The Eastern European country of Romania is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and for good reason. It is the definition of diversity, as it offers a rather surprising variety of attractions, ranging from cultural attractions to rich wildlife and spectacular nature. A visit to Romania has plenty of exciting things to offer to everyone. If you are wondering what you can do there when you visit, you can check out some of the things below that will keep you occupied for most of your trip:
- Explore its unique architecture
There are a plethora of architectural styles that you can find in Romania, which refer to different ages. You will find old and new buildings co-existing on the same street sometimes, in a kind of uneasy balance. The unique history of the country is quite well reflected in its architecture, so any stroll or trip can help you in finding a piece of European history. Furthermore, Western styles have also found a place in Romania during modern times, especially in the interwar period.
- Check out the amazing castles
There is an impressive number of castles, fortresses, and citadels that you can find in Romania that pertain to various eras. These were constructed for different purposes and boast different characteristics. The Corvin Castle is a Gothic structure that seems to have materialized right out of a Game of Thrones episode, the Bran Castle is the mythical and picturesque home of Count Dracula, along with one of the most charming European castles i.e. Peles Castle. Likewise, there are a ton of unsung chateaus around the country that are also worth checking out.
- Enjoy the cuisine
Focused on taste, hearty, and without fuss, Romanian cuisine gives you an unexpected homemade feeling and it is loaded with comfort dishes, from the appetizers to the main dishes to the rich desserts. A few of the culinary attractions that are waiting for you in Romania include national dishes sarmale that is served with mamaliga and papanasi, which is a kind of creamy doughnut topped with berry jams and drowned in heavy cream.
- Go for a hike in the mountains
The best way to enjoy the spectacular Carpathian Mountains is to go on a hike through them and take in the scenery. You can pick from the numerous hiking trails available and immerse yourself in nature, whether you are a beginner or an expert. You will come across spectacular waterfalls and glacial lakes and be able to reconnect with nature. In the summer months, you may also find a snack consisting of strawberries or blueberries available.
- Watch some wildlife
As per EU standards, Romania is the country that has the biggest diversity in the bloc. Not only is it the home of the largest population of brown bears in Europe, but is also quite well-represented when it comes to chamois, deer, wolves, and more. As a matter of fact, the heaviest and largest land animal on the European continent i.e. the European bison has also been reintroduced to the forests in Romania in a number of reservations and their population appears to be thriving. If you are more interested in birds, then the second-largest and best-preserved in Europe is the Danube Delta, which is regarded as birdwatchers’ paradise, particularly during migration season.
- Indulge in winter sports
If you are looking for the cheapest skiing locations in Europe, Romania will definitely be on that list. Since it has lots of slopes, it is considered an excellent destination for people who love winter sports. The most popular of the slopes is only a two-hour drive away and also boasts some beautiful scenery.
- Go for sunbathing
There are a total of 15 seaside resorts in Romania at the Black Sea, along with unique wild beaches. They offer almost every type of accommodation and feature sandy, white beaches, along with clear blue waters. The amusing thing is that the two most popular Black Sea resorts in Romania, which are the Vama Veche and Mamaia, respectively, couldn’t be more different. The former is essentially a bohemian fishing village, while the latter is more like a party-all-night destination.
- Have fun on the underground Ferris wheel
What sounds more fun? Rowing the boat while you travel on an underground salt lake or riding an underground Ferris wheel? You can answer the question if you visit Salina Turda, which is a former salt mine at a distance of half an hour from Cluj-Napoca. It has been turned into an amusement park that boasts 1,200 meters of thick salt layers and is about 250 meters deep. In addition, lung ailments and allergies can also be eased when you spend some time inside.
- Take a look at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are no less than eight places in Romania that have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and these are definitely worth checking out. The list includes the spectacular Danube Delta, the historic center of Sighisoara, the fortified churches of Transylvania, the Dacian fortresses of Orăştie Mountains as well as Moldova’s painted monasteries.
- Go through the picturesque villages
One of the cherished Romanian values is genuine hospitality and you can visit some of the villages in the country if you have any desire to experience it firsthand. Other than sampling excellent traditional food that’s made in the middle of nature with some of the best ingredients, you will also get to know a very vital part of Romanian culture, such as its traditions and customs.
- Join in the festival fever
If you visit the country of Romania for experiencing one of its festivals, you will be able to enjoy the best of everything. This means you will be able to meet like-minded people and also discover a new place while you are following your passion. There are music festivals, such as Electric Castle and Untold and even film festivals. Bucharest, the country’s capital, also remains the hub for classical music.
