How to spend 2 days in Brasov

Travel Itinerary

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Itinerary by: Geninna Ariton

2 years ago

Traveller

Duration: 2 days

Itinerary Contents

Day 1
Day 2
1. Tampa Cable Car Ride to the Brasov Sign
2. Bran's (Dracula's) Castle

Itinerary Introduction

It's not called Transilvania's finest for nothing. Brasov is an old soul, populated with a contrasting mix of adventure-seeking, history-minding yet modern individuals. The city's history is evident wherever you look, and whether you're the thrill seeker or you just want a walk along the sights and sounds - Brasov has something for you.

Brasov - Travel Itinerary

Day 1

Brasov: History Can Repeat Itself

You're about to embark on a journey full of cobblestone paths, short treks up a hill, a few hundred steps to climb up, and a visit to a catacomb, so put on your best shoe forward (literally, so you're comfortable). You will start in a place where witch trials and punishments occurred, wander in a dungeons, climb up watchtowers, pass through bastions, and culminate with breathtaking views. What more can you ask for? So make sure you have your water bottles handy (if not, there are stores everywhere, it's not really medieval, you know), and you can always take more time to soak it all in and just sit on a bench and marvel at this wonderful place in the Transilvanian region of Romania.

09:00 - 11:00

Piata Sfatului (Council Square)

Piața Sfatului, Brașov, Romania

Welcome to Brasov's Old Town! And what better way to start your exploration than in the city's Council Square where merchants from all over the citadel commence and show their wares. This is also where witch trials and corporal punishments were done when it used to have a Pillar of Infamy, not to mention beheadings. But don't be creeped out, this is the liveliest and busiest place in Brasov (except for the malls). It won't be hard to imagine, just pretend there's no Starbucks or KFC in the area. There is a council house in the middle of the Square with a clocktower and the year 1420 is written on it. Inside is the County History Museum, please do enter if you'd like. It's open from April to September 2021: 10a - 6p, October 2021 - March 2022: 9a - 5p. And if you want to skip it, it's cool too. You won't really miss out as the Council Square is big enough to spend at least 2 to 3 hours just soaking everything in - not to mention have a drink or a full meal as well. This is also a mini shopping area. You can find bookstores, clothing stores, barber shops, banks, pharmacies, tattoo parlors - name it, they have it. You don't even have to worry if you still don't have money in the local currency (RON), there's a money exchange place in every corner. These days, the Council Square is the home of the yearly Christmas Market, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Lots of them. If you get tired from all the walking, you can just sit in front of the water fountain and watch kids chase the birds away. Photo credit: Dan Novac (Unsplash.com)

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Piata Sfatului (Council Square)

09:00 - 11:00

Biserica Neagra (The Black Church)

Curtea Johannes Honterus 2, Brașov 500025, Romania

A couple of steps from the Council Square brings unto your view a behemoth of a structure with pinnacles adorning its roof. And the unmistakable cross on top of it. You will find yourself facing the Black Church, so prepare to traipse on stones and gape in awe of the statues,surrounding this gothic splendor. Should you wish to enter, opening hours are: Apr-Sep 2021: Sun-Mon 12p-7p, Tue-Sat 10a-7p. Oct 2021-Apr 2022:Tue-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12p-4p, Mon closed. And if you wish to remain outside, the architecture is enough to keep you wondering why on earth is it called the Black Church, when it's not black. It survived a great fire in 1689 and got its name from there. And if you visit on a Saturday in the summer (July to September), at 6 pm, you will hear the haunting music of their mechanical organ that was built in 1839. Photo credit: Marian Mirea (unsplash.com)

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Biserica Neagra (The Black Church)
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	3.00 - 4.00 EUR
Students	1.00 EUR	Plus fee
Kids	0.00 EUR	Under 7
Seniors	2.00 EUR

Biserica Neagra (The Black Church)

09:00 - 11:00

Rope Street (Strada Sforii)

Strada Sforii, Brașov, Romania

Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is the narrowest street in Romania and the 5th in the world. It was built to help firemen with records of its existence dating back to the 17th century. But really, just soak it all in and feast your eyes on all the messages scrawled on the walls. And leave a mark as well, so don't forget to bring a Sharpie (or any writing material for that matter). Consider writing on the wall a testament of your undying love for your significant other, akin to the padlock craze in other countries. There used to be a museum just across the statue of a lady covered in ropes (please see photos above), but it has long been abandoned. Photo credit: Geninna Ariton

