Ultimate Itinerary For 2 Days In Brașov, Romania 2026

In the heart of Romania’s mythical Transylvania, you’ll find the laid-back alpine city of Brașov. Perfectly positioned for easy access to the towering Carpathian mountains and two of their most famous residents – brown bears and Count Dracula 🧛‍♂️

If that sounds like the perfect adventure, then this is the blog for you. I’m sharing my tried and tested itinerary for the best two days in Brașov. Complete with the must-see sights, bucket list activities, tastiest restaurants, cosiest coffee shops and inside tips along the way.

Read from the top for all the juicy details or use the options below to jump to the sections you’re most interested in – let’s go!

1. Is Brașov worth visiting & is two days enough?
2. Where is Brașov?
3. How to get to & around Brașov
4. Best time to visit Brașov
5. Day 1: Spot brown bears, the Brasov sign and maybe even Dracula
6. Day 2: Hike in the Transylvanian mountains & shop for handmade ceramics
7. Best places to eat & drink
8. Best places to stay
9. What to pack & know before you go
10. How much a trip to Brașov costs

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Brașov at a glance:

• My favourite place to stay (just £40 per night)
• Train tickets from Bucharest to Brașov
• Easiest Romania e-SIM
• Must-visit bear sanctuary

Is Brașov worth visiting & is two days enough?

Now, before we get into the nitty gritty, you might be wondering if Brașov is actually worth visiting. The fact I’m writing this blog may be a slight giveaway but my answer would be 100% yes! Of all the places I visited in Romania, Brașov was my favourite and I think it could be yours too. Here’s why…

Firstly, the nature. As Brașov is nestled amongst the Carpathian mountains there are year-round opportunities to explore. Whether you want to hike and bike in summer or ski and sled in winter, the city’s mountains are always open for adventure and offer stunning views in all seasons. Plus, as I’ve hinted at, the nature is pretty wild too with the chance to see bears and wolves.

Secondly, the history. Brașov is an ancient city developed by Transylvanian Saxons in the early 1100s and over the centuries was expanded by Hungarian Kings, Ottoman trade and the Austrian Empire. What’s incredible is a lot of those early and medieval buildings are still preserved in the city including the Black Church and of course Bran Castle, which both date back to the 1300s.

Third, the relaxed and cosy atmosphere. Despite officially being the sixth largest city in Romania, the Old Town is a world away from the hustle and bustle you might expect. Instead, think wood-panelled wine bars, coffee shops with mountain views and traditional restaurants serving hearty stews. The perfect spots to sit back, relax and take it all in!

GOOD TO KNOW: It’s worth noting that Brașov is split into a newer part and the historic old town. I’d recommend basing yourself in the old town for the best experience and so this itinerary and my travel tips will be focused there.

When it comes to how long you need in Brașov, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re really only interested in seeing Bran Castle and a glimpse of the surrounding area then you could actually visit Brașov on a day trip. But if like me, you want to get out into the mountains to hike, visit bears, taste local dishes and soak up the magic of Transylvania then I’d recommend spending at least two days in the city.

In two days you’ll be able to see all the major sights, spend some time in the Carpathian mountains hiking, skiing or both, and be able to enjoy the laid back alpine atmosphere. Of course, you could always spend longer too. On an extended trip, you’d have time to visit some nearby medieval towns like Sibiu and Sighișoara as well.

Where is Brașov?

As you can see from the map below, Brașov is located towards the centre of Romania in the heart of magical Transylvania. As the largest city in the region, it acts as the perfect hub for exploring the area and heading into the Carpathian mountains.

Plus, as it’s only 180km away from the capital, Bucharest, getting there is a breeze too. But more on that next…

How to get to & around Brașov

You’ll be pleased to know, while Brașov may feel a little more remote, it’s still really easy to get to. Here are the main options to get to the old town depending on your budget and preferences:

By air: If you’re only planning to visit Brașov on your trip to Romania, one of the quickest and most cost effective options is to fly into the city. Brașov International Airport was opened in 2023 to service the growing demand for access to Transylvania and today offers flights to and from destinations like London Luton, Dortmund, Cologne, Budapest, Tel Aviv, Antalya and parts of Greece. So if you’re travelling from or via any of those locations, then flying is ideal. The airport is only 15km from Brașov city centre, just hop in an Uber or registered taxi when you land for around £10.

