CNN Travel has published its list of the best destinations to visit in 2025, bringing together impressive places from around the world. Romania, on CNN's list of destinations to visit in 2025, is praised for its diversity and its authentic places that take you back in time.
Romania on CNN's list of destinations to visit in 2025
Whether it's vibrant cities, exotic islands, or lesser-known regions, the selection offers inspiration for memorable trips.
Romania: An Authentic Destination on CNN's List of Places to Visit in 2025
According to the article, Romania comes close to that undiscovered-destination feel that is increasingly rare in Europe. From the Black Sea beaches to the spectacular landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, the country offers impressive diversity and, it seems, is trying to grow tourist numbers sustainably.
Beyond the Dracula legend and Bran Castle, CNN recommends cities with Gothic and medieval charm in Transylvania and beyond, such as Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brașov, and Sebeș.
The capital, Bucharest, has a charming old town, though it is now full of bars and restaurants for tourists, and its recent history remains a major draw. The article notes the contrast between the opulence of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu – visible in the House of the People and in his former residence, the Spring Palace – and the suffering of Romanians during the communist era, documented at the Museum of Communism, which is small but essential.
For an authentic experience of rural life, CNN's recommendation includes the Via Transilvanica, a recently launched 1,400 km hiking trail through villages and rural landscapes that seem frozen in time.
Places CNN included in its list of 25 top destinations for 2025
CNN Travel's list of trips for 2025 features a diverse range of places, from historic cities to natural paradises.
Almaty, Kazakhstan, impresses with the mountain scenery of the Tian Shan and its vibrant culture. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, are known for exotic beaches, diving, and nature exploration.
Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, draws visitors with its white-sand beaches, year-round warmth, and lush tropical vegetation. Bolivia delights with the Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, and the cities of La Paz and Sucre.
Chemnitz, Germany, is one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2025, while England's public footpaths are ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
In Africa, Eswatini and South Africa's Mpumalanga province, promoted together, offer spectacular landscapes, while Sierra Leone impresses with superb beaches, rainforest hikes, and encounters with chimpanzees.
Gdańsk, Poland, stands out for its history and the beauty of a city rebuilt after the war, while Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a paradise for adventurers.
Italy can be explored by train, from the luxurious La Dolce Vita Orient Express to the high-speed Frecce trains, while the Kaçkar Mountains, Turkey, are ideal for hiking.
Asia puts the spotlight on the Kansai region, Japan, with Osaka, host of Expo 2025, the temples of Nara, and Himeji Castle.
Mendoza, Argentina, is famous for its wines, and Nashville, Tennessee, USA, for country music.
Niue, Polynesia, is an exotic island, while Nuuk, Greenland, is becoming more accessible thanks to its new international airport and is the starting point for exploring Greenland.
In North America, the Ozarks region, USA, draws visitors with its wild nature, and San Francisco de Campeche, Mexico, with its colonial charm.
Rabat, Morocco, the country's modern capital, attracts visitors with the new Royal Theater designed by Zaha Hadid and with new flights to Morocco.
Stockholm, Sweden, a city spread across 14 islands, attracts visitors with its archipelago and a new 270 km hiking trail, while Taupō, New Zealand, offers spectacular scenery, Lake Taupō, and Huka Falls.
Vancouver Island, Canada, is a slice of paradise for nature lovers, while the rail trails of Vermont, USA, are perfect for walking or cycling through rural landscapes in any season.
Conclusions
The fact that Romania was included by CNN Travel among the top destinations to visit in 2025 is an important recognition of the country's tourism potential.
At a time when sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important, Romania stands out for the authenticity of its traditional villages, its well-preserved medieval towns, and initiatives such as the Via Transilvanica, which promotes ecotourism and the responsible exploration of natural and cultural heritage.
In addition, Romania's inclusion on this list helps strengthen its international image as a destination able to attract travelers looking for authentic experiences that are less affected by mass tourism.
This global recognition is an opportunity for promotion and a call for strategic investment in infrastructure and quality tourism services, in order to make the most of this potential and turn Romania into a top destination in Europe.
See also the articles about Romania's fairytale roads: Transfăgărășan, Transalpina, Transapuseana.