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Rope Street (Strada Sforii)

09:00 - 11:00

Weaver's Bastion (Bastionul Tesatorilor)

Strada George Coșbuc 9, Brașov 500015, Romania

You will not miss the entrance to the Weaver's Bastion. It's is a wooden gray-ish colored gate that looks like something from the set of Game of Thrones. It's no Winterfell courtyard but stand in the middle of it, close your eyes, and imagine the bustling knights refilling cannons on the very ground you are in. But long gone are the times for battle, and ever since this place has been used for musical entertainment, given its great acoustics. And when it's not being used in a concert setting, you are free to roam around as you wish. Check out the view from above, or just transport yourself back in time. You can also enter the museum (optional) that showcases medieval armors, and a scale model of the town that you are in. Open hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 am - 6 pm. Photo credit: Geninna Ariton

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Weaver's Bastion (Bastionul Tesatorilor)

09:00 - 11:00

Schei Gate (Poarta Schei)

Strada Poarta Schei 4, Brașov 500020, Romania

The magnificent Schei Gate was constructed in 1828 to help direct traffic flow, and it is literally what it is - a gate. But it is still one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. It is also a great shelter when the rain starts to pour, you'd find yourself in the company of birds inside. Photo credit: Geninna Ariton

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Schei Gate (Poarta Schei)

09:00 - 11:00

Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei)

Centrul Vechi, Brașov, Romania

Catherine's Gate is located inside a gated area (as this has become a part of the biggest university in Brasov - Transilvania University). This is the only original structure built in 1559 that lasted all those years. It is 462 years old. Let that sink in. Imagine yourself in medieval Romania when you enter this gate, as this served as the only point of entry to the Schei district. This is also a great spot to just sit down and chill, as there are benches scattered everywhere and there are wooden carvings of animals around the gated area.

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei)

09:00 - 11:00

Black Tower (Turnul Negru)

Strada După Ziduri, Brașov, Romania

The Black Tower, White Tower, Graft's Bastion, and the Catacombs are located in an area that is barricaded by a stone wall on one side and a small stream at the foot of the hill on another. This pathway is quieter and less crowded than the hustle and bustle of the Council Square, and it's also greatly shaded if you want some recluse from the sun. There is quite a bit of trek (just short) to go up the Black Tower, so it's best to visit this when it's not raining unless you have great trekking shoes. But when the weather is good, it's a quiet walk and a change of pace in the middle of your exploration. This tower last functioned as a watchtower in 1756, during the plague. Do note that when you reach the tower, you cannot enter it and there is only one bench which is quite frequented by locals. Nevertheless, it is still a great view from up there. Photo credit: Geninna Ariton

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Black Tower (Turnul Negru)

09:00 - 11:00

White Tower (Turnul Alb)

Calea Poienii, Brașov, Romania

Just like The Black Tower, Graft's Bastion, and the Catacombs, The White Tower is also located in the same area. It is right in the middle of The Black Tower and Graft's Bastion. It's hard to miss when you have an aerial viewpoint of downtown Brasov. At night, it's also illuminated so really, you can't miss it. There are two ways to go to the White Tower. One is through this pathway that was aforementioned, and the other is through the road going up Poiana Brasov. To have the full experience, I suggest that you take the walking pathway and not the road. Unless, of course, you have physical conditions that won't allow you to climb up at least (around) 50 steps up. It would indeed be quite an exercise to go up the many flights of stairs up the tower. But, don't worry. There will be benches halfway through. The price you pay for this view is steep, literally. But lo and behold, breathe in this view, this is Brasov. Photo credit: Janos Szen (unsplash.com)

Article By: Geninna Ariton

White Tower (Turnul Alb)

09:00 - 11:00

Graft's Bastion (Bastionul Graft)

Strada După Ziduri, Brașov, Romania

Also in the vicinity of the White and Black Towers, the Graft Bastion was built between 1515 and 1521. Its main purpose was to ensure the communication of the defenders of the White Tower (Turnul Alb) with the fortress. It is also named Graft because, in the 14th century, the excess water coming from the springs was diverted through an artificial canal - which is the small stream that you can find along this street. Nowadays, there are benches along the pathway and you can just sit down and people watch while you enjoy a tap beer or freshly made coffee. Photo credit: Geninna Ariton

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Graft's Bastion (Bastionul Graft)

09:00 - 11:00

Catacomb of Brasov (Brasov Underground Museum)

