Top activities for Romania

It is a country of great natural beauty and diversity, and has a rich cultural heritage, including a variety of ethnic, linguistic, and confessional groups. Romania enchants visitors with its scenic mountain landscapes and unspoilt rural areas, but also with its historic cities and busy capital. Over the last decade, it has witnessed a significant development,  fueled by its recent membership of the European Union. Romania will definitely surprise some of its visitors who are more used to western Europe. It has a listed total of six cultural and one natural UNESCO world heritage sites. Romania is a large country which can sometimes be shocking with contrasts: some cities are truly modern, while some villages can seem to have been brought back from the past. While it has significant cultural similarities with other Balkan states, it is regarded as unique due to its strong Latin heritage, reflected in every part of Romanian society from its culture to its language. Things for which Romania is famous include: the Carpathian mountains, wine, medieval fortresses, Dacia cars, Dracula, stuffed cabbage leaves (sarmale), the Black Sea, sunflower fields, painted monasteries and the Danube Delta.

Romania

Are you ready to get inspired by a world of art, design and culture? From creative hubs filled with the best galleries, museums, and ongoing exhibitions, to imaginative centres and workshops frequented by locals - check out the coolest curated spaces in {{area}}. 
The scene here is dynamic and endlessly evolving, whether you're an architecture admirer, a culture vulture, or an art and design enthusiast. Feed your creative side and dive right in! 

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When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

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Beaches, national parks, urban parks, forests, dunes, heathlands - you name it! We've lined up the best of locally recommended nature activities in {{area}} that are sure to get some fresh air in those lungs! If it's anything you can explore and do in the great outdoors, you can plan it here.

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Lace up those hiking boots and get out on the trail! We’ve organized the top nature walks and hikes in {{area}} for all the outdoor lovers looking to go the limits. There are plenty of routes you can choose from - all offering you stunning views that make each step even more worth it.

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All of the landmarks, viewpoints, monuments, city skylines, and hidden gems at your fingertips! These are the places that will astound your sight and senses,  and would also make a pretty Instastory. 
From urban architecture to natural wonders, explore the must-see spots in {{area}}, and revel in the beauty that surrounds you here.

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Come one, come all - come big, come small! We've rounded up all of the kid-friendly places in {{area}}, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor activities, and museums for you and your family to enjoy. These places and activities are fun (and safe!) for the whole family, no matter what size or age!

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Ready for an epic time? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an exciting outdoor activity - check out what {{area}} has going on. There's truly never a dull moment here. From biking, adventure parks, and water sports to wonderous new environments - we rounded up the best things for you to do to have an adventurous time outdoors.

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București

Thanks to the numerous remnants of its rich medieval past (fortresses, old towns and fortified churches), Brașov is one of the most popular county in Romania and offers lots of very attractive destinations for its visitors, such as: the medieval city of Brașov, the Poiana Brașov and Predeal mountain resorts, Bran’s castle (often referred to as Dracula's castle), the Făgăraș Mountains, the medieval fortresses of Făgăraș and Râșnov, as well as the Fortified Saxon churches in the Burzenland area.

Brașov

Home to the Romanian Riviera - the preferred summer holiday destination for Romanians -, this region offers far more than just nice beach resorts and nightclubs. Such as the mausoleum at Adamclisi, the Portița area… or the city of Constanta itself. Third largest city in Romania, and also a very important cultural and economic centre, this city is worth exploring for its archaeological treasures and the Old Town's architecture. The large concentration of historical monuments, ancient ruins, museums as well as entertainment places and resorts make it the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism.

Constanța

The county is part of the Danube–Criș–Mureș–Tisa Euroregion and its landscape is majorly made up of mountains. A very picturesque county, where you can admire the great Corvinești Castle, impressive lakes and caves and many other beautiful natural sites such as the Retezat National Park, one of Romania's most beautiful natural reserves. The other main tourist attractions in Hunedoara are: the Dacian Fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage site), Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa (the capital of the Roman province of Dacia), the spa town of Geoagiu, the medieval constructions of Densuș, Deva, Hunedoara, Santămaria-Orlea and Strei as well as the Medieval castle of Hunedoara and the Medieval Guard Tower of Crivadia.

