Few places I’ve travelled have had such clear appeal as Brașov, a medieval city that should find itself on every Romania itinerary. Not many cities in Europe pack medieval architecture with a gorgeous mountain backdrop like Brasov, which makes it stand-out as a must-see.
I spent four days here on the back end of my 15-day Romania trip, though many choose to head straight to Brasov from Bucharest to kick-off a Transylvania trip.
Below is a breakdown of the best things to do in Brașov, plus where to eat, where to stay, and how to structure your time.
Why Brașov Is Worth Visiting
Brașov sits in the heart of Transylvania and has been shaped by a mix of Romanian, Saxon (German), and Hungarian influences over the centuries. It was founded in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights and later developed into one of the most important Transylvanian cities. That history is still evident in the architecture. For example, right next to breathtaking modern clay tennis courts are the ruins of fortified walls.
At one point, Brașov was a major trading hub thanks to its position between Central Europe and the Ottoman Empire. That mix of geography and history is what gives the city its layered feel today. You can still see remnants of its fortified past, but it’s blended into a very walkable, modern rhythm.
What makes it work now is how balanced everything feels. The old town is compact and easy to explore. Mount Tâmpa rises directly behind it, so you’ve always got nature within reach. And then outside the city, you’ve got castles, Saxon villages, and mountain resorts all close enough for day trips.
It’s not overwhelming, and that’s the point. Brașov gives you variety without making you work for it.
13 Best Things to Do in Brașov
1. Hike Up Mount Tâmpa
Mount Tâmpa is the backdrop you see in almost every photo of Brașov. The hike up starts just outside the old town within Parc sub Tampa and leads straight into the forest above the city.
It’s a steady, 500-foot climb, one you have to be in at least respectable shape to complete, though nothing technical. It takes around an hour to reach the top. From there, you get a full view of Brașov’s rooftops with the mountains stretching out behind it. There’s also a cable car that runs periodically if you don’t feel like hiking.
2. Council Square (Piața Sfatului)
Council Square is the center of everything of Brasov. It’s where the old town opens up into a wide public space surrounded by colorful buildings and constant activity.
Historically, this was the city’s main trading square. A late 17th-century fire actually destroyed many of the buildings surrounding the square, but it was quickly rebuilt, so many of the current buildings remain centuries-old.
3. Visit the Black Church (Biserica Neagră)
The Black Church dominates Brasov’s main Council Square and is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Romania. It was built in the 14th century and got its name after a fire that darkened its exterior.
Inside, it feels more like a museum than a church, with historical artifacts that include one of the largest organs in Eastern Europe. It’s $5 to enter. I’d recommend combining it with a morning coffee and pastry at Ch9 Specialty Coffee that sits right underneath the church.
4. Stroll Strada Republicii
This is the main pedestrian street running through old town Brasov. You’ll find much of Brasov’s best nightlife on Strada Republicii, including TIMES nightclub and O’Peter’s Irish Pub. Some of my favorite restaurants in Brasov also branch off Strada Republicii on quiet side streets.
It also stays busy throughout the day. It’s not particularly “sight-heavy,” but it’s the best strip of old town to hang out and people watch, aside from Council Square.
5. Turnul Alb (White Tower) for a Postcard-Worthy View
While Mount Tampa provides the backdrop to Brasov’s medieval center, the best vantage point of the city is actually at Turnul Alb (White Tower). This small lookout tower is just a few minutes walk from Council Square. Wait until the weather is nice (or during sunrise or sunset) and head here to grab your pictures for IG!
6. Parc Sub Tâmpa
Parc Sub Tampa runs along the base of Mount Tampa, acting as a buffer between the forest and the old town. It has really nice walking paths, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and ping pong tables, plus it’s the starting point for the Mount Tampa hike. I like this park because it’s so easily accessible from the old town, but it still attracts mostly locals, so it’s easy to blend in.
7. Poiana Brașov
Whether you’re visiting Brasov in summer or winter, it’s worth checking out Poiana Brasov if you’re into the outdoors. In winter, this is the main ski resort in the area. In summer, it becomes the hub for adventure activities like hiking and biking. Several of Brasov’s tour operators are based out of Poiana Brasov, which is conveniently only a 20-minute Uber or drive from the city.
8. Biserica Sfântul Nicolae
Biserica Sfantul Nicolae (“St. Nicholas Church”) is a 15-century Orthodox church that sits slightly outside the tourist center in a residential area. It’s a glorious structure, and one that too often goes unexplored by visitors since it isn’t smack dab in the old town center. Originally built in a Gothic style before a Baroque reconstruction, it still holds church services and other events.