TOP TIP: Find the best deals on flights to Brașov with Trip.com. Many of their return flights from London are under £50!

By train: If you’re travelling to Brașov from Bucharest like I did (or another Romanian city), then the easiest and most cost effective option is to take a train. There’s a direct train line from Bucharest to Brașov that takes 2.5 hours and you’ll pass some stunning scenery on the way so it’s well worth taking it slower!

While the trains can sometimes be a little slow, the carriages are large, the seats are comfy and I felt completely safe. Just be sure to buy your train tickets online in advance rather than buying them at the station. As sometimes they sell out and it’s much easier and quicker to have them on your phone. Here’s the journey details…

Train from Bucharest to Brașov: Takes 2.5 hours and costs around £12 per person [BOOK HERE]

By car: Of course, for ultimate freedom to explore Brașov and beyond, you could also hire a car and drive there. From Bucharest, the journey takes around three hours depending on the traffic as there are no highways or motorways in Romania and the quality of the roads can differ throughout the country.

It’s also worth noting that Romanians are quite “passionate” in the way they drive so you’ll experience a lot of horn honking and in some cases quite aggressive manoeuvres. This is not a reflection of the people, they’re absolutely lovely, just the way they drive! But with this in mind, it’s recommended that you drive defensively and so probably not recommended for newer or nervous drivers.

By organised bus tour: If you’d rather not take the train and don’t feel comfortable renting a car then a great final option is to join a tour. While you won’t get to spend so long in Brașov and explore all of the sights in this itinerary, you’ll get easy access to gems like Bran Castle, Peleș Castle (in Sinaia) and a whistle stop Brașov walking tour. You can find a 5* Transylvania tour here – tickets are incredible value at just £18 for this full day adventure.

Once you get to Brașov, navigating around the city is easy. You have a few main options, again depending on your budget and preferences.

Buses: If you’re coming into Brașov by train, you’ll want to catch the easy and quick bus from the train station to the old town. They’re super regular and the bus station is right outside the train station. Just tap your contactless card on the ticket machine on the bus to buy your ticket. They usually cost about 50p for one journey.

Once you’re in the old town, you’ll find bus connections to many other places in the area including the mountain resort that I’ll get onto later in this itinerary. Again, it’s as easy as hopping on, tapping your card for a ticket and then riding to your destination! To find the most up-to-date timetables, I’d recommend just using Google Maps to find your route.

Taxis: While much of Brașov is well connected, there are still some areas that are a little more remote. For that, if you don’t have a rental car, you’ll need to book a taxi. I’d recommend using Uber so you don’t have to worry about negotiating a price or the price being a little inflated for tourists. We took a number of Ubers and the service was great, the drivers were super friendly, the price was reasonable and we easily got to more out of the way spots like the bear sanctuary (but more on that soon!). Like anywhere, just never get in an unmarked taxi that you haven’t pre-booked.

Driving: Of course, if you are renting a car for your time in Brașov you can easily drive to all of the destinations in this itinerary. Plus, unlike Bucharest, there is more parking available in the city and besides rush hour, the roads are pretty quiet and traffic free. Just be aware of ice and snow if you’re headed to Brașov in the winter. And on that note…

Best time to visit Brașov

Now you know why you should visit Brașov and how to get there, it’s time to look at when to go. As you can see from the table below, the average daily temperatures change dramatically throughout the year with cold snowy winters and warm humid summers. With that in mind, the best time to visit Brașov really depends on what you’re looking for.

Spring is a brilliant time to visit if you’re craving a bright sunshine escape with Transylvania blanketed in lush green grass and mountain flowers. In April or May, you can make the most of the milder temperatures without the summer crowds.

Alternatively, autumn is also beautiful in Brașov. The crowds thin out after the summer and you’ll be greeted by Transylvania’s woodlands in their fall colours which makes sights like Bran Castle particularly picturesque. Travel in September or October for the ultimate autumn adventure.

