Brasov, Romania is a medieval city framed by the Carpathian Mountains, where Gothic churches, fortified walls, and cobbled lanes define the core of its Old Town. As a gateway to Transylvania and nearby castles like Bran and Peleș, Brasov appeals to travelers seeking cool summer temperatures and architectural exploration.

But is Brasov the right destination for your itinerary? That depends on what you want—whether it’s hiking, history, food, or a relaxed atmosphere. Like any city, Brasov has advantages and drawbacks, and it’s important to weigh both.

We spent over a month exploring Brasov. In this post, we break down the factors we consider when choosing a destination and answer frequently asked questions to help you decide if Brasov belongs on your travel list.

This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.

We spent the entire month of August in Brasov and felt like we knew the city well. Based on our experience, we assigned each factor a score from 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. If the attribute is unavailable or does not apply, we give it a 0.

If you’re asking yourself, “Is Brasov worth visiting?” hopefully, this information will help you make a more informed decision.

Hot in the Summer	5
Cold in the Winter	1

Few Tourists in Large Groups	4
Few Cruise Ship Passengers	5
Few Tourists in Couples or Small Families	3
Pedestrian Only Areas	4
Lines at Attractions	5

Beaches with Calm Water (Kid-Friendly)	0
Beaches with Rough Water	0
Boating Activities/Kayaking	0
Rocky Swim Spots	0
Sunbathing	0

Wine	4
Beer	3
Specialty Liquor	4
Specialty Food	2
Seafood	1
Meat	4
Street Food	2
Large Food Market with Restaurants	2

History	3
Architecture	3
Art	1
Museums	2
Castles	5
Walled-City	4
Palaces	3
Hiking	5
Running	4
High-Fashion Stores/Shopping	2
Nightlife	4
Dog-Friendly	2
Kid-Friendly	4

Great Grocery Stores	4
English Widely Spoken	4
Outwardly Friendly Locals	4
American Tourists	3
Accessible by Train	5
Day Trips by Train	5
Clean Streets	4
Noise	3

Food Cost	5
Accommodation Cost	5
Activities Cost	5
Transportation Cost	5

Some factors may sway you in one direction or another, depending on your circumstances and interests—for example, the weather. If you like to go to the beach, you may be looking for hot weather in the summer. If you like winter sports, you may be looking for cold weather in the winter. On the other hand, if you want to explore the old town (like us), you may be looking for milder weather in the summer and winter. For this reason, you may need to take your situation into account.

While there are some exceptions, we assume the weather will be good in the Spring and Fall everywhere we consider visiting. So, we focus primarily on the Summer and Winter weather.

Hot in the Summer – 5

Brasov has cool, mild weather in the summer. It allows for comfortable eating and drinking at the outdoor cafes all summer long. We do not enjoy hot summer weather and really loved spending the month of August in Brasov.

Historically, the average highs for June, July, and August are 71℉, 74℉, and 74℉, respectively. This cool summer climate makes Brasov a great place to escape the summer heat!

Cold in the Winter – 1

We were not in Brasov during the winter, and we do not recommend it for most people because it gets very cold. The average highs for December, January, and February are 35℉, 32℉, and 35℉, respectively. But, worse than that, the overnight lows are typically in the low 20s, so the mornings are literally freezing.

Few Tourists in Large Groups – 4

The busiest season for tourists in Brasov is Summer specifically August. We spent the month of August in Brasov. There were lots of tourists but few if any were in large groups.

Few Cruise Ship Passengers – 5

Brasov is landlocked in Romania. There are many riverboat cruises on the Danube that shuttle tourists around Romania to the different sites in large groups. We did not feel these groups were numerous enough to lessen the appeal of Brasov.

Few Tourists in Couples or Small Families – 3

Most of the tourists in Brasov were couples or small families. They often spent a few nights in Brasov and used it as a base to explore Transylvania. There were lots of tourists in a couple or small families, but their numbers were much less than in the crazy crowded towns in Europe, and they did not impact our enjoyment.

Pedestrian Only Areas – 4

Brasov Old Town is mostly pedestrian-limited. This allows for distracted wandering without concern for cars.

Lines at Attractions – 5

The main attraction in Brasov is wandering the Old Town and enjoying its beautiful towers, walls, and architecture. These do not require standing in line.

Beaches with Calm Water (Kid-Friendly) – 0

Brasov is in the center of Romania and does not have beaches for swimming or water activities. It also does not have a large river.