9. First Romanian School Museum
Located next to Saint Nicholas Church in the historic Șcheii Brașovului district, the First Romanian School Museum is one of the city’s most underrated historical sites. The building dates back to the 15th century and housed the first Romanian-language school in the country.
Inside, you’ll find old printing presses, handwritten books, and classrooms preserved almost exactly as they once were. The museum gives a much deeper look into Romanian culture and history than most of the attractions in the old town. It also feels refreshingly local and uncrowded compared to Brașov’s more tourist-heavy spots.
10. Seven Ladders Canyon
One of the best hikes around Brașov, Seven Ladders Canyon is just a 15-minute drive from the city and makes for an ideal half-day adventure. The trail winds through a series of narrow canyon passages and small waterfalls, connected by suspended ladders that add a fun, adventurous element to the hike. Getting there is easy, with Ubers readily available to and from the trailhead.
While the ladders may sound intimidating, the hike is surprisingly approachable. The canyon sections are relatively short, and even young kids handle them with ease. When we visited, several summer camp groups of 6- to 8-year-olds were confidently climbing the ladders without hesitation.
11. Strada Sforii (Rope Street)
Coined the narrowest street in Europe, Strada Sforii is a colorful, 3-foot wide “street” that makes for an ideal photo stop. There isn’t much more to it and it’s kind of an overrated attraction in my opinion, but it’s still a neat little spot in the city.
12. Adventure Park Brașov
Visiting Brasov with kids? Or just a kid at heart? Adventure Park Brasov is an outdoor adventure park with zip lines, rope courses, climbing activities, and pretty much any outdoorsy activities you can think of. There are some great guides in
It’s not extreme, but it’s a good option if you want something active without committing to a full hike or mountain day.
13. Weaver’s Bastion (Bastionul Țesătorilor)
Weaver’s Bastion is one of the best-preserved sections of Brașov’s old medieval defenses. Built by the city’s weavers guild in the 15th century, the bastion now functions as a small museum with historical exhibits and a detailed model of old Brașov. Even if you don’t spend long inside, the exterior alone adds a lot of atmosphere to this part of the city.
It’s also right next to an amazing tennis center home to stunning clay courts!
Best Day Trips From Brașov
There are several wonderful day trips from Brașov, which is a big reason why it works so well as a base. Here are some of my favorites:
Sighișoara
Guidebooks will tell you Sighișoara is a must-see in Romania , and it’s easy to see why. The entire old town sits elevated on a hill and is packed with colorful buildings, cobbled streets, towers, and old defensive walls. It’s also famously known as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure tied to the Dracula legend.
While it definitely caters to tourists, the town retains its charm and is absolutely worth seeing at least once while exploring Transylvania. We did Sighisoara as a half-day trip, and that was enough to get a good feel of the place and hit the main sites.
Viscri
If you’re looking for the best places for rural tourism or slow travel in Romania, you need to go to one of the fortified Transylvanian villages. Seven of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the most popular being Viscri.
Life still moves at a noticeably slower pace in Viscri. The few hundred locals that remain are mostly farmers and blacksmiths, and there’s only one gravel road through the village. If you stay the night, you’ll be woken to horse-drawn carriages, cows roaming the street, and shepherd herding their sheep. The traditional homes remain painted in pastel colors, many of which have been transformed into guesthouses. I recommend staying at Viscri125.
The one can’t-miss is the Viscri Fortified Church. I actually liked this church even more than some of Romania’s grand castles, since the grounds are so intimate and less visited.
Sinaia
Sinaia is best known as the home of Peleș Castle, which honestly looks more like something you’d expect to find in Bavaria than Romania. This castle is ridiculously impressive both inside and out, with more rooms than any castle in Romania. Plus, mountain scenery surrounds it in all directions.
Beyond Peleș, Sinaia itself is a nice mountain town with cafes, hiking trails, and cooler temperatures during summer. If you only have time for one castle while traveling through Romania, I’d make it this one. It’s also very easy to add to your itinerary, as it’s right on the way from Bucharest to Brasov (by train or car).
Bran
Bran is home to Romania’s most famous castle and probably its most touristy attraction. Bran Castle is heavily tied to the Dracula myth, even though the actual historical connections are pretty loose.
Still, the setting of the castle is undeniably cool, sitting dramatically on a hill surrounded by forested mountains.
Bran can get extremely crowded in peak season, so going early in the morning right when it opens makes a huge difference. But if you want to avoid crowds and you don’t care about the Dracula lore like me, I honestly wouldn’t call it a must-visit.
