THINGS TO DO IN ROMANIA

Romania is a land of stunning old castles and vampires. A country that hosts the Danube Delta and is surrounded by the Black Sea and the Carpathian mountains. The home of interesting cities, picturesque towns, and a vibrant cultural scene. A crossroads between Central and Eastern Europe that provides endless attractions to delight every traveler. Thus, it’s the perfect holiday destination. And with this list of best things to do in Romania you’ll certainly make the most of it. 

In a country of nearly 20 million inhabitants with Bucharest as its capital and main hub, things to do are endless. If you are looking to stay on a budget, explore the wilderness, have a cool city break, learn about communism and vampires, and sample some delicious dishes, Romania has you covered. And so does this list of the best places to visit in Romania. This includes the country’s absolute highlights and the must-see Romania attractions in regions such as Transylvania and the Romanian Riviera. Keep it handy when preparing your holidays in Romania and tailor your perfect Romania itinerary.

Best things to do in Romania’s midlands

1. Fall for Bucharest

Bucharest, the country’s capital and largest city, is a must see in Romania. Undoubtedly the number one among the cities to visit in Romania. Bucharest should be in every itinerary to visit Romania and will never disappoint. In this city of 1.7 million inhabitants once ruled by Ottomans, Habsburgs, Russians, and Germans, travelers will come across tons of interesting things to do in Romania. These include beautiful Byzantine, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings along with great restaurants, cafes, parks, and museums. 

Bucharest is the fourth largest city in the European Union. So the list of best things to do in Bucharest is quite large. You can read more in depth information about the best places to visit in Bucharest here. Yet, as a first approach, the Romania tourist attractions not to miss when exploring the country;s capital are the following. 

Firstly, the Bucharest Parliament, known as the People’s House of Romania. This is the world’s heaviest building and the second largest parliament house on the planet. Look at it from every angle and join a guided tour of its premises to learn about its tragic construction and the many secrets it hosts. 

Secondly, make sure to wander around the old town and check out highlights such as the Arch of Triumph, the Revolution Square, the Romanian Atheneum, and the Palace and Cathedral of the Patriarchy. Here you’ll also find interesting museums like the National Museum of Romanian History or the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum. 

Finally, check out the city’s markets, relax in its parks, and sample some local cuisine in restaurants such as Manuc’s Inn. History lovers will also enjoy guided tours such as this communist tour of Bucharest. Romania sightseeing wouldn’t be complete without a couple days in Bucharest, make the most of it.

2. Get to know Timisoara

Timisoara is a beautiful Romanian city near the borders with Serbia and Hungary. It’s famous for its art-nouveau buildings, historical relevance, and multicultural legacy. Despite being quite far from Bucharest, over 550km to be driven in nearby 7 hours, the city is one of the most famous Romania tourist places as it’s easily accessible by air from all over Europe. 

The city flourished in the 13th century and was the first place in Romania to have a public water supply and the first European city to have electric street lamps. Tmisoara was also one of the first cities in the world to have horse-drawn trams and the home to Romania’s premier technical university. No wonder this city quickly became western Romania’s main social and cultural centre. Until today, Tmisora hosts lots of music festivals, theater performances, and art exhibitions across its gorgeous parks and wide streets. 

When visiting Tmisora make sure to explore the city;s main squares of Victoriei, Libertății, and Unirii. Along with the Orthodox Cathedral and every corner of tis old town. Despite being heavily bombarded during World War II and having hosted the beginning of the 1989 revolution that led to the fall of communism in the country, the city is in great shape and makes one of the unmissable Romania places to visit for those in the area. 

3. Admire the Sphinx at Bucegi Mountains

The Romanian Sphinx is a natural rock formation that resembles a human face. It somehow looks like the Egyptian Great Sphinx of Giza. Thus, this peculiar megalith built by the power of the wind erosion is one of the coolest things to see in Romania for those who love natural wonders. 

The Sphinx is accessible by car, on foot, or by cable car from the small town of Busteni. It stands in Bucegi Natural Park, a wonderful place for hiking so consider spending some time in the are if you’d love some time in the wild while visiting Romania.

4. Explore Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle is, to many, the nicest castle in Romania. And that’s quite an achievement in a country full of wonderful old castles. Plus it’s one of the largest castles in Europe, so there’s plenty to see when exploring Corvin Castle. 