Beaches with Rough Water – 0

Again, no beaches in Brasov.

Boating Activities/Kayaking – 0

Brasov does not have a river running through it that would allow for boating or kayaking.

Rocky Swim Spots – 0

Brasov is not a destination for swimming.

Sunbathing – 0

You can leave your bathing suit at home for your trip to Brasov as it doesn’t offer many if any, sunbathing opportunities.

Wine – 4

Romania is a very large producer of wine and offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy local wine during your visit. Brasov has lots of wine bars and restaurants that offer Romanian wines to enjoy with your meal. The local grocery stores have an impressive selection of Romanian wines, and there are a couple of small wine shops in the Old Town that sell Romanian wine. For more information on Brasov wine, check out our Brasov Wine page.

Beer – 3

Romania is a producer of beer, and you can see hops grown in the countryside. That said, the locals enjoy drinking imported beer from the Czech Republic, and you will find these beer brands more prominently offered at restaurants and at the local grocery stores.

Specialty Liquor – 4

Romania is an avid producer of specialty liquors made from plums, grapes, and other fruits. These can all be purchased at the grocery stores and liquor stores.

Specialty Food – 2

Romania has unique and interesting food, but I wouldn’t say it is a producer of specialty foods.

Seafood – 1

Brasov is not a destination for seafood, and this is seen on its menus. Its local dishes focus on pork.

Meat – 4

Brasov is a destination for meat eaters. Many traditional dishes showcase pork, and many local restaurants offer barbeque meats.

Street Food – 2

Brasov has a lot of street food shops that offer pizza, langos, fried potatoes, and pastries.

Food Market – 2

Brasov has a few small-sized green markets. They are nice to purchase a few things here and there but not large enough to be your main shopping destination. They are also not exciting enough to visit for a local food experience.

History – 3

Brasov has a unique history that can be enjoyed by visiting its small museums that focus on its history.

Architecture – 3

Brasov has a colorful and unique architectural style that makes this town memorable.

Art – 1

Brasov is not a destination for art museums and art lovers. There are a couple of small art museums, and the churches have some art, but I wouldn’t recommend Brasov to someone looking to enjoy fantastic art during their vacation.

Museums – 2

Brasov has a handful of museums that we enjoyed but it is not a destination for visiting museums. The main attractions are the streets, buildings, towers, walls, churches, and hiking trails.

Castles – 5

Brasov offers access to many of the surrounding castles. Within Brasov, there is the Brasov Citadel. A short bus ride will take you to Bran Castle, which is also known as Dracula’s Castle. Then, a short train journey will drop you off in Sinaia to enjoy Peles and Pelisor Castles. If you enjoy castles, you will love Brasov!

Walled-City – 4

The Brasov Old Town is a walled city with many of the walls still intact and enjoyable to explore. There is also a museum about the city walls in the Weaver’s Bastion.

Palaces – 3

Brasov has many large buildings and palaces that are now used as libraries and government and university buildings.

Hiking – 5

Brasov is a fantastic destination for hiking. There are numerous hiking trails that start from the city. Many people come to Brasov to hike around the area, and the town offers several outdoor stores for these people. So, if you need to purchase outdoor items for hiking, you will be able to find them in town.

Running – 4

Brasov offers lots of running opportunities, and we encountered many runners. These include road running on asphalt and trail running on the mountain trails. There is also a fantastic running store in the Old Town that sells some of the best running brands in the world.

For more information on Brasov’s running routes, check out Map My Run.

High – Fashion Stores/Shopping – 2

There are a handful of small boutique clothing stores in Brasov Old Town and a new modern shopping mall a short bus ride away, but Brasov is not a destination for high-end fashion brand shopping.

Nightlife – 4

Brasov has a vibrant nightlife with many bars and cafes that are open late. In addition to the everyday nightlife scene, Brasov hosts lots of music festivals.

Dog Friendly – 2

Brasov has lots of people with their dogs, but it is not a very dog-friendly place. We had a difficult time finding a place to stay with our dog.

Kid Friendly – 4

We don’t have kids, but Brasov looks to offer a lot for children. The hiking trails offer hiking and mountain biking opportunities, and the Old Town walls and bastions provide exciting places to explore. Day trips to Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress, and Peles Castle also offer fun experiences for kids.

Great Grocery Stores – 4

Brasov has great grocery stores, Lidl and Kauflands, that make for great grocery shopping but they are not located near the Old Town and require a long walk or short bus trip. I enjoyed grocery shopping in Brasov and had no problem finding things to make for dinner.

