Explore the Legends of Romania in a Full-Day Trip from Bucharest

Are you ready to explore the mysterious legends and captivating natural beauty of Romania? When you are visiting Bucharest, it’s worth taking a full-day trip and explore the historical landmarks of the country. From Dracula’s castle to Peele’s castle, here is our suggestion for a delightful tour in Romania.

Itinerary for the Tour

We recommend that you plan this full-day tour as follows:

• Pick-up at dawn
• Visiting Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)
• Visiting Peles Castle
• Visiting Rasnov Fortress
• Return to Bucharest

Pick-up at Dawn

Your tour guide picks you up at your accommodation at dawn on the day of the tour. We recommend that you wear comfortable and warm clothes and best shoes as you will be walking a lot throughout the tour. Bring an ID with you, if needed.

Visiting Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

Bran Castle is one of Romania’s most important landmarks. Overlooking the hills and valleys, it stands as an unparalleled symbol of power and strategic defense over the ages. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century and owned by many Romanian families over the years. It was also rumored to have been home to Count Dracula who inspired Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name. In 1920, Queen Marie of Romania bought the castle and it eventually become a museum in 2009. Today, Bran Castle is open to tourists from all around the world who come to explore its fascinating history and captivating beauty.

Visiting Peles Castle

Peles Castle, also known as “The Pearl of the Carpathians” is located in Sinaia, Romania and stands proudly in an idyllic mountain setting surrounded by verdant forests and snow-capped peaks. Built in 1883 as a summer residence for Romanian royalty, this mesmerizing castle is steeped in history of kings and queens. With 160 rooms, 7 terraces and various courtyards, the grandeur and elegance of this palace are second to none. During your visit, take time to explore the various rooms each filled with unique antiques and winding staircases leading to unexpected surprises.

Visiting Rasnov Fortress

Rasnov Fortress is located in Transylvania and is one of Romania’s most important fortresses. Established in the 14th century, it used to be a stronghold for Transylvanian people against their enemies from Turkey and Hungary. The mighty walls that surround the fortress tell stories of its history and the locals are friendly to visitors making for a great day out. You can climb up to the fortifications and explore the maze of fortifications and dungeons inside.

Return to Bucharest

After these three unforgettable visits, your guide will take you back to Bucharest where your full-day trip concludes. Visit these enchanting sites with the comfort and ease of a full-day guided tour from Bucharest and take away with you memories that will last for many years.

Are you ready for this memorable full-day trip from Bucharest? You can join this amazing tour from Bucharest with GetYourGuide. This convenient tour offers round-trip transport from the centre of Bucharest, including air-conditioned vehicles for maximum comfortability, a knowledgeable local guide that speak many languages, entrance tickets for Bran Castle, Peles Castle and Rasnov Fortress, lunch at a traditional restaurant in Bran and more! Don’t miss out on an opportunity to explore these amazing sites of Romania with safety and convenience.

Insider’s Guide to Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is the iconic and vibrant capital of Romania, offering visitors a unique blend of historical landmarks, trendy spots, and great hospitality. Known as the “Paris of the East,” Bucharest is a city steeped in cultural history and is the ideal place for those looking for an alternative travel experience. The city has a lot to offer visitors, from buildings that represent the past to modern clubs and high-end restaurants.

If you are planning a trip to Bucharest or you already arrived and you are looking for some guidance, we have prepared this insider’s guide, detailing the best sights, dining spots, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path places to visit.

Local Attractions

Bucharest boasts an array of local attractions that cater to tourists of all ages and interests. Below are some of the most notable.

Palace of Parliament

Built in the 1980s by Nicolae Ceausescu, the Palace of Parliament is the second-largest administrative building in the world. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of this imposing structure, which features a mix of lavish decorations and heavy brutality.

Old Town

The Old Town, or Lipscani, as locals call it, is the historical heart of Bucharest. Here, visitors can wander through the streets and explore the bustling restaurants, cafes, and pubs. The Old Town is home to many historic landmarks, such as the Stavropoleos Church and the CEC Palace.

Village Museum

The Village Museum is an open-air museum that showcases traditional architecture and crafts from across Romania. Set in the shadow of the Herastrau Park, the museum offers an immersive experience of the country’s rural heritage.

Dining Spots

Bucharest’s food scene is vibrant and diverse, offering visitors a chance to indulge in the country’s traditional cuisine while also exploring contemporary dishes. Here are some of the best dining spots in Bucharest.

Caru’ cu Bere

Caru’ cu Bere is one of Bucharest’s most famous restaurants, located in a magnificent neo-gothic building. The restaurant serves traditional Romanian cuisine, accompanied by live music and cultural performances.

Hanul lui Manuc

Hanul lui Manuc was built in 1808 and functioned as a caravanserai, serving as a stopping point for traders on their journey along the Silk Road. Today, it houses one of the city’s oldest and most respected restaurants, offering traditional Romanian dishes and live folk music.

Uanderful

Uanderful is a quirky and eclectic restaurant, located in a former bank building. The restaurant features a menu that blends traditional Romanian dishes with contemporary European flavors.

Cultural Experiences

If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in Romanian culture, Bucharest offers many opportunities to do so. Below are some cultural experiences to consider.

National Museum of Art of Romania

The National Museum of Art of Romania is home to an impressive collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt, El Greco, and Rubens, as well as a collection of Romanian art.

Romanian Athenaeum

Built-in 1888, the Romanian Athenaeum is a grand concert hall and one of Bucharest’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy classical music concerts in the stunningly beautiful building.

Bucharest Opera House

The Bucharest Opera House is one of Romania’s most prestigious cultural institutions. Built-in 1953, the theater hosts regular opera and ballet performances, with a focus on traditional Romanian productions.

Local History

Bucharest has a rich and varied history, shaped by the many people who have inhabited the city over the centuries. Below are some historical landmarks to explore.

National Museum of Romanian History

The National Museum of Romanian History is located in the heart of Bucharest and covers the history of the country from prehistoric times to the present day, with particular emphasis on the medieval and modern periods.

Curtea Veche

Curtea Veche was the historical residence of the rulers of Wallachia, one of Romania’s provinces. Visitors can explore the remains of the fortress and admire the stunning views of the city.

Bellu Cemetery

Bellu Cemetery is a unique cultural experience, showcasing the elaborate graves of some of Romania’s most famous artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cemetery and learn about the fascinating lives of those buried there.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

For those looking for something a little different, Bucharest offers plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover.

Therme Bucharest

Therme Bucharest is a modern spa complex, featuring a range of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. Visitors can spend a relaxing day indulging in the spa’s offerings.

The abandoned water park

The abandoned water park is a fascinating and eerie place to explore. Visitors can wander through the water park’s long-dead attractions and catch glimpses of its former glory days.

Explore Vitan-Brazi Natural Park

Vitan-Brazi Natural Park is a beautiful and peaceful natural area, located on the outskirts of Bucharest. Visitors can hike or cycle through the park’s rolling hills and admire its stunning vistas.

In conclusion, Bucharest is a city that offers visitors a chance to explore Romania’s rich culture and history, and experience the country’s unique hospitality. With its local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, Bucharest promises a memorable and one-of-a-kind vacation.