To keep you sane and help you cope with solitude, home lockdown, and quarantine restrictions, you should never stop dreaming. Dream of the first day it will be safe to be on the streets again, about your next walk in the park, about the first warm afternoon spent at the beach with your family or about your future trip abroad. 

And, if you haven’t visited Romania yet, here are the top reasons you should put this destination on your bucket list. 

Amazing food

Benefitting from Slavic, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences, the Romanian cuisine is as exquisite and comforting as it gets. Each person who has traveled here before will tell you that traditional cuisine is one of the main reasons why they would come back, especially if they’re foodies. 

From traditional cabbage meat rolls to dozens of varieties of polenta and hundreds of comfort foods that evoke old recipes from hundreds of years ago, you’ll be expecting a culinary feast. The best part is that most locals are more than pleased to welcome travelers from abroad and teach them all about their traditional cuisine. 

A unique mix of history and legends

You don’t have to be a history enthusiast to know about Romania’s most famous and cruel Medieval ruler, Vlad the Impaler. His legends were the ones that inspired Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula”, and led the path to a new sci-fi genre for movies and books. 

If you’re a fan of werewolves, mystic rituals, unexplainable phenomena, and bloody vampires, Romania is the perfect place to plan your future trip. Take a trip down the memory lane with the famous Dracula’s castle in the heart of Transylvania and learn more about the urban legends and myths from historians. 

The Eastern European country boasts millennia of history and is home to some of the most popular legends about supernatural creatures populating the ancient virgin forests. Ghosts, spirits, genii, and vampires – all have roots in the popular horror stories transmitted from generation to generation by mouth by the locals of Romania. 

Long-forgotten holiday traditions

If you plan on visiting the country anywhere around Easter, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, you can find affordable and authentic accommodation in some of Romania’s most picturesque regions – Bukovina or Transylvania.

The best thing about Romania is that each region has a wide array of customs and traditions and locals are more than willing to share them with foreigners. Prepare for a trip that will bring you back to the origins and will teach you all about the simple way of peasants from centuries ago. 

From sleighing with horses in beautiful villages or near some of the most breath-taking castles to tasting local foods and spirits, Romania is the heaven for those who are looking to unwind from technology and spend a few days enjoying the raw nature. 

Home of some of the coolest music festivals

Although music festivals weren’t a thing in Romania until 2010, the industry has now become one of the most profitable in the country. Going to Romania during the summer break means a unique blend of acres of wild beaches in natural reservations and lavishing private parties at some of the most luxurious beach clubs in the world. 

People from all over the world have heard about the beauty of the Romanian women and the locals’ unrested spirits for non-stop partying so, if partying is what you’re looking for, prepare your wallet. 

Head to the most popular beach resort in Romania, Mamaia, or wait until August to go to Cluj Napoca’s epic Untold festival where DJs, musicians, and bands from across the world are going to light up the atmosphere for an entire week. 

However, don’t forget to bring some water camping containers with you as music festivals don’t come cheap and you’ll need all the resources to stay hydrated under the burning August sun. 

And don’t forget to be inspired by the amazing landscapes, too.

See also: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Romania

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Some of the most picturesque roads in the world are, unfortunately, some of the most unbearable for your ‘inner ear’. But, oh, they’re worth it! Just plan enough time so you don’t have to rush along the hairpins, and enjoy the views with your nose pressed against the car window. 

Big Sur, USA

Big Sur or Interstate 1 is one of the best known roads in the States and you will see why, when it takes you to the breathtaking view over the Pacific Ocean. The Interstate spans 145 km (90 mi) from San Simeon to Carmel and offers wild nature and steep rocks, overlooking the waves crashing against the shore.

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Across a 241-kilometer (149 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road offers a view of the ocean, blue skies and green landscapes.

Read more: 13 useful tips for a road trip in Australia

Stelvio Pass, Italy

Perched at an impressive 2743 m (9000 ft), high in the Italian Alps, the road turns sharply 48 times across its relatively short span of 24 km (14 mi). Passing this road is something of a ritual for motorists and motorcyclists.

