Things to Do in Brașov
The essentials in Brașov are Council Square and the Black Church, a walk through Rope Street and the old gates, the views from Mount Tâmpa and the historic Schei quarter. Two or three days are enough for the city and a couple of day trips to Bran, Râșnov or the Saxon villages. For the rest of the country, see our Discover Romania guide.
Below we explain what to see in the old town, the best day trips and where to stay.
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Key facts
- The heart of the old town is Council Square, a short walk from the Black Church.
- Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
- You can reach the top of Mount Tâmpa by cable car or on a marked hiking trail.
- Two or three days are enough for the city plus day trips to Bran, Râșnov or the Saxon villages.
- Brașov is about three hours from Bucharest by train and the main base for bear watching.
Brașov at a Glance
Most of the sights are within walking distance of each other in the old town. This table helps you plan your time:
| Sight | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Council Square | The main square, with the old Council House | 30 minutes |
| Black Church | A large Gothic church, named after a 1689 fire | 45 minutes |
| Rope Street | One of the narrowest streets in Europe | 10 minutes |
| Old gates and walls | Catherine’s Gate, the towers and bastions | 1 hour |
| Mount Tâmpa | Cable car or hike, with views over the city | 1–2 hours |
| Schei quarter | The historic Romanian quarter and its old school | 1 hour |
Council Square and the Black Church
Council Square (Piața Sfatului) is surrounded by colourful houses and cafés, with the old Council House in the centre. It is the meeting point of the city and, in December, home to the Christmas market.
A few steps away stands the Black Church, one of the largest Gothic churches in the region. It got its name after a great fire in 1689 blackened its walls. Inside, it has a remarkable collection of oriental carpets. Check opening hours before your visit.
Tours from Brașov
A small-group day to Sighișoara, Viscri and Rupea, an evening at a bear hide in the forest and a guided hike in Piatra Craiului, all departing from Brașov.
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Small-Group Tour of Sighișoara, Viscri and Rupea from Brașov
A small-group day trip from Brașov to the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, the Saxon village of Viscri and Rupea Fortress: UNESCO heritage in one day.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Wild Carpathian Nature: A Wildlife Experience from Brașov
A small-group experience focused on ethical brown bear watching with a guide in their natural habitat in the Carpathian forests, departing directly from Brașov.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Private Hiking Trip to Piatra Craiului National Park from Brașov
A guided hike in Piatra Craiului National Park, one of the most spectacular limestone ridges of the Carpathians, departing from Brașov.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Rope Street, the Gates and the Old Walls
Brașov kept a good part of its medieval defences. Walking around the edge of the old town you will find:
- Rope Street (Strada Sforii): a tiny lane, just over a metre wide at its narrowest point.
- Catherine’s Gate: a medieval gate with four small corner turrets, one of the symbols of the city.
- The White and Black Towers: watchtowers on the hillside, with good views over the rooftops.
- The Weavers’ Bastion: one of the best-preserved bastions of the old walls.
Mount Tâmpa: The Best View of Brașov
The forested mountain right above the old town carries the big Brașov sign. A cable car goes up from the edge of the old town, and there are also marked hiking trails if you prefer to walk. From the top you can see the whole city and the plain around it.
If you hike, stay on the marked trails and follow the signs and local warnings. Check the cable car’s opening days and hours before you go, as they change with the season.
Schei: The Historic Romanian Quarter
For centuries, Romanians lived outside the walls, in the Schei quarter, while the Saxons lived inside. Today it is a quiet neighbourhood of small houses and steep streets, entered through the old Schei Gate.
Here you will find St Nicholas Church and the First Romanian School, now a museum about the history of education in Romanian. It is a pleasant walk away from the crowds of the main square.
The Best Day Trips from Brașov
Brașov is the best base in Transylvania for day trips. These are the most popular:
- Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress: about 30 km away; see our guide to Transylvania’s castles.
- Prejmer: a UNESCO-listed fortified church, about 20 km from the city.
- Sighișoara and Viscri: a medieval citadel and a Saxon village, about two hours away.
- Poiana Brașov: the ski resort above the city; read our guide to skiing in Romania.
- Bear watching: evening tours to forest hides, from spring to autumn. More in bear watching from Brașov or Bucharest.
How Many Days in Brașov and Where to Stay
One full day is enough for the old town and Mount Tâmpa. With two or three days you can add Bran and Râșnov, a Saxon village or an evening with the bears.
The most convenient place to stay is the old town or the streets around it, close to restaurants and to the usual meeting points for tours. In December, it puts you a few steps from the Christmas market; see our guide to Christmas markets in Romania.
Things to Do in Brașov: FAQ
Is Brașov worth visiting?
Yes. It has one of the prettiest old towns in Romania, mountains right above the city and the best location for day trips to Bran, Râșnov and the Saxon villages.
How many days do you need in Brașov?
One day for the old town and Mount Tâmpa; two or three days to add Bran, Râșnov, a Saxon village or bear watching.
How do you get up Mount Tâmpa?
By cable car from the edge of the old town or on foot along marked trails. Check the cable car’s opening hours before you go.
How far is Brașov from Bucharest?
About 170 km, roughly three hours by direct train from Bucharest Nord or by car through the Prahova Valley.
How far is Bran Castle from Brașov?
About 30 km, around 40–50 minutes by road. Local buses also connect the two.
Where should I stay in Brașov?
In or near the old town, close to Council Square, restaurants and the usual meeting points for tours.
