Romania, with its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a treasure trove of travel experiences waiting to be explored. Two cities that stand out for their unique charm and character are Brasov and Cluj-Napoca.

We moved from Sighișoara to Brasov on day 11 of our 17-day road trip in Romania, and spent 4 nights in Brasov exploring the city and its nearby towns and castle.

We moved from Brasov to Cluj-Napoca on day 15 and spent our final 3 nights in Romania there. We explored Cluj-Napoca and its nearby towns and castle before wrapping up our Romania trip and flying out to Milan, Italy.

In this post, I’ll share our highlights and my favorite photo spots in Brasov and Cluj-Napoca as well as their nearby towns and castles.

If you are also interested in a road trip in Romania, which we highly recommend, check out my suggested routes below and the previous 3 blog posts covering my favorite photo spots in other parts of Romania.

Logistic Tip - suggested itinerary

As I mentioned before, we started our Romania trip in the end of October. As Transfăgărășan Highway would be closed by Nov 1, we had to alter our road trip route in order to fit the scenic highway tour.

If we didn’t have the above time constraint, ie. if we traveled to Romania during summer months, we would have followed the following routes, which we would highly suggest you to consider:

Suggested road trip route for 10 days in Romania

If you have only 10 days to explore Romania, and you have to fly in and out from the same city, say Bucharest, it would be much easier to do a road trip with a loop route:

Bucharest - Pele Castle - Bran Castle - Rasnov - Brasov - Sighișoara (optional day trip to Biertan, Viscri) - Sibiu - Transfăgărășan Highway (from north to south) - Bucharest

Suggested road trip route for 14 days or above in Romania

You can add Cluj-Napoca and nearby area, in addition to all the places mentioned above to your itinerary, and follow the following route:

Bucharest - Pele Castle - Brasov - Rasnov - Bran Castle - Transfăgărășan Highway (from south to north) - Sibiu - Sighișoara (opțional day trip to Biertan, Viscri) - Cluj-Napoca (optional day trip to Corvin’s Castle and Alba Carolina Citadel in Alba Iulia).

In this scenario, you need to arrange flights in and out from different cities. We flew in to Bucharest and flew out from Cluj-Napoca.

If you want to add Transalpina Highway into your itinerary like we did, you might inevitably have to do some long drives. Even we have spent 17 days in Romania, we still felt tight fitting everything in our itinerary. Budget more time if you can.

Brasov: A Medieval Fairy Tale

Nestled in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is a medieval gem that combines history, culture, and natural beauty.

1. Council Square (Piața Sfatului), Brașov

Council Square is a charming and historic gathering place at the heart of the city, surrounded by colorful baroque buildings and the imposing Black Church.

The square is a vibrant hub, adorned with a central fountain and lined with cafes and restaurants, making it a picturesque destination for both locals and visitors.

2. Old Town, Brașov

Instead of sharing a specific location of the old town in Brasov, I’d suggest walking around without an agenda. I walked around the old town with my 6 yo several times without using GPS or map.

We simply enjoyed the cobblestone streets, colorful shops, restaurants and cafes, lively squares and markets, as well as the architecture that revealed a perfect mix of history, culture, and modern flair.

Most of my favorite photos in the Old Town were taken in unknown streets. Instead of joining the crowd and tour groups in the most popular Council Square or Black Church, you could get away with tons of amazing photos and enjoy the picturesque atmosphere in many other corners of the Old Town and even its outside vicinity.

Similar to Bucharest, Brasov could be a foodie’s paradise. Take a leisurely stroll around Old Town, you’ll easily find amazing restaurants that will exceed your taste bud’s expectation.

We have tried La Ceaun, Dei Frati and Wagner’s Loft for dinner, Le Petit Bistro for breakfast/brunch, all of which offered delicious food and atmosphere. We’ve also Just make sure to book in advance.

3. Strada Republicii, Brașov

A bustling and charming street lined with colorful Baroque buildings, lively cafes, and boutique shops in the Old Town. Contrary to my last suggestion, you may want to come to this busy promenade which is a central hub in Brașov's Old Town, particularly, if you enjoy people watching and street photography. Just be prepared for the crowd.

If you don’t want strangers in your photos, point your camera up. You’ll see history and colors in many buildings, which could be great subjects for your travel photos.

4. Mount Tampa, Brașov

Take a cable car or hike to the top of Mount Tampa for breathtaking views of Brasov and the surrounding Transylvanian landscape. The Hollywood-style "BRASOV" sign at the summit makes for an iconic photo spot.

It was raining on and off during the 4 days we stayed in Brasov. We skipped the days to go on Mt Tampa when there were obviously no sunset colors. Only the last day was promising. But we missed the last cable car (5pm) that evening.

We hiked up the hill but the view was mostly blocked by the trees. So eventually, we came down and witnessed a fiery sunset at the foot of Mt. Tampa. I didn’t have a great vantage point for an ideal landscape shot. But our kids were much happier just hanging out at a nearby playground.

Logistic Tip

You can visit the following 3 places on a day trip out of Brasov.

👉 Bran Castle was 30 minutes drive from Brasov.

👉 Rasnov is 20 minute drive from Brasov, in the same direction of the Bran Castle.

Even you are not on road trip, you should be able to arrange day trips from Brasov from tour companies.

Another main site you may want to visit is Pele Castle, which is one-hour drive from Brasov, and 2-hour drive from Bucharest. The castle does not open on Mondays and Tuesdays, which happened to be the day we could do day trips from Brasov (other days were raining). We missed Pele Castle in this trip. If Pele Castle is on your agenda, plan ahead accordingly.

