Should you visit Brasov or Bucharest on your visit to Romania in 2024?
As we left Brasov and headed back to the Romanian capital, I couldn’t help but think I will be returning back to the beautiful city at some point!
Bucharest was just as fun though!
Another Balkans city which has character in abundance, along an interesting history, and an absolute booming nightlife!
So you have booked your flight to Romania, but can’t decide between Brasov or Bucharest?
This blog covers both cities in detail, including what you can expect in terms of general vibe, activities, and not to forget…
Transylvania!
The famous Brasov sign towering over the city.
A brief introduction into the two cities.
I thoroughly enjoyed both Brasov and Bucharest during my Romania trip, for different reasons! Bucharest felt modern and quirky, despite its grand architecture, which consisted of a mix of styles dating back centuries.
On the other hand, Brasov felt more fairy tale like, and more old fashioned, or traditional. Exactly what I would expect from a Romanian city.
Here is a more detailed introduction into both cities:
Bucharest.
As mentioned above, one of the first impressions of the Romanian capital I got was the elegant architecture and opulent boulevards. I found it to be very similar to some streets in Vienna and Paris. None more so than the Palace of Parliament, which is the second largest administrative building in the world.
I did find hidden pockets in the city, where the vibe completely shifted, and it felt more ‘secret’ and ‘secluded’, usually down back alleys in and around the Old Town area. This space in the city needs no introduction, as it is a hub of activity, both day and night!
In summary, I would say the city was a blend of Balkan and Western capital cities, with its own unique traits, such as modern street art, and beautiful parks, which have helped to bring the city to contemporaneity.
Bucharest is covered in street art.
Brasov.
Brasov felt completely different to Bucharest, as it offers its own little quirky charm that swirls around the picturesque Old Town.
The colourful buildings offer some unique character to the small Transylvanian city, which sits at the foot of the Carpathian mountains.
Brasov felt like it had less international influence over it than Bucharest did, therefore, offered a more traditional Romanian feel as I wandered around exploring the Baroque structures.
Our guide gave us a quick history lesson outside of the ‘Black Church’ (Biserica Neagra), which is one of the largest Gothic structures in the country. It was the victim of the ‘Great Fire’ in 1689, which discoloured the exterior walls, hence its name.
This is just one of many interesting buildings in and around the Old Town - all with unique tales!
The main square in Brasov.
The vibe in Bucharest and Brasov.
My main memories of the vibe in both Bucharest and Brasov are the artistic sides of the cities.
I noticed colourful art murals displayed on the side of buildings, hidden in little side streets, all conveying different messaging. I saw these messages ranging from politics, scenery depicting everyday life in Romania, and world class designs, which had international influence on them.
You should head to ‘Arthur Verona Street’ in the capital if you want to see some of the city’s best murals.
The Romanian’s combine art with nature very well, in their parks throughout the country. There are quirky statues, fountains and well articulated seating areas in many spots.
Both Brasov and Bucharest have hidden gardens which are ideal to escape the summer heat!
I thoroughly enjoyed a coffee in ‘Sera Eden’ in Bucharest, which is a great spot on an evening also, with craft beers and cocktails available.
Brasov is beautiful in the summer.
Some quirky art in a park in Bucharest.
The colourful architecture in both cities.
One of my favourite things about exploring the cities in Romania is the unique architecture on display. I didn’t notice two identical buildings next to each other in Bucharest or Brasov.
I got the impression that there have been many architectural influences on the cities over the last century!
Some of the most famous landmarks in the two cities are a symbol of the history of Romania, and none more so than the ‘Palace of Parliament’, which symbolises the communist past under the ruling of ‘Nicolae Ceaușescu’.
A walking tour of the city is a great way to increase your knowledge of the famous buildings, however, if you just like admiring the colourful designs of the buildings, then you don’t have to go anywhere in particular, as the interesting buildings pop up everywhere.
Bucharest.
In the Romanian capital you'll find a combination of neoclassical, eclectic and the unique Romanian brancovenesc architectural styles.
I saw some similarities with the unique buildings in Vienna.
Brasov.
The Transylvanian architecture is more of a baroque and gothic style in the main Old Town areas. Browsing along the main streets of Brasov is like looking at a rainbow - so colourful!
Bucharest.
Brasov.
Getting around the two cities.
I had different experiences in Bucharest and Brasov. The Romanian capital is a much larger city to navigate than Brasov, so I used different methods of traversing it.
Here are the best options of travelling around the cities is detailed:
Bucharest.
