Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania's capital, is a city where old meets new in a fascinating blend. It's known for its grand boulevards, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. The city's architecture ranges from communist-era blocks to elegant Belle Époque structures, earning it the nickname "Little Paris" in the early 20th century.

The massive Palace of the Parliament stands as a testament to Romania's communist past - it's the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. Bucharest's Old Town (Lipscani) has been revitalized in recent years and now buzzes with cafes, bars, and restaurants housed in historic buildings.

Beyond the major landmarks, the city boasts beautiful parks like Herăstrău and Cișmigiu Gardens, where locals relax away from the urban rush. Romanian cuisine is worth exploring here too - try traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls) or mămăligă (polenta) in one of the many local restaurants.

Bucharest has a complex history that's shaped its identity - from its days as a medieval trading post to its years under communism and its current position as a developing European capital. Today it's a city of contrasts where you can find luxury malls just steps away from Orthodox churches that have stood for centuries.

Sinaia

Sinaia is a charming mountain town located in the heart of Romania's Carpathian Mountains. Often called the "Pearl of the Carpathians," this picturesque resort has been a favorite destination for Romanian royalty and travelers for generations.

The town's crown jewel is undoubtedly Peleș Castle, a stunning neo-Renaissance castle built for King Carol I in the late 19th century. Its intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and luxurious rooms showcase the finest European craftsmanship of the era. Nearby, you'll find Pelișor Castle, a smaller but equally impressive royal residence.

Sinaia isn't just about royal history though. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery that transforms with the seasons - lush and green in summer, golden in autumn, and snow-covered in winter. The Bucegi Mountains provide a stunning backdrop and are accessible via cable car for those wanting spectacular views.

The town has deep cultural roots too. The Sinaia Monastery, founded in the 17th century, gave the town its name and houses valuable religious artifacts and Romania's first printing press. In winter, Sinaia becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and simply enjoying the fresh mountain air and cooler temperatures away from the Romanian plains.

Bran

Bran is a small town tucked in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, most famous for its connection to Bram Stoker's Dracula legend. The imposing Bran Castle, often referred to as "Dracula's Castle," sits on a hilltop overlooking the town, drawing visitors from all over the world. Despite this spooky association, the truth is that Vlad the Impaler (the historical figure who inspired Dracula) likely spent very little time here, if any at all.

The town itself has a charming old-world feel with traditional Romanian houses, local craft markets, and restaurants serving hearty Transylvanian cuisine. The surrounding landscape is stunning, with rolling hills, dense forests, and mountain peaks that change colors with the seasons.

What many visitors don't realize is that Bran has a rich history beyond vampire tales. The castle was actually a fortress built by Teutonic Knights in the 13th century and later served as a royal residence for Queen Marie of Romania. The town's rural culture is still alive with traditions dating back centuries, and if you're lucky, you might catch locals wearing traditional attire during festivals.

While Bran can get crowded with tourists during peak season, it still maintains its authentic Romanian character and serves as a great base for exploring the beautiful Transylvanian countryside.

Brașov

Brașov, a beautiful city located in the Transylvania region of Romania, offers visitors a unique mix of fascinating history, incredible architecture, and natural beauty. The historic center, with its colorful buildings and medieval atmosphere, makes you feel like you've stepped back in time.

The city is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, with Tampa Mountain providing a stunning backdrop. The iconic Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania, stands as a testament to the city's complex past. Its name comes from a fire that blackened its walls in 1689.

Brașov has a rich cultural blend thanks to its history of Saxon, Hungarian, and Romanian influences. The old town with its Council Square (Piața Sfatului) serves as the heart of the city where locals and tourists gather. Nearby, you'll find the narrowest street in Europe, Strada Sforii (Rope Street), measuring just 44 inches at its narrowest point.

The city has connections to the Dracula legend too, as Bran Castle (often associated with the fictional character) is just a short drive away. In winter, Brașov transforms into a gateway to popular Romanian ski resorts like Poiana Brașov. Throughout the year, the city hosts various cultural festivals that showcase Romanian traditions, music, and food.

