Top 10 Places to Visit in Romania for a First-Time Trip

Romania is a country yet to be fully discovered — a country where fairy-tale castles rise above misty forests, medieval towns are still alive with history, and traditional villages carry on centuries-old ways of life. For travelers planning their first journey here, the choice of where to go can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide to the Top 10 Places to Visit in Romania.

This list captures the heart of the country: vibrant cities, royal masterpieces, UNESCO treasures, and even modern surprises. It’s a mix of history, culture, and nature that shows why Romania belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.

Key Takeaways for First-Time Travelers in Romania

Is Romania a crowded tourist destination?
Not at all. Romania is one of Europe’s less crowded countries, but still offers impressive castles, medieval towns, UNESCO-protected heritage, and pristine wilderness that rivals better-known destinations.

What should first-time visitors focus on when visiting Romania?
A balanced itinerary is best: combine urban discoveries in cities like Bucharest, Brașov, or Sibiu with authentic countryside experiences in Saxon villages, Maramureș, or Bucovina. This way, you’ll get both cultural vibrancy and authentic traditions.

Is Romania affordable and safe for travelers?
Yes. Romania is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, with welcoming locals and a reputation for safety. It’s ideal for travelers looking for authentic cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and memorable stories.

What makes the Top 10 Places to Visit in Romania special?
They capture the essence of the country: medieval citadels, fairy-tale castles, rural villages, UNESCO heritage sites, and even modern wellness escapes. Together, they paint a complete picture of Romania’s diversity.

What are the highlights for first-time travelers to Romania?
For history, explore Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara. For royal and Gothic architecture, visit Peleș and Corvin Castles. And for authentic heritage, don’t miss the Saxon Villages, Bucovina’s Painted Monasteries, and the Wooden Churches of Maramureș.

1. Brașov – The Gateway to Transylvania

Brașov is a medieval jewel at the foot of the Carpathians, where cobblestone squares, Gothic churches, and mountain trails meet.

Founded in the 12th century by Saxon merchants, Brașov became one of the most important fortified cities in Transylvania. It was strategically positioned along major trade routes, which brought wealth and influence. The Saxons fortified the city with strong walls and bastions, many of which survive to this day, giving Brașov a storybook medieval feel.

The heart of the city is Council Square (Piața Sfatului), surrounded by colorful Baroque houses and the Council House, now a history museum. Overlooking the square is the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe. Its name comes from the fire of 1689, which blackened its walls, but step inside and you’ll discover a breathtaking organ and over 100 Anatolian carpets donated by merchants.

Brașov is also known for quirky details like Strada Sforii (Rope Street), one of the narrowest streets in Europe, and panoramic hikes to Tâmpa Mountain, crowned by a Hollywood-style sign. Beyond the city walls, attractions like Râșnov Fortress, Bran Castle, and the Liberty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești are all within easy reach. In winter, nearby Poiana Brașov is the country’s top ski resort.

How to Visit: Brașov is a 2.5–3-hour train or car ride from Bucharest, making it an easy stop for any traveler. Visit in summer for hiking, or in December, when the Christmas Market fills Council Square with festive charm.

Did you know… Brașov’s Council Square once hosted one of the largest markets in Transylvania, attracting traders from the Ottoman Empire and beyond?

2. Sibiu – The City with Eyes

Sibiu enchants visitors with its pastel houses, lively squares, and mysterious rooftops that appear to be watching you.

Known in German as Hermannstadt, Sibiu was a cultural stronghold of the Transylvanian Saxons. Its defensive walls, still visible today, protected the town through centuries of conflict. Inside those walls lies a city of elegance and charm. The Grand Square (Piața Mare) is the city’s heart, framed by impressive landmarks like the Brukenthal National Museum, one of Europe’s oldest art museums.

The Small Square (Piața Mică) is equally atmospheric, with arched passageways and outdoor cafés. Here you’ll find the Bridge of Lies, Romania’s first cast-iron bridge, which legends claim creaks when liars cross it. But Sibiu’s real signature is the so-called “eyes of Sibiu” — attic windows shaped like watchful eyes that make the rooftops seem alive.

Sibiu is not just history; it’s also a cultural hub. The Sibiu International Theatre Festival, held every summer, transforms the city into a stage for global performances. In December, Sibiu’s Christmas Market draws comparisons with Vienna and Prague, filling the squares with light, music, and mulled wine. Just outside the city, the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization offers an open-air journey through Romania’s rural past, with over 300 authentic houses, mills, and workshops.

How to Visit: Sibiu is connected to Bucharest by train (4.5–5 hours) and has its own airport. The city is best visited between spring and autumn, though its winter markets are magical. A few days here allow you to soak in both culture and nearby mountain excursions.

