Hey Romania, you really amazed us! Every city, mountain, and village felt full of life and character. Traveling through the country showed us how diverse Romania is, from medieval towns to the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains and hidden natural treasures. In this guide, we’re sharing the most beautiful cities, stunning landscapes, and secret spots you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
visit stunning castles, mountains, charming villages and vibrant cities
Romania is an amazing travel destination in Europe. We were instantly captivated by its mix of historic towns, charming villages, and stunning natural landscapes. Every place we visited felt unique, from the medieval streets of Sibiu to the wild beauty of the Carpathians.
Every stop felt unique, from charming villages to breathtaking views in the Carpathians. The food, culture, and warm hospitality made every day an adventure. For anyone who loves history, nature, and authentic experiences, Romania is truly worth exploring. Welcome to Romania! ♥︎
Bucharest is just a vibe! Located in the south of the country with a cool mix of modern and traditional elements. Did you know that Bucharest is the largest city in Romania with around 1.7 million inhabitants? The beautiful capital is known for its diverse architecture, large green parks, museums and theaters, shopping arcades and much more. Bucharest was once nicknamed the “Paris of the East” due to the dominant French influence. A great place for a city trip and definitely a city that is not as overcrowded as many other capitals in Europe.
Brașov is located relatively in the center of Romania. The city, surrounded by the Carpathians, has around 250,000 inhabitants and is located in the Transylvania region. Charming, colorful and open-hearted are probably the best ways to describe Brașov. In addition to a number of sights, the city also offers great excursion destinations in the surrounding region and especially the Carpathians. Here you will also find a fascinating mix of medieval architecture and modern life. Most of the sights, good café’s and restaurants, as well as beautiful green parks can be found in the city center and everything can be easily explored on foot.
Sibiu is a wonderful city in Transylvania. The former European City of Culture has around 140,000 inhabitants and is located in the center of Romania at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cultural heritage and beautiful nature in and around the city. Sibiu is also a popular tourist destination, with its pastel-colored houses and Gothic churches making up the old town. The Historic Center of Sibiu is also lined with many houses that have the famous windows in the roof, which are shaped like eyes in the old houses.
One of the most spectacular and picturesque places in Romania is the Bicaz Gorge. It is located not far from Lacul Roșu (Red Lake). You can admire the impressive high rock formations and stroll along the narrow streets. The famous Romanian market stalls can also be found here. There are also some really interesting and exciting hikes that you can do in the Bicaz Gorge. We can definitely recommend the hike to the suspension bridge over a river.
A Romanian Orthodox monastery in the municipality of Bârsana in Maramureș County that you should definitely visit. The monastery complex is very beautiful and well-kept. Here you will also find one of the highest wooden churches in Romania. It is a magical place with beautiful gardens and colorful flowers. The monastery complex is also worth a visit for non-religious visitors. Bârsana is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and pilgrims.
Sighișoara is a city on the Târnava Mare and is known, among other things, for its unique historical center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. With only 25,000 inhabitants, it is a smaller city but definitely one of the most worth seeing and beautiful in Romania. The old town of Sighișoara, surrounded by gentle hills of the Carpathian foothills, lies in the heart of Transylvania and rises above the roofs of the newer lower town. A magical place full of myths and legends. The city is located around 90 kilometers from Sibiu and 120 kilometers from Brașov.
The Danube Delta is one of the most spectacular places not only in Romania but also in the whole of Europe. With its wonderful diversity and nature, this is a truly unique place in Europe. The Danube Delta is located where the Danube flows into the Black Sea and is the second largest delta in Europe after the Volga Delta. More than 5000 animal and plant species have been catalogued in the biosphere reserve. It belongs to both Romania and Ukraine and covers an area of around 5800 km², 72% of which is protected. Here you can take wonderful trips by boat, bike or on foot.
We spent two nights at the Delta Boutique & Carmen Silva Resort.
One of the largest cities in Romania is Timişoara. With around 300,000 inhabitants, the former European City of Culture is located not far from the border with Hungary and Serbia. Timişoara is a vibrant city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity. This place is famous for its parks, green spaces, lively art scene and numerous festivals and is also known as “Little Vienna,” because of its impressive Baroque architecture.
One of the most famous and popular sights in Romania is certainly Bran Castle, which is often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle”. The castle and the town of the same name are located in Transylvania, in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania and are surrounded by a beautiful landscape. It is a fascinating historical building and was built in the 14th century and originally served as a defense against invasions. Bran Castle can of course also be visited and inside the castle there are numerous exhibitions that represent the history of the region and the castle.