This masterpiece of traditional Transylvanian architecture was built in the 15th century atop of an earlier fortress. It stands in the heart of Transylvania, in a really picturesque rocky cliff overlooking Zlatsi River and Hunedoara city, by Retezat National Park. This is about 400km from Bucharest and 170km from Tmisoara. 

The castle stands out thanks to its massive stone towers, pointed turrets, entrance bridge, scary gothic gargoyles, brightly colored roofs, delicate fountains, and spiral stairways. The palace is open to visitors from 9am to 8om Tuesday to Sunday and from 12 noon to 8pm on Mondays. The entrance fee is $6. After the 2003 renovations, the castle is a must among Romania top attractions, don’t miss out on it if in the area. 

5. Find the Painted Monasteries

One of the coolest Romania places to visit are the painted monasteries of Bucovina, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is a collection of eight Orthodox monasteries spread across the northern Romanian regions of Moldova and Bucovina, about 450km from Bucharest. You’ll find them as the churches of Voronet, Sucevita, Tatra, Arbore, Humor, Patrauti, Probota and Suceava. Given their remote location, the best way to visit the monasteries is by private car or with an organised tour. Make sure to check the opening hours for each monasteri before visiting, although I can assure you that seeing them from the outside is already pleasant enough. 

These monasteries rank among the places to go in Romania. That’s because they are all in well preserved Byzantine style and feature wonderful frescos from the 15th century. The colourful frescoes depict religious scenes including saints, prophets, angels, demons, and crucial moments of Jesus’ life. These were painted to educate local villagers into Christianity. The monasteries remain active religious sites, so make sure to visit accordingly. 

6. Visit the Wooden Churches of Maramures

The wooden churches of Maramures are another one of the must see Romania beautiful places. There’s over a hundred wooden churches here, of which eight are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among them, the churches of Barsana and Surdesti are unmissable Romania attractions and ideal examples of ancient local architecture. 

The region of Maramures is in Northern Romania, close to the border with Ukraine and about 600km from Bucharest. It’s a slow-paced green area semi-autonomous since the Middle Ages where locals keep their own traditions and remote way of life. As back in the day locals were not allowed to use stone to build their homes, both rural houses and churches are made of wood and feature wonderful wood carvings. Very few tourist come here, so those making it will feel like traveling back in time.

7. Wander around Peles Castle

Peles Castle may well be one of Europe’s most beautiful castles and one of the most famous Romania tourist spots. This wonderful example of Art Noveau, Byzantine and Celtic styles has over 160 rooms and a collection of stunning gardens featuring wood carvings, ornate stones, stained-glass windows, Murano crystal chandeliers, and colorful frescoes. It even was the first castle in Europe to have electricity.

The castle stands in Sinaia, a mountain town 140km North of Bucharest, and belongs to the Romanian Royal Family. It was built as the royals summer residence back in the 19th century, the communists seized it for a while, and in 1997 Peles was returned to the royal family along with many other properties. Nowadays, the castle and its museums are open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday from 9.15am to 5pm and entrance fees start at $10.

8. Go back in time at Sarmizegetusa Regia

Sarmizegetusa Regia is the Machu Picchu of Europe and visiting this historical site is certainly one of the best things to do in Romania. The place stands in halfway between Brasov and Tmisora, about 400km from Bucharest. It’s open to visitors from 9am to 8pm everyday except for Mondays. The entrance fee is below $4. If you don’t have a car, I’d recommend visiting with one of these organized tours to Sarmizegetusa Regia.

Deep in the Carpathian forests, on top of a 1200 metre-high mountain, Dacian people built a citadel over 2,000 years ago to protect their empire from invading romans. This is now a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can picture how daily life as Dacians might have been. Get ready to enjoy religious, military and political ruins along with those of ancient workshops, private homes, and water pipes.

9. Enjoy the Carpathian Mountains

One of the top Romania things to do is to spend some time in the wild Carpathian Mountains. The Carpathians occupy over 45% of the country’s territory and offer hundreds of natural attractions. These include hiking trails, caves, glacial lakes, valleys, vias ferrata, waterfalls, and 12 mountain peaks of over 2,500m. 

Besides hiking, swimming and chilling in the woods, the Carpathian Mountains make a great place for wildlife watching. Europe’s largest population of brown bears inhabit these forests, and so do many deer, lynx, bisons, boars, and wolves. There’s special observation cabins to spot them, and many organised tours that will teach you about these lands and fauna.

