Peleș Castle

Castelul Peleș

An opulent Neo-Renaissance royal palace set amid forested Carpathian slopes near Sinaia, built for Romania's first king. Its lavish interiors and fairytale exterior make it one of the country's most stunning castles.

Things to do

• Guided tour of the ground floor — Join the standard guided tour to see the Honor Hall, Grand Armory, and lavishly decorated royal apartments.
• Explore the Grand Armory — Marvel at over 4,000 pieces of European and Oriental weapons and armor, including a full suit of horse-and-rider plate armor.
• Visit Pelișor Castle — Walk a few minutes uphill to the smaller Art Nouveau residence built for King Ferdinand and Queen Marie.
• Photograph the terraced gardens — Wander the Italian-style terraces with statues, fountains, and marble balustrades set against the forested Bucegi Mountains.
• See the Moorish and Turkish salons — Take the extended tour to admire the exotic upper-floor rooms including the mirror-and-brass Turkish parlor.
• Stroll to Sinaia Monastery — Combine your visit with the nearby 17th-century Orthodox monastery that gave the town its name.
• Ride the Sinaia cable car — Take the telecabina up into the Bucegi Mountains for alpine views above the castle valley.

Food to try

• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, a staple at traditional restaurants in Sinaia.
• Bulz ciobănesc — A shepherd's dish of polenta baked with sheep cheese, bacon, and a fried egg, common in the Carpathian region.
• Mici (mititei) — Grilled skinless minced-meat rolls seasoned with garlic, best eaten with mustard and bread.
• Papanași — Fried doughnut-style dumplings topped with sour cream and sweet berry jam for dessert.
• Țuică — Strong Romanian plum brandy often offered as a welcoming shot before a meal.
• Ciorbă de burtă — A sour tripe soup enriched with cream and garlic, a warming favorite in mountain towns.

Local customs & good to know

• Buy a photo permit — Interior photography requires paying an extra fee at the ticket office, so budget for it if you want photos.
• Closed Mondays and Tuesdays — Peleș is typically shut on Mondays year-round and often Tuesdays too, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Wear the provided shoe covers — You must slip protective covers over your shoes to protect the historic parquet floors inside.
• Arrive early or book ahead — Tours can sell out and queues grow long in summer, so come at opening or reserve tickets in advance.

Nearby

• Sinaia (Wallachia) — 1 km
• Bușteni (Wallachia) — 6 km
• Bucegi Mountains (Wallachia) — 9 km
• Bran Castle — 22 km