01.04 – 30.09
Monday: 12:00 – 18:00
Tuesday to Sunday:
09:00 – 18:00
01.10 – 31.03
Monday: 12:00 – 16:00
Tuesday to Sunday:
09:00 – 16:00
Cluj-Napoca is a vibrant city in the heart of Romania and is considered the cultural and economic center of the Transylvania region. With around 300,000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest cities in the country. The city is surrounded by beautiful nature, with imposing mountains and beautiful green forests that invite you to explore and enjoy outdoor activities. With a rich history, Cluj offers a fascinating mix of historical and modern elements. The city is also a great place to go out with many bars, café’s and restaurants.
Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, is an impressive medieval fortress in the heart of Romania, located in the city of Hunedoara. Built in the 14th century, it originally served as a defensive structure and has been expanded and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Today, Hunedoara Castle attracts numerous tourists who want to explore its impressive architecture and rich history.
The Transfăgărășan is one of the most spectacular roads in Romania and is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the world. It stretches for about 90 kilometers and winds through the impressive Carpathian Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and lakes. Built during the time of Nicolae Ceaușescu, it originally served military purposes. The winding route is very popular not only with motorists, but also motorcyclists and cyclists. There are numerous sights along the route, including the impressive Bâlea Lake, a glacial lake that is a popular destination for hikers in summer, from where you can enjoy unique views.
There is a hotel and a restaurant at Lake Bâlea. In the season you will also find a small market with several stalls.
Borșa is a picturesque little town in Maramureș County in northern Romania, surrounded by a great mountain panorama. The place is known for its breathtaking nature and its diverse leisure opportunities. A special highlight in Borsa is the waterfall “Cascada Cailor” or also known as Horses’ Fall, which attracts visitors from all over the world with its majestic beauty. Borșa is located in the valley of the Vișeu River at the foot of the Rodna Mountains and offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Stay at the super cool Complex Bosco Hotel. Great cozy log cabins surrounded by beautiful nature.
An absolute highlight and a must if you are travelling in the north of Romania is a ride on the Mocănița Maramureș. It is a historic narrow-gauge railway that runs through the picturesque landscape of the Maramureș region in the north of Romania and was originally used to transport wood from the forests of the Carpathians. A journey takes around five hours with a few stops along the way. The journey on the Mocănița begins in the town of Vișeu de Sus and leads through breathtaking valleys, past dense forests, rushing rivers and traditional villages. Tickets are best purchased online on the official website and cost between 20 and 30€.
Take the first train in the morning wich usually leaves around 8 or 9 o'clock.
Râpa Roșie, also known as the “Red Cliff”, is an impressive geological natural monument in Romania in the Transylvania region, located near the city of Sebeș in the Alba region. The region around Râpa Roșie is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers and boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. The cliffs are surrounded by dense forests and are known for their striking red rocks. A unique formation that can be seen from afar.
Târgu Mureș is a charming city in the heart of Romania with around 120,000 inhabitants. The city is known for its history as well as its cultural diversity. It is the capital of Mureș County and is located in the Transylvania region. A popular meeting place and place to go out is the old town of Târgu Mureș. With its own charm, with narrow, cobbled streets and picturesque squares such as the Great Square (Piața Trandafirilor), the center of the city is a great place. In addition to the rich culture and history, Târgu Mureș also has beautiful nature to offer. The surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills and forests.
One of the largest cities in Romania is the port city of Constanța, located on the Black Sea. It has around 300,000 inhabitants and a long and eventful history that goes back to ancient times and has been shaped by various cultures and civilizations. One of the most popular and probably best-known buildings here is the old casino of Constanța, which is a magnificent Art Nouveau building and is one of the most famous sights in the city. The city impresses with its old town flair but also relaxation on the beach or in the surrounding nature.
Sinaia is a picturesque, sweet little town in Prahova County in the Carpathians, which is located in the south of Romania. The town is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and beautiful nature, which attracts numerous tourists every year who want to enjoy the nature and historical architecture. Here you will also find some of the city’s great, important sights, such as Peleș Castle, Mănăstirea Sinaia or Pelișor Castle. Another absolute highlight is a gondola ride up the mountains from where you can enjoy breathtaking views and hikes. A truly great place in Romania that you absolutely have to visit.
Râșnov is a small, charming town in the Transylvania region, in central Romania. With around 20,000 inhabitants, the town is known for its picturesque location at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and the historic castle, which stands high above the town on a hill. In addition to the castle, Râșnov has other interesting sights to offer. The town has a charming old town, where you can discover traditional Saxon-style houses and picturesque streets.
Before your visit, be sure to check whether the Râșnov Citadel is open or whether there are any events taking place there. When we were there (in July 2024) the castle was deserted and you couldn't visit it.
