Here’s a list of the most beautiful places you can visit in Romania. From the Bran (Dracula’s) castle to the beautiful glacier lakes at the top of the Carpathian mountains, to stunning medieval cities.
Hi there, and thanks for clicking on this page! I am SOOO happy to have you here, interested in finding out more about my beautiful country!
Whether you are actually planning a trip to Romania or just curious to see what the country has to offer, you have come to the right place. Who better to give travel tips about Romania than an actual Romanian. 😉
So here are my top choices for you of the most beautiful places you can visit in Romania.
23 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Romania
1. Sibiu (Hermannstadt)
Yes, of course, I’m starting with Sibiu, my beautiful hometown! I might be slightly biased, but just have a look at the pictures below and tell me I’m wrong. Sibiu is definitely THE MOST beautiful city of Romania and should be your #1 stop during your trip here.
A medieval Transylvanian town, dating back to 1190, Sibiu is also an important cultural center. The annual Theather Festival is one of Europe’s largest festivals, after Edinborough, and puts on impressive shows every June.
2. Balea Lake
If you’re a nature lover, Romania should definitely be on your travel list as it has SO much to offer. The Carpathians mountains are perfect for exciting hikes during summertime or skiing in winter.
Right at the top of the Fagaras mountains (the highest section of the Carpathians), at 2.034m high, you will find Balea Lake, a glacier lake with stunning views and ice-cold water. You can reach it by car during the summer season (a 1,5h drive from Sibiu on the Transfagarasan road) or via cable car during wintertime.
3. Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)
Perhaps one of the most famous landmarks of Transylvania (and Romania) all around the Globe is the famous Dracula’s Castle – Bran. You will find it in just a short drive from Brasov, another beautiful Transylvanian city (which we’ll cover next). Be prepared to walk through its secret, narrow staircases in the footsteps of the famous Vlad The Impaler, ruler of Wallachia.
4. Transfagarasan
Named “The best road in the world” by Top Gear, Transfagarasan is Romania’s most well know and spectacular driving road, 2nd highest in the country after Transalpina. Due to heavy snow and high altitude, it is only open a few months per year between July and October.
Its long S-curves and sharp edges make it an incredible adventure for drivers, cyclists, and motorcycle enthusiasts. Definitely one of the most beautiful and spectacular places to see in Romania.
5. Brasov
Brasov is another medieval Transylvanian city that should be on your must-see list. Bordered by the Carpathian mountains, it is famous for its Saxon walls, Gothic-style Black Church, and the colorful baroque buildings of the city center.
6. Peles Castle
Peles Castle is by far the biggest and the most impressive castle in Romania. Built in new-Renaissance style in 1883 for King Carol I, it served as the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. Fun fact: it was the first European castle to have electricity and even its own power plant.
HERE you can find all the information on opening hours and tickets. The best is to book online and avoid the lines as it can get very crowded during the summer months.
7. Bucharest
Of course, Romania’s capital could not miss this list of the most beautiful places to see. A walk through its old historic center, on Lipscani street and next to our own Arc de Triomphe, will show you why Bucharest used to be called “The Little Paris” back in the 20th century.
An impressive sight is also the People’s House, currently the Palace of Parliament, the 2nd largest building in the world after the Pentagon and even visible from space.
8. Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is also a Transylvanian city that should be on your list to visit during a trip to Romania. As one of the biggest cities of the country and an important tech and university center with vibrant nightlife, Cluj has a lot to offer. It can be reached during a 2-hour drive from Sibiu or 6 hours from Bucharest.
9. The Danube Delta
One of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Romania
The Danube is the 2nd biggest river in Europe and Romania hosts the largest part of its delta as it flows into the Black Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage, the delta is home to over 300 species of birds and 45 freshwater fish species.
The delta attracts many visitors, especially during the summer months, but if I were you I’d avoid them due to the strong heat. The best would be to visit during spring or early autumn.
10. Fundata – Cheile Gradistei
This is one of my favorite places in the whole country! Fundata (Cheile Gradistei) is a relatively new resort on the top of the mountains, which offers incredible views all around. It’s the perfect place for a quiet, relaxing weekend if you’re looking to escape the city and breathe is the fresh mountain air. A truly fairytale-like place!
11. Sighisoara
A quick glance at a picture of Sighisoara and you might think it’s Prague. 😀 Sighisoara is one of Romania’s prettiest towns and a popular tourist destination thanks to its colorful and well-preserved old town.
For all you Dracula fans out there, you might be interested to know that this is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler) who inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional creation. So you might want to check it out. 😉
12. Alba Iulia
Another old, historic Transylvanian town worth visiting is Alba Iulia. Located in the heart of Transylvania, the city is one of the oldest Romanian settlements, dating back to the Roman occupation times.
