Romania

Romania: Picturesque, History, and My Bohemian Soul

Buna, Amber here! I just got back from an incredible week in Romania, and I’m so excited to share all the details. If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve traveled a fair bit—my husband and I lived overseas for years, and our son was even born in Japan. But Romania? It hit differently.
I’ve always felt a connection to Eastern Europe—it’s gritty, bohemian, and full of character. Learning that my great-grandmother came to the U.S. from Romania at 17 only deepened that connection. So when my husband spent a couple of months working in Bucharest this fall, I knew I had to jump on a plane and visit.

Getting there was pretty straightforward: Chicago to Bucharest with a quick layover in Vienna. If you’ve ever had a short European layover, you know it’s just enough time to power walk through customs and maybe grab a coffee if you’re lucky. I landed, hopped in an Uber, and met my husband at The Marmorosch, a gorgeous 5-star Marriott hotel in Bucharest’s Old Town. Highly recommend! The hotel used to be a bank, and they’ve kept its history alive with details like “The Vault” bar, tucked into the old bank vault. Think swanky cocktails, safety deposit boxes lining the walls, and a vibe that makes you feel fancy.

My husband had work, which gave me plenty of time to explore solo. First rule of jet lag: don’t nap. Just jump into the local time zone, get outside, and soak up the sun (or whatever weather you’ve got). Luckily, mid-September in Bucharest was perfect—70s and 80s every day.
I started with a historic walking tour, my go-to for new cities. Walking tours are the best way to get your bearings, learn the highlights, and figure out where you want to spend more time. The guide packed in so much history—Bucharest’s story is fascinating, devastating and complex.
One of my favorite stops was the Palace of Parliament. This building is massive—a symbol of Romania’s communist era with a heartbreaking backstory about how they acquired the land etc. It’s worth the visit just to grasp the scale of it all.

If you know me, you know coffee is life. Origio Cafe in Bucharest is where I had one of the best lattes ever. The cafe is adorable, with coffee cups hanging from the ceiling, and it’s perfect for people-watching. One morning, I picked up an English book from a cute bookstore and spent hours reading with my latte, soaking in the city’s vibe.
Speaking of treats, there’s this little blue crepe truck in Old Town called Cărturești. Picture fairy lights and Nutella-strawberry goodness—it’s not Paris, but it’s delicious.
Another favorite? Caru’ cu Bere, an iconic restaurant in Bucharest. It’s like stepping back in time, with stained glass windows, wood paneling and staircases, and a menu filled with traditional Romanian dishes. Try the mici (sausage) and save room for papanasi, a donut-meets-cake dessert. Trust me, you’ll leave happy.
Chateau Purcari and 1827 Wine: A Moldovan Treasure
If you’re in Romania and love wine, you have to try Chateau Purcari’s 1827 wine. Nearly every local we met raved about this Moldovan gem, and after one sip, it was clear why. The wine is smooth, rich, and absolutely unforgettable—one of those bottles that makes you want to bring a case home (trust me, we thought about it).
Chateau Purcari has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century, and their wines are known for their quality and craftsmanship. While it’s technically Moldovan, it’s hugely popular in Romania, and for good reason. If you see it on the menu—or better yet, if you find a bottle—grab it. It’s one of those travel treasures that you’ll be dreaming about long after you’ve left.

One day, I walked to the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum—a massive open-air ethnographic museum in a northern park. They’ve relocated traditional homes from across Romania to recreate entire villages. You can walk through houses, churches, and even gardens, getting a glimpse of life from the 17th to 20th centuries. It’s one of the coolest “living museums” I’ve ever seen.

After a few days in Bucharest, we rented a car and drove to Brașov, my great-grandmother’s hometown. Driving in Romania? Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. The traffic in Bucharest is intense, and most cars are manual, so be ready. But once you leave the city, the countryside unfolds like a storybook.
We stopped at Cantacuzino Castle, better known now as the filming location for Nevermore Academy in Netflix’s Wednesday. The castle is stunning, but the real magic is outside. The Carpathian Mountains tower in the background, the air is crisp, and there’s a cafe where you can sip coffee and take in the views.
Brașov itself is charming, with cobblestone streets, cool architecture, and the Hollywood-style “Brașov” sign up in the hills. My favorite spot was Juno Wine Bar, tucked into the old city wall. Picture massive wine barrels converted into seating, twinkle lights, and live music. We spent hours there—it’s a must if you visit.

Can you even visit Romania without a stop at Dracula’s castle? I don’t think so. About 30 minutes outside of Brașov, perched high on a ridge and surrounded by the dramatic Carpathian Mountains, sits Bran Castle. Built by the Saxons in the 13th century, this fortress has seen centuries of history unfold and became internationally famous thanks to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The castle itself is impressive—rugged stone walls, twisting staircases, and the kind of moody vibe that makes you wonder if Vlad the Impaler is still lurking in the shadows. But what made our visit unforgettable wasn’t just the castle—it was what was happening right across the street.
We stumbled upon a medieval festival that felt like stepping back in time. Booths were set up with locals selling everything from raw meat to traditional Romanian delicacies. There was live music, people in traditional clothing, and even donkeys wandering through the crowd. But it didn’t feel like a tourist trap or staged event—it was real and raw, an authentic slice of Romanian culture that we were lucky enough to witness.

Romania exceeded every expectation. The people are warm and welcoming, the food is delicious, and the mix of city and countryside is perfect. Whether you’re wandering Old Town Bucharest, marveling at the Black Church in Brașov, or sipping Moldovan wine (locals’ top pick!), there’s something here that feels both gritty and magical.
Put Romania on your list—it’s one of those places that gets under your skin in the best way.
Until next time, Romania. Chow! You were unforgettable.

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