Transylvania, is a land of myth, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Famous worldwide as the home of Dracula’s legend, it offers so much more than eerie castles and dark forests. With its medieval towns, towering Carpathian Mountains, fortified churches, and pristine villages, Transylvania is a treasure trove for curious travelers.

If you’ve never been to Transylvania, now is the perfect time. Here’s your complete guide to the 20 most beautiful and famous places to visit in Transylvania, along with travel tips to help you plan the perfect Romanian adventure.

How to Get to Transylvania

Transylvania has accommodations for every budget:

• Luxury: Teleferic Grand Hotel (Poiana Brașov), Radisson Blu (Cluj-Napoca), Hilton (Sibiu)

• Mid-range: Hotel Casa Wagner (Brașov), Plaza V Hotel (Târgu Mureș)

• Budget: Hostels, guesthouses, and village homestays in places like Viscri, Sighișoara, or Apuseni.

Now, let’s dive into the top 20 places that will make your trip unforgettable.

Where to Stay

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Romania is Bran Castle, often marketed as “Dracula’s Castle.”

• The castle fits the description of Dracula’s home in Stoker’s novel: perched high on a cliff, overlooking a valley.

• Vlad the Impaler may have passed through Bran or stayed there briefly, but there’s no proof he lived in the castle.

• Still, its dramatic appearance and connection to the myth make it a must-see for Dracula fans and history lovers alike.

At RomaniaTourStore, we offer guided tours that reveal the real stories behind the Dracula legend — from Bran Castle to Sighișoara, and even the hidden spots most travelers miss.

🌄 1. Brașov – The Heart of Medieval Transylvania

Surrounded by the Carpathians, Brașov blends Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture with cobbled streets and mountain air. Don’t miss:

• The Black Church – the largest Gothic church in Romania.

• Council Square (Piața Sfatului) – a lively plaza perfect for people-watching.

• Tampa Mountain – hike or take the cable car for stunning views.

🛏️ Stay: Casa Wagner, just steps from the main square.

🧛 2. Bran Castle– Dracula’s Legendary Fortress

Often (incorrectly) associated with Vlad the Impaler, Bran Castle’s Gothic towers make it one of Romania’s most iconic sights. Even if the Dracula connection is loose, the museum inside offers insight into Romanian royal history and medieval life.

🚌 How to get there: 40 minutes by car from Brașov.

🏰 3. Sighișoara– The Birthplace of Vlad the Impaler

This is one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe, and it’s still inhabited! Highlights include:

• The Clock Tower

• Vlad Dracul’s House (birthplace of the historical Dracula)

• The Church on the Hill with its atmospheric graveyard

🛏️ Stay: Fronius Residence, a historical boutique hotel.

🌲 4. Peleș Castle (Sinaia) – A Fairytale Royal Palace

Peleș Castle looks like something from a Disney movie. Nestled in the Bucegi Mountains, it was the summer residence of Romanian royalty and is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful castles.

🎟️ Guided tours available inside to see lavish interiors.

🚘 90 minutes from Bucharest or 2 hours from Brașov.

🐺 5. Râșnov Fortress

This 13th-century fortress, perched on a rocky hill, offers panoramic views and a walk through Romania’s defensive history.

🎯 Combine a visit with Bran Castle—it’s just 15 km away.

⛪ 6. Viscri – Prince Charles’ Favorite Romanian Village

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a postcard-perfect Saxon village with a fortified church. Prince Charles even bought and restored a house here.

🌿 Try local bread and explore the countryside by bike.

🏞️ 7. Turda Salt Mine (Salina Turda)

An otherworldly experience inside a former salt mine turned amusement park. Explore underground caverns with:

• A Ferris wheel

• Boat rides on a salt lake

• Interactive exhibits

🚗 Located near Cluj-Napoca.

🌉 8. Alba Iulia Fortress

Alba Carolina Citadel is a huge, star-shaped fort with impressive gates, museums, and Roman ruins. It’s also where modern Romania was born in 1918.

🚴 Rent bikes to tour the massive walls and interior complex.

Hiking Apuseni Massif

🗻 9. Apuseni Mountains

A paradise for hikers and nature lovers. You’ll find:

• Scarisoara Glacier Cave

• Bears’ Cave (Peștera Urșilor)

• Traditional wooden villages

🌲 Great for off-the-beaten-track adventures.

🐎 10. Corvin Castle (Hunedoara) – Romania’s Gothic Gem

Massive, haunting, and picture-perfect, this is Romania’s largest medieval castle, often compared to Hogwarts.

🎥 Featured in many films and shows for its eerie beauty.

🛤️ 11. Biertan Fortified Church

One of the most imposing Saxon churches, with defensive walls and an ingenious locking system on its wooden doors. A peaceful and spiritual stop.

