Famous Places in Romania: Following The Steps of Wednesday and Dracula

Let’s be honest, Romania definitely is charming with spooky and mystical stories and places. Before the “Wednesday” series, this country was known as the homeland of Dracula. "Dracula" is a fictional character based on the historical figure Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, and created by the Irish author Bram Stoker in 1897. The novel has been adapted into many films, television shows, and stage productions over the years. The character of Dracula has become one of the most iconic figures in popular culture and is considered a classic of horror literature. Many tourists travel to the historic Transylvania region of Romania, wanting to see Sighisoara which is known as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. If it happens, that you still haven’t visited Romania, it might be just about time to do that because we already planned everything for you! 

Let’s start with Bucharest

Like many other capitals in the world, Bucharest has so much to offer. Take a stroll through the city center to see landmarks. For instance, visit the Palace of Parliament, also known as the People's Palace. It is the second largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon in the United States, and is the largest civilian building in the world, with a total of 365,000 square meters. The palace has 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, and a total area of 330,000 square meters. It also has a large central hall, several conference rooms, government offices, and a shopping center. It is open to visitors, who can take guided tours of the palace and learn about its history and architecture. The Palace of Parlament is also considered a controversial building, as it was built during a period of repression and poverty in Romania, many people consider it a symbol of the excesses of the Ceausescu regime.

After visiting the Palace of Parlament, walk to the Old Town of Bucharest, also known as Lipscani. It is an area of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and a mix of architectural styles. There are so many famous landmarks and attractions, including the older building in Bucharest -The Old Princely Court, the beautiful Stavropoleos Church that was built in the 18th century, the National Museum of Romanian History, and many other many traditional buildings, such as the Hanul Lui Manuc (Manuc's Inn) restaurant and the Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse, which are both beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture. All this makes the Old Town a perfect spot for a stroll, shopping, eating out, or a night out.

f you came to read this blog post because of “Wednesday” filming locations, you must visit the Bucharest Botanic Garden. The scenes of  Nevermore’s greenhouses were filmed there. The Botanic Garden takes 18 hectares of land and was designated in 1884. Of course, during all the years it has changed, has more different areas, and charming spaces to explore. Working hours depend on the season and the entrance fee is only 3 euros.

Haven’t decided where to stay for a night? During the Christmas period, The Marmorosch Bucharest hotel was receiving a lot of attention because of its decorations and service.  

PRO TIP: for the lowest available hotel price, use Ratepunk. It's a free tool that displays all prices on the internet of your wanted hotel. Ratepunk scans only online travel agencies' websites when you browse your favorite one.

Fond of beautiful buildings? Pay a visit to Casa Niculescu-Dorobantu.This charming castle-like building is built in French, neo-gothic style. It is one of the locations used for the interiors of Nevermore Academy. Sadly, there is not so much information about the building: is it possible to enter, or is it private property. However, if you enjoyed watching “Wednesday” prom scenes, Palatul Monteoru is open to the public! This historical building monument was built in 1874. Palatul Monteoru is located on Victory Avenue (Calea Victoriei), one of the main areas of downtown Bucharest. In recent years the owner of the building transformed the palace into a multicultural center. The restaurant in the palace’s garden has been working since 2016. 

Only 127 km away from Bucharest is Cantacuzino Castle. This gorgeous Neo-Romanian-style castle was built in 1911in Bușteni. It is the main location of the “Wednesdays” series- Nevermore Academy. Until the 1930s, this fancy castle was the summer residence of Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino. These days Cantacuzino Castle is open to the public. There are many sculptures and works of art displayed across the grounds and castle interior. Visitors can have lunch or dinner at one of the castle’s restaurants and little ones can spend some time at the adventure park. After visiting the castle get ready for Transylvania! 

Brașov - The Most Beautiful Medieval Town in Transylvania

Brașov is a city located in the central part of Romania, in the historical region of Transylvania. It's a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, also known as the Council Square. It is a charming area of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and picturesque squares. Some of the main landmarks in the Old Town include the Black Church, a Gothic church that took over 200 years to build, the Council Square, and Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe. Moreover, if you have enough time, go to the Black Tower which offers great views of the city and the surrounding mountains, or visit the Peles Castle. This beautiful,  Neo-Renaissance castle is located in the nearby town of Sinaia, in the Carpathian Mountains. It's considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.

Legendary Bran Castle

There is a great place to visit for those who are interested in the history, architecture, and legends situated  30 km from Brașov city. It's the Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, is a medieval fortress that is a must-see attraction in Transylvania. It is often associated with the legend of Dracula, although it is not clear if Bram Stoker had this specific location in mind when he wrote his novel. However, the castle does have a connection to Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the character of Dracula, as it was used as a strategic fortification during his reign.

The castle is known for its impressive architecture and offers picturesque scenery. It has a Gothic style and it's located on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding countryside. The castle has several towers, a drawbridge, and a courtyard. The interior of the castle is open to visitors and it features exhibits on the history of the castle and its connection to Vlad the Impaler. The Bran Castle is also known for its beautiful gardens. 

Note that Romania is one of the top 10 highest-ranked countries for scamming, such as Pickpocketing and high taxi rates, so be careful visiting this country.

Bonus Recommendation - Spectacular Bucovina Monasteries

Bucovina Monasteries are a group of painted monasteries located in the northeastern part of Romania. The painted monasteries of Bucovina are some of the most important examples of medieval religious architecture in Romania and are considered to be among the country's most valuable cultural treasures.

The most famous of the Bucovina monasteries is the Voronet Monastery, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the East". It was built in the 15th century and is known for its vivid blue exterior and intricate frescoes. The monastery was built by Prince Stephen the Great of Moldavia, who commissioned the construction of several monasteries in the region as a way of consolidating his power and expressing his devotion to God.Other famous Bucovina monasteries include the Sucevita Monastery and the Moldovita Monastery, which feature frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

All of the monasteries are Orthodox and still active, open for visitors, and they are considered to be the best-preserved examples of the Moldavian style of medieval art and architecture. They are also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, which makes them a popular tourist destination.