A Trip to Romania

What to see in Bucharest

The capital of Romania is Bucharest, also known as Paris of the Balkans. Take a walk down the old town where you’ll find a statue of the she-wolf from Rome and well-preserved historical buildings that now house major government institutions. If you prefer to go sightseeing by bike, I recommend going on a guided bike tour that will also take you outside the old town. And don’t forget to explore the world’s second largest administrative building, the Romanian Parliament with its large halls, unique interior and opulent decoration. Buy your ticket online and avoid the long queues.

A trip to Transylvania

Transylvania is a unique destination for travellers who want to explore castles, mysterious myths, historical cities and charming countryside. The region’s capital is Cluj-Napoca, a place where the German, Hungarian and Romanian cultures meet. The biggest attraction is the Gothic St- Michael’s Church. Don’t forget to also visit the Matthias Corvinus house, the birth house of the famous Hungarian king. You can learn the city’s whole story in a guided walking tour. Don’t forget to visit Turda Salt Mine where you’ll learn about the mine’s history all the way back to the ancient times. Explore the glistening multi-storey structure made of salt. Travellers will be keen to explore Romania’s most popular city, Braşov. The old town with the tallest Gothic church in the Balkans, known as the Black Church, along with the Citadel and the 18th-century town hall, is also worth visiting. Near Braşov lies a major attraction, the Seven Ladders Canyon. A walk through the canyon is a must. You’ll be awaited by seven waterfalls and a rocky landscape. And don’t forget the most famous vampire of all times, Count Dracula, who was born in Sighişoara. The city is now one of the best-preserved medieval towns and rests peacefully on a hilly slope. One of the attractions is the fortress, an ancient 13th century settlement. HI offers you a chance for a stay in this medieval city, namely in Burg hostel, a 17th-century building. Don’t miss out on exploring Count Dracula’s home, Bran Castle, which is also famous for the spectacular views it offers. Next to the main castle is a haunted castle where you’ll meet the 12 most famous vampires and other scary creatures in 12 chambers. Also, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Romanian countryside, dotted with fortified churches, such as the one in Biertan. All castle enthusiasts should visit Transylvania’s major attraction, Peleş Castle, the residence of the last Romanian kings, on foot. After that you can head to Sibiu to explore the Tower of the Council and the Bridge of Lies. All travellers and those who prefer more recent history should visit Timişoara with its famous large square that played an important role in the removal of the former president Ceauşescu from office.

What to do in the Carpathians

Travelling through the Carpathians is for a traveller as travelling through carpets of grass, among which roads disappear, and travelling through vast forests where bears dwell. An especially remarkable experience is visiting the Carpathians during the blueberry season when the mountains are full of the berries. One of the major cultural attractions is the Merry Cemetery in the village of Săpânța. There are charming villages near the Ukrainian border where woodworkers lived and still do so. They built unique wooden churches and monasteries that are under the protection of UNESCO. Head to the village of Bârsana in the most traditional Romanian region of Maramureş. Wonderful nature just begs to be explored in the national park of the same name. Travellers should also spend some time exploring the famous churches of Moldova in the historical region of Bukovina in the eastern Carpathians. The landscape is an oasis of Romanian Christianity and clergy. It’s mostly famous for the frescoes from 15th- and 16th-century monasteries. There are great examples in the Voroneț monastery in Sucevița. Traditional Moldovan villages are also waiting to be explored in Bistrița Valley. Don’t forget to take a ride over the Transfăgărășan Pass in the southern Romanian Carpathians. The pass is nestled between the two highest peaks in Romania that reach up more than 2500 metres above sea level. It connects the two historical regions, Transylvania and Wallachia.

Secure your trip with World Nomads

Wherever you go, your trip can be safe, with simple and customisable international travel insurance for solo travellers and families. Get travel insurance through World Nomads and get a policy with 24-hour assistance and transport for medical emergencies, as well as cover for more than 220 sports and leisure activities on snow, water, air and land. The insurance policy may include, among other things, coverage for experiential activities, such as au pairs – part-time or voluntary work with children, working in a bar, fruit picking, office work, teaching and some other work abroad. Protect yourself or your family with World Nomads travel insurance.

Enjoy while exploring Romania and don’t forget to send postcards with MyPostcard. All HI members get 25% off. New users can send their first postcard for free with the HIGlobetrotter promo code through the Globetrotter profile. You can read more about it here.