Transylvania Travelers Recommend

Stirring the imagination with legends of medieval sieges, bloodthirsty counts, and royal intrigue, Transylvania’s Saxon castles are a major draw for visitors to Romania. From crumbling fortresses to elegant estates, here are the region’s must-see castles, all accessible by car from Bucharest or Brasov.   

Bran Castle

Also known by its nickname, Dracula’s Castle, this well-restored medieval haunt seems a fitting residence for Bram Stoker’s mythical vampire—though any connection to the real-life Vlad the Impaler is murky. Straddling the border of Transylvania and Wallachia near the village of Bran, the castle’s red-roofed towers and delightfully Gothic rooms can be toured independently or with a guide. 

Peles Castle

The one-time summer residence of the Romanian royal family, this storybook neo-Renaissance palace tucked into a forest near Sinaia is considered by some to be the most beautiful in the country, and perhaps all of Eastern Europe. Admire lush baroque furnishings and art on a guided tour, and check out nearby Pelisor Castle, a smaller art nouveau manor in the same complex, if you have time. 

Rasnov Fortress

Partially in ruins, this imposing hilltop citadel in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains was built in the 13th century as a refuge from marauding Tartar armies. Learn about medieval warfare and sieges while exploring the crumbling courtyard and ramparts of the walled compound. 

Rupea Citadel

Recently renovated by the Romanian government, this fortress near the city of Brasov sits atop one of the country’s oldest archaeological sites. The current hilltop citadel dates back to the 14th century and was used as a refuge from invading Turkish and Hungarian armies, plague, and other medieval threats. 

With three days in Brașov, you can check off the top city sights, look for bears in the Transylvanian forest, and even venture farther afield. From ancient citadels to modern nightlife, here are some options for a 3-day itinerary.

Day 1: Brașov’s Best Bits

Dedicate your first day to discovering Brașov’s iconic landmarks, including the Black Church, Tampa Mountain, and the Carpathian foothills. Private and small-group tours provide insight into the medieval Old Town with a guide leading the way. Spend the afternoon hiking the Tampa trail, stopping to savor panoramic views from the city’s Hollywood-esque sign—or head into Transylvanian forests in search of native brown bears. Come evening, delve into the city’s Gothic heritage on an after-dark tour, before warming up with a Romanian supper in one of the restaurants off the Council Square (Piata Sfatului).

Day 2: Medieval Attractions

If you’re curious about Bran Castle’s contentious links to Bram Stoker’s Dracula —or keen to travel farther in search of UNESCO-listed citadels, fortified churches, or prehistoric settlements—it’s time to explore Transylvania’s fortresses and legendary castles. Take advantage of tours that combine historic and rural sightseeing for a more holistic impression of Transylvanian life, then devote your evening to modern Romania by immersing yourself in Brașov’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Another Taste of Transylvania

Benefit from the abundance of nature tours available to familiarize yourself with Transylvania’s landscape. Active travelers can opt for a hiking or biking tour to get an intimate glimpse of natural highlights such as Liliecilor Cave, Piatra Craiului National Park, or the Seven Ladders Canyon. Back in Brașov, spend your final evening sampling the city’s international fare, or enjoy a traditional dining experience with a private meal in the home of a native Brașovian.

From spooky sightseeing to skiing on snow-capped peaks, Brașov offers a bounty of unique experiences. 48 hours is plenty of time to gain an overview of the history-rich city and tick off wider Transylvanian attractions too. See below for our top tips on optimizing your time in the county capital.

Day 1: The Best of Brașov

**Morning:**Begin with a walking tour of Brașov’s Old Town, which offers more intimate glimpse into the medieval enclave. Tours tend to cover highlights such as the Black Church, Piața Sfatului, and St. Nicholas Church, and provide insider knowledge that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook. 

**Afternoon:**Whether you’re a wildlife lover or active explorer, the nearby mountains provide plenty of options. Head deep into the forest in search of native brown bears on a wildlife watching tour or ascend Poiana Brașov to try your hand at skiing.

**Night:**Take advantage of tours that include food and drink to warm up after a day in the great outdoors; dine in a local home for insight into traditional Romanian cuisine or discover Barsov’s top bars and breweries on a beer-focused tour. 

Day 2: Touring Transylvania

**Morning:**Embark on a full-day tour of medieval highlights such as Sighișoara Citadel, Prejmer fortified church, Bran Castle, or Rasnov Fortress, or spend a whole day exploring the Piatra Craiului National Park or Seven Ladders Canyon in the Piatra Mare Massif. Most day trips include pickup from your Brașov hotel.

**Afternoon:**Day tours typically drop you back to Brașov in the early evening but if you do have time to spare, ride the Tampa Cable Car to the Hollywood-esque sign on the hill or keep kids entertained at Parc Aventura, not far from the city center.

