Romania rarely makes the front page of European travel lists and that’s precisely what makes it so rewarding. Beyond the usual routes, you’ll find medieval towns still lived in, wild landscapes that stretch uninterrupted, and traditions that haven’t been repackaged for visitors.

These 10 places invite you to slow down, look closer, and experience a Romania that feels grounded, welcoming, and refreshingly untouched.

Explore Romania with HomeExchange

Why Romania Feels Different From the Rest of Europe

Romania offers something increasingly rare: space. Space to wander without crowds, to hear church bells instead of traffic, and to experience traditions that are still part of daily life. It’s not frozen in time, it's simply moving at its own pace.

Experience Type Where to Go Why It Matters
Medieval Cities Sighișoara, Brașov, Sibiu Living history without crowds
Castles & Legends Bran Castle, Corvin Castle Authentic atmosphere
Scenic Routes Transfăgărășan Dramatic mountain landscapes
Cultural Heritage Maramureș, Bucovina Traditions still alive
Nature & Wildlife Danube Delta Europe’s wild heart
Urban Contrast Bucharest Creative, evolving capital

Bran Castle: Where Legend Meets Landscape

Set against forested hills, Bran Castle is often linked to Dracula, but its real appeal is atmosphere. Narrow staircases, stone courtyards, and misty surroundings create a sense of mystery that feels earned, not manufactured.

Visit early or late in the day to fully appreciate its quiet power.

Sighișoara: A Medieval Town That Never Became a Museum

Unlike many historic towns, Sighișoara is still a place where people live, work, and gather. Colorful houses, cobbled streets, and clock towers form one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers without the overwhelming crowds.

Corvin Castle: Romania’s Most Dramatic Fortress

If one castle defines Romanian gothic drama, it’s Corvin Castle. Drawbridges, towering walls, and cavernous halls make it feel straight out of a fantasy novel.

It’s imposing, cinematic, and deeply memorable.

Brașov: Medieval Charm Framed by Mountains

Nestled in the Carpathians, Brașov balances history and livability. Its old town is walkable and welcoming, while forests and hiking trails begin just beyond the city limits.

It’s one of Romania’s most loved cities and for good reason.

Sibiu: Quiet Elegance Without Pretension

Often overlooked, Sibiu offers calm beauty and thoughtful design. Pastel buildings, wide squares, and its famous “watchful rooftops” give the city a distinctive personality.

Sibiu is proof that understated places often leave the deepest impression.

The Transfăgărășan: Europe’s Most Spectacular Drive

Winding through the Carpathians, the Transfăgărășan is less about driving fast and more about stopping often. Alpine lakes, sharp curves, and sweeping views make this one of Europe’s most scenic routes.

Even non-drivers feel the drama just standing beside it.

Maramureș: Traditions That Still Shape Daily Life

In northern Romania, Maramureș preserves a way of life that has quietly disappeared elsewhere. Wooden churches, hand-carved gates, and traditional dress remain part of everyday routines not performances.

It’s cultural heritage that’s still alive.

Painted Monasteries of Bucovina: Art in Open Air

The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina stand out even among Europe’s religious sites. Their exterior walls are covered in vivid frescoes that have survived centuries of weather and history.

They’re both spiritual and artistic landmarks entirely unique to Romania.

The Danube Delta: Europe’s Last Great Wetland

Where the Danube meets the Black Sea, the Danube Delta becomes a labyrinth of waterways, reeds, and wildlife. Pelicans glide overhead, villages float on water, and silence feels expansive.

It’s one of the continent’s most important and least disturbed ecosystems.

Bucharest: Raw, Grand, and Unexpected

Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is full of contrasts. Belle Époque architecture stands beside communist-era buildings, while cafés, parks, and creative spaces give the city a vibrant pulse.

It’s not polished and that’s exactly its charm.

Live Romania Like a Local With HomeExchange

Romania is best experienced slowly from real neighborhoods, not hotel corridors.

With HomeExchange, you can stay in a medieval apartment in Brașov, a quiet home near Sibiu, or a village house close to Maramureș traditions. You’ll shop local markets, meet neighbors, and experience Romania as it truly is welcoming, grounded, and deeply human.

Because Romania doesn’t reveal itself all at once. It rewards those who stay, listen, and live it.