Romania is a magical place, and I’m not just saying that because that’s where my family is from. I’ve found it surprising it’s not talked about more as a travel destination in Europe as it is fairly tourist friendly. Many Romanians have some knowledge of English or even speak fluently, so traveling throughout the country should not be difficult outside of the rural areas. You’ll also be getting more out of your euros in Romania as it’s considered one of the least expensive countries to visit in Europe. The food is delicious and the culture is alive. Here are a few standout places if you choose to visit.
Delta Danube
The Delta Danube is one of the best places in Europe for wildlife watching. Among the many animals who call Romania home, there’s an incredible 350 different bird species in the Delta Danube. Many tourists take a cruise along the Danube River with expert tour guides who can describe the different birds and wildlife in the area. When I visited, my brother and I stayed for two days in a town along the delta that was only accessible by boat. The traditional Romanian cuisine that can only be found here is Storceag, a “fisherman’s soup” made of sturgeon, potatoes and vegetables.
Architecture
The architecture in Romania is gorgeous and representative of the country’s history. Medieval, premodern, contemporary and communist architecture are some styles that appear depending on the region of the country you’re in. Many castles like Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s castle) in the region of Transylvania and Peles Castle in Sinaia are among the most popular ones to visit.
Bran Castle – Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Festivals
Romania has many local and musical cultures that allow you to catch a glimpse of the traditional Romanian culture that is still alive and well. There is also a huge EDM festival every summer in Cluj-Napoca called UNTOLD that’s 4 days long and features DJs and participants from around the world.
Hiking
Finally, you must remember to pack your hiking shoes for the stunning views on the Carpathian Mountains!
There are a multitude of activities in Romania that I did not get to touch on in this article, but I highly recommend doing some research on your own if you are interested!
