Where to stay in Brașov & Poiana Brașov

Brașov is the easiest place to start a trip in Transylvania. The old town is compact and walkable, the mountains begin right at the edge of the streets, and in half an hour you can be in Bran, Râșnov or up at the ski slopes of Poiana Brașov. It works as a base for a few days or as a first night after the drive from Bucharest.

Where to stay

The old town (Centrul Vechi) is the place if you want to walk everywhere: Council Square, the Black Church, cafés and restaurants are all close. Rooms are smaller and parking is limited, so ask your host about parking before you arrive.

Schei is the old Romanian quarter just south of the walls, with steep streets, small houses and the First Romanian School museum. It is quieter than the centre and still only minutes away on foot.

The newer districts around the centre offer more space and easier parking for travellers with a car, at the cost of a short drive or bus ride into town.

Poiana Brașov is a mountain resort above the city, with chalets and hotels among the pine forest. It is the choice for skiing in winter and for hiking in summer; for evenings in the old town you will need a car or a taxi.

What to see

• Council Square (Piața Sfatului), the heart of the old town, with the old town hall in the middle.
• The Black Church, a large Gothic church named after the fire that blackened its walls, famous for its collection of Anatolian carpets.
• Rope Street (Strada Sforii), often described as one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
• The city walls and towers, including the White and Black Towers, with good views over the roofs.
• Tâmpa mountain, the forested hill above the town, reached by a cable car or a footpath, with the big Brașov sign at the top.
• Schei and the First Romanian School, for the story of the Romanian community that lived outside the walls of the Saxon town.

Winter in Brașov

In December the old town holds a Christmas market in Council Square, and Poiana Brașov opens its ski season once there is enough snow. For skiing, it is one of the most popular resorts in Romania, so weekends and holidays are busy.

Day trips

Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress are close enough for a half-day trip. Further away, the fortified Saxon churches around Sighișoara and the medieval town of Sighișoara itself make a full day out. The Prahova Valley, with Peleș Castle in Sinaia, is on the road towards Bucharest.

Getting there

Brașov is about 170 km north of Bucharest, roughly three hours by car or a little more by train. The city has its own airport, Brașov-Ghimbav, opened in 2023. Trains also connect Brașov with Sibiu, Sighișoara and Cluj-Napoca.

Good to know

• The road between Bucharest and Brașov through the Prahova Valley is often slow on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
• Cards are accepted almost everywhere in the city; smaller places in the villages around may prefer cash.
• Bears are sometimes seen at the edge of the city and in Poiana Brașov. Never feed them.