The first thing I saw was the sign.
Huge, gleaming white letters beam down from the side of a mountain. Proudly displaying the city’s name for all to see, the Hollywood-style Brasov sign is literally unmissable.
Originally named Stalin City after the Russians took over Romania in the 1940’s, Brasov’s mountain used to be home to several dozen Christmas trees arranged to spell out Stalin’s name. Stalin City officially became Brasov once more in 1960 and the trees were quickly chopped down, replaced with the current incarnation.
These days, Brasov, much like its Hollywood counterpart, is one the country’s busiest tourist locations. We missed our original train because, for the first time since starting our Interrail adventure, it was completely full-up!
The reason for this popularity is in part due to Brasov’s central location. Brasov is ideally placed to explore the famous Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress, as well as the wider attractions in Transylvania. After a day spent exploring Rasnov, I was ready to spend some time exploring Brasov.
My love affair with colourful Eastern European old towns continued as I wandered around the picturesque main square. Brasov felt a bit rougher around the edges than places like Eger. The buildings felt much older, with plenty of signs of decay. It was common to see cracked and peeling paintwork adorning buildings, which added to the medieval charm of Brasov.
Our morning was spent walking the city walls and exploring the watchtowers before heading over to the most important landmark in Brasov, the 500 year old Black Church. It got its nickname from a fire in 1689, which flattened most of the city and blackened the walls of the church, though these days it’s been restored and is more brown than black.
A few hours into our sightseeing, a stray black and white dog decided, without even so much as a discussion, that he was in fact Dave’s new best friend. For the next few hours, we wandered through a maze of different coloured buildings, stopping occasionally in a cafes for a coffee or beer while sampling the gelato at every stand we passed. Everywhere Dave went, the dog followed.
We had plans to climb up to the Brasov sign to see the views over the city but the sudden thunderstorm prevented us from doing much exploring.
And that’s ok. Because, really, some of my best memories of Brasov are from when we did nothing at all.
These are some of my favourite photos from my day exploring Brasov (dog stalking photo included!):
Brasov is the perfect base if you want to explore the Transylvania region of Romania. Not only that, it is also a beautiful, historical city with warm, welcoming locals and an amazing cafe culture.
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Great architecture!
Had the same K9 followers in Greece everywhere but I can’t be mean to dogs, just can’t. So we just walked around together.
It’s always fun when a friendly dog decides to follow you around for hours!
What a gorgeous town! Love the pics, Lauren!
It was so beautiful! :)
I saw this city last June but I failed to see the beauty of it. Just a regular medieval city. Maybe I need to switch to Asia for some time, it gets difficult to find good things in Europe. But the coffee was great.
Most cities in Europe bore me but I love the small, medieval old towns!
I love the photo of the pink building and the bicycles. It’s just so … pretty.
It was one of my favourite buildings! I want to live in a house that colour.
I could have easily spent a week in Brasov, trying a different cafe every day and people-watching in the square every night. Just another of Romania’s gems!
It’s just the perfect place to sit in cafes and do nothing!
What a beautiful little town! You’re visiting so many awesome places, can’t help but be a little jealous :)
Hehe, I’ve definitely enjoyed my time in Eastern Europe, that’s for sure!
The photos are great! Thanks to you, I have added Brasov to my To-Do-Go List.
Thank you! I’m sure you’ll love Brasov!
Easily my favorite place during my Romania trip, save Maramures, Botiza, Sapanta… can’t wait to be back there!
This looks beautiful – I love all the colors! Will have to add it to my list! ;)
It makes me SO HAPPY that you dog stalk too! I’m not the only creepy dog person around lol. This place looks so quaint and beautiful x
that’s my favourite city in Romania, so beautiful! and there’re so many nice places to explore in the area. Have you been to Sinaia too?
Wish we had more time to head East East.. looks charming. Ps, we’re still in Ljubljana! ;)
I was born in Transylvania, but this city was one of my favorite when I was a child, always I went with my mom to see Piata Sfatului :) U should visit this city cause is worth it!
Such wonderful color! I hope to get there someday. I love European towns that still have that medieval ambiance. Great photos, and what a pretty dog :-)
I miss seeing these brightly coloured buildings in Europe, not that I’d want to abandon our Asia trip any time soon.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and have been here my whole life. However, just recently, I have been offered a chance to go on a Journalism ( my major at University) internship in Brasov through an organization called, Projects Abroad. Eastern Europe has always fascinated me as their ancient mysteries and long-standing culture is a far cry from the artificial illusions of life here in ‘Sin City’. Thank you for all of your lovely pictures of this amazing city. You have just re-assured me that a trip to Romania ( even if it is work- related) is in my near future :) I can’t wait to experience for myself the beauty of this magical country!
That’s wonderful, Rachel! I hope you have an amazing time in Brasov — and eat ALL THE PORK! :-)
I’m heading to Brasov this fall and your post made me a lot more excited for going! What time of the year did you visit? It looks like some of the trees are just starting to change color.
Also, any cafe’s you can recommend?
I visited in late August. I can’t remember the name of any cafes I visited, but you do have to go to Sergiana’s! One of my favourite restaurants and I still talk about it, years later.