Planning a Romania travel adventure soon? Romania has long fascinated travellers. It’s the land where Vlad the Impaler inspired the stories of Count Dracula, and where you can find some of the fastest internet speeds in the world. In Romania, tradition and progress go hand in hand.
So, what exactly makes Romania a must-visit? Let’s uncover together the magic of this captivating country and our suggestions for an unforgettable trip.
1. Savor Romanian delicacies
Let’s begin with something universally enjoyed: food.
• Papanasi: My personal favorites. The Romanian take on doughnuts. Deep-fried or boiled, filled with sweet cheese and topped with jam (try the sour cherry) and sour cream.
• Mămăligă: This cornmeal dish is often served as a side for stews and grilled meats.
• Zacuscă: A smoky vegetable spread made from roasted eggplant and peppers.
• Sarmale: Cabbage rolls filled with minced meat – they are a family gathering essential, and the essence of festive dinners.
• Ciorbă: Sour soup made with fermented wheat bran.
Caru’ cu Bere in Bucharest offers a great selection of Romanian traditional food and local beer. The business was originally opened as a brewery in 1879 and has a distinctive art nouveau interior.
2. Enjoy the blend of old and new during Romania travel
Romania travel seamlessly blends technology and tradition. Medieval towns like Sibiu will charm you with their cobblestone streets, quaint town squares and Baroque buildings. In Maramureș, the northern region of Romania, ancient wooden churches dot the rolling hills.
In tech hubs like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, you can find modern coworking spaces next to Art Nouveau buildings and quaint cafés. These cities have a lively tech and arts scene, which makes them an attractive destination for digital nomads and tech startups. However, they still maintain their old-world charm.
The locals are known for their warmth and hospitality. Many young Romanians speak English with impressive fluency, and would welcome the opportunity to talk with tourists.
3. Immerse yourself in history
Visit places like Sighișoara – one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a Transylvanian gem. Spend your day walking along its historic walls. Climb the Clock Tower, and take in the spectacular view.
Brasov is a picturesque town that looks straight out of a fairytale. With its stunning Black Church, colorful houses, and surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, it is a haven for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Sibiu was named the European Capital of Culture in 2007 and remains a cultural hub to this day. Home to Saxons since the 12th century, the town is famous for its Brukenthal National Museum (the oldest museum in Romania).
4. Take in nature’s beauty during Romania travel
The Danube Delta is Europe’s best-preserved river delta and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It hosts over 5,500 species of flora and fauna and it comprises a vast network of lakes, marshes, and islands only accessible by small boats.
Our suggestions for accommodation in the Danube Delta include: Pensiunea Briza Marii, Stanca Dunarii, and Resendinta Printeselor. Make sure you don’t miss out on some fish soup (ciorbă de peşte) and pike roe spread (salată de icre de ştiucă) while you’re there!
Salina Turda, an ancient salt mine, is a unique mix of natural beauty and human ingenuity. It has been mined for salt since the Roman period and more recently transformed into an underground theme park. It houses various sculptures and carvings made entirely of salt, a mini-golf course and bowling lanes. The mine’s amphitheater takes advantage of the special, subterranean acoustics.
5. Discover the treasures of local markets
Romania might not have the bustling shopping streets of Paris or Milan, but it offers something more genuine. Its local markets offer a plethora of handmade crafts and artisanal products: wooden crafts, traditional rugs and tapestries, pottery (particularly from the region of Horezu, renowned for its distinctive designs, colors, and patterns), and leather and silver work.
Don’t forget to grab some brânză de burduf (a soft cheese aged in pine bark) and a bottle or two of țuică (plum brandy), the country’s national drink.
Famous local markets include Piața Obor (Obor Market) and Piața Matache in Bucharest, Piața Sfatului in Brașov, Piața 700 in Timișoara and Piața Mărăști in Cluj-Napoca.
Stay connected on your journey
What makes Romania travel truly enchanting and worth visiting? It’s the blend of the old and new, the rich history, its natural beauty, and cultural richness.
To ensure you’re always in touch with your friends and family and can share your adventures in real-time with them, our prepaid Romania eSIM is the perfect companion. It helps you stay connected without the hefty roaming charges, and offers flexibility and easy activation. Ready to embark on your trip? Get your downloadable Romania SIM card.
Safe travels and enjoy every moment of your Romania travel adventure!