Hunedoara

Part of the Danube–Criș–Mureș–Tisa Euroregion, this county is crossed by many rivers and bordered by the Poiana Ruscă Mountains in the East. Its main tourist attraction is the city of Timișoara, the most cosmopolitan city in Romania and a city which benefited from multiple cultural and artistic influences all along its history (from Roman to German, Turk, Austrian and Serb). Very lush, the city is a marvel to visit in the Spring. Other notable places of interest in the county are: the city of Lugoj, the Buziaș spa resorts, the area around Făget and the castles of Banloc and Carani.

Timiș

The Lotru and Cindrel Mountains (a part of the Carpathian Mountains), in the southern area, cover more than 30% of the county's surface. Very attractive for the culture-addict visitors, this county has a more pronounced Saxon background and offers a lot of UNESCO World Heritage preserved sites, including several old towns and medieval Saxon fortified churches. Other key tourist attractions in Sibiu are: the city of Sibiu itself (with its medieval fortifications and its historic centre), the medieval city of Mediaș, the abbey of Cârța, the Făgăraș and Cindrel mountains, the spa towns of Ocna Sibiului, Bazna and Miercurea Sibiului… and the whole Mărginimea Sibiului rural area.

Sibiu

Bordered on its western side by mountain ranges from the Eastern Carpathians group, Suceava was designated in 2017 "European destination of excellence" by the European Commission and is ranked in third position regarding tourist accommodation capacity in Romania. Its main tourist attractions are: the medieval fortifications of Suceava, the painted churches and monasteries of northern Moldavia, the medieval salt mine of Cacica, the ski resorts in Vatra Dornei and the towns of Rădăuți, Fălticeni, Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Gura Humorului and Siret.

Suceava

Its landscape is essentially made of an equal mix of mountains, hills and plains. Tourism activity concentrates mainly in the Prahova Valley, where you find some of the best tourism facilities in Romania, such as the resorts in Sinaia, Bușteni, Azuga and within the Bucegi Mountains. Other notable tourist destinations are: the city of Ploiești and Câmpina and the Teleajen and Doftana river valleys. Its capital city, Ploieşti, is the second most important railway hub in Romania with connections to almost every major city in the country.

Prahova

Being the capital of the historical region of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca is one of the most visited cities in Romania. A must-see for anyone interested in historical and cultural landmarks, and a great stop for all those who want to experience urban Transylvanian life at its best. You will also find lots of picturesque villages in the town vicinity. The other notable tourist destinations in this area are:  the Turda canyon, the city of Gherla, the salt mines of Salina Turda and the regions of Țara Călatei and Tara Moților.

Cluj

Besides Romanians (57.5% of the population), Satu Mare is known to host a significant ethnic minority of Hungarians (34.5%). Its North is bordered by the Oaș Mountains and multiple rivers cross the county (the Someș, Tur and Crasna rivers). Its main tourist attractions are: the ethnographic and historical region of Oaș (where you can still witness centuries old Romanian folk traditions), the Oaș Mountains, the cities of Satu Mare and Carei, the Tășnad spa resorts and the fortifications from Ardud and Medieșu Aurit.

Satu Mare

Albeit being one of the most industrialized county in Romania, it also offers very interesting tourist destinations, such as: the cities of Pitești and Curtea de Argeș (where one of the most well known monasteries in Romania is located), the Câmpulung - Rucăr area, the Făgăraș and Leaota Mountains, the Poienari Castle, the Cotmeana monastery and the Alex & Emma's Land amusement park.

Argeș

This is the 2nd most populated county in Romania, right after the Municipality of Bucharest. And the second largest university center in Romania. It lies on a vast plain surrounded by the Siret River on one side and the Prut River on the other. Of major importance for both the history and culture of the country, this region as a lot to offer: the city of Iași and its surroundings (the Seven hills of Iași), the Alexandru Ioan Cuza Memorial Palace in Ruginoasa, the neolithic archeological site of Cucuteni, the Cotnari and Bohotin vineyards,  the monasteries of Hadâmbu and Dobrovăț, the Miclăușeni castle and monastery, the Vasile Alecsandri Memorial House in Mircești, the Constantin Negruzzi Museum in Hermeziu … amongst many others.

