If you are wondering what to do in Brasov or if you should visit this Transylvanian city on your own, then this post is for you!
I only discovered Brasov while I was researching places to see in Romania. And Brasov did not disappoint, as the city is picturesque and offers many things to do for a first-time traveller. From seeing historical buildings, restored bastions and fortified guard towers, and trying delicious Romanian cuisine, Brasov is one of the best cities to visit in Romania.
And you can experience all the best highlights of Brasov in just one day. Follow my guide and learn what you can see in Brasov with my one-day itinerary.
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Best Time to Visit Brasov Romania
You can visit Brasov throughout the year. It is warm and sunny in summer, snowy in winter and pleasant in spring and fall.
However, shoulder seasons (spring and fall) might be better because of the milder temperatures, lower prices for flights and accommodations. And the city is not as crowded.
Brasov Festivals & Events
Besides considering the weather, plan your visit to Brasov with these fun festivals and events:
- Brasov’s Lads Annual Parade (first Sunday following Orthodox Easter) – see a parade with people dressed in colourful costumes on horseback.
- Brasov Jazz & Blues Festival (August) – listen to live music over several days in the city centre.
- Oktoberfest Romania (first two weeks in September) – drink beers and enjoy German and Romanian music at this annual event.
How to get to Brasov Romania
Plane
Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport (GHV) is located 12km northwest of Brașov. However, only a handful of flights fly in and out of Brasov, including those to London, Cagliari, Italy, Cologne, Germany, Dortmund, Germany, and Antalya, Turkey.
For those flying to Brasov, you can take Bus A1 to the city center.
Train
Most travellers can go to Brasov by taking CFR Călători, the main Romanian railway. Multiple trains travel from Bucharest, Sighisoara, Sibiu and other cities in Romania daily. Check the CFR Călători website for train schedules and costs.
Once you arrive at Brasov Train Station, take a local bus to the city centre, which is 4km southwest of the station. Go outside the train station, buy a bus ticket (5 lei) from the ticket booth, and take Bus 4 to the city centre. The bus stop is right in front of the ticket booth. Make sure you stamp your ticket once you board the bus.
Where to stay in Brasov for Solo Travellers
When you stay in Brasov for one day, consider a hotel or Airbnb in the centre of town, allowing you to be within walking distance of all the attractions and restaurants.
Since I stayed in Brasov for a week, I booked an Airbnb apartment. However, if I hadn’t stayed in this apartment, I would’ve loved to stay at one of the hotels listed below.
- Art Studio Apartment – a brand-new ground-floor studio apartment with everything you need for a short-term stay. Check prices & reviews: Airbnb
- Schuster Boarding House – a cute boutique hotel with modern and cozy guestrooms. Check prices & reviews on Agoda and Booking
- Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel – a 5-star boutique hotel with eclectic contemporary guestrooms. Check prices & reviews on Agoda and Booking
One Day in Brasov Itinerary: Summary & Map
Brasov is a small walkable city and you can see everything in one day. Here is a quick summary of all the attractions on your day trip:
- Strada Republicii (Republic Street)
- Telecabina Tampa
- Mount Tampa
- Bastionul Tesatorilor (Weaver’s Bastion)
- Muzeul Prima Scoala Romaneasca (First Romanian School Museum)
- Biserica Sfantul Nicolae (Saint Nicholas Church)
- Poarta Ecaterinei (Catherine’s Gate)
- Sinagoga Beit Israel (Beth Israel Synagogue)
- Strada Sforii (Rope Street)
- Biserica Neagra (The Black Church)
- Piata Sfatului (The Council Square)
- Casa Sfatului (Council Hall)
- Biserica Sfanta Adormire a Maicii Domnului (Dormition of the Mother of God Church)
- Turnul Alb (White Tower)
- Turnul Negru (Black Tower)
- Piata Sfantul Ioan (St. John’s Square)
Below is an interactive map highlighting all the key points of my Brasov itinerary. Red pins indicate the must-see attractions in Brasov that are part of a one-day itinerary. Blue pins denote other attractions to see if you have more time. Burgundy pins indicate the places to eat, and yellow pins are accommodations.
