Unsplash Romania
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”— Saint Augustine
Planning notes — I haven't been here yet. This page is my personal research for a future trip.
Romania still feels like a secret — pristine wilderness, medieval towns untouched by time, painted monasteries, and an unhurried way of life that has disappeared elsewhere in Europe.
Why I Want to Visit
Transylvania has Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, fortified Saxon churches, and the Carpathians where bears and wolves still roam. Equally drawn to Bucovina’s painted monasteries and the pastoral life of Maramures.
Draft itinerary
Ten days to explore this surprisingly diverse country:
- Bucharest (2 days) - Palace of the Parliament, old town, communist-era architecture, cafe scene
- Brasov and Bran (2 days) - Medieval town center, Bran Castle, Carpathian foothills hikes
- Sighisoara (1 day) - Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace, best-preserved medieval citadel in Europe
- Sibiu (2 days) - Old town with “eyes” rooftops, ASTRA open-air museum
- Bucovina Monasteries (2 days) - UNESCO painted monasteries of Voronet, Sucevita, and Moldovita
What I’m Most Excited About
- Bucovina’s frescoes that have survived five centuries
- Hiking the Carpathians and possibly spotting bears
- Sighisoara’s citadel cobblestone streets at twilight
- Bucharest’s contrast between communist architecture and modern culture
Food spots on my radar
- Caru’ cu Bere (Bucharest) — Legendary 1879 beer hall with Neo-Gothic interiors and live folk music. 📍 Maps
- Bistro de l’Arte (Brasov) — Stylish old town bistro blending Romanian and French cooking. 📍 Maps
- Roata (Cluj-Napoca) — Traditional Transylvanian restaurant with rustic decor and hearty dishes. 📍 Maps
- Lacrimi si Sfinti (Bucharest) — Hip old town gastropub with modern Romanian cuisine. 📍 Maps
- Sergiana (Brasov) — Saxon-Transylvanian restaurant in a historic cellar. 📍 Maps
Hotels I’ve shortlisted
- Rembrandt Hotel ★★★★ (Bucharest) — Boutique hotel in a restored heritage building in the old town. View →
- Casa Wagner ★★★ (Sighisoara) — Family-run guesthouse on the citadel’s main square with Clock Tower views. View →
- Teleferic Grand Hotel ★★★★ (Brasov) — Modern hotel at Tampa Mountain base with spa. View →
- Hotel & Spa & Aqua Nera ★★★ (Cluj-Napoca) — Affordable central hotel with good wellness facilities. View →
Experiences I’m considering
- Transylvania Castles Tour: Bran, Peles & Rasnov — Three castles in one day: Bran, Peles Palace, and Rasnov Citadel. 12h. View →
- Bucharest Communist Era Walking Tour — Palace of the Parliament. 3h. View →
- Brasov Old Town & Black Church Day Trip — Medieval streets, Black Church, and Tampa Mountain cable car. 8h. View →
- Transfagarasan Road Scenic Drive Tour — One of the world’s most spectacular mountain roads with Balea Lake. 12h. View →
- Sighisoara Medieval Citadel Walking Tour — Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace with colorful houses and the Clock Tower. 2h. View →
Getting Around & Where to Stay
Airports, transport, taxis, hotels & useful apps for Romania
Places on my radar
Some links on this page are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unforgettable experiences await in Romania
Local guides, skip-the-line tickets, and unique adventures you won't find on your own.
You might also like
If you love Romania, try these
Unsplash Europe
Bulgaria
Unsplash Europe
Czech Republic
Prague beneath the tourist surface — Charles Bridge at dawn, Vltava boat rides, fried cheese on Havelska, and honest tips from my own trips to Czechia.
Unsplash Europe