For snowsports enthusiasts or those longing for the magic of a true snowy winter (like me), visit in January or February. Yes the temperatures will be cold, but the beauty of the city and mountains blanketed with snow and the opportunity to ski without the Alps price tag makes it all worth it! I chose to visit Brașov in January and had an incredible time. The skies were bright blue, the sun was shining, the mountains were busy with skiers but it felt like we had the city to ourselves. So don’t be put off visiting in winter, even if you’re not planning to ski!

Lastly, during the height of summer, the temperatures peak and so do the crowds. Naturally, with some of the warmest weather June, July and August are the most popular times to visit Brașov so bear that in mind when booking accommodation and activities. Rooms and places fill up fast with local and international tourists alike. For that reason, if you can I’d recommend travelling in the shoulder seasons of April and May or September and October. Or brave it in winter like me!

Month	Average High Temperature	Average Low Temperature	Average No. Rainy Days
January	0°C	-7°C	10 days
February	2°C	-5°C	8 days
March	6°C	-2°C	8 days
April	12°C	3°C	9 days
May	17°C	7°C	12 days
June	21°C	11°C	14 days
July	24°C	13°C	11 days
August	24°C	13°C	8 days
September	19°C	9°C	4 days
October	13°C	4°C	5 days
November	8°C	1°C	5 days
December	2°C	-4°C	8 days

Day 1: Spot brown bears, the Brasov sign and maybe even Dracula

On your first day in the city, visit the most famous residents – brown bears and Dracula! Here’s what I recommend…

Visit the biggest brown bear sanctuary in the world, Libearty Sanctuary

Start your first morning in Brașov at Libearty Sanctuary. As the punny name suggests, this is an incredible shelter that has rescued over 100 brown bears. This is especially important as Romania (and particularly Transylvania) has one of the largest populations of brown bears in Europe.

Over 69 hectares of forest, rescued bears roam freely within an environment safe from hunting and poaching. While some bears have found their way into the sanctuary after becoming injured in the wild or separated from their mothers, most have been rescued from captivity. This is clear to see when you visit the bears as unlike those brought up in the wild, they’ll actually come to the fences looking for food from humans. You’ll also see some that walk or behave in a certain way, having been trained to entertain crowds in zoos and circuses.

With that in mind, the founders of the sanctuary want to make it clear that this is not a zoo. It’s a place to show these powerful animals the respect they deserve and ensure their freedom from captivity and poor treatment. Which is why they generally only offer a couple of guided tours of the sanctuary each morning so that they’re not disrupting the bears throughout the day. So if you want to see brown bears in their natural habitat (without the risk of becoming their next meal) and support the incredible work the Libearty team are doing, I’d highly recommend booking onto their tour.

Each English tour starts at 9am or 9:30am and lasts for about one hour where you’ll be able to see lots of bears as well as some bear cubs and also some rescued wolves. Tickets cost around £15 and must be booked in advance – click here to buy your ticket.

TOP TIP: To get a better feel for the sanctuary and see some of the bears in advance, you can watch their live stream on YouTube. The camera is focused on one of the ponds in the reserve so at all hours you can watch different bears come and go for a drink or a swim. It’s such a nice idea!

How to get to Libearty Sanctuary

To get to the sanctuary, you’ll need to either drive or take a taxi. The journey takes about 40 minutes from Brașov Old Town and follows the main road east out of the city before turning onto an unmade road. This road is pretty uneven so be prepared for a slightly bumpy ride to the entrance! Next to the entrance, you’ll find plenty of free parking or space for your taxi to drop you off and turn around. We took an Uber to Libearty from our accommodation and it cost around £15 each way for two of us.

GOOD TO KNOW: If like us, you haven’t checked into your accommodation yet and still have your bags with you, don’t worry, you can leave them in the reception at the sanctuary.

Venture out to spot Dracula at Bran Castle

From the bear sanctuary, head on to the leafy town of Bran – home to infamous Bran Castle and maybe even Dracula… 👀 This incredible fortress dates back to 1377 and was made famous by author Bram Stoker as the residence of vampire, Dracula.

