Romancing Romania: A Traveler's Guide!
“Why should I choose Romania instead of the more popular countries of Western Europe?” I guess every traveler from the rest of the globe thinks so. I have met people from Europe itself who never thought to consider Romania as their next holiday destination.
But Romania, being a neighbour of Bulgaria was our first choice due to multiple reasons. It is beautiful, pocket friendly, not very touristy, just next door and we had a VISA free access to the country.
After visiting Romania almost three times, and knowing we will go back there again and again, I can vouch for this country. No, it won’t fail your expectations. And you will discover a beauty which is unique to Romania. Parts of it feel like the Eastern European version of a mini Switzerland sans the Alps of course, but compensated by the imposing peaks of the grand Carpathian Mountains.
Most of this unforgettable beauty lies in the central part of Romania, which is also known as the Transylvanian region. Transylvania is known for its medieval towns, mountainous borders, castles, a Gothic architecture, Saxon walls and bastions and what not. Rolling meadows, gigantic peaks, stunning Nature, wildlife and many more exclusive and unique elements describe Transylvania region of Romania.
What are the most beautiful places to explore in Romania??
You can start your journey from the western Romania and drive up to the eastern side and go back making a full circle, or vice versa, depending on where you are coming from.
I will start the virtual journey from southwestern Romania. We will make a circle from west to east and back to Sofia.
Orșova
Orșova (spelled as Orshova), a tiny town on the banks of Danube turned out, surprisingly, to be much more beautiful than expected. It was a rainy day and the clouds floating low in the sky made the views more dramatic. Rocky mountains, gorges, river Danube, and us, all in complete symphony.
Great for a weekend or two days, there are ample choices of stay in Orșova town. But we had chosen a guest house by the side of a small tributary of Danube, slightly high up in the mountain. Excellent for a relaxing stay with options to grill your own food.
The most striking attraction in Orșova is the rock sculpture of Decebalus created on a rocky outcrop on the river Danube, at the Iron Gates, which form the border between Romania and Serbia. The Dacian king's sculpture is the tallest rock relief in Europe, at 55 m (180 ft) in height and 25 m (82 ft) in width.
A good place to take a stroll by the Danube, relax in the riverside restaurants, or just relax at the deck of your stay.
Get the complete itinerary with more details about Orșova here :
Timișoara
We drive up north and reach Timișoara (spelled as Timishoara). This city will enamor you.
Very close to the Hungarian border, Timișoara is the main economic, social and cultural centre in Western Romania. Located on the Bega River, Timișoara is considered the informal capital city of the historical Banat region. Timișoara is a multicultural city, home to 21 ethnic groups and 18 religious denominations.
Nicknamed the "Little Vienna" or the "City of Roses", Timișoara a is noted for its large number of historical monuments and its 36 parks and green spaces. Along with Oradea, Timișoara is part of the Art Nouveau European Route. In 2023 it held the title of European Capital of Culture
The city boasts a jaw-dropping architectural identity, not only in the center parts but also in the rest of the city. Timișoara has the largest architectural ensemble of historic buildings in Romania (around 14,500). One of the most beautiful cities of Eastern Europe definitely, Timișoara simply stole our heart.
Things to do in Timișoara:
🔸 Walk around the city center
Union Square (Piata Unirii)
Liberty Square (Piața Libertății)
Victory Square (Piața Victoriei)
🔹 Admire the beauty of Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral
🔸 Be amazed by the architecture of Brück House
🔹 Visit the Art Museum and the Banat village museum, its worth visiting
🔸 Take a cruise ride on Bega River and enjoy the beauty of the banks on the two sides
You can easily spend 3-4 days in the city and not get bored. It’s a place worth visiting and even worth living.
Get the complete itinerary with more details about Timișoara here :
Oradea
With Oradea we enter Transylvania region. Oradea is one of the most important economic, social and cultural centres in the western part of Romania. Besides its status as an economic hub, Oradea boasts a rich Art Nouveau architectural heritage and is a member of the Réseau Art Nouveau Network and the Art Nouveau European Route. The architectural ensemble of Oradea will blow your mind.
It is comparatively much smaller than Timișoara. The city center is the main attraction. It may take some time to walk around as you would stop and gaze at every structure, it is inevitable. The city flaunts proudly many beautiful historical buildings that are remnants of the era when the city was part of Austria-Hungary. In addition to many Baroque buildings, Oradea is remarkable for its particularly rich collection of Art Nouveau architecture.