Sighișoara

Sighișoara is a small medieval town in Transylvania, Romania that seems like it's been pulled straight out of a fairy tale. With its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and a clock tower that stands tall over the city, it's no wonder this place is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The town was founded by German craftsmen and merchants, known as the Transylvanian Saxons, in the 12th century. These roots are still visible in the architecture and layout of the old town. The most famous part of Sighișoara is its citadel, a well-preserved walled old town that sits on top of a hill.

One fun fact about Sighișoara: it's believed to be the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, who was the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. You can even visit the house where he was supposedly born, which is now a restaurant and museum.

The Clock Tower, built in the 14th century, is the main entry point to the citadel and houses a history museum. From the top, you get amazing views of the town with its orange-tiled roofs. Every hour, different figurines appear from the tower, putting on a little show for people below.

The annual Medieval Festival in July brings the town's history to life with costumed performers, traditional music, and medieval games. It's a great time to experience the local culture in a lively atmosphere.

Sibiu

Sibiu sits in the heart of Transylvania, with its mix of German and Romanian influences. The city is known for its historic center with three main squares that connect to each other: The Large Square, the Small Square, and Huet Square. These squares are lined with colorful buildings featuring distinctive "eye" windows in the roofs, which seem to watch over the city - giving Sibiu its nickname "the city with eyes."

Built in the 12th century by German settlers, Sibiu has maintained much of its medieval charm. The city is surrounded by impressive fortifications, with towers and walls that once protected inhabitants from invaders. Today, it serves as a cultural hub, having been designated a European Capital of Culture in 2007. The ASTRA open-air museum on the outskirts of town is one of the largest folk museums in Europe, showcasing traditional Romanian village life.

The city comes alive during various festivals throughout the year, especially the International Theatre Festival, which draws performers and audiences from around the world. Walking through the Upper Town with its well-preserved buildings and down to the Lower Town via Liars' Bridge (Romania's oldest cast-iron bridge) gives visitors a real sense of the city's historical layers. What makes Sibiu special is how it balances its deep historical roots with a modern, forward-looking attitude.

Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is a vibrant city in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. It's a place where old-world charm and modern energy blend perfectly. The city's historic center features beautiful baroque architecture, colorful buildings, and lively squares where people gather to enjoy coffee or local food.

At the center of town is Union Square, surrounded by impressive buildings like St. Michael's Church with its towering Gothic spire. The city is home to one of Romania's top universities, which brings a young, creative atmosphere to the streets. You'll find cool cafes, art spaces, and tech startups that have earned Cluj the nickname 'Silicon Valley of Romania.'

Cluj has a fascinating history spanning over 2,000 years, founded by the Dacians and later developed by Romans, Saxons, and Hungarians. Each culture left its mark on the city. Today, Cluj hosts major events like Electric Castle and TIFF (Transilvania International Film Festival) that draw visitors from across Europe.

The locals are known for being friendly and many speak English well, making it easy to navigate the city. Cluj offers an authentic Romanian experience without the crowds of more famous European destinations. With excellent food, reasonable prices, and a combination of history and modern culture, it's becoming increasingly popular with travelers looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

Timișoara

Timișoara, Romania's third-largest city, is a vibrant cultural hub in the western part of the country. It's a city of many firsts - most notably, it was the first European city to have electric street lighting and the spark that ignited Romania's 1989 revolution against communist rule.

The city is known for its architectural diversity, with influences from the Habsburg Empire clearly visible in its beautiful squares and buildings. Victory Square (Piața Victoriei) and Union Square (Piața Unirii) form the heart of the historic center, surrounded by colorful Baroque buildings and bustling cafes.

Timișoara earned the title of European Capital of Culture for 2023, showcasing its rich cultural scene. The city is home to several theaters, art galleries, and museums that reflect its multicultural heritage. It's a place where Romanian, Hungarian, German, and Serbian cultures have blended over centuries, creating a unique atmosphere.

The city's parks and gardens offer a refreshing escape, with Roses Park being particularly charming when in bloom. The Bega River flowing through the city adds to its picturesque quality, with walking paths along its banks perfect for exploring.

With a large student population, Timișoara has a youthful energy that complements its historical significance. The food scene combines traditional Romanian dishes with influences from neighboring countries, making it a great destination for culinary explorers.