As I stepped off the train in Brașov, the crisp mountain air filled my lungs and the sight of Gothic spires against the Carpathian backdrop took my breath away. This was my third visit to Romania, yet the country never ceases to amaze me with its perfect blend of medieval charm, untamed nature, and quirky modern attractions. Forget the vampire clichés – let me take you on a journey through Romania’s most captivating sights that will make you book your ticket immediately.
1. Bran Castle: Beyond the Dracula Myth
Perched dramatically on a 200-foot rocky outcrop, Bran Castle’s turrets pierce the Transylvanian sky in a way that would make Bram Stoker proud. While the Dracula connection is tenuous at best (the author never visited Romania), wandering through the castle’s 57 rooms reveals fascinating history. Queen Marie of Romania transformed it into a royal residence in 1920, and her art collection and antique furniture remain perfectly preserved. Don’t miss the secret staircases that snake through the walls – they’re perfect for imagining vampire escapes!
Local Tip: Visit on a foggy morning when the mist clings to the castle walls for the most atmospheric photos. The adjacent open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life is equally fascinating.
2. Sighișoara: Where Time Stands Still
Walking through Sighișoara’s UNESCO-listed citadel feels like stepping into a medieval painting. The pastel-hued merchant houses haven’t changed much since Vlad the Impaler (the real-life Dracula inspiration) was born here in 1431. Climb the 175 steps of the 14th-century Clock Tower for panoramic views, then explore the eerie Venetian House with its peculiar tilted facade. Time your visit for July when the Medieval Festival transforms the town with knights’ tournaments, artisan markets, and surprisingly good rock concerts against the ancient backdrop.
Where to Stay: For a perfect Transylvanian base, consider the charming boutique 17b in nearby Sibiu – a beautifully restored townhouse blending historic character with modern comforts.
3. Palace of Parliament: A Colossal Communist Relic
The numbers alone boggle the mind: 12 stories (with 8 underground), 1,100 rooms, and weighing in at a staggering 4 billion pounds. Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament is the world’s heaviest building and second-largest administrative structure after the Pentagon. Our guide told us only about 30% of the building is currently used – the rest remains eerily empty. The tour through marble-clad halls and crystal-chandeliered rooms reveals both staggering opulence and the megalomania of dictator Ceaușescu, who demolished an entire historic neighborhood to build it.
Shocking Fact: The building uses so much electricity that it has its own power plant!
4. Peleș Castle: A Royal Fairytale Come to Life
Nestled in the pine-scented Carpathian foothills near Sinaia, Peleș Castle looks like it’s been lifted straight from a storybook. King Carol I’s 19th-century summer residence showcases an astonishing mix of architectural styles – from German Neo-Renaissance to Italian Gothic. The 160-room interior will leave you speechless: a 2,500-piece arms collection in the Armory Hall, a theater with a retractable ceiling (Europe’s first movie was screened here!), and a Moroccan-style courtyard. The wood-carved Musikzimmer took 12 artisans four years to complete.
Don’t Miss: The secret door in the library that leads to the king’s private study – our guide demonstrated how it’s virtually undetectable when closed.
5. Merry Cemetery: Celebrating Life Through Death
In the remote village of Săpânța, death wears a smile. The Merry Cemetery’s 800 vivid blue crosses feature whimsical paintings and rhyming epitaphs that tell the deceased’s life stories with humor and honesty. One reads: “Under this heavy cross lies my mother-in-law… Try not to wake her, for if she comes home, she’ll bite my head off!” The tradition began in 1908 when local carpenter Stan Ioan Pătraș started carving the colorful markers. Today, it’s a UNESCO-protected site that draws visitors worldwide.
Pro Tip: Visit in late afternoon when the setting sun makes the blue crosses glow against the green hills.
6. Biertan Fortified Church: Where Marriage Was a Life Sentence
This 15th-century Saxon church takes “till death do us part” seriously. Its famous “Divorce Tower” housed quarreling couples for two weeks with just one bed, one plate, and one spoon – forcing them to reconcile. The strategy worked: only one divorce was recorded in 300 years! The triple defensive walls (meant to repel Ottoman invaders) create a fascinating labyrinth to explore. Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of vineyards and rolling hills.
Fun Fact: The massive wooden door to the sacristy has 19 locks – an ingenious medieval security system.
7. Transylvanian Alps: Hiking Heaven
Romania’s answer to the Swiss Alps offers breathtaking trails without the crowds. Moldoveanu Peak (2,544m) rewards hikers with 360-degree views stretching to Ukraine. For something easier, the Seven Ladders Canyon features metal ladders bolted into cliff faces above turquoise pools. In winter, Poiana Brașov transforms into a skier’s paradise with 25km of slopes and lively après-ski bars serving tuică (fiery plum brandy).
