Curious about the best places to visit in Romania? Romania — one of the most traditional countries in Europe, a land of rolling fields and unspoiled countryside. 

The country has a lot to offer to its visitors — breathtaking landscapes, gorgeous castles, picturesque cities and towns, coastal resorts, as well as some of the best ski resorts in Central and Eastern Europe.

Being a very religious and superstitious country, with dark mythology, Romania has also been an inspiration for so many books and movies, specifically, one of the most important rulers in the history of Romania — Vlad III Dracula, known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula. Legends of his brutal yet brave and fearless acts have inspired storytellers around the globe. Several places in Romania are popular tourist destinations because they are associated with the fearless ruler.

Sounds enticing?

Are you interested in visiting Romania, and are wondering what to see in Romania?

To help you with the task of planning, we have created this list of 7 best places to visit in Romania.

7 best places to visit in Romania

1. Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital of Romania and the country’s commercial center. Called by many “Paris of the East”, it’s one of the best places to visit in Romania. 

The streets of Bucharest city center are teeming with nightlife, and welcome all kinds of tourists — from young backpackers on a tight budget to luxury travelers wanting to let off steam.

What we love the most about Bucharest is its diverse architecture — a mix of neo-classical, Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, art deco, communist-era, and modern buildings. 

The most iconic landmark in Romania is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului building (Palace of Parliament), which has 1100 rooms and a floor area of 365 000 m2. It’s the second-largest administrative building in the whole world (after the Pentagon).

But it’s not the only noteworthy building in Romania! People’s Salvation Cathedral (Catedrala Mântuirii Neamului) is an Orthodox church under construction in Sector 5, Bucharest. It is the tallest and largest Orthodox church in the world by volume and the largest Eastern Orthodox Church in the world by area. Impressive, isn’t it?

2. Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is Romania’s second-largest city. It is located in Transylvania and known for its universities, vibrant nightlife and landmarks dating to Saxon and Hungarian rule. 

Home to bohemian cafes, gardens, Gothic, Baroque and medieval buildings, it’s a great place to visit for every tourist traveling to Romania. The city is loved by students and artists and has a relaxed artsy vibe.

3. Sinaia

Sinaia is one of the country’s most recognized ski and snowboard resorts. It is a town in central Romania’s Bucegi Mountains, surrounded by ski trails.

Romania is becoming recognized across Europe as one of the best skiing destinations in Europe. And certainly, it’s one of the most affordable ones. A part of Romania is situated in the Carpathian Mountains. And thanks to that, the scenery in the mountains in Romania is as breathtaking as the one in Switzerland.

Sinaia is also home to a beautiful Peleș Castle, a Neo-Renaissance, built between 1873 and 1914.

If you are coming to Sinaia in the summer, head for a hike in the mountains!

There also is a cable car which offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

4. The Painted Monasteries of Bukovina

Romania has an incredible amount of history, and the Painted Monasteries are one of the greatest examples of Romania’s cultural heritage. 

Painted Monasteries are world-famous painted monasteries from the Byzantine times. Built-in the 15th and 16th centuries, the monasteries are covered in colorful frescoes inside and out. These frescoes are very realistic portrayals of human figures.

Each monastery in Bukovina is dedicated to a saint. 

The monasteries are a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993.

5. Sibiu 

Sibiu is one of the most important cultural centers in Romania. It is known for its distinguished architecture that can be seen in Upper town and Lower town. 

Lined with colorful houses on cobblestone streets, this city is a delight! Many people say that Sibiu is the prettiest and most pleasant city.

By the way, the old city of Sibiu was ranked as “Europe’s 8th-most idyllic place to live” by Forbes in 2008.

6. Bran Castle

Bran Castle, commonly known outside Romania as Dracula’s castle, is a national monument and landmark, and one of the best places to visit in Romania. 

As we have already mentioned, Romania is known because of its fearless and brutal yet brave ruler — Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler.

However, it’s not a real home of Vlad III Dracula. Stoker’s Dracula (a popular Gothic horror novel, inspired by  Vlad III Dracula), is linked to Transylvania, but the real, historic Dracula can be linked to the region of Wallachia.

But anyway, the castle is a great place to visit!

The castle is a museum dedicated to displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie of Romania. At the bottom of the hill is a small open-air museum exhibiting traditional cottages, barns, water-driven machinery, etc.

7. Sighisoara

Sighisoara is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe. It is also the birthplace of famed  Vlad III Dracula. 

Surrounded by beautiful hilly countryside, Sighisoara has a well-preserved medieval citadel in its UNESCO-protected old town. The ancient walls of the city are still intact, and nine towers continue to exist after many years of wear. The streets of the historical center are lined with 16th-century houses and untouched churches. 

Romania travel tips

1. Most probably, you don’t need a visa. Romania is a member of the EU. And EU nationals do not need a visa to travel to Romania.
2. Romania is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. So, you don’t have to worry that a trip to Romania will break your bank.
3. Romania is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit Romania depends on what you plan to do. If you want to sightsee, come at any time! The weather is the best during the summer, but it’s also the time when Romania receives the most visitors. 
4. Summer is the best time for the beach fun and hiking, whereas winter (December to March) — for skiing.
5. They don’t use Euro in Romania. Romania has its own currency called Romanian leu (RON).

Meat, so much meat! Romanians love meat and eat it a lot. So, be prepared for a hearty (and heavy) meal.