Located in central Romania, this Transylvanian city has a well-preserved old center with Saxon and Romanian buildings. The Black Church, southeastern Europe's largest Gothic church, is a key landmark.
Brasov, a city in central Romania, is known for its medieval architecture and mountain setting. In the Old Town, you'll see the Gothic Black Church and lively Council Square. You can hike on Mount Tampa or take a cable car for panoramic views. Many visitors use Brasov as a base to explore other parts of Transylvania, including Bran Castle and Peles Castle.
Exploring Brasov's Old Town
Brasov's historic center revolves around the Council Square (Piata Sfatului), where cafes and restaurants occupy baroque buildings. The Old Town Hall, now the Brasov History Museum, dominates one side of the square. Nearby stands the Black Church, Eastern Europe's largest Gothic church, named after a 1689 fire that darkened its walls. You can climb the church tower to look over the red-tiled roofs.
Walk down pedestrian-only Strada Republicii to experience the medieval atmosphere. Stop at Rope Street (Strada Sforii), just 4 feet wide at its narrowest point. Catherine's Gate, the sole remaining original city gate, represents Brasov's 15th century fortifications.
Hiking Mount Tampa
Mount Tampa's forested slopes rise behind Brasov's Old Town. You can hike to the summit in about an hour on marked trails or take the cable car for a quick 3-minute ride. At the top, you'll see the large Brasov sign and views of the city and Carpathian Mountains. On clear days, the vista extends across the Transylvanian plateau.
Day Trips from Brasov
Brasov's location allows you to visit some of Transylvania's well-known sites. Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend, is 30 km away. Peles Castle, a former royal summer residence, is about an hour's drive. For rural Transylvania, visit the fortified church in Prejmer or hike in Piatra Craiului National Park.
Sampling Local Flavors
Taste Romanian dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls) or mici (grilled meat rolls) at La Ceaun or Sergiana restaurants. For dessert, try covrigi (soft pretzels) or kürtőskalács, a cylindrical pastry roasted over charcoal. In winter, you can drink vin fiert (mulled wine) at the Christmas market in Council Square.
Getting Around Brasov
You can walk around Brasov's compact Old Town. For longer trips, use the city's bus and trolleybus network. Taxis are common and affordable. If you plan day trips, consider renting a car. Trains connect Brasov to other major Romanian cities, with regular service to Bucharest (about 2.5 hours).
Seasonal Activities
Summer brings warm weather and more tourists. In fall, the surrounding mountains display autumn colors. Winter turns nearby Poiana Brasov into a ski resort. Spring sees the return of outdoor cafes and the Junii Brasovului festival, with parades of riders in traditional costumes.
