SOLO SERIES: Top 20 Things to See and Do in Brasov, Romania

Gothic buildings, medieval gateways, pastel coloured streets and a HUGE Hollywood-style sign, Brasov is a fairytale cobblestone enchantment wonderland!

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November 2018, I decided to do something which at first seemed very daunting, intimidating and scary...SOLO TRAVEL! I had never done anything like it before, heck, I had only just gotten on my first ever plane earlier that year!

However, with limited travel buddy options due to me working full time and everyone else I knew at university or also working, it was becoming increasingly difficult to plan and go on trips without any life clashes...it was disheartening and frustrating. All I wanted to do was travel and explore the world, I had caught the travel bug and wanted to feed my travel curiosity!

Googling for hours at a time, wishing I could go explore these amazing places I realised, I don't NEED to have a travel companion, why not go with the one person who I know is always available when I am? MYSELF!

Overly excited by this brainwave idea, I obsessively searched “solo travel” and “Best solo female travel locations” until, inspiration sparked, I saw Tom Fletcher (Yep, the Disney nerd from McFly) *sighs into a daydream gaze* had just embarked on a charitable hike in Romania.

Romania? Hmmm now that seems a bit bizarre but, I am already stepping outside my comfort zone by committing to this solo adventure, what reason is there to not go? There is none! So after lots of research and hundreds of Trip Advisor reviews later, I came up with a cheeky 3 day itinerary for myself that would guide me on my first ever solo adventure EEEKKKK!

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How to get there?

I flew out to Bucharest from London, which was about a 3 hour flight and with Ryanair it was a cheap flight at that! #baller

A few days before my trip, I arranged a taxi to pick me up from Bucharest airport to Brasov. Train links are available but, since this was my first solo trip I wanted to travel in ways that felt most comfortable and for me, that was in a warm cosy taxi. I used Transport Airport Bucharest, who were amazing! All they needed was my departure and arrival details and flight numbers to track my whereabouts so that by the time I landed, they were already there waiting at the pick-up bay (with a sign with my name on it, i felt like i was in Love Actually all of a sudden!)

The drive is about 2 hours 33 minutes (the train commute is about the same) but Vlad (yes, that really was his name i was getting the whole Romanian experience!) from Transport Airport Bucharest, asked if I would like to take a detour to explore more of Romania before arriving in Brasov, to that I said absolutely!

It may have taken a little longer to get from A to B but, I was able to visit a Peles castel and watch the changing scenery from industrial Bucharest to enchanted forests and mountains of Transylvania. Thanks Vlad!

Where did i stay?

I stayed at Residence Piata Sfatului, located on the main square of Brasov it is the perfect central location since meeting points for walking tours are in the main square, you literally just have to roll out of bed and you're ready to go!

It offers an on-site restaurant, breakfast is available on request, rooms come with a TV, refrigerator and free WiFi. Again, I chose the option that I felt would make me feel most comfortable and safe, especially as a solo female traveler, i wasn't quiet ready for the hostel life, yet. (spoiler alert, Berlin was where the hostel deed was done!)

Getting Around?

Brasov is a small town and easily accessible to venture on foot, with little nooks and crannies hidden away within the Old Town and The Schei District you can explore and discover so much more just by poodling around the town. For those keen FitBit wearers, you'll easily smash those 10,000 steps in fact, expect for it to be double that! Getting those Travel gainz.

If you want to venture outside Brasov then you could either hire a car, book a taxi or commute by bus and train – plenty of options!

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Enough babbling on, I have assembled what I personally think are the Top 20 Things to See and Do in Brasov, Romania, as a solo traveler but, also as a jolly holiday with others.

Lets go!

1) Free walking tour

The best way to start your travel adventure in a new city in a foreign country, is first thing on the first day is to join a free walking tour! It is the Luck travel philosophy, I swear and live by this on every solo adventure!

Joining a guided tour helps to give you some basic bearings of your new surroundings, so that you have the confidence to explore solo around the city at your own pass after having already by-passed through the town. You can revisit locations and spend as much time there as you like to take pictures and fully absorb whats around you.

Tour guides also offer tips and tricks on how to go about making the most of your visit to Brasov, with restaurant recommendations and activities. Walking tours gives you a unique experience to learn about the cities history, culture, discover stories and legends about the different places and people in Brasov from Vlad the Impaler to the 1987 Revolts of Brasov all while touring significant landmarks including the Black Church, Rope Street, Schei Qarter and Ecaterina's Gate.

These walking tours are daily, lasting around 2 - 2 ½ hours and of course, ARE COMPLETELY FREE!

Another huge perk of a walking tour as a solo traveler is you get to meet and join other solo travelers! Making new friends who you can now, if you so wish, share your adventures with while in the city or simply share a meal with and you never know, you could create a blossoming friendship that can continue when you get back home!

2) Peles Castel

Located in Sinaia, Southern Romania about 2 hours from Bucharest airport and 50 minutes from Brasov, this enchanted picturesque woodland castle at the foot of Bucegi Mountain, is a great detour either at the beginning of your Romanian adventure or as bittersweet ending to your journey. Beautifully showcasing German new-Renaissance architecture, it's no wonder it is considered one of the most stunning castles in Europe!

