Being an oasis of beauty, culture, and sophistication in Southeastern Europe, there are lots of great places to visit in Romania. Its incredible landscape and historic sites have enthralled people all over the world.
Sharing the land borders with Bulgaria and Ukraine, Romania is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
From its breathtaking natural scenery to historical monuments, this country has so much to offer.
The Carpathian mountains, Danube Deltas? Wines? Draculas? Primeval dense forests? Romania has it all.
Romania also has rich historical and cultural attractions that go way back to the 1st century. Not to mention, it also has one of the most vibrant nightlife and music festivals that you can attend in Europe.
Please keep reading to know all about Romania, its safety, and the major attractions to visit.
To help with your trip plan, we’ll list out some of the best places you should visit in Romania. These sites will give you an authentic taste of Romanian culture and history.
1. Places to Visit in Romania: Danube Delta
The first on our list of the best places to visit in Romania is the Danube Delta. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also one of the best-preserved deltas in the world.
It is a one-of-a-kind place to visit because of its wild sceneries, numerous lakes, beautiful canals, and diverse flora and fauna species.
Also read about the best national parks in the world
The Danube Delta on the Romanian side is the best spot for observing nature and bird watching. It houses over 300 bird species. It also has 23 different ecosystems and houses the world’s most extensive wetlands. So if you are into wildlife photography, you’re in it for a treat.
You can best explore the delta by booking a boat trip.
When you are exploring the Danube Delta, eat the local fish-based meals cooked in the region. The dishes will surely be unique and delicious.
End your day by watching the stunning sunset.
2. Places to Visit in Romania: Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region that boasts Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture. It also houses Romania’s largest university.
Cluj-Napoca has magnificent art and cultural sites that show the glorious history of Romania. When you are here, check out the statue of the Hungarian king.
Visit the St. Michael’s Church. It is a 14th-century Gothic church tower that is the tallest in the country.
Another place of interest is the National Museum of Art. You can see the massive artwork of the Romanian artists.
Wandering this city is a fun feeling because of its mid-century-styled buildings that are eye-pleasing.
Since Cluj-Napoca also has some of the top universities in Romania, there are lots of youths who make the city lively. The party energy of this city is irreplaceable with any other city.
Many festivals and concerts happen now and then, because of which the city even won the European Youth Capital award.
Some of the festivals to attend when in Cluj-Napoca are the Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF), Untold, Electric Castle, and Jazz in the Park.
Also, read about the biggest music festivals in the world
3. Places to Visit in Romania: Mamaia
Located between the Black Sea and Lake Siutghiol, Mamaia is a popular beach resort on a strip of land that is one of the most relaxing places to visit in Romania.
Mamaia is the best place for a vacation because of its accommodation options ranging from budget to luxurious hotels, seafood restaurants, and beachside bars to cafes where you can sit back and chill.
Relax under the sun at the white sandy beaches. If you are feeling energetic, go for a swim or snorkel the beautiful seawater. Mamaia is also a great place to learn wind-surfing lessons.
Aqua Mamaia Waterpark is a great place to entertain the whole pack if you are traveling with children. Also, go on a Mamaia Cable Car to check out the fantastic views of the resort town.
4. Places to Visit in Romania: Timisoara
Located in the Banat region of western Romania, Timisoara is a city that dates back to the 13th century.
Timisoara holds an excellent history on its lands. It used to be a part of the Ottoman Empire and was the first European town to have electric street lamps. Besides, the city also faced heavy bombings during World War II.
Now it has bounced back and has become the most charming place to visit in Romania. Timisoara has great Secessionist architecture and a unique youthful vibe.
The first place to visit in Timisoara is Piata Victorei. It is a central square surrounded by magnificent Baroque buildings. The Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral is also a sight to see with its icon gallery.
Also, go to the Memorial Museum to pay your respects to the fallen ones of the 1989 Revolution.
The city has quaint cafes and restaurants where you can eat. Besides, the nightlife is also vibrant.
5. Places to Visit in Romania: Bucharest
The capital city of Romania- Bucharest, is also known as the “Paris of the East” because of its architectural elegance, picturesque gardens, and SHOPPING MALLS!
