6 Days in Transylvania: Bran Castle, Medieval Towns & Carpathian Views — Transylvania

🧳 Summary: Brașov is a historic city in central Romania, nestled at the foot of the Southern Carpathians. Its well‑preserved medieval old town features colorful Saxon houses, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Black Church (Biserica Neagră). Surrounded by forested hills, Brașov offers easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking on Tampa Mountain, skiing at Poiana Brașov, and exploring the nearby fortified churches of Prejmer and Harman. The city’s vibrant cultural scene includes museums, festivals, and a lively culinary scene that blends Romanian, Hungarian, and German influences.

👉 Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the Cable Car to Tampa Mountain and the Brașov City Tour (includes a guided walk through the old town). This saves time and gives you panoramic views plus historical context. Also, try to visit early on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds at the Black Church and the main market square.

🔆 Highlight: Take the cable car up to Tampa Mountain for a short hike to the viewpoint; from there you can see the entire city, the surrounding Carpathian peaks, and on clear days even the distant Transfăgărășan road. End the hike with a traditional Romanian meal at the mountain restaurant, where you can taste "ciorbă de burtă" (tripe soup) and "papanasi" (fried cheese doughnuts with sour cream and jam).