Brașov

Brașov (pronounced Bra-shov) is a city in Transylvania, Romania. It's set in the Carpathian Mountains in the centre of the nation, 180 kilometers from Bucharest. It's mostly a modern industrial city with a population of about 250,000, but the reason to visit is the impeccably maintained Old Town. It's also an alternative base for skiing at the nearby resort of Poiana Brașov.

Brașov Halal Travel Guide

Brasov - Casa Sfatului - Council Plaza (Piața Sfatului)

In the Middle Ages Transylvania had Hungarian rulers, who brought in Saxon settlers. They developed the walled town known in (German) as Kronstadt and in Hungarian as Brassó. Later development was further out so this old centre was largely preserved. It has good tourist facilities and is well worth an extended stay: perhaps because it lacks an airport, it's not as well known to westerners as similar old towns such as Sibiu and Cluj Napoca. Shop, restaurant and hotel staff often speak English and (German).

For the visitor therefore and the core of Brașov is the old town (largely pedestrianised) and adjoining Șchei neighborhood. The modern city is to the east and north, with a "centrul nou" or civic centre and low-rise blocks sprawling to the bus and train stations and beyond. To avoid ambiguity, directions here refer to the old town centre.

The Brașov Tourism Board Centre is in the Town History Museum on Piața Sfatului (Council Plaza), open daily 09:00-17:00.

Bring warm clothing and the mountain setting means that Brașov is often wet and cold, especially at night.

Travel to Brașov

Fly to Brașov

Bucharest Otopeni Airport (IATA Flight Code: OTP) is about 160 kilometers south and has good connections across Europe. There are direct buses to Brașov from the airport and trains from Gara de Nord, every hour or two, taking 3 hours.

Sibiu Airport (IATA Flight Code: SBZ) to the West is similar distance but has fewer flights and less onward transport.

Brașov's own airport is a long-running tale of woe. The runway has been completed, but there's no funding to build a passenger terminal and no flights.

Travel by train to Brașov

From Bucharest Gara de North there are 13 direct trains daily between 06:00 and 21:00, which takes around 2 hours 40 min (49 lei, September 2023). Travel via Bucharest from Bulgaria, Moldova and Türkiye.

From Budapest Keleti there are three direct trains daily (one daytime & two overnight sleepers) via Arad, Deva and Sibiu, which takes around 13 hours. One of the sleepers is a direct train from Vienna Hbf. A couple of other connections are feasible from Budapest Nyugati via Oradea, taking 16 hours.

There are direct trains from Sibiu (6/day, 3-4 hours), Constanța (one direct, others via Bucharest) and Cluj Napoca (4/day, 7 hours).

The passenger train operator is CFR Călători. The 45.661, 25.614 train station is 3 kilometers north of the old centre, at the foot of Bvd Victoriei. It's a tired communist-era hall, but there are ticket kiosks, ATMs, cafes and (downstairs) a left-luggage store open 24/7 (5 lei per day small bag, 10 lei large). More food kiosks outside and city bus stops - take #4 or #51 for the old centre. Next door is Autogara 1.

How to travel to Brașov by car

Brașov has good road connections, as it's in a valley where several routes across the hills converge. Main highways are:

E60 runs south past Ploiesti and Otopeni airport to Bucharest. Towards north, it leads to Sighisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Oradea and Budapest.
E68 runs west to Sibiu, Deva, Arad and Timișoara into Hungary.
E574 runs north to Romania's Moldavia region, Iași and into Ukraine and Moldova. It runs south to Pitesti and Craiova.

Ring ahead to your lodging for advice on parking, which is often difficult in Brașov. In winter you're required to have winter tyres: in this hilly region police often check, with stiff fines for non-compliance.

Travel by Bus to Brașov

Buses run every hour or two to Sibiu (2 hours 30 min), Cluj Napoca (4 hours 30 min) and Bucharest (3 hr). The Bucharest buses also stop at Otopeni airport.

The Bucharest buses run from Autogara 1 (also called Codreana), next to the train station. Most other inter-city buses run from 45.664, 25.585 Autogara 2, at the foot of Strada Avram Iancu, 4 kilometers north of the old centre. (It's sometimes called Stadion Tineretului for the adjacent sports stadium.)

For timetables and fares see Autogari.

Get Around

Map of Brașov

. It is on the north edge of the old centre; if you travel a lot around the town, prepare to arrive to and depart from here lots of times.