Speaking of Paris, here is an article on the 20 best places to visit in France
Wandering this city will show you communist-style buildings to modern skyscrapers. The best way to explore this capital city is by either hiring a vehicle to take you around or strolling on foot.
When in Bucharest, tour the Palatul Parlamentului government building. Constructed in 1984, it is an iconic building that has 3,100 rooms and is 12 stories high.
After that, visit the old town center to check out old buildings and medieval churches. The magnificent architecture of this historical center will surely please you.
You can also explore the open-air Village Museum at Lake Herastrau. Here, you can see Romania’s rural architecture.
Also, visit the Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Chruch and the Curtea veche Palace in the Lipscani district located nearby.
Besides, there are many picturesque parks and modern galleries where you can take a walk. Since it is a modern city, Bucharest also has stylish shopping centers and a fabulous partying scene.
6. Places to Visit in Romania: Sinaia
Sinaia is a resort town center of the Bucegi Mountains known for its breathtaking winter landscape and its historical monastery.
Now that I’ve said it, the Sinaia Monastery is a historical building built in the 17th century. It houses the copy of the first Bible printed in Romania. It is a great place to visit while going on a scenic hike.
Also, visit Peles Castle. It is a German neo-renaissance castle that King Charles I built as his summer home. Now a museum, Peles Castle has beautiful Klimt frescoes and stained-glass windows that will mesmerize you.
Its neighboring castle, Pelisor, is smaller but just as picturesque with its half-timbered facade.
Also, visit the George Enescu Memorial House which is situated across the Prahova River.
7. Places to Visit in Romania: Brasov
Brasov is situated in central Romania and is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. Brasov has got everything; from modern city life, old architectural sites, natural beauty to lots of winter sports.
Brasov is best explored by walking through its narrow Rope Street to check out the cathedrals, museums, and picturesque towers.
Visit the Black Church. It is a Gothic Cathedral whose stones got blackened by the fire’s smoke back in the 17th century.
Brasov has the finest alpine resorts in Romania. If you want to try some outdoor activities, consider yourself in luck. You can ski and ice skate in the resort’s facilities.
Brasov also has an exciting nightlife scene if you want to hit some bars and clubs.
8. Places to Visit in Romania: Sibiu
Located in the Transylvania region is another of the fine places to visit in Romania, Sibiu. It is an old city that dates back to the early 12th century.
Before, Sibiu used to be ruled by Hungary. This city was named the European Capital of Culture in 2007, and thus, it stands true to its title today.
Sibiu boats immense Romanian history and culture.
Visit the Grand Square which has been in use since the 15th century. To check out the magnificent Romanian artworks, go to the Brukenthal Art Museum.
The ASTRA Museum of Folk Civilisation is also a great place to check out more than 300 wooden houses, churches, and workshops.
The Brukenthal Palace is also an excellent place to see Baroque architecture. Besides, there are also many galleries and beautiful churches to explore in the city.
Sibiu also has a phenomenal entertainment scene. There are three theatres in the city. You can attend orchestra concerts or attend annual festivals of performing arts.
If you are visiting the country in December, go to the Christmas Market.
Plus, there are many cafes and restaurants on the sidewalks where you can sit back and watch people going on about their day.
9. Places to Visit in Romania: Sighisoara
Another city located in the Transylvania region, Sighisoara, is a well-preserved walled town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
German artisans and merchants founded it in the 12th century, and later the King of Hungary invited the Transylvanian Saxons to settle there.
Go to the Sighisoara Citadel Historical Center to learn more about its history.
Sighisoara is a beautiful place to explore because of its narrow cobbled streets and colorful houses. There are soaring towers that are a must-visit, especially the 64-meter-high Clock Tower constructed in 1556.
I think you have heard about Dracula in Transylvania. This city is the birthplace of Vlad III the Impaler, the inspiration behind Dracula’s fictional character.
Explore the towers and ramparts to learn the frightening legends of this city.
If you are visiting Sighisoara in July, make sure you attend the annual Medieval Festival in the old citadel.
10. Places to Visit in Romania: Painted Monasteries
Situated in northeast Romania, the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina is one of the most picturesque attractions of the country.
