Romania
Europe
Romania is a country in Eastern Europe known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and charming medieval towns.
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May-Sep
Romanian
Why Visit
Home to the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains and the stunning Transfagarasan Highway.
Must Try
1. Explore the castles of Transylvania 2. Visit the painted monasteries of Bucovina 3. Experience the Danube Delta biodiversity
Insider Tip
Explore the lesser-known villages in Transylvania for authentic experiences and local culture.
Must-Try Food
Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), Mici (grilled minced meat rolls), Ciorba de burta (tripe soup), Mamaliga (polenta)
Top Cities in Romania
Bâlea Lac
Bâlea Lac sits at an altitude of 2,034 meters on Romania's Transfăgărășan Highway, famed for its dramatic mountain scenery that attracts both tourists and adventure seekers. The winding road itself is a feat of engineering, cutting through the Carpathians and making Bâlea Lac accessible for those brave enough to drive it. This small destination is centered around its high-altitude lake, a popular spot for hiking, skiing in winter, and taking rather scenic photos. However, despite the setting, the place lacks much in the way of amenities, making it largely a stopover for those traversing the mountainous route rather than a destination in itself. People come for the views and the thrill of the drive.
Bucharest
Bucharest's dramatic skyline is dominated by the Palace of the Parliament, a colossal structure built during the Ceausescu era that is among the largest administrative buildings in the world. This monumental excess reflects both the city’s turbulent history and its ongoing transformation, where grand architecture jostles for attention with the remnants of communism and lively street life. The city center is a mix of wide boulevards and narrow alleys, home to a diverse population and an eclectic mix of cultural venues, such as the Romanian Peasant Museum and the Village Museum. Despite its patchy reputation, Bucharest draws visitors for its nightlife, where the rough edges of the city soften after dark, offering a surprising range of bars and clubs. The Arcul de Triumf and Revolution Square provide context for a city that is constantly reshaping itself and its identity.
Oradea
Oradea thrives on its distinct architecture, which mainly comes from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when it was a prominent cultural hub in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city is decorated with elegant Art Nouveau buildings, with the most notable being the Moon Church and the Baroque-style Oradea Fortress, which has stood as a sentinel over the Crisul Repede River. This architectural flair supports a local arts scene, while the green spaces offer respite from urban life. A surprising draw for visitors is the thermal baths, which attract those looking to relax and rejuvenate, adding to the city's unique charm as a tech hub and cultural destination.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is a cultural hub in Romania, known for its student population and burgeoning tech sector. The city's identity is shaped by its history as a former capital of Transylvania, evident in its architecture and institutions like Babes-Bolyai University and the Hungarian Opera. The mixture of students, professionals, and locals creates a dynamic atmosphere, particularly in the city center around the National Museum of the History of Transylvania and Matthias Corvinus House. Beyond the urban setting, Tarnita Lake and Hoia Baciu Forest offer quick escapes into nature, though neither quite qualifies as a remote getaway. People often visit for the eclectic mix of cultural events and the chance to experience a little bit of everything, from history to nightlife.