Travel around Brasov with Bobby
I chose to visit Brasov because it’s one of those rare cities where history and nature come together seamlessly. With its medieval architecture and the surrounding Tampa Mountain, it’s a perfect destination for anyone who loves both. Walking through Brasov’s narrow streets, you can really feel the echoes of the past. Plus, I was excited to explore Romanian cuisine and dive into the city’s rich culture. I was looking for a peaceful yet intriguing place to discover, and Brasov offered just that.
Day 1A Step Back in Time: Exploring Brasov’s Medieval Heart
My first day in Brasov started with an exciting plunge into the city’s medieval charm. After a quick breakfast at a cozy café in the city center, I headed straight to the iconic Council Square (Piața Sfatului). This vibrant square felt like stepping into the past, surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and the towering Black Church in the distance. After taking in the atmosphere and snapping a few photos, I made my way to the Black Church (Biserica Neagră), one of the most important Gothic monuments in Eastern Europe. Its towering structure and dark history intrigued me, and inside, the beautiful Ottoman carpets on display added an unexpected cultural twist.
For lunch, I stopped at a local restaurant near the square and tried sarmale, Romania’s famous stuffed cabbage rolls. Delicious and hearty, this traditional dish was a perfect introduction to Romanian cuisine. In the afternoon, I took a leisurely stroll through the old town, discovering the narrowest street in Europe, Strada Sforii. It was fascinating to see how much history is tucked away in every corner of Brasov.
As the day came to an end, I enjoyed a peaceful dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city, tasting the famous papanași—a sweet fried dough dessert topped with cream and jam. The view of the medieval rooftops against the mountains was absolutely breathtaking.
Start your journey by diving deep into Brasov’s medieval past. Council Square and the Black Church are must-see spots, and don't miss the chance to try the local cuisine—it adds to the entire experience.
Day 2Hiking Tampa Mountain and Discovering Brasov’s Hidden Gems
After exploring Brasov’s historic core, I dedicated my second day to nature and adventure. In the morning, I set off for Tampa Mountain, which looms over the city and offers panoramic views. The hike to the top was refreshing, and while it wasn’t too strenuous, the view of Brasov from above was definitely worth it. The famous Brasov sign, reminiscent of Hollywood, made for a great photo opportunity. Once at the summit, I took a moment to soak in the city’s landscape, with its red rooftops and medieval streets spreading out below.
After descending the mountain, I took a leisurely walk back to the old town, stopping by Catherine’s Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei). This picturesque gate is one of the few remnants of the old city walls, and it felt like I had stumbled upon a hidden piece of Brasov’s past.
Lunch was another culinary adventure—this time, I opted for mici, a type of grilled minced meat sausage, at a small local eatery. It was simple but packed with flavor, perfect after a morning of hiking. I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the old town’s narrow alleys, popping into small boutiques and galleries to pick up a few souvenirs.
For dinner, I found a traditional Romanian restaurant where I indulged in a hearty portion of ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup). Although it’s not for everyone, it’s a local favorite, and I enjoyed the strong flavors and unique texture. As I walked back to my accommodation, the quiet evening streets felt like a different world compared to the lively daytime buzz.
Lunch was a simple yet flavorful dish of mici (grilled minced meat sausages) that hit the spot after my morning hike. For dinner, I went with the adventurous choice of ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup), which had a unique taste and was definitely a local favorite. While I enjoyed trying new things, this day’s food was more about authenticity than comfort.
Food
Another night at the same guesthouse, and it continued to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment. After a long day of hiking and exploring, the quiet and cozy room was just what I needed to relax.
Accomodation
Hiking Tampa Mountain was one of the highlights of my trip, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The walk through the old town to Catherine’s Gate was also a peaceful and enjoyable way to explore more of Brasov’s history.
Activity
If you love nature, a hike up Tampa Mountain is a must-do, especially for the stunning views of Brasov. Follow it up with exploring some of the city’s lesser-known historical sites like Catherine’s Gate, and be adventurous with the local food—it’s full of surprises!
Day 3Exploring Brasov’s Surroundings: Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress
No trip to Brasov is complete without venturing outside the city to see Bran Castle, often associated with the legend of Dracula. I started my third day with an early morning bus ride to Bran, which took about 45 minutes. Bran Castle, perched dramatically on a hilltop, was everything I had imagined—mysterious, imposing, and full of history. Walking through its narrow staircases and hidden chambers, I couldn’t help but think of the Dracula myths, though the real history of the castle is just as fascinating.
After exploring the castle and the surrounding village (where I grabbed a quick snack of kürtőskalács, a sweet chimney cake), I took another short bus ride to Rasnov Fortress. Rasnov is less touristy but equally impressive, with its massive stone walls and stunning views of the Carpathian Mountains. Wandering through the ruins of the fortress felt like stepping into a medieval world, and the peaceful atmosphere was a nice contrast to the busy crowds at Bran.
I ended the day back in Brasov with a traditional Romanian dinner—tocană (a type of stew) paired with polenta. After three days of exploring, it was the perfect comfort food to wrap up my Brasov adventure.
While exploring Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress, I tried kürtőskalács, a sweet chimney cake, for a quick snack, and it was delicious. Dinner back in Brasov was a comforting tocană stew with polenta—a perfect way to end the trip. The food was hearty and full of traditional flavors.
Food
The guesthouse continued to provide excellent service, with clean rooms and friendly staff. The location remained ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings, and I had no complaints about the comfort of my stay.
Accomodation
Bran Castle lived up to its reputation with its dramatic history and architecture, while Rasnov Fortress offered a more tranquil, less touristy experience with stunning views of the Carpathians. Together, these two sites made for an incredible day of exploration.
Activity
If you have the time, take a day to explore Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress. Both are easily accessible from Brasov and offer a fascinating glimpse into Romania’s history beyond the city.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Brasov offers a truly well-rounded experience for travelers who love history, nature, and authentic local culture. Whether you’re wandering through its medieval streets, hiking up Tampa Mountain, or exploring nearby castles, there’s always something exciting to discover. The blend of attractions, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine makes Brasov a must-visit destination in Romania.
I tried sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) for lunch, and they were packed with flavor—hearty, comforting, and a great introduction to Romanian cuisine. The papanași dessert I had in the evening was a delightful end to the day, with its sweet, fried dough and tangy toppings. Overall, the food on the first day really impressed me.
Food
I stayed in a charming guesthouse near the city center. The room was cozy, clean, and within walking distance to all the main attractions. The staff were friendly and offered great recommendations for local spots to explore.
Accomodation
Visiting Council Square, the Black Church, and wandering through the old town was a fantastic way to kick off my trip. The historical atmosphere and architectural beauty made the entire day feel like a journey through time. Strada Sforii was a fun little hidden gem.
Activity