16 Things to Do in Brasov Romania in One Day
1. Strada Republicii (Republic Street)
Strada Republicii is the ideal starting point for a full day in Brasov. This picturesque pedestrian-only street is home to numerous outdoor cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Have a quick breakfast or grab a pretzel because you’ll need the energy for a full day in Brasov. And don’t worry about not spending much time here in the morning, you can return at the end of the day for dinner and some shopping.
2 & 3. Mount Tampa via Telecabina Tampa or hiking trail
First on the agenda is Mount Tampa. You’ll need to walk up Suisul Castelului (street) to the base of the mountain and decide how you want to go up to the top.
There are two options: take the Telecabina Tampa Mountain Cable Car (a short 2-minute and 20-second ride) or trek up 573m via a hiking trail (approximately one hour). Whichever way you reach the summit, you will have enough time to complete the rest of the itinerary.
At 960m, you can see the entire city of Brasov and the mountainous area in the vicinity. There is an observation platform behind the “Brasov” sign. This platform is busy, so walk west and see another viewing platform.
Tip: if you are hiking up Mount Tampa, hike in an anti-clockwise loop from the cable car station. See the map below. Wear sneakers or light hiking shoes. Some parts are pretty steep.
Note: As of summer 2025, Telecabina Tampa Mountain Cable Car is currently closed. This means the only way to climb Mount Tampa is by hiking the trail.
Address: Tampa Cable Car, Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu, Brasov | Hours: temporarily closed
4. Bastionul Tesatorilor (Weaver’s Bastion)
Bastionul Tesatorilor (Weavers’ Bastion) was once part of Brasov’s fortifications. It is one of the original guard towers built and maintained by the Linen Weavers’ Guild.
After the bastion was abandoned in 1750, the preserved guard tower was used for storing documents and as a meeting place. Today, the interior is part of a medieval museum, while the outside is used for concerts and operas due to its excellent acoustics.
Even if you don’t go inside the bastion, you can still admire the building from the outside.
Address: Strada George Cosbuc 9, Brasov | Hours: 10am-5pm; closed Mondays | Admission: 10 lei
5. Muzeul Prima Scoala Romaneasca (First Romanian School Museum)
Beyond the city centre are highlights around Piața Unirii (Union Square), a district where Romanians lived when the Saxons ruled Brasov.
Built in 1495, Muzeul Prima Scoala Romaneasca (First Romanian School Museum) was the first school in Romania where the Romanian language was used in teaching. People come from far and wide to be students here. Each village paid for one student to attend the school, allowing them to return and share their knowledge—an impressive total of 1,730 students attended the First Romanian School.
The school remained an educational institution until 1850. Then it became the first Romanian printing press. Only 39 books were printed here.
Today, you can view a collection of Slavic and Romanian books, as well as the first Romanian Bible, inside this small museum.
Address: Piata Unirii 2-3, Brasov | Hours: 10am-5pm Wednesday to Friday; 11am-5pm Saturdays & Sundays | Admission: 20 lei
6. Biserica Sfântul Nicolae (Saint Nicholas Church)
Next to the First Romanian School Museum is Biserica Sfantul Nicolae (Saint Nicholas Church), a 16th-century Romanian Orthodox Cathedral.
The church was originally established in 1292. It was initially built in a Gothic style, but over the years, renovations were necessary. The church was rebuilt with local stone, and Baroque decorative elements were added.
Pop inside the church to see the frescoes. And check out the adjacent cemetery and murals at the entrance on the way out.
Address: Piata Unirii 1, Brasov | Hours: 10am-1pm Sundays (Church service)
7. Poarta Ecaterinei (Catherine’s Gate)
Romanians were forbidden from living inside the citadel when the Saxons ruled Brașov between the 13th and 17th centuries. And the only way to enter the fortified wall was by paying a toll and entering via Poarta Ecaterinei (Catherine’s Gate).
Named after St. Catherine’s Monastery (situated in the exact location), the Tailors’ Guild built the gate in 1559 for defensive purposes. It is one of the last standing original gates that survived medieval times. The gate consists of four turrets and a central square building with a tower. Above the entrance, you can see the city’s coat of arms.
