DISCOVER ROMANIA

Known worldwide as "the land of Dracula”, Romania is home to some of the best-preserved medieval towns and Gothic castles in Europe. But there’s so much more to the country than its affiliation with vampire stories. Possessing a diverse landscape and several fast-paced cities, there’s plenty for travelers to do in this dramatic destination.

What’s so special about Romania?
You’ll find a strong cultural footprint at this European locale, from the wooden churches of the Maramures to the fortified town of Sighisoara, in-between stunning scenery that stretches from the Carpathian Mountains to the unforgettable coasts of the Black Sea. Whether you’re strolling around Bucharest or exploring mythic Transylvania, you’ll be transfixed.

things to know
about Romania

  • Population: 19 million+
  • Capital: Bucharest
  • Currency: Romanian Leu
  • Major airports: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, and Sibiu 
  • Language: Romanian
  • Timezone: GMT+2
  • Fun facts: Outside of Russia, Romania has the largest population of brown bears, with a whopping 6,000 roaming its countryside. The creator of the coffee machine, Francesco Illy, was also born here!
romania-bucharest-by-night

MODERN ROMANIAN CULTURE

Romanian culture is a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, and is additionally inspired by its multi-layered past, having previously been ruled by the Ottoman Turks, Austro-Hungarian Empire and Soviet Russia. These various links are still alluded to today in its catalog of fascinating architecture, which varies between medieval castles to socialist-style apartment blocks.

What’s more, while its eclectic sights makes Romania undeniably intriguing, its people are also celebrated for being some of the most friendly and welcoming in the world. Known for their great sense of humor and hospitality, they’re fabulous at entertaining, and know more than a trick or two for making their guests feel ultimately at ease.

THE LAND OF DRACULA

Bran Castle in Transylvania is Romania’s top tourist attraction for a reason. Perched atop a towering rock, this superb structure – wrapped in mystery and mythology – is inextricably tied to Bram Stoker’s legendary Gothic novel, Dracula. For those interested in Romania’s ties to the vampire tale, factor in a trip to Sighișoara during your trip, where you’ll find the Dracula Museum telling the story of Vlad the Impaler, Dracula’s inspiration.

 

THE DANUBE RIVER

The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga, stemming from the Black Forest of Germany and flowing through ten countries before emptying into the Black Sea. Romania holds some of the river’s most scenic stretches, passing through cities such as Timișoara and Bucharest as well as the Danube Delta – a UNESCO Heritage site revered for its biodiversity, acting as a habitat for over 300 species of birds and countless plants and animals.

EXCITING ROMANIAN CITIES

Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, has strong links to the old world. Not only does it have 14th-century origins, but it’s since been home to a number of important historical figures, and today is filled with museums, monuments, and other cultural sites that offer insight into its centuries-old story. Its most popular tourist attractions include the Palace of Parliament and Calea Victoriei, a major avenue that’s been compared to Paris’ Champs-Élysées.

Sibiu

Wedged at the foothills of Transylvania’s Cindrel Mountains, Sibiu City is a historic city covered in eyes – literally. Many of this city’s houses “stare” through eye-shaped windows that are worked into their rooftops… a haunting effect that adds to Sibiu’s unique vibes (and certainly warrants a picture or two). There are plenty of other things to see, too, including impressive churches, an ornate cathedral and historic parks and museums.

Brașov

Brașov, located in the heart of Transylvania, contains many historic landmarks and cultural attractions. The Old Town Hall, Black Church, and Rope Street are just a few of its must-see sights, and for those interested in art and culture, Brașov also has a number of museums and galleries to discover. Enticingly, it’s less than an hour away from Bran Castle, for those keen to see the country’s crowning attraction up-close.

Sighișoara

The historic center of Sighișoara is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and understandably so. Full of cobbled streets and colorful buildings, it simply exudes charm, and clings on to a wealth of epic tales told by its ancient buildings. Explore the city’s famous Clock Tower before diving into its connections to two-fanged lore by visiting the Dracula Museum and Vlad Dracul House, where Vlad the Impaler was born in 1431.

SAXON HERITAGE

Romania’s unique history partly involves the Saxons, a Germanic tribe that settled here in the 12th century. Dip into this chapter of the country’s past by visiting its variety of Saxon structures and sights: there are nearly 200 Saxon villages spread throughout Transylvania alone, along with churches and fortifications including seven UNESCO Heritage sites.

Regions in Romania

Transylvania

Transylvania harbors some of Romania’s most iconic cities, such as Brașov with its old Saxon architecture, the twisting streets of Sibiu and medieval Sighișoara. Bigger than Austria, you could spend weeks scouting through this region without managing to see all of its sights, though Bran Castle and its various Saxon villages are not to be missed.

Banat and Crisana

Let nature take over with a trip to Banat and Crisana, where areas like the Carpathian Mountains and the shores of the Danube River can transport you to a green, serene state of mind. In-between hikes, cycle rides and sailboat tours, factor in a trip to lively Timișoara, which offers some fantastic nightlife and beautiful parks.

Bucovina and Moldova

Nestled in this northeastern region are several of Romania’s finest monasteries, from the painted monastery of Voroneţ to the Humor Monastery, one of the best-preserved Romanian Orthodox buildings in the world. This 15th-century treasure features a colorful facade and has been nicknamed “The Sistine Chapel of the East” due to its similarities to the famous Vatican City landmark.

Dobrogea

Wildlife-rich landscapes and culture-filled corners share equal ownership over Dobrogea, which contains both the biodiverse haven of the Danube Delta and the city of Constanța, the history of which can be traced back over 2,500 years. Admire incredible Black Sea views alongside the metropolise’s many magical buildings and monuments, before seeking out creatures great and small in this region’s natural heart.

Maramureș

The Turda Salt Mine, Merry Cemetery, and the wooden churches of the Maramureș can all be discovered in various spots throughout this region’s curving hills and whispering forests. Adventures here feel like they belong to a different age – throughout Maramureș, you can still see farmers working in fields using horse-drawn plows, and women wearing traditional dress.

Wallachia

Wallachia is a historic and culturally significant area in Romania: a hub of landmarks including the Palace of Parliament – the largest building in Europe – and the Romanian Athenaeum. For those wanting to dive into Romania’s past in more detail, you can also find the National Museum of Romanian History here, founded in 1970.

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