Or rather the first ten of the many, many things you should not miss while in Romania. Add your own suggestions in the comment box below this article.

1. Drive (or bike) on the Transfagarasan and Transalpina

The two high altitude roads provide breathtaking views and are a must while in Romania. We wrote about the Transfagarasan here. They both can get busy during the summer, which is the peak season, as both are officially closed in winter.

2. Hike in the Carpathian Mountains

Romania has kept much of its pristine landscapes and the Carpathian mountains are a good example of that. These mountains are so diverse and can provide a nature enthusiast with lots of varieties. The easiest is to hike from the famous mountain resorts of Sinaia and Predeal. Travel Planner: A climb to the Pietrosul Rodnei mountain peak and the lake shaped like Romania

3. Travel by horse & carriage in the countryside

This is truly one of the ultimate Romanian experiences. A lot of people in the Romanian countryside still travel by horse and carriage, and use them for daily activities around the household, like transporting hay or corn from the field. Traveling by horse carriage could be a fun way to discover how life still is for some Romanians. Our personal favorite – traveling on top of a horse carriage filled with hay – it requires some balancing skills however, but it is lots of fun. Always do this accompanied by someone who has done it in the past - it can be dangerous if you fall.

4. Visit the many Orthodox Churches

One hasn’t seen Romania if they haven’t seen its churches - beyond the famous monasteries in Moldova. Any church, in any village, or city, can be a showcase of art and local beliefs. A tour of Orthodox Churches in Bucharest is always a great idea for any weekend. Travel planner: Looking at Bucharest’s Orthodox churches in the warm March sunshine

5. Visit the People’s Palace in Bucharest

This is what most tourists do – or want to do – when arriving in Bucharest. So in case this is something you’re tempted to skip just because it seems so touristy, think again. They might not show you the whole Palace during the visitor's tours, but what you will see will be impressive. Plus, you will like the stories shared by the guide.

6. Eat traditional food in a countryside home

Don’t leave Romania without trying some of the food specialties. To add to their flavor, they should be cooked by a housewife and served either as a regular lunch or dinner or for festive events – Christmas, Easter. That can happen either in the countryside or in a city. The best version, however, is to try and taste the food they make in the countryside. The local dishes will vary depending on the area of Romania that you visit. But wherever you go you will most likely try exquisite bors or ciorba – sour soup – or the sarmale – minced meat in cabbage rolls, for example.

7. Buy produce from the local markets

This is a must for anybody who spends some time in Bucharest or in other large – or small Romanian cities. There are plenty so-called peasant markets in Bucharest, and they are open daily. Fruit and vegetable producers from around Bucharest and sometimes from areas farther away bring their produce to these markets, which are open daily. While supermarket fruits and vegetables are also abounding, a lot of Romanians prefer to go to the market to buy the local, tasty flavors. In the countryside, such markets are organized typically once a week, and most people will grow their own vegetables.  Bucharest’s authentic spots: the traditional food markets

8. Travel by the Mocanita steam train

The slowest train there is, and the most relaxing, and pace – changing experience. We wrote about the Mocanita here. It’s a must-try in Romania. The only downside is that it is quite far from capital Bucharest, but both the Mocanita and the area are worth the detour.

9. Sleep in a haystack or in the grass, under the clear sky

Many Romanians who grew up in the countryside have done so during hot, summer nights. It is truly a unique experience – sleeping in a haystack (make sure to have some blankets though), watching the stars. Alternatively, take the sleeping bag and sleep in the yard, in the grass, or at least spend some time at night in one of those quiet, far away Romanian villages. It is extremely refreshing.

10.Observe holiday traditions

Rural Romania has kept many holiday traditions, which differ from region to region, sometimes even from village to neighboring village. Winter holiday traditions are especially worth following – the Bear Dance, the Masked Caroler, the Goat. More about these traditions, here.

editor@romania-insider.com