mountain road winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
This road makes it onto the Romania bucket list destinations for its famous hairpin turns, steep inclines, and beautiful vistas. It’s one of the most scenic drives in Europe. Make sure to stop at various lookout points along the way to take in the views and explore the natural beauty of the area.
Travel the Transfagarasan Highway from Brasov or book at a tour from Bucharest.
10. Maramures
Maramures is a rural region in northern Romania that is known for its traditional architecture, folk art, and festivals. As you explore the region, you’ll encounter wooden churches and houses, some of which date back to the 17th century. There are also a number that are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
During your time in Maramures, you can explore the picturesque villages, attend local fairs and markets, and learn about the traditional crafts and customs of the region. Make special note of the unique wooden gates adorned with intricate carvings and symbols. These are famous in this area.
See the best of Maramures in one day.
Map of Romania
Get a feel for where each of these bucket list Romanian destinations are located. This will help you plan your itinerary for Romania.
Explore More of the Region
Now that you know just how incredible Romania is, it’s time to plan your itinerary and Romania bucket list. Continue planning your adventures with these helpful posts.
- How to Visit Bran Castle: Day Trip to Dracula’s Castle
- How to Spend One Day in Veliko Tarnovo
- How to Spend One Day in Plovdiv
- Backpacking through Sofia: Things to Do and Places to See
- How to Visit the UFO in Bulgaria: The Buzludzha Monument Tour
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