Romania is often an overlooked holiday destination. Although the best cities in Romania are famous for its bespoke natural beauty and charming medieval towns. Romania is located in the heart of Eastern Europe. And, the country has been influenced by different cultures, people and traditions, which makes it all the more interesting. Therefore, you will see this mix in its gothic churches, grand fortifications, medieval homes and grand palaces.
Fact-Checker
Did you know that Romania is world’s 30th safest city?
Average Flight Time to Romania
- Flights from London to Romania: 3 hours 15 minutes.
- Manchester to Romania: 4 hours 50 minutes.
- Birmingham to Romania: 4 hours 55 minutes.
- Glasgow to Romania: 3 hours 35 minutes.
Since there is so much to see and do in Romania, we have picked out the best cities in Romania. And, this list will definitely help you choose the best cities in Romania for your vacation.
Bucharest
Bucharest is the modern capital of Romania hence, the cultural, financial and industrial centre.
Places to visit
Visit the Romanian Athenaeum concert hall, Patriarchal Cathedral, Palatul Primaverii and Revolution Square.
What not to miss
The Palace of Parliament, which is the second-largest administrative building in the world. It houses an astonishing number of 1100 rooms.
Sibiu
This is the oldest city in Transylvania, an important Saxon centre.
Places to Visit
Check out most of the historic defensive walls that remain still intact. There is another beautiful collection of 17th-century buildings and numerous churches.
What not to miss
Explore the squares of the Upper Town – including the UNESCO protected Great Square and Huet Square.
Timisoara
This town is located in western Romania close to the Serbian and Hungarian borders. This is Romania’s third-largest city and popularly known as Little Vienna.
Places to Visit
Visit Union Square for the cathedrals, the Habsburg-era architecture of Freedom Square. Also, the grand Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and three Jewish synagogues.
What not to miss
The strong Hungarian, German and Serbian cultural links are clearly seen in the architecture, art galleries and museums.
Constanta
Constanta is believed to be Romania’s oldest inhabited city. The coastal city overlooks the Black Sea, which was once settled by the ancient Greeks and conquered by the Romans.
Places to visit
Visit the Art Nouveau casino, St Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral and climb the minaret of the Great Mahmudiye Mosque for city-wide views.
What not to miss
There are preserved mosaics and an extensive collection of artefacts at the National History and Archaeology Museum. There is also an open-air Archaeological Park.
Bistrita
Bistrita is one of Romania’s best-preserved medieval towns.
Places to visit
Visit the 800-year-old Orthodox Church and gothic Saxon Evangelical Church.
What not to miss
Walkthrough the old town that is home to a collection of pastel-coloured 15th and 16th century merchant homes.
Oradea
Oradea is the most little-visited and a hidden gem. The city is located a few miles from the Hungarian border and lining the banks of the Crisul Repede River.
Places to visit
Oradea is known for its grand Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture. Visit the Oradea Fortress, the Bishop’s Palace, the Church of the Moon, the baroque Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Black Eagle Palace.
What not to miss
Explore the oldest Jewish heritage.
Brasov
Brasov is the best-preserved medieval old towns of Romania.
Best places to visit
The Black Church, the largest gothic church in Romania, Council Square and the defensive towers, gates used to protect the city.
What not to miss
Travel north of Brasov because of the 800-year-old fortified church at Prejmer.
Sighisoara
Sighisoara is a beautiful medieval town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, this city is home to what inspired Bram Stoker’s epic tale.
Places to visit
14th century Clock Tower, Dominican monastery and the 500-year-old church because they are the most elegant buildings in all of Romania.
What not to miss
Winding cobbled alleys, original pastel-coloured burgher homes because its a time-travelling part of the trip.
Sinaia
This is the mountainous region of Sinaia known for its natural beauty.
Places to visit
You can visit the 300-year-old Sinaia Monastery and is a working monastic centre. Also, the ancient Bran Castle which dates to the 1300s, home of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
What not to miss
The majestic Peles Castle
Suceava
Suceava is home to UNESCO protected painted monasteries of the Bucovina region.
Places to visit
Three of the most important monasteries are Moldovita, Voronet and Sucevita and therefore, a must-visit.
What not to miss
All morning drive to Sucevita because it has the largest number of paintings and a collection of priceless manuscripts.
