Brașov is one of Romania's most visitor-friendly cities — safe, walkable, affordable and full of things to see. But Romania still has its quirks, and Transylvania's castles, mountains and wildlife come with their own practicalities. A few insider tips can save you money, time and stress, and help you experience the region like a seasoned traveller. These 25 essential Brașov travel tips cover everything from money and transport to etiquette, food, safety and how to avoid the crowds at Bran Castle.
Many travellers visit Brașov on a rushed day trip from Bucharest. But to enjoy the Old Town and see Bran, Râșnov and Peleș castles without racing, you'll need at least three days — ideally four if you want to add bears, Saxon villages or hiking.
Peleș Castle, the Tâmpa cable car, the Black Church and many museums are typically closed or have reduced hours on Mondays. Plan walking tours, hiking or Saxon villages on Mondays instead.
Bran Castle and Peleș Castle get extremely busy, especially on summer weekends and public holidays. Arrive right at opening time or late in the afternoon for a more relaxed visit.
The Transfăgărășan highway usually opens only from July to October, and some mountain trails and cable cars close in bad weather. Always check before setting off.
Long weekends such as Easter (Orthodox), 1 May, 1 June and 15 August bring crowds from Bucharest, traffic jams on the DN1 and higher hotel prices.
Prices are in Romanian lei (RON), at roughly 5 lei to the euro. Some hotels quote in euros, but you'll pay in lei for most everyday purchases.
Restaurants, hotels and shops in Brașov generally accept cards and contactless payments. However, carry some cash for markets, small guesthouses, rural shops, castle souvenir stalls, public toilets and village parking.
Withdraw cash from ATMs belonging to major banks, and always choose to be charged in lei rather than accepting the ATM's "guaranteed" conversion rate. Avoid independent ATMs with high fees and exchange offices with poor rates.
In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is expected for good service if it isn't already included. Round up for taxis and cafés, and tip guides on free walking tours.
Almost everything in central Brașov is within a 15-minute walk. Wear comfortable shoes — the cobbles and hills can be hard work.
Bolt and Uber both operate in Brașov and are usually cheaper and more transparent than hailing taxis on the street. If you do take a taxi, use a registered company and check the rates displayed on the door.
Regular buses run from Autogara 2 to Bran and Râșnov, and trains run to Sinaia (for Peleș). Schedules can be less frequent at weekends, so check times in advance.
A car makes it much easier to explore Saxon villages, mountain roads and remote attractions. Roads have improved greatly, but mountain routes are winding, and you'll need to watch out for horse-drawn carts, livestock and slow trucks. Buy a road vignette (rovinietă) online before driving on national roads.
The DN1 between Brașov and Bucharest via the Prahova Valley can be very congested, especially on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Allow extra time for airport transfers, or take the train.
Castle day tours handle transport, timings and tickets
Browse Castle Tours →"Bună ziua" (good day), "mulțumesc" (thank you), "vă rog" (please) and "la revedere" (goodbye) are appreciated. English is widely spoken by younger people and in tourism, and you'll also hear Hungarian and German in parts of Transylvania.
When visiting Orthodox churches, dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees, and women may be expected to cover their heads in some monasteries. Avoid photography during services and speak quietly.
Romania's culture blends Latin roots with Orthodox, Saxon, Hungarian and Roma influences. Avoid jokes that confuse Romania with other Balkan or Slavic countries, and be respectful about Dracula clichés — locals have a sense of humour about it, but also great pride in their real history.
Romanians are known for generous hospitality, especially in rural areas. If you're invited for a drink of homemade țuică or pălincă, it's polite to accept at least a small sip.
Violent crime against tourists is rare. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and on busy buses, as in any city.
Romania has Europe's largest population of brown bears outside Russia, and bears live in the forests surrounding Brașov — including on Tâmpa Mountain. Stay on marked trails, hike in groups, make noise as you walk, store food securely and never approach or feed a bear. If you see one, back away slowly and calmly. Pay attention to local warnings and RO-ALERT messages.
Stray dogs are much less common in Brașov than in the past, but you may encounter them in villages or on rural trails. Shepherd dogs guarding flocks in the mountains can be protective — keep your distance.
Tap water in Brașov is generally safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled water. If in doubt, ask your hotel.
Even in summer, temperatures on mountain peaks can be much colder than in the city, and storms can roll in quickly. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket for hikes.
Romania uses Type C and F plugs at 230V — the same as most of continental Europe.
Romania became a full member of the Schengen area on 1 January 2025, so there are no routine border checks when arriving from other Schengen countries. Non-EU visitors should check the latest visa and EU entry system requirements before travelling.
