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If you’re looking for a day tour from Bucharest or Brașov, Peleș Castle seems to be the most popular option (on par with Bran Castle of Dracula fame). A Google review even labelled Peleș Castle as the most beautiful castle in Europe. So, spending some time in Transylvania, we were intrigued to find out what the hype was about (and if it was justified). If you’re here to learn more about Peleș Castle, whether it’s worth visiting, what to expect (and how it compares with its smaller sibling, Pelișor, next door), you’ve come to the right place.
What are Peleș and Pelișor?
Peleș and Pelișor (meaning little Peleș) were residences of the Romanian Royal Family. King Carol I, Romania’s first monarch following the country’s independence from the Ottoman Empire, commissioned both castles:
| Peleș - A Neo-Renaissance Masterpiece | Pelișor - A Queen's Private Retreat |
|---|---|
| Constructed between 1873 and 1883, Peleș Castle is a striking example of Neo-Renaissance architecture. It served as the main residence for King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth, hosting generations of Romanian royalty: King Carol II and King Michael I, Romania’s last monarch, were both born here. King Carol I and King Ferdinand both passed away at Peleș Castle. | Located on the same estate, just a short distance from Peleș, Pelișor Castle was built between 1899 and 1902 for the Royal Heirs to the throne, Prince Ferdinand and Princess Marie (later King Ferdinand and Queen Marie). Queen Marie, a key figure in Romania’s history, died at Pelișor Castle. As per her final wishes, her heart rests in a golden casket in the Golden Room. |
Located in the Carpathian town of Sinaia, Pelișor and nearby Peleș Castle were residences of the Romanian Royal Family
Where are Peleș and Pelișor Castles (and when can you visit them)?
Peleș and Pelișor Castles are located in Sinaia, a scenic mountain town 140km north of Bucharest and 50km south of Brașov in Romania. Both castles are situated (almost) within the Royal Estate, northwest of the town centre.
Both castles are open from 10:00 to 17:00 on Wednesdays and from 09:15 to 17:00 on Thursdays to Sundays. Be aware, though, that the last admissions are earlier than 17:00: 15:45 for Peleș and 16:15 for Pelișor.
Note Peleș is currently under renovation (and the second floor is inaccessible). Pelișor Castle will be closed for maintenance from October 15 to 31, 2025.
Map of Accommodation, Points of Interest, Eateries and Transport
Below is a map of the recommended accommodations, points of interest, eateries, and transport terminals or stops mentioned in this article.
How do you get to Peleș and Pelișor (by public transport)?
Sinaia is a stop on the train route between Bucharest and Brașov, making it easy to reach the castles by public transport:
- Train to Sinaia: Trains from Brașov to Sinaia take approximately one hour; from București Nord, about 1.5 hours. You can check the timetable and purchase tickets online through the Romanian Railways (CFR) website or the 12Go website.
- Sinaia Train Station to Bus Stop: Upon arrival at Sinaia Train Station, exit the building and head towards the stairs opposite. The stairs take you through a small park – a steep climb, so take your time. Once you reach the top, turn right and continue towards the Policlinica Gară bus stop [Google Maps location]. This is where the buses to the Royal Estate depart.
Sinaia is a stop on the train route between Bucharest and Brașov, making it easy to reach the castles by public transport
- Bus to Royal Estate: Purchase your bus ticket from the machine located at the bus stop. You can take the #T1, #T3, #T4 or #T5 bus and ride until you reach Bus Stop Economat [Google Maps location], just outside the Royal Estate.
- Walk to the Castles: From the Economat Bus Stop, enter the Royal Estate via Strada Săniușului, following the serpentine path downhill. As you continue walking, you will soon reach a clock tower, a key landmark signalling your arrival at the castle grounds. Keep walking through the gate at the bottom of the clock tower and along the pathway on the other side. Eventually, the pathway will separate (an ATM is next to the path). To reach Peleș Castle, continue straight ahead. If your destination is Pelișor Castle, take a sharp left turn and head slightly uphill.
From the train station, it's a short steep walk to the bus stop - buses #T1, #T3, #T4 and #T5 take visitors to Economat, just outside the Royal Estate
What are the entry fees, and where can I purchase tickets for Peleș and Pelișor?
The entry fee to Peleș Castle varies depending on the floors you want to see (more on that below):
- It’s RON50 per person for the Ground Floor only, and
- RON100 for the Ground Floor and the 1st Floor.
The most worthwhile rooms are on the first floor, so getting the more expensive ticket is the better option. The second floor appears to be off-limits at present (due to the ongoing renovation work).
Entry to Pelișor Castle costs RON30 per person and covers all floors.
Visitors can purchase tickets online or in person at each of the castles (although, in the case of Peleș, only tickets for both the Ground and First Floors are available on the website). There is no timed entry; online tickets must be used within 14 days.
Also, be aware:
- Ticket counters only accept cash (and RON only, no EUR). ATMS are available opposite the ticket counter at Peleș and the intersection where the path leads to Pelișor.
