There is much to see in Romania – a country with a rich varied history and culture.
From the bustling capital city of Bucharest to the scenic mountains and beautiful countryside Romania has something for everyone.
Here are ten of the most stunning sights to see in Romania.
1.
The Palace of Parliament – Bucharest
The Palace of Parliament is the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon and is a must-see when visiting Bucharest.
Built in the 1980s during the Communist regime the Palace is an imposing sight with its 12 stories and 1100 rooms.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the Palace to learn about its history and see the lavish interior including the grand staircase the former assembly hall and the Presidents’ Suite.
2.
The Old Town – Sibiu
The Old Town of Sibiu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric and well-preserved medieval towns in Romania.
The Old Town is divided into two parts – the Upper Town with its grand squares and stately buildings and the Lower Town with its narrow streets and picturesque houses.
Be sure to explore the passageways and courtyards and climb to the top of the 13th-century Evangelical Church for sweeping views of the town.
3.
The Black Sea Coast
Romania’s Black Sea Coast is a popular summertime destination with its sandy beaches sunny weather and crystal-clear waters.
The resort town of Mamaia is the country’s best-known beach destination but there are also many smaller quieter beaches to be found along the coast.
Take a boat trip to see the coastal scenery go fishing or scuba diving or just relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
4.
The Danube Delta
The Danube Delta is one of Europe’s largest wetlands and is home to an incredible variety of bird and plant life.
The best way to explore the Delta is by boat and there are many tour operators offering cruises of varying lengths.
Keep your eyes peeled for rare birds such as the black stork white-tailed eagle and red-breasted goose and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this unique natural environment.
5.
The Painted Monasteries
Romania is home to a number of beautifully painted monasteries many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These Orthodox monasteries are covered in elaborate frescoes depicting religious scenes and are well worth a visit for their artistic and historical value.
The best-known painted monastery is the Voronet Monastery with its striking blue exterior and detailed frescoes but others worth visiting include Humor Monastery and Moldovita Monastery.
6.
The Brown Bear Sanctuary – Zarnesti
The Zarnesti Brown Bear Sanctuary is a refuge for abandoned and orphaned brown bears and is the perfect place to see these majestic creatures up close.
The bears are free to roam in the large forest enclosure and there is also a smaller enclosure where bears that are not yet ready to be released into the wild are kept.
The Sanctuary also offers guided tours and educational programs about brown bears and their habitat.
7.
The Bucegi Mountains
The Bucegi Mountains are one of Romania’s most popular hiking and skiing destinations and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
There are a number of well-marked trails of varying difficulty so there is something for everyone whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner.
The Bucegi Plateau is also home to the famous Sphinx a rock formation that is said to have mystical properties.
8.
The Corvin Castle – Hunedoara
The Corvin Castle is an imposing 15th-century Gothic castle that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Romania.
The castle is open to the public and there are a number of guided tours available which take you through the vast rooms and corridors and explain the history of the castle and its former occupants.
Be sure to explore the castle grounds as well where you will find a number of interesting sculptures.
9.
The Merry Cemetery – Sapanta
The Merry Cemetery in Sapanta is one of Romania’s most unique attractions.
The cemetery is known for its brightly-painted tombstones which depict the deceased in humorous scenes from their life.
The cemetery is also home to the Museum of the Merry Cemetery which houses a collection of the cemetery’s tombstones as well as a number of traditional Romanian objects.
10.
The Wooden Churches of Maramures
The region of Maramureș is located in northern Romania and is known for its traditional villages and wooden churches.
The region is a great place to learn about the traditional way of life in Romania.