Main attractions of Oradea are:
🔸 Baroque Palace of Oradea
🔹 Black Eagle Palace
🔸 Oradea City Hall
🔹 Teatrul de Stat Oradea – the Oradea State Theatre
🔸 Strada Republicii – regarded as one of the most beautiful streets of Transylvania, it displays a great number of Art Nouveau buildings.
🔹 Cetatea Oradea – Oradea's Fortress
🔸 And of course spend some lazy moments in the various cafés and restaurants in the city center
It is a small city and 2 days are good enough to soak in the aura of Oradea
Get the complete itinerary with more details about Oradea here :
Cluj Napoca
Cluj-Napoca, a city in north-western Romania, is the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region. It's home to universities, vibrant nightlife and landmarks dating to Saxon and Hungarian rule. Surrounding its central square, Piața Unirii, is the Gothic-style St. Michael's Church and the dramatic Matthias Corvinus Statue of the 15th-century king. The baroque-era Bánffy Palace is now a museum showcasing Romanian art.
Sibiu
Another outstanding city of Transylvania is Sibiu. It is a middle-sized, well-preserved fortified medieval town in central Romania, situated in the historical region of Transylvania.
Nicknamed The Town with Eyes (given its historical buildings with partly open rooftops), the town is a well-known tourist destination for both domestic and foreign visitors. Known for its culture, history, gastronomy or local cuisine, and diverse architecture, which includes the iconic houses with eyes that gave Sibiu its nickname, the town has garnered significant attention since the beginning of the 21st century. Sibiu was subsequently designated the European Capital of Culture in 2007. We have not visited the above two towns yet but plan to do so in future.
Sighișoara
Sighișoara, the cute, little medieval town is located in Transylvania region of Romania. Yes, this is a fortified medieval town, built inside a citadel on the top of a hill in the 12th century by Saxon settlers.
In 1999, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 850-year-old testament to the history and culture of the Transylvanian Saxons, and each year, a medieval Festival takes place in the old citadel in July. In Eastern Europe, Sighișoara is one of the few fortified towns that are still inhabited. The town is made up of two parts - the Citadel on the top of a hill and the lower town. Both parts are a visual delight and fun to walk around, relax and enjoy good food and drinks while admiring its old world charm.
It is a beautiful medieval town and you should stay there for at least two days, to experience the place thoroughly.
Things to do in Sighişoara?
🔸 Visit The Clock Tower & Sighisoara History Museum
🔹 Walk to the Church On The Hill via The Scholar’s Stairway
🔸 Visit Casa Vlad Dracul
🔹 Wander The Colourful Streets of Sighişoara
🔸 Check out all the watch towers of Sighişoara citadel
🔹 Visit the nearby villages of Moșna & Biertan and be amazed by the fortified churches there.
Get the complete itinerary with stay and food recommendations here:
Transfăgărășan
The Transfăgărășan or DN7C is a paved mountain road crossing the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. It is the second-highest paved road in the country after the Transalpina. The road is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. So plan it in summer up till autumn but surely see it once in your life.
The beauty of the 360 degree view is unimaginable and difficult to express. The Transfăgărășan was featured in a segment of the British TV show Top Gear. Host Jeremy Clarkson proclaimed that the Transfăgărășan was “the best road in the world”, and it is still amongst the top 10 most scenic roads in the world.
You will need a full day to explore the Transfăgărășan road. You will need to stop many times on way to enjoy the lakes, bears, castles, waterfalls etc.
Much recommended season is autumn, but before the end of October. The kind of vibrant colours we saw is unthinkable. It looked like humans were just dropped inside a painting.
Brașov
Brașov is a charming medieval city, located in the Carpathian Mountains and is a hot favourite destination in the Transylvanian region.
Brașov is known for its well-preserved old town, beautiful architecture, and rich culture, alongside innumerable cafés and restaurants for a relaxing as well as interesting holiday. It is a place which you can visit many times, the city never bores. It is rather full of life and colours, like bubbling with energy.
From historical landmarks to natural attractions, Brașov has something to offer for every kind of traveler, both within the city and in and around it.
So, what to do in Brașov? Here are the main attractions, and I will talk about a few in details.
🔸 Town square, you will end up spending most of the time here.
🔹 Check out the Biserica Neagră or the gothic Black Church.
🔸 Visit The First Romanian School, a museum with the first Romanian printing press among many other firsts.
🔹 Have fun at Strada Sforii or Rope stree, one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
🔸 Check the various watch towers like Turnul Negru, Turnul Alb.
🔹 Check out the other historical gates built in the 16th century for defensive purposes.
