Romania

1. Bran Castle

A national monument and landmark in Romania, Bran Castle is a fortress that is one among many locations commonly known as “Dracula’s Castle.” It is considered one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Romania and currently houses a museum dedicated to the furniture and art collected by Queen Maria.

In addition to that, visitors can also visit the open-air museum park on the castle grounds to see an interesting exhibit of traditional Romanian peasant structures, such as barns and cottages from villages across the country. There are many tours available, so visitors can truly explore the interior and exterior of Bran Castle and everything it holds.

Strada General Traian Mo?oiu 24, Bran 507025, Romania

2. Brukenthal National Museum

The Brukenthal National Museum started in 1790 with the personal collections of Samuel von Brukenthal, who was a Habsburg governor of Transylvania. The museum is housed in the late 18th-century structure, which was once the governor's palace and was opened to the public in 1817. Visitors can now explore one of the oldest institutions, which has since then been expanded into six museums scattered around the city. The museum comprises art galleries, a library, the Museum of History, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Pharmacology, and the Museum of Arms and Hunting Trophies. Collectively, visitors will be able to see ancient medical instruments, nearly 300,000 rare books, and over 1,000 works of art.

Pia?a Mare 4 - 5, Sibiu 550163, Romania, Phone: +4-02-69-21-76-91

3. Corvin Castle

Listed as one of the top seven wonders of Romania, Corvin Castle is also considered one of the largest castles in all of Europe. The castle dominates the city which surrounds it, Hunedoara, and has done so since it was the home of medieval Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus. Visitors can learn all about the legends that surround the castle as they explore its stunning architecture and decor, legends that include it being the place John Hunyadi kept Vlad the Impaler as a prisoner. Stunning aspects of the castle that visitors shouldn’t miss include Throne Hall, the Knight’s Hall, and a beautiful stained-glass window of John Hunyadi, Hungary’s military leader.

Strada Castelului 1-3, Hunedoara 331141, Romania, 60611, Phone: +4-07-86-04-87-18

4. Council Tower of Sibiu

The Council Tower of Sibiu is a 13th-century structure that offers visitors a stunning insight on architecture of that time as well as panoramic views of the surrounding city. It is an important symbol in the ancient Romanian city of Sibiu and has remained constant throughout the city’s rich history and growth. Visitors are invited to climb the white tower, where they will be met with a beautiful view of both the city and the Fagaras Mountains from the observation platform. During the climb, there are many opportunities to explore the art and photo gallery at the tower as well as the old clock tower’s inner workings.

Pia?a Mica 1, Sibiu 550182, Romania, Phone: +4-03-69-40-52-53

5. Curtea Veche

Also known as the Old Princely Court, Curtea Veche was built in 1459 as a residential palace during the rule of Vlad the Impaler. It is the oldest historical site in Bucharest and has played a huge role in the city’s history. Presently, Curtea Veche houses a museum dedicated to wall fragments from the 13th century as well as historical prints from the 18th century. The site is home to the “oldest religious building in Bucharest,” the Curtea Veche Church, which was built by the prince of Wallachia, Mircea Ciobanul, in 1559. The interior of the church and its beautiful dome interior are sights that shouldn’t be missed.

6. Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum can be found in Herastrau Park in Bucharest. The open-air ethnographic museum was created by ethnographer Henri H. Stahl, dramatist Victor Ion Popa, and the sociologist for whom the park was named after, Dimitrie Gusti, in 1936. Today, visitors come from all over to explore the large land, which showcases nearly 300 authentic houses and farms depicting traditional Romanian village life all over the country. Visitors of all ages will love being able to see the homes and lifestyles that are so varied. such as an 18th-century Buzau house and a Dragomiresti church.

7. Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History

What was then called the National Museum of Natural History, the Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History was established in 1834. The collection began with a donation by the Great Count Mihalache Ghica, which included an array of coins, minerals, and works of art. Presently, the museum is considered one of the leading institutions in culture, education, science, and entertainment in Romania. The museum is closed on Mondays, but on any other day of the week visitors will be able to see artifacts in the permanent exhibition on topics as varied as the Black Sea, the Alpine bioregion, and Malaysian fauna, among other things.

?oseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff 1, Bucure?ti 011341, Romania, Phone: +4-02-13-12-88-26

8. Merry Cemetery

Merry Cemetery is renowned for its colorful tombstones and poetic paintings, making it a popular attraction for those visiting Romania. The national tourist attraction is now considered an open-air museum and visitors are invited to see the beautiful tombstones and the thoughtful depictions of the people who were buried there. The epitaphs found in the cemetery are an attraction of their own and range in tone, with many being rather funny and amusing. Aspects of Merry Cemetery that shouldn’t be missed include the tombstone of the creator of the cemetery, Stan loan Patras, various other artistic tombstones, and the nearby Orthodox church.

Sapân?a 437305, Romania

9. Mogosoaia Palace

Built between 1698 and 1702, Mogosoaia Palace was built by one of the princes of Wallachia, Constantin Brancoveanu. The building’s architecture resembles that of Romanian Renaissance style and its history not only includes it being the residence of the Brancoveanu family but also an inn and eventually a museum. Visitors can explore the popular tourist destination, taking in the beauty of the museum and art gallery, which is filled with an extensive collection of precious art. Visitors are also invited to explore the beautiful palace grounds and gardens, which host various events throughout the year.

Strada Valea Parcului 1, Mogo?oaia, Romania, Phone: +4-02-13-50-66-19

10. Museum of Banat

The Museum of Banat can be found in Timisoara, Romania, in one of the oldest monuments in the city, Huniade Castle. The castle, which was built by John Hunyadi in the 14th century, has as impressive an exterior as the items found within the museum. The castle houses two sections of the museum, dedicated to natural science and history. Visitors will be able to see one of the largest collections of archaeological objects as well as departments dedicated to ethnography and the conservation of historic objects. The museum’s permanent exhibition has many objects that are listed as a National Cultural Heritage Treasure, from the Neolithic period as well as the Middle Ages.

Bastionul Maria Therezia, Strada Martin Luther 4, Timi?oara, Romania, Phone: +4-02-56-49-13-39