Romania Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

Biertan
See Transylvania's numerous Saxon fortified churches, including the Biertan Church, which stands on top of a hill overlooking the village of Biertan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bran Castle
Let imagination run wild at Bran Castle, the legendary abode of the medieval king known as Vlad the Impaler, who helped inspire Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula (www.draculascastle.com).

Ceausescu'sPalace of Parliament
In Bucharest, admire the colossal size and exceptional facilities of Ceausescu's Palace of Parliament, which rises out of the city like a giant wedding cake. It is the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon.

Constanta
Visit the Greek/Byzantine port of Constanta, founded in the sixth century BC and veer inland to interesting archaeological sites including the ancient Greek city ruins of Histria, Tomis and Callatis (www.constanta.ro).

Museum of History of the Jewish Community
Housed in an old Bucharest synagogue, this museum is dedicated to the history of Jews in Romania as well as in memory of the Holocaust. On display are artifacts such as a collection of books written and illustrated by Romanian Jews, important paintings, ritual objects as well as anti-Semitic propaganda.

Painted Monasteries
It's worth the trek to the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina (Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita and Humor) in Moldavia. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are painted with frescoes on the outside (www.romanianmonasteries.org).

Palaces and monasteries
Beyond Bucharest, head for the palaces of Mogosoaia, Buftea and Heresti and old buildings and monasteries in Snagov (www.snagov.ro), Cernica, Pasarea, Caldarusani and Tiganesti.

Sibiu
Visit Sibiu, the chief city of the Transylvanian Saxons. Much of the four walls and 40 towers remain, and among its pretty blue, red, apricot and green painted houses are some of Romania's best museums (www.sibiu.ro).

Sighisoara
The exquisite medieval town of Sighisoara is a perfectly intact 15th century gem with nine towers, narrow passageways and cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches. Sighisoara is also the birthplace of Vlad Draculea, nicknamed Vlad the Impaler.

Traditional entertainment
Catch some traditional folk music and dancing; shows can be seen in many hotels and restaurants.

Top Things to Do

Berca mud volcanoes
Explore the Berca mud volcanoes near Buzau - a stark lunar landscape of erupting mud.

Country life
Check out the wines, wooden churches and traditional practices in villages such as Budesti, Sirbi and Calinesti nestled in the picturesque rural idyll of Maramures (http://mmtourism.free.fr).

Cycle
The terrain in Romania is perfect for mountain biking, in fact there are numerous outfitters which cater specifically to cycling holidays. Trails range from novice to advanced, however most are geared towards cycling enthusiasts.

Enjoy the outdoors
Chill out at spectacular mountain lakes found in the Fagaras and Retezat ranges, or explore some of over 10,000 caves in the country, many in the Apuseni, Bihor and Mehedinti regions.

Get wet
Watersports are a popular past time as is soaking up the sun at a resort on the white sandy beaches of the Black Sea Coast. The main hotspots are Constanta, Costinesti, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Jupiter, Mamaia, Mangalia, Navodari, Neptun, Olimp, Saturn, Techirghiol, Venus and Aurora.

Pamper yourself
Rejuvenate at the curative thermal springs, salt waters and mud of Lake Techirghiol; ease aches and pains in Romanian Riviera spas such as Mangalia, Eforie and Neptun; or relax in western Romania's well-equipped spa towns, like Baile Felix or Baile Herculane (www.spas.ro).

See wildlife
Cruise along the Danube Delta, to see over 300 species of birds and foxes, otters, wildcats and boars in a vast expanse of watery wilderness. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reservation (www.romaniatourism.com/delta.html).

Visit a market
The piatas or markets are farmers' markets where fresh produce can be bought. Pick up some home made cheeses and breads, find a scenic spot and have yourself a picnic afterwards.

Visit the Carpathian Mountains
The Carpathian Mountains, a densely forested mountainous area, are ideal for hiking. In winter, resorts such as Poiana Brasov and Predeal offer some of the best skiing in Eastern Europe or go bob-sleighing at Semenic and Sinaia.

Walk the city
Wander around some of the most important streets in Bucharest: Calea Victoriei (Victory Road) which holds the The Vernescu House and Boulevards Gh. Magheru, Carol I, Calea Mosilor, Calea Dorobantilor and Soseaua Kiseleff (www.romaniatourism.com/main.html).