13 Things To Do in Brasov (+Local Romanian Tips)
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Are you traveling to Romania and looking for the best things to do in Brasov? A few insider tips from a local? I got you.
I’m Romanian, and I’ve stayed in Brasov for a few weeks at a time. Since a couple of my cousins live in the city, I also get VIP treatment and local tips from them, which I’ll pass on to you!
QUICK GUIDE: Best Things To Do In Brasov
✅ Visit Bran Castle (Draculas Castle) – while vampires are not real, the castle tour is pretty creepy and cool, and the little village around Bran is rustic!
✅ Day Trip to Bran Castle & Peles Castle – Best bang for your buck, where you can see both Bran Castle and Peles Castle, which I think is the prettiest castle in Romania. Peles Castle is the location of many movies and the former home of our kings. My grandma lives 30 minutes from Sinaia, so I love going!
✅ Go on the Historic Walking Tour – It’s always a small group, and there’s a lot of history that adds context to the city. Plus, the tour guides always have the best tips for local music, food, and festivals!
✅ Hike the Carpathian Mountains – I’m a big hiker and especially loved trekking in Piatra Craiului National Park. I hired a guide because it’s a bit of a wild mountain, and I know bears and wild goats are around.
Brasov is one of my favorite cities in Romania because it’s near some of the best hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, close to my favorite and the most popular castles, and the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – plus the people are young, cute, and everyone pretty much speaks English!
13 Best Things To Do in Brasov
Here are my personal favorite things to do in order of proximity to Brasov Old Town all the way to the iconic castles a little further out of town – like Bran Castle (30 30-minute drive from Brasov) and Peles Castles (across the mountains, 1-hour drive from Brasov).
PLANNING A TRIP TO BRAȘOV?
🏠 Best Places to Stay: 1910 Boutique Hotel or Vila Katharina (super chic) in Old Town
✅ Best Tours in Brasov (Likely to sell out!): Bran Castles Tour (Dracula’s Castle – a bit of a tourist trap but still cool to see once), Bran Castle & Bear Sanctuary (great combo value and fun for kids), Bran, Peleș, and Râșnov Fortress Day Trip (all the iconic castles in one day for the maximizes – Peles Castle is my favorite castle in Romania!)
🚨 Travel Insurance I Use: Safety Wing Nomad Insurance Complete. Travel medical insurance is a must when planning a trip to Eastern Europe because we’re adults, and it’s called being responsible. Insurance is important not just because of the financial side when something goes wrong but also because you’ll be glad to have someone to call and help you sort out medicine abroad – in a foreign language.
✔️ The Essential Plan is best for mid- to short-term travelers covering travel risks and unexpected medical issues, starting at around $56 for 4 weeks. If you’re going hiking in the Carpathians like I did, you will want to add on the Adventure Sport option. (BEST FOR SHORT TERM TRAVEL)
✔️ The Complete Plan is a lot more comprehensive and is best for the longer-term traveler (like more than a month). The key to this one is that it includes the Adventure Sports add-on, plus routine healthcare stuff, maternity, cancer screenings, chiropractic, etc. if you need it. This is actually the best bang for your buck if you’re a digital nomad like me. (BEST FOR DIGITAL NOMADS)
🚗 Car Rental I Use: Discover Cars (I usually get the smallest automatic, and it does just fine on the roads of Romania)
I’ve also included a few tips and things I found interesting from staying in Brasov with my cousins, especially some cute restaurants to stop in for traditional food.
1. Old Town Brasov Walking Tour
Brașov’s Old Town is cute and one of the more Instagram-worthy ones in Romania. Think cobblestone streets, colorful baroque buildings, and medieval towers. Plus, the old town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
There are a few great tours in and around Brasov, but a good old historic walking tour is always the best way to start.
This is the historic walking tour I went on, and it was a great way to learn about the history, culture, and political context of both Romania and Brasov.
A few of my favorites on the tour are the Black Church (Biserica Neagră), Strada Sforii, and Catherine’s Gate.
Biserica Neagra is an iconic Gothic church, and from what I learned, it gets it’s dark color from being burned during a massive fire – and surviving. The narrowest street in Europe, Strada Sforii, is a quirky photo-op but a cute one. And Catherine’s Gate, dating back to 1559, is very medieval cute.
