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1. Take a walking tour of the Old Town
Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 and later inhabited by the Saxons, Brasov boasts a wealth of history, culture and architecture.
If you’re only visiting Brasov for a few hours and want to see the main highlights, I highly recommend joining a walking tour with a local guide.
Most Brasov walking tours include stops at landmarks such as the City Hall, the Orthodox Church and the Black Church.
2. Explore the Council Square
Located at the heart of the Old Town is Piata Sfatului, or the Council Square, which is ringed by elegant buildings with pastel facades.
The Council Square. Photo by Daniela Frendo.
The City Hall (Casa Sfatalui) stands proudly in the middle of the square. It was built in the 13th century to serve as a meeting place for the town councillors.
Nowadays, the hall houses the Brasov History Museum.
3. Hit the shops
Brasov is also a major shopping hub.
The streets of the Old Town are lined with shops, cafes and eateries.
Traditional craft shops selling embroidered clothes, painted eggs, woodcarvings, hand painted pottery and exquisite lacework can be found on almost every main street leading up to the square, including the lively Strada Republicii.
4. Visit the Black Church
Brasov’s star attraction is the Black Church. This sacred building earned its nickname after a great city fire in 1689 blackened the walls of the church.
The Black Church. Photo by Daniela Frendo.
The Black Church boasts the largest church bell in Romania and an impressive 4,000-pipe organ.
It also houses an extensive collection of Oriental rugs which were donated by German merchants in the 17th and 18th century.
5. Climb Mount Tâmpa
Brasov sits at the foot of Mount Tampa. A Hollywood-style sign bearing the city’s name has been erected on the mountain, so you cannot miss it!
This forest-covered mountain is also a nature reserve. You can walk up to the top of the hill or ride a cable car to enjoy some staggering views of the Old Town.
6. Indulge in a traditional Romanian meal
There’s no shortage of restaurants and cafes in Brasov. For a delicious Romanian meal, head to Sergiana.
This traditional restaurant offers a vast selection of meat-based dishes, including venison, wild boar, and pig testicles.
If you don’t feel like having a big meal, there are a few bakeries close to the square which serve freshly-baked savoury bites and sweet pastries.
7. Squeeze your way through Rope Street
Brasov is home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
Strada Sforii, also known as Rope Street, is just over 100 centimetres in width and dates back to the 1600s. It was built as a quick route for firefighters.
If you want a challenge, try squeezing your way through this super narrow alley (though I wouldn’t recommend doing this after a hearty Romanian meal).
8. Walk along the citadel walls
If you want to walk off your heavy Romanian lunch, go for a stroll along the citadel walls.
There is a nice path that runs along the medieval walls of the city, with views of several historic sites.
Start your walk at Strada Dupa Ziduri. One of the first sites you’ll come across is the Bastionul Graft, an early 16th century structure, followed by the White Tower and Black Tower (both accessible to the public).
Other must-sees while walking along Brasov’s citadel walls include the fairytale-like Catherine’s Gate and the Weavers’ Bastion.
9. Go on a ghost tour
If you’re spending the night in Brasov, make sure to explore the city’s historic streets after dark.
Besides hanging out in the historic centre and enjoying a drink at a local cafe, you could also go on a candelight tour of old Brasov.
Delve into the Brasov’s dark past and discover the city’s little-known ghost stories and vampire myths.
10. Explore the Schei District
The Schei district is the area where Romanians lived when they were refused entry into the citadel during the Saxon rule of Brasov.
This settlement outside the fortified old city offers an insight into traditional Romanian communities.
Some sites worth visiting in the Schei District include St. Nicholas Church, which has a blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, and the First Romanian School Museum.
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