Top 15 Things To Do In Brasov, Romania

1. Admire the beauty of the ancient Graft Bastion in Brașov

Graft Bastion in Brașov is a fortified gate that was built in the 1500s as a part of the defence system to protect the northwest side of medieval Brasov. A heritage site that is very popular among tourists, Graft Bastion in Brașov is a must-see if you’re visiting this city for the first time. Take in the beauty of the medieval walls, the arched passageways, the ancient architecture and the beautiful brook that is running by. Be sure to bring your camera to take some memorable photographs.

Graft Bastion in Brașov

Address: Fortified 1500s gate in the old town walls, with permanent & temporary local history exhibitions.

Website: Graft Bastion in Brașov

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

2. Head to the most visited building in the city, the Council House

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Council House is, without a doubt, the most visited and the most photographed building in the city. It was originally built in the 16 century and was then rebuilt in the 20 century to become the beautiful building we see standing today. More commonly known as Casa Sfatului by the locals, the building has been a history museum since the 1950s.

Council House

Address: Council Square, Brașov, Romania

3. Visit the magnificent Turnul Vânătorilor

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Turnul Vânătorilor is a rather popular tourist attraction in the city. A gorgeous spot indeed, this is a really great attraction to get some pictures. Turnul Vânătorilor is basically a medieval tower that has been in this city for generations. A must-visit spot during your trip to Romania, and a heritage attraction too, you should definitely drop by Turnul Vânătorilor.

Turnul Vânătorilor

Address: Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu, Brașov, Romania

4. Take a tour of Bastionul Funarilor

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bastionul Funarilor is one of the many fortifications that are situated around the city. In the earlier days, the Turkish Tatars would frequently invade Brasov. So, the residents of Brasov constructed fortifications all around the city from the 13th to the 15th century as defence tactics. While most of these fortifications are no longer standing, Bastionul Funarilor is one of the few that remain!

Bastionul Funarilor

Address: Brașov, Romania

Website: Bastionul Funarilor

Opening hours: 12pm - 7pm (daily)

5. Visit a popular tourist attraction, Turnul Lemnarului

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Turnul Lemnarului is another popular fortification that was built by the residents in the 15th century. This too is one of the new fortifications that still stand in the city. This heritage tower is a great attraction to visit and to admire the beauty of the architecture. In fact, one of the best ways to actually see the various fortifications that still stand strong in the city is on a heritage tower tour.

Turnul Lemnarului

Address: Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu, Brașov, Romania

6. Head to the stunning Bastionul Postăvarilor

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bastionul Postăvarilor is a fortified enclosure that was developed between the 14th and 17th century. Basically, Bastionul Postăvarilor was a defence tower that the residents used as an observation tower. Since Turkish Tatars would frequently invade Brasov, the best defence for the city was to build observational towers, fortified enclosures and a fortification tower, which were used for surveillance and defence. To know a little bit more about the history of these fortifications, head on over to the website.

Bastionul Postăvarilor

Address: Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu, Brașov, Romania

Website: Bastionul Postăvarilor

7. Take a walk in Piata Sfatului, the historical center of Brasov

The Brașov Council Square has been the place for annual markets since 1364, being visited by merchants from the country and abroad. The houses surrounding the square speak of a rich history. The square wasn’t always such a cheerful place. In the middle of the square, was a pillory used for public humiliation, punishment and scorn. Witches were also punished here. Don’t worry, there’s a lovely fountain there. Piata Sfatului is surrounded with medieval old building with different architectural styles. Around the main square, you can find the picturesque pedestrian-only Republicii street with many indoor and outdoor terraces and restaurants. Here, you can relax and take traditional meals.

Piata Sfatului

Address: Bulevardul Eroilor 8, Brașov 500007

8. Get up in the tower of the Black Church

The Black Church is found in Council Square we talked about earlier. It was built by the German community of the city and stands as the main Gothic style monument in the country, as well as being the largest and one of the most prominent Lutheran places of worship in the region. The Black Church is very famous in this country for its inspiring beauty, and many tourists from all over the world to visit it, even people from other confessions. If you are interested in Gothic style, if you are a religious person and are looking for a solemn place to meditate or if you just want to see one of the most beautiful places in Brasov, then Black Church is a must see.

Biserica Neagră/ Black Church

Address: Curtea Johannes Honterus 2, Brașov 500025

9. Walk through the narrowest street in europe, the Rope Street

If you are near the historical center of Brasov, you can’t miss the opportunity of passing through the Rope Street, also known as String Street, which is the narrowest street in the city of Brașov. It is known as the narrowest streets in Europe. It is situated near Șchei Gate, and it is perpendicular to Stag Street. The street was initially made as a corridor that firemen could use, and it was first mentioned in 17th century documents. Strada Sforii is now a tourist attraction and meeting spot. Its width varies between 111 and 135 centimeters (44 and 53 inches), and it is 80 meters (260 feet) long.