2. A Night Out on Piața Sfâtului (Old Town Square)
This is my favorite Old Town Square in Romania, outside of Bucharest, because it’s full of little stores and authentic Romanian restaurants and cafes.
It’s also where you will see all of Brasov out at night in the summertime enjoying themselves, having a glass of wine, and just walking around with their families.
PRO TIP ON ROMANIAN SNACKS: Right off the main Old Town Square is a little crepe bar called Clatita Zapacita. It’s known by the locals to have the best sweet and savory clatite, which is an authentic Romanian desert.
3. Get Your Traditional Craft Shopping On
If you’re keen on buying hand-grafted Romanian goodies, head down to Strada Republicii from the Old Town Square. There are tons of stores and little outdoor patios to spend a lazy afternoon exploring.
Strada Republicii is also where I bought one of my favorite traditional “iie” or embroidered traditional Romanian costume tops. While there are knockoffs for about $25, be prepared to pay around $150 for something authentic.
4. Visit Biserica Neagra (Black Church)
The Black Church, or Biserica Neagră, is Romania’s largest Gothic church, and it’s an impressive and iconic thing to visit when you’re in Brasov.
MISLEADING NAME: My parents (and a bunch of Romanians) told me the Black Church got its name from withstanding a huge fire in the old days, but my tour guide was telling me that its color is actually due to massive pollution during Romania’s industrialization period.
It costs about 10 RON (about $3) to go in, and while I sometimes get in a mood and think, “oh great, just another church”, Biserica Neagra has a large collection of “Transylvanian” rugs and a 4,000-pipe organ, which hosts regular concerts. I sat in on one of these concerts on a rainy day, and it was the most pleasant experience.
5. Climb to The Giant Brasov Sign
From anywhere in Brasov, you will see the giant Hollywood sign that says “BRASOV”. This is Mount Tampa, and probably the most iconic thing in Brasov outside of the Black Church.
When I was staying in Brasov, I claimed this little mountain twice – once on foot, and once via the gondola that takes you up. The views from Mount Tampa at the top are super pretty, over all of Brasov.
If you go at it on foot, it will take you about an hour to get up, and an hour to get down. Here is the AllTrails hiking map of where to start and finish.
My preferred way is to take the Telecabina (gondola) up to the top. It takes 5 minutes, and costs 35 RON roundtrip per adult. You can always take the gondola up and walk down the serpentine trail back into Brasov town.
6. Eat Like A Romanian
As a Romanian food connoisseur, I’ve got so many recommendations on what traditional food to try. My favorite restaurant for authentic Romanian food, like grandma cooks, is Roata Norocului.
I recommend ordering a soup as a starter. My dad likes ciorba de burta (tripe soup, which is super weird for me but very traditional), and I prefer ciorba de vitel (beef stew).
The second course is always some meat and potatoes variation. I recommend mici (traditional pork sausages) with mustard and horseradish with a side of hand-cut fries. I also recommend sarmale (cabbage rolls) with a side of mamaliga (softer cornbread).
For dessert, I always recommend papanasi, which is a big donut topped with sour cream and some sort of red fruit jam. Sounds weird, but it’s amazing!
7. Cafe Culture in Brasov
There is nothing a Romanian likes to do more than to hang out in an outdoor cafe, smoking a cigarette, drinking a coffee, and talking about their favorite sports team or complaining about politics.
Cafe culture is very much a vibe in Romania and Brasov.
☕️ My Favorite Coffee in Brasov: Nola Coffeeshop, Bo Coffee Shop, Meron Brasov, and Book Coffee Shop.
What I recommend is to get lost on the Old Town streets and enjoy a long sit in the sun with a beer or a cup of coffee. Just a heads up, Romanians drink Ursus bee and take their coffee espresso style.
8. Visit the Rupea Hilltop Citadel
Visiting the Citadel overlooking Brasov will be one of those “stair-heavy” types of adventures. My mom, dad, and I braved it, and I would recommend it on a pretty day, especially after a long and heavy Romanian lunch.
When we visited this summer, the inside of the fortress was closed, but the outside was still good to walk around the walls. The views of the city and the surrounding Brasov area are indeed pretty.