Walking.
Walking is a suitable option in Bucharest if you are staying close to the Old Town, and are planning on staying close by for your stay in the capital. The weather is warm on an evening for around 8 months of the year (I visited in October), which makes it a viable option for most people.
Metro.
Bucharest is home to a clean and efficient Metro system, which is the fastest way to navigate the city centre, if you are exploring beyond the Old Town area. There are over 60 stations, across five lines, so this option covers all the main landmarks, and popular areas in the city. It is a very affordable option with single tickets started at 2 RON (35p).
Buses and trams.
The city operates an extensive network of buses and trams across the whole city. They are simple to navigate and operate very regular services. A flexible option if you see a bus passing by your current location.
Bicycle or e-scooter.
I enjoyed renting a scooter and exploring the city on two wheels. Bucharest has dedicated bike lanes, making it a relatively cyclist-friendly city. I enjoyed the fresh air and exercise while discovering hidden gems in the city. It was the Bucharest Marathon the day we visited, which made the city gridlocked, so a scooter was the most enjoyable option.
Renting a bike in a new city is one of my favourite activities!
Uber.
We used Uber several times, including our trip back to the airport.
This is a very efficient travel method in Bucharest, especially at night if you have been out partying.
Tram life in Bucharest.
Brasov.
Walking.
Brasov is much smaller than Bucharest, therefore, most of the places are reachable by foot.
Buses.
If you are venturing beyond the Old Town, the local bus network is a reliable and affordable option. Tickets are very cheap (around 2 RON per ride), and buses run frequently from 5:30 AM to midnight. The main interchange is Livada Poștei, located near the Old Town, where you can catch buses to most parts of the city.
I downloaded the ‘RAT Brasov app’ for real-time bus schedules and route planning while I was in the city.
Uber.
As with most other Romanian cities, Uber is a very efficient option, with fixed costs, and live updates.
Biking.
Brasov is a cyclist-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and numerous rental shops. It's a fantastic way to explore the city’s unique charm at your own pace.
Exploring the capital by scooter.
Tram lines in Bucharest.
What to do in Bucharest?
There is an abundance of cool things to do in all of the cities in Romania, but here are the things that I enjoyed, or would recommend.
Relax in the beautiful parks.
Romania gets warm and pleasant weather for around 8 months of the year, which makes outdoor activities very enjoyable.
I visited in October and it was warm enough to wear shorts and a t-shirt (maybe I got lucky).
There are two famous parks in Bucharest:
Unirii Square.
The artesian fountains of Unirii Square are a highlight, and have received some heavy investment over the years, which now makes it a great spot to sit and enjoy your lunch with a view. This park is within a 5 minute walk of the Old Town.
Herăstrau Park.
Another option is ‘Herăstrau’, which is Bucharest’s largest park at 187 hectares, which features a lake. Locals and tourists enjoy water activities on weekends, including paddle boarding, and boat hire. It is further away from the centre of Bucharest, but can be reached easily through various transport options.
We found a nice coffee shop in the park grounds also.
Chilling in the Unirii Square park near the Old Town in Bucharest.
Learn about Romania’s history in the museums.
Bucharest is home to over 60 museums, which are focused around art, history, and sport, so if you want to learn more about the city’s history, this makes for a great activity.
Some of the notable museums that should be on your Bucharest itinerary are:
Museum of Art of Romania.
Military Museum.
The National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Football Museum Bucharest.
A quirky Art Museum in Bucharest Old Town.
Wander the city as part of an official walking tour.
A walking tour of Bucharest is the best way to tick off multiple highlights in one day, which is ideal if you are travelling on a shorter itinerary.
Some of the important landmarks you can expect to visit on official tours are:
Parliament Palace.
The Roman Athenaeum.
Radu Vodă Monastery.
Triumph Arch.
Posing next to a statue in Bucharest.
What to do in Brasov?
Head up to the Brasov sign.
If you want to enjoy the best views of the city then you should head up Tampa mountain to view the iconic ‘Brasov sign’.
The Cable car will take you up the mountain in five minutes, and it is close to the Old Town area, however, if you are feeling more adventurous, or want to combine some exercise with the beautiful nature, then there are also hiking trails up the mountain.
Lunch with a view.
The picturesque main square in the Old Town area is home to some highly rated restaurants, which offer indoor and outdoor seating. We enjoyed a lovely Italian meal sitting outside in the Autumn sunshine when we visited in October.
