Romania: A Total Plot Twist Destination That Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Bucket List
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Romania? That’s random.
But hear me out—this place is totally underrated, and I’m officially obsessed.
Our trip to Romania started right after our AmaWaterways river cruise (linking that story here), and let me just say…BEST. DETOUR. EVER. We decided to stay a few extra days in Bucharest, Romania’s capital, and let me tell you—it felt like we stumbled into one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Hello, Hidden Gem Energy 💎
The drive from the cruise port wasn’t bad at all, and once we rolled into Bucharest…WOW. Like, where has this place been hiding? I’d Googled a bit before we got there (duh, research queen), and people call it the “Paris of the East.” And after walking through its café-lined boulevards and staring up at the STUNNING architecture, I was like, yup, I see it.
So if you’re into that whole romantic Euro vibe—without the massive crowds or price tags—Bucharest delivers.
Where We Stayed: The Marmorosch Hotel 🏦✨
We checked into the Marmorosch Hotel, and I’m not even kidding, this place was straight out of an Instagram dream. Like, every corner is giving “I need to take a photo here.” And during the holidays? It’s NEXT LEVEL.
They even have a train car in their dining room where you can have high tea. Yes. A full-on vintage train cab. So cool, right?
Fun Fact:
The Marmorosch used to be an actual bank. Now? The old vault is a bar. I couldn’t go in (underage life), but still—epic.
Christmas in Bucharest 🎄
We actually arrived on Christmas Day and had the most delish buffet dinner at the hotel. Think traditional holiday vibes but make it luxe. And the next day? We hit the streets to explore.
One thing I loved: Bucharest has a whole map of historic monuments you can follow like a treasure hunt. Smart AND fun? Count me in.
Here are a few spots you can’t miss:
- 🕍 St. Anthony’s Old Court Church – Bucharest’s oldest church (seriously old, like 16th century)
- 🔔 The Bell Tower – Tall, spooky, and cool to look at
- 🪨 Slab Church of the Birth of the Holy Virgin – Say that five times fast 😅
- ⛪ Lots of hidden chapels and ruins that make you feel like you’re walking through a medieval mystery novel
My Mom’s Bookstore Obsession 📚💫
So my mom is kinda extra when it comes to finding cute Instagram spots (love you, Mom), and she HAD to visit Cărturești Carusel. Honestly? It was worth the hype.
Three levels of books, a floating staircase, cool art hanging from the ceiling—it’s giving ✨magical library vibes✨.
Fun Fact:
“Cărturești Carusel” means Carousel of Light, and the bookstore was built inside a 19th-century bank!
Pro tip: There’s a little café on the top floor, so you can sip something warm while pretending you’re Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
Arcul de Triumf & Christmas Vibes
Bucharest even has its own Arcul de Triumf (yep, like Paris). It’s spelled a little different—Arcul de Triumf—but the vibe is 100% there.
And let me tell you, Christmas in Romania is a whole mood. The town was glowing with lights everywhere you looked—on buildings, across streets, in parks—like someone sprinkled fairy dust on the whole city. You could definitely feel the holiday spirit everywhere you went.
We also went to one more Christmas market (I was Christmas-marketed out, but this one was actually cute). It had a holiday character walk-through in the park and wasn’t crowded at all—bonus points for being a hidden gem destination.
Between the cozy lights, magical vibes, and crowd-free cuteness, I’m calling it now:
Romania is easily one of the BEST destinations to spend Christmas in. Period.
Bubble Waffles = Instant Happiness 🧇🍦
After walking like 200 miles (okay, 2), I found the ultimate treat: Bubble waffles. Think crispy-yet-soft waffles folded into a cone, filled with ice cream and loaded with toppings. I got sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, and marshmallows. It was giving sugar rush perfection.
Harper’s Tip:
If you see one of these waffle stands, STOP. Every kid (and parent) will love it. You’re welcome.
Now Entering… Dracula’s Hood 🧛🏻♂️
The next day we road-tripped into the mountains of Romania—yes, the same place where Dracula is from. Transylvania is real, y’all. And it’s totally magical.
Stop 1: Peleș Castle 👑 – AKA A Real-Life Royal Palace
Our first castle stop was Peleș Castle in a town called Sinaia (say it like “See-nigh-ah”). Located in the mountains, this castle is STUNNING. Built in the 1800s, it was Romania’s royal family’s summer home. Like… casual.
From the outside, it’s giving ✨storybook magic✨—all dramatic rooftops and snowy mountain vibes. But the inside? Whoa. Total plot twist in the best way.
- It has over 160 rooms
- Every single room is decorated in a different style—Italian, Turkish, French… they really didn’t hold back
- There’s even a secret staircase behind a bookshelf (I’m not kidding!!)
- AND the castle had electricity and central heating before most of Europe. Like, King Carol I was living in the future
Extra Cool Kid-Friendly Facts:
- There’s a weapons room with over 4,000 swords, shields, and armor pieces from all over the world
- The Turkish Salon has mosaic walls and plush pillows—it’s giving “royal chill zone”
- The library is major Belle-core, plus the secret door = secret agent dreams
- They even had an in-house movie theater… in the 1800s!
Even though we couldn’t explore the whole grounds because of the snow (and trust me, it was icy), what we saw was enough to lock it in as one of my favorite castles ever.
So if your kids are into medieval vibes, fairy tales, or secret doors (um, who isn’t?), Peleș Castle should be at the top of your Romania list.
Stop 2: Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle)… Meh 😬
So this is the one everyone posts on Instagram, right? Big castle on a cliff = spooky legend vibes.
Buuuut… hot take: It’s not worth going inside.
- Super crowded
- Not much to actually see
- At the end there’s this random elevator ride that’s supposed to be scary but is actually just weird
My tip? Grab a photo from outside, maybe eat lunch nearby, and skip the inside tour. Your kids will thank you.
Why Romania Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List
From fairytale castles to surprise waffles, Romania was such a vibe. It’s not the kind of place you see plastered all over Instagram (yet), but maybe that’s what makes it so special.
If you’re planning a family trip and you want something:
- Affordable
- Cultural
- Walkable
- Kid-approved (hello waffles and castles)
Then Romania should absolutely be on your radar.
Final Thought:
Skip the crowds in Paris or Rome. If you want real Europe, add Romania to your family’s travel list. Trust me—this place is underrated, unforgettable, and 100% Harper’s World-approved.
So go ahead—add Romania to your family’s travel list. You’ll thank me later. 😉
Until the next adventure…
💖 Harper