9. Squeeze Down “String Street”
I think this is considered the narrowest street in Europe, but I’ll tell you from experience that while it is a cool spot in Brasov and a pretty tight squeeze, there are plenty of these types of small streets in Europe.
Specifically, I’m talking about the UK (Edinburgh especially), Italy, France (in Lyon especially), and a whole bunch of other European countries – so I’m calling this a cute little gimmick.
FUN FACT: Strada Sforii is about 120 centimeters in width and about 80 meters long. It’s an old street in Brasof, used as a corridor for firemen.
But since you’re in Brasov, you might as well check it out. The street is found here and is perpendicular to Strada Poarta Schei.
10. Trip to Bran Castle (Draculas Castle)
Bran Castle is one of the most visited places in Romania because it’s considered to be Dracula’s Castle. In my opinion, and because vampires are not real, it’s a bit of a tourist trap. That said, it’s fun to see if you’re there.
Bran Castle is a 30-minute drive from Brasov, and the whole process of visiting the castle and grounds takes about 2 hours. You can get an Uber there and buy tickets at the gate for about $15.
I think this Bran Castle Tour is nice because it takes care of transportation and entry tickets!
Heads up that while Rasnov Fortress is on the way to Bran Castle (and you’ll see it from the road), it was closed for renovation when we went. It’s still a pretty cool spot to visit.
11. See The Bears at Zǎrnești Bear Sanctuary
I have mixed feelings about the Zǎrnești Bear Sanctuary, as I don’t like to see bears in captivity just so we can take pictures. That said, there are a ton of bears in the Carpathian Mountains, and this is one safe way to interact with the wildlife.
I like the combo of both Bran Castle & Bear Sanctuary, and this tour is especially great to do with kids.
12. Day Trip to Peles Castle and Sinaia
Sinaia is a small mountain town in the Carpathian Mountains, about 1.5 hours away from Brasov. I think it’s also one of the prettiest towns to visit, and the home of Peles Castle, which is one of the most photogenic spots in Romania.
Peleș Castle is a great example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, blending German, Italian, and Gothic styles, and its intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and frescoes are stunning!
Built between 1873 and 1914, it was the summer residence of Romania’s first king, Carol I. The castle was also the first in Europe to have electricity and central heating, a big deal for the time.
This Day Trip to Bran Castle & Peles Castle is the best bang for your buck, where you can see both Bran Castle and Peles Castle!
If you go on your own, tickets range from 50–100 RON (~€10–€20), depending on which areas you want to explore. Guided tours cost extra but are worth it for the stories and insights.
13. Hike in the Carpathian Mountains
I’m a big hiker, and I especially love trekking in Piatra Craiului National Park. I have this last on the list because I know it’s not for everyone, but the mountains around Brasov are some of the prettiest in Romania.
I hired a guide to hike (even though I’m pretty experienced) because it’s a bit of a wild mountain, and I know bears and wild goats are around.
How To Get To Brasov
If you’re landing in Bucharest Airport, the drive or train ride from the capital city to Brasov is about 3 hours (170 km).
The most convenient way to get to Brasov it is to take the train to Brasov, especially an InterRegio (IR). You can see the schedules and book tickets here: CFR Train Itineraries (in English).
The trains are a bit old in Romania, but they run efficiently, are mostly on time, and are decent. In my experience, you’ll want to bring your own snacks and toilet paper.
The best way to get to Brasov for a bit of flexibility is to rent a car from the airport where you land, most likely Bucharest. I rent a car and drive because I always like to explore little highlights along the way, like Sinaia or Peles Castle on my own.
PRO TIP: I actually spend a couple of days in Sinaia every time I make the route from Bucharest to Brasov to catch my breath, do a little hiking in the Bucegi Mountains, and just be in the beautiful nature of Romania before I head across the mountains to Brasov.
Where To Stay in Brasov
There are tons of great accommodations in Brasov, and most options are very well-rated and very well-priced. You can easily stay under $100 a night at a pretty nice boutique hotel in Old Town!
➡️ My favorite places to stay when I’m not coerced to stay at my cousin’s house are the 1910 Boutique Hotel or Vila Katharina (super chic) in Old Town. ⬅️
Brasov Typical Costs & Budget
Brașov is an affordable city to travel in. Its cute old town, rich history, and proximity to famous spots like Bran Castle and Peleș Castle make it an amazing home base for exploring Transylvania.
