Bucharest and Transylvania

We landed in Bucharest from Naples and we had a small central studio with this beautiful view of the Tricolor Square, with the main facade of the Palace of the National Military Circle. Here, there’s the Sărindar Fountain too! The sunsets were AMAZING!

The orthodox church of St. Anthony is the oldest church in Bucharest, built by Prince Mircea Ciobanul in 1559. The building is located in the historic center of Bucharest, in front of the Hanul Lui Manuc restaurant. It has a beautiful floral garden outside, a pleasure to visit, and until 1842 was the seat where the princes of Wallachia were crowned!

The most historical and antique Bucharest restaurant, the Manus’s Inn Restaurant is situated in Lipscani zone. Here you can feel the authentic Romanian atmosphere with folkloristic music and dances, and typical food, from starters to desserts!

Built in 1724, the Stavropoleos Church is an Orthodox temple that, despite its small size, shines among the imposing concrete buildings that surround it. The exterior of the Stavropoleos Church is covered with colorful frescoes And so are the interiors: the walls and ceilings are covered in frescoes and also the magnificent iconostasis, in finely carved wood. This church is a real jewel of sacred and Byzantine art.

We left early by bus for Sinaia!

Sinaia, the pearl of the Carpathians is a wonderful medieval village, situated 120 kilometers in the north of Bucharest, 800 meters above sea level and immersed in a breathtaking mountain landscape. It takes its name from the monastery of Sinaia, built in the seventeenth century in the Brancovenesti style by the will of a Romanian nobleman after a pilgrimage to Mount Sinai in Egypt. The most interesting place to visit in Sinaia is the Castle of Peles, built in the second half of the nineteenth century, imitating the style of Bavarian castles and richly decorated both inside and outside. Sinaia, moreover, is one of the most important holiday resorts in central Romania, among nature, green valleys and snow-capped peaks.

One of the most beautiful Romanian monuments, built at the behest of King Carol I between 1873 and 1914 in a neo-Renaissance style with touches of Gothic, is the work of the German architects Johannes Schultz, Carol Benesch and Karel Liman, inspired by the archnamed Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. In fact, due to its shape and purposes, Peles Castle is a palace, not a castle, which covers an area of 3200 square meters with over 170 rooms, many of them inspired by themes and styles from all over the world. All rooms are richly furnished, and decorated down to the smallest detail. The Murano’s glass chandeliers, the music room and the mirrors’ room are just some of the wonders inside the palace! The beautifulest castle we ever seen!

We left early by bus for Brasov!

Brasov, Transilvania, is one of located on the northern slope of the Transylvanian Alps (Southern Carpathians), surrounded on three sides by mountains, 105 miles (170 km) north-northwest of Bucharest by road. It has with gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture and was founded, in 1211, by the Teutonic Knights. The Old Townhall Square (Piața Sfatului) is lined by colorfully painted and richely ornately baroque structures!

A nice and cozy place to have a coffee with the place view!

The Black Church (Biserica Neagra)is the largest gothic structure in Romania and got its name from its exteriour walls, darkened by the flames and smoke of the 'Great Fire' of 1689. The impressive interior of the church houses one of the largest organs in Eastern Europe and an unique collection of antique rugs and kilims.

means Rope Street, is the narrowest street in the city of Brașov, and believed to be one of the narrowest streets in Europe! It was initially built as a shortcut that firemen could use, first mentioned in 17th century documents. The walls are covered in writing by the tourists so is very suggestive! Connects Cerbului with Poarta Schei in the historic center of Braşov.

Catherine Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei). Built in 1559 and once the main entrance to medieval Kronstadt, it is the only original city gate to have survived the test of time. Catherine's Gate, erected in 1559 by the Tailors' Above the entrance, the tower bears the city's coat of arms: a crown on a tree trunk.

Beautiful place and excellent typical food! Great location in the heart of Bosov, in the central square and with internal and external tables!

25 km from Brasov, we visited Bran’s Castle, also known as Dracula’s castle! It eas built between 1377 and 1388 by the Saxons of Transylvania as a fortress and a customs point, on top of a hill to offer clear views of the valley and was built to stop the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, it’s one of the most famous castle in the world thanks to the myth created around Bram Stocker's Dracula. Bran’s castle, in fact, resembles Dracula’s Castle as described in the novel: both stand on rocky precipices and command spectacular views.

One of the most beautiful parks in the city, perfect for a regenerating and relaxing walk. There are many benches in a bewitching and evocative greenery, and the pond with ducks, little bridges and boats makes it even more special!

A super Instagrammable place! This very characteristic alley is dominated by umbrellas that create a scenic and colorful spectacle!

One of the most popular places in Pasajul Victoriei. You can admire the colourful umbrellas and taste some specialties: they have everything from sweet to savoury! The restaurant has an outdoor space closed at the veranda under the umbrellas, and inside too!

Piața Unirii is one of the largest squares in Bucharest, famous for the monumental fountain located in the square, Ceaușescu fountains. According to the World Record Academy, these fountains are the longest system of choreographed fountains in the world! They’re spectacular: and if you go there in the weekends, by 20:45, from May to October you can assist to the Water Simphony: a spectacular water coreography with music and sounds! The music chosen includes the soundtracks of The Pirates of the Caribbean and Game of Thrones, along with Queen's songs!

A luxurious (but not expensive at all) spa and wellness center located in the heart of Bucharest, open all-year-long, a not-to-be-missed spot! Offering a range of thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas, Thermae Bucharest provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can indulge in a variety of spa treatments, massages and beauty therapies, all designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. There are great restaurants and cafè too, and it’s spectacular in the evening so we stayed all day!

This beautiful istoric restaurant is located in the heart of Bucharest, very near to the Stravopoleos Monastery. Established in 1879, is known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, traditional Romanian cuisine, and lively atmosphere. One of the most popular specialties at Caru cu Bere is the "papanasi," a delicious dessert made of fried dough topped with sour cream and jam. You must try it as we did! In the evenings you can assist to spectacular dances too while eating!

A curiosity: this is the Heaviest building in the world! Also known as the Palace of the Parliament, is was constructed during the communist era under the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu. The building features impressive architectural details, including marble interiors, crystal chandeliers, and intricate decorations. Houses the Romanian Parliament. You need a reservation to visit and we’ve seen it just from outside.

This charming café in the heart of Bucharest is inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, with its artistic decor and vibrant colors. You can enjoy a variety of specialty coffees, teas, and delicious pastries while surrounded by Van Gogh-themed artwork and decor. Super-instagrammable place!

Is the house of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, as the interior features a circular concert hall with exceptional acoustics, Built in the 19th century in a neoclassical style, the Athenaeum has an iconic dome and grand columns that adorn the exterior.

One of the best frappè we had in our life! We had pistachios and salted caramel ones, so yummy! Definitely worth a visit!

Set in an ancient 19th-century building, transformed into a 6 floor library, Carturesti Carusel is one of the most evocative and elegant bookstores in the world. Here you can sit and read in peace, eat organic food, buy wines and gifts or indulge in a gastronomic break in the top-floor cafeteria, which offers a fantastic overview of the city.