Romania Guide
Things not to miss
It's not possible to see everything Romania has to offer in one trip – and we don't suggest you try. What follows is a selective and subjective taste of the country's highlights: outstanding architecture, natural wonders, spectacular hikes and unforgettable festivals. They're arranged in five colour-coded categories, so you can browse through to find the very best things to see, do, buy and experience. All highlights have a page reference to take you straight into the guide, where you can find out more.
1 Braşov
• Shadowed by mountains and containing a fine Baroque centre, Braşov is one of Transylvania's most appealing cities.
2 Peleş Castle, Sinaia
• Once a refuge for Ceauşescu and visiting dignitaries, Peleş remains the country's most opulent palace.
3 Făgăraş mountains
• The spectacular peaks of the Făgăraş are among the highest in Romania, providing access to some of the Carpathians' most rewarding hikes.
4 Timişoara
• The crucible of the 1989 revolution, Timişoara is one of Romania's most vibrant and engaging cities.
5 Sighisoara
• A brooding skyline of ramparts, towers and spires marks Sighisoara out as Transylvania's most atmospheric medieval town.
6 Black Sea
• Strewn with brash resorts, the Black Sea coast offers opportunities aplenty for swimming, sailing or windsurfing.
7 Dracula
• The tomb at Snagov, old castle ruins at Poienari, the Princely Court at Tărgovişte and the birthplace in Sighişoara – the Dracula legend is alive and kicking.
8 Bucovina hills
• Cloaked in beech, fir and pine, the gorgeous, rolling Bucovina hills are a walker's paradise.
9 Vişeu de Sus train ride
• Jump aboard the early-morning logging train for a slow, meandering ride up the picturesque Vaser valley.
10 Hiking in the Carpathians
• One of Europe's most stunning and least spoilt mountain ranges, the Carpathians are a first-class hiking region.
11 Bucharest
• Romania's noisy, chaotic capital boasts a number of terrific museums, some surprisingly appealing architecture, and the country's most vigorous nightlife.
12 Merry Cemetery, Sapânţa
• True to its name, the Merry Cemetery is a riot of beautifully carved and brightly coloured headstones.
13 Danube Delta
• Bordering the Ukraine, this remote and beautiful landscape has an abundant array of wildlife, and offers some of the finest birdwatching in Europe.
14 Sibiu
• Beautiful squares and architecture, terrific museums and some fabulous festivals make the once great Saxon town of Sibiu one of Romania's most alluring destinations.