Tickets

For tourists and visitors, a recommended option (least hassle) is to pay using the 24pay smartphone app.
Alternatively, you can by paper tickets (from the kiosks or ticket machines at the main bus stops - if there aren't any, look for any nearby newsagent kiosk or super/mini market - they'll often display a sign "bilete"). Validate the ticket after boarding the bus.
A standard ticket is 5 lei, which can be used for 2 x 50 minutes with any number of transfers. Not valid on bus 20.
A one-way ticket to Poiana Brașov (bus 20) costs 5 lei.
If you stay long-term, consider buying a one-month pass (85 lei, unlimited travels on all bus lines, including 20).

Lines

For visitors the most relevant bus lines:

Bus 4 from train station to Livada Poștei
Bus 50 from the valley Southwest of town through Piața Unirii in Șchei, round old centre via Livada Poștei then out again SW
Bus 51 from train station to Piața Sfatului in old centre then Șchei and Tocile and then loops back again
Bus 20 from Livada Poștei to Poiana Brașov - at the kiosk, say where you're going for the appropriate ticket

Some other useful lines are:

If you're going to Autogara 2, you can use buses 12, 15, 28 (from Livada Poștei) or 23, 23B (from the train station)
To reach Coresi Mall (the biggest mall in the city), you can use buses 2 (from Livada Poștei) or 8 (from the train station)
To reach the zoo or Aventura park, you can use buses 17 (from Livada Poștei) or 35 (from the train station)
To go hiking in Piatra Mare mountains (including Seven Ladders canyon), use bus 17B (from the train station; runs once every 1-2 hours)

Taxis

Taxis make sense if you're struggling with luggage between bus and train station and old town, reckon 2 lei per km. A trip from the train station to the old town should not cost more than 15 lei. See sov/ Taximetre for operators and rates. There are many taxi hyenas at the train station so be careful (see more at Stay Safe). Uber is available in Brașov.

What to see in Brașov

Old Town

In the Middle Ages, Transylvania's Hungarian rulers brought in Saxon settlers, to defend and develop the area. They built up the walled city of Kronstadt, which today forms the Old Town of Brașov. Most of the city sights are here, in the pedestrianised zone centred on Council Plaza (Piața Sfatului) and along the spine of Republicii street. Main sights include the Piața Sfatului and the Black Church and the former Council House. Around the walled city, you can see the Șchei and Catherine Gates, Weavers' Bastion, Black Tower and White Tower. To the south lies Șchei neighborhood, described below. Stroll at random, or follow the route suggested in the Brasov cultural itinerary, or join one of the free guided walking tours run by Guided-Brasov.com.

Note: if you wish to take photos in any museum, you must pay an extra fee (inquire when buying tickets). In the Black Church, you cannot make photos.

The Black Church 45.640988, 25.588102 just south of main square - Opening Hours: Summer Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 12:00-19:00; in winter closes 16:00 10 lei adult, 3 lei age 7-18 - Biserica Neagră Built as a Roman Catholic church in the 15th century in late Gothic style with three naves. It became Lutheran under the influence of Johannes Honter and the Luther of Romania. It was scorched by the Great Fire of 1689, hence the name "Black Church" and later restored in Baroque style. Its main features are the six-tonne bell and the 4000-pipe organ built in 1839 by Carl August Buchholz which is still played during weekly concerts and a rich collection of Anatolian carpets, donated in the Middle Ages by city merchants.

County History Museum - Muzeul Județean de Istorie | Piața Sfatului 45.642298, 25.588814 - Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18:00 Brașov County Museum of History - Brasov (Kronstadt - Brasso) - city hall Lestat edit - Local exhibits from the stone age to the present day.

Museum of Urban Civilisation | Piața Sfatului 45.64151, 25.58914 - Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-17:00 Museum of Urban Civilization A Presents the life of the local patriciate between the 17th-20th centuries. It is a branch of Museum of Ethnography (Bulevardul Eroilor 21A), enquire about combi-tickets.

Mureșenilor House Memorial Museum (Muzeul Memorial Casa Mureșenilor) on main square commemorates the members of the Mureșanu family (including Andrei Mureșanu and the writer of the National Anthem). In Romanian only.
Poarta Șchei is the street leading down to the gates of the old town. Along it (by No 19) find Rope Street (Strada Sforii), a picturesque alley and the Beth Palestine Synagogue (entrance by No 29, open Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00, 5 lei). Old Town ends at the Șchei & Street Catherine Gates* 45.639171, 25.586414 . The medieval entrance and tollgate was Street Catherine's Gate, which you could barely fit a horse and cart through. In 1828 it was replaced by the wider Șchei Gate and blocked off. A impeccably maintained section of wall runs east then north from here, with three bastions (Weavers', Spinners' opposite the cable-car station and Drapers' to the east).