Read more: How to plan a surprise birthday trip in less than 30 minutes

The Transfagarasan Road, Romania

Known as Ceausescu’s Folly, the Transfagarasan stretches across 90 km (55 mi) of turns and curves through the highest parts of the Carpathian Mountains. It connects Sibiu and Pitesti, about 270 km (167 mi) north of Bucharest; its highest point rises to a height of 2034 m (6673 ft).

Read more: 5 little known but great places in Romania

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Try to ignore the eyes watching you from all roofs in the historic center

You don’t even have to be paranoid to freak out at the feeling that someone (or something) is watching you all the time as you stroll through the historic center. Are they watching you or are they just sleepy and trying to close their eyelids? The City With Eyes, a.k.a. Sibiu, got this interesting architectural influence from the Germans centuries ago. Urban legends had it that these attic windows – designed to appear as if they are looking down on you – were added to control and monitor the population. They did their job perfectly.

The roofs with eyes in Sibiu, Romania | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Visit the square where people were once kept in cages

Okay, this is a bit of an overreaction: don’t imagine a zoo-like scene but more like a kind of public humiliation for those who didn’t respect their neighbors. Grand Place (or Piața Mare in Romanian) has been the main stage of urban stories for centuries, and this is where a cage was installed for a little more than 30 years in the 1700s. Its purpose? To lock up people caught disturbing the city at night.

Sibiu, Romania | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Explore the home of homeopathy at the Pharmacy Museum

This museum dedicated to old-time remedies is set in a more than 400-year-old Gothic house (where a pharmacy called The Black Bear used to exist). Peek into jars with medicinal plants and potions arranged in long rows, see your travel partner’s nose enlarged through the glass of the measuring flasks, then head to the back room dedicated to homeopathy and Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy. It is known that Samuel spent two years in Sibiu, where a local nobleman offered him a librarian and a physician to help him with his research.

Tell the truth and cross the Bridge of Lies

Think of the biggest lie you can tell and try to cross the iron Bridge of Lies. It was built to replace an older wooden bridge, which according to legend could tell if a person crossing it was telling the truth or not. If the bridge ‘heard’ a lie, it started shaking and squeaking. Today’s iron bridge is the oldest of its kind in Romania, and the second oldest in Europe.

The Bridge of Lies, Sibiu, Romania | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

See trophies at the August von Spiess Hunting Museum

August von Spiess was a famous hunter whose legacy was preserved in his mansion, turned into a museum by his daughters. The walls of the rooms are covered in animals from both Romania and abroad (you’ll see lots of African game trophies) and hunting arms, while the yard is green and serves as the perfect spot for a short rest by the pond with the turtles.

Get the best rooftop view from the Evangelical Cathedral

Rooftop views make my heart rate rise (confession time: sometimes I even enter skyscrapers illegally, um, without authorization to have a small bottle of wine on the roof or on a terrace). If you also get overly euphoric at the mere thought of a high place with a panorama of the city, head to the Evangelical Cathedral (Catedrala Evanghelică C.A. Sfânta Maria). As Sibiu is a really cool city, it also has a second notable vantage point: the Council Tower (where the view is not as rewarding but still beautiful).

The view from the Evangelic Cathedral in Sibiu

Travel back in time at Astra open-air museum

While you wait for time travel to be invented (or finally disclosed by the military as it is rumored to be a fact already), you can take a short drive out of the center of Sibiu to experience the next best thing. Astra Museum spreads across a huge area where you can amble among wooden and stone houses, windmills and wooden churches. When you get tired, sit down for a drink or a bite at one of the traditional inns.

Astra Museum near Sibiu, Romania

If you prefer to explore the city with locals – see tours in Sibiu by Romanian friend.

