Brasov is one of the most visited cities in Romania. It sits in Transylvania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. Brasov is popular in the winter as a ski destination, as well as the summer as a general holiday destination.
It’s easy to understand why Brasov would be so popular. The Carpathian Mountains provide an incredible backdrop to the colorful town center and its historic medieval buildings. If you found yourself randomly in the middle of the town, you might think you were inside of a storybook.
I will say, Brasov is not a cheap vacation destination. But it is a dream for any nature lover and belongs on any Romanian vacation itinerary.
Here are 10+ things to do in Brasov during a short visit.
Hike or Ride up to the Brasov Sign
One of the top things to do in Brasov is to get up close and personal with the Brasov sign. Like Hollywood, Brasov famously has its name in large white letter nestled in the hills above the city.
The sign is visible from multiple vantage points, especially prominent from the town center. If you choose to visit Brasov, you can get several great views of it from below. But you can also see the sign up close either via a short hike or gondola ride up Mt. Tampa.
If you choose to hike, it’s about 1.5-2 hours up a well-worn but rocky trail. The trail is not too steep and fairly easy in dry conditions. In the rain, the rocks are quite slippery, so I do recommend good hiking shoes. Alternatively, you can take the gondola up the mountain for a small fee.
Regardless of how you ascend the mountain, you’ll find yourself right up behind the Brasov sign. The views from the top are spectacular, especially on a clear day when you can see out across the entire city and into the mountains.
At the top, you can also see small remnants and read about the history of an old fort that once sat at the top of Mt. Tampa.
Explore the Old Town
If you are a tourist in Brasov, it’s highly likely you’ll find yourself in the city’s Old Town for either all or part of your visit.
The Saxons founded Brasov in the 13th century and built it up as one of Transylvania’s seven walled cities. You can certainly feel the city’s long history when walking through its beautiful old town.
Brasov’s Old Town is the city’s historic and cultural center. Colorful, medieval buildings fill this area of the city, which can become even more beautiful and mysterious in a light rain or mist. Here you can find the city’s most popular restaurants and attractions, including its weekly open-air markets and famous Black Church.
See the Black Church
Another top thing to do in Brasov is to visit the Black Church. Initially built in the late 14th century, the Black Church is the largest gothic-style church in Romania. It is a prominent centerpiece of the Old Town and a must-see in Brasov.
The church got its current name following charring from a large fire in the 17th century. In present day, the church fully embraces its appearance.
If you want to tour the inside of the church, there is an entrance fee. However, you can also appreciate the church from the outside, which is what I chose to do.
Climb to the White Tower
The White Tower sits on a hill above Brasov’s old town. Going to the base of the tower is another top thing to do in Brasov for a visitor.
The White Tower is a restored watchtower originally constructed in the 16th century. Climbing the steep hills from the Old Town to its base also gives you a beautiful view over the city. The view isn’t as sweeping as the one from the Brasov sign, but in some ways it’s even better.
From this viewpoint, Mt. Tampa serves as the backdrop to the city, with the Brasov sign perched atop. The Black Church prominently rises from the city center, surrounded by the colorful buildings of the Old Town. It’s one of the best views in Brasov.
The tower itself isn’t as pretty as it could be as it has a lot of graffiti. But it’s still worth the short climb.
Walk Through Catherine’s Gate
Catherine’s Gate was originally constructed in the 16th century as a defensive structure for Brasov’s walled city. Brasov once had multiple city gates from Medieval times, but Catherine’s Gate is the only surviving wall.
The gate signifies a few facts about Brasov’s history. Importantly, the gate’s four turrets symbolize the town’s judicial autonomy.
The gate itself is not quite as spectacular as it once was. But it’s still interesting to see it up close and learn a bit of its history. You can find it in Brasov’s Old Town.
Visit the World’s Largest Brown Bear Sanctuary (Libearty)
Romania is home to Europe’s largest population of brown bears. In fact, before visiting Brasov, I read that the city’s biggest danger was not running into an unsavory human but a brown bear. However, there is a way to safely and ethically see a brown bear in Brasov.
Libearty is located about 40 minutes outside of Brasov. It’s the world’s largest brown bear sanctuary. National geographic also named it one of the world’s most ethical animal sanctuaries. You can visit with your own car, via taxi or as part of a group tour. You can only visit in the morning because that time offers the best chance to actually see the bears.
