Five reasons you need to experience Romania at least once
Take the road less travelled and discover one of Europe’s best-kept secrets in breathtaking Romania.
When it comes to Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, the likes of Spain, Greece and Italy usually take the top spots. That’s not to say, though, that the spots around them are any less deserving of a place on your travel wish-list, and Romania is a hidden gem in every sense of the word. With its colourful history, fairytale landmarks and vast Carpathian landscapes, this lesser-appreciated Eastern European country is well worth visiting.
Though the country may not get as many visitors as other places across the continent, that’s part of the appeal. With fewer crowds and lesser-known highlights which are waiting to be discovered, Romania offers a more authentic cultural experience than many other countries. From the treasures of La Belle Epoque in Bucharest to the Gothic castles and churches of Transylvania, here are five reasons to put Romania on your travel wish-list in 2027 and beyond.
Why you need to experience Romania
1. The Culture
As is often the case with a great travel experience, it’s the people you encounter that’ll make the biggest difference. Romanians are renowned for their hospitality, and whether you’re taking in rural Transylvania or the country’s cosmopolitan capital, you’ll encounter a wide range of unique local cultures on your travels.
The best experiences can often be found beyond the city centres and rural villages such as Viscri and Hamba offer an intimate introduction to Romania’s Saxon heritage and Orthodox Christian traditions. If you’re interested in Transylvania’s history, Sibiu is an ideal choice, and the nearby ASTRA Museum Complex, Europe’s largest open-air ethnographic museum, promises a fascinating afternoon’s exploration.
2. The Sights
There are also more than a few must-see highlights dotted across Romania, and the only way to fully appreciate their grandeur is up close. If you’re exploring Bucharest, you won’t want to miss out on the grand Palace of Parliament, the world’s largest political building, or the Strada Lipscani which has earnt the nickname ‘Little Paris’ for its Belle Epoque architecture.
Beyond Bucharest, the fortified churches that dot the Transylvanian countryside are well worth a visit, while Bran Castle, which is said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, is another highlight. While in the Carpathians, be sure to stop to see Brașov’s magnificent Black Church and take in Peleș’ fairytale castle in alpine Sinaia.
3. The Scenery
It’s not just the inner-city highlights that will impress across Romania, and the landscapes that form the country’s striking backdrop are just as memorable. From the vast Carpathian Mountains to the densely packed forests around Transylvania, there are plenty of breathtaking vistas to soak up on your travels.
For one of the country’s most unique landscapes, be sure to head east along the winding Danube for the river’s magnificent Delta. This region, which is officially Europe’s largest and most biodiverse wetland, is a sight to behold and promises memorable exploration on the open water.
4. The Food
Hearty, seasonal and unique to each region, the foods you’ll find across Romania are a sensory experience and are worth a try. Classic dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and bulz (roasted polenta balls stuffed with goats’ cheese) are perfect for keeping you fuelled while you explore.
If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your sweet cravings too. From sliced ‘chocolate salami’ and delicate layered honey cakes to the ever-popular papanași (cottage cheese doughnuts which are smothered in sour cream and jam).
5. The Wildlife
Romania is home to some of the wildest places left in Europe, and across these unspoilt countryside stretches, you’ll encounter a wide variety of flora and fauna that bring each vista to life. In Transylvania, you can meet the bears, wolves and lynxes that give the region its dramatic reputation.
Further east, on the edge of the Black Sea, a bird-watcher’s paradise marks the end of the wide River Danube. The Delta, which is home to more than 370 bird species, also has a myriad of marine species dwelling beneath the water’s surface. From Europe’s largest pelican colonies to one of the few remaining wild populations of prehistoric beluga sturgeon, the Delta is the ideal choice for wildlife-spotting in Romania.
Discover one of Europe’s best-kept secrets with Newmarket Holidays
Whether it’s you’re a newcomer to Eastern Europe or a regular visitor, there’s rarely a dull moment in Romania. Our brand-new tour, Timeless Romania – Bucharest & Transylvania, combines the country’s must-see highlights in one itinerary. If your heart lies elsewhere, we’ve got a wide array of escorted tours spanning six continents, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.
