6 BEST Things to Do in Transylvania, Romania

Meeting a centuries-old vampire in his home region would be iconic (and killer… in more ways than one). But let’s get this out of the way:
a) Dracula is not real, but Transylvania is and
b) The beauty of this region is way cooler than chasing a cranky, fictional bloodsucker.

Romania brings the drama: moody forests, craggy mountains, and castles that look like they were storyboarded for a film. It’s one of the most underrated places to visit in Europe, and Transylvania is the chapter everyone’s heard of—but few actually know.

So yes: I went, I wandered, I happily nerded out on history and viewpoints, and I’m here to show you the real things to do in Transylvania—no cape, no fangs, just epic towns, scenic drives, and tours worth your time.

Quick List of Transylvania’s Best Things to Do

History of Transylvania: Yes, It’s a Real Place

Bram Stoker (author of Dracula) mixed a real guy (Vlad the Impaler) with pure gothic imagination, and boom—Dracula. He set the vibe in a land of border changes, battles, and rebirth, which… to be fair, Transylvania has had a lot of.

The result today? A region that feels layered, lived-in, and very much alive.

Transylvania sits within Romania, a country that’s been divided, annexed, and stitched back together enough times to make a mosaic.

Today it’s a blend: Roma and Hungarians, Romanians, Roman Catholics and Romanian Orthodox—lots of threads, one fascinating region.

1. Things to Do in Cluj-Napoca

Cluj is the “big city” energy of Transylvania—great coffee, student buzz, and easy day trips that swing from salt mines to storybook castles. Use it as a base and hopping around gets ridiculously simple.

• Old Town stroll: Do the easy loop: Union Square → St. Michael’s Church → Museum Square → cute cafés. Compact, lively, perfect pre/post day-trip reset. Take a walking tour to get acquainted.
• Salina Turda and Gorge: That wild underground salt mine you’ve seen in photos—sci-fi vibes carved from salt. Pair it with Turda Gorge’s limestone walls, mellow trails, and suspension bridges for a full, fantastic day trip! See prices for a tour to Salina Turda and Gorge.
• Hunedoara (Corvin Castle) and Alba Iulia Citadel day trip: A dramatic moat-and-bridge castle that totally delivers, plus massive star-shaped walls and ceremonial gates—feels like walking a movie set.
  Two heavy-hitters from Cluj in one go. Book the day trip.

2. Things to Do in Sibiu

I loved Sibiu for its storybook streets and slow pace. History feels lived-in here. Astra’s open-air museum, those quirky rooftop “eyes,” and easy day trips that take you to faraway feeling places.

Add a whimsical clay castle nearby and you’ve got a very cool day out.

If you didn’t Alba Iulia Citadel from Cluj, you can see it from here too!

• Astra Village Museum: Rolling hills dotted with traditional homes (even floating ones!) show how Romanians lived across centuries—slow, mellow half-day.
• Spot the Rooftop “Eyes”: Keep an eye out (sorry) for Sibiu’s famous “eyes”—eyelid-shaped vents that make rooftops look like they’re watching you. Grab your spot on a Sibiu walking tour where you see them, plus all the other highlights around town.
• Castelul de Lut Valea Zânelor: Hobbit-adjacent clay eco-hotel project outside town—pure whimsy. Peek it: Castelul de Lut Valea Zanelor.
• Sibiu + Dracula Day Trip: Greatest hits in and around town— Dracula’s castle, historic cities… Book the day tour for a great overview of the area!

3. Things to Do in Brașov

Mountain views, medieval streets, and that big hillside BRAȘOV sign.

Also, yes, the famous Bran Castle is nearby—but no, Dracula wasn’t real—however, the castle’s still a looker and this is the only place you HAVE to visit if you’re visiting Transylvania, right?!

• Brașov City Tour: Quick orientation to the old town, viewpoints, and the good stories. Take this informative guided tour.
• Turnul Alb Viewpoint: Quick hike, big payoff—mountains, rooftops, and the BRAȘOV sign across the hillside.
• Bran (Dracula’s) Castle: The famous silhouette with layered legends and plenty of nooks to explore. This is the “Dracula’s Castle,” although not really… You’ll have to visit to understand! Pair this with Pele’s Castle, like I did for the perfect day tour from Brasov. Check out this castle tour.
• Libearty Bear Sanctuary (Zărnești): Ethical rescue center for formerly captive bears—Yes this is a legit sancturary! Book a timed visit paired with Bran Castle on a day trip.
• Piatra Craiului National Park: Options from meadow strolls to “feel it tomorrow” ridge walks; even short hikes get big limestone views. It’s a stunner!

4. Things to Do in Sighișoara

Sighișoara is tiny, colorful, and outrageously photogenic—the kind of place where you “just wander” and accidentally rack up 200 pictures.

Bonus: Vlad the Impaler was born here if you’re still chasing Dracula lore.

• Wander the Old Town: I spent most of my time getting lost on candy-colored streets historically color-coded to identify houses (pre-address days). Book a 2-hour Sighișoara walking tour! This is the prettiest town of them all imo!

5. Things to Do in Râșnov

Right next to Brașov, Râșnov offers charming ruins and huge valley views. It’s an easy add-on while you’re bouncing between towns.

• Râșnov Citadel: Crumbling walls, a few stalls inside, and sweeping views over the valley. Classic “wander and linger” stop. You can visit this spot from Brasov paired with the Bear Sanctuary if you want to squeeze more into your day. Check out this tour.

6. Things to Do in Colibița

Two words: mountains and lake. Colibița is where you exhale—grab a drink at the Fisherman’s Resort, stare at the water and the hulking peaks, and let your legs recover from all the castles and cobblestones.

Or make your knees weaker and tackle some of the nearby hikes.

Are you planning a trip to Romania? Which of these Transylvania tours are you most excited for?

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