Brasov Old Town, Romania | Things to do, places to visit & travel guide

Hi everybody. On this episode I visit Braşov Old Town which is historical part of one of the most beautiful city in Romania.

What is Braşov?
Brașov is a city in Transylvania, Romania and the administrative centre of Brașov County. According to the latest Romanian census, Brașov has a population of 253,000 making it the 7th most populous city in Romania. The metropolitan area is home to 380000 residents. Historically, the city was the center of the Burzenland, once dominated by the Transylvanian Saxons, and a significant commercial hub on the trade roads between Austria and Turkey.

Where is the Brasov?
Brașov is located in the central part of the country, about 166 kilometers north of Bucharest and 380 kilometers from the Black Sea. It is surrounded by the Southern Carpathians and is part of the historical region of Transylvania.

How to get there?
Bucharest and Brasov are among the best places to visit in Romania and chances you will want to visit both cities during your trip to Romania are pretty high. They are also not too far away from each other, only some 180 km apart, so you might even visit Brasov as one of the day trips from Bucharest. From bucharest there are daily tour packages depending on your budget as group or private tours.

What is Braşov famous for?
The medieval core of Brasov is remarkably well preserved, giving visitors a unique insight into the feel and atmosphere of a medieval city. The evocative buildings and cobbled streets have given Brasov the reputation of being a fairy tale town. It is estimated that one third of Europe’s brown bear population live within Romania’s borders.

What is there in Brasov?
In Brasov, visitors are free to explore those beautiful streets without having to fight through the kinds of large crowds that we associate with certain other picturesque European cities. As you explore, look out for ‘The Rope Street’, the narrowest street in Romania and one of the narrowest in all of Europe. Highlights of the historic centre include the Biserica Neagră or Black Church which you will note is not black. The Brasov Old Town is a colorful array of ancient architecture that is partially ringed by remaining city fortifications.

What to do there in Braşov?
Piata Sfatului or Council Square is the heart of Brasov’s medieval historic center. The clock tower from the 13th-century Town Hall chimes, momentarily drowning out the murmur of chatter and clinking glasses from the nearby cafes. The Black Church sits just off the main square in Brasov. It’s the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe. Cobblestone streets flank away from Brasov’s Piata Sfatului forming a dedicated pedestrian zone. The streets are lined with lively cafes, busy shops, and sweet-smelling carts selling delicious kurtoskalacs.

What else to do around in Brasov?
Famous Bran Castle which is also known as Dracula's Castle is located only 30 minutes from Brasov by car. Brasov is 30 minutes driving distance away from the Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Peaceful Poiana Brașov is home to a ski resort of the same name, with trails on Postăvaru Mountain, plus an ice-skating rink, an indoor recreation center, and a sports complex with tubing and luging. In the summer, hikers and bikers explore verdant mountain paths, and stables offer horseback riding tours.

Best time to visit Braşov?
The best and most popular time to visit Brasov is during the summer, from June to August. Temperatures are hot, around 30 Celcius, and rain is infrequent. These are the busiest months of the year for tourism, and it’s noticeable in Brasov since it’s a popular destination. The shoulder seasons late April-May and September-October are great times to visit as well. Winter in Brasov can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping just below freezing.

Is it worth visiting Brasov?
Even if Brasov Old Town is packed with attractions, you can see everything in a few hours since the distances between the places are short and most of the things to do in Brasov are outdoors anyway. One day in Brasov should be enough to see everything and relax in one of the many cafes all over the city.

Where to Eat in Braşov?
After all these day trips you must be hungry! Luckily, Romanians love to eat, drink and enjoy their time out! Besides your typical Western-inspired menu with fried foods, burgers and pizzas, there are quite a few restaurants in Brasov serving traditional Romanian food.

Alp Galip
http://www.alpgalip.com