Here are the aforementioned spots on the map of Sibiu (except the roof eyes, they are all over the historic center):

Pin it for later:

See also: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Romania

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If you want to book a vacation to the Romania, but you’re overwhelmed by all the information you must learn to make your traveling experience hitch-free, fret not because we have gathered all the information you should know about before planning your next Exoticca trip to Romania.

First off, why Romania? What Makes it a “Must-Visit” Destination?

A mystical place nothing short of spectacular, Romania is home to the rugged yet ever magnificent Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta, and the Black Sea coast among others. It is perfect for tourists of all kinds as it offers breathtaking views for travelers who love sight-seeing. Known as the land of natural beauty, Romania boasts plenty of scenic landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and numerous natural attractions such as the Danube Delta, the Carpathian Mountains, and the Transfagarasan Highway.

Traveling to Romania will also surely satisfy travelers who enjoy spending the day exploring and trying out activities unique to the place. That is because apart from relishing the panoramic view of its vibrant sceneries, you will certainly be thrilled to explore old medieval towns, castles, fortresses, monasteries, churches, and museums that has stood the test of time while learning and appreciating the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Of course, you should not miss the chance to see for yourself the fabled region of Transylvania where the most impressive gothic castles and fortified churches tower over the cliff top while overlooking swaths of mythical forests.

You can also enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife watching, boating, fishing, and sunbathing in Romania’s top tourist destinations. On top of that, you can also revel at immersing yourself in Romania’s ancient folk traditions and rural lifestyle, which is still preserved in many villages and regions. Of course, you shouldn’t miss out on experiencing the authentic crafts, food, music, festivals, and customs that reflect Romania’s rich culture. But if cultural things aren’t your thing, you can opt to visit its vibrant cities, especially Bucharest, the capital and largest city where you can enjoy modern amenities, nightlife, shopping, entertainment, and architecture.

Entry Requirements and Visa

If you’re a citizen of the EU, US, Canada, and 57 other countries, you don’t need a visa to enter Romania provided that you are only staying for under 90 days. However, you must double-check the requirements and apply at least two months before your designated travel date in case you need a visa.

Also, take note that Romania is part of the European Union, but not part of the Schengen area. This means that some non-EU citizens may need a visa to enter Romania, and the time spent in Romania does not count towards the 90-day limit in the Schengen zone.

For more details, you can check Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs FAQ page to know whether you need to apply for the visa or not.

COVID-19 Restrictions

As of January 2023, there are NO Covid-19 restrictions or entry requirements in Romania. The country is now open for international travel and tourism normally. There are no vaccination, mask or other travel documents or limitations either.

Safety Concerns Regarding the Situation of Ukraine

Romania is guaranteed safe and hospitable for all travelers. The unfortunate situation in Ukraine does not threaten to destabilize Romania at all. In fact, the local authorities and hospitality industry are eagerly anticipating a strong tourism recovery in 2023 following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Currency, Exchange Houses and Card Payments

It is crucial to note that Romania is a member of the European Union but does NOT use the euro as its currency. Instead, the Romanian leu is the official currency. Before traveling there, it is important to familiarize yourself with the exchange rate so you can plan accordingly.

The Romanian Leu (RON) can be found in notes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500. 1 Leu is divided into “bani” which are coins of 50, 10 and smaller coins. Although some prices in Romania are also displayed in Euros, take note that using Euros for cash payments is NOT accepted and if someone offers you an ‘in-house’ exchange rate, you should check official rates before accepting. In general, 1 Euro is equivalent to ~5 Lei and 1 USD is about 4 or 3 Lei.

Again:

1 EUR = 5 Lei

1 USD = 4 or 3 Lei

What currency should you bring when travelling to Romania? The answer is Euros, US dollars, UK pounds or Swiss francs, which are the easiest to convert anywhere. When you arrive, don’t use exchange offices located in airports for more than 20 € / $ / £ for taxi fare as they usually have very bad rates aimed at unsuspecting tourists. You’ll find lots of exchange bureaus (casa de schimb) in Romanian cities, easily recognizable by their yellow or white street boards indicating rates offered. Also, note that rates at exchange bureaus are usually better than at banks and 90% of them have a 0-exchange fee for small amounts.