The Rope Street

Address: Strada Poarta Schei 17, Brașov

10. Hike up Mount Tampa

Is that Hollywood? No, it’s just the Brasov sign on the Tâmpa Mountain. The mountain is part of the Postăvarul Massif, located in the southern part of the Eastern Carpathians and almost entirely surrounded by the city of Braşov. Its elevation is 960 meters (0.6 miles), approximately 400 meters (0.2 miles) from the city. So, you can imagine the magnificent view you have from almost all of the perspectives.

Between the peak and the ridge of Tâmpa, you can visit Barașovia Citadel, which is presumed to have been raised in the time of the Teutonic Knights, at the beginning of the 13th century. If you are a nature lover, then a hike on Mount Tampa is just perfect for you. There is a restaurant up there so you can rest and have a delicious meal while admiring the view.

Mount Tampa

Address: Brașov, Romania

11. Visit the First Romanian School

The First Romanian School is located on the grounds of the 16th century church of St. Nicholas, in the historic district of Șchei, now part of the city of Brașov. It is also home to the first Romanian Bible. The next door museum houses a variety of first Romanian books and the first printing press. Vasile Oltean is both the caretaker and the guide and has spent the last 40 years of his life working at the First Romanian School, as a priest for the last six years and a teacher and pupil before that. If you visit the school, he will tell you a lot of stories and interesting facts about the history of the place.

First Romanian School

Address: Piața Unirii 2-3, Brașov 500123

Website: First Romanian School

12. Check out the Medieval Bran Museum

1/2 Bran Castle TB1

2/2 Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) 1

We have an article exclusively dedicated to castles from across the country, where you can read some interesting facts about the history of the castle, who built it and the families who lived in it. Nowadays, the castle is a museum dedicated to displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Maria. You can visit the interior individually or by a guided tour. At the bottom of the hill, there is a small open-air museum park exhibiting traditional Romanian peasant structures (cottages, barns, etc.) from across the country. This way you can breathe some clear air, take a relaxing walk and enjoy the displays of traditional art and history from this place.

Medieval Bran Museum

Address: Strada General Traian Moșoiu 28, Bran 507025

13. Visit the Bear Sanctuary from Zarnesti

The Bear Sanctuary was created to rescue over 50 bears found suffering in small and rusted cages around the country where they had been used as pets or as attractions. Today there are over 70 rescued bears living in several large forested enclosures measuring around 66 acres (27 hectares) in total. These forested areas contain large freshwater pools, hibernation dens and hundreds of trees with lush natural vegetation. You can be part of one of the organized tours of visitors guided around the sanctuary while being told the story of the bear rescues. The bears live in the major forested areas and it is their choice whether to stay inside the forest or come out to rest or play in the open meadow areas and pools.

LiBEARty Bear Sanctuary

Address: Zărnești, Brașov

Website: Bear Sanctuary

14. Visit St. Catherine's Gate

Catherine’s Gate in Braşov was built by the Tailors’ Guild in 1559 for defensive purposes. It is named after St. Catherine’s Monastery that was situated here in former times. It is the only original city gate that has survived from medieval times. The four small corner turrets (also seen in other Transylvanian towns) symbolize the fact that the town had administrative autonomy and the “right of sword” (ius gladii) which was the right to decide on capital punishment. Above the entrance, the tower bears the city’s coat of arms, a crown on an oak tree trunk and roots. In the present, you can find here a museum that you can visit and learn more about the history of these places.

St. Catherine's Gate

Address: Șirul Ludwig van Beethoven, Brasov

15. Visit Saint Nicholas Church

1/2 Biserica Sfantu Nicolae

2/2 St Nicholas church in Brasov

The St. Nicholas Church was established in 1292. Starting with 1495, the church was rebuilt in stone by the locals, with the help from Vlad Călugărul, Voivode of Wallachia. More help was provided around 1512 by Neagoe Basarab. St. Nicholas Church was initially built in the Gothic style; it was later redecorated with Baroque style architectural elements. The interior has frescoes painted by the renowned muralist Mișu Popp.

Saint Nicholas Church

Address: Piața Unirii 1, Brașov 500123

Brasov - a historical place of recreation

Most of the attractions of this place are more about history: the city gates, the churches, the surrounding castles and even some streets or individual attractions. But besides all that, you will find here a peaceful place to spend a vacation in the countryside and even in the city.