Brasov: What to Do With One Day
Wondering what to do with only one day in Brasov? This medieval city is not only the ultimate gateway to the Transylvania region, but is worthy of at least a full day of exploration. These one day itinerary suggestions for what to do in Brasov are broken into: old town activities and food delights.
Of course, Brasov has some famous points of interest in its nearby proximity. Think: Bran’s “Dracula Castle.” Only a few miles from Brasov are some interesting fortified churches built by the Saxons. Transylvania is a special region and can be discovered with ease from Brasov.
Here’s a quick overview of what to do in Brasov, if you only have one day!
Table of Contents
- What to do in Brasov: Old Town Activities
- What to do in Brasov: Foodie Delights
- Brasov: What To Do with 2-3 Days
- Brasov: What to Do With One Day
What to do in Brasov: Old Town Activities
There’s an excellent free walking tour which focuses on the heart of the Old Town. The Cetățuia de pe Strajăcitadel towers on the nearby hill and offers some panoramic views of Brasov. Get up close and personal with the gimmicky Brasov sign with a hike or ride up the looming Mount Tampa.
Take a Free Walking Tour
The Brasov Walkabout Free Tour is the perfect introduction to the city of Brasov. This English tour meets in the main Council Square next to the iconic Black Church. First, there’s a brief history lesson on this medieval city. From there, the tour loops through Old Town. Stop by a few of the city’s gates, and get a better understanding of what those spires really indicate.
Hint: it’s grim and eludes to the death penalty.
Walk through Strada Sforii, or Rope Street. This street has top bragging rights to one of the most narrow streets in all of Europe. Finally, finish up the tour at the working Romanian Orthodox church of Sfântul Nicolae. It’s possible to see some very faded frescoes. Nearby is the first Romanian school.
Practical Info on Walkabout Free Tours Brasov
- Meet Them Here: Piata Sfatului (Council’s Square)
- Look for the Orange Umbrella
- Tours Run:
- June – September: 10:30 & 18:00
- October – March: 15:00
- April – May: 18:00
- Cost: Donation based, but they work so hard, so share the love!
- Tour Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
More Tips on What to do in Brasov
Don’t have time for a free walking tour? The Tourist Information has online self-guided tourist maps. There are three tour options all focusing on different interests. Follow on your own time and schedule.
Views from a Hilltop Citadel
The hilltop citadel of Cetățuia de pe Strajă, or “fortress of the guard,” sits near to the Old Town in Brasov. If looking for a quiet place to savor views of Brasov, head up the hillside. For now, the interior is closed, but the exterior offers pleasant panoramic views. Many people bypass this fortress, so it is quite relaxing and tranquil.
- Find it Here: Strada Dealul Cetăţii 5, Brasov (Stronghold Hill)
Explore Mount Tampa
Yes, Brasov has a “Hollywood sign,” and to be quite honest, I’m still not so sure how I feel about it. It does mark the area of Tiberiu Brădiceanu Park, which is found along the side of Mount Tampa. Locals and tourists enjoy exploring this green urban park. This promenade has lots of walking and bike paths that boast great city views. It’s possible to either snake up Mount Tampa on the hiking trails and stairs, or take the Cable Car.
Cable Car Info:
- Hop on it Here: Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu, Brasov
- Daily: 9:30 – 17:00
- One-way Ticket: 10 Lei ($2.25 USD)
- Round Trip Fare: 17 Lei ($3.75 USD)
What to do in Brasov: Foodie Delights
Romania has a deep rooted and delicious traditional food scene. In Brasov, visit an authentic bakery serving up local pastry favorites. There’s quite a few restaurants in town with delicious traditional food. Sip on some extraordinary wine from the Transylvania region at a cozy wine bar. No meal, or day in Brasov, is complete without a sweet dessert.
Visit a Traditional Bakery
Covrigi, the Romanian version of a pretzel, can be spotted and sampled all throughout Romania. The original Covrigi is smothered in poppy seeds, bu there are many varietals of this favorite snack. In Brasov, try out Patiserie Si Covrigi De La Filipici. This little bakery is pumping out fresh Covrigi and other baked goodies. It is only a few short blocks from Brasov’s city landmark, the Black Church. Grab it to-go and enjoy in the plaza.
- Find Them Here:Strada George Barițiu 13, Brasov
- Weekdays: 8:00 – 18:00
- Weekends: 9:00 – 18:00
- What to Order: Covrigi, of course!
Sample Traditional Food
Brasov has a plethora of restaurants serving up traditional food. Here’s a diverse selection of traditional eateries to choose from.
Bistro de l’Arte
Bistro de l’Arte is almost like a working museum. The building is one of the oldest in all of Brasov and was built in the 16th century. Now, the Bistro is serving up food based on the “slow food” concept and works on locally sourcing most of their ingredients. The interior is tastefully decorated, and there are also some lovely outdoor tables. Besides whipping up delicious food, the bistro hosts music and art events.
I loved this quote from their menu:
“We are always trying to offer more than just food and drinks: we try to feed minds and souls as well.”
- Find Them Here: Piața George Enescu 11 Bis, Brasov
- Daily: 9:00 – 2:00
- What to Order: Anything off their breakfast menu
La Ceaun – Piata Sfatului
La Ceaun is a charming and almost hidden gem located in Brasov’s Council Square. This little establishment’s menu focuses on authentic soups and stews. For being located right downtown, the prices were reasonable and the portions large. The staff speak English and are always smiling.
