Brașov 🏔️

The heart of the old town, with the Council House in the middle (now a museum), terraces, fountains, and colorful buildings all around.

The largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul, blackened by a fire in 1689. Inside, a rare collection of Oriental carpets and a monumental organ.

The town's main promenade, full of cafés, terraces, and shops. The liveliest spot in the evening.

One of the narrowest streets in Europe, once a passage for firefighters. A must for photos.

The most beautiful gate of the old fortress, with turrets, at the entrance to the Schei district.

The best-preserved bastion of the fortress, part of the medieval walls that still encircle the center.

The old Romanian quarter, beyond the walls, with St. Nicholas Church and the museum of the First Romanian School.

The mountain behind the town, with the white "BRAȘOV" sign in Hollywood style. Take the cable car or hike up, and from the top you get the best view.

Romania's most famous ski resort. In winter for the slopes, in summer for the gondola, hikes, and pine-scented air.

"Dracula's Castle," perched on a rock. Beyond the legend, a fortress with corridors, secret stairs, and a superb view.

A peasant fortress on a hill, with views toward the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains. Next to it, a Dino Park that kids love.

The former summer residence of Romania's kings, in Neo-Renaissance style, among fir trees. One of the most beautiful castles in Europe.

A canyon with seven waterfalls and metal ladders through the forest, in the Piatra Mare Mountains. A cool and spectacular hike for summer days.

A Brașov classic for hearty Transylvanian food, served in an atmospheric cellar. Generous portions, cooked in a cauldron.

Simple, tasty Romanian food right in Council Square. The papanași here have a serious reputation.

A charming bistro on a small street in the center, with a good breakfast, wines, and a bohemian air. Ideal for a long break.

For a coffee or lunch with a view, the terraces in the central square are the obvious choice — you pay a bit extra for the best panorama.

The cable car ride up and the view from the top are a guaranteed hit with the little ones.

The largest park with life-size dinosaurs in southeastern Europe, near Râșnov Fortress.

Adventure trails among the trees, with zip lines and obstacles for all ages, on the edge of town toward Poiana.

On summer and winter weekends, the road through the Prahova Valley (DN1) gets seriously jammed. Leave early or consider the highway and the train.

The old center is partly pedestrian and crowded. Leave the car in a parking lot on the edge and walk — everything is close anyway.

Even in summer, it gets cold quickly up in the mountains and it rains often. Bring a light jacket and good footwear if you hike up Tâmpa or in Poiana.