Romania: From Bucharest Streets to Transylvanian Castles

The highlight of my trip to Romania was visiting my two close friends and their child, but I also really enjoyed Bucharest.

The city’s architecture combines French-inspired elegance, Communist-era buildings, and modern styles, giving it a distinctive charm.

Bucharest has many green parks perfect for long walks, and the Palace of the Parliament – a massive landmark from the Ceaușescu era – is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world.

After our road trip to Istanbul, I joined a day trip to Transylvania, visiting Peleș and Bran castles. Although Bran is often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, it is primarily associated with the legend rather than actual history.

Peleș Castle, built in the late 19th century, was the first castle in the world to have an elevator, installed in 1883. The tour ended in Brașov, a charming town that reminded me of my hometown, Samobor, with its Black Church – the largest Gothic church in Romania – and Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe.