Located on the Balkan Peninsula, Romania is a country of contrasts. The former Eastern Bloc country has, over the years, belonged to the Romans who gave the country its name, the Hungarians and the Ottomans. It is filled with quaint old towns, mountain resorts that offer great skiing, and a burgeoning art community. It’s most famous citizen, however, may be the vampire Dracula, a fictional character found in Transylvania.

History is something that Romania is definitely not short of. Medieval castles dot the country – notably in Sighi?oara, which is filled with historic buildings and Gothic-era, cobblestoned old quarters. You’ll find even more history in Bra?ov, where – if you really do want to know where Dracula really lived – you’ll find the 14th-century Bran Castle to learn about more than just legends. And Bucharest? You’ll find yourself charmed by the medieval architecture as much as wowed by the wild buildings of the Communist era. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Romania:

1. Sighisoara
Also located in Transylvania, Sighisoara is one of the best places to visit in Romania due to its beautiful preserved walled town. During the 12th century German craftsmen and merchants, The Transylvanian Saxons, were invited here by the King of Hungary to settle and defend the frontier. They established a thriving trading town here and the citadel visitors see today. It was later extended and enlarged in the 14th century. Every July a Medieval Festival takes place in the old citadel. The landmark of the city is The Clock Tower, a 64 meter (210 foot) high tower build in 1556.

2. Sibiu
Sibiu is a nice city to spend time in. The center is compact and easy to discover on foot, it is bursting with history, and you have great museums to visit. My favorites were the Brukenthal Art Museum and ASTRA Complex (with all kinds of old traditional Romanian houses). It is also not far from, for example, the Transfagarasan Road (which is really a must visit in the summer!).

3. Brasov
I found Brasov one of the nicest cities in Romania. There is a relaxed atmosphere and because of its convenient location, you can easily reach all the highlights of Transylvania. The city is already more than 800 years old and is bursting with history. My tip is to take a walking tour of the city to really learn more about it. 

4. Sinaia
Sinaia is a mountain resort town that grew up around a monastery that was named for Mount Sinai. The monastery, which contains a copy of the first Bible printed in Romania, is a popular site today with tourists, who enjoy hiking in the summer and some pretty tremendous downhill skiing in the winter. King Charles I built his summer home, known as Peles Castle, near here; it also is a popular tourist attraction. The town is noted for having pretty flowers, but visitors who pick them can find themselves in hot water, as this is not allowed.

5. The Bucegi Sphinx
The Romanian Sphinx is a natural rock formation in the Bucegi Natural Park. It is located in a complex with rock formations. You’ll recognize a Sphinx in the profile of the rock. It’s easiest to see on November 21st when the sun goes right behind it. 

6. Bucharest
Bucharest is a city that combines the old with the new. Visitors might come across a centuries-old building, a modern high rise, and a Communist-style building all in the same block. This modernizing European capital boasts the largest Parliament building in the world with 3,100 rooms and 12 stories high. Tours of this impressive building, constructed in 1984, are given frequently throughout the day. Also not to be missed in Bucharest is the old town center with its narrow cobblestone streets and old buildings, including medieval churches.

7.Constanta
Constanta lies on the western coast of the Black Sea, Fine mansions and hotels were built in the 19th century when King Carol I decided to revive Constanta as a port and seaside resort.

The third largest city in Romania, Constanta is now an important cultural and economic centre, worth exploring for its archaeological treasures and the Old Town's architecture. Its historical monuments, ancient ruins, grand Casino, museums and shops, and proximity to beach resorts make it the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism. Open-air restaurants, nightclubs and cabarets offer a wide variety of entertainment.

8. Timisoara
Located in western Romania, Timisoara is one of the country’s largest cities, dating back to the early 13th century. Once part of the Ottoman Empire, it was the first European city to have electric street lamps. The city has bounced back after sustaining heavy bombing damage from both sides during World War II. Unlike many European cathedrals, the Timi?oara Orthodox Cathedral was only built in the 20th century, but the central, notable for its 11 towers, houses many historic religious objects as well as vintage icon paintings.

9. Cluj-Napoca
This is the largest city of Transylvania. Although the city is completely called Cluj-Napoca, it is also called “Cluj” by locals. It’s known more as a student city with no less than 11  universities. This means it’s bursting with trendy restaurants and cafes. You will find a number of beautiful churches in the center, and the nightlife is also worth it. 

10. Danube Delta

The majority of the Danube Delta, Europe’s second largest river delta, lies in Romania. Originally part of the Black Sea, the Danube Delta is a good place to observe nature. It is home to many unique species of plants and animals in Europe, as well as contains 23 different ecosystems, including some of the world’s largest wetlands. Previous visitors rave about the spectacular sunsets and highly recommend taking a slow boat ride on the river.