Brasov is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania and an excellent gateway to some of the most well-known sights in Transylvania. Here is a guide to the best things to do in Brasov, Romania.
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Welcome to Brasov: One of the Best Cities in Transylvania
Situated right in the center of the country, Brasov is Romania’s sixth-largest city.
The area has an eventful history and changed hands frequently throughout its existence.
The city was officially founded as “Kronstadt” (city of the crown) in 1235 under the Kingdom of Hungary, but the region had been home to several villages for centuries.
In this context, Transylvanian Saxons (Germans who moved to Transylvania in the Middle Ages) were one of the primary groups living here, explaining the city’s German heritage.
After that, Brasov became part of the Principality of Transylvania and the Austrian Empire (later the Austro-Hungarian Empire) before joining the new Kingdom of Romania in 1920.
Today, Brasov is a major tourist magnet and one of the prettiest cities in Romania. It is also an excellent location for digital nomads in Romania thanks to its top-notch infrastructure and laid-back lifestyle.
On this basis, here are the best things to do in Brasov, Romania.
The Best Things to do in Brasov, Romania
The center of Brasov is walkable, so you can easily get around on foot. To reach places further out, Brasov has a well-integrated bus network.
Council Square and Brasov Old Town
Council Square (Piața Sfatului) is the city’s medieval market square. Established in the 14th century, most of the architecture around the square is from the 18th century. Apart from being a marketplace, it was also the location of public trials and executions in the Middle Ages.
Council Square holds the Brasov Museum County Museum of History as well as lots of charming restaurants and bars.
From here, you can explore the stunning medieval Brasov Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the neighborhood where the majority of Brasov tourist attractions are located.
The Black Church
Completed in 1467, the Black Church is one of the top places to visit in Brasov thanks to its unique architecture and heritage. Its color may be the result of a fire in the 17th century, but modern historians believe that the church’s color only faded in the 20th century due to industrial pollution.
Today, the church holds a vast collection of Ottoman-Turkish carpets, a result of the long trade relations between Transylvania and the Ottoman Empire.
The Black Church and the City Walls
Tampa Mountain and the Brasov Hollywood Sign
Heading up to Tampa Mountain is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Brasov.
Mount Tampa offers stunning views over the city thanks to its elevation of 940m (3,083 ft).
In the 1950s, Brasov was renamed “Stalin City,” and the name of the Soviet dictator appeared on the mountain. That name was naturally re-changed to Brasov, and today, the city has its own Hollywood sign.
You can hike up the mountain (about 1.5 hours) or take the cable car. From the top, it’s also possible to walk across the crests to Poiana Brasov and Postavarul (1,799m / 5,902 ft above sea level).
The view from Tampa Mountain / Shutterstock
St. Nicholas Church and the First Romanian School
St. Nicholas is another charming church that’s worth a visit on your Brasov sightseeing trip.
Established in the 13th century, its architectural style comprises Gothic and Baroque elements, as several parts were later added.
Next to the church, you’ll find the first-ever school where the Romanian language was used, dating from 1583.
Beth Israel Synagogue
The Jewish community in Brasov is small with only about 200 active members, but the city’s synagogue has a long and eventful history.
First built in 1901, it was heavily damaged in World War Two and completely renovated in 2001, 100 years after its establishment.
Brasov Water Paradise (Paradisul Acvatic)
Brasov Water Paradise is a health and spa club and the largest of its kind in Romania, featuring 12,000 sqm of indoor facilities with six pools as well as a large outdoor area.
If you get tired from all the culture and nature activities, relaxing at Paradisul Acvatic is one of the best things to do in Brasov.
The Best Day Trips from Brasov
There are three stunning castles located in the vicinity of Brasov: Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), Peles Castle, and Rasnov Fortress.
You can reach all three by public transportation (train to Sinaia for Pelese Castle, bus or taxi to Bran, and train to Rasnov).
Alternatively, you can go on a guided tour which will make transportation easier. I recommend this tour which includes all three castles.
There are also bear parks in the region of Brasov which are accessible with a guide.
Romania has the largest bear population in Europe, and the wildlife tours offer insights into the conservation and protection of these majestic brown bears. I recommend this guided tour for bear-watching.
Dracula’s Castle in Bran / Shutterstock
Where to Stay in Brasov
The best area to stay in Brasov for tourists is undoubtedly the Old Town. You’ll be within walking distance of the best sights and top activities in Brasov. I stayed at a hostel called Jugendstube which I can warmly recommend.
Find more places to stay in Brasov here.
Council Square
Things to do in Brasov: Know Before You Go
To complete our guide on the best places to visit in Brasov, here are some FAQs.
How to Get to Brasov
Brasov has a small international airport with low-cost connections to England, France, Germany, and some other European destinations.
The easiest way to get to Brasov is to take a train from Bucharest. Trains run every hour from Bucharest North Railway Station and cost less than €10. Alternatively, you can take a Flixbus from Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or other cities in Romania.
How Many Days Do I Need?
You can visit the city itself in one day, but plan more days to explore the sites in the region. I would say that three days is the minimum you’ll need to visit both Brasov and some of the most well-known castles.
Is Brasov Safe?
Brasov is as safe as any other mid-sized European city. Use common sense, and you won’t have any trouble here.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Brasov?
The summer months (June to September) are Brasov’s high season. I visited in May and the temperature was already pleasant, but not warm.
Winter is hit or miss with frequent cold fronts and a risk of low visibility.
Bottom Line: Is Brasov Worth Visiting?
Brasov is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Romania and also an excellent base to explore Transylvania and the Lower Carpathian Mountains.
