Brasov tourist attractions – Best things to see in Brasov

Brasov, the city under the Tampa, welcomes visitors year after year, season after season.

In fact, no matter what season you want to come to Brasov, you will always find something to do, see or try.

Brasov is a lively city with people who love beauty.

Take at least a weekend to explore the streets of the former Saxon fortress and its Belle Epoque restaurants.

Here’s the table of contents of our article to make it easier for you to find what interests you:

• Brasov tourist attractions
• Restaurants Brasov
• Coffee shops you have to try

Brasov tourist attractions not to miss

It’s hard to make a top list of tourist attractions in Brașov, as at every step you’ll find a heritage building, a medieval relic, or a museum worth visiting.

Table of contents:

• Council Square
• The Black Church
• The Rope Street
• Schei Gate
• Catherine’s Gate
• The Blacksmiths’ Bastion
• The Alley behind the walls
• The Black Tower
• The White Tower
• Graft Bastion
• The Weavers’ Bastion
• The Arts Tower
• The Promenade beneath Mount Tampa
• The Rope Makers’ Bastion
• The Carpenters’ Tower
• The Drapers’ Bastion
• The Furriers’ Bastion

1. Council Square

Council Square in Brasov is the city’s 0 point of visit. It’s the place that’s always buzzing with life, tourists, locals and the iconic pigeons already.

The story of the Council Market begins more than 6 centuries ago, when Brasov received the right to organize annual fairs. Here you will see the Council House, the former town hall, today the History Museum.

The Council Square was not only the place where all merchants gathered but also the venue for many important public events. Political speeches were delivered here, and executions took place as well. The buildings surrounding the square were constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries and once served as significant administrative and commercial centers.

2. The Black Church – In top Brasov tourist attractions

The Black Church is the symbol building of Brasov. It was built over a period of almost a century, between 1380 and 1477. It is the largest Gothic-style place of worship in Eastern Europe.

The Black Church is located just a few steps from the Council Square. It earned its name after the devastating fire of 1689, when its walls were blackened by thick smoke.

Inside the Black Church, you can see the second-largest organ in Europe, after the one in Vienna. The church also houses an impressive collection of Oriental carpets. It can be visited according to a set schedule, with an entrance ticket. In 2025, the ticket price is 5 euros.

3. The Rope Street – The third narrowest street in Europe

From the Black Church, you can quickly reach the third tourist attraction in Brașov — Rope Street. It is the third narrowest street in Europe. Rope Street dates back to the 17th century and was originally used as a passageway for firefighters.

Its width varies between 1.11 and 1.35 meters, and it is 80 meters long. It wasn’t initially designed to be a street, but rather a corridor for firefighters, which became particularly useful after the great fire of 1689. Interestingly, the current lighting system, although modern, closely imitates the shape of the lanterns used a hundred years ago.

What to do in Brasov – Activity ideas you can try

Here are some ideas of what to do in Brasov to take the most out of your visit:

Medieval architecture tour at candle light

You will explore one of the most beautiful cities in Romania, Brașov, by candlelight, as you walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and discover its medieval architecture and the stories it holds.

Brasov’s secret tastes and tales

You will explore Brașov’s Old Town on foot, discovering hidden alleys, medieval charm, and local legends, with the chance to taste authentic Transylvanian dishes along the way.

4. Șchei Gate

Walk a bit from Rope Street, and you’ll reach this iconic gate of the old city — the Șchei Gate. It is the only gate of Brașov’s fortress that has survived intact to this day. It was built later, between 1827 and 1828.

Being newer, it was constructed in a neoclassical style, with three arches — the central one for carriages and the two smaller side arches for pedestrians. On both facades, there are Latin inscriptions mentioning the name of Brașov’s mayor at the time, along with others who contributed to the construction of the gate.

5. Catherine’s Gate

Catherine Gate was built in the 16th century by the inhabitants of the Schei to facilitate access to the fortress.

The gate was once fortified with towers and bastions, of which only the main gate tower remains today. Catherine’s Gate stands out through its four small turrets, which symbolized the city of Brașov’s right to administer capital punishment.

6. The Blacksmiths’ Bastion

The Blacksmiths’ Bastion is one of the eight original bastions of Brașov’s fortress. Today, only three have survived intact — the Blacksmiths’ Bastion, the Graft Bastion, and the Weavers’ Bastion.

The Blacksmiths’ Bastion had a horseshoe shape and an inner courtyard. Each of its sides was three stories high, strengthening the city’s defensive system. Today, it houses the Brașov branch of the National Archives and is not open to visitors.

7. The Alley Behind the Walls – Perhaps the most beautiful spot in Brașov

The Alley Behind the Walls is, for us, one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Brașov. It’s a romantic, mysterious walkway that winds behind the old fortress walls — just as its name suggests.