Roam around the small park via the walking paths around the medieval gate. It is all free.
Address: Strada Poarta Schei 26, Brasov | Hours: 24 hours
8. Sinagoga Beit Israel (Beth Israel Synagogue)
In the 15th century, Jewish people settled in Brasov, becoming the first Saxon city in Transylvania to have a significant Jewish presence. As the Jewish population grew, Sinagoga Beit Israel (Beth Israel Synagogue) was built as a prayer house for its community.
Built between 1899 and 1901, the Orthodox Synagogue, featuring red and white stripes, was constructed in a Neo-Gothic style with Moorish architectural elements. There have been multiple renovations since its construction. Today, you can see stained-glass windows, the Israeli settlement coat of arms, and memorial plaques inside the synagogue.
Address: Strada Poarta Schei 27, Brasov | Hours: 10am-4pm Monday to Friday; 11am-6pm Sundays | Admission: 10 lei
9. Strada Sforii (Rope Street)
Near the synagogue is Eastern Europe’s narrowest street: Strada Sforii (Rope Street).
Initially, this 80m (260ft) street was built as a passage for firefighters in the 15th century. But today, this narrow corridor is a quirky attraction in Brasov.
You can touch both sides of the cobblestone street while walking from one end to another. After all, the widest part is 135cm (53 inches), and the narrowest part is only 111cm (44 inches).
Take a look at the graffiti on both walls and the rope statue at the southern end. And you can even see the Brasov sign in Mount Tampa.
10. Biserica Neagra (The Black Church)
Biserica Neagra (The Black Church) is a place of worship for the Lutheran community in Brasov. Built by the Saxons in a Gothic architectural style, it is the largest church in Romania.
The church got its name from its dark exterior. The dark appearance was allegedly caused by a fire in 1689. However, some historians argue that the dark exterior is caused by pollution.
Nonetheless, it is worth checking the inside of the church. Look for two large organs and the collection of praying carpets. There are over 150 of them! It is the largest collection outside Turkey.
Tickets are sold at the gift studio opposite the church entrance. And if you are there in the summer months, you can even listen to the organ playing on Saturday evenings.
Address: Curtea Johannes Honterus 2, Brasov | Hours: 10am-7pm Tuesday to Saturday; 12-7pm Mondays & Sundays | Admission: 25 lei
11, 12 & 13. Piața Sfatului (The Council Square)
Piața Sfatului (The Council Square) is the historical centre of Brasov. It was an important commercial and cultural centre and a vibrant marketplace where merchants sold products and people socialized.
Today, colourful 18th to 19th-century historic buildings are found throughout the square and cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating line the perimeter.
Besides all the food options (which I will discuss later), be sure to check out Casa Sfatului (Council Hall), located in the center. This former town hall houses the Brasov History Museum and has the city’s coat of arms (a crown on an oak tree trunk and roots) directly above the entrance.
And on the north side of the main square, look for Biserica Sfânta Adormire a Maicii Domnului (Dormition of the Mother of God Church). The entrance is a bit hidden. Look for a three-story building, enter via a doorway and walk through the corridor to see the Orthodox church inside a small courtyard.
Council Hall Address: Calea Poienii, Brasov | Hours: 10am-6pm; closed Mondays | Admission: 12 lei
Dormition of the Mother of God Church Address: Piata Sfatului 3, Brasov | Hours: 7am-7pm | Admission: free
14 & 15. Turnul Alb (White Tower) and Turnul Negru (Black Tower)
Next, visit two 15th-century watchtowers at the north end of the city centre.
First, visit Turnul Alb (White Tower), a 20-meter-high semi-circular watchtower. There is a museum within the tower, where you can view exhibits spanning five wooden levels.
Then, follow the path at the base of the White Tower, which will lead you to Turnul Negru (Black Tower), an 11-meter-high square-based tower with a glass roof. Inside the tower is a weapons exhibit that belongs to the Historical Museum of Brasov County.
However, when visiting the two towers in August, I couldn’t see the inside of either. Let me know if you were able to see the museums.
But I saw some amazing Brasov views from the observation decks around both towers. Just the views alone are worth the trek up the hill.
Address: Calea Poienii, Brasov | Hours: 9am-5pm for White Tower; 10am-6pm for Black Tower; both closed Mondays
16. Piata Sfantul Ioan (St. John’s Square)
Piata Sfantul Ioan (St. John’s Square) is a small square located near the main pedestrian street, Strada Republicii. This open space hosts many cultural events, including the Brasov Jazz & Blues Festival in August, which I came across during my visit.
But even if there aren’t any events, you can still check out the colourful art murals around the square. There is more graffiti around the small streets next to the open space.
And this concludes my Brasov itinerary. Grab dinner along Strada Republicii or Piata Sfatului to finish the day in this charming town.
Things to see outside of Brasov Romania
There are other attractions to see in Brasov beyond those mentioned in the itinerary. If you are spending a few days in Brasov, here are a few more attractions around Brasov (see blue pins on the map):
- Pietrele Lai Solomon (Solomon Rocks) – 2-hour hike with streams, natural springs and a waterfall. Take bus 50 from Livada Postei to Solomon’s Rocks.
- Poiana Brasov – hike in the summer and ski in the winter. Take bus 20 from the Livada Postei to Poiana Brasov. It is possible to hike from Pietrele Lai Solomon to Poiana Brasov (4.2 km, 1.5 hours).
- Rasnov Citadel – see a medieval fortress and beautiful Romanian countryside. Take a local train from Brasov Station to Rasnov Station.
- Bran Castle and Peles Castle – Visit the famous Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), Peles Castle, a Neo-Renaissance castle in the Carpathian Mountains and Sinaia Monastery on this castle day tour.
- Transfagarasan Highway – Romania’s most famous road that zigzags through the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains. The organized tour takes a winding route and visits Balea Lake.
Brasov Food Guide: Where and What to Eat
Traditional food in Brasov is very similar to the food in Bucharest: tasty, filling, and meat-heavy. However, a handful of items on the menu are specifically tailored to the region. I’ll mention these specialties below.
Here are some of my favourite places to eat in Brasov:
- La Ceaun (12-10pm) – order cauldron dishes like bean soup with smoked ham in a bread bowl or cauldron fried chicken with polenta. And try local beers like Breasla Carciumarilor Pilsner or Mustata Blonda. La Ceaun has two locations.
- Sergiana (11am-11:30pm) – the traditional restaurant gives complimentary fried pork belly and bread so don’t order too much food.
- Bistro L’Arte (12-11pm) – try Crizbav snails with salad and order Czell Blonda Clara, a local beer made in Brașov. And if you still have room, try the Gomboti (cinnamon plum dumpling).
- Ceasu’ Rau (11am-11:30pm) – try bulz ciobanesc (polenta with cheese, smoked sausages, egg) or Poiana Marului sausages at this Romanian barbecue restaurant.
- Simigeria Petru (?) – a popular bakery that sells many types of pretzels.
- Transylvania Bakery (10am-10pm) – try a Kurtoskalacs, a sweet cylinder cake roasted on a spit. It comes in many different flavours.
- Gelato Mania (12-9pm) – the best gelato place in Brasov! Locals start queuing half an hour before it opens.
Overview: Planning your Brasov Itinerary
I spent a week in Brasov and visited all of these attractions, but not in a sequence that made sense. That is why I put together a one-day itinerary that includes all the best things to do in Brasov, organized in a more efficient order.
You really can see everything in one day in Brasov. It’s quick but completely worthwhile.
Please let me know in the comments if you tried this itinerary or if you have any suggestions to make it better.
Ready to plan your trip to Romania? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best accommodations in Romania on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Get Your Guide and Klook for the best tours around Romania.
Thank you for reading my Brasov itinerary
For more travel inspiration, check out my Romania page for posts on solo travel in Romania. Here are some recommended posts:
Romania posts:
- Romania 10-day itinerary for first-time travellers
- Bucharest 1, 2 and 3-day solo itineraries
- 25 Best Bucharest food: What and where to eat in Bucharest
- Things to do in Sighisoara Romania: 1-day itinerary
- One day in Sibiu: top things to do
- How to spend one day in Constanta Romania
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
