Romania is a must-see country on anyone’s trip to Europe. Filled with storybook sights of medieval castles and quaint villages, as well as awe-inspiring natural beauty, this Eastern European nation might be just what you are looking for this year and beyond.
Whether you’re a fan of gothic tales, or a lover of the outdoors ready to fall in love with a new mountain range, Romania is the perfect destination for those looking for a safe yet exciting holiday. So, without further ado, let’s break down the best places to visit in 2024!
The Best Places to Visit in Romania in 2024
1. Danube Delta
This UNESCO heritage site which has inspired the creation of waltzes and symphonies is the place to be if you are a nature lover. Flowing for over 2,000 kilometers, and inhabited by over 300 bird species, you can explore the Danube on a boat excursion leaving from towns like Tulcea, Mahmudia and Murighiol. One could spend days exploring the various canals that sprout off from the second-largest river in Europe, and if you’re in Romania during the spring or summer seasons, you’ll be able to see the white pelicans that arrive on the Danube every year to hatch and raise their young, alongside white-tailed eagles, glossy ibis, and ferruginous ducks — a near-threatened species. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the lovely water lilies you’ll find along the way, as well as the oak and willow trees you’ll see as you approach higher ground.
Top rated Tulcea restaurants
2. Bran Castle
Only a 45-minute bus ride away from Braşov, Bran Castle might be the most emblematic Romanian sight, which is why it had to be at the top of the list. This castle is famous for having inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, a rumor which is widely believed to be true considering it is the only castle in Transylvania which matches the writer’s description of the iconic vampire’s eerie home.
But is Bran Castle worth visiting, aside from its literary fame? Absolutely. Built in 1388, the castle is incredibly well maintained, with countless rooms holding exhibits showcasing Transylvania’s royal history and medieval artifacts such as imposing suits of armor. You will be immersed in a time gone by, going through mysterious tunneled stairs and a secret staircase which has been recently made available to tourists. Outside is where you’ll get the best views however, so have your camera ready to snap pictures of the castle which seems to sprout and grow from the ground up. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the open air Bran Village museum at the bottom of the hill: get a glance at the historical peasant cottages of the time for the complete medieval experience.
3. Bucharest
The capital of Romania is much more than a city to land in on your way to another destination. Spend an evening strolling through this metropolis populated by Belle Époque buildings and narrow cobblestone streets which glimmer in the warm lights, and you’ll understand why it’s popularly called “Little Paris.” During the day, visit the neoclassical Royal Palace, which currently houses the National Art Museum, the Kretzulescu Church with frescoes painted in 1860, and enjoy the old town filled with antique and vintage shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs. Lastly, don’t miss out on the Romanian Athenaeum. This dome-shaped concert house in neoclassical style is home to the prestigious George Enescu philharmonic. A warning for classical music admirers: make sure you’re in town between October and early June, as the concerts halt for the summer.
Top rated Bucharest restaurants
4. Brașov
Even without the added interest brought by Bran Castle, Braşov would be worth visiting. Surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, and a 3-hour train ride away from Bucharest, Braşov is a city with a fascinating mix of architectural styles: gothic, baroque, and renaissance styles meet and create the storybook setting of this time-capsule town. Follow the remnants of the city’s north walls built in the 12th century by Saxon settlers and find the Black Tower, which used to be a key element in defending the city from invaders. In the old town, near the cable car station, you can find the three remaining bastions: Weavers’, Spinners’, and Drapers’. You can visit Weavers’, which houses a small museum of historical weaponry.
In the south of the city, stop by the gothic 15th century Black Church, and bask in its grandiosity. Indulge in great food at any of the many restaurants populating the city, and stroll through the town discovering secret passages and stumbling into beautiful constructions. In the evening, what about a candlelight tour of the city? Let a guide talk you through the ghost and vampire stories that make up Braşov’s vivid folklore.
Top rated Brașov restaurants
5. Corvin Castle
Located in the city of Hunedoara in southwestern Transylvania, the Gothic-style Corvin Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe. Considered one of the 7 wonders of Romania, the construction sits on top of an older fortification on a cliff above the Zlaști River, making it so visitors must walk through a long bridge reminiscent of a fantasy film in order to enter the castle. This wonderfully preserved castle constructed on the grounds of a former Roman camp features stunning marble-lined rooms filled with medieval art and furniture, as well as a Knights Hall, the Council Room, a chapel, and other architectural features like the previously mentioned drawbridge, high buttresses, and inner courtyards, which are perfect for a summer visit.
Top rated Hunedoara restaurants
6. Sighişoara
This medieval town lined with colorful houses is a UNESCO heritage site for a good reason: it’s a wonderfully preserved piece of history. From its bright yellow Clock Tower punctuating the city like a beacon of light, to its imposing Holy Trinity Church built in neo-byzantine style facing the placid Tarnava Mare river, visiting Sighişoara is like stepping out of time. If you enjoy Romanian folklore, the city also boasts the Casa Vlad Dracul, the house where the man who inspired the Dracula legend was supposedly born in. You can investigate the myth further by popping by the Mystical Transylvania exhibit, where “history buffs and thrill seekers” can learn about the real story of Vlad Țepeș, also known as Vlad Dracula, as well as other Sighişoara tales through immersive art installations.
