Five ideas for guided tours in Romania

• Bucharest

  Bucharest is crossed by the Dâmbovița River and is divided into six districts. The most lively being the old district of Lipscani where tourists primarily flock.
  Tourist sites to visit:
  – The Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) is an open-air museum created in 1936 by Romanian ethnologist Nicolae Văcărescu to preserve and showcase the culture and history of the area. It is composed of more than 300 traditional Romanian buildings, which were moved and reconstructed on the site. Churches, mills, dwelling houses and other buildings representative of Romanian daily life over the centuries can be found there. The Village Museum is a great place to learn about the country’s rural life and culture, with exhibits on crafts, agriculture, music and traditions of the region. There are also regular folkloric dance and music performances held on site.
  – Victory Avenue (Calea Victoriei) is one of the main avenues in Bucharest. It stretches for more than 10 km, from University Square through the city center to the Snagov Fortress. The artery is known for its historical buildings, including the Palace of Parliament, the National Art Museum of Romania and the Patriarchal Cathedral. It is also lined with many stores, restaurants and cafes, making it a lively and pleasant area to stroll.
  – The Palace of Parliament, also known as the People’s Palace, is one of the largest buildings in the world. It was built between 1984 and 1997. Its structure is made of marble and granite, and is decorated with numerous frescoes, statues and mosaics. The building is surrounded by gardens and fountains.
  – Cismigiu Park (Parcul Cismigiu) is a public park located in the heart of the city. It was created in 1847 and is one of the oldest parks in the city.
  This huge green space is a pleasant place to walk and relax, with many trees and plants, as well as a central lake where it is possible to rent boats. There are also several children’s playgrounds, bandstands and sports fields.

• Bicaz Canyon

  Located in the counties of Neamt and Harghita, in the middle of the Hasmas Mountains, the Bicaz Canyon (Cheile Bicazului in Romanian) was formed by the erosion of the Bicaz River and its tributaries. The spectacular road that runs along the entire canyon is 8 kilometers long. Expect a grandiose spectacle along the curves that follow one another. You will see waterfalls, streams, forests and behind the limestone rocks, fabulous caves. The magnificent road built in 1912 skirts vertiginous precipices and it is like an adventure to pass as close as possible to these gigantic rocks which in certain places mask the sky. The highest point is at the Stone of the altar at an altitude of 1120 meters.

• Brasov

  Brasov is a medieval city located in central Romania. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural landscapes, its historical architecture and its lively cultural life. The panorama of the city can be appreciated from the top of the Tâmpa hill, which rises to almost 1,000 meters. Accessible via hiking trails that start from the city or by taking the cable car.
  The attractions not to be missed during your visit to Brasov:
  – The Council Square (Piata Sfatului): this is the main square of Brasov and one of the most emblematic sites of the city. It is surrounded by historical buildings, such as the Black Church (Biserica Neagra), a Gothic style building dating from the 14th-15th century with probably the largest organ in the world.
  – Bran Fortress: it is a medieval castle located about 20 km from Brasov. It is known as “Dracula’s castle“, because it is often associated with the legend of Count Dracula. It is open to the public and offers guided tours.
  – The Owl Park (Parcul Dumbrava): it is a natural park located a few kilometers from Brasov. It is famous for its lush forests and numerous hiking trails.

• The bohemian city of Sibiu

  Sibiu, located in the central part of the country, was the refuge of German immigrants who lived there since the 13th century. The medieval city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Two distinct parts connected by the Liars’ Bridge (Podul Mincinosilor) make up the city: the lower town and the upper town where most of the most interesting buildings are concentrated.
  – Piata Mare (Big Square): This is the main square with the town hall and the Brukenthal museum. The square is surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants and is a popular place for locals to gather.
  – Brukenthal Museum: This museum has a collection of art and artifacts from the region, including paintings, sculptures and decorative objects. The museum is housed in a beautiful 18th century palace and is a must-see for art lovers visiting Sibiu. The building is surrounded by a number of gardens and parks, which provide a peaceful and relaxing setting for visitors.
  – Piata Mica (Small Square): Located just a few steps away from Piata Mare, this smaller square is home to the 14th-century Evangelical Cathedral.
  – Piata Huet Square: this square houses a number of interesting landmarks, including the Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului) and the Clock Tower (Turnul Ceasornicarilor). It is located in the lower town and is known for its picturesque houses and charming atmosphere.

• The Maramures region

  Let’s go for a trip back in time in the charming and bucolic region of Maramures not far from the border with Ukraine. You will still come across old carts that crisscross the roads lined with green fields backing onto the mountains. They will find their traditional villages, many of which have well-preserved wooden houses and churches.
  What could be more enchanting than traveling on the Mocanita steam train? It runs on a narrow-gauge railroad through the beautiful countryside of the region following the Vaser River for a distance of 44 kilometers between the village of Viseu de Sus and Izvorul Comanului. An enchanting journey of 3 hours with several stops to better appreciate the nature. Hikers will choose the Rodna Mountains Park with its glacial lakes, its varied fauna and flora and its numerous mountain bike trails.
  The Maramures region is truly a destination not to be missed; ideal for those who wish to experience traditional rural life and explore Romania’s beautiful landscapes.