9 Places to Visit in Brașov, Romania
9 Places to Visit in Brașov, Romania
Amy Is Going Places
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9 of my favorite places to visit in historic Brasov, Romania - "probably the best city in the world."
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Historic Sites
Piața Sfatului, Council Square
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Piata Sfatului is the heart of old Brasov. The open-air square is lined with buildings dating from the early 1900's back to the late 1400's. In the center is the Council Building itself, with its landmark clocktower. The building is now a museum.
A favorite place for photos, Piata Sfatului has postcard-perfect views of the old city, The Black Church (Biserica Neagra), the Council Building, and the BRASOV "Hollywood sign" on top of Mount Tampa.
From here you can take a short walk to The Black Church, down Strada Republicii to shop, or sit by the fountain.
In December, Piata Sfatului hosts a Christmas market. An enormous lit Christmas tree is prominent in the square, and decorations line the surrounding streets. It's truly magical, especially when covered in snow.
Other times of the year, you may find craft markets and concerts in the square.
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Biserica Neagra, The Black Church
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The fortified church Biserica Neagra, "The Black Church," dates from the medieval era. Visitors can tour the church grounds for free, visit the interior for around 20 RON (less for students and children), and attend weekly concerts according to the season (prices vary by event).
Displays inside chronicle the history of the building over the centuries, including renovations and expansions. You can see original paintings, Transylvanian rugs, religious artwork, and architectural masterpieces.
It's a fascinating snapshot into the culture of Romania as a whole and Brasov in particular.
Tickets for entry may be purchased at the gift shop across from the church.
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Poarta Ecaterinei, Catherine's Gate
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Walk through one of the old gates into the walled medieval city of Brasov.
The 4 turrets, looking very fairy-tale-esque, were a sign of jurisdiction.
The gate is situated between Poarta Schei, or Schei Gate, and the College of Forestry building for the University of Transylvania.
Directly inside the city wall through the gate is a peaceful garden with benches. The area outside the old city wall includes a walking path around the university building with benches, trees and plants with labels of type/species, and carves wooden sculptures of native animals.
Poarta Ecaterinei is a perfect place to snap pictures. Not only is the gate beautiful. You can also see Biserica Neagra, the Black Church, towering behind it and the BRASOV sign atop nearby Mount Tâmpa.
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Shopping
Strada Republicii
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Strada Republicii is the main walking street through the historic old city center of Brașov. The cobblestone streets are lined with cafes and shops. Most of the architecture dates from the late 1800's or before.
Whether you go to rub shoulders with locals, eat on a terrace, or buy souvenirs, this area of Brașov is a must-visit!
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Hiking & Nature
Parcul Nicolae Titulescu
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Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this garden park.
It features a large playground area for children, a musical play area with permanent installations of instruments, chess tables, fountains, benches, walking/biking paths, and well-maintained landscaping that is regularly updated by season.
This is one of my favorite places to take a walk or sit and journal for a while. I go here to literally and metaphorically stop and smell the roses.
The park is located across the street from Strada Republicii (there's a crosswalk), several museums, and the Livada Poștei bus station.
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Mount Tâmpa
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Take a day hike to the top of Mount Tâmpa, location of the iconic BRASOV sign! From the peak, you can see the entire city of Brasov, from historic Schei outside the old city walls, through the old city center, to the modern city on the outskirts, and the newly opened international airport in the plain beyond the city. In other directions, you have a panorama of endless mountains to rest your eyes upon.
Depending on your pace and the trail difficulty you choose, the hike up will take between 45 minutes and 2 hours. The hike down is less strenuous and usually a little faster.
Want the views without the hike? No problem! You can also take the cable car up and down for around 10 RON. Be sure to check hours for the days and times you plan to go.
NOTE:
The cable car is closed for renovations starting October 2024, expected to reopen in spring 2025.
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Food & Drink
CH9 Specialty Coffee
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One of the best cups of coffee I've found in Brasov! CH9 is located directly across from the main entrance to Biserica Neagra, the Black Church. What a magnificent view as you savor a coffee and pastry!
Personally, I enjoy that their baked goods are mildly sweet. They generally have two origins of coffee available. I 100% recommend their Ethiopia single origin roast.
