Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BRAŞOV
POP 274,400
Legend has it the Pied Piper reemerged from Hamelin in Braşov, and indeed there's
something whimsically enchanting about it, with its fairy-tale turrets and cobbled streets.
Dramatically overlooked by Mt Tâmpa, with trees sporting a russet-gold coat (and cocky
Hollywood-style sign), this is a remarkably relaxed city.
Wander its maze of streets, stopping for caffeine injections at bohemian cafes between
losing yourself in a beguiling coalescence of Austro-Hungarian gingerbread roofs, baroque
gods, medieval spires and Soviet flat-tops. The city's centrepiece square is Piaţa Sfatului, a
people- watcher's mecca. There are myriad things to see here, great restaurants and oodles
of accommodation.
Many use Braşov as a base for skiing in nearby Poiana Braşov, trekking in the Piatra
Craiului National Park, castle-watching at Bran and hairy drives on the Transfăgărăşan
Road.
