Varna was my introduction to Bulgaria. It’s a city right on the Black Sea and the sea is what draws so many people here. So, of course one of the best things to do in Varna is to experience the Sea and its great beach, but there’s a few things you can do on your …
Bucharest is the capital of Romania and it’s a very popular starting point for trips to Romania. While it’s true that I think Transylvania is more exciting, many flights arrive to Romania in Bucharest and therefore I think it’s worth spending at least one day in Bucharest. Learn about the history of Romania as you …
Bran Castle is famous for being the inspiration for Dracula’s Castle and it feels like it’s one of those things that you just have to do when you visit Romania. The castle has its history, but much of it is fiction. Still, that doesn’t stop all of the tourists from visiting this fortress in this …
Throughout the mountains of Transylvania, you’ll find numerous castles. While Bran Castle is more famous (as it was the inspiration for Dracula’s Castle), Peles Castle is so much more interesting to visit. The castle exterior is lovely, but the inside is a mix of eclectic decor that flows magnificently well. It’s like you’ll visit Peles …
Brasov makes it onto almost every single Romania itinerary because of its close proximity to Bran Castle (more commonly referred to as Dracula’s Castle) and Peles Castle. It makes a great base for exploring the surrounding region, but there’s still a few things that you should do in the city itself. From iconic churches to …
Sighișoara gets my vote for the prettiest city in Romania. There’s the lovely citadel, perched on top of a hill that’s lined with historic buildings and charm. In the lower town, you’ll find great restaurants, nice architecture, and a beautiful Orthodox Church. It’s no wonder why Sighisoara gets added to many Romania itineraries. So, if …
Balea Lake is a beautiful lake and a popular stop along the Transfǎgǎrǎşan Highway in Romania. From the lake, you’ll have views of the surrounding mountains, an amazing view of the winding mountain roads, and plenty of hiking options. For those with a rental car, it’s pretty easy to reach, but for those traveling without …
Sibiu is a beautiful city in Romania and should absolutely be included in your itinerary. The historic center is full of gorgeous buildings and squares with pedestrian only passages connecting everything. Whether you come to admire the architecture, stroll the historic streets, or enjoy a coffee in one of its many cafes, Sibiu is a …
Timișoara sits in western Romania and was my introduction to the country. Here, you’ll find a beautiful historic center, loads of parks, and a fascinating museum telling the story of the Romanian Revolution in 1989. So, if you find yourself passing through the city like I was, here’s how I recommend you spend one day …
Szeged is the third largest city in Hungary and is located in the very south of the country. While so many visitors to Hungary just focus on Budapest, there’s more to see in this country beyond the capital city. As I traveled through Europe on a long backpacking trip, I found myself needing to go …