Paying by card is very common and safe in Romania in all shops, restaurants, hotels or tourist attractions in major cities. But NOT in taxis, farmers market or artisan fares where you need to have cash. Debit cards issued by VISA, MasterCard and Maestro are widely accepted everywhere, but American Express cards may not always work. If you’re using credit cards from a non-EU bank, make sure it’s authorized for international payments.

When travelling outside of cities in rural areas or in the mountains, be sure to bring cash (the local currency, Lei) as some guesthouses or restaurants in the countryside don’t accept card payments. If you’re not sure, or if you’re already low on cash and want to eat, ask the establishment first if card payments are accepted.

There are plenty of ATMs in Romania (bancomat) to withdraw money from. The most common banks with safe & secure ATMs are BCR (Erste), BRD (Societe General), Banca Transilvania (local), Raiffeisen or ING. For fees, check with your local bank. In rural areas it’s harder to find ATMs but every village or small town should have one near the city hall.

Language

The official language of Romania is Romanian, but many people also speak English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. However, as always, it is helpful to learn some basic Romanian phrases before your trip.

Transportation

Romania has a well-developed infrastructure with trains and buses connecting major cities and towns. However, some rural areas may be more difficult to reach by public transportation, so renting a car may be a good option if you plan to explore off the beaten paths.

For short distances (>200 km), booking a car (Uber), train or bus is a good choice. For medium or long distances (300< km) you should consider breaking your itinerary or catching an internal flight (eg. from Bucharest to Cluj or Timisoara). Visitors to Romania are well advised to have travel insurance before getting there.

Best Time to Travel

Romania has a continental climate, with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and sightseeing, while summer is perfect for enjoying the Black Sea coast or festivals.

The Dos and Don’ts of Romanian Culture and Etiquette

Romanian society can be described as “laid-back” in some ways, but as always, it is best to be aware of cultural norms and etiquettes that you need to be respectful of to ensure a smooth-sailing trip.

Dos:

• Say thank you to servers.
• Remove your hats before entering buildings.
• Tip all service people and even professionals, such as doctors.
• Insist on paying the bill instead of splitting it.
• If you’re invited to someone’s house to have a meal, bring a small gift, like flowers, chocolate, or a bottle of liquor.
• When a person sneezes, respond with ‘Sanatate’ (Good health) or ‘Noroc’ (Good luck).
• Offer one’s seat to an elderly person. Romanians may offer their hand to help an elderly person get out of their seat, offer an arm for them to walk, and hold or open doors for them.
• Show chivalry to women (e.g., opening doors and allowing them to enter)
• Dress neatly in a professional setting to show respect for the person they are meeting. Older Romanians may dress more conservatively, ensuring their legs and shoulders are covered.
• When your Romanian friends offer you some gifts, the polite thing to do is to open them in front of your friends and thank them.

Don’ts:

• Don’t talk a lot about Dracula and ask locals if they believe in vampires. They don’t.
• Don’t yawn without covering your mouth.
• Don’t chew gum or keep your hands in your pockets while speaking to someone of a higher status.
• Don’t offer someone an even number of flowers. Bouquets with an even number of flowers are used for funerals.
• Avoid discussing topics of politics or religion. Romanians are mostly Orthodox and while they are tolerant of other religions, it’s probably best to avoid this topic.

Pro Tips

• Use Google Maps as it works well in Romania and can help you navigate your way around.
• It is recommended to drink bottled water rather than tap water while in Romania.
• Hostels are an excellent option for budget travelers, and Airbnb is also a good choice for finding affordable accommodations.
• It is recommended to transact in Romanian leu rather than Euros while in Romania.

Say No More, We’re Going on a Trip to Romania, ASAP!