- If you want to visit both castles, there is no discounted combined ticket – you have to queue (and pay full price) twice.
Ticket counters at the castles only accept cash, but there are ATMs in the castle grounds
What to see at Peleș Castle?
Peleș Castle does not provide a guide (either at the entrance or on its website) about what visitors can expect to see inside. To help you make the most of your visit, here’s an overview of what to expect on each floor:
Upon entering the castle, you're being led through a columned reception room and up a staircase into the Hall of Honour – at full height and with beautiful wood carvings, paintings and a stained-glass ceiling, it's a feast for the eyes.
Visitors to Peleș Castle are greeted by the Hall of Honour, replete with intricate wood carvings and a stunning stained-glass ceiling
Other notable rooms on this floor include:
- the Armory Room
- the Study of King Carol I
- the New Audience Hall
- the Old Music Room, and
- the opulent Dining Hall.
The New Audience Hall is another notable room on the ground floor of Peleș Castle...
Between the Old Music Room and the Dining Hall, visitors pass through several exquisitely designed rooms, each reflecting a different architectural influence:
- the Florentine Room
- the Italian Room
- the Turkish Salon, and
- the Moorish Hall.
... as is the Moorish Hall, one of several themed salons at Peleș Castle
The first space on this level is the Marble Gallery, a bright and open corridor leading to the castle's Great and Small Music Halls.
Home to the impressive Rieger Organ, the Great and Small Music Halls were designed for musical performances. An engineering marvel, the organ can be played from the two connected rooms.
The Rieger Organ can be played from either the Great or Small Music Halls
The Royal Chambers were the private living quarters of the monarchs, consisting of the royal bed chamber, dressing room, bathroom, breakfast room and the guard room.
The birthplace of King Carol II, the Rococo Apartment, was later used as a guest suite for visiting royal family members.
Reserved for distinguished royal guests, the Imperial Suite features a reception room, a bed chamber and a private bathroom.
The beautiful Rococo Apartment was the birthplace of King Carol II
- the Suite of King Michael I, the private quarters of King Michael I, the last reigning monarch of Romania
- Apartments of various ladies in waiting (of Queen Elisabeth) and for guests of the Royal family (including famous artists, such as the composer George Enescu),
- the room of Queen Elisabeth's maid, various sitting rooms and salons decorated in different styles (including Rococo, Biedermeier), as well as a library for guests, and
- Queen Elisabeth's Painting Studio is probably the most beautiful space on this floor, with a lot of natural light and warm, welcoming décor.
Queen Elisabeth's Painting Studio is the most beautiful space on the second floor of Peleș Castle
What is it like visiting Peleș Castle?
Given the high entry fee, one might expect a premium experience, but this is (sadly) not the case. Here are some of the shortcomings we experienced during our visit:
Visitor flow and congestion
There is no timed entry. Pending how busy it is when you arrive, you may have to queue around the courtyard and wait until you’re let in. The waiting time is unpredictable, but waiting 30 minutes or more is not uncommon. There is nowhere to sit down while you queue. To add insult to injury, tour groups are being let in immediately.
All visitors start on the Ground Floor and go through each room (one-way) in a pre-set order. Those who have tickets for both the Ground and First Floors must first complete the Ground Floor tour.
Guided tour groups can enter at any time, and there (seemingly) is no limit on the number of groups or their size. With limited space inside the castle, large tour groups can quickly fill rooms and block access.
As there is no timed entry nor a limit to group sizes, rooms are often full of people, making it hard to appreciate the beauty of the site and impacting the visitor experience
Lack of information
While each room has explanatory signs in multiple languages, they are difficult to access when a room is full of people. Most paintings around the castle lack descriptions, leaving visitors with little context about the historical figures depicted or the artists who created them.
Limited facilities
If you need to use the bathroom, it is best to do so before entering the castle. The only restroom is on the ground floor, in the courtyard behind the ticket office. There are only two cubicles for women and three for men (plus a urinal), leading to long queues during peak hours.
Lack of food and drink options
The castle has no café or restaurant, so visitors needing a quick refreshment will have to rely on vending machines. These are available near the entrance and just before the gift shop as you exit. If you need to eat something before your visit, it’s best to have a bite at La Tunuri, the restaurant by the clock tower through which you entered the castle grounds [Google Maps location].
Peleș visitors needing a quick refreshment will have to rely on vending machines - the nearest café or restaurant is at the entrance to the royal estate
When is the best time to avoid the crowds at Peleș Castle?
With so many tour groups visiting Peleș throughout the year, it’s hard to recommend a specific time of year (or even day) that’s less busy.
Generally, the Summer holiday season is the busiest time of the year, so avoid July and August. Based on visitor arrivals to Romania in 2024 (assuming a similar percentage of visits to Peleș Castle each month), November, January, and February are the least busy months.
Weekends also tend to be busier, so it’s best to visit on a weekday. Also, bear in mind Romania’s public holidays.
Finally, as for the time of day, that’s essentially a matter of chance, as tour groups come and go. The least busy time might be later in the afternoon, but no guarantees. If you encounter a tour group interfering with your experience, all you can do is either try to outpace them (pretty hard given they don’t spend a lot of time in each room) or wait until they’ve moved on (and hope the next tour group isn’t already on your heels).
For the best chance to experience Peleș Castle without the crowds, visit (outside of public holidays) on a weekday in winter | Image courtesy of Andreea Mihalcea on Unsplash
What to expect when visiting Pelișor Castle?
Pelișor Castle is not included in most day tours from Bucharest or Brașov, which makes it a quieter and less crowded destination. The lack of queues also makes visiting easy, especially if you’re short on time.
Arrival
Upon arrival, visitors must cover their shoes with plastic sleeves (and wear them during their visit). Unfortunately, the sleeves don’t seem to get recycled (causing an incredible amount of waste each year). At the entrance, guests also receive a two-page laminated explanation in English (French, Spanish, Italian, and Romanian are also available). However, there is no floor plan (and walking around the castle with this leaflet, it’s not always clear what room you’re in).
Visitors to Pelișor Castle need to wear (single use) plastic sleeves
Exploring the Castle
Pelișor Castle has two floors. Notable rooms include the Hall of Honour, King Ferdinand’s Apartment, Queen Marie’s Bedroom, Queen Marie’s Painting Studio, the Golden Room (with Queen Marie’s heart in a golden casket draped in Romanian and British flags) and the Dining Room – the latter two are the most opulent spaces in the castle. Most rooms are not accessible; visitors must view each room from the doorway.
More understated in style than its larger cousin, the Dining Room is among the most opulent rooms at Pelișor Castle
While some signage is available at each doorway, other descriptions are positioned further inwards, making them impossible to read. QR codes are provided for those who want to look up additional information in English (and other languages). However, mobile internet access is required, as WiFi is not offered at Pelișor. Many artefacts lack explanations altogether.
Facilities and Amenities
Although the castle has undergone a complete refurbishment, the restrooms are neither modern nor well-maintained. If you need refreshments, there are only vending machines on-site.
Vending machines are also the only source of refreshments at Pelișor Castle
Are Peleș and/or Pelișor accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, neither Peleș nor Pelișor Castle are wheelchair-friendly, and visitors with mobility issues may find the sights challenging to navigate:
- The roads and pathways leading to both castles are made of cobblestones and dirt, which makes it difficult to push a wheelchair or use mobility aids.
- Inside the castles, there are no elevators or accessible ramps, meaning visitors must rely on the stairs to access different floors. During our visit, wheelchair users had to be carried up the stairs, which is neither safe nor practical.
- Also, due to the high visitor numbers at Peleș, navigating the narrow corridors (and trying to appreciate each room) can be extremely difficult for those with mobility limitations.
Peleș and Pelișor are not wheelchair-friendly, and visitors with mobility issues may find the sights challenging to navigate
Where to stay in Sinaia?
If you want to visit Peleș and/or Pelișor and prefer to stay in Sinaia, here are our accommodation recommendations for you:
| Name | Property Features | Type | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complex La Tunuri | Feel (almost) like royalty for a night (or more) at the former Guard House of the Royal Estate (the one with the clock tower) | Guesthouse | Book Now |
| Excelsior Boutique Hotel Sinaia | Located in Sinaia a short walk from the bus stop to the castles, rooms are beautifully decorated | Hotel | Book Now |
| Garsoniera Parc Ultracentral | Located next door to the Excelsior Boutique Hotel, this modern, one-bedroom apartment has a small kitchen and mountain views | Apartment | Book Now |
Sinaia offers some superb options to those who want to visit Peleș and/or Pelișor and prefer to stay in town | Image courtest of Yulia Z on Unsplash
Final Thoughts: Are Peleș and/or Pelișor worth a visit?
That’s a hard one to answer. Both castles are beautiful for their historic value and the craftsmanship and hard work that have gone into the buildings, their interiors, and the furnishings. From that perspective, they are worth visiting.
But is a visit to either good value for money? While Pelișor is more fairly priced (and could be easily improved with better information and signage), Peleș felt like a rip-off (sorry). Peleș could be a great experience if the visitor management and facilities matched the visitor demand (and needs), and the experience matched the price tag. At RON100/EUR20 for the Ground and First Floor (and RON150/EUR30 for all three floors when they were accessible), entry prices are way more expensive than the likes of
- Versailles, which costs EUR18 (with timed entry), even though the Palace is much older and about 20 times the size of Peleș, or
- Neuschwanstein (roughly the same age as Peleș and about double the size), which costs EUR21 (only on a guided tour).
If Peleș gets 250,000-500,000 visitors and the museum pays EUR21,000 in monthly rent to the Royal Family (who still owns the castle and seems to be on the hook to maintain it), where are those tens of millions of remaining visitor income spent? We love Romania, but the visitor experience at Peleș is not one of its finest achievements.
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