A list of the best places to visit in Romania, plus some extra Romania travel tips like how to get around and when to visit. 

Romania is honestly one of my favorite countries I’ve visited in Europe. 

It has some of the most beautiful scenery, including ancient castles and charming villages. 

The people are nice, the food is delicious, and everything is insanely cheap. 

Eastern Europe in general is not as touristy as Western Europe. 

That means attractions are uncrowded, the locals aren’t sick of tourists, and the cost of everything is more affordable. 

So if you’re thinking of planning a trip to Eastern Europe, I highly encourage you to visit Romania!

I spent two weeks traveling through Transylvania by train. I loved every second of it and wanted to research some other amazing places to visit in Romania. 

Hopefully this article inspires you to visit some of these incredible places. 

Read next: The Ultimate Transylvania Budget Travel Guide

14 Best Places To Visit in Romania

From the colorful towns of Transylvania like Sibiu and Sighisoara, to the big cities like Bucharest, to the beach resort towns of Mamaia and Vama Veche, here are some of the best places to visit in Romania!

1. Sibiu

This gorgeous city in Transylvania, a historic region of central Romania, is full of amazing things to see. 

The Grand Square is the center of the city. This magnificent public square from the 15th century is lined with impressive Baroque buildings. Narrow, hilly side streets branch off the Grand Square and lead into different scenic neighborhoods of the city. 

Sibiu is also nicknamed “The City of Eyes” because the rooftops and windows create the subtle shape of a face with eyes. 

The best way to explore Sibiu is just walking around and getting lost! Or you can book a guided city tour with a local. 

2. Mamaia

Many people don’t picture beach resorts when they think of Romania. But the eastern side of the country sits on the Black Sea and there are lots of beautiful beaches!

Mamaia is one of the best places to visit in Romania. It’s one of the country’s most popular beach resort towns, and it’s clear to see why. 

Picture white sand beaches, gorgeous hotels, and resorts, lots of nice restaurants, and overall beautiful seaside scenery. Windsurfing is also popular here for those who want a bit of adventure. 

Mamaia isn’t generally a budget traveler’s destination, as there are no hostels and it’s mainly hotels and resorts. But remember, this is Romania, so even nice hotels are affordable. You can find lots of seaside hotel rooms for under $100 USD per night!

3. Sighisoara

Another one of the best places to visit in Romania is Sighisoara. 

This incredible town in Transylvania is known for its Old Town, the entirety of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Sighisoara is one of Romania’s seven Saxon walled cities from the 12th century. There are towering walls surrounding the scenic Old Town. Be sure to climb to the top of the Clock Tower to enjoy the best views of the area. 

Wandering through Sighisoara, you’ll see winding cobblestone streets, rows and rows of adorable colorful buildings, and traditional shops. The rest of the town isn’t as scenic as the Old Town, but there are some great local restaurants and bars in the rest of Sighisoara. 

4. Iasi

Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of Romania, Iasi is a city near the Modolvian border. 

It is one of Romania’s oldest cities, so it’s the perfect destination for those who love history and architecture. 

There are lots of impressive landmarks to see in Iasi, the most notable of which is the massive St. Paraschiva Metropolitan Cathedral. This is the largest historic Orthodox church in Romania. It was built in the 19th Century and mirrors Italian Renaissance architecture and design. 

Iasi is home to lots of other incredible religious buildings, as well as the Three Hierarchs Monastery which is on the National Register of Historic Monuments. 

Also check out the numerous landscaped parks and gardens, and the gigantic Palace of Culture which houses 4 museums. 

From Iasi, you can even take a day trip to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. Enjoy wine tastings and a visit to the Capriana Monastery. 

5. Bucharest

The capital city and largest city of Romania is Bucharest. 

Bucharest is a common place to begin a trip through Romania, and you can find cheap flights into Bucharest from throughout Europe.  

Located on the Dâmbovița River, Bucharest is home to lots of incredible landmarks and museums. 

Here you can find the Palace of Parliament, which is the largest Parliament building in the world. There are over 1,000 rooms, and you can book a tour of the massive building when you arrive. 

