Travel Guide to Brașov, Romania

Ra's Travel Guide to Brașov

The inspiration for the setting in the famous Dracula; the ultimate travel guide to Brasov.

Table of Contents

Experience the real Transylvania beyond storybooks and movies. Discover Brașov, a vibrant Saxon medieval village boasting colorful buildings and the renowned Black Church, showcasing exquisite Gothic architecture. As one of Transylvania's key cities, Brașov attracts millions of visitors annually, intrigued by its rich Saxon heritage and the iconic Bran Castle. Use this travel guide to Brasov to help plan your trip!

Getting to Brașov, Romania: Transportation Options and Travel Tips

Generally, traveling to Brașov, Romania, is convenient with various transportation options available including train, bus, car, and plane. These modes of transport provide direct access to Brașov, situated close to the city center. Depending on your preferences and origin, you can choose the most suitable method. Both bus and train journeys offer breathtaking scenic views of Romania, particularly during the enchanting autumn season when leaves change colors.

Although, during my visit to Brașov from Moldova, I opted for the affordable bus option. Starting my journey, I took a bus/marshrutka from Moldova for just $5 USD, arriving in Iasi, Romania. From there, I transferred to a coach bus heading directly to Brașov, which cost $20 USD. Despite a slight delay with the coach bus, the total travel time was approximately 7 hours. For the return trip to Moldova, I followed the same route at the same price.

Consider using Rome2rio to check the different methods of travel from your location to Brașov and the price. Continue in this travel guide to Brasov to get more insider tips.

Where to Stay in Brașov, Romania?

Brașov offers a wide range of accommodations in its city center, ranging from simple to luxurious hotels. Downtown, you can find hostels and numerous Airbnb options. During my visit, I stayed at the Blue House Airbnb with my colleagues. It provided exceptional cleanliness, a prime location, and a highly responsive host.

Guides to Romania

Guide to Celebrating Halloween at Bran Castle

Romanian Souvenirs to Buy in Romania

Getting Around Brașov, Romania

Car

Driving by car is desirable if you plan to explore more of the Saxon villages and cities beyond Brașov. Otherwise, a car is not needed when just visiting Brașov. Parking is widely available around the city with minimal traffic. Be aware of pedestrians crossing and be ready for many roundabouts.

Uber

Uber is in Brașov and is available throughout the city! Make sure to have the app downloaded and set up before you travel. Be aware of additional charges due to conversion to Romanian lei.

Bus

The bus is a cheap method of transportation when traveling around Brașov and beyond the city’s borders. A few of the bus lines will specifically travel to the main tourist spots, so check the bus timetables and routes online.

Taxi

Taxis are available throughout Brașov and can be found waiting outside major tourist spots or by calling the local taxi number. Be sure to confirm the price before getting in the car. Romania is still primarily a cash-based economy, so you will need cash for taxis.

Lime/Bolt Scooters

Looking to see Brașov in a different way? Lime and Bolt scooters are located throughout the city and are ready for your use. Brașov is very pedestrian friendly and still maintains cobblestone walkways, so be careful while scooting.

Walking

The majority of the locals and tourists travel around Brașov by foot. The streets are well maintained with a dedicated cleaning crew throughout the day. There are street lights that help light the streets and sidewalks in the evening. People are out late, so I felt relatively safe walking by myself in the evenings.

What to Do in Brașov, Romania?

Explore Piata Sfatului

Visit the main square in the city center, where people gather, city events take place, and many tourist attractions are located. I had the opportunity to witness an unexpected pop-up car show while enjoying dinner, which provided a front-row view.

Biserica Neagra (Black Church)

Admire the majestic Black Church, a magnificent structure with Gothic-style architecture that stands tall above the city. Its name originated from a fire incident in 1689, which darkened its walls.

Tour the Historic Streets

Experience the city's charm through guided tours available online or join free walking tours to explore the city and meet new people. Don't forget to capture memorable photos along the way.

Strada Sforii (Rope Street)

Walk through one of Europe's narrowest streets, known for its width of only 53 inches at its widest point and 44 inches at its narrowest.

Catherine's Gate and Brașov's Fortified Medieval Walls

Witness the last standing medieval gate built in 1559, along with the 600-year-old fortified walls. Marvel at the iconic architecture characterized by its four pillars.

Visit the Brașov Sign

Look at the mountains while strolling in Brașov to discover the city's version of the famous Hollywood sign. Reach it by cable car or embark on a thrilling hike. Cable car operation hours are typically from 9 am to 5 pm.

Casa Sfatului

Formerly a medieval watchtower, this building in the city square transformed into the town hall in the 1500s. Today, it houses the County Museum of History, offering insights into the city's ancient past dating back to the Iron Age.

Climb Mount Tampa

Embark on the Knights' Road, one of the oldest routes leading to the summit, and enjoy hiking to a maximum height of 960 meters, offering a captivating view of the city. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife in the nature preserve, including brown bears and Eurasian lynxes. This is also where the Brașov sign is located.

Bran Castle

Located just a 30-minute drive from Brașov, Bran Castle is a must-visit tourist spot. This 14th-century fortress inspired the legends of Count Dracula and Vlad the Impaler. While the stories may not be entirely true, you can still delve into the castle's fascinating history and appreciate its captivating beauty.

Poiana Brașov

A short distance from the city lies a modern ski resort, perfect for winter enthusiasts from mid-November to mid-March. Outside the winter season, the area transforms into a paradise for hikers, offering numerous trails and breathtaking views.

Cetatuia Fortress

Originally built in 1533 as a citadel, later serving as a prison, and now operating as a restaurant, the Cetatuia Fortress holds significant historical artifacts. Experience a unique dining experience while exploring this intriguing fortress.

Plan your trip to Brașov, Romania, and indulge in its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. After all the convenient transportation options, comfortable accommodations, and a wide range of activities to choose from, Brașov promises a memorable experience for every traveler.

With this travel guide to Brasov, your trip is sure ot be memroable!