Weavers' Bastion | Strada Coșbuc 9 45.6368, 25.589 - Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-17:00 -QQQ258 The best preserved and most interesting bastion of the walled city. In the courtyard there is a small building hosting a museum (a branch of the County History Museum) where you can see old weapons and a large clay model of 17th century Brașov.

The White Tower 45.64293, 25.58659 and the Black Tower 45.64128, 25.58571 on the northern hillside. The view from the Black Tower balcony is especially nice and included in most Brașov guide books.
Looming over the old town is Brașov Citadel (Cetatea Brașovului). GPS 45.64917 ,25.59165 Enjoy the stroll and view from the hill but you can't visit within.
St Bartholomew Church (Biserica Sf. Bartolomeu) is the oldest Gothic church in the city, dating to 1241. It's 1.5 kilometers North of old town at the foot of Strada Lunga, bus 5 and 28 runs this way.

Șchei neighborhood

If you're weren't Saxon and then you weren't allowed to live in medieval walled city Kronstadt, so the Romanians mostly lived in Șchei hamlet, south of the gate. Here too lived Bulgarians brought in to solve a labour shortage, who were nicknamed "Șchei" (probably from Latin "sclavis", meaning Slavs). The hamlet grew into the township of Șcheii Brașovului, centred on Street Nicholas Church and Piața Unirii. It's now a charming area to stroll or stay.

St. Nicholas Church - Biserica Sf. Nicolae | Piața Unirii 45.6356, 25.5814 - St. Nicholas Church, Brașov Sf Nicolae Brasov 86906 The first Orthodox church of Brașov and an old cultural and spiritual centre for the Romanians. It church dates from 1495-1512, Gothic embellished with Baroque, with fine murals by Mișu Popp.

First Romanian School | Piața Unirii (in the church precincts) 45.63586, 25.58126 - Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-17:00 First Romanian School This was the first school on the territory of present-day Romania where Romanian language was used in education (previously Romanians used Church Slavonic). The school was founded in the 14th century and the present building is from 1761, now a museum presenting old Books and texts.

The neighborhood continues southwest into the valley, past Tocile transport interchange, to Holy Trinity Church (Biserica Sf. Treime). Then Șchei peters out as the dead-end lane ascends towards Solomon's cliffs, a popular hiking area.

Further out

Tâmpa 45.6341687, 25.59291 - Thit is the mountain that looms over the city, with the Hollywood-style "B-R-A-S-O-V" letters lit up at night. It's 900 m elevation, accessible by a steep one hour hike, or take the cable-car (Telecabină) which runs every 30 min to 16:00 (10 lei up, 10 lei down, 18 lei roundtrip). Stout shoes recommended on the ridge trail and crucial if snow is still lying. There's a restaurant "Teleferic" in the top cable-car station.
The valley south of the peak is Valea Cetății, its lower slopes urbanised, but with various bosky hiking trails around and across the mountain.

Brașov Zoo - Parcul Zoologic | south edge of the city in Noua neighborhood Take bus 17 from the downtown, bus 35 or 21 from the train station - Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-20:00

The lane Southwest from Schei, a dead-end for motor traffic, used to be the cart-track over the hills to Poiana Brașov and beyond. It climbs the valley through limestone karst scenery the most prominent feature being 45.6182352, 25.5567488* Solomon's cliffs Pietrele lui Solomon. (Not the biblical Solomon, but a Hungarian king who had a lucky escape here.) Bus 50 runs out here from the old centre. This area is good for hiking, biking and climbing.

Top Travel Tips

Zilele Brașovului - Feast Days of Brașov | Held in the week leading up to Orthodox Easter. It has several fairs with craftsman, none-alcoholic drinks, food, etc. It ends with the Parades of Juni on Easter Sunday (Duminica Tomii), which in 2019 will be Sunday 28 April, one week after the Western Easter.

Cerbul de Aur (Golden Stag) music festival. In 2018 it celebrated 50 years of existence (though only 18 editions were held in this period). It is held in the main square, bringing lots of pop artists and musicians (but also cluttering the square with tons of heavy iron scaffolding and stage for about one month).

