Brașov
Visited in August 2012
At a glance
- Country
- Romania
- Region
- Brașov County
- Population
- 237,589
- Best time to go
- May to September, December to March for skiing
- Main airport
- Brașov-Ghimbav International (GHV)
- Coordinates
- 45.65°N, 25.61°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Brașov sits in a bowl of forested mountains, its Saxon old town of pastel houses and red roofs overlooked by a Hollywood-style sign on Mount Tâmpa. Founded by German merchants in the Middle Ages, it was one of Transylvania's great trading towns.
It is the most popular base for exploring the region. Within an hour you can reach the castles of Bran and Peleș, fortified churches and hiking trails, then return to the café terraces of Council Square.
Things to see
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Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 4.0 Black Church
A huge Gothic church blackened by a 1689 fire, with a remarkable collection of Anatolian carpets inside.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0 Council Square
The heart of the old town, ringed by colourful merchant houses and the old council house.
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Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 Mount Tâmpa
Hike or take the cable car up for views straight down over the rooftops of the old town.
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Photo: Chainwit., CC BY 4.0 Rope Street
One of the narrowest streets in Europe, barely wider than your shoulders.
Things to do
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Photo: Dobre Cezar, CC BY-SA 3.0 ro Day trip to Bran Castle
The turreted castle sold as Dracula's, with links to Queen Marie of Romania, about 40 minutes away.
Find tours -
Photo: Myrabella, CC BY-SA 3.0 Visit Peleș Castle
A lavish royal summer palace in Sinaia, reachable by train or as a combined tour with Bran.
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Photo: Neighbor's goat, CC BY-SA 3.0 ro Explore Râșnov Citadel
A hilltop peasant fortress with views across the valley to the Bucegi mountains.
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Photo: Kdanv, CC BY 3.0 ro Ski at Poiana Brașov
Romania's best-known ski resort is a short drive above the city.
Where to stay
Old Town
Atmospheric and walkable, close to restaurants and the main square.
Hotels in Old TownSchei
The historic Romanian quarter, quieter and full of guesthouses.
Hotels in ScheiPoiana Brașov
Mountain hotels best for skiers and hikers.
Hotels in Poiana Brașov
Getting around
The old town is easily walked. Local buses run to the train station and Poiana Brașov, and taxis are cheap.
The small Ghimbav airport has limited flights, so many travellers fly to Bucharest and take the train, which takes around two and a half to three hours.
When to go
Summer is warm and ideal for hiking, while autumn colours the forests beautifully. Winter brings snow, skiing and a Christmas market in Council Square. Spring can be damp.
Plan your trip to Brașov
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.