Top 10 Places to Visit in Romania

The beauty of Romania still remains a bit unseen. As more and more tourists travel to its capital city of Bucharest and the surrounding areas, they are finding that the friendly people, folktales, and romantic lure are all very real. We've put together the top 10 places to visit in Romania that everyone should see.

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Poenari Castle

If climbing almost 1,500 concrete steps on the way to a quixotic castle sounds appealing, then Peonari Castle is a must see while in Romania. Not only does it offer a little adventure and ancient architecture, the cliff-side ruined castle has quite the blood-stained history attached to it. Poenari Castle can be found on the right side of the Transfagarasan Highway on a rock face near the Carpathian Mountains. Part of the castle was actually destroyed during a landslide back in the 1800's, but has been restored and maintained so that visitors can see it in all of its glory today.

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Balea Lake

Balea Lake is a glacier lake in the Fagaras Mountains (not too far away from Poenari Castle), located in the central area of Romania. Anyone can easily rent a car in Romania and drive on the Transfagarasan Highway during the summer, and for the colder months, by cable car from Balea. Well worth the drive, everyone who visits is blown away by the stunning scenery. Stay in one of the few hotels in the area and visit the restaurants that allow you to look out onto rolling mountains and gleaming lake.

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Transfagarasan Highway

Winding roads, slightly terrifying hills, and breathtaking scenery all make up the Transfagarasan Highway. At number 3 on our list of places to visit in Romania, taking the time to travel on this amazing road is well worth it. There are numerous villages and towns on both sides of the highway offering hot meals and great views while you relax during your trip, as well as quaint hotels and many camp sites for the more slightly adventurous. Venerable motoring publication, Top Gear, called the Transfagarasan highway one of the best driving roads in the world, on par with Italy's famous Stelvio Pass, so if you're in the driving spirit, pick up a sports or luxury car rental and really let the valves open up the twists and turns of this famous roadway.

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Sibiu

People come from all over the country come to see the distinguished architecture that is seen in Upper town and Lower town, Sibiu. Lined with colorful houses on cobblestone streets and defense towers overlooking the Cibin river; this Romanian city embodies the strength and beauty seen all over the country. Attractions in the city include three 15th century towers, multiple historical squares, Roman-Catholic churches (most famous being the Biserica Romano-Catolica), and the Brukenthal Palace.

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Bran Castle

Commonly known as Dracula's Castle; narrow winding stairways lead through some of the storybook-like rooms, underground passages, old fashioned and antique furniture, weapons, and armor all from centuries ago. The castle overlooks the scenic village of Bran and is now a museum open to tourists, displaying art and sculptures collected by Queen Marie (the last queen of Romania).

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Sighisoara

Located in the historic region of Transylvania, Sighisoara still stands as one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe. Attractions include the birthplace of Vlad Dracula (the inspiration for Bram Stoker's fictional creation, Count Dracula), the Church on the Hill with its picturesque murals, the 13th century Venetian House, and the Church of the Dominican Monastery. Those looking for classical and romantic history will find it all here!

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Timisoara

As the largest city in Western Romania, visiting Timisoara is a must and number 7 on our list of places to visit in Romania. The charm of this city, which is located on the northern bank of the Bega River, lies in its distinct architectural character and vibrant cultural life. Most visitors find the locals calling it 'Little Vienna,' which makes sense if you've seen the glistening city in Austria. Timisoara is home to some of the best musical and theatrical performances in Romania, as well as art galleries, museums, and a buzzing nightlife.

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Peles Castle

Travelers can find this unique castle in the city of Sinaia, at the end of a beautiful forest path and set atop a hill in the mountains. Peles Castle has everything to offer in ornate architecture design and detail oriented pieces throughout. Grand wooden spiral staircases, odd statues and strange art, hidden doors with secret rooms, and a stain-glass roof that can be opened up during the summer are all some of the magical things you'll come across while site seeing here.

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Bigar Waterfall

This is perhaps the most unique site to be seen in Romania. Located in Caras-Severin County, people all over the world come to see the amazing Bigar Waterfall with its unusual roaring falls. A popular landmark in Northern Romania, Bigar Waterfall flows over the peak of a large rounded stone where the water is then cut into small slivers and pushed off as miniature streams. A breathtaking place that is hard to step away from, this is a must see for any traveler!

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Voronet Monastery

This famous church became well-known for its exterior paintings of bright colors and rather strange painted figures on the large cobalt blue background. Number 10 on our top places to visit in Romania, thousands of tourists make their way to this eclectic site every year. Locals know this church to be a true treasure of Romanian culture and history, and it has become a very popular place for people to hang out during a summer afternoon.

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Seeing all the Places to Visit in Romania with Auto Europe

In a place where the people commemorate their rich culture, hold on to folklore of the past, and invite newcomers; Romania has always been a country worth visiting. With the forest region of Transylvania, the preserved medieval towns and castles, and the well preserved medieval architecture; we hope these top 10 places to visit in Romania inspire an amazing trip.When you're ready to embark on a vacation through Eastern Europe to see the best places to visit in Romania, give Auto Europe a call at, 1-888-223-5555, and get your trip planning underway. In addition to car rentals, Auto Europe also 0ffers international airfare, motorhome rentals, and even European vehicle leases with Peugeot--whatever you travel needs are, Auto Europe is here to help.