The arrival of summer is definitely an opportunity to go on holiday. And if you’re looking for something absolutely special, then a trip to Romania is the solution. Buckle your seatbelts; we have compiled a list of summer destinations that will make you want to visit Romania at the drop of a hat. With no further introductions, let’s see what is there to visit in Romania.
Bucharest – a special destination for summer vacation in Romania
There is no point in beating around the bush, Bucharest is beautiful without a doubt. It is a city between worlds, blending post-communism with the ever-expanding influences of the West. Bucharest still offers visitors the possibility to see how things once were, as it preserves many buildings that date all the way back to the interwar and communist times.
You can experience the city through our guided Bucharest tour and get the chance to see many of its iconic landmarks in one fell swoop. These include the Romanian Arch of Triumph, Victoriei Square, the Romanian Athenaeum, and many more.
Also, the grass is greener on the other side of a park’s fence – quite literally. Among its top attractions, the parks of Bucharest make for great summer retreats and are an ideal place to visit for those looking to go for a relaxing walk.
Things to do in Bucharest, capital of Romania
Bucharest has a lot to offer: whether you want to spend the day shopping, in nature, at cafes and bars, museums or sightseeing. We will give you some Bucharest travel tips, and some tour offers as well.
Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Bucharest: an 8 hour long way to discover some of Bucharest’s finest attractions. Visit the Parliament Palace (the House of Ceausescu or the House of People), Cotroceni Palace (the residence of the Romanian Presidency), and the Village Museum – the impressive open-air collection of traditional houses brought from the various regions of Romania.
Private Half-Day City Tour of Bucharest: if you are shorter on time, this 5 hour tour is for you. You will get a panoramic city tour of Bucharest and learn about the main attractions. We will then have 60 minutes to see the largest Parliament building in the world. Finally we will visit the Village Museum – the iconic open-air museum of Bucharest.
Moving forward we have some niched tours that might be to your liking. And other recommendations and travel tips. Here they are:
- Last Days of Communism Tour: learn about the end of an era. And walk the streets of the formal communist rulers of Romania. See more details about the tour here!
- Taste some traditional Romanian food and desserts: there are so many great restaurants in Bucharest. We heart warmly recommend Casa Doina, Caru cu Bere, Pescarus, Hanu lui Manuc. Or, have a look at our tour by clicking here!
- Wine tasting: a very special wine tasting tour in Bucharest was made for all the wine lovers visiting. Therefore, if you fall in love with Romanian wine, here is a tour that will make your stay.
Romania holiday – best destinations in the Danube Delta and the Black Sea coast
The Casino in Constanta and the Sea Side Relaxation
Being only a train ride away from Bucharest, Constanța is located at the edge of the country where the land and the sea meet. It is the largest of Romania’s harbor cities and it is worth mentioning that it’s the oldest attested town in the country’s history.
Being close to the seaside ranks Constanța high among the best summer destinations in Romania. And from the get-go, you could pack your towel and umbrella to lay down at the beach and enjoy a warm afternoon.
However, Constanța has much more to offer than just the seaside. You can visit the city to see the Museum of Archeology and History, The Orthodox Cathedral, The Aquarium and Constanța Casino, the latter being very popular among tourist attractions. It is a disused casino, now considered a historic monument, that is situated along the Black Sea Boardwalk.
One easy recognizable Romanian historic moment is the Casino building in Constanta. It was built in Art Nouveau architecture and inaugurated in 1910. It is iconic because it’s an eye-catching two-story building with impressive architectural elements, placed on the edge of the sea.
The architects incorporated a maritime theme on the front and the interior decorations, starting with the surreal shell windows facing the Black Sea. It’s what makes it the best of what Romania has to offer in terms of historical buildings.
All these landmarks can be seen through our One Day Tour To Constanța. So, it is best to have your camera locked and loaded for some truly interesting shots!
Danube Delta in Romania – Nature and Water in the Danube Delta
When visiting Romania, adding the Danube Delta would make a bonus. The great river that leaves the Black Forest mountains in Germany, meets the Black Sea on the Romanian shore.
The Danube branches into three main distributaries: Chilia, Sulina, and Sfântul Gheorghe (Saint George). It is believed that the delta as we see it today was formed in the past 1000 years. Thus it continues to expand.
With over 23 ecosystems, the Danube Delta houses numerous plants and wildlife. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most well-preserved deltas in all of Europe. It’s also one of the main reasons it is part of our list of the best of what Romania has to offer.
It takes up over 5000 square kilometers, giving a home to over 300 species of birds that mostly feed with the 45 species of fresh-water fish. You’ll be shocked by how different the landscape is to what you might be used to. Boats are the main transportation system across the delta. We recommend you visit during the springtime so the mosquitos won’t be a big issue. Many traditional guesthouses and floating hotels can give you a taste of a fresh fish specialty and many local foods.
To spend at least a couple of hours in the extraordinary natural oasis of the Danube Delta, you can book our tour now: Danube Delta Tour from Bucharest.
Medieval castles in Transylvania and Carpathian Mountains – Romania holiday destinations
Transylvania is a must-visit for those spending a holiday in Romania and it ranks high among the country’s top summer destinations.