Did you know… Sibiu was the first city in Eastern Europe to be named European Capital of Culture, in 2007, cementing its role as a cultural hotspot?

3. The Saxon Villages – Timeless Transylvania

The Saxon villages of Transylvania are living museums of fortified churches, cobbled lanes, and centuries-old traditions.

Settled by German Saxons in the 12th century, these villages were built as frontier defenses of the Hungarian Kingdom. Each centered around a fortified church where villagers took refuge during invasions. Today, UNESCO protects several of them, preserving both their architecture and way of life.

• Viscri is perhaps the most famous, thanks to King Charles III (then Prince Charles), who bought a house here to support sustainable rural tourism. The village is filled with whitewashed houses, dirt roads, and traditional craftsmen.
• Biertan boasts one of the most impressive fortified churches, complete with a unique locking system that secured the sacristy with 19 bolts.
• Prejmer is home to the largest fortified church in Eastern Europe, with 270 storerooms once used during sieges.
• Saschiz features a church with a tower modeled after Sighișoara’s Clock Tower, showcasing Saxon craftsmanship.

Visitors can stay in traditional guesthouses, join bread-baking workshops, cycle through the countryside, and experience life at a slower, authentic pace. Horse-drawn carts still roam the streets, and locals welcome visitors with homemade food and stories.

How to Visit: The villages are best explored by car or bicycle, with Brașov and Sighișoara as good starting points. Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and colorful landscapes.

Did you know… in Biertan, couples seeking divorce were once locked in the “marriage prison” — a small room with one bed, one plate, and one spoon — and often reconciled before their time was up?

4. Sighișoara – A Living Medieval Citadel

Sighișoara is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval citadels, where people still live inside centuries-old walls.

Founded in the 12th century by Saxons, Sighișoara grew into a bustling citadel and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its pastel-colored streets and defensive towers make it one of the most atmospheric towns in Europe.

The Clock Tower, rising 64 meters, offers panoramic views of the citadel. Inside, a small museum tells the town’s story. The town is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula, whose childhood home still stands in the citadel.

Highlights include the Covered Staircase, a wooden passage built in 1642 to help students and churchgoers reach the Church on the Hill, and the city walls, once defended by 14 towers, each representing a guild. Today, nine towers still stand, adding to the medieval character.

Sighișoara’s Medieval Festival, held each summer, fills the town with parades, jousting, and music, bringing its heritage alive.

How to Visit: Sighișoara is easily accessible by train or car from Sibiu or Brașov. One full day is enough to see its highlights, but staying overnight inside the citadel allows you to experience its atmosphere after day-trippers leave.

Did you know… Sighișoara is one of the very few inhabited medieval citadels left in Europe?

5. Corvin Castle – A Gothic Masterpiece

Corvin Castle is a fortress of legends, with towers, dungeons, and Gothic halls that look like they belong in a fantasy novel.

Located in Hunedoara, Corvin Castle (also called Hunyadi Castle) was built in the 15th century by John Hunyadi (Iancu de Hunedoara), one of Transylvania’s most powerful rulers. Its Gothic architecture features tall spires, massive stone walls, and a drawbridge that crosses a deep moat.

Inside, the castle is full of history and legend. Visitors can explore the Knight’s Hall, the Diet Hall, and dungeons that are said to have held prisoners like Vlad the Impaler. The castle’s myths and ghost stories give it an eerie atmosphere, making it one of Romania’s most dramatic landmarks.

Corvin Castle is also a popular filming location, featured in historical documentaries, fantasy films, and even music videos.

How to Visit: The castle is best reached by car, with Hunedoara located about 2 hours from Sibiu or 3 hours from Brașov. Allow at least half a day to explore both the interiors and exteriors.

Did you know… legends say three Turkish prisoners dug a well inside the castle for 15 years, hoping for freedom, only to be executed once the well was finished?

6. Peleș Castle – A Royal Jewel in the Mountains

Peleș Castle is Romania’s royal palace, a masterpiece of architecture nestled in the Carpathian Mountains.

Built for King Carol I between 1873 and 1914, Peleș Castle blends Neo-Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque influences. Its interiors are a feast of carved wood, stained glass, and luxurious fabrics, with each room designed in a different style — from Venetian and Moorish to Florentine.

The Hall of Honor, with its marble staircase and stained-glass ceiling, is breathtaking, while the Armory Room displays weapons from across Europe and Asia. Outside, manicured gardens with fountains and terraces add to the fairy-tale atmosphere.

Peleș was ahead of its time: it was one of the first castles in Europe with electricity, heating, and even a retractable glass roof.

