Top Things to See and Do in Brașov, Romania
Brașov is one of my favourite towns in Romania. It’s easy to walk around, full of history and close to many lovely places. Whether you're here for a short break or passing through, there's plenty to enjoy.
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We spent a few days in Brașov before heading off on a road trip along the Transfăgărășan. Here’s what we saw and did, plus a few things you might want to add to your list.
Walk Around the Old Town
Brașov's old town is the best place to start. It’s small enough to explore on foot, with pretty buildings, cobbled streets and mountain views in the background.
Council Square (Piața Sfatului) – Surrounded by colourful historic buildings, the square is home to the former Council House, now the Brașov County Museum of History, offering insights into the city's past. It's a great place to relax at one of the many outdoor cafés, watch street performers, or simply enjoy the view of the nearby Black Church. Also a great spot for people-watching.
The Black Church (Biserica Neagră) is one of Brașov’s most famous landmarks. This large Gothic church dates back to the 15th century and is known for its striking dark walls and impressive pipe organ. Inside, it’s peaceful and simple, with touches of history throughout.
Rope Street (Strada Sforii): It is one of the narrowest streets in Europe - 80 meters long and 1.11 t0 1.35 meters wide. It was originally built as an access passage for firefighters.
It’s fun to locate the street and it makes a quirky photo stop. Stand at one end of Rope Street to get a fun perspective shot.
Take the Cable Car up Tampa Mountain
Mount Tampa rises right behind the old town. You can take a short cable car ride to the top or walk up if you’re feeling active.
At the top, walk a little to reach the Brașov sign. The views over the rooftops and hills are beautiful. You can take the cable car down or walk back through the forest if the weather’s nice.
The cable car can get really busy, especially on weekends. Go early if you can.
Explore the Old Walls and Towers
Brașov still has parts of its medieval wall and several old defence towers.
White Tower and Black Tower – Both offer nice views. You’ll need to climb a few steps to reach them.
Catherine’s Gate – A lovely old gate with pointed towers. It looks like something from a fairy tale.
Photo tip: Take a shot of Catherine’s Gate from the little bridge just outside it.
The Hunters’ Tower (Turnul Vânătorilor) - It is one of several medieval defensive towers that were built as part of the city's fortifications during the Middle Ages. These towers were strategically placed to protect the city from invaders and were usually maintained by specific guilds—groups of craftsmen or tradespeople.
The Hunters' Tower (pictured above) is located near the southeast part of Brașov's old fortifications, near the Weavers' Bastion and close to the Tâmpa mountain trailhead.
Visit the First Romanian School Museum
This small museum is tucked away in the Șcheii Brașovului area, just outside the old walls. It was the first school to teach in Romanian and has old books, printing presses and friendly guides who explain the history.
Tip: Guided tours are short and informative. Worth doing if you enjoy history.
Enjoy a Day Trip
Brașov is in a great location for day trips. Here are a few popular ones:
Bran Castle – Often called Dracula’s Castle. It’s not really spooky, but it’s an interesting place with lots of history. About 40 minutes from Brașov.
Râșnov Fortress – A hilltop fortress with great views. Smaller and less busy than Bran. We drove their but it was closed to visitors for some major restoration work.
Liberty Bear Sanctuary (Zărnești) – A peaceful forest home for rescued bears. Guided tours only, so check timings in advance.
Tip: You can combine Bran Castle and Râșnov in one day.
Drive the Transfăgărășan
If you’re in Brașov between late June and October and enjoy scenic drives, the Transfăgărășan is a must. We drove it after visiting Curtea de Argeș Monastery, and it turned out to be one of the best road trips we’ve done. The road winds through the Carpathian Mountains, passing lakes, waterfalls, and even a zipline at Bâlea Lake. Along the way, you can stop at Vidraru Dam, take photos at viewpoints and simply enjoy the stunning landscape.
The route is also great for spotting wild brown bears!
Photo tip: the view from the top near Bâlea Lake is incredible – perfect for wide shots.
Go for a Nature Walk
If you enjoy quiet walks, there are plenty of trails near Brașov to explore. One of the most popular is the Tampa Mountain trail – it’s a bit steep in places, but not too difficult and offers lovely views from the top. You can also find peaceful forest paths just outside the old town, or head further out for longer hikes if you have more time. Just a small tip – wear good shoes, especially if it’s been raining, as the forest trails can get quite muddy.
Do a Bit of Shopping
Brașov has some lovely little shops where you can pick up unique Romanian souvenirs. Look out for hand-painted ceramics, traditional blouses (ie), wooden crafts and local honey or jam.
Many of the souvenir shops are around Council Square and along the side streets nearby. There are also small markets where local artists sell handmade items. It’s a nice way to support local makers and take home something special.
How to Get to Brașov
Brașov is easy to reach from Bucharest and other nearby cities. We drove from Bucharest as we had hired a car for our trip, and the journey was pleasant, with lovely views along the way. It took around 2.5 hours. If you’re not driving, the train is a good option – it takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the service, and trains run regularly from Bucharest North Station. Buses are also available, but the train is usually more comfortable. From places like Sinaia, Sibiu or Sighișoara, there are direct trains and buses, and the drives are scenic too.
Brașov is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy both the city and nature. Whether you’re wandering through its pretty streets, heading up the mountain, or driving out to castles and forests, there’s something for everyone.
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