Summary. A guide to exploring the country Romania is an exciting and unique destination for any traveler. From breathtaking natural beauty to dynamic cities to stunning historical sites, Romania has something for everyone. From the bustling capital city of Bucharest to the charming Transylvanian countryside, the tourist opportunities are endless.
Are you prepared to experience the beauty of Romania? With its stunning mountain views, vibrant culture, and rich history, Romania is a destination like no other. For those traveling to Romania for the first time, there are a few things to consider before coming to this charming country. What kind of accommodation should we book? What are the must-see attractions? What type of food should we try? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself before embarking on your journey to Romania. No visit to Romania is complete without experiencing its breathtaking mountain views.
Traveling To Romania For The First Time
For outdoor enthusiasts, head to the Carpathian Mountains where you can hike, bike, or enjoy some winter sports. Don’t miss out on the beautiful Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle. This 15th century castle towers over Bran village and is one of Romania’s most visited tourist attractions.
Located in Sinaia in the Carpathian Mountains, this neo-renaissance castle was the summer residence of Romanian royalty. Nature lovers should explore Transylvania, where Romania’s lush rolling hills and mountains provide breathtaking views. The area is full of wildlife, including brown bears, lynx, European bison, wolves and chamois. The area also offers many outdoor activities, like skiing, zip-lining and bear-tracking. Culture aficionados should visit Brasov, one of Romania’s most popular cities for tourists. Here, visitors can find both old and new attractions, including the Council Square, the Black Church and Piata Sfatului.
For a taste of city life, head over to Bucharest, Romania’s capital and largest city. Here, visitors can explore the museums, galleries, cafes, and clubs. Make sure to visit the Parliament Palace, the massive structure built during the 1980s, and Unirii Square, the largest in Bucharest. No matter if you’re looking for outdoor adventure or rich cultural experiences, Romania has something for everyone.
Taste Romanian Cuisine and Get a Local Perspective
If you’re thinking of traveling to Romania for the first time, you’ll find that immersing yourself in the local culture is a key part of ensuring your experience is a great one. There’s no better way to do this than to indulge in the delicious cuisine the country has to offer! Romanian cuisine is quite diverse, with influences from the Balkan and Central/Eastern European regions providing a mix of cultures all rolled into one. Explore the vibrant Romanian capital of Bucharest, and you’ll find a multitude of amazing restaurants where you can sample delicious dishes.
For a truly unique experience, head to the region’s many street food carts and sample delicious snacks like mici (grilled beef sausages), covrigi (traditional Romanian pretzels), and clatite (Romanian-style crepes). The best part about tasting Romanian cuisine, however, is getting to do so with a local perspective. With its multitude of quaint cafes and family-run restaurants, Bucharest is a great place to meet and connect with the locals.No matter where your travels may take you, make sure you get the most out of your Romanian experience by indulging in all the delicious local dishes.
This region is a nature lover’s paradise. There you can rent a kayak and paddle along the many serene rivers and wetlands, spotting rare bird and animal species along the way.Explore Romania’s rich cultural history as you wander through its bustling cities and charming medieval towns. Admire monumental architecture such as the world-famous Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle!), or take a strolling tour through
Bucharest to see the impressive Parliament Building. In Transylvania, you’ll find some of the best-preserved fortified churches in Europe. Visit the incredible Merry Cemetery in Maramures, famous for its colorful painted tombstones depicting the lives of the deceased.Or pass through “Szecklerland,” home to the country’s Hungarian minoroty, where you can taste some of the delicious traditional dishes and experience authentic Hungarian culture. No matter where you go in Romania, you’re sure to be met with warm and welcoming hospitality by the friendly locals.
Accommodations for Every Budget and Preference
There are lots of great options available to suit all needs and budgets, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious five-star hotels. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, there’s nothing better than staying in a traditional guesthouse.
They often offer excellent value for money, and you can expect friendly service and a home-cooked dinner. For a more modern experience, there are plenty of mid-range hotels dotted around the country. Here, you can enjoy cosy rooms, comfortable beds, air-conditioning and, in some cases, a swimming pool. Prices are often very reasonable, and you’ll be well placed to explore the cities or countryside of Romania. If you’re feeling flush, there are also some great five-star options to choose from.Of course, you can expect to pay a bit extra, but for those looking for ultimate luxury, it’s definitely worth it.
Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip
Plan for the type of trip you want to take. Rome is the perfect destination for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, beach goers, and nature lovers alike.If you’re looking to save a bit of money, consider visiting some of Romania’s smaller cities, like Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, and Timisoara all of which offer unique experiences at a fraction of the cost. When planning for accommodations in Romania, you’ll have several options: hotels, villas, hostels, and camping.
If you are on a budget, hostels will provide the lowest nightly cost and should be your choice. Hotels and villas are perfect for those who want a bit more comfort and luxury while camping trips can be great for adventurous travelers. Romania is full of unique and interesting cuisine. Be sure to sample the local eats – forgo the traditional tourist restaurants.Whatever you do, don’t forget to grab some of Romania’s signature desserts (cornulete and cozonac being two of the most popular) as a sweet treat.
Discover Romania’s Historic Sites and Monuments
From the ancient Transylvanian castles of Bran and Corvin to the amazing painted monasteries of Bucovina, Romania has a fascinating history and plenty of incredible sights to be discovered. Take a tour of the iconic Black Sea coast and explore the castles, citadels, and monasteries throughout the region. The citadel in Sighișoara, a city located in the heart of Romania, dates back to the 13th century and is considered to be the best-preserved fortified city in the country.
