🇷🇴Romania · Places to discover

What to see in Brașov?

22 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.

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Map of places in Brașov, numbered like the cards below
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Brașov is a medieval town wedged between the Carpathians, built by Saxon colonists in the thirteenth century and retaining that Germanic identity in its lanes and coloured façades. The Piața Sfatului, the central square bordered by arcaded houses, sets the tone: a European provincial town at ease with itself, making no bid to imitate Prague or Vienna. The Black Church, Lutheran and imposing, reminds you that history here operates in layers.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, before the summer influx and away from crowded winter ski runs. Two to three days suffice to explore the old town on foot and make a day trip to Sinaia or Sighișoara. The train from Bucharest is reliable and inexpensive. Skip the organised excursions to Bran Castle-the site is overrated and the journey often happens in conditions of tourist rush that spoil the experience.

Landmarks & heritage

6 places

  • Piața Sfatului1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

    Landmark

    Piața Sfatului

    The central square of Brașov, surrounded by Saxon burgher houses with colourful façades. The Casa Sfatului (Council House) at its centre houses the city's history museum – a lively square at any hour.

  • Strada Sforii2Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0

    Landmark

    Strada Sforii

    One of Europe's narrowest streets (1.32 m at its tightest point), connecting two parallel streets since the 17th century. A secret passage still used daily by residents.

  • Catherine's Gate3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Landmark

    Catherine's Gate

    The only medieval gate still standing in Brașov, dating from 1559, with its characteristic four turrets. Symbol of the Saxon city, it marks the entrance to the Șchei quarter on the ramparts side.

  • Weavers' Bastion4Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Landmark

    Weavers' Bastion

    The best preserved of Brașov's medieval bastions, managed by the weavers' guild since the fifteenth century. Houses a modest but authentic museum on the city's fortifications.

  • Prima Școală Românească5Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0

    Landmark

    Prima Școală Românească

    Romania's first Romanian-language school, founded in 1495 in the Șchei neighbourhood, now a museum. It houses the first Bible printed in Romanian – a foundational site of national culture.

  • 6

    Landmark

    Landmark

    Bastionul Fierarilor

    The Blacksmiths' Bastion from the 15th century, one of the best-preserved elements of Brașov's defensive system. Less visited than the Weavers' Bastion, it offers views of the ramparts and Șchei district without the crowds.

Museums

1 place

  • 7

    Museum

    Museum

    Brașov Art Museum

    Fine Arts Museum housed in the former Czell residence, with a collection of 19th and 20th-century Romanian painting often overlooked. Intimate setting and very affordable admission – a quality museum without queues.

Religious sites

3 places

  • Biserica Neagră8Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

    Religious site

    Biserica Neagră

    The largest Gothic church in South-Eastern Europe, built between 1383 and 1477. Its 17th-century Anatolian carpets hung on the interior walls are unique in the world – a detail few visitors notice.

  • Brașov Synagogue9Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Religious site

    Brașov Synagogue

    Neo-Moorish synagogue built in 1901, testament to Brașov's historic Jewish community. Rarely open for spontaneous visits but visible from outside – a remarkable architectural edifice, little publicised.

  • 10

    Religious site

    Religious site

    Church of St Nicholas in Șchei

    Orthodox church in the Romanian quarter of Șchei, founded in the fourteenth century, with remarkable exterior frescoes. Adjacent to the first Romanian school in the country, dating from 1495, equally worth a visit.

Castles & fortresses

1 place

  • 11

    Castle

    Castle

    Cetățuia Brașovului

    17th-century fortress perched on Citadel Hill, accessible on foot from the old town. The panoramic view over Brașov's red roofs and the Carpathians is among the finest in Transylvania.

Nature

3 places

  • Poiana Brașov - Ruia Slope12Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0

    Nature

    Poiana Brașov - Ruia Slope

    Romania's best-known ski station, 13 km from the centre, and also a popular destination for summer forest walks among coniferous trees. Outside the season, the ski lifts serve hikers and mountain bikers.

  • 13

    Nature

    Nature

    Lacul Noua

    A small artificial lake in Noua park, east of Brașov, surrounded by lawns and sports fields. The preferred weekend retreat for Brașov families, away from tourist bustle.

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    Nature

    Nature

    Pădurea Bogății Forest

    Dense communal forest on the northern edge of Brașov, ideal for a morning walk away from tourist circuits. Locals come here to forage for mushrooms in autumn and breathe in the resinous air.

Viewpoints

3 places

  • 15

    Viewpoint

    Viewpoint

    Warthe Hill - Cross on Tâmpa

    A hiking trail leading to the large illuminated cross visible from across the city, on the western flank of Tâmpa. Less frequented than the summit, it offers a side view of the old town and bastions at golden hour.

  • 16

    Viewpoint

    Viewpoint

    Panorama from Melcilor Hill

    Little-known hilltop to the north-west of the old town offering an unobstructed view over Brașov and Mount Tâmpa without the crowds. Accessible via an informal path from the Șchei quarter – a local secret.

  • 17

    Viewpoint

    Viewpoint

    Tâmpa Summit

    The emblematic peak dominating Brașov at 960 m, accessible on foot in 45 minutes from the old town or by cable car. From the top, the view of the city and the southern Carpathians is spectacular.

Activities

4 places

  • Tâmpa Cable Car18Wikimedia Commons

    Activity

    Tâmpa Cable Car

    The historic cable car up Mount Tâmpa, reaching the summit in minutes from the city centre. A charming Soviet-era structure in operation since 1971, offering an original ascent with views over the ramparts.

  • 19

    Activity

    Activity

    Piața Agroalimentară Brașov (Piața Centrală)

    Brașov's large covered market where regional producers sell cheese, cured meats, vegetables and artisanal palincă. Arrive early in the morning to experience genuine Brașov life and taste brânză de burduf.

  • 20

    Activity

    Activity

    Brașov Hippodrome

    The Brașov hippodrome, one of Romania's oldest, hosts races on weekends from May to October. An authentic, popular experience, very much frequented by locals and virtually unknown to tourists.

  • 21

    Activity

    Activity

    Sub Tâmpa Park - Ramparts Trail

    A pedestrian walk along the ancient medieval ramparts at the foot of Mount Tâmpa, connecting the bastions. A 2 km route locals take in the morning for fresh air, away from tourist groups.

More to discover

1 place

  • 22

    Place

    Place

    Strada Mureșenilor

    A pedestrian street linking Piața Sfatului to the train station, lined with beautiful Art Nouveau façades and local shops. The everyday shopping heart of Brașov, far from souvenir boutiques – ideal for observing urban life.