Oktoberfest - Fruit Juices Festival / Festivalul Berii | . Smaller but less industrial version of the Munich event, with organic juice tents, music and of course sausages.

Brașov Philharmony - 20 lei Classical concerts and recitals.

Organ concerts at the Black Church. June, September: Tuesday 18:00-18:30; July, August: Tuesday Thursday Saturday 18:00-18:30, ticket price 8 lei

Mureșenilor House Free classical music recitals

Brașov Opera - 20 lei

Brașov Theatre 10-15 lei

Climb around in the climbing park Aventura. Tracks range from extremely simple to difficult and the entrance fee is about 30 lei for one person. You can get there with several buses: line 17 (downtown), line 35 (trainstation) and line 21.
Climb in the biggest Romanian indoor climbing Gym Natural High. Tracks range from extremely simple to difficult. Location: str. Carpatilor, inside METROM industrial zone.
Swim in two water parks: Paradisul Acvatic (it's open all the year) and Aqua Park.
Hiking and trekking - Brașov is surrounded by scenic hills and mountains, ideal for adventuring. And the woodlands and limestone slopes support almost 40 species of orchids.
Skiing - see page for Poiana Brașov ski resort, 10 kilometers away.

Transfagarașan Highway This road twists and turns through spectacular mountain passes about 100 kilometers west of Brașov. A private tour from Brașov for two or more people will cost 450 lei per person. Open July 1-October 31.

Study in Brașov

Stii sa vorbesti romaneste? If your answer's "duh?" then you can learn Romanian at the Language School on Strada Iuliu Maniu 41A, 2nd floor.

Shopping in Brașov

The biggest shopping mall is Coresi. Others are Unirea Shopping Center, Eliana Mall, STAR and the shops near the big [ Carrefour near Calea Bucuresti. For food and regular shopping the hypermarkets (Carrefour, Metro, Selgros, Kaufland) are better value. They're edge of town on the road to Bucharest, from Livada Poștei take Bus 17 and from the train station Bus 35. A good market for local produce is Astra (Piața Astra), Southeast off Uranus Bvd, take Bus 6 from Livada Poștei.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Brașov

Since there are lots of tourists and there's more upmarket choice, but mid-range prices are higher.

Fornetti is a Hungarian pastry chain with many outlets, eg at the train station and downtown. They sell small pastry pieces stuffed with Cheese or jam. Prices are fair and the quality is very high.

Ando's Bvd 15 Noiembrie 6 On primary street 200 m E of old centre ☎ +40 268 410 588 Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours Fast food place with menus and sandwiches (chicken and fish) at fair prices.

Panini - Also on 15 Noiembrie (nr. 40) is a 24/7 fast food restaurant, with great sandwiches for incredibly fair prices.
STAR supermarket with selected Halal food, nearby at Strada Nicolae Bălcescu 62, has nice good quality food. Just around the junction is Kebab House, serving doner [ Halal Kebab non-stop.

La Republique Strada Republicii 33 in old centre ☎ +40 744 351 668 Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 09:00-23:00; Friday Saturday 09:00-00:00 French-themed pub serving a wide range of sweet and savoury crepes. Part of a chain. Inexpensive.

Roata Norocului Strada Crișan 6 500 m North of old centre at foot of road to ski resort ☎ +40 744 548 684 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-23:30 Good quality Romanian fare. Good service.

Bistro de l'Arte Piața George Enescu 11 in old centre ☎ +40 720 535 566 Opening from Monday to Saturday 09:00-01:00; Sunday 12:00-01:00 French style restaurant but also Burgers & breakfasts. Madame is idiosyncratic about who she admits.

For Sale Pub Bvd 15 Noiembre 24 45.6463597, 25.6006792 100 m east of old town - Opening Hours: Daily 13:00-23:30 Friendly long-established pub.

Old Firm Pub - formerly Gott Pub | Strada Hirscher 12 On corner of Poarta Șchei - Opening Hours: Daily 08:00-01:00 Scottish themed pub. Nice atmosphere, rugs covering everything. It has darts and a big plasma TV screen for football games. Wide selection of soft drinks and they also serve breakfast.

Deane's Irish Pub & Grill Strada Republicii 19 - Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-03:00 You can get Guinness, a host of Irish coffees and an Ulster Fry.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Brașov

Brașov - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Brașov, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Brașov. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Brașov and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Brașov. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Brașov. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Brașov: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Brașov.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Brașov: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Brașov, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Brașov.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Brașov, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Brașov, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Brașov and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Brașov, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Brașov, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Brașov without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Brașov is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Brașov.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Brașov is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Brașov, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Brașov Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Brașov

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Ramadan 2024 Celebrations in Brașov

Ramadan 2025 in Brașov

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Ignore the agents at the railway & bus stations, who'll offer an overpriced ditch.