All in all, Romania is a fascinating country with much to offer to all kinds of travelers. Given its countless tourist hotspots, rich history and fascinating culture, it is just virtually impossible to run out of things to do in Romania! So, if you are looking for an adventure of a lifetime, hurry up and plan your trip now!

The post Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Romania appeared first on 203Challenges.

The Salt Mine in Turda (Salina Turda)

Going down Salina Turda in Romania, is like travelling to the center of the Earth. After a walk through the gallery at the entrance, whose walls are covered in salt crystals (it is indeed salt, you don’t have to lick it to make sure – we’ve already done that!), follows a string of galleries, who seem taken out of a storybook. However, the part of the mine that makes traveling all the way worth the trip, are the large underground halls. Their magnitude is beyond imagination.

Transfagarasan Highway

Also famous as the Road of Ceausescu (Nicolae Ceausescu, the ex-dictator of Romania during the communist times), the Transfagarasan highway in Romania is probably the most scenic driving road in the country. Once you have arrived here, you are met by 90 km of steep turns and curves, through the highest parts of the Carpathian Mountains. This twisted road was built during the invasion of the Soviet armies in Czechoslovakia (in 1968). Ceausescu was afraid that his country may share Czechoslovakia’s fate, and decided to prepare in advance, by building a military road through the mountains.

Rupea Fortress

This impressive fortress can be seen from the road, connecting Brasov to Targu Mures, but those who pull of the road to see it up close are few. The fortress has been standing its ground since Dacian times, but was later remodeled. The water from its well is drinkable.

The Village of Buzescu

Дорого богато #балканскоелето #romania #buzescu

A post shared by supertraveller (@supertraveller) on Aug 7, 2016 at 10:16am PDT

If you are looking for an unusual tourist landmark, this is it. This place is all about the sea of colorful facades, enormous external staircases, balustrades, Greek columns, and a bountiful display of towers. If you think that this is a movie décor, you are seriously wrong. The village of Buzescu is completely real, and is located only a few kilometers away from the Romanian city of Alexandria. The huge houses you’ll see are occupied by the local gypsy barons. According to the local legend, they have accumulated their wealth by trading in metals.

Craiova

This is one of the biggest Romanian cities – lively, with a university, an airport, and beautifully restored buildings, at more than 100 years old. What is more, Craiova is located only 80 km away from the Vidi-Calaft border. As of recently, this is a wonderful place to cross into neighboring Bulgaria, as you can do it quickly and easily, using Danube Bridge 2, also called New Europe Bridge.

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How do you feel about a several-hour walk deep under the ground in the galleries of a salt mine? In many places around the world, old salt mines are now open to tourists. You don’t have to lick the walls to see if they’re salty – we already did it.

Why do it: Your little excursion to the salt mines is not only exciting but also healthy. Take a deep breath because you can breathe more easily there due to salt vapors – many salt mines have built-in treatment centers.

Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland

The Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland is located 10 km (6 mi) from Krakow. It is 327 m (1072 ft) deep, tourists are allowed 135 m (442 ft) underground (to level three out of a total of nine levels). You will see salt formations, exquisite salt statues, underground lakes, several underground churches and will also learn about legends and stories. At 123 m (403 ft) underground, there is a restaurant.

Turda Salt Mine, Romania

Turda Salt Mine in Romania is located in the northern part of the country, in the city of Turda. There is a real underground amusement park across several levels among the natural setting of the mine, which creates the feeling that you’re traveling to the Center of the Earth. In the middle of a huge cavity underground (15 floors deep), an enormous Ferris wheel rises. It turns very gently and slowly so that you can see the mine from every angle. Salina Turda also boasts a mini-golf, bowling alley, row boats and the favorite of all visitors – panoramic elevators.

The Salt Cathedral, Colombia

The Salt Cathedral in Colombia – near present-day Zipaquirá, a town in the Andes, they have been extracting salt since ancient times. In 1954, however, a real architectural miracle was built inside the salt mine – a cathedral dedicated to the Patron saint of miners Our Lady of Rosary. Today there is a second cathedral below the first and it holds up to 8000 people. It is located near Parque de la Sal (Salt Park) with its museum of mining.

