Top 10 Things to Do in Brașov, Romania

Why visit Brașov

Brașov is the easiest place in Romania to see medieval Transylvania, mountains and castles in one trip. Its old town sits right under the forested slopes of Tâmpa Mountain, with colourful Saxon houses, Gothic churches and old city walls you can walk along.

It also makes a perfect base. Bran Castle, Râșnov Citadel and the ski slopes of Poiana Brașov are all a short drive away. Here are the 10 things you should not miss.

Top 10 things to do in Brașov

  1. Council Square (Piața Sfatului). The heart of the old town, lined with cafes and pastel houses. The Council House in the middle, once the town hall, is now a history museum. In December it hosts one of Romania's best-loved Christmas markets.
  2. The Black Church. Romania's most famous Gothic church, built mainly in the 14th and 15th centuries. Its walls were blackened in the Great Fire of 1689, which gave it its name. Check the schedule for organ concerts in the warmer months.
  3. Rope Street (Strada Sforii). One of the narrowest streets in Europe, just over a metre wide in places. It takes a minute to walk and makes a great photo.
  4. Tâmpa Mountain. Ride the cable car or hike about an hour through the forest to the top. You get the classic view of the old town next to the big Brașov sign.
  5. The White Tower and the Black Tower. Two towers from the old city fortifications, a short climb above the walls. Go at sunset for the best light over the red roofs.
  6. Catherine's Gate. A 16th-century gate with four small corner turrets. It is the only original city gate still standing.
  7. The Șchei district. The historic Romanian quarter, outside the old Saxon walls. Visit St Nicholas Church and the museum of the First Romanian School next to it.
  8. Poiana Brașov. Romania's best-known ski resort, about 12 km from the city. In summer it is a good starting point for mountain hikes.
  9. Bran Castle. About 30 km away, it is famous as "Dracula's Castle". The link to Vlad the Impaler is mostly legend, but the castle and its views are worth the trip.
  10. Râșnov Citadel. A medieval hilltop fortress about 15 km from Brașov, built so villagers could shelter during attacks. Combine it with Bran on the same day.

Getting there and when to go

Most visitors fly into Bucharest and take the train to Brașov, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. By car the trip is around 3 hours, often longer on weekends when the mountain road is busy. Brașov also has its own airport at Ghimbav, just outside the city, with a smaller choice of flights.

  1. May to September: hiking, old town walks, day trips to Bran and Râșnov
  2. December: the Christmas market in Council Square
  3. January to March: skiing in Poiana Brașov

Practical tips

  1. Stay in or near the old town. Most sights are within walking distance, so you will not need a car for the city itself.
  2. Wear comfortable shoes. The old town streets are cobbled and the towers and Tâmpa involve climbs.
  3. Check opening hours before you go. Castles, museums and the Tâmpa cable car change hours by season and sometimes close for maintenance.
  4. Respect the bears. Brown bears live in the forests around Brașov and are sometimes seen near the edge of the city. Keep your distance and never feed them.
  5. Try the local food. Order sarmale, a sour soup (ciorbă) and papanași for dessert.

Plan the rest of your trip with our Restaurants page, our Castles guide and our free AI Itinerary planner.