Romania promises a lot, and if you already visited the capital and you’re traveling appetite isn’t already satisfied I challenge you to plan an unmissable 1- day journey in some of the best places to visit from Bucharest. Stay tuned and choose the perfect spot to visit!
Transfăgărășan and Transalpina – Spectacular views right on the way
The Transfăgărășan Road crosses the Făgăraș Mountains, the highest mountains in Romania. As the road rises higher and higher into the mountains and the curves become ever-tinier, traveling on Transfăgărășan is both adventurous and stunning. You can travel to Bâlea Waterfall and then, from there, board a gondola to Bâlea Lake. The landscapes are gorgeous.
Or witness Parâng Mountains in Romania’s Southern Carpathians by taking a picturesque drive on the Transalpina, also known as the DN67C. Locals have referred to it as the King’s Road or the Devil’s Pathway since it is one of the highest highways in the country. The road’s highest point is Urdele Pass, which rises 2,145 meters above sea level. Between Novaci and Sebeș, the road passes through four counties. The Transalpina gives breathtaking mountain views as well.
Sibiu – European City of Culture
Sibiu won’t let those seeking a touch of Romanian history and culture disappointed, The ASTRA Museum of Folk Civilization is an outdoor museum with more than 300 historically inspired wooden buildings, churches, and workshops.
Also, The Brukenthal Art Museum has an amazing collection of Romanian artwork. The city houses a philharmonic orchestra, three theaters, and an annual performing arts festival. In 2008, Forbes ranked the city as the eighth-most popular location to live in Europe.
Sibiu is also referred to as the “City of Eyes,” since secret pairs of eyes keep a check on the people.
Note that local manufacturers travel from the region surrounding Sibiu every Friday between 8 am and 2 pm to sell their handmade goods. They are located in the Evangelical Church courtyard at Huet Plaza where you may find a broad variety of bread goods, cheese, sausages, fruits, and vegetables at the market, all of which are grown in the gardens and farms of the producers.
Don’t forget about the traditional Christmas Market, (if you visit the city in winter) held in the center of the city every year, when you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to meet Santa or buy delicious traditional food. In addition, you might want to visit the Lies Bridge, a passageway that connects The Little Square with The Huet Square, whose legend would be nothing but “delightfully”.
Slănic Prahova Salt Mine
The Slănic Prahova Salt Mine is a fascinating side excursion from Bucharest that is situated a little more than 100 kilometers from the city. The biggest salt mine in Europe, which was first used for tourism in 1686, is still in service today.
The mine’s interior consists of 14 trapezoidal chambers, some of which have ceilings as tall as 70 meters. A tiny museum, a soccer field, and a playground are among the attractions found inside the Salt Mine. As a result of its therapeutic uses, the underground also functions as a spa.
The bizarre network of underground rooms that were dug out by miners over the decades can be seen in the village of Slanic, which makes it one of the best places to visit from Bucharest since it is located just an hour away from town.
Also, a day trip to the Saline could be accompanied by a visit to the Berca Mud Volcanoes in Buzău County which are remarkable geothermal mud and gas eruptions in Europe.
Seaside on the way, just a couple of hours away
An outing to Constanța from Bucharest is the best choice if you’re looking for a seashore escape while visiting Romania. For a day trip, Constanța can be reached by vehicle in about 2.5 hours.
Many tourists are attracted to Constanța to see the magnificent casino there. It is a famous location with residents and visitors of various types, including professional photographers, history lovers, and tourists searching for a lovely place for an afternoon.
Don’t forget to visit the Tomis Touristic Port, the Grand Mosque of Constanța’s tower, Ovidiu Square, and Plaja Mamaia!
Old Town Constanța has charming cobblestone streets that twist and weave around the historic structures in the area. There are several lovely stores and delectable restaurants to explore. With its great location on the Black Sea shore, there is an abundance of fresh fish to taste, thus you won’t leave with an empty stomach. The other well-known Black Sea city in Romania is Mangalia, which is situated on the coast south of Constanța. Summer visitors flock to Mangalia in droves because of the area’s abundance of resorts that overlook the beaches and its lively nightlife along the waterfront.
Piatra Craiului Mountains
Part of the broader Southern Carpathian Range, the stunning Piatra Craiului Mountains are a wonderful day trip from Bucharest.
There are many different types of landscapes in the national park, including woods, canyons, high mountain ranges, and glacial lakes. Longer hiking trails will take you higher and even enable you to take a trip to many of the traditional villages scattered throughout the park.
Since it is a national park, the region is protected, and there are numerous lovely hiking paths of varying degrees of difficulty which weave through the hills as well as the peaks.
Among best places to visit from Bucharest, here’s a “heart melting” one you shouldn’t miss!
The region is home to some brown bears, in Zărnești, where you can visit the Liberty Bear Sanctuary, a facility that has been relentlessly working for two decades to help safeguard the bears and to rehabilitate any that are discovered to be injured.
To find out more about bears and the efforts being made to conserve them, you can go to the sanctuary.
Comana Natural Reserve
Comana Natural Park is a fantastic choice for a day out of the city and is only a short drive from Bucharest. This nature reserve, which is just south of the country’s capital, is famous for its wetlands. Guests can relax their time by taking strolls through the nearby woodland or along the lake’s edge. The natural park is a must-see for bird lovers because of Comana’s biodiversity, which includes over 140 different bird species. Comana Adventure Park offers outdoor activities including zip-lining and kayaking on the Neajlov Delta, which is located next to the nature park. The Comana Monastery is also located in the area and, despite its outward look, dates back to the 16th century.
Tips and tricks for the best holiday in Romania
Romania is considered one of the safest countries to travel to, of course, some caution would be recommended.
Note that driving is done on the right hand of the road.
Since Romania is a member of the European Union, most visitors can stay here without a visa for up to 90 days. If you are traveling from another EU nation, you can enter without a visa and remain as long as you like.
Autumn is the ideal season to travel to Romania because the temperatures are still moderate and the evenings are cool and pleasant. Fall is a more affordable time of year, and the country normally looks stunning as all the trees change color. The beginning of October is quite rainy, but it is still tolerable.
Romanian traditions, customs, and celebrations are very important throughout the winter. Since everyone normally reserves lodging in the mountains for the winter holidays, December will be an expensive month to travel in.
And if it comes to talking about the perfect season you should visit Romania, well, it is up to you, to your needs, to your time, and especially to your budget.
Final thoughts
Romania has it all, for those who look for adventure, for the quiet ones, for the parents, for the grandparents, for grandchildren, the fish-formed country opened its doors and is ready to welcome visitors worldwide.
As one of the biggest European countries, Romania “needs” more than a couple of days to show you every special piece of history, culture, and traditions, therefore, one might take several days, or even weeks of the journey to discover what the country of Dracula has to offer.