English Widely Spoken – 4

English is very widely spoken in Brasov, and we had no problem spending a month there knowing only a handful of Romanian words.

Outwardly Friendly Locals – 4

The people of Brasov are pretty outwardly friendly and make visiting the city enjoyable.

American Tourists – 3

There are lots of American tourists in Brasov, but German-speaking tourists are often the majority. We did meet lots of other American expats while there.

Accessible by Train – 5

The train station and overnight trains make Brasov accessible by train from all over Europe. We took the overnight train from Vienna and other trains all over Romania, and we highly recommend taking the train to travel around the country.

Day Trips by Train – 5

The train offers fantastic day trips from Brasov. We took the train to Sinaia and spent the day at Peles Castle, Pelisor Castle, and Sinaia Monastery.

Clean Streets – 4

Brasov keeps their street pretty clean, and there are city workers throughout the Old Town maintaining its cleanliness.

Noise – 3

Brasov is a quiet town, with the exception of during the music festivals in the Old Town. We stayed in the Old Town and found it to be pretty quiet.

Food Cost – 5

Brasov is a very budget-friendly destination for eating at restaurants and grocery shopping.

Accommodation Cost – 5

Brasov is also a very budget-friendly destination for accommodation. It is a great place to get the most for your money and have an extremely memorable time.

Activities Cost – 5

Most of the activities in Brasov were very budget-friendly with the exception being our admission tickets to Peles and Pelisor Castles. Tickets to those attractions are very expensive but worth the cost.

Transportation Cost – 5

Since Brasov is connected to the Romanian train system, transportation costs to and from Brasov are very reasonable.

If taking the train is not your thing, you can use a taxi, private transfer, or rent a car and drive. For taxis and private transfers, we recommend GetTransfer. For rental cars and price comparisons of national and local brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

If you are planning a trip to Brasov, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend staying within the Old Town. The charm and ambiance of Brasov are at their best inside the Old Town, making it the perfect spot for a unique and memorable experience. The castle marker on the map below is the heart of the Old Town with the best restaurants nearby. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.

The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

Brasov is a popular tourist destination in Romania, known for its beautiful medieval architecture, charming old town, and proximity to the stunning Carpathian Mountains. The city offers a variety of attractions and activities that can appeal to different types of tourists. Visitors can explore historical landmarks such as the Black Church and the Council Square, take a stroll along the picturesque streets of the old town, or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains. Brasov also has a vibrant culinary scene with many restaurants and cafes offering traditional Romanian dishes. Overall, Brasov has much to offer tourists and is definitely worth considering as a travel destination.

Both Brasov and Bucharest are beautiful cities in Romania with their own unique charms. Brasov is known for its picturesque old town, medieval architecture, and proximity to the stunning Carpathian Mountains. It offers a more relaxed and charming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking history and natural beauty.

On the other hand, Bucharest is the capital city of Romania and offers a more vibrant and cosmopolitan experience. It boasts impressive architecture, bustling nightlife, cultural attractions, and a wide range of dining and shopping options.

Ultimately, whether one city is better than the other depends on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a destination. It’s always recommended to visit both cities if possible to fully experience their unique offerings.

Brasov, Romania is known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and stunning natural landscapes. Some of the notable attractions in Brasov include:

1. Bran Castle: Also known as “Dracula’s Castle,” this impressive fortress is a popular tourist destination.

2. Black Church: The largest Gothic church in Romania, it is a symbol of Brasov and houses a remarkable collection of religious artifacts.

3. Council Square: The heart of the city, this picturesque square is surrounded by colorful baroque buildings and is home to cafes, restaurants, and shops.

4. Tampa Mountain: A prominent landmark overlooking the city, it offers hiking trails and panoramic views of Brasov.

5. Rasnov Citadel: A medieval fortress located near Brasov, it provides insight into the region’s history and offers breathtaking views.

In addition to these attractions, Brasov is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply exploring charming European cities, Brasov has something to offer for everyone.

Brasov is a beautiful city located in the Transylvania region of Romania. It is known for its picturesque medieval architecture, charming old town, and stunning natural surroundings. The city offers a mix of historical landmarks, such as the Black Church and the Council Square, as well as outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Carpathian Mountains. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply exploring a unique European city, Brasov has something to offer. So yes, Brasov is considered by many to be a nice city to visit.

Do you need cellular data during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t lose it). Click below for more info.