Romania’s castles have an unimaginable allure.
They mesmerize visitors with their stylistic architectural features and give a glimpse into an era dating back to the 14th century.
Although castles exist all over Europe, the castles in Transylvania—the home of castles—have a rich cultural and historical heritage connection.
And when it comes to visiting Romania’s best castle, choosing between Bran Castle and Peles Castle can be tricky.
While Bran Castle delights with its Dracula legend and medieval charm, Peles Castle has impressive royal elegance and architecture.
But you must also consider other factors: location, opening hours, ticket prices and accessibility.
So, which one is superior? Let’s compare the two to determine which is better for the overall experience.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects to help you decide:
Bran Castle Home of Dracula
- Location- Strada General Traian Msoiu 24, Bran 507025, Romania
- Timings: 9 am to 6 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) and 12 am to 6 pm (Monday).
- Duration- 1 – 2 hours
- Best time to Visit- Spring or Fall
- Ticket Price: €22 ($24)
Peles Castle: A Royal Retreat
- Location- Aleea Pelesului 2, Sinaia 106100, Romania
- Timings: 9.15 am to 5 pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
- Duration- 1 – 2 hours
- Best time to Visit- Spring or late summer
- Ticket Price: €33 ($36)
Bran Castle vs Peles Castle: Overview
Bucharest, Romania, is home to two iconic castles that tell the story of Romania’s rich history.
Bran Castle’s Gothic architecture and stone walls are a favorite among adventurers and history enthusiasts.
The castle is famous worldwide as the legendary home of Count Dracula, but it has a fascinating history beyond Bram Stoker’s creation.
Built by the Teutonic Knights in the medieval era, Bran Castle served strategic purposes and still stands today.
It has impressive towers high above a 200 ft rock.
Peles Castle, on the other hand, was born out of King Carol I’s love affair with Carpathaian mountains during his first year in Romania.
The King constructed the palace as summer retreat in the village of Sinaia.
The neo-classical palace soon became a haven for royals, artists, and musicians starting in 1883.
Bran Castle vs Peles Castle: Location
Bran Castle is in Transylvania, about 19 miles (30.5 km) from Brasov.
On the other hand, Peles Castle is north of Sinaia, 87 miles (140 km) north of Bucharest.
Bran and Peles Castles are only 19 miles (30 km) apart.
Despite their proximity, each has different opening hours.
Hence, tourists should be aware of them if they include both castles in their itinerary.
Bran Castle vs Peles Castle: Opening Hours
Bran Castle Opening Hours
Bran Castle is open all year round, seven days a week, from 9 am to 4 pm and 6 pm from October to March and April to September, respectively.
1 October 2013 to 31 March 2024 (Bran Castle)
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12 pm to 4 pm |
| Tuesday to Sunday | 9 am to 4 pm |
Peles Castle Opening Hours
The Peles Castle’s opening hours vary depending on the season and day of the week.
10 October 2023 to 14 April 2024 (Peles Castle)
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10 am to 5 pm |
| Thursday to Sunday | 9:15 am to 5 pm |
Bran Castle opens one hour before Peles Castle and closes the same.
On Monday and Tuesday, Peles Castle remains closed, whereas Bran Castle remains open.
So if you wish to explore both castles on a single day, it’s recommended to choose between Wednesday to Sunday.
Keep in mind: Between 12 and 25 February 2024, the Peles Castle will remain closed for cleaning and preservation works.
On 25 December and 1 January, the Bran Castle will operate from 10 am to 4 pm.
Highlights of Bran Castle
Bran Castle stand among the beautiful landscapes of Bucharest, impressing adventurers and history enthusiasts with its Gothic spires and stone walls.
Beyond its association with Bram Stoker’s iconic character, the castle holds a rich tapestry of medieval origins and strategic significance.
The well-preserved Donjon round tower highlights Bran Castle’s Gothic architecture, blending wood and stone in its massive structure.
Originally damaged by lightning, the present design of the round tower dates back to 1593, showcasing the castle’s resilience and historical evolution.
During Queen Marie’s renovations in the 1920s, a special secret passage made of stone was discovered within the castle’s 57 rooms.
It connects the first and third floors and is hidden behind an old fireplace.
Highlights of Peles Castle
Peles Castle, a Neo-Renaissance palace in the Royal Domain of Sinaia, is a wonder of architectural brilliance.
Built between 1873 and 1914, it was the first electrified castle in Europe. It boasted 160 rooms, a theatre, and hot and cold running water.
The castle was not only a royal residence but also a testament to the architectural prowess of the time.
Its interiors reflect the distinct personalities of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth, with the king’s dedication to duty and the queen’s artistic flair.
Today, it serves as a museum, displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie.
Peles Castle offers a scenic location for visitors, set against the scenic backdrop of the Bucegi Mountains.
It also has an impressive collection of weapons and armor and medieval art on display.
Bran Castle vs Peles Castle: Which Ticket Is Best For You?
The Bran Castle offers fast-track access and a more affordable ticket pricing structure than the Peles Castle.
The Bran Castle ticket costs €18 ($19) for adults 18 to 64, and children ages 7 to 17 and seniors above 65 get discounted tickets at €6 ($6) and €16 ($17), respectively.
Bran Castle admission ticket allows you to choose your preferred time slot from 12 pm to 3:30 pm.
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On the other hand, Peles Castle offers a standard entry ticket for €33 ($36) for adults 18 and above, €16 ($17) for students 18 to 15, and € 6 to 17 for children.
Peles Castle gives free access to children under five.
Bran Castle Vs Peles Castle: Crowd Analysis
Bran Castle is the most visited attraction in Romania, drawing more than one million visitors.
It gets quite crowded during the weekends, primarily in the peak months of June to August.
Long lines are usually at the entrance, even in the early morning.
Additionally, Bran Castle’s narrow stairways often result in long waiting lines for visitors to pass.
Peles Castle is the second most visited castle after Bran Castle.
Visiting Peles Castle on weekdays is best as weekends tend to be crowded and you need to wait too long to enter.
Furthermore, it’s advisable to explore the castle during the afternoon. In the mornings, numerous tour buses with sizable groups are hosted.