Romania is a country of wealth and wonders. Located in southeastern Europe, the country enjoys a vast array of resources. The country’s unique geography, however, guarantees a lot of natural sights to behold: Danube Delta is a prime spot for birdwatching while the Carpathian mountains enjoy an influx of hikers. The wonders don’t stop at its natural attraction. A rich heritage and a confluence of culture are evident in the region of Transylvania, the home of the infamous Bran Castle and the legendary Dracula. There are many more unspoiled areas in the country waiting for everyone to discover. So, scroll down for the best things to do in Romania.
1. Visit monumental masterpieces at the Royal Court of Targoviste
For history buffs, the Royal Court of Targoviste is a must-visit. This architectural ensemble once served as Romania’s primary center and the dwelling place of rulers and their families. In the past, significant trials and council conventions were held in this majestic court.
This point of interest is located on Targoviste, which used to be the capital of the country’s southern region called Wallachia. Inside its premises, you can pass by some of the notable Romanian monumental artworks such as the Chindia Tower, Great Royal Church, and Balasa House.
Royal Court of Targoviste
Address: Calea Domnească 181, Târgoviște, Romania
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 4.5 RON (0.97 USD) for students; 10 RON (2.16 USD) for adults
2. Adore the structural grandeur of Curtea de Arges Monastery
The entire Southern Romania is not without its sacred Curtea de Arges Monastery. Built by Prince Neagoe Basarab, this Orthodox monastery is one of the oldest religious monuments in the country. It was consecrated in 1517 and stood still through the centuries despite the forces of nature that tried to destroy it. Its founders, alongside the country’s royal family, made use of the church as a necropolis.
As you visit this monastery, you’ll see a medieval touch on its structural design. You’ll also see locals gathering to pray to have their pilgrimage on this sacred point of interest. And as you roam around, you can also see the tombs of the previous kings of Romania.
Curtea de Arges Monastery
Address: Bulevardul Basarabilor 1, Curtea de Argeș 115300, Romania
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1 RON (0.22 USD) for children; 2 RON (0.43 USD) for adults
3. Explore the wonders of Bucharest on a day trip (from USD 36.0)
For those who are curious about learning the legend of the phenomenal Dracula, this trip around the notable points of interest in Bucharest is perfect for you. It takes on you on an enchanting trip to delve deeper into the story of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind the famous fictional character.
The tour takes you to Bran Castle, which houses the legend of Dracula, the scenic Peles Castle, and Brasov, where you can join a walking tour around its historic spots. Disposable earphones and WiFi are included for you to hear the pre-recorded audio commentary throughout the trip.
Bucharest: Day Trip to Dracula Castle, Peles Castle & Brașov
Duration: 12.0 hour
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Go on a kayak adventure at Tarnita Lake in Cluj-Napoca (from USD 102.0)
Tarnita Lake is one of the popular spots for a serene weekend here in Cluj-Napoca. Popular activities in the lake include the occasional picnic, swimming, hiking the nearby hills, and of course, renting a kayak. On this Airbnb experience, you will be renting a kayak and climbing a cliff for you to fully explore the lake and its surroundings. During the kayak proper, the guide will share fun facts about the lake’s history and wildlife. You will surely be mesmerized by the tranquil waters that reflect the verdant greens or the fall colors, depending on the season. After that, you can proceed to climb a cliff, where the view is simply amazing.
Kayak on mountain lake near Cluj
Duration: 5 hours
5. Browse the collection at Brukenthal National Museum in Sibiu
Brukenthal National Museum is one of the oldest museums in Romania. Located in Sibiu, Transylvania, the museum started with personal collections of Samuel von Brukenthal. Over time, the museum expanded into six distinct entities. However, the main museum is perhaps the best one to visit with its stunning collection of 1,200 artworks belonging to different styles and distinct schools of paintings. That is not what you’ll only see here, though. The main museum even has a collection of significant artifacts. Other museums are worth visiting too, like Brukenthal Library which has 300,000 items composed of ancient books, manuscripts, and more.
Brukenthal National Museum
Address: Piata Mare 5, Sibiu, Romania
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Tue)
Price: 5 RON (1 USD)
6. Cook traditional Romanian dishes in Bucharest (from USD 92.0)
Of course, you’ll need to acquaint yourself with some Romanian dishes when you’re in the country. However, enjoying Romanian dishes in restaurants could be a bit boring, so why not cook them for yourself? You will be cooking a three-course meal on this Airbnb experience, so be prepared to take note of the preparation and cooking process. Stories about Romania and its culture will also be shared, immersing you deeper in the country’s rich culture. You can expect a serving of Romanian cheeses, cooked vegetables, homemade bread, and eggplant salad. On top of it all, wine and water will be served for free. Recipes for the meals are included as souvenirs.
Cooking traditional dishes with locals
Duration: 3 hours
7. Explore Palace of Parliament in Bucharest (from USD 20.63)
Do you know that the heaviest building in the world can be found right here in Bucharest? Palace of the Parliament — Romania’s seat of government — is as big as it gets, thanks to its spacious, elegant halls and opulent decorations. The whole building is made only of the finest materials and resources sourced from the country itself. The glass chandeliers in the spacious halls are the highlight of the building, with each being intricately detailed and sophisticated. Thanks to this skip-the-line ticket though, you’ll get exclusive access to other interior areas of the building and see the panoramic views from the Dictator’s Balcony. Plus, you’ll also learn a bit about the history of communism in Romania.
