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Romania: Top Set-Jetting Destination 2024
Expedia named Romania one of 2024's top set-jetting destinations, driven entirely by Wednesday's massive success. The show's dark academia aesthetic perfectly matches Romania's Neo-Romanian Gothic architecture, and at $50-60/day, it's 50-60% cheaper than Western European filming location trips.
- • Cantacuzino Castle (Nevermore Academy) saw tourism surge after Netflix release
- • 70 sets across Bucharest make the capital a Wednesday pilgrimage destination
- • Season 1 filmed entirely in Romania before moving to Ireland for Season 2
- • Budget-friendly Eastern European costs make this accessible to Gen Z fans
When Netflix's Wednesday became the platform's most-watched show among Gen Z viewers, Romania's tourism industry experienced an unexpected Renaissance. The Gothic romance of Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni - serving as Nevermore Academy's exterior - and the ornate 19th-century palaces of Bucharest created the perfect dark academia aesthetic that defines the show.
This comprehensive guide covers all 8 visitable Wednesday filming locations in Romania, from the iconic Cantacuzino Castle (€15 full visit, daily guided tours) to Bucharest's Palatul Monteoru (where Wednesday's unforgettable Rave'N dance scene was filmed). Whether you're planning a quick weekend trip to see Nevermore Academy or a full 3-4 day Romanian adventure visiting every location, this guide has everything you need.
Important note: While Season 1 was filmed entirely in Romania, Wednesday Season 2 moved production to Ireland (Counties Wicklow, Dublin, and Offaly). This guide focuses exclusively on the Romanian Season 1 locations that Wednesday fans can still visit today.
Complete Wednesday Filming Locations Database
Location | Scenes Filmed | Access | Cost | Photos | From Bucharest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cantacuzino Castle: The Heart of Nevermore Academy
🏰 Essential Information
Location & Contact
- • Address: Str. Zamorei, Nr.1, 105500 Bușteni, Prahova, Romania
- • Phone: +40 244 320 520
- • Website: cantacuzinocastle.com
- • From Bucharest: 140km (87 miles), 2-2.5 hours by car/train
Tickets & Hours
- • Full visit: 75 RON (~€15/$16) - grounds + guided tour + gallery
- • Partial visit: 55 RON (~€11/$12) - grounds + tour OR gallery
- • Hours: Daily 10:00-20:00
- • Guided tours: Every hour starting at :05 (first 10:05, last before closing)
- • English tours: Available by advance reservation
What Was Filmed Here
- • Nevermore Academy Exterior: The castle's Neo-Romanian Gothic architecture serves as the iconic exterior of Wednesday's boarding school
- • Main Gates & Courtyard: Wednesday's arrival at Nevermore, establishing shots throughout the series
- • Surrounding Grounds: Various outdoor scenes featuring the Prahova Mountains backdrop
Pro tip: The interior scenes at "Nevermore" were filmed on soundstages at Bucharest Film Studios, NOT inside Cantacuzino Castle. However, the castle's interior is still worth touring for its art galleries and historical rooms.
History of Cantacuzino Castle
Built in 1911 in the Neo-Romanian style, Cantacuzino Castle served as the summer residence of Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, nicknamed "The Nabob" due to his impressive wealth. He was also the former Prime Minister of Romania.
The castle remained in the Cantacuzino family until the 1930s. After decades of various uses, it underwent a full restoration in 2017 and now operates as a museum, art gallery, cultural venue, and boutique accommodation.
Why Netflix chose it: The castle's Gothic Revival architecture, mountain setting, and dark romantic atmosphere perfectly matched Wednesday Addams' dark academia aesthetic. Its restoration meant it was camera-ready with no CGI needed.
