15 Great Reasons to Visit Brasov, Romania (2023 Update)

246

If you’re wondering whether or not to visit Brasov in Romania, I have quite a few reasons for you. Read on to discover what this beautiful city in Transylvania has to offer.

This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I tried and/or find useful and reliable.

---

Many people have heard of the historical and legendary region of Transylvania but a lot less are familiar with one of the main cities of the region, Brașov. This is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. It so happens that it’s also my hometown so I might be a little bit biased here, forgive me. Still, I want to give you just a few reasons to visit Brașov, my lovely hometown.

Story of my life

I moved abroad when I was fourteen and whenever someone would ask me where in Romania I came from, I would say Brașov. In return, I would just get an embarrassed “Ah I see”. Nobody ever heard of it. But then I would say “It’s in Transylvania” and everyone would go “Aaaaaah, Transylvania! Dracula!!!”

Story of my life. At least I got to spread the knowledge a little bit. Now every person who got to know me knows about Brașov. And they know it’s the best city to visit in Romania.

A little history

First of all, it’s pronounced: Brashov. It’s also called Kronstadt in German or Corona in Latin. That means Crown City and it’s probably deriving from the old coat of arms of the city. Etymology apart, Brașov is a very old city, with the oldest traces of settlements dating back to 9500 BCE. The construction of the city itself is said to have begun in 1023, with the first walls being built.

Many settlers came to Brașov, leading to a variety of ethnic groups living here even nowadays, in different areas of the city. There have been mostly Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, and Bulgarians. Even nowadays the old neighborhood of Șchei is ethnically Bulgarian. Here is where the first Romanian school was established, back in the 15th century.

Getting to and staying in Brasov

Until 2023, the easiest way to get to Brașov was to fly to Bucharest and go there by bus, car, or train. This is still a great option, with plenty of transport services that will pick you up at the airport and drop you at your hotel, all for around 20-25 euros one way. The alternative is to take a bus or a train from the center of Bucharest.

In June 2023, the Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport finally opened. Available flights are still limited but are expected to increase over the coming months. Check Skyscanner to find affordable flights from your chosen location to either Bucharest or Brașov.

As far as accommodation goes, there is great variety in Brașov. I generally use Booking.com to book accommodation as they provide a vast range of options for every budget. Plus, you can often find discounts. Do a quick search in the box below.

Booking.com

Getting around Brasov

The historic center is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot. It’s a delightful experience to walk around the cobblestone streets, which are lined up with bars and restaurants. The temperature is pleasant in the summer, and the streets are usually covered in snow during the winter.

Nevertheless, and this is something I love about my hometown, public transportation is incredibly efficient. It is made up of buses and trolleybuses but they run always on time, you get regular updates and schedules at every bus stop and they even provide free wifi onboard. In less than 30 minutes, you can go from one side of the city to the other. So feel free to book your accommodation a little outside the city center.

Find more about local transportation on the official website.

15 reasons to visit Brasov

So now it’s time to get to the point. In case you aren’t part of the lucky few who have already been to Brașov, here are 15 reasons why you should consider it for the next holiday or even just a weekend getaway. And even if you have already visited, you might find some reasons to go back.

1. Less popular than Bucharest, so less touristy

Maybe it’s because most people don’t know much about it yet, but Brașov has considerably fewer tourists than Bucharest. In my opinion, it makes it even better because you can get a more local feel as well as avoid huge crowds. You might still find many people in some really well-known spots, but it’s manageable. If you’re not a fan of huge crowds and queues, you will be happy here.

2. Located in Transylvania, the most fascinating region of Europe

You might not know Brașov but you definitely have heard about Transylvania. The mysterious region is home to the mythological figure of Dracula. It was a historical figure, Vlad the Impaler, that inspired this myth. He was the ruler of Wallachia back in the 15th century and was known for his cruel punishments such as impaling his enemies. Also, his father’s name was Vlad Dracul which in Romanian would translate to Vlad The Devil. This name clearly contributed to his reputation.

So history apart, the region of Transylvania is living up to its reputation, with stunning castles and beautiful nature all around. It’s located in the center of the country and surrounded by the Carpathians, the third-longest European mountain range.

3. The Castle of Dracula is just a half-hour drive away

You can reach it by car or by bus, only 30 kilometers away from Brașov. Its name is actually Bran Castle but it is known as Dracula’s Castle.

To be entirely honest Vlad the Impaler had little to do with the castle as he only passed by Bran on his way to attack Brașov in 1459. The castle is connected to the figure of Dracula mostly due to Bram Stoker and his description of the castle which matches Bran Castle.

