Places You Must Visit While on a Trip to Romania

Romania is a country, which is situated in a southeastern part of Europe, where myths are breathing in misty mountains, medieval fortresses tell the stories of kings and vampires, and untouched nature exists in all its primitive glory. It is a place that combines easily ancient with new, where ancient castles stand up proudly along the modern boulevards and every stone street in the city appears to echo its own historical, artistic and folk association.

Whether it is Gothic towers or the forested wilderness, Romania is a land of imagination. It is a destination to all types of travelers: the history lover, nature lover, the romantic and the dreamer. You want the mysticism of the Middle Ages, the cultural diversity, or the unbelievable beauty of nature. Romania welcomes you with wide arms, ancient romance, and the stories, which you will remember even after you have gone.

Take a look at this list of places that cannot be missed which are really a sample of the atmosphere of Romania – the country in which every part of it reads like a chapter of an old story.

1. Transylvania 

The most recognisable part of Romania is Transylvania, the place that is all over the world due to the legend of Count Dracula that is based on Vlad the Impaler. There is more to its Gothic folklore than a world of breath-taking beauty and eternal heritage.

Imagine that you are strolling through the medieval towns, such as Brasov, Sighisoara, and Sibiu, with the cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses and clock towers, a set straight out of a fairy tale. The air is filled with whispers of history and each square seems to be a living museum.

Don’t overlook Bran Castle which stands on a rocky hill dramatically. This fortress is not associated with Dracula, nevertheless, this castle is a genuine architectural masterpiece that provides the most significant views of the Carpathian Mountains. It is not only the mystery but also the genuineness of Transylvania that attracts people, the quietness of Saxon villages, fortified churches, the great hospitality of natives who preserve the old traditions.

2. Bucharest 

The capital of the country, Bucharest is a vibrant city which has the soul of the country with nostalgia and modern ambitions. Known as Little Paris with its magnificent architecture and cafe atmosphere, Bucharest is an interesting blend of communist-age grand and modernity.

The heart of the city is the Palace of the Parliament which is the second-largest administrative structure in the world after the Pentagon which is a huge emblem of the intricate history of Romania. Its marble halls, chandeliers and magnificent facade embody the dynamic but compelling history of the nation.

Explore Bucharest Lipscani, the Old Town district, to see the more bohemian side of Bucharest. In this case, small streets are alive – with small bistros and cocktail bars, boutique stores and art galleries. To have a breath of fresh air, go to Herastrau Park, an urban paradise that is perfect for having picnics, boat rides or even night walks. The Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) is located nearby and exhibits the real life of the Romanian countryside with the help of traditional houses and churches that were brought to this place in all parts of the country, one of the places that cannot be ignored by the lover of the culture.

3. Maramure

Going to Maramures means going back in time. This is a region in the North of Romania that is a living museum of rural traditions, wooden craft, and pastoral beauty. Its green rolling plateau, ancient villages and gradual lifestyle seem unaffected by modern times.

They have wooden churches, some of which are rated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, which make the area popular. These magnificent towers are made by hand, which demonstrates art and religion. It is also necessary to visit the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, which is not a cemetery like the other one in the world. The tombs in this area are not full of dark gravestones but are painted in bright colours with humorous epitaphs about the life (and peculiarities) of the people who are buried. It is a fantastic mixture of laughter, art and folk wisdom – a gladdening celebration of life despite death.

The people of Maramures continue to adorn their clothes with embroidery, use carts that are drawn by horses and also hold folk festivals that are centuries old. The tea trip is an emotional experience of the true soul of Romania.

4. The Danube Delta

Nature lovers and adventurers would consider the Danube delta heaven on earth. Created at the confluence of the powerhouse Danube River and the Black Sea, the UNESCO Biosphere reserve is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Europe – a maze of waterways, lagoons and floating reeds areas.

It is heaven on earth to a bird watcher with a population of more than 300 species of birds, which include pelicans, herons, and eagles. Taking a boat through the delta will enable you to get down into this enchanting scene, where you will pass through serene lanes amidst green vegetation and the shouts of unseen creatures.

Languish in old fishing towns like Mila 23 or Sfantu Gheorghe where living is river-time. Savor fresh fish, local wines and golden sunsets which turn the waters into colors of amber and rose. The Danube Delta is not the place to visit, but a place to experience being in touch with nature and its rhythm.

5. The Carpathian Mountains

The Carpathian Mountains are a continuous chain of remarkable natural sights running across the nation as a guardian spine of Europe. To adventure and hikers, this is heaven to them.

Trails here are of the gentle rolling mountains to rough alpine mountains. In it, there will be a lot of forests, glacial lakes, and even wild bears, lynx, or wolves that can be occasionally spotted. The mountainous surroundings and the breath of the mountain make all the hikes worthwhile.

You can also not afford to miss Peles Castle in Sinaia which is one of the architectural jewels of Romania. This masterpiece, which is a neo-Renaissance, was used as the summer palace of the royal family in Romania, but it is located in the Carpathians. The stained glass and wooden carvings, as well as its magnificent halls, make the fairytale come true.

You can be gliding down the mountain, hiking in the Fagaras range, or just sitting in a cafe on the mountain. The Carpathians are the best bet for adventure and relaxation.

Conclusions: Romania Awaits

Romania is not a country which can be easily defined. It is exotic and contemporary, crude and cultured at the same time, a land where history is alive in every stone, and where all the scenery is painted. The mists of the towering Transylvania to the wildness of the Danube Delta, in each and every corner lies a story to be heard.

So be it after legends, culture or just the need to be in the peace of nature, Romania is sure to offer a journey that would be both captivating and memorable.