Transylvania travels: a guide to the Romanian region

What do you know about Transylvania? Chances are that the first thing that pops into your mind is Dracula. Well, yes, but there is so much more to sink your teeth into in this region of Romania. Taking you from medieval castles to mountainous towns, this ultimate Transylvania travel guide highlights the best of the region to explore, including food, history, and culture.

Best time to visit Transylvania

Transylvania is an enjoyable destination year-round; however, the spring and fall seasons are when this region shines brightest. In late spring (May and June), expect comfortable temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), plus smaller crowds at key sights. The rolling hills bloom with wildflowers and lush greenery. Come fall, these natural landscapes turn gorgeous shades of red and orange, and an abundance of food festivals and traditional fairs offer insight into true Transylvanian life. Temperatures are cooler but still mild, making this time of year ideal for hiking.

The summer months benefit from the warmest temperatures, but the largest crowds. Winter makes for idyllic winter wonderland views — hello, snow-covered mountains and markets — but it makes travel to more rural areas of Transylvania harder.

Transylvania must-see sights

Transylvania has way more to offer than the legend of Dracula, though there’s plenty to keep lovers of the Gothic tale busy.

Bran Castle

One of the best places to visit in Transylvania is undoubtedly Bran Castle, credited as Dracula’s Castle. Dracula is based loosely on the very real Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century ruler, who had some rather brutal tactics to slay his enemies. He never lived at Bran Castle, but the medieval building matched the description of the home of the fictional character, invented in the 1800s.

Bran Castle is perched on a rocky hilltop. Navigate the winding staircases and narrow corridors to explore various exhibits on medieval weapons, former royalty, and the legend of Dracula. It's open year-round, but crowds are smaller in May, June, September, and October. The castle often hosts spooky Halloween tours and parties in October.

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Brașov's Black Church

The town of Brașov sits 30km (19 mi) from Bran Castle. This town is a gateway to the vast Carpathian Mountains, and it's one of the must-see sights in Transylvania. It offers cobblestone streets and a marvellous mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, particularly in its old town. Check out the Black Church (Biserica Neagră), a working cathedral with Gothic architecture and conflicting suggestions as to how it got its name.

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Sighișoara

The historic city of Sighișoara is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind Dracula, and it boasts cobblestone streets and a colourful citadel at its heart. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back into the 14th century, but with modern shops to explore. Don’t miss the city’s most iconic landmark, the Clock Tower (Turnel cu Ceas), for its museum and panoramic city views from the top balcony.

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Corvin Castle

The terracotta-roofed Corvin Castle was built in the 15th century and is one of the largest and greatest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Head to Hunedoara to explore its vast halls that once hosted grand feasts and ceremonies, its chapel that still boasts original frescos, and its dungeons. It is said that Dracula’s nonfiction inspiration, Vlad the Impaler, was imprisoned in this region of Transylvania.

Things to do in Transylvania

If you’re into slow travel and immersing yourself in cultural traditions, Transylvania has some great things to do.

Explore medieval towns and Saxon villages

For architectural exploration, make a beeline for Viscri, Biertan, and Rimetea. See UNESCO-listed churches, preserved Saxon homes, and sample regional specialties.

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Take on a Transylvania hiking trail

Thanks to its mountainous landscape, Transylvania is an ideal region for hiking. Piatra Craiului National Park offers a range of trails for different walking abilities, with rocky inclines, caves, and meadows to meander. Elsewhere, the Făgăraș Mountains are home to the Balea Lake, the highest glacial lake in Romania. Expect scenic trails filled with panoramic viewpoints. Both mountain ranges are home to a plethora of European wildlife, from birds to brown bears.

Track Transylvania's bears

The mountains of Transylvania are home to plenty of wildlife. The Carpathian Mountains have the largest population of brown bears in Europe, making brown bear tracking one of the best things to do in Transylvania, a unique activity for wildlife lovers. From May to October, join guided hikes to look for bear tracks and observe them in their natural habitat from special hides in the woods.

Food and drink in Transylvania

Transylvania’s cuisine reflects the traditions and ingredients long nurtured in Romania. Highlights include sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with ground pork, rice, and spices), hearty ciorbă soup, and the much-loved papanași, fried or boiled doughnuts, with sweet cheese, sour cream, and jam. Pair Transylvania’s indulgent dishes with Romanian wine from the Dealu Mare, Cotnari, or Târnave regions or craft beers that bring together traditional brewing methods with modern flavours. Don't miss trying a sample of the country’s plum brandy, tuică, a national staple at celebrations.

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Nightlife in Transylvania

Looking for the best night out in Transylvania? Cluj-Napoca won’t disappoint. Lounges, pubs, and nightclubs all await in this city, the unofficial capital of the region. Check out Form Space for themed club nights, Flying Circus Pub for live music, and The Soviet for eccentric trinkets and cocktails.

Other cities to check out for Transylvania nightlife are Brașov for laid-back fun, including karaoke, beer-pong leagues, and pub evenings, and Sibiu for festivals and jazz and folk musical nights. The latter is a former European Capital of Culture. Many places play into Transylvania’s legends around Halloween, and villages host seasonal dances and bonfire nights.

Transylvania travel tips

Deciding how to get around Transylvania will help you plan your itinerary. Signing up for a small-group tour with G Adventures means you don't have to think about the logistics and can focus on the fun. A rental car offers the most flexibility, allowing you to get from city to city and through the mountains. Romania’s train network is well-connected between major cities and offers scenic routes to enjoy, though it can be slower and limited in the countryside.

Make sure you have the correct currency when travelling in Romania, which uses the leu. Card payments are widely accepted, though it is wise to have cash in rural areas. English is widely spoken in tourist spots, but learning a few basic Romanian phrases is recommended and appreciated by locals.