Brașov, Romania

In the same area as the White and Black Towers, the catacomb of Brasov used to be empty, and anyone can just go in to explore it. And then the Brasov Underground Museum came to life. Originally a catacomb, the underground museum houses contemporary artwork with a play on lights and technology. However, the project did not go through and the museum has closed down. But this does not mean you cannot visit the area. You are still able to get a glimpse of the catacombs from the various entrances of the museum. Photo credit: Geninna Ariton

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Catacomb of Brasov (Brasov Underground Museum)
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	5.00 EUR

Catacomb of Brasov (Brasov Underground Museum)

09:00 - 11:00

The Fortress (Cetatuia)

Strada Dealul Cetății, Brașov, Romania

Though the fortress is not open to the public any longer, you can still visit the perimeter. This place is last on the itinerary because it is located quite far from the rest of the other landmarks. You can also make this your first stop if your accommodation is in downtown Brasov. It is quite a drive to go to the Fortress, so make sure that you also have enough daylight if you are not familiar with driving in Romania. Once you reach the outside area of the fortress, you will be rewarded with the views alongside and a great photo op - just close your eyes and pretend you're in a mini version of King's Landing. Photo credit: _cristina_ (pixabay.com)

Article By: Geninna Ariton

The Fortress (Cetatuia)

Day 2

Rise High to the Sky

Start your day with a short trek up the Tampa Cable Car, which will bring you to the Brasov sign. After seeing Brasov from a bird's eye view, it's time to cap off your trip to the only reason Transilvania is even known around the world: Dracula.

09:00 - 11:00

Tampa Cable Car Ride to the Brasov Sign

Unnamed Road, Brașov, Romania

The Brasov sign (akin to the Hollywood sign) is one of the first few things that you will recognize almost immediately, especially when you are nearing Council Square. Fortunately, you can literally touch the letters (as opposed to not being able to do so with the Hollywood sign). There is a cable car that you can ride that brings you up the peak, and you can follow the directions to go to the Brasov sign where there is a look-out point as well. If you'd rather trek up, you can do that as well and skip the cable car ride, but you might have to do this earlier in the day so you won't miss the part of this itinerary, which is a drive to Dracula's Castle. The Tampa area is not just home to the cable car and the Brasov sign. In fact, it has a dirt path for those bike exhibitionists, it has a few playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, one restaurant, a coffee/drinks/snacks shop, and even a few places where you can work out. If you'd rather go for a walk or a bike ride (not the exhibitionist kind), there is also a lot of ground to cover. You'd truly not run out of things to do or places to explore in the Tampa area alone. Photo credit: Zoltan Rakottyai (unsplash.com)

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Tampa Cable Car Ride to the Brasov Sign
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	5.00 EUR

Tampa Cable Car Ride to the Brasov Sign

09:00 - 11:00

Bran's (Dracula's) Castle

Strada General Traian Moșoiu 24, Bran 507025, Romania

Yes, you read that right. The infamous Dracula, the original vampire, has a castle. And that castle is around a 35 minute drive from Brasov's city center. Rumor has it that the myth of Dracula, who is known to Romanians as Vlad Tepes, was locked in this very castle upon being captured by the Hungarians in 1462. But yes, all are just rumors. There is no record, as of this moment, in history that Vlad Tepes stepped foot in this castle. But then again, not everything is written down, so I guess we will never know for sure. Be that as it may, the castle has several exhibitions - furniture from different periods of occupation, a secret passage way, clothes and medieval armors, to name a few. There is also a short and steep hike to enter the castle, which is surrounded by a small pond and a garden area. Dracula's Castle is open on Mon: 12p - 4p, Tues to Sun: 9a - 4p. Photo credit: Virgil Maierean (unsplash.com)

Website

Article By: Geninna Ariton

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Bran's (Dracula's) Castle
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	9.00 EUR
Students	4.99 EUR
Kids	2.00 EUR	Under 7
Seniors	7.00 EUR

Bran's (Dracula's) Castle

Privacy: public

Submitted by: Geninna Ariton, 3 years ago

About the author

Geninna Ariton

Daydreaming of pristine white sand beaches and attempting to beat my 114 books read in a year record (2020), I work from home while my twin boys bicker in the next room. Nothing gets me happier than resting my feet up with cabernet sauvignon on my lips and an open book on my lap. My mailing address changes a lot, and right now my postal code is in Romania where my husband is from. Countries visited: PH, SG, ID, MY, TH, VN, KH, BG, HU, RO, AE, QR, DE.