Brasov, located in Romania in the Transylvania region, is a city that offers a wide range of attractions for visitors. In terms of what to see in Brasov, its geographical location in the Carpathian Mountains provides it with a stunning natural setting, with mountains surrounding the city that are a delight to visit in the summer months. The natural beauty of the region is reflected in places such as Mount Tampa, which offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
In addition, the old town is home to well-preserved medieval buildings, such as the Black Church, the Council Square and the fortified walls dating back to the 13th century. These historical remains bear witness to the long Saxon presence in the region and add an authentic charm to the experience of visiting Brasov. If you’d like to find out more about what to see and do in Brasov, read on!
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What are the best places to visit in Brasov?
1. The Black Church, an iconic place to see in Brasov
The Black Church of Brasov, known as Biserica Neagra in Romanian, is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city and one of the largest Gothic churches in Romania. It is definitely one of the must-see sights on your trip to Brasov.
It was given its mystical name after a fire in the 17th century left its exterior obscured by smoke and flames. This church, built in the 14th century, combines Gothic and Baroque architectural elements. And its interior houses artistic treasures such as an impressive collection of oriental carpets. It also has a monumental pipe organ. The Black Church is an important historical and cultural site from which to explore Brasov’s rich history and enjoy its impressive architecture.
2. Council Square
The Council Square is the historical and social heart of Brasov. Surrounded by buildings of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, the square is a landmark reflecting centuries of history and culture. At its centre is a baroque fountain, while the paving of the square houses an intricate brick design forming the city’s coat of arms. Throughout the year, the Council Square is a popular meeting place where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy restaurants, cultural events and local markets. It is also home to important historical buildings, such as the House of the Blacksmiths’ Guild and the Town Hall, whose tower houses the Brasov History Museum. Council Square is a vibrant and picturesque corner that captures the essence of the city.
3. Bran Castle
Bran Castle is a legendary place in Brasov that has captured the imagination of millions of people around the world because of its connection to the legend of Dracula. Although not actually linked to Bram Stoker’s character, the castle features impressive architecture with pointed towers and red roofs, making it an outstanding example of medieval Eastern European architecture. It was built in the 14th century and has had several owners throughout its history, including Vlad III, the historical figure who inspired the myth of Dracula.
Bran Castle is a popular tourist destination and its interior houses a museum displaying historical furniture and artefacts, as well as information about the legend of Dracula. From its ramparts, you can enjoy views of the mountainous landscapes that surround Brasov.
4. Mount Tampa, the best place from which to see Brasov
Mount Tampa, majestically located above the city of Brasov, is a natural wonder that captivates with its lush beauty. With an altitude of around 960 metres, it is a popular attraction on trips to Brasov for nature lovers and hiking and trekking enthusiasts.
Mount Tampa offers several hiking trails that wind through its lush forests, providing an opportunity to explore the region’s flora and fauna. A hike to the top is rewarded with spectacular views of the city of Brasov and its vicinity, including the old town, the legendary red roofs and the surrounding mountains. Mount Tampa is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquillity and natural beauty while overlooking the city from the heights.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What places to visit around Brasov
1. Sighisoara, the city of Count Dracula
Sighisoara, also located in the heart of Transylvania, is an enchanting medieval town in Romania that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Known for its well-preserved old town, Sighisoara is a destination that transports you back to the Middle Ages. Its main attraction is the Sighisoara Citadel, a walled fortress with cobbled streets, colourful houses and the Clock Tower, which stands as an iconic place of the city. In addition to its architectural beauty, Sighisoara is famous for being the birthplace of Prince Vlad III, better known as Count Dracula. And there is a museum dedicated to his story in the town. With its historic ambience, winding streets and picturesque atmosphere, Sighisoara is one of the best destinations where to experience the true essence of medieval Transylvania. And it is less than two hours from Brasov.
2. Viscri, the village frozen in time
This charming place an hour and a quarter’s drive from Brasov has remained almost unchanged for centuries. And it is known for its traditional architecture with thatched houses and cobbled alleys. In addition, the village is famous for its honey production and the folklore festivals that display the authenticity of Romanian rural life.