The Painted Monasteries have a vibrant exterior with colorful frescoes that feature masterpieces of prophets, saints, Jesus’s life, angels and demons, and heaven and hell.
The Painted Monasteries were painted this way to depict the story of the Bible to the surrounding villages.
Now the monasteries are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These monasteries are Humor, Moldovita, Probota, Suceava, Patrauti, Sucevita and Voronet.
11. Places to Visit in Romania: The Red Ravine, Sebes
The Red Ravine, also known as Rapa Rosie, is Romania’s version of the Grand Canyon of the United States and is one of the great serene places to visit in Romania. Located in the Alba County of central Romania, the Red Ravine is a natural reserve near Sebes.
Lots of tourists flood this area to check out the unique natural soil erosion of the Secaselor Plateau. The landscape views are commendable as the erosion’s runoff has changed the appearance of the mountainside, due to which it is a unique attraction.
The Red Ravines look red because of the formation of gravel, quartz sands, and sandstone.
12. Places to Visit in Romania: Sarmizegetusa Regia
Located at an elevation of 1,200 meters and nestled in the Orastie Mountains, Sarmizegetusa Regia is a great place to go for a historical ride. Sarmizegetusa used to be the capital of the Dacian settlement before the war with the Romans.
Constructed in the 1st century, it was a significant military, religious, and political center for the Dacians.
At present, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is filled with ancient ruins like a fortress with six citadels and has beautiful natural views that visitors can enjoy.
Some say that it reminds them of Stonehenge in the United Kingdom. Click here to read about the best places to visit in the United Kingdom.
You can visit this archaeological site from Costeti. Afterward, go to the Deva History Museum to see the 2000-year-old bronze cast found in this region.
13. Places to Visit in Romania: Iasi
Iasi is located near the border of Moldova in northeastern Romania. It is a historic city that birthed many remarkable Romanian writers, due to which it has a rich literary past.
If you are wondering why a city with a literary past is listed as one of the best places to visit in Romania. Well, Iasi has many museums, monasteries, and beautiful green parks where you can have a wonderful time.
The first place to visit in Iasi is the magnificent Neo-Gothic building known as the Palace of Culture. It was constructed between 1906 and 1925 to replace Moldavia’s old Royal Court. Now the Palace of Culture is listed on the National Register of Historic Monuments.
This 390,000-square-foot palace has over 298 rooms and four museums. Amazing right?
While you are here, you can visit the Science and Technology Museum, the Art Museum, the Ethnography Museum of Moldavia, and Moldavia’s History Museum. A trip to the palace is certainly a great day trip.
When in Iasi, also visit the St. Paraschiva Metropolitan Cathedral. It is a 19th-century Orthodox Church that has Italian Renaissance architecture.
The Three Hierarchs Monastery also has beautiful architecture with Moorish-style stone carvings that you can only witness in Iasi.
14. Places to Visit in Romania: Constanta
Situated on the Black Sea’s shores in southeastern Romania, Constanta is the largest port city renowned as a luxurious seaside resort that boasts the country’s archaeological treasures.
Constanta was founded by the Greek colonists from the Miletus in the 7th century, due to which you can see a blend of Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences in the city’s buildings.
Visiting this resort city, you will see quaint fishing villages, sandy beaches, fabulous nightclubs, and lots of historical attractions. If you are lucky, you might be just in time to attend a music festival.
There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can chill. The marina of Constanta is many tourists’ favorite sport for a drink.
To learn about its history that dates more than 2,000 years back, go to the National History and Archaeology Museum.
Constanta also has excellent cultural sites like the Great Mahmudiye Mosque and the Orthodox Cathedral.
15. Places to Visit in Romania: Bâlea Lake
Bâlea Lake is a beautiful natural wonder located in Cartisoara, Sibiu Country, in central Romania. It is situated at 2,034 meters in the Fagaras Mountains, also known as the Transylvanian Alps.
Visiting this lake during the summer will be a perfect time for a picnic and hiking. The Balea Lake to Balea Waterfall is a famous hiking trail that is renowned for its breathtaking scenery.
During the winter, you can go skiing. There are many skiing resorts nearby.
Make sure to pack the right gear and check the weather conditions before you leave.
