Some places make you want to leave as soon as your flight is called. Romania isn’t one of them. By the time I was heading to the airport, I knew I needed at least another week to do this country justice.
From Bucharest to Brașov, with stops in the Carpathians, Romania is a mix of history, nature, and charm that’s easy to fall for. Here’s a snapshot of my short but unforgettable visit.
First Impressions: Bucharest’s Grand Ambition
I arrived in Bucharest in the early hours and was exploring by 9 a.m. My first stop? The Palace of Parliament – a building so enormous it makes the Pentagon look modest. With over 1,000 rooms, marble staircases, giant chandeliers, and even an atomic bunker, it’s a monument to ambition and excess. Ceaușescu’s vision (and obsession) is tangible here, though he never lived to see it finished.
That afternoon, I joined a communist history tour. We explored the Patriarchal Cathedral, walked past derelict buildings, and learned about how private property was nationalized and later returned to heirs after 1989. History feels alive in Bucharest, sometimes in the most unexpected ways – like when I learned about last year’s annulled election and its shadowy foreign interference.
The “Uberization” of Travel
One trend I’ve noticed is the “uberization” of guided tours. Platforms like GetYourGuide, Headout, and Viator connect travellers with local guides, but at a cost: tour companies typically pay 25–30% commission to the platform.
For example, on a £40 castle tour, £10 goes to the platform, £30 to the guide. This is likely why tours seem to get more expensive – as guides try to protect their margins. Looking back, I realized my guided tours often cost more than flights for short-haul trips!
GetYourGuide itself is an incredible story. Founded in 2009 by Johannes Reck while still at university, it has raised over €700 million from investors like SoftBank, KKR, and Temasek, recently earning a €2 billion valuation. Johannes says the company is now EBITDA profitable, with revenues approaching €1 billion. It’s fascinating to watch this company grow, and an IPO could be on the horizon.
Into the Carpathians: Sinaia & Peles Castle
Saturday morning, I hopped on the state-run railway to Sinaia in the Carpathians. Three hours later, I arrived at Peles Castle, built for King Carol I between 1873–1914. This summer residence of Romania’s royal family is pure opulence: intricate wood carvings, bronze sculptures, and surprisingly modern features like electricity, heating, and even early vacuum systems.
The castle is a window into Romania’s royal past and European connections – a must-see for history lovers.
Brașov & the Dracula Connection
Next stop: Brașov, founded in the 13th century. Cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and cozy cafés make this city feel like stepping back in time. I had a classic Romanian pork knuckle dinner before heading out the next day to Bran Castle– the iconic “Dracula Castle.” Its hilltop position and fortress-like architecture perfectly match the gothic imagery from Bram Stoker’s novel.
In the afternoon, I joined a tour to see Romanian bears in the Carpathians. Unfortunately, the bears didn’t show- but that’s travel for you. A half-refund softened the disappointment, and it reminded me that not everything goes according to plan.
Reflections on Romania
Romania’s history is fascinating. From the Dacians to the Romans, medieval principalities, Ottoman influence, and modern independence, the country has undergone dramatic transformations. Post-1989, Romania embraced a free-market economy, with GDP per capita rising from $1,790 to over $20,000 today.
Cities like Cluj-Napoca are now tech hubs, while towns like Râmnicu Vâlcea are known for cybersecurity prowess. Romania is also remarkably affordable compared to London – your pound or dollar goes a long way.
Why I’ll Be Back
My trip barely scratched the surface. Next time, I’d love to rent a car and explore Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, and more hidden gems. Romania combines history, culture, and natural beauty in a way that’s rare in Europe.
If you’re curious about Eastern Europe beyond the usual capitals, Romania is a destination that surprises, inspires, and leaves you planning your next visit before you even leave.