6 Most Beautiful Cities in Romania, According to a Local

From the urban charm of Bucharest to the trendy Black Sea Coast and magnificent Transylvania, here are 6 of the most beautiful cities in Romania that you simply can’t miss – as chosen by a local.

Thank you to Ingrid from Ingrid Zen Moments for being here to share her recommendations. Ingrid is a travel storyteller from Romania with the world in her heart. Years after studying in Italy, she embarked on an Asian adventure to Hong Kong and Seoul, collecting zen moments to share on her channels.

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With a rich culture, a hearty traditional cuisine, vibrant cities and lush nature, Romania deserves a place at the top of your travel wish list.

While I encourage you to spend as much time as you can exploring the country, just one week in Romania is enough for you to get a glimpse at this gem in the Balkans region.

Best time to visit Romania

Located in the eastern part of Europe, just above Bulgaria, Romania has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. With relatively cold winters and very hot summers, the best time to plan a trip to Romania is during the transition seasons, spring or fall.

Spring is perfect for flower lovers while during autumn, everyone will fall in love with the beautiful foliage in the cities and countryside.

Dreaming of a snowy trip? Check out these top tips for visiting Bucharest in winter →

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6 most beautiful cities in Romania

Bucharest

Romania’s capital and the city you will most probably land in, Bucharest has many strangely beautiful pockets where you can feel the country’s communist past and get a glimpse into the early 1900s. The old Jewish and Armenia mahallas boast some of Bucharest’s most stunning architecture.

Visit the People’s Palace, one of Ceausescu’s obsessions and a building with a sad history whose construction cost many people their lives. Stroll through the Old Town and admire the Romanian Athenaeum, drop by the National Art Gallery just across the street, indulge in a strong cup of coffee at a nearby cafe, and step back in time at one of the oldest gardens in Bucharest, Cismigiu Park. 

Don’t leave without tasting some delicious traditional Romanian cuisine at Caru cu Bere or La Mama.

Where to stay in Bucharest

If it’s your first time visiting Bucharest, choose somewhere close to the city centre. Areas such as Unirii Square, Romana Square, Floreasca and Universitate should be first on your list of places to stay in Bucharest.

The Courtyard by Marriott Bucharest Floreasca is a new hotel built in the northern part of Bucharest, with easy access to the subway. The city centre is only a short taxi ride away.

Oradea, one of the most beautiful cities in Romania

One of the westernmost cities in Romania, Oradea will surprise you both with its architecture and its vibe. In many ways, it will make you feel as if you’re in a small Budapest. 

Oradea’s long history and multiculturalism can be seen in the local architecture. This is the perfect destination for wellness-seekers, with natural thermal waters and many spa resorts to choose from.

Learn about the city’s heritage on a stroll through its popular main square, being sure to admire the iconic Black Eagle building. Because of its location, Oradea is home to a range of churches representing different denominations, many of which stand side by side in the square.

Climb the City Hall tower to get a better view from the observation deck. Spend a day at Aquapark Nymphaea, and don’t leave without seeing the Fortress of Oradea, which dates back more than 1000 years.

Whilst in Oradea, you must taste the local cuisine – a mix of Hungarian and Romanian flavours that will leave you wanting more.

Where to stay in Oradea

You cannot go wrong with any accommodation around central Unirii Square. Popular choices include the Ramada with its Riserva Wine SPA and the DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea, which offers stunning river views and an indoor pool.

Brasov

Tucked away in a valley between tall peaks, Brasov is the most popular mountain destination in Romania near Bucharest.

Brasov has a very unique architecture that takes visitors back to the area’s Saxon days. As you cross the Carpathian Mountains and step into Transylvania, both the architecture and nature change, taking on a new kind of wild beauty.

From Brasov, you can easily visit two of Romania’s most popular castles: Peles Castle in Sinai and Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle).

Back in Brasov, the 14th-century Black Church might be the most popular tourist attraction in the city. You don’t have to go far to find it – it’s set right in the heart of Brasov, just off the main square. Another popular attraction is String Street, one of the three narrowest streets in Europe.

Splendid nature is all around. Just outside of Brasov, you can take a day trip to climb Tampa mountain or go skiing at Poiana Brasov. Closer to home, climb the hill to the citadel for a view, admire the black and white towers, or simply stroll through the woods.

Where to stay in Brasov

Choose to stay in a traditional old house close to the city centre. A place with a view such as UpperHouse is a great choice, or if you have a car, go for a remote boutique villa such as The Pines.

Sighisoara

The most beautiful medieval city in Romania, Sighisoara is a melting pot of history and culture. One of Romania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this is the last inhabited citadel in Europe where you can stay within the boundaries of the 12th-century old town.

Sighisoara is located in the heart of Transylvania. The winding lanes, colourful houses and bell towers of the citadel are perched atop a hill. Every summer, the city hosts a medieval festival that brings even more splendour to the streets.

Stroll through the streets of the Saxon citadel, climb the covered staircase to the school and the church on top of the hill, indulge in some delicious hearty Romanian food (ciorba de fasole served in a bread bowl is a must-try here), climb one of the city’s towers for a photo, and visit Vlad Dracu’s house – the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Discover more things to do in Sighisoara in this city guide →

Where to stay in Sighisoara 

The authentic Casa Savri is a gorgeous accommodation located in the historic part of town. The home has been restored with love and dedication by its owners, and you can see the charming citadel right from the interior garden. The house also has a wine cellar.

Sibiu

Also in Transylvania, Sibiu is yet another charming Romanian city that awaits visitors. Popular for its beautiful Christmas Market, but also for its picturesque city centre that sparkles year-round, here is where you’ll find the Bridge of Lies, the famous houses with roof windows that look like eyes, Cetatii Street, also known as the most beautiful street in Sibiu, and much more.

Climb the City Hall tower or the Lutheran’s Church tower to view the city and the surrounding plains from above.

Rent a car and venture beyond the city to be seduced by the charm of the countryside. Places to see include small villages with fortified churches sitting on the top of hills, authentic colourful houses, Romanian restaurants and for those those looking for fresh air and winter sports, Paltinis resort.

Where to stay in Sibiu

Choose an authentic local accommodation close to Piata Mare, the heart of the city. At Kleines Hotel, you can not only choose to stay in a room with a piano, but you will have one of the most charming views directly from your window. The hotel overlooks Huet Square, with its pretty and very Instagrammable stairs.

Constanta

The most important city on Romania’s Black Sea Coast, Constanta is not only the country’s main city-port but also a place filled with history, dating back to the times of the Romans and Greeks. With a multicultural character that continues to this day, you can observe and learn about the traditions of the Turks, Tatars and Lipovans.

Visit Ovidiu Square (named after the Roman poet who was exiled in Tomis, the ancient name of Constanta), stroll to the Tourist Port and take a picture with the popular Constanta casino, or go partying in Mamaia, one of Romania’s nightlife centres during summer.

Where to stay in Constanta

Constanta is a big city so it’s recommended to stay by the sea. Casa Hrisicos is a great option that ticks all the boxes: Modern interior design, perfect location in the Old Town, and access to the waterfront. Some rooms have a sea view.

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