Romania attractions

Founded in the late 14th century, Snagov Monastery (Manastirea Snagov) sits on an islet in Lake Snagov, just a couple kilometers north of the village by the same name. The monastery is best known as the burial place of Vlad the Impaler, who provided the inspiration for the fictional Dracula. However, the island also once housed the coin minting facility of the medieval principality Wallachia and was considered one of the most important printing houses in southeastern Europe in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Whether or not he ultimately came to rest at the monastery, Vlad the Impaler was strongly connected to it, building fortifications around the monastery in the 15th century, as well as a bell tower, new church, a bridge to the mainland and a prison and torture chamber. The remains of the prison can still be seen behind the present day church and frescoes from that era are visible inside the church. Vlad’s alleged grave can be found inside the church toward the back.

The University of Bucharest Palace, nestled in the heart of Romania's vibrant capital, is a beacon of academic excellence and cultural richness. Renowned for its distinguished faculty, diverse programs, and a storied history dating back to 1864, this prestigious institution offers a captivating blend of Romanian tradition and innovation.

Located in the historic town of Brasov, Rope Street (Strada Sforii is one of the most interesting streets in the city. With a width that varies between 44 and 53 inches (111 and 135 centimeters, the 260-foot (80-meter long street is the narrowest street in Brasov and in Romania, and one of the narrowest streets in Europe.

Catherine’s Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) is technically Brașov’s last-remaining medieval structure, though the central tower is the only original feature. Built by Saxon settlers in 1559, then used as storage space during the 19th and 20th centuries, the gate provides insight into Romania’s complex history and today serves as an important symbol of the city.

As Europe’s biggest thermal spa and Romania’s largest botanical garden, Therme Bucuresti is a premier destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Sun-soaked by day and illuminated by night, this expansive thermal complex boasts pools, saunas, and wellness facilities, with options for all ages, budgets, and time limits.

Located in central Bucharest, Stavropoleos Church (Biserica Stavropoleos, also known as Stavropoleos Monastery, is one of the oldest churches in the city. Built in the 18th century, this small, ornately-decorated church is considered one of the most beautiful in the city, and offers an oasis of peace in the heart of Old Town Bucharest.

Located in the heart of old Brasov, Council Square*(Piata Sfatului)* is lined with beautiful Gothic, baroque, and Renaissance buildings. Home to a number of key landmarks, Brasov’s main square has been a focal point of life in the city since medieval times. It’s a popular gathering place and a great spot to soak up the scenery.

One of three main squares around which Sibiu’s old town is built, Big Square (Piața Mare has been at the heart of city life for centuries, hosting markets, festivals, and even executions. Historic landmarks surround the square, from the 13th-century Tower of the Council (Turnul Sfatului to the baroque-style Brukenthal Palace.

Sighișoara’s Clock Tower—the former town council meeting place—was among several towers built between the 13th and 16th centuries to defend the medieval citadel. Shimmering scale-like tiles cover the roof and painted wooden figurines emerge from a niche beside the clock. Inside, there is a small museum and a 360-degree viewing platform.

Located in central Bucharest, on one of its main boulevards, CEC Palace (Palatul CEC) was designed by French architect Paul Gottereau and opened in 1900. The headquarters of Romania’s oldest bank, CEC, the palace is an architectural masterpiece considered by many to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Nestled among Romania’s lush Fagaras Mountains at 6,560 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level, Bâlea Lake (Lacul Bâlea) is one of the country’s most scenic bodies of water. While the lake water is perennially chilly for swimming, Bâlea Lake offers a wealth of things to do, which range from scenic hikes to snow sledding.

Located atop Mitropoliei hill in central Bucharest, the Patriarchal Cathedral (Metropolitan Church) is the city’s principal Orthodox place of worship and a historical landmark. Consecrated in 1658, it’s a copy of the Curtea de Arges Monastery in Pitesti dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen.

Prejmer Church (Cetatea Prejmer) is the largest fortified church in southeastern Europe and among the oldest recorded in Transylvania. Begun by Teutonic Knights in 1211, the settlement withstood 500 years of attack, and, thanks to its strong defences, secret passages, and progressive weaponry, it only fell once in all that time.

Also called the Brancovan Palace, the Mogosoaia Palace was built at the end of the 17th century by Constantin Brancoveanu. The building combines elements of both Venetian and Ottoman architecture, creating a style often referred to as “Brancovenesc.” Located just 10 kilometers from Bucharest in the village of Mogosoaia, it has been a museum since 1957 and is one of the most important tourist sites in the area. The palace is part of a vast complex that includes a guesthouse, watchtower, kitchen, vault, ice house, green house, church, and beautiful gardens. Today, visitors can tour parts of the palace or visit a museum featuring Brancoveanu style art. Exhibitions of paintings or textiles are often staged in the palace as well.

The Royal Court of Targoviste is an architectural complex built in Romania between the 15th and 17th centuries. The town of Targoviste itself was the capital of Wallachia for three centuries and occupied an important location on the main trade route connecting Wallachia to Transylvania and the Balkan Peninsula. The Royal Court consists of a southern gate, royal palace, bell tower, royal gardens, fortifications, the Chindia Tower, Lady Balasa’s home and several churches. Today, only ruins remain of the royal palace and its gardens. Numerous frescoes remain in the Great Royal Church, including portraits of Wallachian rulers, and visitors can see examples of old pottery work in the Small Royal Church. The Chindia Tower, which dates back to the 15th century, features a viewing platform that can be reached by climbing a flight of more than 100 stairs. The tower also hosts an exhibition about the reign of Vlad the Impaler, who was the inspiration for the fictional Dracula.

The Macca-Villacrosse Passage is an indoor arcaded passageway connecting Calea Victoriei and the Lipscani district’s National Bank. Opened in 1891, its two branches were built to weave around an existing inn and allow access to jewelry shops. Today, visitors can find cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and a few remaining jewelers.

Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, this austere Gothic church—as its name indicates—enjoys a lofty position atop the 1,378-foot (420-meter summit of School Hill. Accessible via a covered stairway, the church features remnants of 15th-century frescoes and a crypt, and promises panoramas of Sighişoara’s pretty medieval citadel.

A 15-mile (25-kilometer limestone ridge runs like a spine down the center of this vast national park, sloping down to virgin forests, lakes, and meadows. Thousands of plant and animal species thrive here, with brown bears, wolves, lynx, and chamois making their home in the park’s woodlands and high cliffs.

Sheer limestone cliffs featuring caves and rock towers rise up on either side of this 1.8-mile (3-kilometer canyon, which forms a split in what was once a single mountain. The dramatic karst formations, carved over millennia by a rushing river, are now part of a protected nature reserve popular with hikers and climbers.

Explore the enchanting city of Iasi, a cultural haven nestled in the heart of Romania, known for a history dating to prehistoric times and preserved architectural gems. It’s the country’s largest university city, and there are many options for activities. Travelers seeking a blend of old-world charm and vibrant cultural experiences often put Iasi on their “must-visit destination” list.

One of the few parts of the city to have escaped both WWII bomb damage and the drastic redesigns of the communist era, Lipscani is Bucharest’s historic hub. By day, its pedestrianized streets are ideal for strolling, antique shopping, and caféhopping, while at night, its many restaurants, bars, and clubs fill with fun-seeking revelers.

Surrounded by a blanket of emerald-green forest and the Bicegi Mountains, Cantacuzino Castle (Castelul Cantacuzino) boasts lavish rooms, an art gallery, and lush gardens filled with sculptures, grottoes, and fountains. Enjoy family-friendly fun on an adventure course with archery, ziplines, and a tree-climbing course.

An iconic Sibiu attraction, the Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor dates back several hundred years, though today’s structure was built in 1859 as one of Romania’s first cast-iron bridges. Since then, legends have passed down over generations regarding its mysterious name, while its picture-perfect location makes a city must-see.

Set within the 19th-century Royal Palace, the National Museum of Art of Romania holds an impressive array of artworks. The collection is divided into two parts: Romanian art, with a particular emphasis on medieval and modern pieces; and European art, which includes works attributed to celebrated artists such as El Greco and Rembrandt.

White Tower, built in the late 15th century by the Saxons as a part of defensive fortifications against invading Turks and Tartars is a 5-story, semicircular tower sitting atop a steep hill. The tower overlooks the city of Brasov. Climb 200 steep stone steps to the White Tower for panoramic views over the city.

This memorial serves as a poignant and sobering reminder of the many Romanian Jews and Roma people murdered during World War II. The memorial, which was inaugurated in 2009, was seen as a symbolic step by Romanian leaders, with previous post-war governments having denied the role Romania’s Nazi-allied government played in the genocide.

Influenced by Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya, this Byzantine-style basilica—built between 1902 and 1906—is among Romania’s largest Orthodox churches. The striped red and yellow-brick exterior hides a lavish interior where decoration, be it colorful frescoes, mosaics, or gold, covers almost every inch of wall and ceiling space.

The Cotroceni Palace (Palatul Cotroceni) in Bucharest is home to the country’s president and houses 300 years of history. Visitors to the palace can explore royal bedrooms, ornate hallways, children’s nurseries, and an elaborate music hall. The site also includes the National Cotroceni Museum (book separately), comprised of over 20,000 artifacts. Both attractions are perfect for travelers seeking a more immersive look at Romania’s past.

Housed in a grandiose neoclassical building along Calea Victoriei, the National Museum of Romanian History takes visitors on a journey through national history and heritage with its permanent collection of over 750,000 items. Note that the museum is partially closed for renovations until 2021, and exhibits may move to a temporary location in the interim.

Opened in 1817 as Romania’s first museum, the award-winning Brukenthal National Museum (Brukenthal Palace is a Sibiu landmark, celebrating the cultural heritage of both Romania and wider Europe. Home to the European Art Gallery and Brukenthal Library, the ornate palace displays works by masters such as Titian, Rubens, and Grigorescu.