Know more here : https://www.travogram.com/itinerary/Europe/Romania/12-days-Itinerary-Tales-from-Transylvania-/6883
Rope street
This was a very interesting and fun place to check in Brașov. Strada Sforii or Rope street is the narrowest street in the city of Brașov, Romania. It is believed to be one of the narrowest streets in Europe. It was initially built as a corridor that firemen could use, and it is first mentioned in 17th century documents.
Strada Sforii is now a tourist attraction, also part of the guided tour. Its width varies between 111 and 135 centimetres (44 and 53 in), and it is 80 metres (260 ft) long. The street is signposted on both ends, and also features a number of murals and artwork on its walls.
As a tourism initiative, it is allowed to leave a comment and your signature on this wall only in the specified space. Currently the wall is full of words from travellers all around the world. We went there twice in two years, second we went to check our names on the wall of Brașov. It was there.
Poiana Brașov
Absolutely stunning place just 20 mins away from Brașov. It is a ski resort location, and is the most famous one in Romania. The idea is to do nothing but just drive to the place, absorb all the beauty that it offers, spend some relaxing hours, eat at a traditional taverna, and take a pause.
Travelling is not only about ticking the check lists but also about taking a pause to appreciate the beauty around you. Once you go back to your mundane daily routine, this beauty is what will keep you feel energised for coming days. In this place we did exactly what I wrote above.
Bran
We did not spend much time in Râșnov and instead headed towards Bran, which flaunts the famous Dracula castle.
Bran is a commune in Brașov County, Transylvania, Romania. It may be famous for its castle but the tiny town is a delight to look at. We did a day trip from Sinaia but you can also choose to stay there as the place boasts of many beautiful and cozy stays.
Bran Castle
Perched high atop a 200-foot-high cliff, and surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stocker's Dracula. The fact is, the castle is not remotely related to Vlad Draculea II - Tepes (the Impaler), ruler of Walachia. It has a strong history and seems the town of Bran was offered to Queen Maria of Romania in 1920, as a thank you for her efforts in uniting the country. The castle rather has dedicated rooms showcasing the belongings of Queen Maria and her husband King Ferdinand.
The castle is very intriguing in its own way. The castle was built in 1377, and it retains that ancient charm. It is a national monument and landmark in Transylvania. The castle has been listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.
Get the complete itinerary of Transylvania here :
Măgura and Pestera
Măgura and Peștera are two picturesque mountain villages, situated at the border of Piatra Craiului National Park, in Brasov county, Romania. They are considered to be one of the most beautiful and remote villages of Romania. It can be a day trip from Brașov OR you can also spend a few relaxing days here and experience slow living.
The mountain village of Măgura, one of the most beautiful villages of Romania, is located at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level, right in the middle of Piatra Craiului National Park. Until 50 years ago the village could only be reached by foot or with horse and cart.
Măgura is an idyllic village with rolling meadows, little huts and multi-coloured landscape. It still does not have roads, and the drive up to this village is completely off road. It’s a pristine village far from the madding crowd. Enjoy the view all around you and some off-road driving before getting blown away by the beauty of Măgura.
It’s a perfect example of slow and sustainable living.
Things to do in Măgura & Peștera :
🔸 Go hiking in the Piatra Craiului National Park.
🔹 Bike around to experience the place.
🔸 Lay on the green meadows and soak in the warmth of the season.
🔹 Enjoy healthy, local food.
🔸 Go on a photo walk as it is a photographer’s delight
Best time to visit is summer to autumn. Autumn gives this beautiful village a different kind of beauty.
Sinaia
Sinaia is a gorgeous town in central Romania’s Bucegi Mountains. Known as “the Carpathian Pearl,” it's a lovely mountain town whose main attractions are castles, alpine activities like hiking and skiing, and a 17th-century monastery that is still inhabited.
The town was named after the Sinaia Monastery of 1695, around which the town was built. The monastery, in turn, is named after the Biblical Mount Sinai. After the Romanian royal family chose the town for their summer residence, the place became the favorite resort of Romania’s upper class, and by the end of the 19th century, Sinaia turned from an obscure village into Romania's unofficial summer capital.
Things do in Sinaia:
🔸 Spend a few hours exploring this beauty named Peleș Castle.
🔹 Also check the magnificent Castillo Pelișor just next to Peleș Castle.
🔸 Visit Sinaia Monastery which was built in 1695.
🔹 Walk around Sinaia town, it is beautiful beyond words.
🔸 Drive up to and hike a bit in the Bucegi Mountains.