There is a mixture of traditional Romanian and International cuisine options.
Bear watching.
Brasov is located close to the largest brown bear population in Europe, therefore, visitors seeking a unique travel experience can go bear watching.
Official tours will pick you up from your accommodation in Brasov and transport you to the nature reserves, where the beautiful bears hang out.
Museum near Brasov main square.
Carpathian Mountains near Brasov.
Bran Castle grounds.
Transylvania.
One aspect of Brasov which Bucharest cannot match is its ‘Transylvanian’ allure.
The small city is based on the outskirts of Transylvania, and close to the famous castles that are globally fabled, and on many people’s bucket lists.
Here are two great historical landmarks for you to consider while staying in Brasov:
Bran Castle.
Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’, is one of Romania’s most popular tourist attractions, and one of the first activities added to many visitor’s Romania itineraries. The spooky castle is located around 30 minutes from Brasov, so makes for an easy half day tour from the city.
While you are at Bran Castle, you can explore inside and outside the castle. My favourite part was the views from the turret at the top of the castle. It does get very busy at this site, so plan accordingly!
The castle's association with Dracula is largely due to Bram Stoker's famous novel, even though the real-life Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula) never actually lived there.
Ticking off Peles Castle in Transylvania.
Peles Castle.
Another impressive castle to visit while in Transylvania is ‘Peles Castle’, although it is a little further away from Brasov, it makes up for it with its grandeur!
I preferred Peles Castle to Bran Castle as it was less crowded, so my experience was better. You can wander around the whole castle, both inside and outside. Taking an official tour is the best option as the knowledgeable local guides explain the history of each famous room.
My favourite area of the castle was the ’weapons room’, which is home to hundreds of original weapons, with most of them hanging on the high walls.
An early morning visit is recommended, so you can have the castle to yourself, before the coach tours arrive.
Bran Castle perched high on a hill.
Which city has the better nightlife?
Bucharest is an underrated gem in Europe in terms of nightlife. I have visited many European cities, and the Romanian capital is one of my favourites.
The energy in the Old town area is booming all day and night!
There is an array of options for every type of visitor.
The whole Old Town area is full of secret bars and clubs tucked away in the backstreets, with many different themes. We visited several craft ale bars, Irish bars, and a wine bistro, all of which offered a unique vibe.
Most of the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are within walking distance of the old Town area, which keeps the vibrant energy enclosed. Sitting in front of the bars in the warmer months is a great way to enjoy the lively ambiance.
A lively bar in Bucharest Old Town.
Brasov.
Brasov doesn’t have the same appeal as Bucharest for nightlife, however, it is still full of traditional bars and some nice themed places. Themed bar crawls are common in the Old Town area, where visitors can enjoy a true taste of the traditional Romanian nightlife.
There is live music and entertainment in some of the bars in Brasov!
Old Town street performers.
Where to stay in Bucharest.
Old Town = Night Entertainment.
Luxury - Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town.
Mid-range - Moxy Bucharest Old Town.
Budget - Urbanwalls Apartments.
Herastrau = Close to the famous park.
Luxury - Herastrau Apartments.
Mid-range - Pullman Bucharest World Trade Center.
Budget - Garden Oasis Studio.
A hotel in Bucharest.
Enjoying a beer in a train themed craft ale pub.
Where to stay in Brasov.
Brasov is home to some of Transylvania’s most beautiful hotels.
Close to the Old Town = Best spot for all activities.
Luxury - Hotel Aro Palace.
Mid-range - Hotel Belvedere.
Budget - Hotel Kolping.
Brasov or Bucharest then?
Ideally you want to plan your Romania itinerary to include both cities, but if I had to choose one, it would be Bucharest. It is one of my favourite cities, and I could happily live there.
For first time visitors to Romania, it is hard to miss Transylvania, however, there are daily tours, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Fancy a different Balkans country?
Romania is just one of many beautiful destinations in the Balkans!
Following my experience travelling around the region, here are two other considerations for you:
Croatia.
If it is beach destinations you are looking for, then Croatia is a great choice. You can explore its many islands, beautiful nature spots, and mediaeval Old Towns. Taking the Dubrovnik cable car up Mount SRD at sunset will give you a moment to remember!
Montenegro.
Montenegro is the perfect spot for some outdoor adventure, whether you are hiking in Kotor Bay, or exploring Budva and Sveti Stefan by bike.
Taking a speedboat tour from Kotor Bay to the blue caves is also a highlight for any Balkans itinerary.
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