While we can probably say Dracula the vampire was just a brilliant work of fiction, Drăculea (also known as Vlad the Impaler) was very much a real person though he never lived in the castle (confusing right 😂). It’s thought it was this link that Stoker played on and has since turned Bran Castle into a Transylvanian icon. In reality, the castle served as an important military defence up until the mid 18th century when it became a royal residence.

It was the favourite home of Queen Marie of Romania who thoroughly renovated the castle and filled it with her personal collection of beautiful art, books, furniture and textiles. Today, you can visit this incredible castle perched on a hulking slab of rock and see why it’s easy to imagine vampires living there.

TOP TIP: Buy your entrance ticket online in advance. That way you won’t need to queue to buy a ticket on arrival and can just head inside to enjoy a self-guided tour around the various rooms and courtyards.

The views from balconies like you can see above are absolutely stunning and you could easily spend a couple of hours here taking it all in. Tickets cost £12 and the castle is open every day of the week but hours change seasonally. Check the latest opening hours here.

How to get to Bran Castle

Again, as the town of Bran is a little way from Brașov, you’ll need to drive or take a taxi. From Libearty Sanctuary the drive is about 25 minutes and cost us around £7 in an Uber.

Admire the historic Gothic Black Church

After a morning exploring the sights around Brașov, head back into the city’s old town for lunch and a look at more local treasures. Starting with the city’s Black Church – this is Brașov’s historic cathedral built by Transylvanian Saxons in the 1300s. It’s a beautiful example of a Gothic church and during the Reformation was changed from Catholic to Lutheran.

Today, it’s worth taking the time to admire the towering building from the outside as well as heading inside. Some of the original murals are still visible as well as the font, chalices and some tapestries from the 15th and 17th centuries.

To enter, buy a ticket from the office opposite the entrance of the church for about £4 (25 RON). But if you’re on a pretty tight budget like us, just taking a peek at the outside is also equally impressive! The site is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5:40pm. On Sundays and Mondays it’s open from 12pm until 5:40pm.

Explore the pretty Council Square

Just behind the Black Church you’ll find the heart of the old town – the Council Square. Known as Piața Sfatului in Romanian, this historic market square has held weekly markets since 1364 with merchants from across Romania and beyond.

Today, it’s surrounded by 18th and 19th century buildings which are mostly protected monuments and the old Council House sits in the middle. Over the centuries this unassuming square has seen a whole lot of things… From a space to punish suspected witches to the beheading of a shoemaker who opposed the Austrian army entering the city. Local legend also says this square is where the children that the Pied Piper sent underground appeared from. So there’s really quite a lot to take in here! 😂

Spend some time wandering the square and soaking up all that varied history before you get onto the high street for our next stop.

Shop for books in beautiful Librăria Ștefan Octavian Iosif

Whether you’re a book lover or not, I think stepping into Librăria Ștefan Octavian Iosif is an essential on any trip to Brașov. This is a lovely cosy shop set across two floors where you can find books on all topics from Romanian and international authors as well as gifts and souvenirs.

Take a moment here to soak up the atmosphere and that new book smell! The shop is open weekdays from 9am to 8pm, 10am to 8pm on Saturdays and 11am to 7pm on Sundays.

Squeeze down Rope Street

On your way to the next sight, make a stop at one of the most unique spots in town. This is Rope Street or Strada Sforii as it’s known in Romanian and it’s one of the narrowest streets in Europe.

This tiny lane was originally built for firefighters to use for easier access to the centre of the city. The 80 metre long passage dates back to the 17th century and is only between 111 and 135 centimetres wide.

Hike or cable car to the Brasov sign for sweeping views over the city

In the afternoon, see Brașov from a new perspective by heading up Tâmpa Mountain which overlooks the city and is home to the Hollywood-inspired Brașov sign. At 960m high, this is the perfect spot to watch sunset too!

To get there, you have two options. You can walk the 400m to the top of the hill following the marked trails that start next to the Tâmpa Cable Car station. This hike takes about an hour. Or you can ride the Tâmpa Cable Car and be at the top in under 3 minutes. However, unfortunately the cable car is undergoing extensive modernisation and is closed for the next few months.