7. Salina Turda
The Turda Salt Mine is one of the most unique attractions in Romania. Located in Cluj county, this theme park has a magical atmosphere: with multiple mines illuminated by strategically placed lighting that highlights the sparkling beauty of rock and salt formations, the salt mine has something for everyone. If you’re traveling with family, the mine’s amusement park has boat rides in one of the mine’s lakes, mini-golf, a panoramic wheel, a bowling alley…the list goes on and on! Salina Turda is also famous for its health benefits, and you can go to the Balneary salt mine to take advantage of this. Salt therapy, or halotherapy, has been linked to improvements in respiratory diseases, overall immune system health, and decreased levels of stress and fatigue.
Top rated Turda restaurants
8. Culture Palace, Târgu Mureș
This wonderfully unique building houses the city’s library, museum, and philharmonic within its brightly patterned ornate walls. Built in the 1910’s, the Art Nouveau-style Culture Palace features intricate stained glass windows and mosaics, frescoes, halls lined with Carrara marble and Venetian mirrors, and period furniture. A highlight is the organ built in 1914 found in the concert hall, which was one of the most advanced at that time with 63 registers, currently performing just as well as it did way back then.
Top rated Târgu Mureş restaurants
9. Peleș Castle
This Neo-Renaissance palace inaugurated in 1883 sits at the foot of the Bucegi mountains, in Sinaia, a part of southern Romania. A former summer royal residence, Peleș is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe: the ornate and perfectly conserved outside walls and manicured romantic lawns are one’s first introduction to this impressive sight, which took hundreds of artists, builders, and woodcarvers 40 years to construct. Enjoy the guided tour through hallways fashioned with inlaid wood and rooms decorated with silk rugs, Murano glass, and mother of pearl. Lastly, get a glimpse of history in the weaponry exhibited in the Oriental Room, and the royal family stories shared in the Portrait Room and library.
10. Cluj-Napoca
The capital of Transylvannia may have ancient roots, but it’s definitely young at heart. All throughout summer a multitude of festivals take place in Cluj, like Electric Castle, Jazz in the Park, the Transylvania International Film Festival, Untold and many others. Famous for being a student and youth hub, other highlights include the city’s botanical garden, the Muzeul de Artǎ, and the kooky Steampunk Transylvania Museum.
Top rated Cluj-Napoca restaurants
Romania’s Hidden Gems
Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park
Tucked into the Aninei Mountains, the Cheile Nerei-Beușnița national park is one of the main nature sites from Caraș-Severin, the only county in Romania with three national parks. But what sets this national park apart from its siblings Domogled-Valea Cernei and Semenic-Cheile Carașului park? Cheile Park has an eclectic landscape, and as you hike your way through it you may come upon hills, valleys, gorges, caves, ravines, and seemingly untouched lakes and waterfalls — the most famous being the Ochiul Beiului and Devil’s Lakes, and Beușnița Waterfalls. In late spring through summer, brave adventurers may even spend a full day kayaking through the Nera river between the high and mighty gorges.
Liberty Bear Sanctuary, Zărnești
The dwelling place of over 130 brown bears, the Romanian Sanctuary is the biggest of its kind in Europe, and visitors can expect a comprehensive guided tour of around 45-minutes during which a guide will talk you through the story of how the sanctuary came to be, and perhaps even more importantly, how each bear came to call it home. Some helpful advice: bring binoculars with you, as many bears that live there were rescued from difficult conditions and prefer to keep their distance.
Bigar Waterfall
This waterfall located in the Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park deserved its very own spotlight. Bigar Waterfall has been ranked as one of the 8 most special waterfalls in the world, and you’ll agree with that choice as you lay your eyes on its unique bell-shaped formations, which split the free flowing water into separate streams, creating a graceful pouring of crystal clear water fit for a magical, storybook tale.
Cǎlimani National Park
Located in the Carpathian mountains, there is much to explore in this national park dotted with craters of old volcanoes: the Iezerul Călimani Natural Reservation, which maintains and preserves the region’s native vegetation and features a beautiful lake surrounded by alpine roses. The entrancing Tihu waterfall. Retitis Peak, which boasts sights of the Ceahlău Mountain and even the distant Făgăraș Mountains on sunny days, for the hikers prepared to climb it. Some other activities for visitors include horseback riding, skiing, bird-watching, and mountain biking, making this the perfect off-the-road destination for thrill seekers.
The Sinca Veche Temple Cave
This mysterious cave found in the Sinca Veche village has confounded Romanians for generations. It is in fact, a temple carved into a rock, only no one knows exactly who built it or why. The temple dated at over 7,000 years old has nine different rooms, with sparse light entering the cave from a series of low windows and tall, chimney-like skylights. The walls carry carvings of multiple different religions, only adding to the mystery and mystique of the temple’s origins and history. There are even rumors of a hidden tunnel that connects to a fortress nearby, and village folklore hails this site as a place of miracles.
No-Stress Travel Planning with Bookingham
After a long day of exploring the wonderful cities and villages of Romania, make dining easy with the Bookingham app. Wherever you go, whatever meal you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered! Just reach for your phone and book a table at any restaurant, pub, or cafe which strikes your fancy, and get rid of the hassle of waiting lines. Are you interested in fine dining? Then you should know Romania offers some of the most affordable culinary experiences, with an average tasting menu of €100 and under. If you’re looking for traditional restaurants instead, or even something more familiar, we can also help: download the app and reserve a table wherever you are.
