Best attractions in Romania: Top 20

Romania is a state located in the southeastern part of Europe. It is the largest in the region in terms of population and land area. Attractions of Romania deserve special attention, each of them has its own interesting history. Knowing what to see in Romania first, you will not miss anything important and significant.

What is the first thing to see in Romania?

The unitary presidential republic is characterized by ethnocultural diversity. In it the majority of the population is orthodox, so there are many Romanian landmarks associated with it.

1. The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest

Monumental administrative building of the Parliament in Bucharest

It is a famous architectural structure in the capital of the state. On the creation of the palace in due time worked more than 20 thousand people. To make it really beautiful, they had to work 24 hours a day, for several years. There were peak periods when thousands of additional soldiers were engaged. In the Guinness Book of Records, the Romanian landmark is number one because it is the largest administrative building. In total, the construction process took 5 years. There is no tourist whose imagination would not be struck by the appearance of the building, its size.



2. Bran Castle

The Castle of Dracula on top of a cliff Todor Bozhinov
Brun Castle Elena Chochkova

Interesting places to see should begin with the architectural monument, according to legend, considered the place of residence of Count Dracula. The fortress is in Gothic style and was built at the expense of local merchants seeking to protect their goods. The peculiarity of this attraction is a large concentration of intricate paths, spacious halls inside, corridors, as well as small rooms. All of these rooms overlap with each other. Pay attention to the ancient well, it used to be believed that only through it you can get to the secret dungeon.

Official site: http://www.bran-castle.com/



3. Romanian Carpathians

Scenery of the Romanian Carpathians

This mountain range is the second largest after the Alps. Its rating is just off the charts because there are so many people who are into skiing. They come here from all over the world. A third of the described state is made up of mountains, so no wonder that skiing is the main branch of tourism. A trip here will not leave anyone indifferent, the height of the mountains reaches 2600 meters, which cannot help but attract. People travel to Carpathian Mountains not only for skiing but also to learn the culture and history of the country.

4. Black Church (Brasov)

View of St. Mary's Lutheran Church or Black Church

As the name implies, this Romanian landmark is located in the city of Brasov, is its symbol. The total height of the structure is 65 m, the bell tower is only one, it has 3 bells. What attracts attention inside are the Turkish carpets. They were once donated by the parishioners of the temple, their original appearance, the color have been preserved to this day. There is also a font on the grounds, dating back to the fifteenth century. It has the form of a cast-iron ark, made in the Gothic style. There are many things of interest in the church, its pride is the organ, which was installed in 1839.

5. Lipskan Street

Lipscani Street in the center of the Old Town

Another Romanian landmark is considered to be the pedestrian street that runs in the heart of the capital city. In its importance it can be compared to Moscow’s Arbat. In the Middle Ages, the area surrounding it was used for the organization of tenders. The place is very popular among visitors because of its close proximity to the old princely court. It was laid out as far back as the prince of Wallachia.

6. Historical center of Sibiu

Charming Medieval Historic Center of Sibiu

A trip to a township of venerable age you will definitely enjoy. Keep in mind that it’s easy to get lost in it, because there are mazes of narrow streets everywhere. In the historic center, they are paved with cobblestones. The city is part of the Transylvanian Triangle. Not everyone knows that Sibiu was originally a German city, because settlers from Germany founded it. Against the general background of Romania is very noticeable difference. All the best attractions of the settlement are concentrated in a compact Old Town. It is divided into two parts, the Upper and Lower. You can get here by plane, train, bus or car.

Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Romania!

7. Herastrau Park

Traditional recreation area for citizens in Herastrau Park

Don’t know where to go in Romania so you won’t regret it? Visit the park, located in the northern part of the capital, it extends around Lake Herastrau. The year of its founding is thought to be 1936, once there were swamps in the park area. When they were drained, 1.5 km² of area was freed. The park was originally named after Stalin, and not far from the main entrance was a sculpture of the Russian revolutionary. The described Romanian attraction includes the Village Museum as well as a recreational area that is completely open to the public. The park is considered a great place for children, because there are many open spaces on its territory. If you wish, you can rent a boat from the dock and take it for a ride on the lake.

8. National museum complex ASTRA

Exhibits of the ASTRA National Museum Complex Nicubunu

Refers to the number of ethnographic, like all the others, very impressive. From the reviews you can understand that it is quite difficult to go around it at once, because the museum covers an area of 90 hectares. If you pass by the city of Sibiu, you should leave a couple of hours to get acquainted with the described Romanian attraction. It is interesting to know that originally the museum was dedicated to the Romanian civilization, but later other directions were opened. As an independent structure, the complex operates since 2001.

Official website: http://muzeulastra.ro/

9. Horezu Monastery

The Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Horezu Monastery

Refers to the category of “Main attractions of the country”. Its founder was the ruler Valahin, who in history is remembered as a ruler who spent a lot of energy on the development of the country, the enlightenment of local people. Constantine also became the founder of a new architectural style, namely the Brynkovian style. In 1714 he and his sons were brutally murdered for refusing to accept Islam. Valahin died, but he left behind many wonderful monuments of Brynkovian architecture. Since 1993 the monastery has been included in the UNESCO list.

10. Pelesh Castle

The former residence of Romanian monarchs, Peles Castle

Many things have been left behind by the Hohenzollerns, who ruled the country for 80 years, meaning not only political but also sculptural heritage. The most famous building of the king of this dynasty is Palesh Castle, which was named after a mountain river. Doing his review, I would like to say that the building is considered the pearl of the city of Sinai. All year round here are lined up huge lines of people who want to visit the royal chambers. After the revolution, namely in 1990, the castle became a public attraction in Romania.