Beke Guesthouse 32 Str. Cerbului in old centre, off Porta Șchei ☎ +40 268 511 977 From €10 Very central. Shared toilet but clean.

Ioana Guesthouse 1 Str. Dealu Melcilor off Str Titulescu, 1 kilometers E of old centre ☎ +40 744 831 863 Friendly & spacious.

Hotel Aro Sport 3 Str. Sfântul Ioan ☎ +40 268 142 840 Just round the junction from Aro Palace Hotel, but an unrelated business, thit is a clean modern budget choice. Rooms are small and minimally furnished but include a sink.

Hotel Postavarul 2 Politehnicii ☎ +40 268 455 700 - The Postavarul is a separate wing of the Coroana (see "Mid-range") and bookings are made through that hotel. All of the immaculate rooms have washbasins, but some share a shower and toilet. Good location and service.

Kismet Dao Hostel - 2B Str Democratii just off main square of Șchei neighborhood ☎ +40 268 514 296 Dorm €10-12, superior Muslim friendly room €30 Complimentary organic juice or soft drink, cereal breakfast, coffee and tea all day long, unlimited Internet & Wi-Fi access, bed sheets & towels, big lockers and tour information make this a great value. This hostel has a great staff and is blast to stay at. The staff regularly hosts barbeques in their new awesome yard.

La Despani Guesthouse - 128 Mihau Viteazu 2.5 kilometers North of old centre ☎ +40 721 373 747 From €30/room Bright, clean, comfortable guesthouse located between bus station (Autogara 2) and old centre. A family-run hostel with informative, friendly, helpful owners. Free Internet.

Mara Hostel 11 Piața Sfatului / 5A Str Johan Got ☎ +40 769 648 148 €10/night . Small hostel set in the middle of the old town, 200 m from the central square. Airy dormitories, wifi and friendly, helpful staff. Sheets provided, no lockers but room keys.

Rolling Stone Hostel 2A Piatra Mare just off main square of in Șchei neighborhood ☎ +40 268 513 965 Family-run place, offering both dorms and privates. Cheapest bed is €10 with all that you need included (kitchen access, clean sheets, towels, laundry, Internet Wi-Fi). Tours available for all surrounding sights.

JugendStube Hostel 13 Michael Weiss in old centre, 2 blocks South of Bvd Eroilor ☎ +40 771 098 322 €12/night Breakfast included, clean sheets, Internet Wi-Fi.

Hotel Ambient 27 Iuliu Maniu 500 m NE of old centre ☎ +40 268 470 856 - 3-star hotel near the Old Town, offers very friendly service. All rooms have showers, Minibar with alcohol removed, international telephone, as well as some which have very nice balconies. If you want to splurge and there are some high-range apartments with all the amenities including jacuzzis.

Hotel Brasov 38 Strada 13 Decembrie 1 kilometers South of train station, 2 kilometers NE of old centre ☎ +40 268 426 633 From €40 3-star hotel, friendly & spacious.

Hotel Capitol 19 Bvd Eroilor ☎ +40 268 418 920 - Slabby modern block, 3-star, situated in the old centre overlooking park. Has 184 double rooms that are modern and comfortably furnished (TV, phone, fridge.) Hotel has a restaurant, conference room, reception suite, room service, safe for personal belongings services, currency exchange and courier service.

Hotel Coroana 62 Republicii ☎ +40 268 477 448 In the old centre and the oldest hotel in town, built in an impressive baroque style. Facilities: extensive reception area, "Brasserie" restaurant, breakfast lounge, conference hall, currency exchange office. 155 beds in 2 suite, 2 singles and 69 doubles furnished in classical style having telephone, TV - set, fridge, radio.
Beware and there is another "Hotel Coroana-Brasovului" on str. Dr Saftu, 1 kilometers Southwest of here.

Hotel Helis 29 Memorandului 1 kilometers north of old centre ☎ +40 268 410 223 - 3-star. Its immediate neighbourhood is not so enticing, but the Helit is a pleasant place to pitch up with nice wooden furniture, clean while decor and crisp white linen to match. Breakfast is included in the price and the staff speak a variety of languages. The tasteful, spacious rooms come with TV and the bathrooms are in good condition.