3) Brasov's Hollywood Sign

Brasov, the Hollywood of Eastern Europe - The Brasov sign is perched on Tampa Mountain, and has been there since 2004. In the 1940s, Brasov was named Starlin City after the Russians took over Romania, where the Hollywood-style sign sits used to be an arrangement of trees that spelt out Starlin's name. Starlin City officially became Brasov and in 1960 the trees were chopped down and eventually replaced with this.

4) Explore the colourful and cobblestone streets

Strada Republicii is Brasov's lively main street, completely pedestrianised. It is filled with bars, cafes and restaurant terraces, secret passageways leading into hidden courtyards. This pastel coloured street is great to watch the crowds and life go by.

5) Piata Sfatului

Piata Sfatului or council Square is refereed to as the Marktplaz to the Saxon population, is known to be one of the most beautiful main squares of Romania and is the heart of the Old Town. The centre show-piece to the square is the Council House (Casa Sfatului) dating back from 1420. Piata Sfatulu is full of cafes and restaurants from Greek to Italian and of course, traditional Romanian cuisines!

During the Christmas months, the square transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, take-away mulled wine (which is SUPERRRR CHEAP!) and a massive Christmas tree!

6) St Nicholas' Cathedral and Romania's first school

The Schei District, on the outskirts of Brasov, is where true Romanian culture can be seen. Within the grounds is the 16th - century Church of St Nicholas neighboured by the first school ever to teach courses in Romania! The school was opened in 1583 up until 1941, where it is now a museum home to over 4,000 books and 30,000 historic documents as well as Romania's first printing press.

7) Palinca and Tuica

A delicious yet powerful alcoholic beverage bottled at 40% ABV is Palinca, a fruit brandy in Central Europe made from traditionally plums, apricots, pears, apples and cherries.

Tuica is the traditional Romanian spirit, made only from plums, it is plum brandy that is usually drunk before a meal to increase appetite and tastes like fruit shoot, just with a real fiery kick!

8) Hike up Mount Tampa

Raising 400 metres over the Old Town there are two hiking options – an easy 25 serpentine route weaving your way to the top or the more difficult route takes you striding up 167 steps. It takes about an hour or so to hike to the peak – towards the Hollywood-style Brasov sign.

If hiking isn't your cuppa tea, then you can hop on a 3 minute cable car ride up and down the mountain for an equally as beautiful and breathtaking view of Brasov from above.

The views of Brasov are amazing as you ascend up the mountain, but the true prize is the final view from the top! Thousands of red roofed buildings, mountains, forest, hills and a mysterious yet majestic lingering fog coating the landscape.

Tampa Mountain is a nature reserve, despite being in the middle of a city, a variety of animals live here. Red squirrels, grey wolves, brown bears, golden eagles and Eurasian lynxes. This hike is best for sunrise but, not so much sunset. Once night falls its more likely that you could encounter a bear, and you don't want to cross paths with a grizzly!

9) Admire the architecture

Brasov city has an amazing history with German influences, which is mirrored within the architecture as well as having a medieval flair. While wandering the historic streets, look up and discover the little artistic details hidden yet, in plain sight.

10) Try traditional Romanian food at Le Ceaun

Le Ceaun located in the Old Town Market, is the perfect place to get a taste of traditional Romanian cuisines. Traditional Romanian food has a reputation for being heavy, meaty and not particularly the healthiest but, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available, anyone can dig into a Romanian dish. It is comfort food at its finest!

I shared this dinning experience with a newly made friend who I met on a walking tour (remember earlier I spoke about sharing a meal with a new walking tour buddy? I did just that!) We shared travel stories, life stories all while wining and dining to indulgent Romanian dishes. This is what was on our menu:

• Mamaliga (Polenta) - Served as a side dish, Polenta is made from cornflower boiled in water with a pinch of salt and drops of sunflower oil and goes very well with stews and gravy dishes.

• Soup! Romanians love soup! Meals typically begin with a soup dish and there is a huge variety to choose from and depending what soup you get it comes served in a bread bowl! (yep, a soup bowl made from bread - it's like the WillyWonker world of edible tableware!) I lived off this stuff for the entirety of my time in Brasov.

• Alivenci – Similar to sweet polenta, Alivenci is a beautiful combination of milk, sour cream and butter with corn and wheat flour and can vary with raisins, vanilla, served with yogurt, golden syrup and caster sugar. It is a traditional Romanian custard tart, a heavenly dense slice of joy!

• Cheeky bottle of vino? - Wine, I found, worked out to be ridiculously cheap here! Red, white, rosé and if you come around Christmas time MULLED WINE!! We decided to get a bottle of rosé Crama Basilescu to share, it was a divine wine.

11) Sweet tooth?