One of the highlights is the fortified church of Viscri, that became a World Heritage Site. On your visit you can enter the church and walk along the walls.
5. Peles Castle
Another of the best destinations to visit around Brasov is Peles Castle, located about an hour away. It is one of the most interesting and majestic sights to see in the area.
Built in the 19th century, in 1873, by King Charles I of Romania, the castle served as a royal summer residence. Its majestic architectural style, a mixture of neo-Renaissance and Gothic influences, is reminiscent of a fairytale in the middle of a picturesque forest. Peles, with its tapering towers and exquisite detailing, presents a rich history, from royal retreat to museum. Its lavishly decorated rooms and breathtaking natural surroundings make this castle an unforgettable destination in the heart of Transylvania.
Where to eat in Brasov
- La Ceaun – Weiss: A fantastic restaurant where you can warm up with one of their delicious soups and other Romanian dishes. The atmosphere is cosy, the service is friendly and polite, and the dishes are comforting and very tasty.
- Ograda: Another of Brasov’s most recommended restaurants. With an ambience that combines modernity with a rustic and cosy atmosphere, the Ograda restaurant offers a varied menu of delicious Eastern European dishes.
- Casa Hirscher: With a very pleasant summer terrace, Casa Hirscher is an upscale Italian restaurant that offers much more than just pasta and pizza dishes. An exceptional dining experience.
Where to sleep in Brasov
- Residence Central Annapolis; a charming 1909 Art Nouveau building with garden, facing the Black Church. It offers flats with all comforts and is located only 50 metres from the Council Square, providing easy access to the historic centre of Brasov. Price per night in standard double room: €50.
- Hotel Rainer: Hotel Rainer, a 5-minute drive from the centre of Brasov, is in a pleasant and quiet location. This hotel, restored in a historic building from 1929, has kept the charm of bygone times. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the breakfast is very varied. Price per night in a double room: 66€.
What do I need to know before travelling to Brasov?
- The official currency in Romania is the Romanian leu (RON). Although in some shops and accommodation you can pay in euros.
- The official language of Romania is Romanian. But in tourist areas it’s common to find English speakers, especially in hotels and restaurants.
- If you are a citizen of the European Union you will only need a valid identity card or passport to travel to Romania. For non-EU countries, a passport with at least 3 months validity is required. A tourist visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
- It is advisable to travel with travel insurance that provides adequate medical cover, as free medical care in Romania is limited for foreign visitors.
- Brasov is a safe destination, but keep your belongings secure and be aware of possible pickpocketing in tourist areas and on public transport.
- The best time to visit Romania is between May and September. And if you’re going to Brasov it’s best to go in the summer months when temperatures are more pleasant.
- Tap water is safe to drink, but it is recommended to avoid tap water and drink bottled water.
How to organise what to see in Brasov
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
- Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
- Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
- Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
- Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
- Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
- Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
- Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip
- Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own travel tips and recommendations on the things to do in Brasov.
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Brasov
Brasov’s climate is continental, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures usually hover around 0°C, but can reach as low as -7°C with frequent snowfalls, while in summer, average temperatures are around 20-25°C. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with milder conditions. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, with a peak in June.
The best time to go to Brasov is during the summer months, from early July to late August. In this season the temperatures are more pleasant for walking, sightseeing and enjoying the city outdoors.
To get to Brasov from Bucharest, you can take a train for about 2-3h from Gara de Nord station or a bus from Autogara Filaret station, with a similar travel time. You can also drive from Bucharest via the A1 motorway and the DN1 road, 2.5 hours by car. From Sighisoara, you can take a train or a bus, with travel times varying, between 4-6 hours by train and around 3-4 hours by bus, depending on available connections.
Brasov is not very big, but it is a historic city with plenty to see and do. The old town is the most visited area and is easy to explore on foot, as it has pedestrian streets and places of interest close to each other. You can also use public transport, such as buses and taxis, to get around the city and to places further afield.
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