**Night:**No visit to Brașov is complete without something spooky. After dinner, capture your final snaps of Gothic city on an after-dark tour, during which you’ll benefit from the insights of a guide and learn more about the region’s vampiric associations, medieval traditions, and eerie secrets.

Two days gives you plenty of time to do more in Sibiu than just city sightseeing. From day trips to UNESCO World Heritage sites to mountain-biking tours, here are our top tips for making the most of your 48 hours in the Transylvania town.

Day 1: Discover Sibiu and Its Surroundings

Morning: Spend your first morning familiarizing yourself with Sibiu’s main attractions, including the Large Square (Piața Mare), Bridge of Lies, and Citadel Park. Join a walking or bike tour to benefit from historical and cultural insights from a guide, or opt for a package that includes lunch to save costs and sample local specialties. Don’t miss the view from the Lutheran Cathedral tower—the highest lookout in the city.

Afternoon: Romania’s most famous road, the Transfăgărășan, begins close to the city and cuts through some of the region’s most dramatic landscape. Take advantage of round-trip tours that travel as far as the Balea Waterfall Cable Car to absorb scenic mountain views in just one afternoon. If you’d rather stay in Sibiu, themed tours and app-based packages are great for personalizing your experience and keeping kids entertained.

Night: The former European Capital of Culture boasts plenty of nightlife options, so this evening choose a traditional tavern and tuck into Romanian essentials such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled meats), or bulz (cheesy polenta). Night owls can go on to visit some of the wine bars, pubs, and clubs around the old town.

Day 2: Explore Wider Transylvania

Day: With its efficient transport links and montane surrounds, Sibiu is a great starting point for exploration of wider Transylvania. Book a mountain-biking, hiking, or bird-watching tour for immersive sightseeing in the Southern Carpathians, or travel with ease to more distant attractions, such as Bran Castle, Cârța Monastery, or the Sarmizegetusa Regia (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on a tour that includes private transfer by car or bus. Day tours typically include pickup from your hotel or a centrally located landmark, and some include lunch.

Night: Back in Sibiu after a day of adventure, soak up the atmosphere with dinner or drinks on a Piața Mare restaurant terrace, then enjoy your last views of the historic city on a sunset walk—the Bridge of Lies offers prime photo opportunities against a dusk-lit skyline. If you plan to travel on to a new city, it’s worth arranging car rental or private transfer to skip the stress of public transport.

Known for its Gothic architecture, medieval history, and mountainous surroundings, Brașov offers visitors a quintessential Transylvanian experience. With some planning, it’s possible to experience the best of Brașov is just one day. Here’s how.

Morning: Sightsee in the City

Start early to get your bearings—and the best pictures—before the crowds arrive; a city tour lets you tick off Brașov’s top attractions in just a few hours by transporting you between sights by car or bus. Don’t miss the Biserica Neagră (Black Church), St. Nicholas Church, or the medieval Piata Sfatului town square. Take advantage of itineraries that include snack stops to get to know the culinary culture of Transylvania; make sure you try covrigi (pretzels), a national speciality. Small-group or private tours provide a more personalized sightseeing experience.

Afternoon: Explore Brașov County

Most city tours include lunch. Otherwise, grab a hearty plate of bulz (polenta and cheese) or ciorba de fasole în pâine (bean soup in a bread bowl) in the city before heading out into Brașov county. Bran Castle is a must-see for anyone interested in in Transylvania’s vampire legends and royal history, but it can be frighteningly busy, so it’s worth purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance. If you’d rather experience the region’s famous forests, you can explore them on a wildlife tour or get a bird’s-eye perspective at the family-friendly Parc Aventura, which offers tree-top trails and ziplining.

Night: After-Dark Adventures

If you’re ready to relax after an active day, choose a tour that covers local culture. Get the inside scoop on the city’s best bar during a beer tour, or enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal with a local family on a food tour. Alternatively, spook-seekers can capitalize on Transylvania’s year-round Halloween scene on an evening walking tour, during which you’ll immerse yourself in the city’s Gothic ambience and visit reputedly-haunted spots.

Set near the foothills of the Southern Carpathians and Mount Tâmpa, Brasov was built and fortified by Saxons in the 13th century. Today it is home to some of Transylvania’s top attractions, such as Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress. Here are Brasov’s top historic sites to check out.

Council Square (Piaţa Sfatului)

At the heart of Old Town is this picturesque public square lined with Gothic and baroque buildings, including the former Council House, now repurposed as a museum. The center of public life and commerce since the 14th century, the square was once the site of markets, gossip, beheadings, and even punishment for suspected witches. 