- Find Them Here:Piața Sfatului 11-12, Brasov
- Daily: 10:00 – 00:00
- What to Order: One of their famous “Cauldron” dishes
Casa Romaneasca
Casa Romaneasca offers hearty traditional dishes for a reasonable price. Enjoy a delicious homemade meal on the lovely terrace. It’s snuggled in a quiet part of town close to the Romanian Orthodox church, Sfântul Nicolae.
- Find Them Here:Piața Unirii 15, Brasov
- Daily: 12:00 – 00:00
- What to Order: Homemade sausages with cabbage
- Up-sell Alert: Stick to ordering from the menu. The food is awesome, but they will try to up-sell drinks and other items which can be expensive
Sergiana
Sergiana may just be the most popular and touristic restaurant in Brasov. It’s worth a mention because the food is decent, but the ambiance and service are top-notch. It’s nestled downstairs, almost as if you’re dining in a cellar that’s had a very modern face-lift. With that being said, it can be filled to the brim with tourists and not as tranquil as some of the other dining experiences in Brasov.
Sergiana is also part of a small local chain of restaurants in Brasov.
- Find Them Here:Strada Mureșenilor 28, Brasov
- Daily: 8:00 – 22:00
- What to Order: Papanași, a Romanian classic dessert which consists of a warm doughnut stuffed with a soft cheese, and smothered in sour cream and a tart berry sauce
Sip on Transylvanian Wine
Le Sommelier is a cozy little wine shop with a superb wine list of Romanian wines, especially from the region of Transylvania. The ambiance feels like walking into a library of wines. If you’re not digging on the Romanian wines, there are lots of other options. Staff is knowledgeable and will help pair wines to match your taste. In the summer, enjoy a glass of wine on the makeshift terrace on the darling street.
- Find Them Here:Strada Diaconu Coresi 6, Brasov
- Daily: 12:00 – 22:00
- What to Order: A sampling of wines from the Transylvania Region
Dessert Essentials
Gelato Mania is THE place to grab an ice cream from. On warm summer nights, the line for this little homemade gelato shop is around the corner. One evening, I waited 25 minutes for a cone, but I swear, it’s worth it.
- Find Them Here: Strada Prundului 37, Brasov
- What to Order: I’m still dreaming about that creamy ricotta and fig gelato.
Ahem…
Looking for one of the best “foodie” cities in Romania? Head to Sibiu for a few days. This city won the European Capital of Culture in 2007, and is another charming city that is worth more than just a day trip.
Get inspired with this “menu” which tours around some of the best eats in Sibiu
Brasov What To Do with 2-3 Days
Brasov is the perfect gateway to discover the Transylvania Region. There are multiple castles in the neighboring villages. The two most famous, Bran’s Castle and Peles Palace, make quick and easy day trips from Brasov. Besides historical points of interest, there’s the lovely Bucegi Natural Park, which can be explored as a day trip or as its own hiking expedition.
Get inspired with this 3 day independent hiking adventure | Download the Map
There are also the charming cities of Sibiu and Sighisoara, which can make worthwhile day trips, or for longer.
Travel deeper, here’s inspiration for discovering all the treasures that Transylvania offers.
Only a few miles from Brasov are two well preserved and very different fortified churches. Those who are looking for a nice half day trip from Brasov should visit at least one of these interesting fortresses.
Follow along with this half day trip and independently visit 2 fortified churches near Brasov.
Brasov What to Do With One Day
In conclusion, Brasov has many things to do that can fill up a full day! Join in a walking tour, or create your own. Soak in views of the city from either the hilltop citadel or enjoy the green park on Mount Tampa. All of these activities are in the Old Town or a short walk from the center. Indulge in the authentic Romanian cuisine by stopping by a bakery, visiting a traditional eatery, or sipping on some Transylvanian wine.
This medieval city also makes the perfect gateway to discover all the treasures of Transylvania. Tour the famous castles, churches, and other charming cities of the region.
Brasov is an exceptional medieval city and offers many rich cultural delights!
Have you been to Brasov? What did you do while visiting this charming medieval city? Is there something I am missing for activities or what to do in Brasov? Let me know in the comments below!
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Hi Megan,
Wow, this a very thorough post about my home town, Brasov. Although, I have to admit, I had few expectations when looking at the title. What can one do in Brasov in one day? Looks like if you’re travelling, you learn how to use time efficiently.
At the end of the article you asked if there are other things to do in Brasov. Well, there are. And quite a lot! First of all, attend a bear watching tour from Brasov. This usually takes place in the afternoon and requires a guide. You get to see the bears in their natural habitat, in the wild. Observing their real behavior is something unique and must not be missed.
In the list of things to do in Brasov is, of course, paragliding. Depending on weather conditions, you can experience a thrilling 20 minute tandem flight. The views from up there are just amazing!
For other suggestions, take a look at this list https://outdoorholidays.eu/blog/top-things-to-do-brasov-romania/
Hope it helps!
And next time you’re in Brasov, hit me up 🙂
Thanks so much and I truly appreciate your input! I spent time near Sovata and heard about the bears and it’s definitely on my list for next time and the nearby extinct volcano. I also had no idea about paragliding either. Loved Romania and can’t wait to get back!