We travel to Romania with a direct flight from Athens to get to know the "Paris of the Balkans" (Bucharest), drive north to Count Dracula's castle and end up in medieval Brasov where we stayed overnight for 2 days.
Our trip lasted 4 nights (2 in Brasov and 2 in Bucharest), for our transportation we rented a vehicle from Otopeni airport and even though we traveled in January with a lot of snow, the roads throughout the road network were spotless and we did not need chains at any point .
We chose to visit Brasov first and do the route from the airport leaving the last 2 days in Bucharest so that we could be close to the airport and drop off the car since in the city center we would not need a vehicle.
Airport to Brasov - Peles Castle
The drive to our final destination was about 2.5 hours heading on the DN1/E60 highway where we encountered no difficulties but no tolls along the way.
Our first stop in the middle of the route is the impressive Peles Castle in the Sinaia region with a history of over 100 years and a former residence for many families of the Romanian monarchy. It was one of the first castles in Europe to have central heating, electricity, drainage and a telephone. At this time it functions as a museum and you can visit it at a cost starting from €6 (details on opening hours and tickets click here).
A few meters away from the castle you will find a free parking space as well as in the area around it an outdoor market with souvenirs and several restaurants where you can dine with traditional flavors.
Arrival in Brasov and stay 2 days
Brasov belongs to the historical region of Transylvania where, although it is known to us for the residence of Count Dracula in Bran, it is actually one of the hidden gems of Europe. It is the most popular winter destination in Romania due to the amazing ski resort Poiana Brasov in the Carpathians. It is a paradise for winter sports lovers with pistes that exceed 25km, luxury hotels and traditional restaurants on its slopes. We visited on the second day of our trip without skiing to get a view but we saw hundreds of skiers coming down its peaks while we enjoyed hot drinks in his outdoor chalet!!!
for food on the mountain we recommend Restaurant Șura Dacilor
Next stop at a distance of 30' from Brasov is the famous Castle Bran or Dracula's castle. An impressive castle that you can visit while a whole tourist industry has been built next to it with souvenirs and restaurants around the Count's name. The entrance costs €9 and it functions as a museum where you can learn a lot about the history of Transylvania (tickets and opening hours click here).
On our way back we stopped at the town of Rasnov where Râşnov Fortress dominates the top of the hill, a fortress built from 1331AD where the defense system included nine towers, two bastions and a drawbridge. Surrounded by 500-foot slopes on the north, south and west sides, the fort was forced to surrender only once, in the year 1612 when invaders managed to find the secret route that supplied the people inside the fort with water.
Brasov - Sights
Brasov is a medieval city that we enjoyed without needing a car. Its main attractions are the following:
Piața Sfatului, impressive former market square with town hall and fountains, surrounded by shops, cafes and museums.
Biserica Neagră (Black Church), an atmospheric Gothic church that owes its name to a 17th-century fire, decorated with frescoes and Ottoman carpets.
Strada Republicii, the main pedestrian street where you will find most shops and restaurants
Strada Sforii (Rope Street), one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
In Brasov you will also find impressive traditional restaurants such as Sergiana and Casa Romaneasca. our hotel was the Drachenhaus Brasov which had a magnificent view of Tampa Mountain.
If you are traveling solo or don't want to rent a car to explore the sights we originally wrote about in Transylvania, you can take a day trip from Bucharest that will see most of what we wrote about in the tour below by clicking here
Bucharest - Sights - Tips
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is trying to take steps forward after the wounds left by the Ceausescu era in the country. We left the car and walked the city, also you can use its metro which is quite economical or if the weather is good lime skates. If you choose to take a taxi, you should look at the doors outside for the charge per kilometer of each taxi as well as make sure that the driver will put a taxi meter.
The main attractions in the city are the following:
Palace of the People (Palatul Parlamentului), it is the largest building in Europe and second largest in the world after the Pentagon. It houses the country's parliament and you can visit it. If you want to avoid the queues, you can book a ticket here.
Arc de Triumf (Arc de Triumf), this is a miniature of the arch in Paris where it is located on a busy roundabout in the center of Bucharest
Herastrau park, a green park with a lake in its center in the north of Bucharest near the airport. You can take the metro to Aviatorilor stop. If the weather allows it in the park you will find very nice restaurants along the lake
Old town, the old town in the center is also the heart of Bucharest, since we spent most of our time here. The largest part consists of a pedestrian street where you will find countless restaurants, coffee shops and bars. We singled out Caru Cu Bere where its history begins in 1899, you must visit it. Prices in most restaurants range between 10-15€/person.
Therme Bucuresti, it's about the hot baths that are a point of attraction for many residents and tourists when they visit the city (more information click here)
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