How to Visit: Located in Sinaia, Peleș is a 2-hour drive or train ride from Bucharest. It’s open most of the year, though it closes for a short winter break. Combine with a visit to Sinaia Monastery for a full royal experience.

Did you know… Peleș Castle has over 160 rooms, many of which were inspired by the cultures of different countries?

7. Wooden Churches of Maramureș – Faith Carved in Wood

The Wooden Churches of Maramureș are tall, elegant wooden spires that rise above rolling hills, symbols of faith and craftsmanship.

Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, these churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are remarkable for being constructed entirely out of wood, without nails. Their tall steeples and shingled roofs dominate the landscape, while inside, colorful murals depict biblical scenes.

Villages like Bârsana, Poienile Izei, and Ieud are among the most famous. The region is also home to the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, where tombstones are painted in bright colors and decorated with humorous epitaphs, celebrating life with irony and wit.

Maramureș is one of the few regions in Europe where traditional rural life continues largely unchanged, with people wearing folk costumes on Sundays and horse carts still common.

How to Visit: Maramureș is best explored by car, starting from Baia Mare or Cluj-Napoca. The churches are spread across small villages, making a guided tour or local driver helpful.

Did you know… the church in Surdești was once considered the tallest wooden building in the world, at 72 meters high?

8. Painted Monasteries of Bucovina – Walls that Tell Stories

The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina are open-air art galleries, their walls covered in centuries-old frescoes.

Built in the 15th and 16th centuries under the rule of Stephen the Great and his successors, these monasteries were decorated with vivid frescoes both inside and out. The purpose was simple but powerful: to teach biblical stories to villagers who couldn’t read.

The most famous is Voroneț Monastery, known for its striking shade of “Voroneț Blue,” whose recipe remains a mystery. Sucevița and Moldovița also dazzle with colorful walls showing scenes from the Old and New Testament, apocalypses, and battles.

These monasteries are living spiritual centers as well as artistic treasures, attracting both pilgrims and art lovers from around the world.

How to Visit: Bucovina is best reached from Suceava or Iași, with tours available to multiple monasteries in a day. Visit in spring or autumn for the best weather and fewer crowds.

Did you know… Voroneț Monastery is often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East”?

9. Oradea – Romania’s Art Nouveau Treasure

Oradea dazzles with its Art Nouveau palaces, colorful facades, and lively squares.

Located near the Hungarian border, Oradea has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, restoring its architectural treasures to their full glory. Union Square (Piața Unirii) is a showcase of elegance, with landmarks like the Black Eagle Palace, famous for its stained-glass arcade.

The city is part of the European Art Nouveau Network, placing it alongside Barcelona and Vienna for architectural significance. Beyond architecture, Oradea is known for its thermal spas, historic synagogues, and modern cafés that give it a youthful energy.

How to Visit: Oradea is easily reached by train or car from Cluj-Napoca or Budapest. The city is compact and walkable, making it ideal for a 1–2 day stay.

Did you know… Oradea has over 100 protected Art Nouveau buildings, making it Romania’s Art Nouveau capital?

10. Therme Bucharest – Europe’s Largest Wellness Center

Therme Bucharest is a tropical oasis just minutes from Romania’s capital, offering year-round relaxation.

As Europe’s largest wellness complex, Therme combines thermal pools, saunas, tropical gardens, and spa treatments under one roof. The facility is divided into zones: The Palm, with relaxation pools and palm trees; Galaxy, with slides and fun for families; and Elysium, with themed saunas and exclusive treatments.

Therme is home to over 800,000 plants, including the largest indoor palm forest in Europe. Its hot mineral pools are fed by underground springs, making it a true wellness destination.

How to Visit: Therme is just 15 minutes from Bucharest’s airport, making it an easy stop before or after your trip. It’s open year-round, and swimming in outdoor pools while surrounded by snow is an unforgettable experience.

Did you know… Therme hosts regular wellness events, from yoga classes to themed nights with DJs and lights?

Why These Are the Top 10 Places to Visit in Romania

Romania is a country of contrasts — medieval citadels beside modern spas, Saxon villages beside Gothic castles, and painted monasteries beside vibrant Art Nouveau cities.

For first-time visitors, these Top 10 Places to Visit in Romania provide a balanced itinerary: historic cities, royal castles, rural traditions, and unique modern experiences. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Sighișoara, exploring fortified villages, admiring frescoes in Bucovina, or relaxing under palm trees at Therme, Romania will surprise you with its authenticity and beauty.

It’s a land where legends meet landscapes, and where the past is never far from the present. One visit is never enough — Romania is the kind of place that keeps you coming back.

These 10 top places to visit in Romania would fit amazingly in a curated private tour. And there is more to discover in Romania!