Getting to Cantacuzino Castle from Bucharest
🚂 By Train (Most Scenic)
- • Depart from Bucharest Nord (Gara de Nord) railway station
- • Take CFR trains toward Brașov, get off at Bușteni station
- • Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- • Cost: €5-8 (25-40 RON) for 2nd class
- • From station: 15-minute uphill walk to castle (well-signposted)
- • Pro: Beautiful mountain scenery, no parking hassles
- • Con: Less flexible schedule than driving
🚗 By Car (Most Flexible)
- • Route: Bucharest → DN1/E60 highway north → Bușteni (140km)
- • Duration: 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic
- • Rental car cost: €25-40/day
- • Parking: Available at castle
- • Pro: Can combine with Peleș Castle (Sinaia, 20 min away) and flexible timing
- • Con: Mountain driving, parking fees, rental costs
🚌 Organized Day Tour (Easiest)
- • Cost: €40-60 per person
- • Usually includes: Transport, Cantacuzino Castle entry, Peleș Castle, guide
- • Duration: Full day (8-10 hours)
- • Pickup: Central Bucharest hotels
- • Pro: No planning needed, often includes lunch, knowledgeable guide
- • Con: Less flexible schedule, group pace, higher cost
Combine Cantacuzino with Peleș Castle
Peleș Castle in Sinaia is just 20 minutes from Cantacuzino Castle and is one of Europe's most stunning Neo-Renaissance palaces. While it wasn't the main Nevermore location, it was used for additional Gothic architecture scenes in Wednesday.
- • Entry: 50-100 RON (~€10-20) depending on tour type
- • Hours: Wed-Sun only (closed Mon-Tue), Apr-Oct best
- • Worth it? Absolutely - considered Romania's most beautiful castle
- • Plan: Visit Peleș in morning (opens 9:00), Cantacuzino in afternoon
Wednesday Filming Locations in Bucharest
While Cantacuzino Castle gets the fame as Nevermore's exterior, Bucharest is where the magic truly happened. Netflix built 70 sets across 6 sound stages at Bucharest Film Studios and filmed at numerous historic locations throughout Romania's capital.
🏛️ Palatul Monteoru - The Rave'N Dance Scene
Location Details:
- • Address: Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue), Bucharest
- • Built: 1874
- • Access: Cultural center - check event schedule
- • Entry: Free to exterior, events vary
What Was Filmed:
- • Principal Weems' office scenes
- • The iconic Rave'N dance scene where Wednesday dances
- • Unique mezzanine with detailed railing creating "hole in floor" appearance
History: Once the headquarters of the Writers of Romania Union, now a thriving cultural center featuring performances, fairs, and exhibitions. Located on Victory Avenue, one of Bucharest's main thoroughfares.
🏰 Casa Niculescu-Dorobantu - The Grand Staircase
Location Details:
- • Address: General Gheorghe Manu Street 9-17, Bucharest
- • Built: 1911-1923
- • Style: French neo-gothic
- • Access: Limited - view exterior only
- • Entry: Free exterior viewing
What Was Filmed:
- • Interior scenes featuring glamorous staircase
- • Stained glass window scenes
- • Surrounding handrails and columns
History: Commissioned by Tațiana Niculescu-Dorobanțu, one of Ion C. Brătianu's four daughters, and designed by architect Grigore Cerchez. The French neo-gothic mansion showcases Romania's Belle Époque architecture.
🌿 Bucharest Botanical Garden - The Greenhouse
Location Details:
- • Address: Șos. Cotroceni 32, Bucharest 060114
- • Established: 1860
- • Size: Nearly 45 acres
- • Access: Open daily
- • Entry: 10 RON (~€2)
What Was Filmed:
- • Greenhouse botany class scenes
- • Scenes with exotic plants
- • Victorian-era greenhouse architecture
Visit tips: The Botanical Garden (Gradina Botanica Dimitrie Brândza) is located in the Cotroceni neighborhood. Best to visit Apr-Oct when flowers are in bloom. The Victorian greenhouse is the main Wednesday filming location - spectacular for photos!