11. Romanian Ateneum

Park and statue of the famous poet Mihai Eminescu in front of the Ateneum

What to visit in Romania? The concert hall, located in the central part of the capital, deserves attention; it has been gracing the capital since 1888. It is famous for the fact that here every year is organized a music festival dedicated to George Enescu. In the description it is impossible not to mention the splendor of the appearance of the building, it is made in the neoclassical style. What stands alone the grandiose dome, decorated with romantic touches, which looks charming. On the territory of the concert hall there is a park, in which there is a statue of M. Eminescu, the famous poet.

12. The Danube Delta

Wetland in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

It is a river, known throughout the world for the fact that it flows at once through 10 countries in Europe. On the territory of the described state is its largest part, which is 3446 km², and here it flows into the Black Sea. In 1991, the permanent water flow was included in the list of UNESCO. With the support of this organization also maintains the biosphere reserve, formed jointly by Romania, Ukraine. Its territory is home to many rare insects, birds, plants, which are listed in the Red Book. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals are no exception. If you are lucky, you can capture them on the photo.

13. Village Museum in Bucharest

Examples of outdoor Romanian rustic architecture

Refers to places to see in Romania in 1 day. Located outdoors in the heart of the capital, nevertheless silence, tranquility prevails there. Guides in Romania often bring tourists here, wanting to introduce them to the village with houses brought from all over the country. Almost all of them were built between the 15th and 19th centuries. If you don’t know what to visit in Romania, this attraction is definitely worth seeing because it colorfully demonstrates village life. It is located on the shore of a picturesque lake.

Official website: http://muzeul-satului.ro/en/

14. Historic Center of Sigishoara

Panorama of the Historic Center of Sighisoara

The city itself was founded by colonists in the twelfth century, from the beginning it was a fortress with several churches around it. A century later the settlement became free, which gave rise to its development. For those who do not know what to visit in Romania, it is recommended to look into the historical center of Sighisoara. It is characterized by a typical medieval appearance. Along the perimeter there are fortress walls, in which 2 bastions and 14 towers have survived up to now. The symbol of the central part of the settlement is a tower decorated with miniatures of Roman gods. Today there is a museum there, and next to it there is a Gothic temple, a museum of medieval weapons, and a religious community of monks.

15. Merry Cemetery

The most positive cemetery in the world in the village of Sepinza

Those who want something unusual, are invited to visit a not quite usual place of burial of the dead, it is located in the village of Sapintza. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the tombstones are made of wood. They are in the form of a cross and a colored plate with the image of the deceased. It is drawn in bright colors, and an ironic inscription was also made. Many years have passed since the founding of the fun cemetery, but even now people are buried there under such tombstones.

Attractions in Romania: what else to visit in Romania?

Excursions in Romania are held in a variety of directions. Below we will look at some of them.

16. Mogosoia

The Mogoshoaia Palace and Park Ensemble

The founder of the state is considered to be Constantin Brinkovian, he is also the author of a unique architectural style. One of his first examples was a palace called Mogoshoaia. The peculiarity of the style is an abundance of carved architectural decorations, loggias, verandas, decorative paintings. The references to the place say that it is a real palace and park ensemble. After World War II, the complex became state property, and 12 years later was equipped as an art museum. What to see in Romania, namely in the palace of Mogoshoja? There are whole collections of antique furniture, household items, historical documents, objects of worship.

17: Transfagarasa highway

Transfagarasa highway is a mountain highway in the Carpathians

This high-mountain highway is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, but at the same time dangerous. It passes through the entire Romanian Carpathian Mountains, Fagaras massif, connecting the two regions of the country. Just think about it: the road climbs up to 2034 meters. It is used by all kinds of vehicles, steep turns and steep drop-offs make even experienced drivers nervous. Driving on this route is only allowed during daylight hours, between July and October. It is among the sites that are really worth seeing in Romania.

18. Berca Mud Volcanoes

View of Berca Mud Volcanoes

Continuing the theme of what to see in Romania, we want to pay attention to a sight for daredevils. We are talking about volcanoes, throwing out fuel and dust with impurities of oil, liquid. They are formed under the influence of underground tremors. When the gas that escapes from them begins to ignite spontaneously, the spectacle is even more fascinating. The volcanic material ejected creates very interesting landscapes, the local landscape is assessed as heterogeneous.

19. Bigar Falls

Streaming Bigar Falls

The sights of Romania are not only fascinating, but also surprising. Let’s get acquainted with one very unusual waterfall. The highlight is that the water runs down a hat-shaped rock with bright green moss. The stream splits into hundreds of small ones, all flowing into the river below. It feels like the cliff is covered with a water veil that is constantly moving. If you want, you can go up to the top and see where the water comes from. If you decide that you want to see just Bigar waterfall in Romania, take suitable shoes with you, the trail there is very slippery.

20. Scarisoara Cave

Visitors to Glacier Cave Scarisoara

What else to visit in Romania and not regret it? This is a glacier located in Mount Bichor. It has the form of a cave, 705 m long, and its age is estimated at 3500 years. The entrance here is very large, it looks like a rampart 60 meters wide. Throughout the year, the rampart is filled with ice, the stairs here have a spiral shape, often reaching the bottom. Keep in mind that it is difficult to move around the cave, it is very cold, so if you have health problems, do not take risks.

Going on a trip do not forget that hotels in Romania, as well as in any other country should be booked in advance. Special services are used for this purpose. Preparing in advance for the trip, you can be sure that everything will pass without problems, and you will get maximum pleasure from the trip. Also read about the best sights of Poland and get inspired for your next trip to Europe!