ALL ABOUT ROMANIA
Discovering Bucharest and Beyond
Romania is a country of nearly 20 million people, with 2.5 million living in Bucharest alone. It’s a country of proud traditions on the fringe of the Balkans.
Bucharest is a dynamic – if not slightly chaotic – city. Formerly called “The Paris of the East,” Bucharest is known for its mix of Art Nouveau and Communist architecture, with much of its most beautiful architecture sadly in a bad state of disrepair. Still, Bucharest is a city in revival, with innumerable cool third-wave coffee shops, gorgeous bookstores practically begging to be photographed, and countless relaxed outdoor cafés and beer gardens that attract Romanians and tourists alike. Bucharest is truly a place of contrast, and those who visit tend to either love or hate it.
Transylvania is Romania’s most famous and touristic region, made famous by Dracula but surprising tourists with its delightfully colorful old towns such as Sibiu and Sighișoara. This is where you’ll find its most beautiful castles, such as Peleș and Bran Castle, as well as fortified churches, ancient fortresses, and gorgeous wooded forests. Meanwhile, the northern regions of Romania such as Bucovina are rural and bucolic, with pristine nature and people going about their lives in the most traditional ways. Romania is still largely undiscovered, so why not visit for yourself and see how much more there is to Romania than Halloween stories?
ALL ROMANIA POSTS
Sofia or Bucharest: Which East Balkan Capital Should You Visit?
While I'd love to suggest you visit both, if you only have a limited of time, you may find yourself having to choose between Sofia or Bucharest. While I may be a bit biased because I live in Sofia, I think it's a very valid choice. Sofia and Bucharest both offer...
13 Things to Do in Transylvania + Itinerary
If there's one place in Europe that's been deeply misunderstood, it's Transylvania. Who knew that one book -- from an author who had never actually been to Transylvania, let alone Romania -- could change the perception of a destination so greatly? If you hear the word...
9 Wonderful Things to Do in Bucharest in Winter
Bucharest is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination, but the crowds hit the city mostly in the summer as one stop on a multi-country Balkan trip or perhaps as a quick Balkan city break. But visit Bucharest in winter and you'll find a quieter, more local side...
Romanian Food: The Best Romanian Dishes You Must Try
Planning a trip to Romania and looking to explore Romanian cuisine while you're there? Romania may be a land of beautiful castles and gorgeous towns, but it is also famous for some of its delicious traditional Romanian dishes. Here are our recommendations for the best...
15 Stunning Romanian Castles Straight Out of the Fairy Tales
Is there anything that conjures up the idea of enchanted fairy tales and romantic dreamscapes faster than a Romanian castle? Whether they are capped with snow, surrounded by a carpet of autumn foliage, or drenched in summer ivy, castles in Romania have become...
7 Excellent Day Trips from Bucharest Worth Taking
If you're planning to spend some time in Bucharest, one of the biggest and most exciting capital cities in the Balkans, be sure you leave some time on your itinerary to get out of the city and see some more of Romania! With beautifully preserved castles, majestic...
27 Stunning & Most Instagrammable Places in Bucharest
Bucharest is a city full of contrasts. It's not the most immediately beautiful city in the world, the way that London or Rome are for some. But Bucharest has a lot of hidden charms that are waiting for the curious, intrepid explorer. Formerly called "Paris of the...
9 Towns and Cities in Romania You Need to Explore on Your Next Romanian Adventure
Planning a trip to Romania, but confused where to start putting together your itinerary? The country is bursting with haunted castles, charming towns, offbeat ski resorts, and bustling cities. Here are some of our favorite towns and cities in Romania that belong on...
10 Romanian Souvenirs You Have to Make Room For in Your Suitcase
Romania is a land of many stories and traditions. When you visit Romania, you can't help but notice the love that Romanians have for their culture. Whether it's ladling you another scoop of polenta or performing a traditional dance, Romanians are always proud to share...
17 Things to Do in Bucharest
Note: This post first appeared on Eternal Arrival and is reprinted with permission. Equal parts gritty and pretty, Bucharest has some tricks up its sleeve. It's a city that rewards you for taking your time and experiencing it slowly. Frankly, its main sights -- the...