Things to Do in Romania

The country's most famously ghoulish character, Vlad Dracula (aka Count Dracula, 1431-1476), was also known as ‘Vlad the Impaler’ for his less than pleasant habit of sticking his defeated enemies up on stakes. These days, the Dracula Tour takes in such atmospheric old castles as Bran in Brasov and Poenari Fortress.

Romania is full of castles but Peles is often touted as the pick of the bunch. A fine example of 19th century German new-renaissance architecture, its 160 room interior clearly demonstrates the lavish lifestyle and decadent taste for fine art of its former summer resident, King Carol.

The Arenele Romane open-air concert stage regularly hosts international stars and performances. A monument overlooking the lake houses the remains of communist leader Gheorge Gheorgiu Dej and offers fantastic views of surrounding Bucharest.

This resort attracts travelers from all over to some of the best cheap skiing in Europe. Brasov also offers a wide selection of non-skiing attractions, making it a great all-round travel destination.

Bucharest's newest museum is located in the recently constructed glass wing of the Palace of the Parliament building (one of the largest buildings in Europe). It offers constantly changing exhibitions showcasing modern contributions from domestic and international artists.