You can not say you've experienced true Romanian culture until you have touched lips and tasted the sweet sweet nectar that is within a Papanasi! A doughnut shaped fried cottage cheese pastry, covered in sour cream and jam, typically blueberry jam. It is sweet, sour and *chef's kiss* absolutely delicious!

12) Have a coffee break at Tipografia

Fancy a coffee break? Or need a quiet cosy place to work away on the laptop with internet access? Located in the centre of the Old Town you'll find Tipografia, a chilled and hipster tea and coffee house. It is vegetarian friendly, vegan options available as well as gluten free options for breakfast, lunch and brunch! Bar included, you can have a cheeky taste of Transylvanian craft beers or a Espresso Martini.

In the evenings the coffee house transforms into a cultural hub with all sorts of events! Book releases to live music concerts (rock, blues, soul, jazz, funk and classical music) With a huge collection of teas up for grabs too, there is something for everyone!

PS. You get a free biscuit with your coffee!

13) Walk through Catherines Gate

Built in 1559, up until the 19th century, Catherine's Gate was the main and only entrance into the walled medieval city of Brasov that Romanians were allowed to use. Nowadays, this fairy-tail tower hosts regular art and history exhibitions and is also a museum. During a walking tour, you will come to the gate and learn all about its past and about the horrible history tales of how Vlad the Impaler earned his gruesome title.

14) Visit the Black Church

The Black Church (Biserica Neagra) is one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in Romania! It is also home to the biggest mechanical organ in the country and the largest collection of Oriental carpets outside Turkey. During the Great Turkish War of the 1680s, a horrific fire blazed the building, flames engulfed the cathedral, destroying everything and leaving the building scorched and covered in soot – which inspired to name it, The Black Church.

15) Rope Street (Strada Sforii)

This medieval lane is the 3rd narrowest street in Europe, behind Parliament Street in Exeter, England and Spreuerhofstraße in Reutlingen, Germany. Strada Sforii, meaning “Rope Street” was built in the 15th century as a route of passage for fire fighters. Within the narrow street colourful, abstract graffiti art work by local youth artists splatter the walls, along with a piece of rope that drapes the walls. In the centre of the street, on either side, the walls are doodled and scribbled with messages from all around the world! When you visit, have a pen at hand and leave your mark! (I did *evil chuckle*)

16) Explore the medieval fortifications

Old Brasov was once surrounded by impressive fortified walls and defensive towers, built between 1400 and 1650, to protect the town from an anticipated attack by the Turks. Seven bastions were built around the city at the most exposed points. Two towers are settled on the hillside – the Black Tower and White Tower – both these are perfect locations for a birds eye view of the Old City.

17) Visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary

“Look for the bear necessities, the simple bear necessities”

The Libearty Bear Sanctuary is the largest animal welfare project in Europe but even more impressive, it is the biggest brown bear sanctuary in the world!

The Libearty is sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, care and welfare of brown bears, Since 2005 126 captive bears have been rescued. Created in memory of Maya the bear, whom was forced to live in a dirty, metal cage on a cold cement floor outside a hotel as a tourist attraction and died due to the distress of living in such horrific captive conditions. The sanctuary was built in her honour to make sure no more bears suffer they way Maya did.

Unfortunately, just like Maya most of the bears before coming to the sanctuary were kept in cages near restaurants, hotels, cottages, circuses and petrol stations as a tourist attraction. At the Sanctuary the bears have the chance to perform natural behaviours like tree climbing and swimming, while having huge 69-hectare oak forest enclosure - it is a retirement home fantasy for former captive bears.

18) Go back in time at the Brasov History Museum

The Brasov Museum of History was founded in 1950, housed in the former Council House at the centre of Piata Sfatului, the main historic square of the city. A temporary exhibition hall operates in the council house – During my visit the exhibition was dedicated to the project “Brasov 1987” sharing and telling the stories about the Brasov Rebellion in 1987, celebrating it's 30th anniversary on the 15th November (I got a free ticket to the exhibition because it was the anniversary and so, to honour it admissions were free for this special occasion...i do love a freebie!)

19) Bran Castle

Brasov is the perfect central location to take a day trip to Bran Castle.Typically connected to the man, the myth the legend Count Dracula! A Transylvanian vampire with a castle perched high in the valley surrounded by rivers within the deep forests, Dracula nor Bram Stoker's real life inspiration Vlad the Impaler actually had anything to do with the great 14th century fortress (whhaaaaaaa!) Nevertheless, the true history behind the grand castle is equally as enchanting and well worth a visit.

20) Admire the magical landscape

While on the roads of Transylvania or day dreaming on the train, take a moment to look out the window and watch the breathtaking mountains roll into hills and trees grow into forests, these enchanting landscapes are truly impressive and utterly magical.

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I only spent 3 days in Brasov, but that was more than enough to explore every inch of it! From strolling down one of the narrowest streets in Europe to visiting the biggest brown bear sanctuary in the world and of course, learning the truth about Dracula. Transylvania will forever have a special place in my wanderlust heart, after all, it was my first ever solo trip that changed my life forever!

Mulțumesc, Brasov!

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