Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)

Even if you are not enticed by Bran Castle’s darker history, visiting the so-called Dracula’s Castle makes a lovely day trip from either Bucharest or Brasov. Views from the castle, which overlooks the medieval city of Bran, are epic, and learning about the castle’s rich history is easy, as most of the displays are translated into English. Expect dozens of tunnels, a secret staircase, and nearly 60 rooms, several with museum-like displays around different themes. Don’t miss the room dedicated to Dracula. To experience more of the looming stone edifice, stroll around its base to see it from every angle. See more of Transylvania by booking a one-day tour that combines a visit to Bran Castle with sites like Peles Castle, Poenari Castle, Rasnov Fortress, or Brasov’s Black Church.

• Bran Castle is a must-see for adventurous travelers and Goth history buffs.

• Allow two to three hours for your visit.

• Expect long entry lines; book tickets in advance to reduce wait times.

• Many parts of the castle have low ceilings, so watch your head.

• Bran Castle is not wheelchair accessible, but admission is free for the disabled.

Bran Castle is easily accessible from Bucharest and Brasov. Take the train from Bucharest to Brasov, about a 3.5-hour ride, and then transfer to a bus or taxi for the remaining 30-mile (48-kilometer) journey to Bran Castle. Buses run between Brasov and the castle every 30 minutes during the week and once an hour on the weekends.

Bran Castle is open year-round (April 1 to September 30: Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 6pm; Monday from noon to 6pm; October 1 to March 31: Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 4pm; Monday from noon to 4pm). The castle is best visited during summer, when the weather is pleasant and the castle remains open a few extra hours. That said, winter’s gray skies and chilly temperatures offer an appropriately gloomy ambience. Try to visit on a weekday and arrive first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. Alternatively, arrive later in the afternoon and stay to watch the sun setting in the distance.

Bran Castle is rumored to have been the home of the infamous ruler of Wallachia, Vlad Tepes, the vicious ruler who is said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula. In addition to Bran Castle, Dracula fans will enjoy visiting Targoviste, once the capital of Wallachia and where Vlad held court. An hour from there is the Poenari Castle, one of Vlad’s main fortresses. And on the way back to Bucharest is the Snagov Monastery, where Vlad is said to be buried. Visit all four sights together by booking a Dracula tour from Bucharest.

Visitors usually take up to one hour to tour Bran Castle and see its different rooms and exhibitions. Plus, allow extra time to explore the castle grounds and special areas such as the Time Tunnel, as well as for waiting in the ticket lines if you didn’t purchase them in advance.

Yes, Bran Castle is most definitely worth visiting if you're sightseeing in Romania. Even if you're not interested in seeing Dracula's Castle, this medieval castle is beautifully preserved and has a lot of real history associated with it. Plus, seeing an actual secret passage hidden behind a fireplace is unforgettable.

Yes, when visiting Bran Castle you can pay to go inside to see the rooms and main courtyard. The interior of the castle hosts exhibits that feature its history and royal residents, as well as the folklore surrounding its connection with the fictional character Count Dracula.

Bran Castle has a secret passageway (that connects its first and third floors) and a secret room that was carved out when its well was dug as a last refuge for people and valuables. This secret room is connected to the Time Tunnel, a horizontal gallery that runs to Royal Park.

No, no one lives in Bran Castle. The last residents of Bran Castle were Queen Marie of Romania, before her death in 1938, and her daughter Princess Ileana, who left in 1932 to live abroad with her husband. In 1957, the castle was turned into a museum by the Romanian State.

No, you can’t stay in Bran Castle overnight as it’s a museum rather than a hotel. However, the castle can be booked to host private events and has a restaurant in Queen Maria’s Tea House outside the castle keep, where you can try local Romanian dishes.