Have a walk along the citadel’s walls and long, wide streets and take in the architectural beauty all around.
13. Transalpina
Coming back to impressive natural views, Transaplina is a spectacular 148km road across the mountains and a sight not to be missed. It is the highest road in Romania and generally opens at the end of May when the snow has melted.
14. Cisnadioara Fortified Church
A hidden gem, the fortified church at the top of a hill in Cisnadioara is a great site to visit, especially if you are traveling around Sibiu. It is one of the oldest monuments in the area, dating back 800 years.
Besides the church, to me, the most spectacular part is the 360 views of the mountains around it.
15. The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
Bucovina region and the painted monasteries are a must-see for any traveler wanting to discover more of Romania and its culture. You will find them in the North-Eastern part of the country, close to the city of Suceava.
The painted monasteries are included in the UNESCO World Heritage site as well. The most famous of all is Voronet, (built in 1488) known for its outside murals and the sticking blue color, known as Voronet-blue.
16. Maramures
Maramures is a picturesque region in the North-Western part of Romania, with beautiful villages along the Carpathian mountains. If you’re looking to experience the traditions of Romania and taste some of the local dishes, then this is a great place to visit.
You’ll definitely want to stop by the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. The ancient inhabitants of the village saw death as the beginning, not the end, and their beliefs are engraved on the blue wooden crosses. There are funny stories told about how the person lived his life, with all their qualities but also their shortcomings.
17. Constanta and the Black Sea
Constanta is the second largest city of Romania and an important port to the Black Sea. The city is over 2000 years old and has many great things to offer. You will love a stroll along the Black Sea and the spectacular Casino building, or admiring the ancient Roman Mosaic floors from the 4th century A.D.
Once you’re here, make sure to explore the Black Sea Riviera and its main resorts: Mamaia (the Ibiza of the Black Sea 😀 ), Neptun, Olimp, and more.
18. The Red Lake (Lacul Rosu)
Located in a beautiful mountain region, on the Eastern side of the Carpathians (Harghita County), the Red Lake is a site that attracts many tourists each year. It is a dam lake which formed by the collapse of a slope due to an earthquake many years ago. The remains of trees can still be seen emerging from its waters.
The area is famous for its fresh, clean air, and rich in aerosols, making it the perfect spot for a spa weekend.
19. Bicaz Gorge (Cheile Bicazului)
Very close to the Red Lake, you will find this spectacular gorge created by the Bicaz river which serves as a passageway between Moldova (a province of Romania on the Eastern side) and Transylvania.
This 8km long road is one of the most impressive drives in the country and also the perfect rock climbing site (in case you’re into that sort of thing 😉 ). Definitely one of the most beautiful places you can see in Romania!
20. Paltinis
Paltinis is the highest and oldest mountain resort in Romania (at 1.440m altitude). It is located in the Cindrel Mountains and can be easily reached during a beautiful 30-minute drive from Sibiu.
I can highly recommend spending one or 2 relaxing days exploring the nature of this area. There are plenty of hikes you could take, with gorges views of the Fagaras Mountains in the distance, as well as other family-friendly activities (ex. tree climbing adventures at Arka Park or skiing during winter at Arena Platos).
21. Poiana Brasov
Poiana Brasov is our biggest and “poshest” mountain resort and one of the best places to visit during your trip to Romania. You will find it after a short drive from Brasov, up in the Carpathian Mountains. It’s a great starting place for hikes in the area or for skiing during winter time. Just make sure to book upfront as it can get pretty crowded during peak season.
22. Sinaia
Sinaia is a picturesque town bordered by the rocky Bucegi mountains and the starting place for many adventures around the area. From here you can visit the Peles or Bran castles, hike or ski in the nearby mountain resorts (Bucegi, Predeal).
23. Olt Valey & Cozia Monastery
A drive along the river Olt (one of the largest rivers in Romania) is pretty impressive. The longest gorge in the country lies from Turnu Rosu to Cozia, a 47km drive.
At Cozia, you will find one of the oldest monasteries in the country (1388) and a treasured monument of Romania. Have a walk through its peaceful gardens and leading to the river. You can also catch a boat ride on the river Olt from here for some great views of the area.
Best Places to Visit in Romania – Final thoughts
So there we have it: 23 of the most impressive places to visit in Romania! I truly hope this was helpful and has inspired you to visit this beautiful country! Be sure to pop any questions you might have in the comments. I’ll be happy to help!
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Happy travels! 🙂
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