The arches of the bastions guarding the walls create a fairytale atmosphere, while the water flowing right beside the path adds to the magic. This is actually a canal diverted from the Șchei River to help fortify the city. It’s called Graft — a German word meaning “canal.” Here you can also find the Graft Bastion, the unique bastion with an archway.

✔️ Travel Tip

On the Alley Behind the Walls, you’ll find a beautiful garden — JUNO Wine Garden. It’s a magical place where you can enjoy a glass of wine in a fairytale-like atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for something to eat, you can try their wood-fired pizza or sharing platters that pair perfectly with any type of wine. The venue is closed during the winter season, except for a few festive days around the holidays.

8. The Black Tower

Already on the Alley Behind the Walls, you just have to climb some stairs to reach the Black Tower. This is one of the 4 outer towers of the fortress which had a defensive role. It was built in the 15th century, along with the White Tower.

The tower was equipped with six shooting openings on each side, used to pour boiling liquids or launch other projectiles. Unfortunately, it cannot be visited inside, but the view of the city from here is spectacular.

9. The White Tower

The White Tower is located right next to the Black Tower and offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. It is slightly taller, reaching a height of 18 meters. Its shape is circular, with a straight side facing the city.

The White Tower has five floors and several shooting openings of various sizes. Interestingly, its entrance was built high above the ground and could only be reached using a temporary wooden ladder.

10. Graft Bastion – A Brasov tourist attraction not to be missed

The Graft Bastion is the arched bastion through which the Graft water canal flows. It once connected the fortress to the White Tower. In the past, a drawbridge allowed easy passage between the two towers, especially for transporting ammunition. Today, several stairways lead from the White Tower down to the Graft Bastion.

An inscription once adorned the bastion as well, but unfortunately, it has faded over time and could not be restored.

11. The Weavers’ Bastion

The Weavers’ Bastion is located at the opposite end of the fortress, near the Șchei Gate, towards Mount Tâmpa. It was built in the 15th century by the guild of linen weavers. Due to its size and 4-meter-thick walls, it was designed to function as an independent fortification.

Today, visitors can explore the galleries inside the bastion, which host various exhibitions about the town’s guilds and their crafts.

12. The Arts Tower

The Artisans’ Tower is located very close to the Weavers’ Bastion and is a small observation tower that follows the line of the southern defensive wall. In the past, it was known as the Potters’ Tower.

For a while, art exhibitions were held here, but in recent years, it has mostly remained closed.

13. The Promenade beneath Mount Tâmpa – one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brasov

The promenade under the Tampa was laid out along the southern walls that belonged to the fortress of Brasov. It’s a particularly pleasant place to walk on the playground, bike or scooter.

You can also admire the other towers and bastions still standing – the Tower of the Arts, the Bastion of the Rope-makers or the Bastion of the Postman. For the little ones, here you will find plenty of playgrounds that will delight children.

14. The Rope Makers’ Bastion

The Rope Makers’ Bastion, also known as the Ropemakers’ Bastion, is the first bastion mentioned in historical records, dating back to 1416. It has a hexagonal shape and was originally 10–12 meters tall. The bastion was heavily damaged during the great fire of 1689. After being restored, it was used as a storage facility.

The house adjoining the bastion was built in 1789 by the guild that was responsible for maintaining it.

15. The Hunters Tower

The Hunters’ Tower is located right next to the Blacksmiths’ Bastion. It’s a small tower with three levels.

It was used as a gunpowder storage facility to supply the fortress in case of attack. Unfortunately, it is not open to visitors today.

16. The Carpenters’ Tower

The Carpenters’ Tower is part of the southeastern wall of Brașov’s fortifications. It is one of the 28 original square-shaped gunpowder towers, of which only six remain today.

For a time, the tower housed a sculpture workshop, but unfortunately, it is no longer open to the public.

17. The Drapers’ Bastion

The Drapers’ Bastion has a circular shape and was built at the southeastern corner of the fortress. It dates back to the early 16th century and was originally constructed by the goldsmiths’ guild. In 1646, it was handed over to the Drapers’ Guild, who later built a new bastion of their own.

The bastion has a diameter of 16 meters, and its walls rise up to 20 meters high. An interesting detail is that the structure has no roof. Inside, there are four defensive galleries arranged one above the other. Unfortunately, it is not open to visitors.

18. The Furriers’ (Tanners’) Bastion

The Furriers’ (Tanners’) Bastion was built around the year 1452. It had a semicircular shape, with an open side facing the Drapers’ Bastion. Initially, it featured only shooting and pitch holes, but later the arches that can still be seen today were added.

Unfortunately, not much of it remains today, but you can still spot it right next to the Drapers’ Bastion.

Besides these tourist attractions within the fortress walls, there are also several other interesting sights and activities to enjoy in Brașov.

Here are some of them!

Other attractions and things to do in Brasov

1. Cable car ride to Mount Tâmpa

You can’t miss the huge “Brașov” letters near the Tâmpa Peak, standing proudly at over 900 meters. The good news is that you can easily get there by cable car — the boarding point is on the Promenade beneath Mount Tâmpa, and you’ll be at the top in no time, unless there’s a long queue for tickets and boarding.