The woman who started the sanctuary did so after meeting a brown bear named Maya who was imprisoned in a tiny cage outside of a restaurant in Romania. Today, they take in dozens of bears that have become too reliant on or used to humans and would otherwise not be able or allowed to live in the wild. Definitely great for a short half-day trip from Brasov.
Take a Day Trip to Bran Castle
Bran Castle is perhaps the most famous castle in Romania. It is known as the castle setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, though technically there is no real evidence that is the case. It is also tangentially associated with Vlad the Impaler, widely considered the inspiration for the book’s titular character.
The castle itself is famous for being the fortress on the border of Wallachia, and was a strategically important military post through the 19th century.
In 1920, the castle became a holiday home to Queen Marie of Romania as a thank you for negotiating terms for the Kingdom of Romania following WWI. During the communist era after WWII, the government seized it, then returned to rightful owners in the early 2000s. Today, it functions as a museum.
Its primary exhibits are about its history from the 13th to 20th century, with the primary focus on Queen Marie and how she updated and decorated the castle. There are a couple of areas related to its Dracula lore, and even a special exhibit on medieval torture in Romania.
Bran Castle is a good day trip from Brasov considering its proximity to that city. However, you can also visit it as a longer day trip from Bucharest if needed.
Tour a Palinkaria
Palinka is a traditional type of strong brandy made with fermented fruit. Technically, it is Hungarian, but the spirit is popular in Romania as well.
You can visit a small palinkaria in the country less than an hour outside Brasov. I visited on a group day trip that combined it with Bran Castle and Libearty. I learned how they distill palinka then tried several flavors for the equivalent of 1 Euro each.
You can get a traditional plum brandy, or try different fermented fruits. For example, a popular flavor is quince.
Eat Mici
Mici, also called mititei, is a traditional Romanian dish and a staple of the country’s cuisine. If you eat meat, you must try mici at least once while in Romania.
They are small ground meat logs, usually made with a mixture of beef, lamb and pork and a variety of spices. It’s traditionally eaten with mustard dip, though you can often get it with ketchup or other sauces if you’re at a more touristy restaurant or food truck. It’s also typical to get it with a side of french fries. Mici ends up being a heavy meal, but is definitely worth trying, especially if you can get it at a restaurant that spices it well.
Enjoy Romanian Craft Beer
One thing I always enjoy doing in a new country is trying their craft beer. I like seeing the flavors and trends. And, of course, tasting it.
Brasov is a good place to try Romanian craft beer as you can find locally brewed beer right in the center of town. Mustata is a lovely place to try local craft beer. If you don’t drink beer, you can still get some food or play some games in a nice atmosphere.
Alternate Things to do in Brasov:
- Beth Israel Synagogue: The center of Brasov’s Jewish community that was damaged but not fully destroyed during WWII.
- Schei District: The only area where non-Saxons were allowed to reside in Brasov during Medieval times.
- Brasov Fortress: A bit outside the Old Town, this fortress was built to defend the city during Medieval times.
- Black Tower: Another old stone watchtower of Brasov.
- Peles Castle day trip: A 19th-century Transylvanian castle built for King Carol I.
Logistics:
Where to Stay in Brasov:
The most popular area to stay in Brasov is the Old Town. If you stay here, you’ll be in close proximity to all major tourist attractions, as well as any group tours that include pickup.
Although accommodation in Brasov is fairly affordable overall, Old Town will be the most expensive area to stay in the city.
Other neighborhoods to consider are Schei and Racadau. These areas are a bit outside the Old Town, but not too far. They can be more affordable and quieter while still being within relatively close proximity to tourist attractions.
Getting Around Brasov:
- Walking: If you’re staying in or near the city center, it’s very easy to get around Brasov just by walking.
- Bus: There are also buses that go between neighborhoods. If you arrive by train, you can take a bus to the city center for about $1.50.
- Rideshare: Brasov has Ubers you can take to get between neighborhoods, if needed.
Brasov Safety:
Brasov is generally considered a safe town, with the biggest danger being encountering a wild brown bear. It is especially safe if you stay near main tourist areas.
The one neighborhood I saw people warning tourists away from was Bartolomeu. Comments on the area’s safety were mixed, but I didn’t venture there regardless.
Those are my top things to do in Brasov!
Considering visiting Brasov? Let me know your thoughts!
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