10. Try Local Cuisine

One of the best things to do in Romania is to try its local cuisine. With notable Turkish, Hungarian, Balkan, and German influences, local dishes in Romania are rich in flavour and spices. Additionally, meals are based on locally produced goods such as vegetables, eggs, milk, and meat. Thus, expect lots of shepherd’s cheese, stuffed peppers, eggplant, beans, and pies.

The following are the must-try Romanian dishes. 

• Sarmale cu Mamaliguta: cabbage rolls stuffed with ground meat
• Mici cu Mustar: grilled sausages similar to cevapci
• Pastrama de Oaie cu Mamaligutā: Polenta with lamb pastrami
• Papanasi cu Smîntînā: cheese Doughnuts with Sweet Cream
• Plăcinte cu brânză: fried bread and sweet cheese 
• Kurtoskalacs: chimney cakes with nuts, chocolate or coconut 

Looking for the ebay restaurants where to try these? Check out the following posts for the best food to try in Bucharest and the must-have dishes in Brasov.

Best things to do in Transylvania

11. Discover Brasov

Brasov is a small city that makes the perfect base to visit Transylvania. Thus, exploring the many Brasov attractions is one of the best things to do in Transylvania and a must among the best places to visit in Romania. You’ll find it 200km North of Bucharest and is reachable within 3 hours drive, either by private car or by joining one of the many day trips to Brasov. 

Brasov’s medieval old town is the city’s highlight. Its narrow cobblestone streets managed to keep a middle ages vibe hard to beat. The best places to visit in Brasov include the city’s council square, black church, Catherine’s Gate, synagogue, and black and white towers.

Besides its many architectural treasures and tasty local cuisine, Brasov is also one of the best places to visit in Romania for mountain lovers. In wintertime, visitors will have a blast skiing in Poiana while during the summer the Libearty Bear Sanctuary Adventure Park and Tampa Mountain are hard to beat. You can read more about the top things to do in Brasov Romania here, including opening hours and prices to the city’s main attractions.

12. Walk around Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca, which 300,000 inhabitants, is Romania ‘s second largest city. A lively university town hosting eleven colleges, with a vibrant cultural scene, and lots of interesting neoclassical and baroque buildings. Here you’ll find museums, cafes, boutiques, and many festivals. Therefore, Cluj-Napoca is one of the best cities to visit in Romania. 

The city stands in Northwestern Romania, about 450km from Bucharest. Thus, it’s home to a large Hungarian population. Its main highlight is Piata Unirri or Union Square, home to gothic St. Michael’s Church and the National Art Museum. Cetatuia Park makes a great place to relax.

13. Visit the famous Bran Castle

Bran Castle is a highlight among Romania places to visit as it inspired Bram Stoker when describing Dracula’s castle. Although there is no evidence that Vlad the Impaler lived here, the inhouse museum hosts many artifacts related to him. Including furniture, armours and clothing. This transylvanian landmark from 1377 is now a museum open to visitors on Mondays from midday to 6pm and from 9am to 6pm Tuesday-Sunday. The entrance fee is $9 and tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Moreover, the place is easy to access by car, public transport, and guided tours. 

This now National Monument in Transylvania initially served to house and protect Germans in the area. It was then made a royal residence to Queen Marie, and used as a hospital during WWII. The castle sits imposing above the village and its dark and winding staircases add drama to the visit. There’s four floors and 57 rooms to explore

14. Learn about Sighisoara

One of the coolest things about Romania is its Dracula legend, which actually comes to life in Sighisoara. This city in Transylvania is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the local ruler who inspired Bram Stoker’s novel. 

There’s many things to do in Sighisoara, including wandering around its charming medieval streets, exploring the watchtowers, and admiring its colourful houses. Within the city’s fortified walls lies the old town, which is Europe’s only still inhabited medieval citadel and one of the best-preserved worldwide. Consequently, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Visitors can also explore Vald’s home, the clock tower, and the many stalls from local craftsmen.

Many come by private car or on a day trip from Bucharest, Sibiu or Brasov as a few hours are enough to enjoy the city. You can find your ideal organised tour to Sighisoara here.

15.  Observe the Fortified Churches

Each village in Transylvania used to have a fortified church. These served to hide and protect locals and their belongings in the event of an attack. Among them, seven are now considered UNESCO World Heritage sites and make some of the best places in Romania to check out.

For those who visit Tansylvania, the nicest and most curious fortified church is that of Biertan. It used to serve as a marital prison where couples seeking a divorce where locked for 6 weeks so they could solve their differences. And this seemed to work, as there was only one divorce over 300 years while this prison was in operation. Biertan village is also worth a visit thanks to its Saxon-style buildings and medieval defensive walls.

