Brașov

A beautifully preserved medieval Saxon city ringed by the Carpathian mountains, centered on the lively Council Square and the towering Black Church. Its Gothic architecture, colorful streets and mountain backdrop make it Transylvania's most popular base for exploring the region.

Things to do

• Black Church — Visit the largest Gothic church in Romania, named for the soot stains from a 1689 fire, and admire its collection of Anatolian carpets.
• Council Square — Stroll the lively main square (Piața Sfatului) ringed by colorful Baroque and Renaissance facades and the old Council House.
• Rope Street — Squeeze through Strada Sforii, one of the narrowest streets in Europe at just over a meter wide.
• Tâmpa Mountain cable car — Ride the cable car up Mount Tâmpa for panoramic views over the old town and the giant Hollywood-style Brașov sign.
• White and Black Towers — Climb to these medieval defensive towers on the hillside for sweeping views of the historic center.
• Catherine's Gate — See the only original city gate still standing, a picturesque 16th-century tower marking the old Saxon fortifications.
• Day trip to Bran Castle — Head 30km southwest to the dramatic clifftop castle marketed as Dracula's Castle.
• Rasnov Fortress — Explore this hilltop peasant fortress just outside Brașov for medieval ruins and mountain vistas.

Food to try

• Bulz — A hearty polenta dish baked with sheep cheese and often topped with a fried egg or sausage, popular in this mountain region.
• Ciorbă de burtă — A sour, creamy tripe soup seasoned with garlic and vinegar, a beloved Romanian comfort dish.
• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, traditionally served with polenta and sour cream.
• Papanași — Fried doughnut-like dumplings topped with sour cream and sweet berry jam, a classic Romanian dessert.
• Mici (mititei) — Grilled skinless sausages of seasoned minced meat, best enjoyed with mustard and beer at a local terrace.
• Kürtőskalács — A Transylvanian Saxon and Hungarian chimney cake, cooked over coals and coated in sugar and cinnamon.

Local customs & good to know

• Saxon heritage — Brașov was founded by Transylvanian Saxons, and its German name Kronstadt still appears on old buildings and in local history.
• Cash and cards — The currency is the Romanian leu, and while cards are widely accepted, carry some cash for small vendors and rural day trips.
• Dress for the mountains — Weather can change quickly given the Carpathian setting, so bring layers even in summer, especially for Tâmpa or hiking.
• Respect church etiquette — Dress modestly when entering the Black Church or Orthodox churches, and note that photography may require a small fee.

Nearby

• Râșnov — 14 km
• Bran Castle — 24 km
• Bușteni (Wallachia) — 28 km
• Bucegi Mountains (Wallachia) — 29 km