Iași

The entire area is a vast plain, with the Danube river forming a wide valley in the South. Major tourist attractions there are: the cities of Craiova, Băilești and Calafat (a major crossing point between Romania and Bulgaria) and fishing on the Danube river. With 298.928 inhabitants, craiova is one of the biggest cities in Romania and was founded on the ancient site of the Dacian and Roman stronghold of Pelendava.

Dolj

Mainly rural, this county is covered with agricultural land, forests and inhabited areas. Its main, and major, tourist attractions are the 92 wooden churches spread across the county (68 of which are classified as historic monuments), making Sălaj one of the main places of conservation for Romania's artistic and rural heritage.

Sălaj

The region, vastly dominated by mountain landscapes, offers a spectacular scenery and an exceptional cultural heritage. This county is also an important historical site for the Romanian culture. The main tourist attractions there are: the city of Alba Iulia (where the unification of the Romanian regions was decided), the Apuseni Mountains, the Castles of Câlnic and Gârbova, the Towns and Churches of Sebeș and Aiud and the Țara Moților ethnographical area.

Alba

The main tourist destinations here are the cities of Vaslui, Bârlad and Huși. Three cities which now benefit from the tourism promotion program initiated commonly by County Council of Vaslui, the County Councils of the Leova and Hîncești districts (in the Republic of Moldova) and the European Union. Notable sites part of this program are: all the medieval and early modern churches and monasteries of the area, the Manuc Bei Hunting Palace and the Manuc - Mirzaian Manor Palace in Hîncești, as well as all the region's natural riches.

Vaslui

This city, often overlooked by tourists in favor of other Transylvanian cities (such as Brasov, Sighisoara or Cluj-Napoca), if one of Romania’s latest undiscovered gems. Despite being one of the largest and most important city in Transylvania, with a high degree of administrative, economic and commercial importance, the city is also a very pleasant stopover for any visitor coming from or in transit to Hungary. Other notable activities in Bihor are: the Apuseni Mountains (in which you can visit the Stâna de Vale Resort and the Iada valley), the caves around Padiș and the Sighiștel River Valley, the Bear's Cave near Chişcău village and the Băile Felix health resort.

Bihor

Mainly made of low plains bordering the Danube river and the Siret river, it is a very rural area with lots of people working in agriculture or as fishermen. The main tourist destinations there are: Lake Brateș and the cities of Tecuci and Galati, best known for being the port where Count Dracula lands while escaping from Transylvania in Bram Stoker’s novel. A port town on the Danube River and the country's largest ship maker, Galati is also a city where you can find many cultural places as well as enchanting parks and gardens.

Galați

Maramureș is situated in northern Romania, and shares a border with Ukraine. And most importantly, it is one of Europe’s best kept secrets: a place where time stood still and where traditions, wooden art and human kindness seems to be miraculously well preserved. Located close to the Ukrainian border, Maramures covers more than 3000 km2 of deep valleys, beautiful villages, steep hills and impressive mountains (up to 2303 m high). There you can find over 100 wooden churches (among which 8 are on the UNESCO list), over 60 typical villages and towns, a UNESCO protected natural reserve… and the only narrow gauge industrial steam train still in activity in Europe. Notable visits include: the cities of Baia Mare and Sighetu Marmației; the villages off the Iza, Mara and Vișeu Valleys, the wooden churches of Maramureș, Lăpuș and Chioar, the Merry Cemetery of Săpânța and the Barsana Monastery.

Maramureș

It offers a quite diverse landscape with mountains from the Southern Carpathians group in the North, sub-Carpathian hills in the Center and the Romanian Plain in the Southern area. Its main tourist destinations are: the city of Târgoviște (ancient capital of Muntenia), the Pucioasa spa resorts and the Ialomița River Valley. Only 80 kilometres away from Bucharest, and thanks to its many key historical sites, the city of Târgovişte is on the A list of every cultural and religious lovers. Amongst those sites, don’t forget to visit the Sunset Tower and Targoviste biggest attraction, the Princely Court, where 13 museums gather more than 72.000 heritage objects.

Dâmbovița

It shares its borders with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, and offers a very typical landscape made of rolling hills. Its main interest is the city of Botosani, the birthplace of many renowned Romanians (such as Mihai Eminescu, Nicolae Iorga or Grigore Antipa). Other notable places are: the Bucecea’s sugar refinery, the Georges Enesco museum and Adâncata Forest in Dorohoi and the Ipoteşti village museum (commemorating the poet Mihail Eminescu).

