Romania is a spectacular country. So many people visit and only make it to the biggest capital city of Bucharest. Although Bucharest has its charms, there are so many other wonderful cities and towns that are often overlooked. Whether you are looking for big cities with lots of partying, cute and quaint spots with cafes on every corner, or cultural hubs, there is a little bit of everything. You can travel across the country and find wonderful cities and towns everywhere you go.
1. Bucharest – The Capital City of Partying
Bucharest is a city unlike any other. Known as the party capital of the world, there is certainly no shortage of clubs, casinos, and other more questionable establishments. If that is what you are looking for, there is certainly plenty of it around. However, the city also offers many other fun things to do that are on the more docile lines.
Top 5 Things to Do in Bucharest (Besides Partying)
If you are looking to go to Bucharest and enjoy the party scene, this is not the list for you! But there are plenty of other fun things to do in Bucharest even on the breaks from all the partying.
1. Visit Therme Spa
No trip to Romania is complete without visitingTherme Bucuresti, the thermal luxury spas located just 20 minutes outside of Bucharest (fairly close to the airport). This spa complex is unlike anything you will find in other countries around the world. This spa center costs only about $30 per person for an entire day in the multi-level spas. They have thermal pools, both indoors and outdoors, countless different types of saunas (including Himalayan salt saunas), red light therapy, swim-up bars, massages, and even an indoor water park area with countless different water slides.
2. Enjoy the Cafes and Restaurants
The city is speckled with cafes and restaurants, with some of the most famous being the bookshop café Cărturești Carusel in Bucharest. It boasts a beautiful design and is right in the city center. Be sure to check out Grand Café Van Gogh if you are looking for a delicious and beautifully decorated café.
3. Relax at the Rooftop Bars
Rooftop bars (and bars in general) seem to be a common theme in Bucharest and it would be a shame to miss out on the experience during your trip. Check out the famous Nomad Skybar in Bucharest city center that becomes a lively nightclub as soon as the clock strikes midnight.
4. Explore the History
No visit to Bucharest is complete without visiting some of the monuments and exploring the history. You can visit the Jewish Quarter of the city, take a look at the Palace of the Parliament, and see the Macca – Vilacrosse Passage. Don’t miss out on the National Art Museum or the National Museum of Roman History as well!
5. Go Shopping
Romania is a famously inexpensive destination and what is one of the best things to do when traveling somewhere affordable? Shopping! The city boasts many second hand and vintage shops as well.
2. Brașov – Quaint Coffee Shop City in Transylvania
Brașov is a quaint and picturesque city with a lovely pedestrian walkway lined with colorful buildings and mountain scenery. Located in Transylvania, you will see how different it is from the Soviet-style Bucharest.
Top 3 Things to Do in Brașov
Whether you are visiting just for the day or are spending a few nights in this central Transylvanian town, there are plenty of fun things to do.
1. Visit the Black Church
Located right in the city center, you will find the Black Church which is one of the most beautiful gothic structures in Romania. If you visit the main center you will see the church surrounded by coffee shops.
2. The Narrowest Street in Europe
Although you probably never considered this, did you know that the narrowest street in Europe can be found in Brașov. It is called Strada Sforii if you want to pass through.
3. Enjoy the Cafes and Food
Cafes define Brașov and you will find countless coffee shops and restaurants hidden away on the back streets of the city. Check out CH9 Specialty Coffee which gives you a direct view of the Black Church while you sip. If you’re hungry, don’t miss eating at Bistro de l’Arte which offers incredible food in a lovely atmosphere.
Check out the full guide to visiting Brasov here: 10 Terrific Things To Do in Brasov | Quaint City in Transylvania, Romania
3. Sibiu – Most Charming City in Romania
Sibiu, located in Central Romania is undoubtedly one of the most charming cities in the country and arguably in Europe. With a history dating back to the 12th century when it was founded by German settlers, you won’t be surprised to find the influence of German culture in the city. It boasts idyllic streets and promenades, charming squares, and one of its most famous aspects…. houses with eyes. The unique architecture of the city ended up creating a window design on many of the houses in the town that truly gives the appearance of the houses having eyes. So don’t be surprised if you feel that you’re being watched.