🗓️ Visit during summer for village festivals.

🎭 12. Cluj-Napoca – The Cultural Capital

Transylvania’s largest city blends history, youth culture, and arts. Must-sees:

• St. Michael’s Church

• Central Park

• The Ethnographic Museum

🎉 Known for the Untold Festival every summer.

🦇 13. Poenari Fortress

If you’re after the real Dracula fortress, this is it! Vlad the Impaler’s true stronghold sits high on a cliff—accessible only after a 1,480-step climb.

🏋️‍♂️ Not for the faint-hearted, but well worth the effort.

🚞 14. Valea Viilor

A lesser-known Saxon village with a fortified church that is as beautiful as it is quiet. Perfect for an authentic rural experience.

🚗 Accessible via Sibiu.

🌾 15. Sibiu – A Former European Capital of Culture

A gorgeous city with “eyes” on the rooftops. Explore:

• The Bridge of Lies

• Brukenthal Palace (art museum)

• ASTRA Open Air Museum

🛏️ Stay: Hotel Am Ring in the old town square.

🐻 16. Zărnești Bear Sanctuary

Home to rescued brown bears living freely in a 69-hectare forest. A great family activity that supports animal welfare.

📍 Near Brașov.

🧗 17. Piatra Craiului National Park

Ideal for serious hikers and wildlife lovers. With deep gorges, karst formations, and breathtaking trails, it’s one of Romania’s best outdoor spots.

🥾 Don’t miss the Zărnești Gorges.

🦉 18. Făgăraș Fortress

Surrounded by a moat and perfectly preserved, this castle-museum is less crowded than others but just as rich in history.

🌉 You can cross its drawbridge and explore the medieval halls.

🚗 19. Transfăgărășan Highway

Dubbed the “world’s best road” by Top Gear, this stunning highway winds through the Făgăraș Mountains. It’s open only in summer (usually July to October).

📸 Stop at Bâlea Lake and Bâlea Waterfall.

🏛️ 20. Târgu Mureș

A charming city known for its Secessionist architecture and multicultural heritage. Highlights include:

• Palace of Culture

• Teleki-Bolyai Library

• Weekend Complex (lakeside resort)

🛫 Use the local airport (TGM) to arrive directly here.

 Tips to rent a car in Transylvania

Renting a car in Transylvania is a great option for tourists who want to explore the region at their own pace. Here’s a guide to your options, including car rental companies, types of vehicles, requirements, and tips:

1. International Rental Companies

These are available in major cities and airports like Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brașov, and Târgu Mureș.

• Avis

• Hertz

• Sixt

• Europcar

• Enterprise

📍 Locations: Airports, city centers, and train stations.

2. Local Rental Companies

Often cheaper and more flexible than international brands:

• Autonom – one of Romania’s largest local companies

• Klass Wagen – budget-friendly with good reviews

• Meridian Rent a Car

• Porsche Inter Auto Romania – often provides premium vehicles

📍 Some offer pickup/drop-off at accommodations.

3. Types of Vehicles Available

• Economy/Compact Cars – ideal for city and budget travel

• SUVs/4x4s – useful if you’re heading into the Carpathians or remote villages

• Vans/Minibuses – for families or group travel

• Luxury Cars – available in larger cities

• Manual vs Automatic – automatics are available but limited; book in advance

4. Requirements for Renting a Car

• Minimum age: Usually 21–25, depending on the company

• Driver’s license: EU or International Driving Permit (IDP) if from outside the EU

• Credit card: Required for deposit/security hold

• Insurance: Basic coverage included; extra insurance or full coverage is recommended

5. Driving in Transylvania Tips

• Roads: Main highways are good; rural roads can be narrow or bumpy

• Tolls: Romania requires a digital road tax called a Rovinietă—usually included with rentals

• GPS: Request one or use Google Maps; reception can be spotty in mountains

• Fuel: Gas stations are common, but fill up before remote trips

6. Suggested Rental Pickup Points

• Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ)

• Sibiu International Airport (SBZ)

• Brașov (via Bucharest or Sibiu)

• Târgu Mureș International Airport (TGM)

7. Tips to Save Money

• Book early, especially in summer or around Halloween (popular Dracula tourism time)

• Compare online (Rentalcars, Kayak, DiscoverCars, etc.)

• Check for unlimited mileage if planning long trips

• Avoid one-way drop-off fees, unless necessary

🧳 Final Tips for Visiting Transylvania

• Currency: Romania uses the leu (RON), not the euro.

• Language: Romanian, but English is spoken in tourist areas.

• Transportation: Trains are affordable but slow; car rental offers the most flexibility.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

🗺️ Ready to Discover Transylvania?

We offer a large pannel of visits starting from Sibiu and Cluj.

See our tours in Transylvania