Exploring Brasov Romania: A Month of Slow Travel and Adventure
By Joel Hartz | Contributions from Alice Ingram | Last updated May 20, 2025
Slow Travel in Transylvania
Slow traveling offers a unique way to experience new places deeply and intimately. Recently, we spent a month in Transylvania exploring the beautiful city of Brașov, Romania. Here’s what we discovered about the journey, the city, and why it might be a great destination for fellow slow travelers.
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The Journey to Brasov Romania
Our adventure began with a lengthy train trip from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Bucharest, Romania. After enduring a particularly hot and sticky journey, we opted for first-class tickets for the final leg to Brașov, which made our ride substantially more comfortable.
Arriving in Brașov at night was much easier than we anticipated. It was around 9:30 or 10:00 PM when we finally pulled into the station, later than we had planned. Thankfully, getting to our accommodations was a breeze.
As we stepped out of the train station, we noticed plenty of taxi options, but we chose to use a ride-share service, specifically Bolt, to keep things simple. Our friend Paul, who was traveling with us, hopped in, and within about 15 minutes, we were at our cozy spot in Old town. The ride was affordable, costing around 7 or 8 bucks, making for an easy transition into the city’s enchanting nightlife!
Discovering Brasov
Staying in the heart of Old Town was a fantastic choice. Its walkable streets made exploring effortless, and we loved the medieval architecture. We were pleasantly surprised by how much more efficient the public transport was compared to other places we had visited in the region, such as Bulgaria and Albania. Another thing that impressed is how many Romanians spoke English. This made communication easy and greatly improved our experience.
Quick Start Guide to Brasov Romania: Your Stress-Free Visit Starts Here
Planning a trip or traveling full time can be daunting, but dont worry! Our “Quick Start Guide to Brasov, Romania” is here to ensure your first week is smooth and stress-free.
Key Features:
- What to Know Before You Go
- Communication
- How To Get Around Saranda, Taxis and Rideshares
- Accommodations Where to Stay
- Banking ATMS Currency
- Groceries & Restaurants
- Nightlife, Bars and Nomad Communities
- Pharmacies, Health and Safety
- & More
Affordability and Local Culture
When we ventured to Romania, we discovered that the affordability of living there was even better than we had anticipated. While still offering the richness of Romanian culture.
For instance, we found that dining out was quite reasonable, with meals offering great value without compromising on taste. Local dishes, such as traditional Romanian food, were both delicious and easy on the wallet. This culinary experience was enhanced by the local wines, which were both delicious and affordable.
Additionally, accommodation prices, especially in areas like the Brasov Old town, were quite competitive compared to other larger European cities. Nevertheless, they were pricier than other countries in the region where we have previously resided, such as Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia.
Brasov’s transportation was also budget-friendly, allowing us to explore nearby attractions without breaking the bank. This made our stay not just enjoyable, but also financially comfortable, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the culture fully. Overall, Romania is a wonderful option for anyone looking to slow travel while keeping costs low!
Things to do In Brasov: Activities and Attractions
There’s no shortage of things to do Brasov and the surrounding area. From hiking the nearby Carpathian Mountains to taking a day trip to explore historical castles and churches, the options are endless.
During our month in Brasov, we didn’t accomplish everything we had planned because of our busy schedules writing articles, guides, and filming videos. However, we had a great time exploring the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and visiting attractions like the Black Church, Black Tower, White Tower, Catherine’s Gate and the Fortress-on-Straja. We also enjoyed trying more than our fair share of the delicious local food and wine.
In our time living in Brașov, we found ourselves fully immersed in the local community, and it was nothing short of delightful! One standout experience was joining trivia nights with our new local friends. The spirited competition brought out our competitive sides and allowed us to bond over shared interests, especially since the trivia was conducted in English!
Another highlight was our wine tasting session at the shop attached to our medieval apartment building, where we got to try some incredible local and regional wines that Brașov is famous for.