So, if you do want to visit the Brașov sign, for the time being you’ll need to walk. Once the cable car is open again or they give an opening date, I’ll update this blog.

Climb the Black & White Towers

If you still have a little energy left or don’t fancy the hike to the top of Tâmpa mountain, other great spots to see sweeping views of the city are the Black and White Towers. These are small watch towers built in the 15th century onto the side of the hill facing Brașov and Tâmpa Mountain. The path of the towers traces the old city walls and you’ll see they’re only about 400m away from each other.

Turnul Negru as the Black Tower is known, has a viewing platform that you can visit Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 6pm (just note it’s not open in summer!). Entrance costs just over £1. What you’ll also probably notice is that the Black Tower is in fact also white. That’s because it was only named the Black Tower after the city’s fire in 1649 which coated the site in soot.

Turnul Alb as the White Tower is know, also has a viewing platform and small history exhibit inside. The tower is open Tuesday – Sunday from 9am to 5pm and entrance is also around £1.

Both towers are just a 10 minute walk from the Council Square, just climb the stairs up the hill to the entrance.

Day 2: Hike in the Transylvanian mountains & shop for handmade ceramics

On your second day it’s time to see a different side of Brașov. Head into the mountains for a dose of nature and mind-blowing views. Here’s the plan…

Head into the mountains of Poiana Brașov to hike, ski or sled

If like me, you love spending time in nature exploring or can’t wait to ski or snowboard then spend most of your second day in the mountains. Just a short drive or bus ride outside Brașov you’ll find the alpine resort, Poiana Brașov. From here you can catch gondolas and cable cars up towards the main peak, Postăvaru. The only question is whether you want to walk, ski or sled?

Hiking: There are miles of hiking routes all around Poiana Brașov and the best part is almost all of them are accessible year round. We hiked here in January and it was incredible – the pine trees were heavy with snow against the bright blue sky, the sun was shining and everything looked magical. For the best day hike, I’d recommend catching the Postăvărul Gondola up the mountain and from there charting a course to Postăvărul Peak. As you exit the gondola you’ll be able to see the marker on the top and following the path up is pretty easy and straightforward. Once you’ve summited the mountain, you can actually walk all the way back into Poiana Brașov without taking the cable car back down. Either follow the route marked on Google Maps which will follow the striped tree marks through the woods and takes about 1.5 hours, or walk the main wider ski slope planes that all lead back to Poiana Brașov. Either way and in any season this is a beautiful loop and easy with a base level of fitness. Just be sure to check the latest gondola opening hours and prices here (and double check against Google).

Skiing: If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, there are seven beautiful ski or snowboard runs that weave down the mountain and through the forest. They’re served by multiple ski lifts, gondolas and cable cars and with one ski pass, you can access them all. A one day ski pass starts at £35. You can find the full ski map of the resort here. Plus, there’s plenty of ski rental shops around Poiana Brașov so you can head there first thing to pick up your gear and onto the slopes. Just be sure to check the latest snow conditions and how many runs are open before you travel over.

Tubing: Lastly, if you’re travelling with kids or just feel like having a little more fun, you can tube down the slopes at Season Hill. There are four slopes to choose from and a conveyor belt to take you back up to the top each time. One hour of tubing fun costs about £10 for an adult and the hills are open from 10am to 6pm every day in winter. Of course, with no snow this facility isn’t open in summer.

TOP TIP: There are a couple of restaurants and bars in the mountains so if you don’t fancy packing a lunch then head there for sandwiches, chips, burgers and usual mountain fare. You can also grab a refreshing beer, cosy mulled wine or a little coffee for an energy boost. We really likes Yager Bar for lunch with a view but if it’s more of an aprés vibe you’re looking for, head to Pub Kanzel. Of course, for the rest of the day I’d recommend packing snacks and water to keep you going!