Black Church (Biserica Neagră)

Impossible to miss, Brasov’s imposing Gothic basilica was built in the 15th century and today is one of Romania’s largest Lutheran churches. Its name comes from a fire that partially destroyed the structure, leaving only a scorched, blackened shell that has since been restored. 

Rope Street (Strada Sforii)

Take a walk down one of Europe’s narrowest streets, originally built as a corridor for firefighters. The tiny walkway measures only 44 inches (112 centimeters) at some points. 

Yekaterina’s Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei)

Brasov’s only surviving gate from the original defensive walls, this grand entryway—also called Catherine’s Gate—separates Old Town from the Schei neighborhood, once the only place in town where ethnic Romanians could live. The fairytale-like design features a main watch tower and the city’s coat of arms.

St. Nicholas Church (Biserica Sf. Nicolae)

An easy walk from the city center, this Romanian Orthodox church houses impressive frescoes and icons depicting religious scenes and important moments in Transylvanian history. It is also the site of the First Romanian School, which operated for nearly 500 years and is now a museum. 

Often overlooked in favor of its bigger neighbours, Sibiu boasts Saxon history and cultural heritage that make it a must-visit in its own right, while its location makes it a good base for day-tripping into wider Transylvania. Here are our top tips for three days in the former European Capital of Culture.

Day 1: Cultural Landmarks and Culinary Traditions

Spend your first day checking off Sibiu’s top sights and experiences. Join a bike or walking tour to find your way with ease and learn more about landmarks such as the Large Square (Piața Mare), Carpenters’ Tower, and the Bridge of Lies from a guide, or take advantage of app-based activities to keep kids entertained and explore the city at your own pace. Once you’ve got the lay of the land, immerse yourself in Romania’s culinary traditions and sample staples such as bulz (cheesy polenta balls), ciorbă de fasole în pâine (bean soup in bread), or grilled meats on a food tour. Some tour packages conveniently combine tasting experiences with city tours, allowing you to eliminate the hassle of planning.

Day 2: Mountains, Villages, and Valleys

Connected to Romania’s most scenic route, the Transfăgărășan, and surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Sibiu is a great starting point for exploration of the Transylvanian landscape. If you’re a nature lover, you can book a bird-watching tour to learn about the region’s diverse species, while outdoor enthusiasts can join a hiking, biking, or horseback-riding excursion for an intimate perspective of the region’s mountains, valleys, and villages. Day trips typically include hotel transfers and equipment rental, while some also include lunch.

Day 3: Hit the Historic Highlights

Dedicate your final day to exploring Transylvania’s far-reaching history, taking advantage of tours that include round-trip transfer to optimize your sightseeing time. Choose from a range of day tours to check off attractions that interest you: Whether you want to visit Brașov and Bran Castle for insight into the region’s spooky legends, drive the Transfăgărășan in search of a Cistercian abbey and baroque palace, or see such UNESCO World Heritage sites as the Dacian ruins of Sarmizegetusa Regia, Biertan fortified church, or Sighișoara Citadel, you have options.

This Transylvanian town is known for its Saxon history, montane landscape, and modern culture, and with some planning, it’s possible to squeeze a glimpse of all these into just 24 hours. Here’s how to make the most of your day in Sibiu.

Morning: Check Off Top Sights

Walking and bike tours are a great way to acquaint yourself with Sibiu, as exploring with a guide means deeper insight into the city’s rich history and culture. Start off on the main square to admire classic Germanic architecture under the watchful gaze of the Haller House, then make your way around Sibiu symbols including the Bridge of Lies, Orthodox Cathedral, and Brukenthal National Museum. Don’t miss the Lutheran Cathedral’s 230-foot-tall (70-meter-tall) tower, which offers panoramic views across the city.

Afternoon: Travel the Transfăgărășan

For lunch, take advantage of all-day tours that include a meal to save on costs—otherwise, visit any of the Romanian restaurants dotted throughout the Old Town for a taste of traditional fare. Thanks to the rural surrounds, locally sourced vegetables, cheeses, and meats are a Sibiu staple. Following lunch, it’s time to explore the Transylvanian landscape. The Transfăgărășan scenic road connects to Sibiu, and round-trip journeys offer sweeping views of the Făgăraș Mountains on the way to and from Bâlea Waterfall, where you can catch a cable car up to glacial Bâlea Lake. 

Night: Soak Up Sibiu Culture

Back in town this evening, soak up the atmosphere on one of the outdoor terraces on Small Square (Piața Mică), or nestle into one of the Lower Town’s more intimate eateries. As the former European Capital of Culture, Sibiu boasts a diverse festival program, especially during the summer months, so check in advance to see what’s on during your stay.