There is, in fact, another castle where Vlad the Impaler lived and ruled, but it is now completely in ruins. This is the Poenari Castle, about 3 hours away from Brașov and near the scenic road of Transfăgărășan.

4. The beautiful old town

Brașov old town is located at the feet of the mountain Tâmpa, right in the center of the city. It is one of the seven walled citadels populated by the Saxons of Transylvania and you can still find the walls of the citadel surrounding the center. The architecture in the old town is mostly Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance.

The very center is occupied by Council’s Square (Piața Sfatului), historically the place where weekly and annual markets took place. Depending on the period you are visiting, you might find a typical market going on here. This is probably the most well-known and characteristic spot in town where all sorts of events take place.

5. The Black Church

This is the biggest church in Romania and the best example of Gothic architecture in the country. Originally called the Church of Saint Mary, it got its current name after a big fire that took place in 1689 and destroyed most of the old town. The walls of the church blackened due to the fire, therefore it became known as the Black church.

Due to its size, it was titled the biggest church between Vienna and Constantinopolis. You will notice it from far away, towering on the nearby Council’s square.

6. Peles Castle, one hour away from the city center

Peleș Castle is a Neo-Renaissance castle in the Carpathian Mountains, near the town of Sinaia. It takes around one hour by car or train from Brașov city center to get there but it’s totally worth the ride. Honestly, no trip to Brașov would be complete without a visit to the Peleș Castle. You can also get a Tour with An Expert Guide or join a full-day trip to visit Peleș, Bran, and Cantacuzino Castle.

The castle was built between 1873 and 1914 on order of King Carlo I who wanted it as a summer retreat. Its style is comparable to the famous Schloss Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, with clear Saxon influences. The interior is mostly decorated in baroque style but it has several different rooms, each decorated in its particular way.

Nowadays, the castle receives up to half a million visitors per year. You can visit it from Wednesday to Sunday; the castle is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The castle closes for a couple of weeks each year for maintenance and cleaning. The closing period always varies, so check the website before your trip.

7. Tampa: a mountain in the very heart of the city

Tâmpa is a mountain situated right in the center of Brașov, rising 900 meters above sea level. This is one of my favorite places and it always was, even when I was a child. You can climb up on foot if you’re feeling fit or take the cable car up.

The view from the top is simply breathtaking. You can see the whole city, with narrow streets and tiny red rooftops all across the old town and the more modern buildings further away.

On the top of Tâmpa, there used to be a citadel back in the 13th century, which is now completely in ruins. In the 18th century, a chapel was built which was soon destroyed, giving the name of Chapel Hill to the mountain. Nowadays you will find a restaurant and a television tower and since 2006 also a Hollywood style writing with the name Brașov.

8. Home of the first Romanian school

Brașov is home to the first Romanian school to be built, back in 1495. This is also the first place where lessons in Romanian were taught in 1583. For a long time, it was the only school in the country and students from many different villages came to study here. Each village would pay for one student to attend the school and then go back and teach the rest of the village what they learned.

The school was in use until 1850. Nowadays it’s a museum containing early Slavic and Romanian books, the first Romanian Bible, and the first Romanian printing press. You will find the museum in the neighborhood of Şchei.

9. Schei, the ethnically Bulgarian neighborhood

This neighborhood is a little bit up from the old town, at the feet of Tâmpa mountain. It has a village-like feel, with small houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Until the 17th century, people living in Şchei could only enter Brașov at certain times and had to pay a toll if they wanted to sell goods in town. Back then Catherine’s Gate was the only entrance for the Romanians and it’s the only gate still standing from medieval times.

Researchers found that the neighborhood was originally populated by Bulgarians who later adopted the Romanian language and ethnic identity. To this day it is considered an ethnically Bulgarian neighborhood. The church of Saint Nicholas dominates the neighborhood, right next to the first Romanian school.

10. Rope Street is the narrowest street in Romania

This is probably one of the most curious things in town and it’s attracting quite a few people. You can find Rope Street (Strada Sforii) near Şchei Gate. The street is between 111 and 135 cm wide and apart from being the narrowest street in town, it’s also one of the narrowest in the world.

This was initially built as access for firefighters. Check it out on your tour around the old town. You can’t even fully spread your arms. Try it out. But don’t write on the walls, please!

11. Beautiful skiing locations: Poiana Brasov and Predeal

These are two of the most visited skiing locations in Romania. You can reach Poiana Brașov within a 30-minute bus ride from the Old Town (departing from Livada Poștei). Predeal is about 40 minutes away by train.

