Did someone you know recently return from a trip to Romania and can’t stop talking about it? Or maybe you met a Romanian who boasted about how beautiful their country is? Perhaps you saw a picture of Romania’s breathtaking landscape, and you’re considering a visit. But is Romania worth visiting? The honest answer is that it depends on what you’re looking for in your travels. Romania has a lot of diversity, and there are many things to see and do here, but not everything may suit everyone’s taste. Here are 8 reasons why you should visit Romania and one why you shouldn’t.
1. Explore the untouched nature of Romania
Around 5% of Romania’s territory has protected status. Protected areas include 14 national parks, 17 natural parks, 617 natural reserves, 55 scientific reserves, and 234 natural monuments.
Many parts of Romania remain largely untouched by mass tourism. Visit Romania’s stunning natural landscapes while you still can!
The paths of the Carpathian Mountains will lead you on some adventurous journeys, even if you’re an advanced hiker or just someone who enjoys a good hike on occasion. Don’t underestimate nature, and don’t go on hikes alone or without adequate equipment. Also, don’t forget Romania is home to around 6000 brown bears.
The Danube Delta is again a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the untouched beauty of Romania. If you enjoy spending time in nature, want to relax in a dreamy world, or are a birdwatcher, the Delta has something to offer for everyone.
2. Try the Romanian traditional cuisine
Romanian cuisine is a blend of flavours and traditions influenced by various cultural influences, including Slavic, Hungarian, and Ottoman. While unique, Romanian cuisine might look familiar to a Balkan or Eastern European fellow.
Many tourists say the food is a reason enough why Romania is worth visiting, while some were not impressed. The main complaint about Romanian food is that it can be too heavy due to its reliance on meat and dairy.
Everyone who visits Romania and doesn’t have any food restrictions should try mici (grilled minced meat rolls), sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), and papanasi as dessert (small doughnuts with sweet cheese, sour cream and jam).
3. Rural tourism in the peaceful villages of Romania
Speaking about untouched nature and traditional food, how would you like to combine them? Although not often included in popular travel destinations, Romania has slowly become a leader in the ethno-tourism niche. Romania is worth visiting for its picturesque villages, where you can experience traditional Romanian culture, learn about local customs, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
So, if you’re looking to get away from the crowded cities, rural Romania might be for you, especially the Maramureș area in the north country.
4. Visit the historical and architectural Romanian landmarks
From castles and monasteries to grand buildings and unique cemeteries (you read this right), Romania offers a wealth of attractions to those passionate about history and architecture. I will give you just a few examples:
Romania worth visiting for the castles, fortresses and palaces
Bran, Peleș, and Corvin are the most famous castles in Romania, but not the only ones. There are plenty of castles and fortresses you can visit. The challenge is that these attractions are spread throughout the country, making it impossible to see them all in just one day.
The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest will impress you with its size – it’s the second largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon.
The monasteries of Romania are beautiful
Many of the monasteries in Romania are known for their ornate architecture and beautiful frescoes, considered some of the best examples of Byzantine art in the country. Romania’s cultural heritage includes many significant monasteries. Several have transformed into museums showcasing collections of religious artefacts such as icons, crosses, and manuscripts.
Many of these monasteries are in beautiful, remote areas, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You don’t need to be interested in Romania’s history to visit the monasteries; the serene setting alone is reason enough.
Those two spectacular highways, Transfăgărășan and Transalpina
If you’re an experienced and patient driver or have one in your travel group, you must try at least one of these mountain highways.
Both Transfăgărășan (145 km, 90 miles) and Transalpina (241 km, 150 miles) are in the Carpathian Mountains, offering winding turns and breathtaking views. However, they can be challenging to drive on, especially in bad weather, so be careful.
5. The charming towns of Romania are worth a visit
Besides Bucharest, there are many places in Romania worth visiting. The charming towns are destinations for those looking for a more relaxed and laid-back vacation. Give a try to Brașov, Timișoara, Sibiu or Iași, to name a few. These places have a slower pace of life and are great places to recharge your batteries.
Also, exploring the old small towns of Romania might be the best way to experience the country’s rich culture. The old towns still have stories to tell, especially if you’re interested in history or medieval architecture. I recommend Sighișoara, Sibiu, Biertan, Brașov, Alba Iulia, Bistrița or Suceava.
6. Romanians know how to party
Romania is not just about nature, history and traditions. For the party kind, Bucharest might become your favourite city. The capital city of Romania has a animated nightlife with an endless array of clubs, bars, and pubs to choose from. Besides this, Bucharest is affordable compared to other major European cities, with great prices on food, drinks and transportation.
And don’t forget the music festivals! I’ll name just a few, all with international line-ups every year.
Untold in Cluj-Napoca, SAGA in Bucharest and Neversea in Constanta are Romania’s most significant electronic music festivals. These festivals are increasingly attracting foreign tourists to the country year after year.
Electric Castle in Cluj is a multi-genre music festival (mainly electronic, but also rock, hip-hop, and alternative). Similar to Electric Castle is Summer Well in Bucharest, but more focused on rock, pop and indie music.
ARTmania in Sibiu is for rock/metal music lovers, while Rockstadt Extreme Fest in Râșnov and Posada in Câmpulung Muscel are bringing on stage the most popular metal bands of the moment.
You can also try Jazz in the Park in Cluj-Napoca – the name says it all. Or, if you’re a classical music lover, the George Enescu Festival in Bucharest is for you.
7. Friendly locals in a safe country
People fear the unknown, and Romania is a mystery for many. If you’re still wondering if Romania is worth visiting, you should find out the country is also very safe. You can explore Romania without worrying about safety, even as a solo traveller. If you still have doubts, read my article Is Romania safe to visit and discover the nation’s low crime rate and absence of terrorist attacks.
More than this, Romanians are very friendly towards foreigners. From giving directions to offering recommendations for restaurants and attractions, the locals are always happy to help. Whether you’re in the capital city or a small village, Romanians’ welcoming nature will make you feel at home.
Overall, Romania is a country worth considering as a vacation destination.
Why is Romania still an unpopular destination?
Romania is one of the less popular destinations in Europe. The country remains unknown to many people, while others still talk about Ceușescu and Dracula. Here are a few reasons why Romania is never the first choice for tourists.
Perception of safety: Some people may have concerns about safety in Romania, although the country is generally considered safe for tourists.
Lack of awareness: Romania has a variety of attractions and activities that might not be well-known to everyone. The country encounters difficulties in self-promotion, and people often find the marketing efforts by authorities insufficient.
Economic factors: Romania is a relatively poor country by European standards. It might be surprising to imagine that there are things to see and do in one of the EU’s low-income countries.
Quality of infrastructure: Romania’s infrastructure, including transportation and accommodation options, is not as advanced as in some other European countries, which can reduce its attractiveness to tourists.
You might also be interested in this article: How to travel in Romania on long distances: a story of Romanian roads, railways and flights.
Here’s why you shouldn’t visit Romania
Honestly, Europe is full of medieval castles and great architectural pieces. Amazing, untouched nature fills the entire world. Danube Delta is a unique ecosystem, but not everyone is interested in seeing birds and natural landscapes. I’ve heard mostly positive feedback about Romanian food, but I also met people who didn’t enjoy it.
Someone from outside the country might not find Romanian history and traditions interesting, and music festivals happen in many other countries as well. So whatever you’re looking for when you travel, you can also find it in other places.
Despite this, everything mentioned above is a unique blend, and I still think Romania is worth a visit. Of course, in the end, not everyone would be impressed by this country, and this is fine.
