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Romania might not be in your top places to visit, but it should be. It’s a place packed with history and culture, iconic landmarks, and some of the best natural panoramas you’ll ever encounter. You can find all sorts of activities to enjoy in this beautiful country, from fishing to skiing, sightseeing, and much, much more.
So, in no particular order, here are the best spots to visit in Romania:
1. The Danube Delta
This inspiring delta is one of the best-preserved in all of Europe. 23 ecosystems, spectacular wildlife, and rich vegetation are all a part of this seemingly magical place. The delta is home to over 300 species of birds and more than 30 types of freshwater fish. Speaking of fishing, you can practice it here in certain areas, but only with a permit and under strict conditions.
Recreational fishing is fine, but you aren’t allowed to take anything home with you. You have to throw the fish back into the water. And there are many limits regarding which species and size of fish you’re allowed to go for. Speaking of the Danube itself, it’s a river that crosses a large part of Europe. The most prominent zone for fishing is in Mehedinți county.
More specifically, there’s a village called Gruia here, located at the intersection between Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria. You’ll have to get a permit at the border to fish here, as otherwise, the fines are quite hefty. But leaving aside the permits and whatnot, if you want to go fishing, we recommend taking a look at some gear reviews on fisherpants.com.
2. The Sphinx and Babele
Located at an altitude of two kilometers (over 7,000 feet), these two natural rock formations are only at a 10-minute walking distance from each other. Both Babele and the Sphinx are truly impressive creations of nature, with the latter almost resembling the Sphinx of Giza – quite impressive considering that no human was involved in shaping this rock.
You can reach both formations on foot, by car, or by cable car from Bușteni. They are some of the most spectacular and most visited places in the entire country, and you should definitely put them on the list if you plan to travel during the summer.
3. Bucovina’s Painted Monasteries
Bucovina is a small region located next to Moldova, and it is home to some of the most spectacular monasteries you could ever visit in your lifetime. Even if you’re not religious, they are worth seeing for the art alone. All sorts of religious masterpieces were painted on their walls during the 15th and 16th centuries.
All these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are highly appreciated by locals and tourists alike. You have to see them in person to understand the magnitude of their cultural impact and beauty.
Also, check out best selling Romania tour packages
4. Sighișoara
Put it simply, Sighișoara is a spectacular medieval walled town in the heart of historic Transylvania. It was built during the 12th century by German merchants and craftsmen, and it’s now one of the globe’s most respected UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The citadel is jam-packed with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and respect-demanding towers.
In 1556, its iconic Clock Tower was built, which is 64 meters (209 feet) tall. But that’s not the only landmark you’ll want to visit by far. This place is home to some amazing stories, and it’s even the place where Dracula himself, Vlad the Impaler was born.
5. Peleș Castle
The masterfully-crafted Neo-Renaissance castle is among the most attractive sites in the Romanian landscape. With stained glass windows lighting up this building’s interior, as well as sculpted wood and stone ornaments, the Peleș Castle is truly something to behold. It’s downright terrific and delightful for any architecture critic, and an inspiring man-made wonder for all of us.
There are 160 rooms, a sophisticated art collection, armors, and weapons to see here. The terrace gardens offer a spectacle of sight and sound: a panoramic view of the Carpathian Mountains. King Carol I built this castle as a holiday home at the end of the 19th century.
6. Sarmizegetusa Regia
If you’re wondering “what’s so special about a place that I didn’t even hear about?”, well, keep in mind that this was once the political, religious, and military capital of Dacia – Romania’s ancestor country. Before the Romans invaded, and way before current-day Romania was actually three split countries, this place was already oozing with culture and action.
Located in Hunedoara County, in Orăștie Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site lies at an elevation of 1,200 meters (3,900 feet). Beautiful mountain views, a ruin that reminds us of Stonehenge, and a rich history are all things that should incentivize you to visit Sarmizegetusa.
7. Bran Castle
Often touted as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the medieval hilltop castle offers tourists many reasons to take a guided tour through it. You’ll find gorgeous vintage furniture and an exquisite art collection here that once belonged to Queen Mary, who moved into the castle during 1920.
8. Bánffy Castle, Bonțida, Cluj County
A superb construction ranging from Renaissance, Baroque, and neo-Gothic to Neoclassical style, this castle can now be visited as a museum. And each year, the Electric Castle is held here, bringing in festival-goers from all around the world. It doesn’t hurt that Cluj-Napoca is also nearby, which is currently hailed as Romania’s number one city break destination.
9. Sibiu County and Sibiu Town
Sticking to the Transylvanian region, Sibiu stands out through its unique architectural style, quietness, and friendliness. In the Old Town, you will find the Brukenthal Art Museum as well as welcoming cafes, souvenir shops, and plenty of other things that tourists can partake in. If you’re on a Europe Tour Package, you might also want to wander off a little further to the Astra Museum.
The Astra Museum of Folk and Civilization comprises over 300 wooden churches, houses, and workshops. It’s oozing with culture and tradition, making it a great place for tourists seeking to scout the Romanian historic scene. Truly a terrific way to end a tour through the country.