Poiana Brașov is about 1000 meters above sea level and has seven main ski and snowboard slopes. In winter it’s like a small fairytale village covered in snow but it’s an enjoyable place also during summer. The road to get there also offers amazing views of Brașov from the top.

While in Poiana Brașov you will mostly find hotels, resorts, and restaurants, Predeal is a town south of Brașov. It’s at a slightly higher altitude than Poiana Brașov and has five major ski runs. Go there to breathe some pure mountain air and enjoy nature.

12. Awesome views from the top

Apart from Tâmpa, which offers undeniably the best view of the whole city, there are a few other places where you can go to enjoy a view from the top.

My favorite place is near the Black Tower (Turnul Negru) not far from the old town and Şchei neighborhood. The location on top of the Warthe hill offers a great view of the Black church, the Council’s square, and the surrounding old town. A little bit up from the tower you will find a belvedere, close to the road that leads to Poiana Brașov. Not far away you can find the White Tower, a medieval watchtower, and also a museum.

Both towers are located outside of the walls of the old citadel, immersed in nature. It’s a nice walk to enjoy pure air and also have great views of the city. If you visit Brașov, be sure to explore this area.

13. Rasnov Citadel and its legend

Just outside the city, in the town of Râșnov, Brașov County, you can visit a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century. It was built as a defense system for the surrounding Transylvanian villages since all invaders would pass by Râșnov on their way to Brașov.

In the citadel, there is a well with an interesting history. It was built during a long siege when inhabitants were worried about the lack of water. The legend says the inhabitants forced two Turkish prisoners to dig the well for 17 years, in return for their freedom. They never actually gained their freedom as they were killed after the well was completed. Also according to the legend, there is a secret tunnel in the well, leading outside the town.

Visit the museum inside the citadel to learn more about its history and legend.

14. Amazing yet cheap food

I love food from all over the world but Romanian food brings me back to my happiest memories. Unfortunately, Romanian cuisine is not so popular in other countries so I can usually only enjoy it when going back or visiting relatives.

Don’t expect anything fancy or light. Romanian food is rustic and fills you right up. And most importantly, it’s cheap to eat out. You can easily get a full meal at somewhere between 5 and 10 euros. And the best thing is that it’s authentic. There’s no such thing as fast food in our culture.

You might want to try sarmale (cabbage or vine leaf rolls filled with meat, rice, and vegetables) or ardei umpluți (stuffed peppers filled with the same ingredients). There is a huge variety of soups (most of them sour) with the most typical being ciorba de burtă, made with tripe. A typical and faster dish for summer is grilled mititei (or mici), a type of sausage made of a variety of minced meat and spices. There are also many types of stew, with or without meat as well as different salads. Instead of bread, try the Romanian-style polenta.

For dessert, try papanași (a kind of doughnut) with jam and sour cream. And if you’re a fan of alcoholic drinks, you can try pălincă, țuică or rachiu. They are all different types of brandy-like drinks.

15. Stunning hiking locations right outside the city

Visiting Brașov will not take long so if you are planning on staying more than just a couple of days you can go for a hike. There are plenty of beautiful spots for hiking in the surroundings of the city. The most famous ones are the Piatra Mare Mountains with the Seven Ladders Canyon, Postăvarul Massif, and Solomon’s Rocks.

Piatra Mare Mountains is a small mountain range near the town of Predeal, south of Brașov. There are plenty of beautiful spots for a hike, including an ice cave (Peștera de Gheață). Here you can find the Seven Ladders Canyon, about 15 kilometers from Brașov. The place gets its name from the seven waterfalls that you can find in the nearby surroundings. Enjoy beautiful mountain views and rich green forests. You can also join a guided Half-Day trip to the Seven Ladders Canyon.

Postăvarul massif is actually the mountain range that extends right into the city center of Brașov as Tâmpa mountain. Outside of the city, it reaches up to 1799 meters on the peak named Postăvarul.

Solomon’s Rocks is quite a popular hiking location only 7 kilometers from Brașov old town. The name is due to yet another legend narrating that the Hungarian king Solomon was running away from his enemies and jumped with his horse from one rock to the other, while his followers fell into the valley in between.

If you need more info for your visit to Brașov

I could find even more reasons to visit this beautiful city and I might be biased but I’ll let you decide for yourself. If you’re planning on visiting and want some more advice, feel free to contact me here. I’ll be happy to give you some tips, help with translations, or advise on where to stay.

Lastly, if you’re looking for cool places to visit near Brașov, check out Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni, the filming location of the Netflix show Wednesday.