Monica Suma

Exploring Transylvania comes with promises of medieval citadels, fortified churches, and legendary castles. It’s a genuine retreat for nature lovers amidst the majestic Carpathian Mountains, but since October 2022, the new Via Transilvanica invites active travelers to explore the essence of Romanian culture. The 870-mile (1,400-km) trail snakes through time-warped villages and vast, ancient forests from Bukovina in the northeast to Drobeta-Turnu Severin in the southwest by the Danube River.

Driven by vampire lore and mystery appeal, Transylvania has become Romania’s most popular region for travelers. But legends aside, this magical land of castles, medieval bastions and old-world villages packs in a lot of charm.

Active travelers curious to discover Romania’s primeval forests and its slow ecotourism should set their sights on the new long-distance Via Transilvanica, a trail crossing the country diagonally from Putna Monastery in Bukovina to Drobeta-Turnu Severin by the Danube.

The capital once known as ‘Little Paris’ is celebrating its Belle Époque era with wisteria blossoming on grand villas, much-lauded restoration sites, and local initiatives that honour and preserve the indelible architectural heritage. Join the exploration of Bucharest’s romantic side!

Featuring the favorite places of local Bucharest architect Dragoș Epure (page 36 in print/ 20 in PDF).

Romania’s fourth largest city and capital of the Banat historical province is shining its light in 2023—quite literally—as it picks up the baton as European Capital of Culture. The first city on mainland Europe to introduce electric street lighting in 1884 is celebrating with a wealth of concerts, exhibits, and festivals under the slogan “Light up your city!”

In recent years, Romania has emerged as a go-to destination for gastronomy, distinct heritage sites, and ecotourism. An exploration begins in the much-renewed, dynamic capital of Bucharest, the gateway to an enigmatic Transylvania and the unparalleled Carpathian Mountains. Following a decade in New York City and nearly settling in France, travel writer Monica Suma shares why she moved back and why you should visit, too.

It’s hard not to fall for Prague. The Czech capital exudes a simply staggering wealth of architectural beauty and detail. The city is chockablock full of early-20th-century buildings that survived the Second World War, and resplendent, marvellously preserved old palaces are everywhere. Read on for seven authentic experiences to embark on in and around Prague, including heritage sites, the bounty of nature, and plenty of enthralling mysticism.

Blessed with a plethora of mountain peaks and bucolic pastures, fringed by the Black Sea and the lush Danube Delta, Romania’s borders pack a variety of backdrops to marvel at. While inducing fantasies of vampires for many, there are age-old customs to discover and ancient monasteries in the heart of the countryside as well as medieval Transylvanian castles to keep you busy.

Cinematic nature at its best - this is what Ireland promises. A jolly lineup of colorful villages, each seemingly equipped with its own haunting castle. Add some Irish music jamborees, whiskey jaunts and sea-born delights and you’re well set with a most rewarding menu.

With a vibrant cultural life and architectural richesse, a buzzing culinary scene and an ever-growing specialty coffee culture, Bucharest is a most dynamic destination.

Romania brims with rich folk culture, centuries-old monasteries and lively cities humming with art, restaurants and nightlife. Hop on this road trip and be rewarded with castles, fortresses, Saxon villages and fortified churches that give a deeper look into its rich history and culture.

You may have your eyes set on Germany’s ever popular capital, but look further northwest and you may just find everything you could wish for in Hamburg, the Hanseatic port city boasting North German good looks, scrumptious Fischbrötchen, and culture aplenty. Top it all off with a generous dose of parkland and waterways, and you’ll tick off more than you had expected.

With all eyes on the dazzling Expo 2020 and design credentials the envy of the world over, Dubai has evolved from metropolis of the future to global capital of art and driving force for the creative industries.

2-page Tear out guide for highlights of Bucharest, Romania, in the May 2020 issue of Lonely Planet magazine.