In addition to coffees and pastries, CH9 also offers juices, beer, and ice cream - something for everyone. Get it to go, or enjoy here!
Seating is available at patio tables outside and inside the historic cafe building with exposed wooden beam rafters. You may even catch a live musical performance on the terrace.
As of December 2023, CH9 has been added to the European Council’s Route of Historic Cafes, which highlights some of the oldest and most interesting cafes on the continent.
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La Ceaun - Piata Sfatului
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Get ready for a hearty traditional Romanian meal!
La Ceaun is easy to find in Piața Sfatului, Council Square, in the historic center of Brașov. Eat on the patio or inside.
The staff are fluent in both English and Romanian, and the menu is available in both languages also.
Some of my personal favorites are the "ciorba" and "borș" - traditional Romanian style soups. When I visit friends here, this is what they cook for me. Be sure to get the bread, made fresh daily in house. They offer a typical full menu of drinks. I'm personally partial to the lemonade.
I can honestly say I've never had a bad experience here.
"Pofta buna!" - Enjoy your meal!
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Royal Gelato
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Is there anything better than walking down a cobblestone street with a cone of gelato in your hand? It's one of my favorite things to do in Romania. (Okay, I'd happily do it anywhere I have the chance!)
Royal Gelato is one of my top picks of gelato places in the city. It is creamy, smooth, and perfectly decadent. Flavors change daily, and the prices are reasonable even though it's located in the heart of the tourist district.
Grab your gelato and wander down Strada Republicii, window shop, check out the turn-of-the-century architecture, and take advantage of all the photo-ops Piata Sfatului provides.
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Stay a While
Qosmo Brasov Hotel
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If you prefer a more modern vibe, check out Qosmo Brasov Hotel. A 15 minute drive from Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport or the historic city center Brașov, Qosmo is located adjacent to Coresi Shopping Center, the largest mall in the area.
Prefer not to drive? Public transit stops and ride share options are readily available in the area.
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Grand Hotel Belvedere
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Amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, restaurant, and spa.
The Grand Hotel Belvedere is convenient to Pioana Brasov, a popular winter destination, and a short drive or ride into central Brasov.
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Wood House Republicii
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Stay in the heart of Brasov's Centrul Veche, old town. You'll be within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and tourist sites like The Black Church and Piata Sfatului.
Other than the location, I love the rustic charm of this place: exposed wooden beams, antique furniture, and wood floors, and a view of terra cotta roofs and cobblestone streets. This is the stuff European vacation dreams are made of!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amy Is Going Places
Available for hire
US native. Former resident of Romania. Current solo female globe trotter.
I've ventured to more than a dozen countries across four continents as part of group tours, volunteer work, solo travel, studying abroad, and teaching internationally. I lived for over a year in Romania, many years in Tennessee, and several months in England.
My travel style is slow, spontaneous, and - shall we say - richly flavorful. I prefer to stay longer lengths in places instead of having a whirlwind sightseeing venture. I'll skip the chain restaurants for a hole-in-the-wall café any day of the week. I prefer a loose itinerary and remain open to what each day brings.
My favorite things to do and see as I travel are...
- EAT -
Try whatever is local. Order the special of the day. Talk with the restaurant staff.
- WALK -
It encourages me to slow down, notice, and get a feel for community.
- HIKE -
I'm a lazy hiker. By "hike," I mean a few hours at a slow pace.
- MUSEUMS -
Spend an afternoon. Read the descriptions on exhibits. Talk with the docents. Buy something in the giftshop.
- CHURCHES -
I'm fascinated by the various ways people have worshipped the God of the Bible over centuries and across borders. Many older churches are also museums or tourist-friendly spaces. Some additionally hold regular liturgical services.
- CASTLES -
Castles, fortresses, palaces, big ol' houses: these places transport me back in time. I imagine the people who built, lived in, and defended them. What would they think of how we now live?
If this kind of travel sounds ideal to you, hit the Contact Me button! I'd love to help you experience slower, more meaningful travel. We'll discuss tips for how to make the most of your trip, with low stress, reasonable safety, affordability, and lots of fun. Book one of my custom services, and we'll work together to get you wheels up on your next adventure! Follow me to easily access all the resources I create.
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