Try the classics: sarmale (cabbage rolls), ciorbă (sour soups), mici (grilled sausages), mămăligă (polenta), tochitură (pork stew) and papanași (fried doughnuts with sour cream and jam).
Chimney cakes: Brașov's streets are full of kürtőskalács stalls — a Hungarian-Transylvanian speciality, baked fresh over coals and rolled in sugar, cinnamon or nuts.
Portions are generous: Romanian portions can be big, so consider sharing, especially if you want dessert.
Local drinks: Romanian wines are excellent and great value — try Fetească Neagră (red), Fetească Albă (white) and Tămâioasă Românească (sweet). Beer brands such as Ursus and Ciuc are popular, and țuică (plum brandy) is a traditional welcome.
Fasting dishes: during Orthodox fasting periods, many restaurants offer vegan "de post" dishes — a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
Go up to the White Tower at sunset. It's a short but steep climb, and the view over the rooftops and the Black Church is one of the best in the city.
Explore Șchei. Most visitors stay around Council Square, but the old Romanian quarter beyond the Schei Gate has some of Brașov's most authentic streets.
Visit the Black Church for an organ concert. In summer, evening recitals showcase the huge 1839 Buchholz organ — a wonderful experience in a magical setting.
Look for the Tâmpa sign at night. The BRAȘOV letters on the hillside are illuminated after dark, making for great photos from Council Square.
Summer: light layers, a warm jacket for evenings and mountain trips, a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle.
Spring and autumn: a warm waterproof jacket, layers, sturdy shoes and an umbrella.
Winter: a warm insulated coat, thermal layers, hat, gloves, scarf and waterproof boots with good grip for icy streets. Bring ski gear or rent in Poiana Brașov.
Year-round: some cash in lei, a contactless card, modest clothing for churches and monasteries, and a universal plug adapter if needed.
Families: Brașov is very family-friendly, with parks, playgrounds, the cable car, castles and the Bear Sanctuary. Romanian restaurants often welcome children warmly.
Solo travellers: hostels are sociable, free walking tours are a great way to meet people, and the city is safe to explore alone.
Accessible travel: the Old Town's cobbles and hills can be challenging, and castles involve many stairs. Peleș Castle's ground floor and parts of the city centre are more accessible.
Digital nomads: Romania has some of the fastest and cheapest internet in Europe, and Brașov's cafés, co-working spaces and low living costs make it popular with remote workers.
The best souvenirs from Brașov are authentic Romanian crafts: embroidered blouses (ie), painted Easter eggs, hand-woven textiles, Horezu-style pottery, carved wooden items and traditional masks. Local food gifts include honey, plum brandy (țuică or pălincă), Romanian wines and artisanal cheeses. Avoid the mass-produced "Dracula" souvenirs at Bran's market if you want something genuine, and look instead for craft shops in the Old Town and handicraft fairs held on Council Square.
Trains: Romanian trains are improving but can be slow; the route from Brașov to Bucharest through the Prahova Valley is scenic and reliable, while journeys to Sighișoara, Sibiu and Cluj take longer than driving.
Buses and minibuses: maxi-taxi minibuses connect Brașov with many regional towns and are cheap and frequent, though timetables can be hard to find online — ask at your hotel.
Car rental: reserve in advance in summer, choose comprehensive insurance and get the road vignette (rovinietă). Fuel stations are plentiful on main roads but scarcer in the mountains.
Onward travel: from Brașov it's easy to continue to Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca and Sighișoara, or south to Bucharest and on toward Bulgaria. Overnight trains connect Romania with Budapest.
Pharmacies (farmacie) are plentiful in Brașov, often open late, and pharmacists can advise on minor ailments. EU travellers should carry their European Health Insurance Card, but everyone should have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, mountain activities and cancellations — especially if you plan to hike, ski or rent a car. In an emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number. For hiking accidents, Salvamont (the mountain rescue service) operates across the Carpathians and can be reached via 112 or its dedicated number.
Is Brașov safe for tourists? Yes, Brașov is a very safe city. Take normal precautions against pickpockets and follow bear-safety advice in the mountains.
Do I need cash in Brașov? Cards are widely accepted, but carry some lei for markets, villages, small guesthouses and castle stalls.
Are there really bears near Brașov? Yes — brown bears live in the surrounding forests and occasionally wander into outskirts. Follow local guidance and never feed them.
Is English spoken in Brașov? Yes, especially by younger people and in hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Top experiences sell out fast — compare and book now
Book Brașov Tours → Compare Hotels →