Besides that, you can also visit the Evangelical Cathedral and the clock tower that goes along with it. Continue strolling through the city to find café lined streets, open air museums, marketplaces with countless beautiful Romania goods, and so much more. It is a fun city to visit just for a day or to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the unique vibes that it has to offer.
4. Sigișoara – City Out of a Fairytale
Sigișoara is most certainly one of the coolest towns you can visit in Romania. The city itself is a UNESCO Heritage Site that is beautiful and magical at the same time. The town looks like something that came right out of a fairy tale, with its Medieval architecture and colorful buildings and streets. Not only can you enjoy the history of the Ottoman citadels and 14th century clock towers, but you can also learn about the vampires and Dracula. You can even visit Casa Vlad Dracul. This is the home of the real historical figure Vlad the Impaler, better known as Dracula. Whether you are looking to enjoy the more haunted side of this city or the cute and quaint architecture and designs, you can have a little bit of both.
5. Timișoara – The Little Vienna of Romania
Located on the very western end of Romania, you will find the city of Timișoara. This city has earned the nickname of “Little Vienna” or “City of Flowers” as you will see by the pristine architecture and countless amount of stunning gardens. It is a lively and fun city, full of students and energetic vibes. Street art, trending cafes, and the colorful umbrella lined streets are spotted throughout the city. Due to its location, Timișoara is a very multicultural city, with influences from Hungary, Austria, Serbia, and Germany.
6. Peșteana – Romanian Log Cabin and Treehouses
In a very, very small town in the middle of Romania you will find one of the most unique and amazing stays in all of Romania. You can sleep in a treehouse or a log cabin at the amazing Airbnb in the town of Peșteana. These log cabins and treehouses are so incredible and high in demand that you need to book them very far in advance if you want a chance to stay here on your visit. Honestly, this town is worth a visit just for the experience of this Airbnb. But the added perk is that is located near some amazing attractions as well such as Castelul Corvinilor (Corvins’ Castle).
7. Sinaia – Mountain Views and Castles
Located in the Bucegi Mountains of Transylvania, Sinaia is a lovely, small village that offers countless ski resorts, short trips to castles like Peleș castle, and a great starting point for mountain treks and e-biking. It is an incredibly beautiful and quaint town that is definitely worth a visit. Whether you are just passing through or staying the night, you are certain to enjoy its unique beauty. If you were a fan of the Netflix film Wednesday, you can also stop by in the nearby town of Bușteni and see the real life Nevermore Academy and where the series was filmed.
8. Băile Tușnad – Thermal Spa Town
Located in Harghita County, Romania, Thermal spas, Băile Tușnad is a beautiful place to visit. It is quite literally the smallest town in Romania based on population, however, it has a lot to offer. If you are looking for stunning views, thermal spas, and a great countryside location, this adorable town is perfect for you. Take a trip to the mountains and lakes, visit some castles, or relax in the thermal spas.
9. Miercurea Ciuc – Dog Sledding Central
Miercurea Ciuc is one of the oldest and coldest cities in Romania. Located in Harghita County, it is a fairly large city with one major amazing thing to offer. The city itself is not the most beautiful in Romania, however, it is a nice place to spend a day or two if you are visiting the area. We went there specifically to go dog sledding. Zoltan is the only one who offers this in Romania is based in the mountains outside of Miercurea Ciuc. If you are visiting, you definitely need to go dog sledding. We went out of our way for the experience and managed to explore the town a bit in the process.
While visiting we stayed at a great Airbnb, watched a local hockey game (Miercurea Ciuc is famous for its winter sports), and were close enough to visit Lake St Ann. This volcanic crater lake (the only of its kind in Romani) offers beautiful views, bear watching, and picnic grounds.
Check out the full post on the dog sledding experience: Dog Sledding in Romania | Experience of a Lifetime
10. Cluj-Napoca – Gateway to Transylvania
Although Cluj-Napoca is mostly only known by people do the airport that is located there, the city itself also has some cool things to offer. It is certainly not Romania’s most beautiful city, but it does boast a long and interesting history along with trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. As the second largest city in Romania, after Bucharest, it does offer many similar amenities as the country’s capital city. It is most famous for being the starting point for tourists looking to explore Transylvania and the unique scenery and history in some of the smaller towns of the area.
Looking for some more incredible things on your trip to Romania? Check out: Visiting Romania? 15 Memorable, Unique, and Adventure Activities
Lots of Love and Safe Travels,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters
