ROMANIA

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

BUCHAREST (OTP)

Bucharest, the “Little Paris of the East,” is a captivating city of contrasts where Belle Époque elegance meets colossal Communist-era monuments. In 2026, the city pulses with energy, from the vibrant, café-lined streets of the Old Town to the immense Palace of the Parliament, the world’s heaviest building. Visitors enjoy the neoclassical beauty of the Romanian Athenaeum, the serene Cismigiu Gardens, and the massive Therme București wellness center. With a thriving specialty coffee scene and signature dishes like sarmale and mici, Bucharest blends its complex history with a bold, modern spirit.

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe (alternative to Cluj-Napoca)

CLUJ-NAPOCA (CLJ)

Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is a vibrant university city where Gothic steeples rise above a booming tech scene. It remains Romania’s most youthful city, home to the world-famous Untold Festival and a thriving specialty coffee culture. Visitors enjoy the panoramic views from Cetățuia Hill, the botanical gardens, and the baroque elegance of Unirii Square. As the primary gateway to the northern Carpathians, Cluj offers a perfect mix of historical charm and modern energy, making it a favorite for those heading into the primeval wild.