Miriam, our wonderful landlord, took us on a pub crawl through charming neighborhoods, steering us away from the typical tourist spots. It was an adventure that deepened our appreciation for the local culture and cuisine, making our stay in Brașov even more memorable. These community events provided us with genuine insights into the vibrant life of the city and only reinforced our love for this beautiful destination!
If you want to stay were we stayed send us a email and we will connect you to our amazing landlord Miriam!
⚕ Never travel without being covered with International Travel Medical Insurance! We recommend SafteyWing if under 50 years old and Genki if over 50 years old
Exploring Residency Options in Romania through Business Ventures
During our one-month stay in Brasov, Romania, we stumbled upon an interesting residency option, particularly for those like ourselves considering opening a business. We found that Romania offers a pathway to obtain a one-year residency permit by establishing a business.
This can be an appealing choice for digital nomads and entrepreneurs wanting to explore Romania and its neighboring countries more thoroughly. The residency permit even offers full access to the rest of the European Schengen Zone without any restrictions requiring to remain in-country! We were quite intrigued by the idea and are even considering it ourselves!
If you’re considering making Romania your home base, this may be an option worth looking into!
Is Brasov Worth Adding to Your Itinerary?
This is a definite yes! Our time in the city of Brasov was wonderful, and we struggled to say goodbye, seriously considering staying longer. With its excellent public transport links, stunning views, and rich culture, Brasov should be on every traveler’s itinerary. If you prefer slow travel like us, this underestimated city in Romania is a top choice that we strongly recommend.
The city’s historical allure, combined with the picturesque landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, made our experience unforgettable. The locals were friendly and hospitable, adding to the city’s warmth. We look forward to returning back to Brasov and continuing our adventure in this enchanted place. Don’t miss the chance to visit Brasov – it’s an experience that you’ll remember fondly.
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FAQ’s
Do you really need travel insurance while visiting Brasov?
Absolutely! Whether you’re taking the bus from Brasov to Poiana Brasov or cruising down the Transfagarasan road, having insurance can save you from stressful situations. Plus, if you’re planning to go for a hike on Mount Tampa or explore the old fortress, it’s just smart to be covered. You might even stumble upon a monastery or two while exploring the surrounding countryside. So, whether you’re coming from Budapest or Timisoara, just remember that a little travel insurance goes a long way in making your Romanian adventure stress-free and fun!
What makes Brașov, Romania a great destination for slow travel?
Brașov, located in the heart of Transylvania, is a perfect place for slow travel because it allows you to soak in the beauty and culture at your own pace. You can explore the charming old town, enjoy local cuisine at cozy spots like la ceaun, and take your time hiking up the Brașov sign or riding the cable car up to Poiana Brașov. This city is all about savoring the moments rather than rushing through a checklist!
How do I get to Brașov from Bucharest?
The easiest way to get to Brașov from Bucharest is by taking the train. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and offers some stunning views of the Romanian countryside. If you prefer a bit more flexibility, you can also rent a car or take a bus from the autogara 2 bus station.
Is Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, worth visiting?
For some, yes, others maybe. Bran Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Romania and offers a glimpse into the life of Vlad the Impaler, the real-life inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The castle is about a 30-minute drive from Brașov, making it a perfect day trip. Even though it’s a bit touristy, the history and the stunning views from the funky castle are definitely worth it!
What should I include in my Brașov itinerary?
Your itinerary for Brașov should definitely include a visit to the Black Church, a Gothic masterpiece, and a walking tour of the old town. Don’t forget to take a stroll through Catherine’s Gate and visit the Fortress-on-Straja. If you’re up for it, a hike to Râșnov.
I transitioned from being an award-winning film and video producer to embracing the life of a full-time slow traveler and digital nomad. In 2019, my wife and I took a bold step by selling our home in Nashville along with most of our possessions to embark on this adventure. Since then, we've been capturing our experiences around the globe through videos for both YouTube and this platform. Our journey as slow travelers has allowed us to live an abundant life abroad, and we’re passionate about inspiring others to pursue their own adventures too.
To learn how to Escape to a life of travel and abundance, visit https://nomadicabundance.com and join our membership.
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