For what concerns most people, Transylvania = Dracula.
However, if you want to see the real beauty of the area and to have an authentic experience I recommend you to skip the tourist traps. As a matter of fact, you will find something Dracula-related at EVERY corner, but why not try some more down-to-earth and typical Romanian activities?
A great day starts with a traditional breakfast which should definitely include bundas kenyer (by its Hungarian name), also known as pâine cu ou (its Romanian name), a really simple dish made of bread deep fried in a mix of beaten eggs. It’s better that sounds, I promise, and you can pair it with salty or sweet toppings, depending on your personal preferences. If you do not know what to eat in Transylvania, no worries, we have your back and covered this delicious topic here >>
Next in line?
A visit to Sighisoara should definitely be on the cards! Why? This is the only medieval city in Europe in which people STILL live! It’s incredibly colorful and beautiful, it dates from the XII century AND is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A pretty good mix for you to consider, so don’t think twice if you want to see what locals in Transylvania see every day of their lives.
And if you are thirsty for more history, Corvin Castle is another place to go. Located in the beautiful city of Hunedoara, this also ties its name to Vlad the Impaler (Dracula, Count Dracula and so on…). But I will stop with the details here and let you unravel the mystery of this glorious piece of architecture by yourself.
It may be a bit complicated to see this and the aforementioned in a quick deal of time, this is why I recommend you to book a guided tour and move quickly from one place to another instead of spending too much time on trains or buses (spoiler alert: Romania’s public means of transportation are not exactly known for their speed).
At the end of the day, don't forget to unwind and drink a glass of good wine made in the area. You can even stop by Batos and try a wine made in the Liliac Vineyard.
Our personal favorite is the Sauvignon Blanc, due to its fruity overtone and smoky finish, but there are so many to choose from that maybe you should even consider a tasting (why not?).
Last, but definitely not least (and I fully recommend you to take more than one day for the magical land of Transylvania) on my “Transylvania mandatory to do” list is a stargazing experience before sleeping out in the wild.
Well, not wild as in full of bears and wolves, but pretty wild compared to everyday urban life, the kind of existence you probably already have every single day.
Are you up for the challenge? The hills are alive with the sounds of freedom and they are waiting for you.
From early morning to late into the night, you will have no time to get bored. It’s a promise!
So try to see beyond all the Dracula buzz around you and spend a day in a veritable land of fascination. After such a first experience, you will definitely ask for more. And Transylvania awaits.
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