Botoșani

This county is known for its spectacular landscapes, mostly made of mountains chains from the Southern Carpathians in the North, smaller groups of mountains near the Olt River Valley and a mix of hills, plateaus and plains for the rest of the county. Its main tourist destinations are: the Olt River Valley and its spa resorts, the Cozia and Turnu Monasteries, the Cozia Mountains and their numerous small churches and fortifications, the Lotru River valley and the Lotru Mountains, the spa resorts in Băile Govora, Băile Olănești, Voineasa, Vidra and Obârșia Lotrului, and the cities of Râmnicu Vâlcea and Brezoi.

Vâlcea

Its landscape is mainly made of mountains from the Eastern Carpathians group (where you can ski), and most towns - such as its capital city - have been built in valleys and depressions formed along the different rivers crossing the county. If you make a stop there, don’t forget to taste their excellent bread or surprising Kürtőskalács local cake. You will also notice here the very strong Hungarian influence there, the Romanian official language being often dropped in favor of Hungarian. Note that this area is one of the safest in Romania, where violent crime is extremely rare.

Covasna

Its landscape is mainly made of mountains and hills in the North, and transforms to a vast plateau with deep and wide valleys in the rest of the country. Built on a vibrant multicultural fabric, that includes Hungarian-speaking Székelys and Transylvanian Saxons, this county hosts a rich heritage of fortified churches and towns. Some of its main tourist attractions are: the old city of Târgu Mureș, the medieval city of Sighișoara (a UNESCO World heritage site), the health resort of Sovata, the city of Reghin, the medieval fortified church of the Saschiz village (also a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Călimani and Gurghiu Mountains.

Mureș

On its west side lies the mountains of the Eastern Carpathian group, and on the east side the Moldavian Plateau which is crossed by many small rivers. Its main tourist destinations are: the cities of Bacău and Onești, the Nemira Mountains and the multiple spa resorts near Slănic-Moldova, Poiana Sărată, Târgu Ocna and Poiana Uzului.

Bacău

Located in the Romanian Plain (between the Argeș River and the Ialomița River), this county was mainly rural until the end of the communist era. It now hosts many villages and communes who have developed into high-income commuter towns. Littered with lakes (such as lake Cernica, lake Snagov and lake Căldărușani) and forests, the county is a frequent week-end and holiday destination for the inhabitants of Bucharest. Amongst its most notable touristic sites you can visit: the Snagov, Căldărușani and Cernica Monasteries, the Mogoșoaia Palace, the Ghica family palace in Moara Vlăsiei and the Știrbei Palace in Buftea.

Ilfov

The Carpații de Curbură, a mountainous area in a curved shape topping at 1400m, borders the west while the heights decrease progressively is you engage further east into the hilly areas and the lower valley of Siret River. Its main tourist destinations are: the city of Focșani, the Vrancea Mountains, the Tulnici - Lepșa - Greșu tourist areas, the Eternal Fire in Andreiașu, the wine tasting and sales activities around Panciu, Odobești and Cotești, the mausoleum in Mărășești and the Putna-Vrancea Natural Park.

Vrancea

The Caraș-Severin county is part of the Danube-Kris-Mures-Tisza Euroregion, the third largest county in Romania; and the gateway through which the Danube River enters Romania. Many other notable rivers, such as Timiș, Cerna, Caraș and Nera, cross the county via spectacular, hence must-see, valleys and gorges. The county also offers lots of other worthy visits for nature lovers, such as the Cheile Nerei - Beușnița National Park, the Semenic - Cheile Carașului National Park, the Domogled - Valea Cernei National Park and the  Danube Iron Gate National Park. You can also visit the County Museum of History in Reșița or the Constantin Gruiescu Mineralogical Collection in Ocna de Fier… or enjoy the typical spring festival of Daffodil and Lilac.

Caraș-Severin

Arad

All the county lies on the Bărăgan Plain, one of the main Romanian area for growing cereals. Its main touristic destinations is the port city of Brăila, built on the banks of the Danube river Notable visits there are: the old town (with its large boulevards and many green spaces), the Danube bank, the Greek church, the orthodox church of Saint Archangel, the Esplanada Fountain and many 18 & 19 century preserved buildings. The Lacu Sarat salt lake and resort can also be visited nearby.