Though Bucharest is the biggest city in Romania, it has a cozy feel. There are lots of pedestrian streets lined with bars and cafes, and there is lots of greenery in the city. 

Wander through the Old Town, see a performance at the stunning Romanian Athenaeum concert hall, or visit the National Museum of Romanian History.

If you don’t have time to take trains all around Romania, it’s popular to book day tours from Bucharest to Transylvania. 

6. Turda

One of the lesser-known places to visit in Romania is Turda. This historic settlement in Transylvania is full of interesting attractions. 

Check out the dramatic scenery of the Turda Gorge and Tureni Gorge. Or hang out around the town center and visit the numerous impressive churches and the Turda History Museum. 

But this town is most famous for the Salina Turda, one of the world’s largest underground tourist attractions. 

Salina Turda is set in a salt mine that dates back to the 11th century. Salt mining was an important industry for the country, and the mine also served as an air raid shelter and a cheese warehouse. 

In 1992, Salina Turda became a tourist attraction that houses museums, galleries, a spa, a swimming pool, and an amusement park in addition to the historic salt mines. 

7. Vama Veche

Located on the edge of the Black Sea near the Bulgarian border is Vama Veche. 

In the late 20th Century, the sandy beaches of Vama Veche drew in hippies, punk rockers, and alternative crowds. The area symbolized freedom and creativity and continued to be a haven for free thinkers during the Community Era. 

The beachside town has become more and more popular over time. Nowadays, the sandy beach is accompanied by hostels, Airbnbs, bars, and restaurants. 

The area is somewhat of a party town, and there are numerous festivals and events throughout the summer. 

So if you’re a traveler who wants to party on the Black Sea, Vama Veche is the place for you!

8. Brasov

Brasov is not only one of the best places to visit in Romania, it’s one of the most visited places in Transylvania. 

Surrounded by the peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is popular among locals and tourists alike. 

People flock here in the winter for skiing and ice skating, and year-round you can explore the incredible architecture of the medieval historic center. 

Highlights of Brasov include Strada Sfori (or Rope Street), the narrowest street in the country, and the Gothic Cathedral known as the Black Church.

Another popular activity is either hiking or taking the cable up to Mount Tâmpa for lovely views over the city. 

There are also lots of amazing day trips from Brasov where you can explore nearby churches and castles. Which brings me to the next place on our list of the best places to visit in Romania!

9. Bran Castle

Bran Castle is just a 30-minute bus ride from Brasov, and it’s one of the most visited places in the country. 

This National Monument in Transylvania is often known as Dracula’s Castle. 

Count Dracula was a fictional character created by author Bram Stoker, who never visited Romania. But his description of Dracula’s castle matches Bran Castle so well that people often associate the two. 

Bran Castle makes an awesome day trip from Brasov. Spend a few hours exploring the majestic stone castle and reading the informational signs on the inside. 

Or book a guided castle tour with a local guide so you can learn more about the history and legends behind the 11th Century fortress. 

10. Cluj-Napoca

As the unofficial capital of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca is a city filled with wonders. 

It is home to the country’s largest university and is also considered an art and cultural center of Romania. 

From the main square of Piața Unirii, to the Baroque Bánffy Palace and museum, to the Gothic St. Michael’s Church, there is lots of architecture, history, and art to be observed in Cluj-Napoca and its Old Town. 

The city is also home to lots of amazing restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars, and pubs, so it’s a great place to dive into the local Romanian cuisine. 

Music festivals, museums, parks, gardens, vintage shops, hostels, and more are all plentiful here. 

11. Viscri 

Viscri is another well-preserved Saxon village in Transylvania, Romania. The history of this Transylvanian town goes back to the 12th Century, and there are numerous landmarks that pay homage to this history. 

The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the best places to visit in Romania where you can see traditional rural life. 

Viscri Fortified Church is the most famous site in the village. There are lots of other traditional buildings that you can check out, as well. 

Surrounded by forests and cycling and hiking trails, this charming spot in Romania is peaceful and full of history. 

