Brasov

Introduction

Piaţa Sfatului at night

© All Rights Reserved Aeolos

Brasov is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania, located in the souther central part of the country. The Southern Karpat Mountains act as a backdrop to the city, which is part of Transylvania. It has a well preserved city centre, which you can enjoy by taking the cable car up Tampa Hill. While in the city itself, the Black and St. Nicolas Churches deserve a visit, as does the Orthodox Church. But just walking in the city centre and tasting the atmosphere of this walled city is just as nice.

Sights and Activities

• The central square and streets around it show well-preserved, Medieval architecture;
• The Romanian School House - Romania's oldest surviving school house, exhibiting books dating back to the 11th century;
• The Black and White watch towers, on the hill overlooking the west of the City;
• The Black Church (largest Gothic Church between Vienna and Istanbul);
• City Walls stretch along the west and south of the old town;
• The Weavers Tower to the southwest includes an exhibition of arms and armour;
• It is possible to see wild bears scavenging in the eastern suburbs of the city in the evening;
• There is also a free walking tour that starts in the central square every day at 6:00pm.

Several day trips are possible from Brasov:

• Bran where the incredibly commercialised 'Dracula's Castle' stands;
• Sinaia and the amazing 19th century Peles Castle;
• Rasnov a ruined hilltop castle;
• Sighisoara;
• Several walled Saxon Churches.

Weather

Mountain conditions mean that the nights are often chilly and weather can change rapidly. It is cold and rather snowy in winter, but mild, sometimes with hot days, in summer.

Getting There

By Plane

Although there are no flights so far, the building of an airport has already begun and it is planned that the airport will open up in 2011.

By Train

Brasov is well connected by train to other cities in Romania, and is on the main line between Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca and Targu-Moras and international routes to Vienna, Prague and Bratislava.

Getting Around

By Car

Taxis are clearly marked but make sure they turn the meter on.

By Public Transport

Buses link the Old Town and the train station and buses also go to nearby Bran, Rasnov and Sinaia.

By Foot

Old Brasov can easily be walked around.

Eat

The main square and streets radiating out from it include a large number of cafes and restaurants.

Sleep

Brasov is a very popular tourist destination in summer - even though it never seems overly crowded - so book accommodation in advance.

Budget

There are two competing hostels within walking distance of the centre; both are 15 minutes walk south of the central square, both cost the same: Rolling Stone Hostel (homely, friendly, breakfast and internet included); Kismet Dao Villa Hostel (large, impersonal, noisy).

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Romania's country code is +40. To dial to other countries from Romania, dial 00 and then the international number usually without the first 0.
Public phones work well and are available in all areas. You must purchase a phonecard from a kiosk to use them. When dialing within Romania, dial 0 + three digit area code + six digit telephone. The main providers of mobile telephones are Vodafone, Orange, Cosmote and Zapp.

Post

Posta Romana is the national postal service of Romania. Postal services are generally very affordable, reliable and reasonably fast. Post boxes are red and can be found near the post offices, along the street or in main train stations. Post offices can be found in even the smallest towns and the opening hours are generally Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 12:00, closed on Sunday. You can buy stamps here or at kiosks. Prices for international mail start at around €0.55 and takes at least 3-5 days to countries within Europe. It's slightly cheaper and faster for domestic mail to be send. Intercontinental post is slightly more expensive but takes much longer. For more expensive but faster services you can also try international courier companies like TNT, DHL or UPS.