Casa Samurai - 12a, str. Petru Maior 1.5 kilometers NE of old centre. Near civic centre but in complicated one-way alley: cars approach via str. Gheorghe Lazar ☎ +40 268 547 162, +40 752 863 034 (mobile) From €25 Japanese design, quiet and clean, free WiFi. One can obtain breakfast with ones own food in a big common room or on a terrace. The very friendly landlord is from Japan, speaks Romanian, Japanese and English. The hotel offers free transfer from the train station and a affordable transfer from the airport. Parking in front of the house.

Sylvania 27 Caprioarei 2 kilometers north of old centre ☎ +40 368 730 720 - Small b&b. Some of the rooms are ok, but avoid those in the basement. Management may only speak Romanian but seem used to refunding dissatisfied clients.

Hotel Excelsior 39 Matei Basarab On hillside 1 kilometers E of old centre ☎ +40 268 470 090 Quiet 2-star place.

Hotel Trifan 1A bis Grivitei 3 kilometers North of centre on Highway 13 towards Sighisoara ☎ +40 268 418 893 - 3-star Trifan is more of a motel than a hotel, useful to stop over after a long drive. Rooms have shared bathrooms, pay more if you want your own shower.

Aro Palace 27 Bvd Eroilor ☎ +40 268 478 800 From 440 lei . Premier hotel in the centre of the Old Town, with 15 suites, 262 double rooms and 30 singles. Most rooms offer Minibar with alcohol removed, satellite TV, telephone, radio and room service. Facilities include a Romanian, Italian and international restaurant, nightclub, bar, garden restaurant, breakfast lounge, conference hall, tourist information office, parking area, hairdressing salon and a casino.

Stay Safe

Brașov is very safe for visitors and the main tourist areas are well-policed. As in most Romanian city's, be on your guard against pickpockets and scams.

Keep your valuables close, especially in the crowded tourist areas in the town center, on buses and in restaurants
If you plan to get a taxi, make sure it belongs to a company and prices and phone number are written on the door. Especially avoid taxis that stand in the first line (near the sidewalk) on the right as you exit the train station.
Exchange bureaux have a bad reputation for scams: see Romania Halal Travel Guide. Shop around for nice rates: the exchanges by the bus & train stations have poor rates and for less common currencies such as Canadian or Australian dollars the rate will be poor everywhere.

The forests around Brașov have a large population of bears and sometimes they approach town to feed from dumpsters. This beast is the Eurasian Brown Bear, Ursus arctos arctos, which will eat any sheep left unguarded but seldom attacks humans unless it feels threatened. Keep your distance and in the woods make noise so you don't startle them.

Cope in Brașov

Most shops and businesses accept credit and debit cards. For cash and there are many ATMs: it's best to use those next to a bank and during regular business hours, so you've some recourse if it doesn't pay out. The ATM should also display a support phone number: note this before entering your PIN.

Currency exchange is best done at a major bank, such as the BCR, BNR, BT, or Raiffeisen Bank - they're efficient, honest and trade all the main currencies. You'll need your passport. BCR headquarters on 15 Noiembrie Street has an exchange ATM that converts EUR, USD, GBP and CHF into lei at the bank's official rates and is available 24/7.

News & References Brașov

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Brașov

Easy day trips from Brașov include:

Râșnov with its great fortress and abundant history is only 16 kilometers southwest. Take train or frequent bus.
Bran, another 10 kilometers further, has a striking castle, but is tourist-trippy and overplays the Dracula connection.
Poiana Brașov is a big ski resort 10 kilometers above Brașov. Frequent buses, lots of tourist facilities.
Prejmer is a village 12 kilometers east with a fortified church.
Feldioara fortress is 15 kilometers north.

Further away:

Făgăraș, to the north, has a fortress and a little way beyond it is Sâmbăta de Sus fortress and monastery
Sighișoara is a medieval fortified town teetering on a hilltop and birthplace of Dracula. It's 120 kilometers north and reached by train or bus. With your own transport, detour along the way to see Hoghiz, Racoș, Rupea and Viscri.
Sibiu is the star attraction of Transylvania, a splendidly preserved medieval city, about 3 hours away by bus or train.
Heading south, Pitești (120 kilometers) is the last town that feels "Transylvanian". It's reached via Bran and the Rucar pass across the mountains. On the way, detour to Curtea de Argeș, an old Wallachian fortress.
Further south, you come down to the flat fields of Wallachia and the highway races away to Bucharest.