From the urban allure of Bucharest to enchanting Transylvania and the shores of the Black Sea, we've handpicked seven Romanian cities worth visiting.
With a rich cultural heritage, lush nature, and fairy-tale, medieval yet cosmopolitan cities, Romania is a captivating destination that surely deserves a place on your list of upcoming trips. The country's beauties are countless. To help you, we've put together a list of the cities that are truly worth visiting on an exploratory trip to Romania. They have distinctive architecture, culture, and attractions that will impress you.
Bucharest
Capital, cultural and commercial center of Romania, Bucharest is one of the most affordable and popular destinations in the Balkans, as it's considered budget-friendly and unexpectedly beautiful. The «Paris of the East», as it's called, stands out for its impressive sights and monuments. The most famous is the Palace of the Parliament, built in the 1980s. The largest parliamentary building in the world, it houses the Romanian Parliament as well as the National Museum of Contemporary Art and features one of the largest convention centers in the world. Also impressive is the Triumphal Arch, built in its current form in 1935 and modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The boulevards Calea Victoriei and Soseaua Kiseleff, as well as the medieval Lipscani quarter, are ideal for strolls.
Oradea
One of Romania's westernmost cities, Oradea will charm you both with its architecture and with its atmosphere. Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this green, cosmopolitan city is a treasure trove of beautiful historic buildings, striking Baroque churches, colorful palaces, and some of Europe's most impressive Art Nouveau landmarks. Take a stroll around the city's popular main square and along the pedestrianized Republicii Street, climb the City Hall tower for the views, and visit the city's fortress, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The local cuisine, a blend of Hungarian and Romanian flavors, will pleasantly surprise you.
Brasov
A short distance from the imposing Bran Castle (also known as Dracula's Castle), you'll find Brasov, Romania's seventh-largest city. It's a vibrant city that attracts thousands of visitors. In the central Piata Sfatului square stands the old Town Hall, while an open-air market has been operating there since 1364. Around it are the famous Black Church (Romania's largest Catholic church in Gothic style), the Merchants' House, and the Muresan family house-museum. Charming cafés, modern restaurants, open-air markets with local products, museums, and parks complete the scene. Want another reason to visit? The city lies very close to one of the area's best-known ski resorts, Poiana Brasov.
Sighisoara
Sighisoara, a medieval town on the Tarnava Mare River in Mures County, is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the real Count Dracula (according to most sources). It's a popular tourist destination and stands out for its well-preserved walled old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobbled lanes, colorful houses, towers, and ornate churches feel frozen in time. The house where Vlad was born and lived for a few years stands on Citadel Square, next to the Clock Tower. Today, the ground floor of the house is a restaurant, while the first floor houses the Weapons Museum.
Sibiu
Sibiu is another charming city in Transylvania that's worth visiting. With its picturesque cobbled streets, Gothic churches, the historic buildings of the Great Square (Piața Mare), and its colorful houses, it's considered one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. In fact, Sibiu's old town was ranked as Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live by Forbes. The city has two major museums: the superb open-air ASTRA ethnographic museum, which includes 340 buildings (windmills, watermills, oil presses, etc.), and the Brukenthal art museum, where works by important painters are exhibited. Don't miss climbing the Town Hall tower to see the city from above and taking a photo on the romantic Bridge of Lies.
Timisoara
At the western edge of Romania, you'll find the city of Timisoara. Also known as «Little Vienna» or «City of Flowers», Timisoara charms visitors with its architecture and its countless, beautiful gardens. It's a city with a special energy, full of street art, modern cafés, and colorful umbrella-lined streets. Thanks to its location, Timisoara is a multicultural city, with influences from Hungary, Austria, Serbia, and Germany.
Constanta
Constanta, on the western shores of the Black Sea, is Romania's oldest continuously inhabited city. An ancient metropolis and the country's largest port, this city has a history of about 2,500 years. It was originally called Tomis and, according to mythology, Jason landed here with the Argonauts after finding the Golden Fleece. Historic monuments, ancient ruins, the striking Casino building, museums and shops, and its proximity to seaside resorts make it the focal point of tourism on the Black Sea coast. A major landmark is Ovid Square (named after the Roman poet Publius Ovidius Naso), while the Art Nouveau-style Casino with its wonderful sea views is one of those buildings you can't help but notice.