Bucharest: Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket
Duration: 1.0 hour
8. Hike to the Brasov sign with a husky (from USD 51.0)
Brasov is a picturesque city in the Transylvanian region, featuring classical buildings and the charming Biserica Neagră (Balck Church). One of the best — and the most unusual — thing to do here is to go hiking with a husky. A furry friend will accompany you on a hike, encouraging you to do better as you ascend the cliff where the iconic Brasov sign hangs. He’s one playful friend though, catching every leaf that moves and cuddling with you while viewing the picturesque city below. The hike will take you and your paw-some companion to the best spots where you can appreciate the city and the surrounding mountains.
Hiking with a white husky to the Brasov sign
Duration: 3 hours
9. Spot the bears in the wildlife territory of the Carpathian Mountains (from USD 68.0)
The Carpathian Mountains is the third-longest mountain range in Europe, traversing the Czech Republic in the east before terminating in Romania to the southeast. The majority of the mountains, however, are located in the country. The mountain ranges offer a habitat for wolves, lynxes, brown bears, and other flora and fauna that can only be found there. Embarking on this three-hour tour, however, gives you a rare chance to see brown bears up close. This tour will also take you on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the virgin forests of the Carpathians, as well as the wildlife that calls the mountain their home.
Small-Group Brown Bear-Watching Experience from Brasov
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
10. Ride an underground ferris wheel in Turda Salt Mine (from USD 28.0)
Named by Business Insider as one of the best-hidden gems in the world, Salina Turda is a former salt mine converted into an attraction with millions of local and foreign visitors each year. Apart from the colorful sights and otherworldly vibe of the whole place, you will learn a lot about the process of salt mining and how this place came to be. Five main areas in the mine attract genuine interest for many. Luckily, you’ll explore most of these areas on this Airbnb tour. Plus, this tour will give you the opportunity to ride the only underground Ferris wheel in the whole of Europe. There’s also an option to take part in a salt therapy session — wonderful if you’re trying out a new experience to rejuvenate the body.
Explore Turda Salt Mine, Transylvania
Duration: 3.5 hours
11. Go horseback riding in Romania's backcountry (from USD 192.0)
Romania’s countryside hides some spectacular landscapes, especially those on off-the-beaten-path. A better way of exploring the wild countryside is riding a horse and exploring the secluded forest tracks. On this tour, the host will take you to a horse ranch where you will maneuver a horse depending on your riding expertise. A certified instructor will be there to also assist you. So, don’t worry if you haven’t familiarized yourself with horseback riding yet. Along the way, you will pass some magnificent Transylvanian landscapes and pristine hills and forests. Since you’ll be riding for three hours, hunger and thirst are sure to come. What better way to satisfy that with a traditional Romanian meal and drink at the end of the tour?
Horseback Riding In The Wild Romania
Duration: 6 hours
12. Experience the nightlife in Bucharest (from USD 51.0)
What is the nightlife like in Romania’s capital, Budapest? Well, try it out for yourself! Luckily, you don’t have to scour the web and frustrate yourself on searching for the best nightlife spots in the city. On this tour, you will have the chance to try out the best pubs and dining spots around. A guide will walk you around the city too, taking you on a tram ride and stopping at important historical landmarks for some short, informative history lessons. Then, you’re off to enjoying a good cocktail at Bucharest’s best mixology bar. Dinner’s included too — prepare your appetite for some mouthwatering meals served at an award-winning Romanian restaurant or a gastropub nearby. Finally, conclude the night by partying at the best club in the city.
Night Walkers Bucharest - The Hip Side
Duration: 6 hours
13. Visit the majestic Bran Castle, aka Dracula's Castle (from USD 22.98)
The legend of Dracula has deep historical precedence. Here at Bran’s Castle, you will discover the true inspiration behind Dracula: the 15th-century prince, Vlad the Impaler. This tour will give you unprecedented access to 19 of the 50 rooms in the castle. With an audio guide, you can explore the castle at your own pace, taking note of the individual rooms and their storied past. Do stop by the terrace on the fourth floor though, since it offers an unprecedented view of the mountain scenery.
Bran Castle: Fast-Track Ticket
14. Explore the natural wonders of the city along Transfagarasan Road (from USD 109.0)
A tour along the lengthy Transfagarasan Road gives you access to the wondrous spots in Romania. This pavement, which starts from Cartisoara and ends in Bascov, stretches to over 150 kilometers (93.21 miles) and passes through the Carpathian Mountains.
As you hop on the air-conditioned vehicle for the trip, you’ll traverse this road and pass by the Făgăraș Mountains and nearby waterfalls. But since a portion of the road is not passable, the tour also includes a cable car ride to reach the majestic Balea Lake. At the end of the trip, you’ll stop by the serene Capra Waterfall and take some adorable photos there.
Tip from Content Creator
Transfagarasan Road remains one of the must-see places in Romania until today and is still considered the best road in the world. It offers so much more besides the amazing driving experience, and I really recommend you avoid summer weekends as the road becomes too crowded with cars. The road is open from July to November.
Transfagarasan Road and Balea Lake Tour from Sibiu
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Visit Romania, a country of wealth and wonders
Romania may not be as popular with tourists as other European countries are, but it still has a lot of unique sights to behold. One of the noteworthy spots to explore include the region of Transylvania. However, there’s more to the country — visit Romania today and take part in one of the many things to do mentioned in this list!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to