Additionally, the fortified church of Prejmer is also quite impressive. It;s form the 13th century and has a 30 metre-long vaulted gallery and a stunning Passion altarpiece of early Gothic style. Finally, consider visiting the fortified church of Viscri, a fortified village home of many cows where King Charles owns a villa.

16. Explore Sibiu

Sibiu is among the best Romania cities to visit as it’s one of the most authentic medieval towns in Europe. Consequently, most of Sibiu attractions and Sibiu things to do are related to this transylvanian city’s rich cultural heritage. No wonder the city is nicknamed “Little Vienna” of Romania and packed with cool restaurants and hotels. 

Expect lots of winding cobbled streets and 12th century Saxon houses, along with a huge city wall, baroque palaces, and a beautiful council tower. Additionally, the Brukenthal National Museum, ASTRA Museum of Folk Civilisation, theaters, parks, galleries, and gothic church are also worth a visit. Sibiu is also famous for being home to Romania’s first hospital, pharmacy, and library. Therefore, visiting this beautiful city is one of the best things to do in Romania.

17. Visit Rasnov Citadel

Rasnov is an impressive 13th century fortress about 20km from Brasov and on the way to Bran Castle. Therefore, it’s one of the best places to visit in Transylvania and one of the best things to do in Romania.

The Teutonic Order built it to protect the area against invaders, and it workes so well many nearby villages were permanently abandoned as locals moved into the citadel for good. Thus, it contains many Saxon houses, Evangelical and Orthodox churches, and craftsmen workshops. Additionally, Rasnov is one of Europe’s best-preserved Citadels so it’s definitely worth a visit when exploring Transylvania.

Best things to do in Romania’s Riviera

18. Sail the Danube Delta

Did you know that the Danube, the second-longest river in Europe with over 2,850km, flows and has its Delta in Romania? Plus it’s the best-preserved delta in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre thanks to its unique flora and fauna. Especially birdlife.

Bad news are the delta is so spread and remote it’s actually quite hard to visit. That’s because much of the delta is only accessible by boat. Yet, its forests, lakes, islands, marshes and sandy beaches are a paradise for wildlife lovers. And so are its picturesque fishermen villages. Nothing beats a sunset by the river followed by fresh Danube fish for dinner in any of them. 

Therefore, if you’d like to add the Danube Delta among your favourite things to do in Romania, go to Tulcea. There, book a boat trip around the area and across the Chilia, Sulina, and/or Sfantu Gheorghe channels.

19. Discover Constanza

Constanza is the biggest ROmanian city by the Black Sea and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the country. It dates back to year 600 BC so the things to do in Constanza include many beautiful historical buildings along with some beachtime. 

The city stands 2 hours East of Bucharest and is home to many long sandy beaches which makes it one of the top Romania holiday destinations. Make sure to check out its Cathedral, Roman ruins, and the Museum of National History and Archeology.

Back in the days the city’s casino in a beautiful art nouveau building was also a highlight, nicknamed as Romania’s Monte Carlo. However, following severe bombings and after being abandoned during communist times, it’s now a haunting sight by the port.

20. Sunbathe at Vama Veche

Vama Veche is the ultimate resort town to visit in Romania. Thus, if you are looking for great beaches, sunbathing, nice restaurants and fun clubs spending some time in Vama Veche is one of the best things to do in Romania. 

This is the southernmost coastal town in Romania, just by the border with Bulgaria. By car, it’s about an hour south of Constanza, three hours from Bucharest, and an hour and a half from Varna. Once a small fishing village hosting hippies and intellectuals, the palace is now a beach party town packed with holidaymakers, watersports, beach-front bars and divers.

Yet, it never lost its hippie atmosphere so whatever your vibe is, if you’d love to experience the Romanian Black Sea head to Vama Veche and make the most of it.

Recap on the best things to do in Romania

Romania best places to visit include vibrant cities, old archeological sites, wild mountains, and ancient castles. Therefore, there’s great things to do in Romania to satisfy every travel. This post summaries the very best of them and aims to help you prepare the ultimate Romania itinerary for a perfect trip.

Regardless o whether you are planning a weekend getaway in Bucharest, a few days by the beach at the Black Sea or a road trip across Transylvania, Romania will make your delights. If you have any further questions on these sites or would like additional information from my very own trip to Romania, make sure to leave a comment below or reach out through my Instagram and Tiktok pages. Enjoy your travels.