A city that felt like a winter postcard!
If you are in Romania and got the time to explore other cities, Brașov is a must-visit. I promise it will forever remain in your heart and mind!
In this blog, I will share with you some tips if you decide to visit Brașov, what I did there, and some other places that I didn’t get the chance to see, but you can!
First, a Short Story About Brașov
Legend has it that Brașov was founded by a Teutonic Knight named Dietrich, who fell in love with the beauty of the area and decided to settle there. Over the centuries, the town grew and became an important trade center and cultural hub.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Brașov became a center of the Protestant Reformation in Transylvania. Its churches and schools played an important role in spreading new ideas and educating the population.
However, the town was not immune to the political and social upheavals of the time. It was invaded and occupied by various armies, including the Ottoman Turks and the Habsburgs, and its population suffered from war, famine, and disease.
In the 19th century, Brașov underwent a period of modernization and expansion, as new industries such as railway construction and tourism brought new wealth and opportunities to the town.
Today, Brașov is a thriving city with a rich history and culture. Its well-preserved old town, medieval fortifications, and stunning natural scenery continue to attract visitors from around the world, making it a beloved destination for travelers and locals alike.
Transport Alternatives
By train
Brașov has a train station that’s well-connected to major cities in Romania. You can check schedules and buy tickets online or at the station. I chose this way of transport and purchased the ticket at the station. The prices were affordable, and the trip was around 3 hours, which I really enjoyed.
By bus
There are several bus companies that operate routes to Brașov from major cities in Romania. You can check schedules and buy tickets online or at the bus station.
By car
If you have a car or rent one, you can drive to Brașov. The city is well-connected to major highways and roads in Romania.
By taxi
Taxis are available in most cities in Romania, and you can hire a taxi to take you to Brașov. You can also download apps like (for example Uber, Bolt) to order a driver, where you can check the ride prices first and see if they are convenient for you.
In Brașov
Once in Brașov, you can get around the city by public transportation, taxi, or on foot. The city center is relatively small and walkable.
I Took a Free Tour Guide
A free walking tour is a great way to explore Brașov and learn about its history and culture. We took a Walkabout Free Walking Tour, which was an incredible experience; the guy who showed us around had an interesting approach of storytelling and we saw some of Brasov’s most important areas and attractions.
Places I visited in Brașov
- Council Square (Piata Sfatului)
The Council Square is located right in the heart of Brașov’s Old Town, in the square known as Piata Statului. Around it, you will find everything from historical buildings to restaurants and cafes. It’s a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors. At the center of the square stands the impressive Council House, which was built in the 15th century and now houses the BrașovHistory Museum.
2. Black Church (Biserica Neagra)
The Black Church is an impressive Gothic-style church located in the heart of Brasov’s Old Town. The church was built in the 14th century and is named after a fire that blackened its walls in 1689. The church’s interior is beautifully decorated, with stained glass windows, a Baroque-style altar, and a collection of Oriental carpets, which was quite an interesting combination.
3. The Old Town (Centrul Vechi)
The Old Town of Brasov is captivating, with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a lively atmosphere. Even though I am sure it looks more awake during summertime, it was beautiful to wander around and soak up the atmosphere, have a walk during the scenic winter atmosphere, and explores some shops.
4. Rope Street (Strada Sforii)
Rope Street is a narrow street located in the Old Town of Brașov. It’s just 80 centimeters wide at its narrowest point and is considered one of the narrowest streets in Europe. What’s interesting is that firefighters originally used this street to access the houses in the area. Today, it’s a popular spot for tourists who take photos and admire the historic buildings that line the street.
5. “Behind the Wall” Alley
“Behind the Wall” Alley it’s an interesting hidden place in Brasov’s Old Town. It’s a small alleyway that runs parallel to the city’s defensive walls and is lined with historic houses and gardens. It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot worth seeking out for a quiet moment away from the bustling streets of the Old Town.
6. Black Tower
Black Tower is a historic tower on the hill overlooking Brașov’s Old Town. It was built in the 15th century as part of the city’s defensive system and was used to house its gunpowder reserves. The view from the top of the tower is amazing; from there, you can see the stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
7. Mount Tampa (Tampa Mountain)
Mount Tampa is a beautiful mountain that overlooks Brașov and is a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities. Visitors can reach the mountain’s summit by cable car, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. We went on a brief but fascinating ride in a cable car.
8. The Ecaterina’s Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei)
The Ecaterina’s Gate is a historic gate that once served as the main entrance to Brașov. It was built in the 16th century and was named after the wife of the city’s ruler at the time. Today, the gate houses a museum dedicated to the history of Brașov, with exhibits on the city’s development, people, and role in Romania’s history. Visitors can also climb to the top of the gate for great city views.
Other Places to Visit
- The Brasov Fortress (Cetatea Brasovului)
- The Art Museum (Muzeul de Arta)
- The First Romanian School Museum (Muzeul Prima Scoala Romaneasca)
- The White Tower (Turnul Alb)
Other Activities to Do
Try Some Traditional Food
Trying local specialties is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine while traveling, and bean soup on bread is certainly one of the must-try dishes in Brașov! It is a hearty and filling dish popular in Romania, especially in the colder months. It typically consists of a thick bean soup made with smoked meat, paprika, and vegetables, served in a bread bowl that’s been hollowed out and toasted.
Shop for souvenirs
Street vendors can sell all kinds of souvenirs, from postcards and magnets to hand-painted eggs and wooden toys. And there are many gift options you can purchase for your loved ones.
Visit castles nearby
If you’re staying in Brașov and looking for some nearby castles to visit, there are several options within driving distance. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Bran Castle
You have most likely heard of the most famous castle in Romania, Bran Castle. It is located about 30 km from Brașov and is often associated with the legend of Dracula. It’s a stunning medieval fortress perched on a hill and worth visiting.
Peles Castle
Located in the mountain resort of Sinaia, about 45 km from Brașov, Peles Castle is a grandiose neo-Renaissance palace that served as the summer residence of the Romanian royal family. Its opulent interior and stunning gardens make it a must-see attraction.
Cantacuzino Castle
Cantacuzino Castle, also known as Cantacuzino Palace or Busteni Castle, is a stunning architectural gem located in the town of Busteni, just a short distance from Brașov. Did you know that the movie “Wednesday” was filmed here? I was surprised to find out!
Rasnov Citadel
This fortress is located about 15 km from Brașov and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The citadel was built in the 13th century to protect the region from invading forces, and today it’s a popular tourist destination.
Fagaras Fortress
Located about 50 km from Brașov, Fagaras Fortress is one of Romania’s largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses. It was built in the 14th century and played an important role in defending the region against Ottoman invasions.
Corvin Castle
Although a bit further away (around 150 km), Corvin Castle is one of Romania’s most impressive medieval castles and worth a visit if you have the time. Its Gothic architecture and rich history make it a popular destination for tourists.
I hope you enjoyed this short guide on what to do in Brașov.
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