When I planned my Romania itinerary, I added Brasov to the list. It’s a beautiful town in Transylvania with a mix of gothic and baroque architecture. If you have more days than we did in Romania, Brasov can be your hub. You can take day trips to Sighisoara (like we did), Sibiu, and Bran. Now let’s see what Brasov itself has to offer.

Related: The essential guide to Bucharest

Brasov Old town

We entered Brasov through the newer part of the cities in the south. We crossed blocks of flats and large crossroads until we reached the old town. Which is of course the most charming part of the city. Most of the streets are pedestrian and the buildings have a baroque/ eclectic style.

My favorite street by far is Mureşenilor. I also liked Sfântul Ioan square on the outer edge of the old town.

Council Square (Piața Sfatului)

This beautiful square took its name from the building in the middle of it. The Council House was built in 1420 and now houses the Brasov County Museum of History.

There are restaurants and cafes around the square and there is also a fountain.

Catherine’s Gate

Let me start by saying that this gate is straight out of a fairytale! It is very photogenic as well. It dates back to 1559 making it the only original city gate from medieval times.

Black Church

The church was built in the late 15th century as a Roman Catholic church. It belongs to the final stages of Gothic architecture. During the Protestant Reformation, it changed to a Lutheran church. It is open to the public but not during mass on Sundays.

Viewpoint on Tampa mountain

 

It has been ages since the last time I rode a cable car. I think it was in 1996 or 1997. Cannot remember. I have to admit that I’m not a fan of cable cars. I like to be close to the ground. Still,  I decided to ride that one up to Tampa mountain. There are trails to get you there but it was a) foggy b) we were short of time. 

Despite the fog, the view was worth it. You can see Brasov’s old town and the newer part of the city as well. The viewpoint is actually behind the Brasov lettering on the mountain. It is a 5′ walk from the cable car terminal.

St Nicholas church in Schei

After exploring the old town we ventured into the neighborhood of Schei which was close to our hotel. We visited the Orthodox St Nicholas Church which has a unique style. It’s a combination of gothic and baroque architecture.

Where to Stay and Eat in Brasov

We stayed at the Upper House Boutique hotel and enjoyed our stay very much. The hotel’s location is excellent, with views over Brasov. The old town is very close to the hotel. Parking is available and the staff was very friendly.

On our first night in Brasov, we stumbled upon One Soul restaurant. It has a very nice ambiance and great food. I had the duck breast (pictured) and it was delicious. I wish I had room for dessert.

We enjoyed our 2-night stay in the city a lot. I recommend adding Brasov to your Romania itinerary.