Local Secret: The Transfăgărășan Highway (voted world’s best road by Top Gear) offers heart-stopping views but is only fully open July-October.
8. Salina Turda: Underground Wonderland
Descending 400 feet into this 17th-century salt mine feels like entering a sci-fi movie. The massive Terezia Hall houses an underground lake with rowboats floating beneath stalactites, while the Rudolf Mine features an actual Ferris wheel and mini-golf! The constant 50°F temperature and salt-rich air make it therapeutic for respiratory conditions. Our favorite spot? The amphitheater with its surreal acoustics – we caught an impromptu choir performance that sounded celestial.
Must-Do: Rent a rowboat and glide across the eerily still lake, watching lights reflect off the salt walls.
9. Sucevița Monastery: A Heavenly Canvas
The last and most magnificent of Romania’s painted monasteries, Sucevița’s exterior walls serve as a giant Bible for the illiterate. The 1601 Ladder of Virtues fresco shows angels helping monks climb to heaven while demons drag sinners down – the colors still vibrant after 400 years. The monastery’s unique green-dominated palette and defensive walls (complete with battlements) set it apart from others in Bucovina.
Interesting Fact: The nuns here still maintain centuries-old traditions, including making natural paints from minerals and plants.
10. Corvin Castle: Gothic Grandeur
With its soaring towers, crimson-roofed turrets, and stone bridge spanning a 100-foot moat, Corvin Castle is Transylvania’s most spectacular fortress. Built in 1446, the castle’s Bear Pit (where actual bears were kept) and torture devices fuel dark fantasies. The Knight’s Hall’s 15th-century frescoes and the stunning loggia overlooking the courtyard are highlights. Local legend says Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned here for seven years – though historians debate this.
Photography Tip: Come at golden hour when the setting sun sets the red roofs ablaze.
11. Poiana Brașov: Champagne Powder & Cozy Nights
Romania’s premier ski resort combines affordable prices with excellent conditions. The 13 slopes cater to all levels, while the town’s chalet-style architecture creates storybook charm. After skiing, join locals at pubs serving vin fiert (hot mulled wine) and kürtőskalács (sweet chimney cakes). For something special, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through moonlit forests.
Insider Advice: Weekdays are blissfully crowd-free compared to Western European resorts.
12. Danube Delta: Europe’s Last Wilderness
A labyrinth of waterways, lakes, and reed islands teeming with life. Over 300 bird species nest here, including the world’s largest white pelican colony. We spent magical mornings gliding through water lilies in silent boats, spotting purple herons and endangered pygmy cormorants. The floating villages of Lipoveni fishermen, accessible only by boat, offer glimpses of traditional lifestyles unchanged for centuries.
Best Experience: Sunrise birdwatching tour when the delta comes alive with birdsong.
13. Vaser Valley Forestry Railway: Steam Through Time
The last remaining steam-powered forestry railway in Europe chugs through primeval beech forests along the Vaser River. The open carriages offer unobstructed views as the train climbs 400 meters over 21km of narrow-gauge track. At Paltin station, we picnicked by the river watching dippers dance across rocks. The soot-covered machinists, many working here for decades, add authentic charm.
Pro Tip: Sit on the right side going up for the best river views.
14. Wooden Churches of Maramureș: Architectural Poems
These 17th-century UNESCO gems showcase extraordinary craftsmanship. The 18-story-high Bârsana Church was built without nails using interlocking joints, while Surdești’s slender spire stretches 54m skyward. Inside, vivid frescoes of heaven and hell cover every surface. The local tradition holds that churches must be built from a single tree – we saw one being constructed using the same ancient techniques.
Cultural Insight: The gates of Maramureș villages feature intricate carvings symbolizing the passage between worldly and spiritual realms.
15. Piața Mare: Sibiu’s Living Room
Sibiu’s Great Square has witnessed everything from medieval fairs to Communist rallies. The pastel Baroque buildings house cafes where you can sip Romanian wine while admiring the Council Tower’s clock face. Look for the “eyes of Sibiu” – attic windows resembling watchful pupils. The square’s dark history includes public executions and the “lunatic’s cage” where troublemakers were displayed.
Culinary Must: Try Sibiu’s famous sausages at Casa Kraus nearby.
Why Romania Steals Your Heart
After three visits, I’ve barely scratched Romania’s surface. Where else can you breakfast in a medieval square, lunch in a salt mine, and dine in a 15th-century fortress? The country offers Western Europe’s charm at Eastern Europe’s prices, with none of the overwhelming crowds. As my Romanian friend says: “We keep our treasures well-hidden – only curious travelers find them.”