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Skip breakfast on the day you decide to squeeze through some of the narrowest streets across Europe because most of them look like a crevice rather than something that is supposed to have an official name on the city’s map. Well, some are in fact deprived of a name but this doesn’t make the effort to visit them worthless. Here they are, the narrowest streets in Europe.

#1 Spreuerhofstraße

Spreuerhofstraße, the narrowest street in the world

Where: the Old Town of Reutlingen, Germany

At its narrowest point, it is only 31 cm (12.2 in) wide. This is, in fact, the world’s narrowest street according to the Guinness World Records. Spreuerhofstraße was built in 1727.

#2 The narrowest street in Italy

The narrowest street in Italy, in Ripatransone | marino cortolezzis/Flickr

Where: Ripatransone, Italy

This alley in the province of Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche, doesn’t even have a name. When you arrive in the medieval town of Ripatransone, ask the locals or follow the signs to the alley, which is only 43 cm (17 in) at its narrowest part. You can get a certificate from the tourist office as proof that you have walked along the street.

#3 The narrowest street in Prague

The narrowest street in Prague

Where: Prague, Czech Republic

Its width of a mere 50 cm (1.6 ft) is the reason why even a traffic light has been installed to regulate the flow of people. To find it, you should head to the Charles Bridge and Kafka Museum and make sure to look carefully to your sides, because you may miss it if you don’t know what to look for. The ‘street’ status of this alley has been widely disputed as it is in fact one of the last fire brigade passes left in Prague.

#4 Calletta Varisco

Calletta Varisco: the narrowest #calli #callettavarisco #tour #gita #promenade #ontheway #foundit #reunion #amies #cannaregio #venice

A post shared by Anna Sartor (@an.sartor) on Mar 11, 2017 at 10:46am PST

Where: Venice, Italy

The whole city of Venice is full of tiny alleys surrounded by mighty buildings but Calle Varisco is said to be the narrowest of them all. With its 53 cm (21 in). When you walk a little bit inside the street, stop to look up to the sky

#5 Parliament Street

Where: Exeter, England

It is 64 cm (25 in) wide in its narrowest part. Some time ago the residents in the area asked the local authorities to widen it, but, apparently, the idea wasn’t approved.

#6 Strada Sforii

Strada Sforii in Brasov, Romania | © Maria Angelova/203challenges.com

Where: Brasov, Romania

It is 109 cm (42.9 in) at its narrowest point. Translated into English, the name means “String Street”. It was built in the 15th century as a corridor that firemen could use and is the narrowest street in Romania.

Here are all the streets pinned on a map so you can find them easier:

Pin it for your next narrow-street trip:

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The Danube Delta

The Danube Delta is the biggest river delta in the EU, and the second largest in Europe, after the Volga Delta. Nevertheless, the Danube Delta is considered to be the best-preserved one on the old continent. The vast majority of the delta lies on Romanian territory – out of 1,603 sq miles, 1,331 sq miles are in Romania.

The delta started forming around 4.000 BC, and has since grown to become the heaven of birds in Europe. In 1991, the area became a UNESCO Heritage Site, the first spot in Romania to receive that tile. You can come here from spring to autumn and see pelicans, grey herons, cormorants, fish, and hundreds of other species.

You can navigate the canals of the delta by boat and even go to the places in which the Danube river flows into the Black Sea, a sight to be seen, as you notice the water changing colors, waves starting to form, etc. Some areas have a lot of mosquitos, so be prepared to confront them, as they are simply dreadful!

Suceava Citadel

This wonderful citadel was built in the XIVth century by Petru II of Moldavia, but it was Stephen III of Moldavia (also known as Stephen the Great) that made the construction bigger and more imposing. The citadel was never conquered but was left in ruins and later set fire to, as the Turks roamed around the area for a while.