GOOD TO KNOW: As I mentioned earlier, as Transylvania has one of the largest populations of brown bears in Europe, while you’re hiking it’s important to be prepared and alert for a possible encounter. While this is still a very remote possibility it does happen – especially in late spring, summer and autumn. But don’t be fooled into thinking all bears hibernate over winter. While in Romania I learned that not all European bears do, especially if they have access to a food source like city litter or someone in the town feeding them! With that in mind, whatever time of year you’re venturing into the mountains, follow local advice on how to reduce the chances of running into a bear and what to do if you do.

How to get to Poiana Brașov

Getting into the mountains is super easy from Brașov Old Town. You have two main options – you can take the bus or you can drive.

Of course, if you’re already renting a hire car then it makes sense to drive – the journey only takes 20 minutes following the 1E road out of town. When you arrive in the resort town, there’s two main car parks – Poiana Mare and Bradu Poiana. You can pay for parking by the hour on the TPark mobile app otherwise you’ll need cash for the machine. Just note, these car parks do fill up so especially if you’re visiting on a weekend make sure you get there early to grab your spot.

If you’re travelling with public transport like me then you’ll be pleased to know the bus is excellent. The number 20 bus runs from the stop just outside the Old Town (5 mins walk from the Council Square) right into Poiana Brașov and runs every 20 minutes. the bus journey takes 25 minutes and is the easiest and most hassle-free way to get into the mountains. Tickets cost under £1 and can be bought with a contactless card on board at the little self-service machine. Find the full route here.

Shop for handmade souvenirs

To round off any good trip, I always like to take a look at the locally made souvenirs. Now I’m not talking plastic fridge magnets (unless you’re into that, no judgement here! 😂), but in this case most Romanian towns have a beautiful selection of locally made ceramics.

So if you do feel like picking up a little something to remind you of your visit to Brașov, I’d recommend spending your final hour or so in the city shopping for bowls, dishes, spoon rests, oil bottles and more. One of the best shops to head to is aptly called The Locals Souvenir & Gift Shop.

Best places to eat & drink

To fuel your days exploring Brașov, you need the tastiest food and probably like me (lots of) great coffee too. Here are my favourites…

CH9 Speciality Coffee $

For excellent coffees, pastries and savoury bites, choose CH9 Speciality. This spot is right opposite the Black Church so ideal for a mid-morning or afternoon stop. Sit back and relax in their light and airy space with historic beams and traditional features.

Shakespeare Coffee & Poetry $

For the coffee shop with the best views of Mount Tâmpa and the Brașov sign, head to Shakespeare Coffee & Poetry. This cosy little café serves great coffee and a selection of sweet treats. Just be sure to get there first thing if you want to snag the table with the best view!

Meron Coffee $

For THE best coffee in the city, head to Romanian favourite – Meron. With branches in Bucharest and other cities across the country, Meron has made a name for itself by consistently serving brilliant barista quality coffee made with their own beans roasted in Transylvania. Plus, each of their coffee shops is beautifully designed with modern sleek decor and deep plush chairs.

Omelett $$

For the best brunches and lunches, choose Omelett. This is such a lovely café with super fresh dishes from soups and sandwiches to eggs, toasts and more all washed down with zesty juices and fruity smoothies.

La Ceaun – Piata Sfatului $$

When it comes to dinner, the must-visit spot is Le Ceaun. This place is so brilliant, there are actually two of them in Brașov and while I’m sure both are equally delicious we chose to eat at the Piata Sfatului one twice. Yep, it was so perfect, we went back again. Let me tell you why…

Firstly the actual restaurant is lovely, think wood-panelled ski chalet meets Romanian mountain hideaway with cosy soft furnishings on rustic candle-lit tables. Secondly, the food and wine. On their menu you’ll find traditional dishes from the region made with the freshest ingredients. Think hearty warming stews, tangy pickles, soft and fluffy bread, and so much more. I had the goulash with a glass of Romanian red wine and both were absolutely delicious. Lastly, the service. The team at La Ceaun are so friendly, welcoming and attentive. Overall a 10/10 experience!

Best places to stay

When it comes to the best night’s sleep, Brașov is blessed with lots of great hotels, B&Bs and self-catered apartments that suit every budget. Here are my top picks for low-cost travellers to affordable luxury seekers…

Best budget: Secret Boutique Hostel (from £20 per night)

If you’re on a tight budget but still want a cosy stay with a little more privacy, choose Secret Boutique Hostel. This is a super friendly hostel that’s spotlessly clean with beds that offer a more private space than traditional open bunkbeds!

