13 Unique Things to Do in Braşov (not just day trips!)

Braşov is one of the region’s most visited cities and the gateway to Transylvania. If you’re in Romania for Dracula’s castle and its pastel-coloured fairy tale towns that look like they’re a medieval film set, you’ll be travelling through Braşov. BUT Braşov is not just a transport hub or a base for day trips; it’s a fun city to explore in its own right.

There are pretty pastel-coloured streets and medieval architecture which will have you feeling like you’re wandering through the film set for Beauty and the Beast, city viewpoints, a cable car, and a great food scene. Some of the very best vegetarian food we had in Romania is from right here! Oh, and we have an amazing recommendation for gelato too!

There are enough things to do in Braşov to keep you busy for a couple of days. We spent five days here wandering all the cute cobbled backstreets, sipping coffee at the main square plus taking a few day trips, and it felt like the perfect amount of time. So, yeah, stay in Braşov for a wee while instead of just passing on through. It’s a beautiful, small city (which is a HUGE contrast to gritty hipster Bucharest) that absolutely deserves a place on your Romania itinerary!

Just a fun little anecdote that we’d love for you to hear before we get into it. During the communist period, they wanted to rename a Romanian city to ‘Stalin City’. Braşov and Sibiu were both in the running, but the clincher was the fact that any products from these cities would also have to change their names to Stalin. Sibiu is known for its Sibiu sausage, which would have to be called ‘Stalin sausage’ if the city changed its name. So, it was decided that Braşov would become Stalin City instead.

Wander the Colourful Backstreets and Find the Iconic Spots

1. Piața Sfatului

Piața Sfatului is the main historic square surrounded with beautiful, colourful, fairytale buildings. They’re mainly restaurants and bars with outdoor seating which spills on to the square; it’s a super sociable space particularly at the weekends when there are often market stalls set up too. This is the perfect place for ordering a coffee (or a beer), sitting outside in the sun, and people watching.

2. Biserica Neagră

3. Strada Sforii

Strada Sforii or Rope Street is the third narrowest street in Europe at 111 centimetres at its narrowest point. It is covered in graffiti and is a great spot for some unique photo opps, but everyone thinks this too. And with it being pretty squeezy, you’ll want to make sure you head here earlyish before the other folks with the same idea turn up!

4. Biserica Sfântul Nicolae

Biserica Sfântul Nicolae (a Romanian Orthodox church) is stunning from the outside with its gated archway and tall pointed spires, but it’s the inside which is really special. There is artwork everywhere! And this is one of the few religious buildings that actually has paintings of the then royal family inside. This church has no entrance fee and is much more spectacular inside than the Black Church. I think because it’s not in the main central area of Braşov (it’s still dead close though!), it feels more local than touristy like the Black Church.

5. Poarta Ecaterinei and Șchei Gate

Poarta Ecaterinei (Caterina’s Gate) looks like a mini castle in itself with tall pointed spires that look exactly like what you would imagine when you think of Transylvania and fairytales and Beauty and the Beast. Wander through and maybe take a quick look at Șchei Gate nearby.

6. Turnul Alb

Turnul Alb or White Tower has a lot of steep steps to get to the top but has great views over the orange tiled rooftops of the Braşov.

7. Head up to the Braşov’s ‘Hollywood’ Sign

Hike Up

We started walking behind Bastionul Țesătorilor (you can find it on Google Maps). There are several routes to get to the top and unfortunately, we ended up picking the route furthest to the right which is steep and has no proper steps (I would avoid this route!). The others have steps most of the way at least and take you to the same place.

Once at the top, there are a couple of viewing platforms. The busiest is always the one at the V of Braşov, but if you walk a little further, you’ll get better views. With your back to the Braşov sign, walk back towards the main path and turn right, and keep walking until the trees clear where you’ll find a wooden platform. This is it! Perfect, uninterrupted views all around.

Cable Car Up

We didn’t take the cable car, but it has been recently renovated and now only takes a few minutes to get up to the top. A return ticket costs 45 lei, while a one-way costs 30 lei. You can book tickets in advance – it’s the Tâmpa Cable Car one on the site!

But I have seen some recent reviews stating that the top viewing platform is closed in August 2026 even though they are still selling cable car tickets and not telling people. Maybe it’s just going to be a few days, but I’d recommend asking at the ticket office before you buy your tickets. If you try this out and have any updates, please let us know!9

8. Take a Free Walking Tour

Braşov has a really good free walking tour. (The same company also runs two tours in Bucharest.) Being in a city which so obviously has a lot of stories to tell, this is the best way to learn about its history and the Walkabout Free Tour does a great job of helping you to really understand Braşov.

All the Foodie Things to Do in Braşov

9. Taste Braşov’s Best Ice Cream at Gelato Mania

This has to be one of the best things to do in Braşov! Gelato Mania always has at least a few people queuing up. The ice cream here is so so good and is 100% worth the little bit of a wait outside (it just gives you a chance to decide on which flavour you’re choosing!).

While we were in Braşov, we tried the blackberry, blood orange (is very fitting not being too far away from Dracula’s Castle!), kiwi and Nutella with banana; and we can thoroughly recommend them all! For 12 lei per scoop, you cannot go wrong.

10. Visit Manna Manna (Several Times) to Try All their Daily Veg Specials

The tastiest veg and vegan food in Braşov comes from Manna Manna. The majority of the menu is at least vegetarian and it’s done well. Not like the option that’s just been added on to the bottom of a menu out of courtesy for us veggie folk; it’s bloody good. The menu changes depending on what produce they have that day.

There is an outdoor seating area with a really laid-back feel. If we were living in Braşov, we would be regulars. If they have it on the menu, try their feta and quinoa ‘meatballs’ and a salad of charred leeks, olives, sundried tomatoes, preserved lemon, tabbouleh and seeds. Wow.

11. Try Classic Romanian Food at Underground Sergiana

Right in the centre of the town, Sergiana does feel a little touristy but it’s tasty and the restaurant itself is really cool. It kind of feels like it’s set in an underground wine cellar! If you hit it at the right time, you might even get to get dinner with a traditional show.

Romanian food isn’t super vegetarian, but this spot actually markets itself as veg-friendly.  We went for the mushroom stew with polenta which was really good. You will not leave hungry!

12. Go for Local Food Where the Locals Go

For an authentic Romanian meal where the locals go, head to Ceasu’ Rău. Just out of the centre of town, it serves several veggie options. We had the zacusca (roasted veg dip) and the beaten beans with a hunk of bread, and they serve cider too! Guaranteed you won’t see another tourist here.

13. Be Serenaded while Eating Braşov’s Best Pizza

The pizzas here are outrageous; the best we’ve had in this part of the world. Crispy base, tasty toppings and it’s all served in an outdoor seating area (that can be covered) while a musician plays guitar. 10 out of 10 would recommend Pizzeria della Nonna.

Where to Stay in Braşov

How to Get to Braşov

Braşov actually has its own airport (GHV) and there are direct flights from several European countries including Germany, UK, Italy and Spain. Otherwise, get yourself to the Romanian capital Bucharest.

If you’re already in Romania, you can easily get train or bus tickets to Braşov.

Day Trips from Braşov

Dracula’s Castle (AKA Bran Castle). This is a great half-day trip from Braşov.

Peleș Castle in Sinaia. Now, if you’re impressed by Bran Castle, well Peleș Castle will blow you away. It doesn’t have the dramatic Dracula back story, but the castle itself is arguably more impressive.

Bușteni Mountains. A beautiful area to wander, hike, and just be out in the fresh mountain air.

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