The novel Dracula by Bram Stoker published in 1897 it was inspired by the history of Vlad Tepes (or Draculea). He was the ruler of the country, and known for his brutal methods of punishing its enemies.
Romania is known also for his outstanding countryside landscape and traditional architecture.
Check out my list of the best Romanian cities you need to add to your itinerary.
1. Bucharest (Bucuresti)
There are so many reasons to visit Romania and most foreign tourists book flights to Bucharest.
This is the capital of Romania and the most important city. At the end of XIX and at the begining of the XX century, Bucharest was called “The Little Paris” during interwar period due to the clothing, laguage spoken, arhitecture.
The Palace of the Parliament (or People’s House) - it’s the second largest administrative building in the world, after The Pentagon. It’s characterized by its particular blend that brings together Brancoveanu style and Renaissance influences, Germanic and Baroque.
Being the capital, Bucharest has many attractions to offer - The Old Town, The Romanian Peasant Museum, The Village Museum, The Herastrau Park and so on.
2. Sinaia
Situated in the heart of Romania, near Brasov, Sinaia is one of the most important places in Romania due to his role -of royal residence. Here Carol I of Hohenzollern started to built the Peles Castle in 1873.
The castle possess valuable collections of paintings, sculptures, armor, furniture, statues and many others. The Peles Castle is considered one of the most beautiful and remarkable castles of XIX siecle in Europe.
Located in Bucegi Mountains, the castle is surrounded by pine forest with an incredible landscape.
3. Brasov
Situated in the heart of the country, Brasov is one of the best places to see in Romania and surrounded by the Southern Carpathians.
With a gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture - as well as a wealth of historical attractions that gives the city a medieval air, Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania. But also due to the winter resort of Poiana Braşov that´s just 12 km away from the city center with a developed infrastructure for winter sports.
At 30 km away it's the Bran Castle, called also Dracula's castle. Other places to visit: Council Square, Black Church, The Rope Street s.a.
4. Cluj-Napoca
The second city inhabitated after Bucharest, it’s situated in the north-east of the country, in central Transylvania. The city has it's own beauty - surrounded by the hills near the Carpathian Mountains, baroque architecture, boulevards. Unofficially named the capital of Transylvania.
5. Timisoara
Settled on the northern bank of the Bega River. Due to his distinct architectural character - represented by baroque, historicism and Wiener Secession, the city was named “Little Vienna”.
Timisoara also has the largest ensemble of historic buildings in Romanian. The city presents a vibrant cultural life - with musical and theatrical performances, art galleries, museums and a buzzing nightlife.
6. Sibiu
One of the most representative cities in Romania, located in Transylvania. In 2007 it was named European Capital of Culture along with Luxemburg.
The historic center is one of the most well preserved location in the country, his historic center became in 2004 universal monument by UNESCO. Buildings being kept intact thoughout centuries that are emblematic for the city today.
Brukental Museum is the oldest museum of Romania and of Cental Europe open for public since 1817. The city has the most beautiful art gallery in Romania, saxon churches restored of a rare beauty.
7. Lasi
One of the oldest cities situated in the north-east of the country, and the most important political, economic and cultural centre of the province of Moldavia.
The city has the large number of monasteries, museums, memorial houses. Places you need to visit include: Cultural Palace, Copou Park, Botanical Garden, Lapusneanu Street and Union Square.
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