Brăila

Even though summer there can be quite warm, Harghita is known as one of the coldest regions in Romania. Its landscape consists primarily of mountains, volcanic plateaux, foothills and of more densely populated river valleys. Volcanic in origin, the mountain area offers excellent hot mineral springs. Its other main tourist attractions are: the cities of Miercurea Ciuc, Odorheiu Secuiesc, Gheorgheni and Toplița; the mountain resorts of Băile Tușnad, Borsec, Lacul Roșu, Izvorul Mureşului and Harghita Băi, the Sfânta Ana lake (crater lake) and the village of Darjui, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Harghita

Its landscape is a mix of mountains (Eastern Carpathians group) and plateaus (North-Eastearn part of the Transylvanian Plateau). Bistrița-Năsăud is famous for its lakes, caves and health resorts, but also for hosting many historical sites. The main tourist activities there are: the town of Bistrita, the Colibata lake and the Rodnei National Park (where you can admire the Lala and Lezer lakes).

Bistrița-Năsăud

This county offers a very diversified landscape. From the mountains in the North-West (up to 1500 m), the scenery gradually changes to hills and high plains where the Danube flows forming a wide valley, with channels and ponds. Its main tourist destinations are: the city of Drobeta-Turnu Severin and Orșova, the ruins of Trajan's first bridge over the Danube, the Mehedinți Mountains, the Danube's Iron Gates and the Baia de Aramă Monastery.

Mehedinți

Its main tourist destinations are: the city of Buzău, the Vrancea and Buzău mountains, the Berca Mud Volcanoes, the amber museum in Colți; the Ciolanu and Rătești monasteries, the Măgura sculpture camp and the Amara and Sărata-Monteoru spa resorts.

Buzău

The most significant feature of the Tulcea county is the vastly popular Danube Delta, one of the most visited areas in Romania, which occupies about 1/3 of its entire surface. In the South-East of the county you can also visit two exceptional Biosphere reserves, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage program: Razelm Lake and Sinoe Lake. Other key destinations in Tulcea are: the cities of Tulcea and Sulina (the last town on the Danube), the Roman fort of Halmyris and the areas around Sfântu Gheorghe, Mahmudia, Crișan, Caraorman and Chilia Veche.

Tulcea

Very pious, this region is best known for hosting the largest number of monasteries per square kilometer in the world. There you’ll find many impressive and memorable sights, such as the monumental church of the Neamț Monastery (that served as a model for Moldavian churches and monasteries). A worthy ambassador of the Moldavian art style: a very original art form, with lot of stylistic unicity, that was created mixing Gothic elements with Byzantine motifs. The county also hosts two of the nine Romanian national parks: the Ceahlău Massif and the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park.

Neamț

The landscape is mainly made of rolling meadows, grassy hills and mountain scenery, and offers plenty of natural and cultural attractions to explore. Tiny towns and villages dot the county, where you can find some marvelous pieces of traditional architecture. If you go higher, in the mountains, you will discover several spa towns and very interesting monasteries. The main tourist destinations in Gorj are: the city and area around the mining town of Târgu Jiu (birthplace of famous sculptor Constantin Brancusi), the Parâng Mountains and the Polovragi Monastery.

Gorj

The landscape is mainly made of plains separated by small rivers in the North and Center area, and the Danube valley in the South. Its cultural folk heritage is very rich and many major Romanian personalities have been born here. The area was also one of the places where the 1848 Wallachian Revolution unfolded. Its main tourist activities are the visit of the city of Alexandria and fishing on the Danube (or one of the many lakes found here).

Teleorman

Lying in the flat plains of Bărăgan, the area is crossed by small rivers with small but quite deep valleys. The small city of Slobozia (50.000 souls), located in the middle of the Bărăgan steppe, is best known as a transit point to the nearby Amara salt lake and resort. It also boasts a unique mix of historical and natural attractions such as the Slobozia Monastery, the National Museum of Agriculture and the Ialomiţa County Museum.

Ialomița

The landscape in Călărași is mainly composed of plains, small rivers and deep valleys. On its southern and eastern also lies the valley of the Danube. Its main tourist attractions are: the towns of Călărași and Oltenița, as well as fishing along the Danube.

Călărași

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