Just saying “European vacation” gets anyone excited to experience a part of the world abound with places filled with history, culture and merriment. Sometimes, exploring hidden gems and places off-the-beaten-path can be the key to avoiding the crowds and treating yourself to a unique experience. Romania may not be one of the first countries that come to mind when you start to get fired up at the thought of a trip. But surprisingly, this amazing destination is brimming with beauty, life and downright fun.
Only unlocked from communist containment a few decades ago, this destination is packed with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by travelers. The more years pass, the more the country has been growing awareness around the world, and welcoming more and more visitors. One thing you will find everywhere in Romania is warm and hospitable people. From urban to rural areas, they remain gracious and eager to share life with visitors.
Bucharest, the capital and also the largest city in the country with nearly 2 million people, is a bustling city with energy and intrigue. The architecture varies throughout the city with various styles which represent the changes that the country has endured. It gives travelers a character of its own and cultured feel. You can take in the various sites and sounds on the streets for hours, letting the city reveal its history. One building that you will certainly gravitate towards is the Place of the Parliament, known locally as The People’s House. It is the 2nd largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon in Washington, DC.
One part of Bucharest not to miss is the Old Town. The name is fitting, as the streets are filled with merchants the way they were in the 1800s, and lined with eye-catching churches and government buildings. The historic architecture may set the tone, but the bars and restaurants make the scene. And the energy from the music and laughter carries you into the night where good times never expire. The city seems to never go to sleep, much the same as New York.
Venturing Beyond Bucharest
While Bucharest is a beautiful city, the country is not to be missed. A few calming hours by train will blow the urban aroma off, and prepare you for the adventure that awaits.
Outside the city to the east lies the Danube Delta, the 2nd largest river delta in Europe. Grab a boat in Mahmudia and let your nature expedition begin along a waterway of wonders filled with beauty and relaxation. Exotic birds and plant life pave the way to a day with no worries. Prolong your trip with a stay at Sunrise Hotel in Crisan, where you will be greeted with a family feel.
Moving on down the delta, you will reach the Black Sea, which is full of beach parties and nightlife. Pack your day full of “Vitamin Sea” and fruity drinks, and see where it leads you. If incredible live music enveloped in the fragrance of beach breeze is your scene, then Biutiful by the Sea is the place to spend your evening. If relaxation is what the doctor ordered, the Zenith Hotel is where you need to stay. Don’t forget to get one of their rejuvenating massages to refresh yourself.
Mountain lovers will be happy to hear that the mountains are only a 2-hour train ride out of Bucharest. Take a train to the hidden gem of Sinaia to visit the historic Peles Castle. Continue the journey another 45 minutes to historic Brasov, and crash in the heart of the city at Hotel Casa Wagner Brașov. The next day, you can visit the historic Bran Castle (known as Dracula’s Castle), located 30 minutes outside the city.
The people of Romania will make you feel welcome and at home, and you may find yourself making friends who you will return to see in the future. As you should, because there is a whole northern and western section of this country, filled with impressive ski resorts, historic cities, magnificent history-ridden castles and another side of their culture.
Next time you’re planning a EuroTrip, do yourself a favour and experience Romania. Click here to see my other articles on this beautiful country.