How to Visit Peles Castle – And Why it’s Better than Bran Castle

How to Visit Peles Castle, Romania

Think of a castle in rural Romania, what comes to mind? Bran Castle and Count Dracula, right!? A dark shadow roaming through his empty corridors, alone in the rugged mountains of Transylvania. However, Romania has much more to it than one sinister looking castle with a very tenuous link to Bram Stoker’s (mostly) fictional vampire. The spectacular Peles castle also sits amongst the hills of Transylvania, but that’s really where the similarities end. Having visited this enchanting palace on several occasions we can provide all the info you need when deciding when and how to visit Peles Castle – and demonstrate why we think it’s better than Bran…

What is Peles Castle

Peles Castle is the former home of the Romanian Royal Family. The first Romanian King, Carol I, had the Palace built as a summer house in 1883. The castle was kitted out with 160 rooms, a theatre,, hot and cold running water and was the first electrified castle in Europe. The castle is now open to tourists and is a popular attraction in Romania as it is considered to be one of the most beautiful castle’s in Europe.

Where is it

This is, of course, an important factor when deciding how to visit Peles Castle. The town of Sinaia is about 2 hours North of Bucharest, Romania. Peles Castle is located just outside this quirky alpine town on the Carpathian Mountain Range.

How to Get to Peles Castle

For those staying in Sinaia, visiting Peles Castle is really simple. You can either walk – about 40 minutes from Sinaia Train Station – or jump on a bus that will take you most of the way. The T1 bus is the easiest to take from the centre of Sinaia. There are also plenty of taxis willing to help you out.

However, most visitors will be travelling from Bucharest to Peles Castle. The easiest way to get to Sinaia from Bucharest is by train. The train station is not far from the centre of Bucharest and can be found HERE . You can walk from the city centre in around 45 mins but we decided to take an e-scooter and arrived in half the time.

There are several trains from Bucharest to Sinaia per day and it takes around 1.5 hours each way. It is possible to buy tickets at the station. However, to avoid the queues, buy your tickets online at CFR Călători. Our tickets cost around €10 each way. You can pay another couple of euros to upgrade to first class which is worth it if the train is busy!

Another option from Bucharest is to take a TOUR. Most tour companies offer both Bran and Peles Castle in one day and provide transport and admission. This is a great way to see both castles on a tight timescale and you get the added bonus of the knowledge of an enthusiastic tour guide. It’s worth keeping this in mind when planning how to visit Peles Castle.

When to Visit Peles Castle

This unique castle is open to visitors all year round and looks phenomenal in all seasons. If you visit in the winter, do be aware that snow is common in the area so plan ahead and take precautions if driving. The castle can get quite crowded during peak seasons and at weekends, so it’s always a good idea to plan your visit around this when possible. Alternatively, get there for opening and you will avoid the crowds.

Is Peles Castle Worth Visiting?

Is Peles Castle worth visiting? Yes absolutely! It is totally different to Bran Castle – and you won’t find any vampires. What you will see is the most spectacular fairy-tale castle set on a backdrop of rugged, wild mountains. The castle’s interior is equally impressive as no expense was spared during construction. Many aspects of the incredible craftsmanship must be seen to be believed and there is so much for your eyes to take in!

Is Peles Castle better than Bran Castle?

If you are short on time, how do you choose whether to visit Peles Castle or Bran Castle? Of Course, Bran has a reputation to uphold, and it is an intimidating and foreboding fortress. However, the real history of the castle is somewhat tamer than the novel and the eerie atmosphere is spoilt a bit by the stalls and tourist attractions at the foot of the hill. Not to mention the crowds of tourists looking for the legendary Count.

On the other hand, Peles is less touristy, it is set in amazing surroundings and has a very unique style. There are also loads of great activities nearby – like the SINAIA GONDOLA. The downside, for some, is that Peles is far less menacing and there are no torture implements, just a room full of weapons…

Both castles are worth visiting but if you only have time for one, we recommend Peles for its spectacular beauty and truly unique style.

Peles Castle Opening hours

Peles Castle is open –

Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:15 (last admission for the basic tour)
Thursday – Sunday: 9:15 – 16:15
Monday: closed
Tuesday: closed

Check HERE for the most up to date information and all of the different options available.

You will need at least an hour if you do the self-guided tour through the ground floor and the same again if you do a tour of both floors. It is also advised to spend some time admiring the castle from outside and stopping for a drink or meal in the nearby restaurant.

Peles Castle admission costs

There are a few different options for Peles Castle admission costs depending on what you want to see.

GROUND FLOOR – Adults: 40 lei

GROUND FLOOR + FIRST FLOOR – Adults: 80 lei

PHOTO FEE – 35 lei/device

FILMING FEE – 60 lei/device

Check HERE for the most up to date information and all of the different options available.

The admissions desk doesn’t accept card so make sure you bring cash. If you forget, don’t worry, there is a cash machine in the gift shop, but beware of fees. Toilets are also available near the admission desk.

What to Pack for a Trip to Peles Castle

Here is a concise packing guide for your unforgettable trip to Peles Castle –

• Hiking boots or shoes
• Water bottle
• Weather appropriate clothing such as windbreaker, hiking socks, buff/hat, and fleece. Make sure to wear layers to account for the changing conditions
• Phone (plus power bank if required)
• Decent camera with plenty of space for pictures
• Cash
• Train tickets (if pre booked)

Taking Photos at Peles Castle

As already mentioned, you need to pay for a license to take photos. However, this is a very worthwhile investment. Here are a few great spots to take photos at Peles Castle.

Don’t miss the intricate spiral staircase in the foyer – you literally can’t. It is highly photogenic from every angle so spend some time admiring it.

Take a close look at the statues and gargoyles that are in every nook and cranny around the building. Some of their expressions are quite amusing and they will always pose for a photo.

The Murano glass chandeliers and mirrors are spectacularly kitsch and look a bit out of place. However, they are beautiful in an unconventional kind of way and definitely worthy of a few snaps

The large banquet room is one not to miss, as is the Turkish Salon.

There is a secret doorway behind one of the bookcases in the Royal Library on the ground floor. If you look closely enough, you can see the hinges.

When you exit the castle, take a left and go down the stone steps. From here you will find a great angle to take some impressive photos of Peles Castle.

Our Experience

We had spent the morning in the mountains so decided that our afternoon would be filled with history and architecture. The three of us walked from the centre of Sinaia to Peles Castle in around 40 mins – with the help of Google Maps. When we arrived in mid-afternoon there was still a good number of people touring the castle and the grounds. We bought our tickets – including the photography license – and went to the entrance. To avoid crowds, we had to ring the bell and wait for our invitation to enter.

Once inside, it is obvious why so many people want to visit Peles! We headed up the first flight of stairs to the main foyer. There is so much to see we must have spent 15-20 minutes trying to take it all in. The dark, intricately carved wood covers every wall and there seem to be faces everywhere. The style is totally excessive but still beautiful.

We move on to other rooms, all equally impressive. There are many stewards throughout the castle to help with directions and to keep an eye on everything. If you have bought a photo license you will get a badge to wear. It’s definitely worth paying the extra to take photos, don’t get caught without a license!

Eventually, we come out the other side and back to the 21^st century. Time to admire this Neo-Classical masterpiece from outside and take the obligatory selfies.

How to Visit Peles Castle

Where to go next?

• In the mood for more Balkan castles? Check out our post HERE
• Have you visited Peles or Bran Castle? Which do you think is best? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
• Pin the image below and read How to Visit Peles Castle again later

Final note: Things change often when travelling in the Balkans and there is not much information online. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

How to Visit Peles Castle