Planning a European escape? This Romania travel guide will convince you to skip the crowds and head somewhere magical.
With storybook castles, wild forests, and soulful traditions, Romania is Europe’s best-kept secret—and it’s calling your name.
The Ultimate Romania Travel Guide for Your Next European Adventure
Romania remains one of Europe’s most underrated destinations—a land where medieval legends, untouched wilderness, and vibrant traditions collide. From the Gothic spires of Transylvania to the sun-drenched beaches of the Black Sea, this country offers an intoxicating mix of history, adventure, and charm.
If you’re seeking a trip that blends fairytale castles, hearty cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, Romania should be at the top of your list. Let’s dive into the best this captivating country has to offer.
Bucharest: Where History Meets Modern Energy
Romania’s capital is a fascinating mix of grand Belle Époque architecture, communist-era relics, and a thriving contemporary arts scene.
Must-See Attractions:
- Palace of the Parliament – The world’s heaviest building and a staggering symbol of Ceaușescu’s megalomania. This colossal structure has over 1,100 rooms and was built with materials sourced from all over Romania.
- Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) – A sprawling open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life, with over 300 authentic houses, churches, and windmills transported from across the country.
- Lipscani District – Bucharest’s historic heart, now buzzing with hip cafes, vintage shops, and lively bars.
Pro Tip: Take a guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament—only about 10% of it is open to the public, but even that is overwhelming in scale.
Transylvania: Medieval Towns & Vampire Legends
No trip to Romania is complete without exploring Transylvania, a region steeped in myth and medieval grandeur.
Top Experiences:
- Bran Castle – Often marketed as “Dracula’s Castle,” this 14th-century fortress has only loose ties to Bram Stoker’s vampire tale. Still, its dramatic hilltop setting makes it a must-visit.
- Peleș Castle – A Neo-Renaissance masterpiece, often called the most beautiful castle in Romania. Its opulent interiors feature stained glass, intricate woodwork, and a secret elevator.
- Sighișoara – A UNESCO-listed citadel with pastel-colored houses, cobbled streets, and the alleged birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
- Sibiu – A cultural hub with Germanic influences, known for its “eyes of the city”—attic windows that seem to watch you. For an authentic stay, consider the charming boutique 17b sibiu, blending historic ambiance with modern comfort.
- Fun Fact: Transylvania means “the land beyond the forest,” and its misty landscapes truly feel like something from a Gothic novel.
Bucovina: The Painted Monasteries
A hidden treasure in northern Romania, Bucovina is home to UNESCO-listed monasteries adorned with vivid 16th-century frescoes.
Best Monasteries to Visit:
- Voronet Monastery – Known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East”, famous for its striking blue frescoes.
- Sucevița Monastery – The only one with a green-dominated color scheme, depicting biblical scenes in stunning detail.
- Moldovița Monastery – Features a golden-hued exterior with well-preserved murals.
Why Visit? These monasteries were painted to educate illiterate villagers through biblical imagery—each color was made from natural pigments, which is why they’ve lasted centuries.
The Carpathian Mountains: Hiking & Wildlife
For nature lovers, Romania’s Carpathians offer some of Europe’s last untouched wilderness.
Best Hiking Spots:
- Bucegi Mountains – Home to the Sphinx and Babele, eerie rock formations shaped by wind erosion.
- Retezat National Park – Known as the “Alps of Romania”, with glacial lakes and rare wildlife like lynx and brown bears.
- Transfăgărășan Highway – Voted one of the world’s most scenic drives, winding through dramatic mountain passes.
Wildlife Spotting: Romania has Europe’s largest population of brown bears—consider a guided bear-watching tour in Zărnești.
The Black Sea Coast: Beaches & Ancient Ruins
Romania’s coastline blends relaxation and history.
Top Destinations:
- Mamaia – The country’s most glamorous beach resort, with luxury hotels and nightclubs.
- Constanța – A port city with Roman ruins, including the impressive Mosaic Edifice.
- Vama Veche – A bohemian beach town near the Bulgarian border, known for its wild parties and hippie vibe.
Best Time to Visit: June-September for beach weather, though July-August can get crowded.
Danube Delta: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Danube Delta is Europe’s second-largest river delta (after the Volga).
What to Do:
- Boat tours – Glide through narrow canals, spotting pelicans, herons, and cormorants.
- Fishing villages – Visit Lipoveni communities, where life moves at a slower pace.
- Sunset cruises – The golden light over the reeds is magical.
Best Time for Birdwatching: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October).
Traditional Villages: Step Back in Time
For an authentic glimpse into rural Romania, head to Maramureș.
Highlights:
- Wooden Churches – Eight are UNESCO-listed, with tall, shingled towers and intricate carvings.
- Merry Cemetery (Săpânța) – A unique graveyard where colorful tombstones depict humorous epitaphs about the deceased.
- Mocănița Steam Train – A nostalgic ride through the Vaser Valley’s forests.
Why It’s Special: Maramureș is one of the last places in Europe where traditional farming and craftsmanship survive unchanged.
Romanian Cuisine: Hearty & Flavorful
Romanian food is comforting, meat-heavy, and delicious.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Sarmale – Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork, rice, and spices.
- Mămăligă – Polenta, often served with smoked cheese and sour cream.
- Mici – Grilled minced-meat rolls, best enjoyed with mustard and beer.
- Papanasi – A decadent dessert of fried dough with sour cream and jam.
Drink Like a Local: Try țuică (plum brandy) or Romanian wine—the country has a thriving vineyard scene, especially in Transylvania and Dealu Mare.
Festivals & Events: Celebrate Romanian Culture
Romanians love a good festival—here are the best:
- Sibiu International Theatre Festival (June) – Europe’s largest performing arts festival.
- George Enescu Festival (September) – A world-class classical music event in Bucharest.
- Medieval Festivals – Sighișoara and Brașov host knights’ tournaments and craft fairs.
Practical Travel Tips
- Currency: Romanian Leu (RON). ATMs are widely available, but carry cash in rural areas.
- Language: Romanian, but English is spoken in tourist areas.
- Transport:
- Trains are slow but scenic.
- Renting a car is best for exploring villages and mountains.
- Safety: Generally safe—just beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Best Time to Visit:
- May-June & September for pleasant weather.
- December for magical Christmas markets.
Why Romania Should Be Your Next Adventure
Romania is a country that surprises at every turn—whether you’re wandering through medieval citadels, hiking in pristine forests, or toasting with locals over a glass of țuică. It’s affordable, diverse, and still refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.
Romania offers more than just beautiful views—it offers real connection, adventure, and timeless charm.
From the historic streets of Sibiu to the remote monasteries of Bucovina, every stop on your Romania vacation promises something unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning a nature-filled retreat or a culture-packed city escape, this Romania travel guide shows that Europe’s hidden gems still exist.
Start packing your bags—and get ready to fall in love with Romania.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.