Cheile Turzii, also known as the Turda Gorge, is a spectacular natural wonder in the heart of Romania, which is one of the most impressive geological and tourist attractions in the Transylvania region. Here you can experience a spectacular hike along a canyon. The gorge stretches for about 1.5 kilometers and is characterized by steep cliffs and bizarre limestone formations. The striking cliffs of the gorge, up to 300 meters high, are not only a masterpiece of nature, but also a popular destination for climbers and adventure seekers who want to scale the steep walls.
Here you will also find some stalls and restaurants with good local products and great seating. You will also find a spectacular zip line here.
Located in Constanța County, close to the border with Bulgaria, Vama Veche has become a popular destination since the 1990s for tourists who want to experience the original and unspoiled charisma of the Black Sea coast. The name “Vama Veche” means “Old Customs”, and the place used to be a border post between Romania and the Ottoman Empire. The main attraction of Vama Veche is the beach, which is considered by most visitors to be one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches on the Romanian Black Sea coast.
The water here is comparable to the Baltic Sea or the North Sea. We didn't like the place that much because the whole beach is full of sun loungers and umbrellas. But the place is still very pleasant for a quick dip in the cool water.
Salina Turda is one of Romania’s most impressive natural wonders and one of the country’s most famous sights. The salt mine is located in the northwestern Romanian city of Turda and is one of the oldest and most famous salt mines in Transylvania. The history of the salt mine goes back to ancient times. Salina Turd was closed in 1992 and only opened to the public after extensive restoration work in 1999. Did you know that the temperature in the salt mine is a constant 10-12 degrees Celsius? A special highlight is the underground leisure area. Here you will find a Ferris wheel, mini golf courses, a lake where visitors can go boating, and numerous other attractions.
The disused mine is not only a museum, but also the deepest amusement park in the world, located 120 meters below the earth's surface.
Muzeul Astra, also known as the Astra Museum, is one of the largest and most important open-air museums in Romania, located near the city of Sibiu, in the heart of the Transylvanian region. It is a fascinating place that preserves Romania’s rich tradition and cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique insight into the lives of people in the past. Founded in 1905, Muzeul Astra covers an impressive area of more than 96 hectares. The open-air museum houses over 300 faithfully restored buildings, including traditional houses, churches, mills, barns and workshops, originating from various regions of Romania.
Admission costs around 35 RON (7€) per person. Opening times may vary depending on the season. Usually from: 09:00 - 17:00
The Libearty Bear Sanctuary is one of Romania’s most impressive animal protection projects and one of the largest bear rescue centers in Europe. Located near the town of Zărnești, in the Transylvania region, it is dedicated to protecting and rescuing bears forced to live in poor conditions in captivity. The sanctuary is a safe haven for many bears rescued from circuses, zoos, illegal cages or abusive conditions. Libearty Bear Sanctuary was founded in 2005 and covers an area of more than 69 hectares, characterized by dense forests and natural landscapes. The park is designed to allow the rescued bears to live as freely and as humanely as possible.
The Firiza River is a picturesque and idyllic river in Romania, flowing through the Maramureș region in the north of the country. This region, known for its stunning nature, traditional villages and cultural treasures, offers another fascinating natural wonder, the Firiza River, which has a unique charm for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is also home to the Adventure Lake Resort with great charm. The Firiza River originates in the foothills of the Rodna Mountains and traverses a beautiful landscape characterized by dense forests, rolling hills and wide valleys. The river runs through the picturesque surroundings of the Firiza Lake, a small but enchanting reservoir that also serves as a popular destination for hikers, anglers and nature lovers.
Baia Mare is a historic town in northwestern Romania and the capital of Maramureș County. The town is picturesquely situated on the Săsar River and is surrounded by the foothills of the Gutâi Mountains, giving it a stunning natural setting. Known for its rich history, cultural traditions and historical significance, Baia Mare attracts tourists, historians and nature lovers alike. The name “Baia Mare” translates to “big mine”, indicating the historical importance of mining in the region.
Bușteni is a small charming town in southern Romania, located in the Prahova Valley, and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. Located in the majestic Carpathian Mountains and surrounded by the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains, it is an ideal place for nature lovers, hikers and those seeking relaxation. Especially due to its proximity to popular tourist destinations such as Peleș Castle and the city of Sinaia, Bușteni is a popular starting point for exploring the region.
The Red Lake (Romanian: Lacul Roșu) is an impressive natural lake in eastern Romania, in the Harghita region, nestled in the foothills of the Kirkaz Mountains in the Carpathian Mountains. The lake, which is about 6.5 hectares in size, is a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists not only because of its beautiful location, but also because of its extraordinary history and geological features. It is located just a few minutes from the Cheile Gorge, which is an absolute highlight and you should definitely visit.
