Our native country is, generally, the first we get to visit as kids. Between school trips to nearby places, visiting relatives in other cities, and exploring the country with my parents or grandparents, I’ve had quite a lot of chances to explore Romania, my birth country.

Having been born in Transylvania, I barely made it “across the Carpathians”. I vividly still remember a trip to Bucharest in the summer of 1989 (yes, half a year before the Revolution); and visiting relatives in Sibiu and Ramnicu Valcea. But I only made it to Bacau – Moldova Region (not to be confused with the country) – in 2008.

With that said, this article includes suggestions that are not from Transylvania but it doesn’t cover Bucharest.

Buckle up and read about the best things to do in Romania.

1. Sighisoara- visit the medieval citadel

Sighisoara is my first love. I was lucky to visit it the first time in 2000, during the Medieval Citadel. It is a lovely, small gem, easily reached by train from pretty much anywhere in Romania. And if you come via Budapest, just hop on the first train to Bucharest – as it’s on the route.

You will be rewarded with a Medieval citadel which is still inhabited, lovely places to see the view of the area and cafes where you can enjoy good food and good company.

Sighisoara was – supposedly – the birth place of Vlad Dracul (Vlad the Impaler), so don’t miss the house (now a restaurant). And don’t forget the Clock Tower, with its museum and viewing platform. You can easily visit the entire citadel during a day trip.

2. Spend time exploring Alba Carolina in Alba Iulia

Romania has three sister fortresses: Arad, Oradea and Alba Iulia. While the one in Arad can be visited only on special days – it is still a military outpost – and the one in Oradea is finally open for tours (as of 2016), Alba Carolina has been open for the public for a good while. It was renovated and now can be explored. I loved the reformat church and the museum.

There is also the “trail of the three fortresses”- which we skipped – but it does highlight the history of the place starting with the Romans.

3. Hike on the mountain trails

Romania is still the “wild garden” of Europe and we are home to the largest population of brown bears on the continent. The trails range from easy to very hard, from day trips to weeks trips. I would recommend the Bucegi Mountains and also the Piatra Craiului National Park, among the plenty other places to enjoy.

I would not recommend going alone or in a couple. On the mountain, it’s always best to be in a group and make sure at least some of you know the basic survival rules on the mountain. The best time to go is from May to September but for camping at high altitudes July and August are recommended only.

4. Explore ruined citadels and fortresses

A car ride from Arad to Sighisoara or Arad to Cluj will put you face to face with plenty of ruined fortresses and citadels to explore. Likewise, if you want to go from Arad to Targiu Jiu. In other words, you cannot shake a stick without bumping into a ruin.

At one point during University years, I wanted to visit all of them in the county of Arad and I think I managed to just fine. At least the ones I could find info about, I made my way there.

5. Roman and Dacian ruins

Let’s not forget about the Roman and Dacian ruins like Sarmizegetusa (both Regia and Ulpia Traiana). Those are the best known but other ruins are also still accessible, such as the ones in Cluj-Napoca right by the Catholic Church.

6. Enjoy the thermal baths in Sovata

When I was looking for places to spend our honeymoon and later for places to go for our anniversary, Sovata kept popping in the answers. We have yet to make it there, but since everyone is recommending it, why not give it a go? Aside from the mountain air and thermal baths, you are a short ride away from Praid.

7. Drive the Transfagarsan and Transalpina

Transfagarsan is one of the most beautiful roads in Europe and one of the best places to visit in Romania – and I still haven’t managed to get there! But Transalpina is the sister located higher up and still not discovered by the tourists. Romanians surely know about it and it leads up to Ranca, the ski resort.

If you drive on the Transfagarasan, don’t miss visiting Poienari Castle – which has a direct link to Vlad Dracul – and Vidraru Dam – it was possible to bungee here!

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8. The fortified churches

On the way from Alba Iulia to Sighisoara, you can count a lot of fortified churches. Out of them, Biertan is the most popular and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was closed when we made our way there, so it’s best to visit during late mornings.

Photo credit: Iulia Munteanu

9. Maramures

The merry cemetery of Sapanta might ring a bell…and if not the plum brandy (“tuica”). Traditional villages, amazing nature, and great food are the recipe for a place which is very popular among tourists.

10. Danube Delta

If you love any food with fish in it and you want to see Europe’s largest Delta, then you’ve found the place. It is possible to go on a cruise in the Delta – most of them depart from Tulcea – but you can also book an accommodation right in the Delta.

Bonus: Turda Salt Mine

Located very close to Cluj-Napoca, literally in the Heart of Transylvania, Turda Salt Mine is a must-visit for anyone coming to Romania. The temperature inside is a constant 12-14 degree and the huge Rudolf mine has been turned into an…amusement park, featuring a ferris wheel, mini golf, billiards, as well as an amphitheater. Another huge mine now has a lake in it and yes, you can rent a boat and go on the lake.

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