If you are looking to escape the heat, then you’d be hard-pressed not to find a place to cool down in the 100.000 km2 of thick forest which make up the region. Transylvania is the home for the Legend of Dracula, a fact which influences everyone’s perspective of the area, giving it an aura of mystery and peril.
On the other side, the region has a rich backstory and visitors will get a glimpse of it through the many fortresses and castles which are scattered across the area, such as Peleș Castle, Bran Castle, and Râșnov Fortress.
That is why, for a culturally enriching experience, we recommend you Transylvania Break Tour from Bucharest, Romania. It offers complete exposure to all Transylvanian things, including its most iconic locations, such as Sinaia, Brașov, and Sighișoara.
Breathtaking Castles in Romania: Corvin, Bran, Peles
There are dozens of beautiful castles all across Romania. Some are standing tall and beautiful, and some are in ruin (and even these are great to visit). So keep in mind to put at least these 3 castles on your list, when you decide to visit Romania:
Corvin Castle in Romania, Transylvania
Located in the southwest part of Transylvania, and close to the city of Hunedoara, Corvin Castle is a gothic masterpiece of the 15th century. It was transformed into a castle on the remains of a former citadel by the former voivode, Iancu de Hunedoara. It was included on the list of Best European Castles.
Be prepared to learn about legends, including one according to which Dracula was held hostage in the dungeon for 7 years. Corvin Castle is also a place chosen by many movie directors; movies such as Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, or Cursed Kings were shot here.
Opening hours: Monday from 12- 20, Tuesday to Sunday from 09-20
Charge:
- Adults – 45 lei
- Students – 11 lei (based on the card stamped for the current year)
- College Students – 11 lei (based on the student card stamped for the current year)
- Pensioners – 23 lei (based on coupon pension)
- Photo Tax – 10 lei
- Video Tax – 23 lei
- Fee photo album (professional operators) -150 lei
Peles Castle – National Museum in Sinaia, Romania
Peles Castle was the most important monument during monarchy times. It was built by King Carol in the 19th century, located in the mountains, in the famous mountain resort Sinaia. Even though it’s not as visited as Bran Castle, you should make time. It is considered by most people the most beautiful neo-renaissance-style castle in Romania.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Thursday-Sunday: 09:15 – 17:00
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday: closed
BASIC TOUR – GROUND FLOOR
- Adults: 50 lei
- Pensioners: 25 lei
- Children, students: 12.5 lei
- Euro card <26: 12.5 lei
If you are interested in learning more about Peles Castle, you can read our article here!
Bran Castle – known as Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania
A huge point of interest, because of the legends surrounding it. Also known as Dracula’s Castle, Bran is by far the most visited tourist attraction in Romania. It was built by the Teutonic Knights in 1211. Surrounded by mystery, fog, and tales, you will inevitably take a look at Bran Castle when you visit Romania.
Opening hours: April 1st – September 30th
- From 9:00 to 18:00 (last admission) from Tuesday to Sunday and from 12:00 to 18:00 (last admission) on Mondays.
- Entrance fee: 45 RON for adults, 25 RON for students, and 10 RON for children (must present proof), 25 RON for elderly
Read our article on Bran Castle by clicking here – Bran Castle History!
Medieval Towns: Sighisoara, Brasov
Visting Romania comes together with a lot of medieval sites. Most of them are located in the Transylvania region, where there are plenty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites too. Tourism in Romania is specially developed around medieval citadels, which are today charming small towns. Hence, you should be prepared for a lot of walking and exploring.
Medieval fortress Sighisoara in Transylvania
Sighisoara is one of the most famous and appreciated medieval towns in Romania. Located in Mures County, in Transylvania, Sighisoara was long inhabited by the Saxons. Thus the many Saxon heritage edifices.
The citadel is the largest inhabited medieval citadel in south-eastern Europe and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are a few landmarks of Sighisoara that you should not miss:
Vlad Dracul House: aka Dracula’s house. The building that now serves as an amazing restaurant, is Vlad the Impaler’s birth house. And finding it will be easy, as it’s in the citadel’s main square.
The Clock Tower: Sighisoara’s main landmark, and visible from all corners of the city. An imposing 64 meters high edifice looking over the entire city, and the main entrance to the citadel, built in the 14th century. In the 17th century, the clock was mounted onto the tower. Limewood figurines were provided as decorative elements that change every midnight. The statuettes represent weekdays embodied by gods: Diana, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, the Sun.
Students’ Stairway: a 172 steps trip high. Otherwise known as the pathway to the school near the Fortress Church.
- The Stag House: a beautiful 17th-century building now serving the Romanian-German Cultural Center.
- The Blacksmiths’ Tower
- The Ropemakers’ Tower
- The Butchers’ Tower
- The Tailors’ Tower
- The Furriers’ Tower
- The Shoemakers’ Tower
- The Tinsmiths’ Tower
- The Tanners’ Tower
Brasov – a must-visit when you travel to Romania
Brasov is special by its geographical position, rich Saxon history, picturesque streets, mountains surrounding it, and clean, fresh air all year round. The city and nearby area are full of sights and beautiful medieval landmarks:
The Black Church: Brasov’s landmark the most visited sight. It is one of the largest churches built in Gothic style in Eastern Europe. Its construction dates back to the 14th century and it stands tall and imposing in the middle of Council Square.
The Council Square: is the very core of Brasov’s old town. Just like any other main square of medieval times, the Council Square was where fairs were held, where executions were made, where people socialize. If you are lucky enough, you can witness all sorts of fairs that are held throughout the year.
Mount Tampa: is the mountain overlooking the city, with a Hollywood-like sign with the name Brasov. Get up there and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Hence, we must say there are a lot of stairs- about 1 hour of hiking, or just take the cable car for the fast and pain-free way.
Stunning countryside: Viscri, Maramures
Maybe you had no idea, but this a good time to find out. Romanian countryside, especially in Transylvania region is something of a fairytale. It has long attracted some fine visitors.
Romanian countryside remained untouched for most parts, preserving traditions and culture just like a time machine. So, when you visit Romania, should you need a little space, take some time for the stunning countryside.
The small village nearby Sighisoara has gained worldwide fame when Prince Charles of Great Britain discovered it and bought a house there. Since then the tourism has flourished. The Viscri Fortified Church and Fortress is a part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1999 and it is the most visited spot in Viscri. And if there is more time on your hands, you can also have some extra activities in Viscri:
- Check the landscapes
- See the Felt makers
- Have a walk through the village
- Spend the night in an old Saxon house
- Eat some slow-cooked traditional food
- Go for an off-road bike experience
Interested in having deeper knowledge about the village of Viscri? Then read this article and see what the fuss is all about: Viscri Village, A Glimpse Into Prince Charles’ Transylvanian Nest!
Visit Maramures in Romania to explore traditional Romanian food and culture!
Romania travel should necessarily include places that make the country unique. Therefore we want to mention Maramures, in particular. This place has carefully kept traditions, the culture, and the lifestyle of peasants who lived bygone ages.
And not that many customs have changed in the past few centuries in this region. The craftsmanship and traditions are being transmitted from one generation to the next. The architecture is one of the most original and beautiful in South-Eastern Europe.
Hence you should keep an eye open for:
The churches: main characteristics are the high tower, which can be as high as 50 meters, and the gothic motif. The wooden churches are included in the UNESCO sites in Romania.
The gates: have become famous due to their dimensions and ornaments. People used to believe that the gate acts as a barrier against evil, and it settled the boundaries to their universe.
The houses: are made out of wooden girders placed horizontally. Also, people used only two types of wood: oak and timber.
Maramures is stunning. Therefore we highly recommend reading more about it, by clicking this link: Maramures Region: The Ultimate Slow Tourism Destination In Romania!
Carpathian Mountains – amazing destination for a vacation in Romania
Another thing you should know about Romania is that it has the most beautiful part of the Carpathian Mountains. Should we listen to Top Gear, the mountains here have the perfect road- aka Transfagarasan. Therefore you might want to consider visiting Romania by car or at least rent one for a trip to the mountains.
The highest point of the Carpathian Mountains in Romania is Mount Moldoveanu, with a peak of 2544 meters high. Besides breathtaking views, and stunning roads through the mountains, suck as Tranfagarasan or Transalpina, you will also find a great number of lakes and hiking spots.
So, better pack some hiking shoes if you are a nature lover because you are in for a treat. Here are some spots that you cannot miss when visiting the Carpathian Mountains: Prislop Pass; Tihuța Pass; Bicaz Canyon; Ghimeș Pass; Buzău Pass; Predeal Pass.
If you are short on time, we recommend you Two Castles in One Day Tour: the tour departs from Bucharest and lasts for 12 hours. And it can be taken from January 2nd to December 30th. The tour is perfect for small groups who are short on time. You will visit one of the most looked-for castles in Romania: Bran and Peles. You will be mesmerized by the beauty of the Carpathians, you will love the walk-in Brasov, and a delicious Romanian traditional lunch.
Check the availability and prices by clicking here: Two Castles in One Day – Peles Castle, Bran Castle & Brasov in Transylvania!
If you have more time: Maramures, Bucovina& Danube Delta, Magic Transylvania Tour:
Maramures, Bucovina& Danube Delta Tour departs from Bucharest and lasts for 5 days. You will see and enjoy some of Romania’s most exciting attractions and stunning nature. Your trip will include riding through legendary
Transylvania‘s up to the north, in Maramures. From here we will move towards Bucovina where. we will visit painted monasteries, and finally Danube Delta, the best-preserved delta in Europe, and a UNESCO heritage site.
Magic Transylvania Tour departs from Bucharest and lasts for 4 days. Walk through transylvanian cities: Brasov, Sighisoara (UNESCO Heritage site), and Sibiu. After this, we will visit Alba Iulia – Apulum or „The City Of Gold”, where the Great Unification of Romania happened a century ago.
We hope that this article proved itself useful and gave you reasons to spend your holiday on a trip to Romania. If, however, a customized touring experience may interest you, contact us to book a private tour!