Guest post by liz
We have family that lives in Romania so we’ve been there a few times. If you’ll be driving, they don’t have a lot of freeways and people are pretty medium-reckless. Very few stoplights, can be challenging if you’re not used to roundabouts. Cabs are easy and very cheap so you can get around that way or use the bus as well. We usually fly into Cluj-Napoca and stay in Alba lulia, which is about a 2 hour drive south of Cluj. Alba is on the route from Cluj to Sibiu, and Sibiu could also be your base because English is more prevalent and there is more touristy stuff. You could spend a ton of time in this area, but I’d say 5-7 days would be ideal.
Alba Iulia
Really good museum and cultural center. Great for history buffs. The old town is really pretty, very walkable. If you don’t have family here like we do, you really only need one day.
Cluj-Napoca
2nd biggest city in Romania. St. Michael’s church is a must-see. Just a nice town to walk around.
Sibiu
Just under an hour and southeast from Alba. Most tourism and English speakers in the area. Great architecture, nice blend of Romanian and German styles.
Deva
About 45 minutes west of Alba and worth a day trip. Take a tram to the top of the hill to tour the Fortress of Deva (Cetatea Devei). The view is amazing but watch your step and don’t go off the beaten path because there are special viper snakes here.
Hunedoara
Very close to Deva and easy to combine both in one day. Definitely worth it to see Corvin Castle (Castelul Corvinilor) – one of the coolest looking castles in the world, kind of what you imagine when you think of Transylvania.
If you have a lot of time, Bran and Brasov are about a 3 hour drive from Alba. You’d pass through Sibiu on the way, so it could be convenient if you’re seeing everything listed here. Bran Castle, which is known as Dracula’s Castle, and the view from Mount Tampa in Brasov would be my 2 recommendations if heading out that way.
There are also some really good wineries that we haven’t been to yet. Lots to see and do in Romania!
Leave a reply