12. Sinaia

Sinaia is a small village in Transylvania that is most well known for Peles Castle. 

This magnificent Neo-Renaissance Palace is not as old as Romania’s other castles, as it was only built in the 19th Century. 

But with the Carpathian Mountains and lush green forests in the background, Peles Castle is easily one of the most gorgeous sights in Romania. 

Sinaia itself is a mountain resort town. It is just a short train ride away from Brasov and can easily be visited as a day trip. 

Locals visit the town to go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer. Named after Mount Sinai, this adorable town is surrounded by rich natural beauty. 

13. Timisoara

Located in Western Romania, Timisoara is another one of the best places to visit in Romania. 

In contrast to the small villages of Transylvania, Timisoara is a large city on the Bega River. 

Timisoara is often nicknamed “The City of Flowers”, or sometimes “Little Vienna”. The city gets these names because of its many parks, gardens, and historic monuments. 

The city dates back to the 13th Century, and throughout history, it has been part of both the Ottoman Empire and the Hapsburg Empire. 

Nowadays. Timisoara is most known for its two impressive public squares: Piața Victoriei and Piața Unirii. Both are lined with intricate, colorful buildings and monuments. 

Besides admiring the impressive architecture, other fun things to do in Timisoara include attending events like musicals and concerts, and eating delicious local food at the many local restaurants. 

14. Hunedoara

Lastly on my list of the best places to visit in Romania is Hunedoara. 

Located near the Poiana Ruscă Mountains, many locals use this humble city as a gateway into nature. Cinci Lake and Nandru Cave are some nearby natural attractions that draw in visitors. 

But the city is most well known for Corvin Castle. Also known as Hunyadi Castle, Corvin Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe and is often considered the best castle to see in Romania. 

Hunedoara is also full of interesting museums, fortresses, and other historic landmarks. You can take day trips into the surrounding traditional villages, such as Hășdat village or Ghelari village. 

Or you can just hang out in the town and enjoy the serenity! There aren’t too many tourists here, and Corvin Castle sees fewer crowds than Bran Castle and Peles Castle, despite it being arguably more impressive. 

Thanks for reading my list of the best places to visit in Romania!

Here are some other helpful tips to help you plan your travels in Romania. 

When To Visit Romania

There is no bad time to visit Romania!

Winter is the off-season, which is when I visited the country. 

Winter is cold, so pack warm clothes. But even though the temperatures were chilly, all the sights and attractions were still stunning. 

Many of the Transylvanian villages looked like winter wonderlands. And there were barely any other tourists in the country. 

Flight prices are also incredibly cheap in winter! We flew from London to Timisoara for $6 USD! That is the cheapest flight I’ve ever bought!

If you prefer warmer weather for exploring the best places to visit in Romania, summer is the best time to visit. 

Especially if you’re heading to the beaches on the Black Sea, you can actually enjoy sunny beach weather in summer. 

You will encounter more crowds, but tourist season in Romania is nowhere near as hectic as tourist season in places like Italy or Spain. 

So even in summer, you won’t have many crowds!

Shoulder season (spring or fall) is also a safe bet. Seriously, there is no bad time to visit Romania. 

How To Get Around Romania

The easiest way to travel around Romania is by train!

The trains are super straightforward, and every major town and city in the country has a train station. 

As we were traveling during off-season, we could just show up at the train station 15 minutes before our train and buy a ticket. 

In summer, you can always buy your tickets at the train station the day before to ensure they don’t sell out. 

Buses are also great for shorter journeys, such as traveling from Brasov to the nearby Bran Castle. 

The country is quite large, so some train or bus journeys can be long. Just pack a book or your headphones and relax. 

Rome2Rio and Omio are my two favorite websites for comparing transport options around Europe. They show prices and journey times so you can pick the cheapest or quickest option. 

For planning flights to Romania, check Skyscanner!

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For more articles about Eastern Europe, check out:

15 Best Things To Do In Sofia, Bulgaria

Budapest Budget Travel Guide

How To Visit Kotor, Montenegro On A Budget

10 Best Places To Visit in Croatia

Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia