A Mysterious Land: Bucharest from Dracula and Beyond

The labyrinthine streets of Budapest must have presented an alluring sight: sunlit and surrounded by the azure ribbon of the Danube, they unfurled before your eyes, luring you further into the maze of historical events. But your eager soul, constantly in an insatiable state of wanderlust, only wants more: more mysteries unraveled, more stories etched into cobblestone, more echoes of forgotten empires whispering through ornate facades...

We know your next stop. Bucharest, the city of mystery, hosting another grand show of the month, AWSummit.

Bran Castle

Alas, we are no better than many: the temptation is only too powerful to resist, and, as sophisticated as we are in terms of affiliate marketing and related topics, we nonetheless still think of Dracula whenever the lovely country of Romania is mentioned. Bram Stoker is to blame, and we are willingly giving in.

Bran Castle, sometimes referred to as Dracula Castle, is a medieval stronghold built by none other than the knights of the Teutonic Order. Perched atop a rocky hill and framed by the dense forests of Transylvania, the castle invites travelers to wander its corridors, stairways, and towers. Its gothic silhouette has inspired centuries of myths, yet the truth behind its walls is equally compelling: royal intrigues, ancient defense strategies, and tales of resilience are engraved into every stone.

Situated outside Bucharest, the castle offers a hauntingly beautiful retreat into the past — a place where legend and history converge. Those who prefer a more legendary part will find themselves drawn to the dark allure of Count Dracula, whose fictional — or not so fictional? — presence still lingers in the castle’s shadowy halls and creaking staircases. It's easy to imagine the whispers of Bram Stoker’s vampire echoing through the stone corridors, blurring the line between myth and memory.

For history enthusiasts, the fortress offers a tangible glimpse into medieval life, inexorably hauling you further in time until you reach modern times. At first, you take a sneak peek at the strategic architecture with its turrets and archer towers, then marvel at the regal chambers once inhabited by Queen Marie of Romania, the last queen of the country (on a side note, if you’re in the mood for castles, you can also check out Peleș and Pelișor Castles.)

It doesn't matter which side you take in this endless dispute between fiction and reality; either way, a visit to Bran Castle will restore your inner balance. This transient journey will enshroud you in a thin veil of calm before letting you plunge into the busy chaos of another affiliate event. Here, far from Bucharest's noise, you're finally welcome to slow down, inhale the cool mountain air, and ground yourself in the weight of centuries-old stone. Clear your thoughts and recharge: you'll need a lot of energy down the road.

Cărturești Carusel

Affiliates don't know how to take a respite. They are always on the run, ready to devour every single morsel of information thrown their way, eager to test every approach contrived during a highly rejuvenating and vigorous networking session — it's just in their nature. Constant development, perpetual progress, never ceasing work of mind and body.

But what if we told you that there is a sanctuary for curious minds and creative spirits, tucked away deep into Bucharest's Old Town? This isn't another Dracula reference (though you'll certainly find his intriguing persona somewhere among the shelves), but this is one of the places a supernatural creature could inhabit.

Cărturești Carusel is a bookstore that doesn't really look like a bookstore. Although you stop by to see what your counterparts are offering to the market — perhaps, you're lucky to encounter Stefan Muehlbauer's book, or Anna Gita's work, or Florin Simovici's tome — you are rewarded tenfold: with both the selection and the architecture: spiral staircases, glowing white interior, and shelves that seem to float.

Stare in awe at this magnificence and prepare for networking at AWSummit: breeze through the pages of the books released by other affiliates, get inspired, center your focus, stir your imagination, and reset your mindset before diving into pitches and meetings.

Private Wine Tasting

Nothing screams elegance more than a private wine tasting. As an affiliate, you certainly have some experience in wine tasting: Spain, Hungary, and France are only a few regions known for their wine prowess, so why not add another mark to your mental map?

If you dedicated some time to Romanian history prior to visiting that country, you are probably in the know that Romania's winemaking legacy spans over 2600 years, and it is your unique chance to savor said legacy in every glass.

However, true connoisseurs are not the only target audience. You might only be starting your journey, still learning to distinguish a Fetească Neagră from a Merlot, and you are still welcome. In fact, you are more than welcome: this guided tour is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in history, get acquainted with various regions — and the people who made it all happen.

The session focuses on five distinct premium sorts: two whites, a rosé, and two reds, each crafted from native grape varieties you may not yet know, but will quickly come to appreciate. But the organizers didn't stop just here: they insist on pairing the wines with artisanal cheeses and fine cured meats to turn the wine tasting into a full-scale cultural experience you won't get anywhere else. Every single aspect of the entire tasting aims to complement the character of the wine, enhance its subtle fragrance, round off bold flavors, and highlight the unique identity of each sort.

Are you down with the idea? Wait no longer and secure your seat at the table celebrating Romanian tradition.

Bucharest Pub Crawl

Wine requires time and preparation: you can make out the flowery notes only if you're ready. Not everyone has enough patience for it — some people are looking for fun, new acquaintances, and electric nightlife experiences. We won't lecture you on the best clubs in town; you have Google Maps to accomplish the task for you. We have a better option in mind: a guided pub crawl.

This exceptional tour outlines the ultimate route through Bucharest’s buzzing Old Town, led by locals who know exactly where the night begins. Forget second-guessing and enjoy 4 to 5 of the city's most iconic — and hand-picked! — bars and clubs, each sporting their own vibe, offering their own soundtracks, telling their own story. Is it educational? In a way. Is it a cultural experience? No doubt. Is it a perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the city? Definitely. Laid-back lounges, wild dancefloors, unexpected karaoke showdowns — you have it all at the tips of your fingers, exploring every single thing and choosing the one that feels more to your liking.

Apparently, pub-crawling sessions aren't about the drinks. As an affiliate, you know everything about networking, and this is your way to polish your skills and find new connections, just of a different sort: with fellow travelers or locals, who can unveil the mysteries never mentioned in any guidebook.

Let Bucharest talk to you. Let the city tell its story directly into your ear. Book your seat here.

Muzeul Micul Paris

Ah, you know us, don't you? Ever the fierce advocates of art and science, we are the first to bring up the topic of museums. Actually, this was the original intention, and the writer of this article was about to smash a few familiar letters forming a few familiar words related to museums, but then she came across a real gem. Pushing National Museums and Modern Art Museums aside, she conducted research dedicated to a most peculiar place.

The Little Paris Museum isn't often mentioned in guidebooks: sometimes the best destinations take quite a bit of loitering, and this, perhaps, is the best reward you could get — a trip into the Belle Époque heyday.

Take a deep breath in, and step through the doors to let the spirit of the previous era permeate your skin, drag you deeper into the past, making you the main character of this exceptional story... which isn't even an exaggeration for the sake of the metaphor. You can schedule a photoshoot at the Photo Cabinet with full styling, make-up, hair, and accessories. Who wouldn't want that?..

However, if you aren't in the posing mood, you can reflect on the styles of the 20th-century Bucharest: a refined French salon with rococo mirrors; an Oriental hall with Moorish accents and intricate stucco work; vintage clothing, jewelry, porcelain, clocks, and more than a thousand authentic objects that amplify the emotional and spiritual connection to the golden age of the country.

A Little Souvenir

Are you leaving yet? Hurry not, there's another little treat you deserve.

Regardless of your attitude to Dracula's figure, imposing, elusive, and forever steeped in legend, you should definitely taste a playful yet mysterious cocktail with the herbal bite of Romanian spirits — this country isn't solely known for its wine; it has other drinks, far more theatrical than you might expect.

The Legendary Dracula brand unveils the Transylvanian legend through a range of products — wine, spirits, sweets, and lovely souvenirs that can never be purchased anywhere else. Buy yourself a bottle, imbibe a secret well-kept, and relish the aftertaste, a farewall toast from Little Paris with a vampiric twist. Perhaps, this vampiric twist, infused with supernatural energy is just the right thing to prepare for AWSummit — and yes, you’re certainly going: the tickets are free for affiliates. Isn’t it a spell cast on the organizers by the feared Count himself?..

Wrapping Up

It doesn’t matter whether you’re stopping in Bucharest for a well-deserved vacation or simply passing time while waiting for AWSummit to begin — the city offers far more than meets the eye. You can spend days on end straying from castle to castle, admiring the architecture, and exploring the lifestyle of the past; you can indulge in wine, savoring every sort produced in Romania; you can literally walk through history, meet strangers, and write yourself into the city.