16. Places to Visit in Romania: Transfagarasan Highway
Also listed on our list of best scenic drives Transfagarasan Highway is a one-of-a-kind road built in the early 1970s as a military route. The highway consists of paved mountain roads that traverse the Carpathian Mountains’ southern section.
The best time to go on a scenic drive on the Transfagarasan Highway is during the summer months. There will be plenty of winding roads, hairpin turns, and sharp descents, due to which you are expected to drive at an average speed of 40 km/h.
You will be offered fantastic scenery along the way.
17. Places to Visit in Romania: Rasnov
Located in Brasov County, Transylvania, Rasnov is a quaint city that is listed as one of our top places to visit in Romania because of its intriguing history and natural beauty.
One of the main attractions of Rasnov is the old fortress built in the 14th century. It is now renovated and offers splendid views of the city.
Rasnov has many cultural sites you can visit, such as the Old Evanghelic Church, the Old Orthodox Church, and the Old Saxon cemetery.
You can wander at the Cheile Rasnoavei and try horse riding in this region.
The city also offers lots of hiking, fishing, golfing, and mountain climbing opportunities.
18. Places to Visit in Romania: Viscri
Visiting the Viscri Village is a must while traveling from Sighisoara to Bran. It is a well-preserved Saxon village that, unlike other towns, doesn’t have paved roads.
It still feels like being in the Middle Ages while you’re in Viscri. Maybe because of its simplicity, Prince Charles of Wales bought a house here. You can check the house out while you are exploring the village.
Visit the White Church. It is a magnificent fortified church that is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is well-preserved and enjoyable to explore.
There are many charming local guesthouses and barn restaurants that serve traditional Romanian specialties. We suggest you try some dishes while you are here.
For some outdoor fun, you can bike or go hiking around the town. The views of the village will surely take you on a bliss.
If you stay here for the night, you can witness around 300 cows returning in a herd from their grazing.
19. Places to Visit in Romania: Saschiz
Located near Sighisoara, Saschiz is a beautiful town renowned for its carpentry and wood painting. It is also famous for its medieval fortress and churches that the Transylvanian Saxons constructed.
The Saxon Church is the most famous attraction of Saschiz. Built between 1493 and 1525, the church has an Austrian Baroque-style altar from 1735. The grand size of the church and its beautiful arches, buttresses, and ornamental stones grab the attention of many tourists.
Peasant Citadel and Holy Trinity Church are some places to go for a cultural trip.
End your day by trying Saschiz’s local cheese and exploring the artisan shops. You can also climb the hill and check out the beautiful view of the town.
20. Places to Visit in Romania: Oradea
last but not least on our list of the best places to visit in Romania is Oradea. It is a quaint city located in northwest Romania. It is renowned for its Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and thermal springs.
First, visit the Baroque Palace of Oradea. It is an 18th-century building that is now made into a museum. It houses outdoor bronze and marble statue parks and animal remains such as dinosaur fossils. It also is home to Transylvanian folk art.
This museum is a great place to go for a day trip.
Also, check out the Art Nouveau buildings at Strada Republicii. You can then visit the Neoclassical State Theatre.
Go to the Bishop’s Palace to see the frescoed rooms. This 18th-century building now houses the Museum of the Crisana region.
Other attractions to check out in Oradea are the Oradea City Hall, Biscerica cu Luna’s astronomical clock, and the Moon Church.
Now for some relaxation, there are many thermal springs where you can soak yourself up. You can go to the Baile Felix thermal spa for some quality relaxation time.
So this is it, the top 20 places to visit in Romania. Now that you know that Dracula is just a fictional character and there are no vampires sighted, I hope you consider keeping this beautiful country on your travel bucket list.
Is Romania Safe to Travel?
Romania is a safe country with an overall low risk. The locals of the country are very welcoming of tourists.
Yes, Romania is considered one of the most threat-free countries in the world. However, it doesn’t mean you can be careless about yourself while touring in this country.
Thieves and scammers are prevalent in the major tourist hubs. Thefts commonly happen while using public transportation in major cities.
I suggest you use online transportation apps such as Uber and Black Cab to avoid scams.
If you have already visited Romania, tell us about your experiences below.