🚣 Brănești & Sterbei Lakes - The Poe Cup
Location Details:
- • Location: Near Bucharest (accessible by car)
- • Distance: 45 minutes from Bucharest
- • Access: Public areas accessible
- • Entry: Free
What Was Filmed:
- • The famous Poe Cup boat race scene
- • Filmed across two lakes: Brănești and Sterbei
- • Lakeside camp scenes
Visit tips: Best visited May-September for warm weather and better lakeside access. Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery even if you can't recreate the Poe Cup boat race! Car rental or organized tour recommended as public transport is limited.
📹 Bucharest Film Studios (Buftea) - NOT Open to Public
The entire town of Jericho was built on soundstages at Bucharest Film Studios in Buftea (30 minutes from Bucharest). This is a working studio with no public access, so unfortunately you cannot visit the Weathervane Cafe, Pilgrim World, or other Jericho locations.
Fun fact: 70 sets were built across 6 sound stages at Buftea Studios for Wednesday Season 1, making it one of the largest TV productions ever filmed in Romania.
Perfect 3-Day Wednesday Filming Locations Itinerary
How to Visit All Wednesday Locations in 3 Days
Day 1: Bucharest City Filming Locations
Day 2: Cantacuzino Castle (Nevermore Academy) Day Trip
Day 3: Brănești Lakes & More Bucharest
💰 3-Day Trip Total Budget Breakdown
Budget Traveler ($150-180 total)
- • Accommodation: €45-75 (3 nights hostel)
- • Food: €45-60 (€15-20/day street food, markets)
- • Transport: €30-40 (trains, local transport)
- • Entry fees: €30 (Cantacuzino + Botanical Garden)
- • Daily average: €50-60/day
Mid-Range Traveler ($225-300 total)
- • Accommodation: €120-180 (3 nights 3-star hotel)
- • Food: €60-90 (€20-30/day restaurants)
- • Transport: €45-60 (car rental, organized tours)
- • Entry fees: €50 (Cantacuzino + Peleș + extras)
- • Daily average: €75-100/day
Wednesday Season 2: Ireland, Not Romania
Important: Wednesday Season 2 moved production from Romania to Ireland. Filming took place in Counties Wicklow, Dublin, and Offaly from May-October 2024.
Ireland filming locations include:
- • Ashford Studios (Wicklow) - main production hub with 170,000 sq ft expansion
- • Charleville Castle (Offaly, near Tullamore) - Gothic castle location
- • Trinity College Dublin - business school as Newark Airport
- • Powerscourt Demesne (Wicklow) - waterfall and gardens
- • Deansgrange Cemetery (Dublin)
The co-showrunners called Ireland "truly magical" and said it "adds a sense of timeless beauty, wonder, and epic spectacle to the world of Wednesday." However, Romania remains the definitive Season 1 pilgrimage destination.
Practical Tips for Visiting Wednesday Filming Locations
Wednesday Romania Filming Locations FAQ
Your Wednesday Pilgrimage Awaits
Romania offers one of the most budget-friendly and authentic set-jetting experiences for Wednesday fans. For just €150-250 total ($165-275 USD), you can visit Cantacuzino Castle's Gothic spires, walk through the Palatul Monteoru where Wednesday danced at the Rave'N, and explore 70+ filming locations across Bucharest.
While Season 2 has moved to Ireland, Romania remains the definitive pilgrimage for Wednesday superfans. The dark academia aesthetic, Neo-Romanian Gothic architecture, and mountain scenery create an atmosphere that no soundstage can replicate.
Ready to visit Nevermore Academy? Book your Cantacuzino Castle tickets at cantacuzinocastle.com, reserve your Bucharest accommodation, and prepare for a dark, romantic adventure through Wednesday's Romania. Don't forget your black wardrobe! 🖤
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- → Romania Travel Guide: Beyond Wednesday - Transylvania, Dracula's Castle & Medieval Cities