Visit the northern region of Maramureș and take a journey through the breathtaking beauty of the Carpathian Mountains. Explore the wooden churches that line the roadside and visit the incredible wooden buildings in Sighetul Marmației. Wander the cobblestoned streets of the city of Sibiu, marvel at the amazing architecture of Șoimuș Castle, and wander the cobblestoned city of Brașov.
Explore the Natural Beauty of Romania
You can start your Romanian journey in the heart of Transylvania, which is dominated by the fantastic Carpathian Mountains. The majestic range is the largest in Romania and one of Europe’s oldest ranges. Explore the rustic landscape of towering mountains, lush pastures, steep gorges and deep forests. Here, you can enjoy skiing, hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking and horseback riding.
The Danube Delta in east Romania is one of the country’s most breathtaking regions. The breathtaking scenery includes marshes, reed swamps and freshwater lakes. Catch a glimpse of the incredible birdlife that thrives here. You can also take boat trips through the canals of Sulina and experience a unique ecosystem in the largest wetlands of Europe.
While visiting, don’t forget to visit the nearby fishing villages of Letea and Macin to learn about their traditions. Romania also offers lots of exciting attractions for first-time travelers.Nicholas Church. The City of Bucharest is a cultural hub with a variety of attractions, like the Palace of Parliament, Bucharest’s old town and the outstanding Art Nouveau architecture.
The Best Places to Shop for Souvenirs in Romania
One of the best places to find souvenirs from Romania is the capital city of Bucharest. Take a walk through Old Town and you’ll find a variety of both antique and traditional shops. Whether you’re looking for a handmade wooden flutist or a handmade traditional carpet, you can find it here. You can also find bookstores, art galleries, and traditional markets selling handmade goods.
There you will find a variety of stores selling everything from traditional Romanian pottery and handmade jewellery to locally produced wines and spirits. If you’re into fashion, then you should definitely check out the flagship store of retailer BSB, which offers some of the best Romanian clothing in the country. Don’t forget to check out the famous Patria shop, which is a great place to find iconic Romanian clothing, music, and knick-knacks.
You’ll also find artisan shops like Horeca Boutique selling handcrafted items like purses and bags, as well as art galleries featuring works from Romanian artists. For more traditional souvenirs from Romania, you should head to some of the roadside markets in the country. Here you’ll find vendors selling handmade pottery, woolen blankets, and other souvenirs from Romania.If you’re looking for authentic Romanian jewellery, then visit the famous Jewellery Market in Cluj-Napoca, where you’ll find a variety of stunning pieces.
Fun and Exciting Nightlife Adventures
Whether you like to stick to the beaten path or go off the beaten path, there’s so much to explore and enjoy. This includes clubs, bars, music festivals, pop-up events, and so much more. No matter what flavor of nightlife you’re interested in, all you have to do is find the right place and time. Of course, if you’re traveling to Romania for the first time it can be a bit daunting to get started.
Start by deciding what type of nightlife you’re interested in and then research it online. You can look up local clubs and bars near where you’ll be staying, as well as read up on pop-up events and music festivals that take place in Romania each year. This will help you create an amazing nightlife itinerary for your first time visit. It goes without saying that no matter what type of nightlife experience you go for, safety and security should always be your first concern. Do your research online before going out and make sure you know where you’re going and who you can rely on.
A big tip for having a great time in Romania’s nightlife is to make sure you purchase your drinks ahead of time. This will save you time (and hassle) when you arrive at the club or bar, and you won’t need to worry about being overcharged or paying for something you didn’t request.
Bringing It All Together
Traveling to Romania for the first time can be an exciting yet daunting experience, and with some preparation, you can ensure that the trip goes off without a hitch. The country offers a wide range of activities for travelers, from exploring the beautiful scenery and vibrant cities to sampling Romanian dishes and trying some of the activities in the surrounding nature, such as fishing and hiking. To make your trip even more enjoyable, it’s worth taking a look at the Romanian culture, customs, and regulations beforehand. It’s important to know the customs of the country you’re visiting, such as manners at the dinner table, the local language, and the basic documentary requirements.
Apart from the cultural aspects, further research into the variety of things to do and see in Romania will help to ensure that your time in the country is well spent. With historic sites, stunning landscapes, and dynamic cities to explore, Romania is a country of immense beauty and culture. Try to make space for some of the most popular attractions, such as the art galleries in Bucharest, or take a day to visit Peles Castle in the Carpathian Mountains.
With the above pointers in mind, you can be sure to make the most of your trip to Romania, and create some amazing memories as you explore the country. Do you have any tips for visiting Romania for the first time? What attractions have you enjoyed most during your visits? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
FAQs: The Insider View
What are Romanians famous for?
They are also known for their unique language, which is a Romance language, as well as for the traditional Romanian art of woodcarving.
What are Romanians proud of?
They are proud of their strong ties to the folk culture and traditional values they have passed down for centuries. They are also proud of their language, which is one of the Romance languages and closely related to Latin and French. Romania is also known for its beautiful landscape, such as the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube Delta, and its vibrant, multicultural cities like Bucharest and Cluj. Additionally, Romanians are proud of their contributions to the world of science, music, art, and literature.
What are the values of Romanian people?
The values of Romanian people include: family and communal harmony, respect for elders, hard work, hospitality, helping others in need, tolerance, a deep respect for nature, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and a strong spiritual connection.
What is the most famous Romanian?
The most famous Romanian is Nadia Comaneci, the gymnast who at the 1976 Montreal Olympics became the first female athlete to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastics event.