Where to Eat in Brașov
Brașov has a strong mix of Italian, Romanian, and modern European restaurants. Here were some of my favorite spots and meals in the city:
- Dei Frati – Cozy dinner spot. Get a reservation in advance as tables are very limited.
- Bistro de l’Arte – Another top dinner spot that warrants a reservation.
- Mori de Sicilia – Wonderful Sicilian food in a prime spot on Strada Republicii.
- Brunch House – Upscale brunch food in a tucked-away courtyard across the street from Council Square.
- Aftar Stube – Beer garden with surprisingly nice lunch food and pizza on a nice day.
Best Coffee Shops in Brașov
You have endless coffee shops to choose from in the medieval center of Brasov. Here are ones I tried and can recommend:
- Ch9 Specialty Coffee: Stunning outdoor patio beneath the Black Church facing Mount Tampa.
- Book Coffee Shop: Very friendly service with great coffee.
- Sufra Coffee Shop: Underrated coffee shop with a very friendly owner and tasty smoothies.
- Tipografia: Coffee shop by day, bar by night. A nice place to work remotely from as it’s a large space.
Nightlife in Brașov
Nightlife isn’t the main draw of Brasov. There’s only one real nightclub worth checking out IMO, but there’s enough variety in the form of pubs, live music, and other spots with fun atmosphere for a proper night out.
- Aftăr Stube: Relaxed beer garden and the best summer spot in Brasov, with the most outgoing servers.
- Juno Wine Garden: Wine garden underneath Turnul Alb with a wide variety of wines.
- O’Peter’s Irish Pub: Live music, karaoke, and late nights with strangers in a classic Irish Pub setting.
- Musik Cafe: Attracts an alternative, hipster crowd. Can be loud and difficult to find a table at peak hours but a very welcoming atmosphere that’s good for groups.
- Times Club: The main nightclub in Brasov. Good DJ and lively from 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM. Keep in mind there’s a $5 USD or so cover charge (cash-only).
Keep in mind that things tend to start late and run even later on weekends in Romania. Most people will have dinner around 7:00 or 8:00 and start partying around 10:00 or 11:00.
Where to Stay in Brașov
Old town is the best area to stay if you want everything walkable. I’d recommend Vila Katharina, where I stayed for four nights. The rooms were MASSIVE, and the women at the front desk were very friendly. The location was unbeatable.
There are several boutique hotels inside or just outside the historic center that are pretty affordable despite the prime location. It’s nice to have easy access to Council Square, restaurants, and Mount Tâmpa without needing transport. And if you don’t want to leave the medieval center, the public transport via buses is reliable.
How Many Days Do You Need in Brașov?
You can check off most of Brasov’s main sights in one day, but you’re doing a disservice to yourself if you don’t spend two days here. Take your time to soak in the city’s vibe and see the city from different vantage points. I’d actually see three days in Brasov could be warranted too, if you aren’t in a time crunch. With three days, you can explore some sights and do some hikes outside the city, like the Seven Ladders Canyon Trail and Poiana Brasov.
It also works well as a longer base for exploring Transylvania. So you could technically stay a week in Brasov, and do day trips to places like Sighisoara, Viscri, and Sinaia if you have a car.
Is Brașov Safe?
Brașov is extremely safe, including at night in the old town. Even petty crime is rare. I can’t speak for everyone, but I felt as safe as ever walking home after a night out at 1:30 AM.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Brasov?
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Romania’s larger cities like Brașov. However, it may look a little cloudier than you’re used to due to old infrastructure. Some locals don’t trust the water cleanliness in Romania and choose to filter water at home.
I’ve not come across anything regarding tourists getting sick due to tap water in Romania, and I drank tap water on several occasions and felt fine (the taste wasn’t great, though). You definitely don’t need to worry about showering or brushing your teeth, but in the rural areas at minimum, it’s smart to have bottled water on hand.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Brasov
Brașov appeals to all types of travelers. You like history? This city has a lot of it. Are you outdoorsy? It’s one of the best cities to base yourself in for adventure activities in Eastern Europe. Are you an architecture nerd? There’s some stunning examples of it here, much of it dating back 500+ years.
Plus, Romanians are so kind and welcoming that you’re bound to have a pleasant experience. It doesn’t hurt that it’s an affordable place, too.
With that in mind, you should definitely visit Brasov and make it one of the staples of your Romania itinerary, along with places like historic Sibiu and the Transfagarasan Highway.