The citadel was finally given some attention in the early XXth century and people started to renovate it. Currently, it is completely rebuilt and features high-tech ways of informing the tourists about the history of it by using touchscreen technology in different rooms, while also featuring mannequins and the typical lifestyle of the Medieval era in all rooms.

People like to visit the area of Bukovina, where the citadel is placed, on their motorcycle, as it’s the most beautiful place in the country, so hop on your motorcycle, put your Shoei rf 1200 helmet on and get yourself ready for a new adventure that you are unlikely to ever forget!

Iasi Botanical Garden

The oldest and largest botanical garden in Romania dates back from 1856 and offers you the opportunity to explore both wild nature and greenhouses with exotic plants. You can easily spend a day here without getting bored as there is so much to be seen and such a large area to cover.

Peles Castle

Built in a Neo-Renaissance style for the Royal Family of Romania, the castle started being used in 1883 by King Carol I. The castle can be found near the town of Sinaia, in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains and it’s one of the most beautiful castles you can see anywhere in Europe, making a must for everybody who visits Eastern Europe.

Bran Castle

What’s a guide to Romania that doesn’t include a visit to something related to Dracula? Well, while you have heard of Bran Castle as being Dracula’s castle, Vlad Tepes, the leader on which the myth is based on, had actually very little to do with this castle, spending his time in other castles of the country.

The reason why it is associated so much with the legend of Dracula is probably due to the fact that, from all castles in Romania, this Medieval structure is the one in which we could see the legendary vampire live in the most, thanks to its architecture. People in the area take full advantage of the myth and you won’t leave the area without any Dracula souvenirs.

Merry Cemetery

In contrast to the serious tone of the usual cemeteries in Western cultures, this one is very colorful and each headstone features a funny poem about the life and the death of every person buried here. We have more info about this place on our websites, as it’s simply a sight to be seen.

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Carturesti Carusel (from Romanian “a Carousel of Light”) is the biggest and most attractive newly-opened bookstore in Romania. It is located in the heart of the capital Bucharest, in the old town in a beautiful 19th-century building called Chrissoveloni Palace. The bookstore was built there with the idea to combine old and new.

The building has rich history. Ever since it was built in 1860, it has always been an important commercial place – first it was a bank, then a bazaar and during socialism – a store.

The building had been property of the famous Romanian family of bankers Chrissoveloni, before it was nationalized during the communist period and turned into a store. The only living family heir – Jean Chrissoveloni, has been fighting in court for more than 20 years in order to regain ownership of the building. When he eventually won, he was given one condition – to restore the building and use it as he wished, but in a way it contributed to the economy development. And he had one wish only – the building to be used for culture.

After almost a million euro was spent on repair works and restoration of its classical glamour, the building was leased to the famous Romanian bookstore chain “Carturesti”, which turned it into an architectural work of art.The breathtaking all-white light-burst bookstore makes you forget about the noise of the city outside, makes you sit back comfortably in the soft pillows, scattered everywhere, and read peacefully.

Or just relax with a cup of tea or a glass of wine in your hand.

Or have a chat with friends. It doesn t matter if you are looking for a particular book, a gift, if you have some time to kill or you are going inside simply out of curiosity. The carousel will take you and lead you to the exact place you want, time will stop, the world around you will cease moving. The bookstore is big enough to host different social events, but also cosy enough for everyone to find their quiet secluded corner.

The bookstore has six floors. There is multimedia in the basement. The first floor hosts an art gallery. On the next three floors you can find items in all kinds of spheres, for any taste or age – more than 10 thousand books, 5 000 music albums, movies, gifts, toys, even clothes. The last floor completes the magic – the cafe/bistro/tearoom is there – according to your preferences. You have a rich choice of all kinds of coffee, tea and wine (which may literally make your head spin) as well as some delicious foods.

In short – Carturesti Carusel is the place where you can find all those little things, which make life truly wonderful.

Useful information: Carturesti Carusel Bookstore is located at 55 Lipscani in Bucharest.

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