However, if you have the time and energy, you can hike all the way up and enjoy spectacular views along the way. You can choose the easier trail on the right or the steeper one on the left.

2. St. Nicolae Church

In the district of Șchei there is a very old church, which you can visit – the Church of Sts. Nicolae. It was built in the 15th century. The Church was involved in the great national historical events, such as the union of Michael the Brave, the War of Independence, the Revolution of 1848, the Union of the Romanian Principalities, the Great Union of 1918.

3. First Romanian School Museum

ÎNear the church, you’ll find the First Romanian School Museum, where the first books in Romanian were printed by Deacon Coresi.

The school has been operating since the 15th century, just like the church itself. It was the first institution where classes were taught in Romanian and became an important center of education and spirituality for the Romanian community in Transylvania.

Today, the building houses a museum dedicated to the beginnings of Romanian education, where you can see old textbooks, wooden benches, and objects once used by students and teachers, keeping alive the memory of the first steps in Romanian learning.

4. Straja Fortress

The Citadel on Straja Hill, also known as Brașov Fortress, is an impressive fortification perched on a hill overlooking the city of Brașov. Originally built in the 15th century as a strategic defense point against invasions, the fortress was later reinforced and expanded over the centuries, becoming one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The stronghold features massive stone and brick walls with towers that have withstood countless attacks throughout history. Over time, the citadel also served various purposes, including as a prison and ammunition depot. Today, the Citadel on Straja Hill is a popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Brașov and the Carpathian Mountains.

Read below for our recommendations of the best restaurants in Brașov where you can enjoy great food!

Best restaurants in Brasov where you can eat well

We don’t know how you do it, but we look carefully for restaurants to dine at when we’re in a new city. We did so in Brasov, to ensure that we leave with a pleasant taste and complete the experience.

See below which restaurants in Brasov we particularly liked and why!

Bistro de l’Arte Brasov

Bistro de l’Arte is, without a doubt, among the best restaurants in Brașov. The atmosphere, the location, the dishes — everything exceeds expectations.

It’s a bohemian spot where every dish tells a story. Here, we enjoyed plum dumplings that are hard to find anywhere else. Whenever someone asks us where to eat well in Brașov, this is the place that comes to mind.

👉 See GPS directions!

Tze Best – Georgian Restaurant

Tze Best is the first Georgian restaurant opened in Romania. Located just a few minutes’ walk from Brașov’s Old Town, it serves absolutely delicious Georgian cuisine.

Here, we enjoyed eggplant rolls with pomegranate and walnuts, meat-filled khinkali, and cheese khachapuri — all incredibly tasty. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, truly a place worth recommending.

👉 See GPS directions!

JUNO Wine Garden

JUNO Wine Garden is a fairytale spot in Brașov where you can enjoy a fine glass of wine in a magical atmosphere. It’s located right on the Alley Behind the Walls, our favorite place in Brașov. The garden has a special charm that makes it truly unforgettable.

Here, you can not only taste a variety of wines but also pair them with sharing platters or even wood-fired pizza. The garden is open from spring to autumn, though you might also find it open during the holiday season.

👉 See GPS directions!

Sergiana Muresenilor – Romanian traditional restaurant in Brasov

If you love traditional Romanian food, Sergiana Mureșenilor is the perfect restaurant for you. Here, you’ll find a rich menu full of authentic Romanian dishes — from hearty stews to meatball soups and duck leg specialties.

We enjoyed two soups — bean and noodle — along with scallops and onions on the house, and a delicious meat roll stuffed with cheese and sausage. Everything was simply delicious!

👉 See GPS directions

Coffee Shops in Brasov you have to try

Croitoria de cafea

If you want to experience a place where coffee is crafted, not just made, this is the spot for you. Croitoria de Cafea is a specialty coffee shop where you can enjoy a full-bodied brew — just the way it should be. You can choose from several types of coffee depending on your taste — fruity and acidic, chocolatey, or slightly bitter.

The location is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed break. The café is just a 10-minute walk from the Council Square.

👉 See GPS directions!

👉 And for desserts we still have one more tip for you ⬇️

Emma la Dolce – The best ice cream in Brasov

When we say you’ll find the best ice cream in Brașov here, we truly mean it. We love ice cream, but nowhere else have we tasted anything quite like this. Creamy, flavorful, and made with real fruit — Emma la Dolce ice cream is simply addictive.

They also offer cakes, pastries, eclairs, and many other treats, but every time we visit, we can’t resist going straight for the ice cream. By the way, the raspberry and chocolate combination is absolutely divine.

👉 See GPS directions!

Of course, there would be a lot more to say and tell about Brasov tourist attractions, places to visit, activities to do or dishes to try.

But you? What would you like to visit in Brasov?