We averaged about $80-$100 per day per person, but here is our breakdown for spending on food, lodging, and tours:
Lodging
- Mid-Range: €40–€80/night for a cozy 3-star hotel
- Luxury: €100+/night for 4-5 star hotels or high-end boutique apartments.
Food
- Lunch: ~€8–€15 for a traditional Romanian meal with ciorbă de fasole (bean soup) or mici (grilled sausages) at a casual restaurant.
- Dinner: ~€20–€30. A mid-range restaurant with drinks included.
Transportation
- Walking within Brasov Old Town – free.
- Uber/Bolt: ~€5–€10 for short rides around town.
- Car Rental (if exploring outside the city): ~€30–€50/day + fuel.
Tours
- Guided City Tour: €15–€25 for walking tours of Brașov’s Old Town.
- Bran Castle Tour: €35–€70 for a half-day tour (including Bran, Rasnov Fortress, and a guide).
- Black Church Entry: ~€2 (€10 RON).
FAQ: Visiting Brasov
Romania is amazing for road trips and visits, and Brasov is one of the more popular city breaks to go to. I get a lot of questions on Brasov, so here are a few of my answers.
How much time do you need in Brasov?
There’s tons to do in Brasov to where you can spend a whole week exploring the city and the surrounding area, but for a regular tourist checking out Brasov for the first time, I recommend 2-3 days.
In about 3 days, you could do the highlights, Old Town, Bran Castle, and maybe even a day trip to the Bear Sanctuary or Peles Castle in Sinaia.
What is the best time to visit Brasov?
I’ve been to Brasov in every season, and each type of weather brings out a different side of Brasov. My favorite times to visit Brasov are summer and winter time when the city is alive with Christmas markets, snow, and old Romanian holiday traditions.
How do you get around Brasov?
The best way to get around Brasov is to walk, as it’s quite a small, compact town. When walking isn’t the best option, I recommend taking an Uber, as they are safe, everywhere, and pretty cheap.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Brașov does not have a metro system, but it does have a pretty cheap and reliable network of buses and trolleybuses operated by RATBV. That said, don’t mess about with buses in Romania.
If you can’t walk it, take an Uber. Trust me.
Is Brasov near Dracula’s Castle?
Yes, Brasov is 30 30-minute drive from Dracula’s Castle, which is actually named Bran Castle.
You can take an Uber from Brasov to Bran Castle or do one of the guided tours, which takes care of the transportation and entry tickets.
I recommend this Bran Castle (Draculas Castle) Tour.
It includes Rasnov Fortress, which is awesome. It was closed for renovations when we were there this summer, but it should be open again soon.
Do they speak English in Brasov?
Yes, most people in Brasov will speak English because they are used to European tourists and Brasov is one of the more touristed cities in Romania.
What’s more, Romanian kids have been learning English in school since 2nd grade, as it’s part of the curriculum.
Final Thoughts On Visiting Brasov
In conclusion, because of Brasov’s cute old town, rich history, and proximity to famous spots like Bran Castle and Peleș Castle make it an amazing home base for exploring Transylvania.
Some of my favorite things to do in and around Brasov are:
✅ Visit Bran Castle (Draculas Castle) – while vampires are not real, the castle tour is pretty creepy and cool, and the little village around Bran is rustic!
✅ Day Trip to Bran Castle & Peles Castle – Best bang for your buck, where you can see both Bran Castle and Peles Castle, which I think is the prettiest castle in Romania. Peles Castle is the location of many movies and the former home of our kings. My grandma lives 30 minutes from Sinaia, so I love going!
✅ Go on the Historic Walking Tour – It’s always a small group, and there’s a lot of history that adds context to the city. Plus, the tour guides always have the best tips for local music, food, and festivals!
✅ Hike the Carpathian Mountains – I’m a big hiker and especially loved trekking in Piatra Craiului National Park. I hired a guide because it’s a bit of a wild mountain, and I know bears and wild goats are around.
Maybe because I have family and have been to Brasov so many times, I love it more than most. Objectively, though, it’s one of the best cities in Romania to visit.