Our place of stay, Complex La Tunuri - Vila Economat, was the former Royal Guard Office of Peleș Castle, located on the Royal Domain directly opposite the castle and just 100 metres from Pelișor Castle. The hotel is almost inside the premises of Peleș Castle. The best perk to stay here was that we could walk around the castle even at night and admire its shining glory in the darkness of the night.
Sinaia is a very touristy place, and this part of the town is always brimming with life. This is a place where I may want to go again and again. It is a charming hill town, surrounded by beautiful Nature boasting of a happening city life with innumerable cafés, pubs and restaurants.
Peleș & Pelișor castle
Peleș Castle is considered as one of the most stunning palaces in Europe - a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture.Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883. Peleș Castle’s 160 rooms are adorned with the fine European art: paintings by great artists, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows and Cordoba leather-covered walls. Each room is decorated in a different style or theme. There is a mini-Theatre, Music Room (India), Turkish Salon, Great Salon (Italy), Council Room (Switzerland), Moor Hall, and so much more.
Other than Peleș Castle there is a smaller castle within the same premises, Pelișor castle.
King Ferdinand, who succeeded Carol I, commissioned the smaller, art nouveau-style Pelișor Castle nearby. The Pelișor castle is part of the vast architectural ensemble created by King Carol I. It was built between 1899 and 1902, as a residence for the Royal Heirs to the throne of Romania, Prince Ferdinand and Princess Marie.
Both are a sight to behold.
Get the complete itinerary of Transylvania here : https://www.travogram.com/itinerary/Europe/Romania/12-days-Itinerary-Tales-from-Transylvania-/6883
Transbucegi
Oh this beauty! This is a stretch of road from Sinaia to the Bucegi Mountains Plateau. Driving through Transbucegi road was a sudden plan, and we were so right about it. The whole drive is nothing less than heavenly. And when you reach the top of the plateau, oh my god! The drive and the views are out of the world, nothing like this might have been seen ever before. An endless stretch of green meadows during summer and white fairyland during winter, of course. This road is great for driving as well as hiking.
The only thing that we did there was, we hiked one of the hilly meadows by the side of the winding road, spread our mat, lay down there for hours, gazed at the blue sky, felt the coolness of the breeze whenever a few clouds passed by, soaked some sun, spent some moments in silence and other moments in conversations; it was like our little rendezvous with Nature, a very private moment of togetherness, we and this beauty created by God. The winding roads cutting through the rolling meadows, a flock of sheep grazing somewhere far, a few cars passing by now and then, and we lay there, gazing up at the blue sky.
There are quite many traditional tavernas on the way, to have lunch, sip on some hot coffee. So, if you want to spend a whole day there, your food and caffeine cravings are covered.
Bucharest
Legend has it that the city of Bucharest was founded by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literally means "joy."
Bucharest is the economic and administrative capital of Romania. It is quite a big city with a magnificent central old town. There are quite many things to see there but most of the time you would love to spend strolling in the old town.
What else can you do other than chilling at a café or restaurant in the old town?
🔸 Walk around and discover the many streets of the Bucharest Old Town.
🔹 Be amazed by the grandeur of the Palace of Parliament, considered as the most expensive administrative building in the world. But alas, 70&% of which remains empty even now.
🔸 Admire the Romanian Athenaeum.
🔹 Visit the beautiful Stavropoleos Monastery.
🔸 Check out the most ornate bookstore, Cărturești Carusel, and get lost in the sea of books.
🔹 Eat at the most beautiful restaurant, Caru’ cu Bere. Remember to reserve it in advance (a week will be best).
🔸 And Know more here : https://www.travogram.com/itinerary/Europe/Romania/12-days-Itinerary-Tales-from-Transylvania-/6883
I would say that compared to the old town, the newer parts of the city were much less attractive. But many visitors like the city a lot. For me it might be good for a one time visit. And with Bucharest the circle is complete.
There are many more attractive places to see in Romania, like northern most Romania is equally mesmerising. So, don't miss to explore the left out places too.
To conclude
Romania, a land of captivating beauty and rich history, offers travellers a tapestry of experiences. From the medieval charm of its fortified churches and castles to the picturesque landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta and the black Sea, Romania enchants visitors with its diverse attractions.
The country's vibrant cities blend modernity with centuries-old traditions, while its rural villages preserve a way of life steeped in folklore and customs. Whether exploring ancient castles, indulging in hearty Romanian cuisine, or immersing oneself in the warmth of local hospitality, Romania leaves an indelible mark on all who venture within its borders.
Find the complete itinerary here : https://www.travogram.com/itinerary/Europe/Romania/12-days-Itinerary-Tales-from-Transylvania-/6883
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