Plus, it’s right in the heart of Brașov Old Town so the perfect base for exploring.

Best mid-range: PIF Apartments Hirscher (from £40 per night)

For your own private apartment complete with a spacious kitchen, living room and bathroom, choose PIF Apartments Hirscher. This is where I chose to stay and it was perfect. Having your own kitchen is ideal for if you’re a budget traveller like me. While staying here, my friend and I were able to save on meals out by cooking our own breakfasts and dinners. That way we had more budget for exploring and treating ourselves to barista-made coffees!

Plus, the apartment was spotlessly clean, super comfy and just one minute’s walk from the Council Square and centre of the Old Town.

Best luxury: Vila Katharina (from £111 per night)

For a more luxurious stay with old world charm, choose Vila Katharina. Just 300m away from the Council Square, this incredibly decorated hotel is loved for its traditional design with a touch of understated glamour. Where you can relax with a glass of champagne in your own roll-top bath tub after a long day of hiking in the mountains.

Plus, the service is excellent and the breakfast is delicious – what’s not to like!?

What to pack & know before you go

Whenever you visit a new country or city, there are always inside tips and tricks that are helpful to know in advance. Here are some of the key things to note from my experience…

Pack proper hiking shoes: If you do plan on heading into the mountains during your time in Brașov, regardless of the season, make sure you’re prepared. That starts with the right footwear. If you’re travelling during winter or wet periods, you’ll want some waterproof shoes – ideally hiking boots rather than shoes so snow is less likely to fall in the top. If you’re travelling in summer, you can more easily explore in hiking shoes or trail shoes which are lightweight but still offer great grip and stability.

Here are my top recommendations:

• Investment hiking boots: Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX | Asolo Women’s Cerium (these are my exact boots and I love them. I had my previous pair of Asolos for 10 years and wore them all over the world in comfort! They’re brilliant quality, just note they do run a little small so size up)
• Affordable hiking boots: Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Hiking Boot | Columbia Women’s Red Hills Omni-Heat Snow Boot
• Affordable summer hiking shoes: adidas Men’s Terrex Anylander | adidas Women’s Terrex Anylander (I’ll be buying these next when my current HOKA hiking shoes wear out)

Layer up in the mountains: The second part to consider is clothing. Again, in winter you want to focus on packing breathable layers that lock heat in with an insulated waterproof top layer to stay dry in the snow. During summer, you could opt for light layers and a fleece in case it cools down.

Credit cards are widely accepted: When researching for this trip, like me you might come across articles that say you should carry local currency. I’m here to tell you, there’s not really any need! Everywhere we went took cards, even tiny souvenir shops and the bus (which you can pay for with contactless card on board). So if you’d rather not carry cash or exchange your own currency for Romanian Leu then there’s really no need.

Keep an eye out for bears: As I’ve mentioned just a couple of times in this blog, Transylvania really is a bear hot spot and while it’s fun to see them from a distance in a controlled environment, up close in the wild – not so much… 😂 So follow local advice, take precautions to avoid bears and just stay alert. The chances of you encountering a bear are still super low but it always pays to be prepared just in case.

How much a trip to Brașov costs

That leaves one final question – “okay, but how much is this going to cost?”. The answer – not that much. Budget travellers will be pleased to know that like much of Romania, Brașov is a pretty affordable destination. The chunkiest costs here are likely to be admission to Bran Castle and Libearty Bear Sanctuary.

With that in mind, if you’re travelling on a tighter budget expect to spend as little as £100 on one night’s hostel accommodation, admission to all the sights mentioned in this blog, groceries to cook your own meals and a couple of coffees out.

If you want to treat yourself to more meals out, fancier accommodation and little luxuries along the way, expect to spend £150 or more.

There we have it! That’s my ultimate tried and tested itinerary for the best two days in beautiful Brașov. I hope you love your time here as much as I did and if you have any comments, questions or recommendations of your own to add, please write them in the box below. Happy travelling!

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