For me, Romania was one of the least-known countries in Europe when I visited almost ten years ago.
There was no way I could have named the best 10 things to see in Romania, I only knew about Dracula Castle and well, the capital Bucharest.
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Romania surprised me with the range of exciting places to see and things to do, and I have returned more than twice.
Romania has been part of the European Union since 2007 and has finally been accepted into the Schengen Area.
The country is hoping for a tourism boost, and it is worth visiting; there is plenty to see and do here.
Romania offers breathtaking landscapes, castles, a rich history, fantastic cuisine and a vibrant culture.
It is not just one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe but also an exciting destination.
Top 10 things to see in Romania
1. The Parliament House in Bucharest
No visit to Romania is complete without experiencing the vibrant energy of its capital city, Bucharest.
Bucharest is one of the places in the country where you can see and feel the past; it is also often called the Paris of Eastern Europe.
The Palace of the Parliament, also known as the People’s House, is a monumental symbol of Bucharest’s wild history.
Constructed during the Communist era under the direction of Nicolae Ceaușescu, this colossal building ranks as one of the largest administrative buildings in the world.
Its façade is adorned with neoclassical and socialist realist elements and stretches over three million square feet!
It houses many government offices, conference halls, and ceremonial spaces. The interior includes marble-clad corridors, ornate chandeliers, and intricate woodwork.
The guided tours here are a must-do. Book your ticket here.
2. Bran Castle – Dracula’s Castle
Let’s kick off our Romanian adventure outside the capital city with a visit to Bran Castle, one of its most iconic landmarks.
Romania is known for this medieval fortress, perched atop a rugged cliff in the picturesque Transylvanian countryside. It is commonly on visitor lists for things to see in Romania.
It is fascinating that despite Bram Stoker never set foot in Transylvania, his depiction of the region in “Count Dracula” is so vivid that one could easily believe otherwise.
Moreover, the neighbouring villages have long held beliefs in the existence of evil spirits, ghosts, or ‘strigoi,’ and until relatively recently, some residents believed these entities dwelled among them.
Explore its eerie corridors and Gothic chambers and soak in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Admission prices range from 40 to 80 Romanian Lei (RON), depending on the tour package chosen.
I recommend an excellent value guided day trip from Bucharest that visits Dracula Castle, Peles and Brasov.
3. Sighisoara Citadel
Step back in time as you wander the cobblestone streets of Sighisoara, a remarkably well-preserved medieval town dating back to the 12th century.
At the heart of Sighisoara lies its historic citadel, a perfectly preserved medieval fortress.
This charming town is well known for its colourful houses, Gothic churches, and imposing clock tower.
Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a close-up look at the clock mechanism dating back to the 17th century. The tower also houses the Sighisoara History Museum, where visitors can delve into the town’s rich past through artifacts and exhibits.
Don’t miss the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, located within the citadel walls. You’ll find the modest yellow house where the notorious ruler was born in 1431. It is now converted into a small museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
Learn about the historical figure behind the Dracula legend and his impact on Romanian history.
The entrance to the clock tower is approximately 15 RON.
4. Peles Castle
Prepare to be amazed by the luxury of Peles Castle, a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture nestled in the lush forests of the Carpathian Mountains.
It is often regarded as one of Europe’s most impressive royal residences, with its incredible 160 rooms here.
You can admire its intricate façade, lavish interiors, and extensive art collection, including works by renowned European artists.
Two different floors are accessible to visitors, and I loved the stories of King Carol I and his wife, Queen Elizabeth of Romania, who inhabited the castle first.
I recommend you visit Peles Castle, which is why it’s on my list of things to see in Romania.
Guided tours are available for 50 RON per person.
5. Transfagarasan Highway
If you hire a car to explore Romania, don’t miss Transfagarasan Highway, one of the world’s most scenic routes.
Winding through the majestic Carpathian Mountains, this engineering marvel offers breathtaking vistas at every turn. It truly is one of the greatest road trips.
The cost of a rental car in Romania varies, but expect to pay around $40 per day. You can check out cheap car rentals here.
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6. Turda Salt Mine
Descend into the depths of the earth and discover the magical beauty of Turda Salt Mine, an underground wonder transformed into a subterranean theme park deep down, 120 metres below ground.
Marvel at its vast chambers, illuminated by enchanting lights, and enjoy mini-golf, bowling, and boating on the underground lake.
Admission is 40 RON for adults.
7. Merry Cemetery
If you continue to explore the country, one of the most interesting places to visit in Romania is Maramures County. Here, you can see the Cimitriul Vesel, or Merry Cemetery, in the village of Sapanta.
Unlike any other burial ground in the world, this colourful cemetery is adorned with vibrant folk art hand-painted on carved crosses, celebrating the lives of the departed with happiness and telling their personal life stories.
These decorations are the work of a single man from a nearby village, and you don’t need to read Romanian to understand what is depicted.
Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated.
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8. Corvin Castle
Romania has a few castles. Of course, the famous Bran castle is easily among the top 10 things to see in Romania, followed by the Peles Castle.
The last must-visit castle is the gorgeous Gothic Corvin Castle.
Corvin Castle is one of Europe’s largest and most impressive medieval fortresses. Located in the heart of Transylvania, this imposing stronghold, built by the Anjou family in the 14th century, boasts a rich history.
Explore its majestic towers, secret passageways, and eerie torture chambers. I loved the drawbridge and the Knights’ Hall.
The entrance fee is 35 RON for adults.
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9. Sibiu Houses with eyes
Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Transylvania, Sibiu stands as a gorgeous gem waiting to be found.
This gorgeous medieval town exudes Old World charm, think cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses, and well-preserved historic architecture.
And there is something else. As you wander through the maze-like alleyways of Old Town, you’ll spot the houses in the south and east parts of the city where the windows look like eyes peering from the roofs.
These evil-looking windows, in the shape of eyes, were designed to improve ventilation.
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10. Retezat National Park
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The last place on the list of the top 10 things to see in Romania is Retezat National Park, known for its pristine wilderness, crystal clear lakes and lush forest.
Just like hiking in Slovakia, Romania is a gem for nature lovers.
Lace up your hiking boots! With over 100 marked trails ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging ascents, there’s something for every level of outdoor enthusiast.
Entrance to the park is 10 RON per person.
Final thoughts on the top 10 things to see in Romania
I hope this list of amazing places in Romania has helped you plan your time in this underrated country or maybe inspired you to put it on your bucket list.
And if you have been to Romania and loved a place, please share it in the comments.
For food lovers, don’t miss our post on the 20 most popular foods from Romania.
Why not explore Hungary next? Our itinerary for the perfect two days in Budapest covers that. You could then spend two days in Vienna and two days in Prague.
Check out the best things to do in Prague, and don’t miss these top 6 places to enjoy Czech Food in Prague.
Travel Tips for Europe
We have many travel guides and tips for Europe— an incredible continent!
Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Europe, and our food map of Europe will inspire your culinary journey.
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies, a couple of them are located in Europe.
Here are 8 things to know about travelling to Eastern Europe and it’s good to know these 7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe too.
These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels.
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Europe. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual European countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Europe (which covers 39 countries).
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