5. Bran Castle, Bran

Often referred to as "Dracula's Castle”, it is a medieval fortress perched on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. With its imposing towers, the castle is a captivating symbol of the region and attracts visitors intrigued by both its real history and its association with the Dracula legend. There was a street market at the base of the castle where Apollo finally got a sling toy that he wanted.

6. Rasnov Citadel, Rasnov

For panoramic views of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains, visit the Rasnov Citadel. Perched on a rocky hill, this medieval fortress offers a glimpse into Romania's storied past.

The castle wasn’t open to public during our visit. But we could walk around it and enjoy the panoramic view.

7. Dino Parc, Rasnov

On your way up to Rasnov Citadel on the hilltop, you’ll pass Dino Parc in the middle of the hill. A captivating dinosaur-themed park that offers an immersive experience with life-sized dinosaur replicas set against the scenic backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains.

You can explore the park's well-designed trails, encountering animatronic dinosaurs and engaging educational exhibits, making it an entertaining and educational destination for families and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. It was definitely among our kids’ favorite part of Romania.

Cluj-Napoca: The Cultural Hub of Transylvania

Known for its lively atmosphere and cultural diversity, Cluj-Napoca is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends history with modernity.

Although Cluj-Napoca is the second largest city in Romania, it’s lot smaller than the capital city of Bucharest. It is a major academic and cultural center with a notable student population, and therefore has a younger vibe.

8. Piața Unirii, Cluj-Napoca

Piața Unirii is a vibrant and bustling central square surrounded by elegant baroque and neoclassical buildings. With its lively atmosphere, outdoor cafes, and the impressive St. Michael's Church as a backdrop, Piața Unirii is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike in the heart of Cluj-Napoca.

Our kids are big fans for ferris wheels. Interestingly, they didn’t request to ride the ferris wheel on Piața Unirii. The wheel was a lot smaller than the ones we rode in Marseille and Brussels. It wasn’t open anyway.

10. St. Michael's Church (Biserica Sfântul Mihail), Cluj-Napoca

Seen from Piața Unirii, St. Michael's Church is a magnificent Gothic-style church with a soaring spire that dominates the city's skyline. Built in the 14th century, the church is renowned for its impressive architecture, intricate stone carvings, and vibrant stained glass windows, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark in Cluj-Napoca.

11. Old Town, Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca's Old Town is a charming and lively district, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, colorful baroque buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere. Home to a mix of historical landmarks, trendy cafes, and cultural venues, the Old Town of Cluj-Napoca invites visitors to explore its rich history and enjoy the dynamic energy of this bustling urban center. I must say I felt so much at home that I even got a hair cut on our last day in Cluj-Napoca.

Logistic Tip - suggested Restaurants

Similar to Bucharest and Brasov, we loved the gastronomy experience in Cluj-Napoca. The food scenes seemed to be more trendy and modern thanks to the younger population. If there was one reason I’d come back to Cluj-Napoca, it was definitely the food.

We’ve tried Zama (great food but very slow service), Garlic bites & tales (laidback atmosphere and good food), Eggcetera (excellent healthy brunch but crowded and long lines), Bujole (excellent brunch), Da Pino (classic Italian, a bit pricey), and were happy with the food quality from all of them.

12. Cetățuia Park (Parcul Cetățuia), Cluj-Napoca

Cetățuia Park (Parcul Cetățuia) in Cluj-Napoca is a scenic urban oasis perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

The park, with its peaceful walking paths, greenery, and the iconic Cetățuia Hill, provides both locals and visitors with a serene retreat and a picturesque spot for leisure and relaxation.

We came here after our day trip to Corvin’s Castle. It was right before sunset. I hiked along the path and took some quick snapshots before my 8 yo brought my tripod. By the time I set up everything, it was already in blue hour. So I did a few long exposure to capture the light trail of the vehicles passing by the main road, something I enjoyed capturing during the blue hours for cityscape.

Of course, in order to achieve the best composition, it would always be a good idea to do recon at least 30 minutes before sunset, and find a good vantage point before photographing the landscape. After I became a mother, I learned to be realistic. Photographing landscape while traveling with kids was already a luxury. I had to rely on instinct and luck sometimes and treasure whatever photo opportunities without too much planning. As much as I wish to achieve photo excellence, I value the journey and experience. Whatever photo outcome is the best outcome.

13. Botanical Garden, Cluj-Napoca

Established in 1872, the Botanical Garden is a haven of tranquility with a diverse collection of plants from around the world. It's an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Something unexpected was my photo experience in the greenhouse. There was a sudden temperature increase when we moved from outdoor to indoor. Together with the humidity, my lens was immediately fogged. It was hard to photograph inside even I wiped the lens every time right before taking the pictures.

14. Corvin’s Castle (Castelul Corvinilor), Hunedoara

More than 2 hour drive from Cluj-Napoca, Corvin’s Castle is a breathtaking medieval fortress that stands as one of the most impressive in Eastern Europe. With its imposing towers, drawbridge, and rich history dating back to the 15th century, Corvin Castle is a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Transylvanian landscape.

You will see well-preserved chambers, halls, and courtyards, each telling a unique tale of the castle's rich history, adorned with ornate decorations, medieval furnishings, and artifacts that provide a glimpse into the castle's royal past.

Due to the 2 hours driving distance from Cluj-Napoca, it took us a day trip just to see Corvin’s Castle. The castle was under major renovation during our visit and wasn’t crowded either. It was the largest castle we visited in Romania and definitely worth seeing.

15. Alba Carolina Citadel, Alba Iulia

1 hour 15 minutes from Cluj-Napoca by car, Alba Carolina Citadel is a historic fortress with origins dating back to the 17th century, featuring a stunning star-shaped layout surrounded by well-preserved defensive walls and bastions.

This star-shape could only be seen from the sky and required a drone shot. I didn’t have my drone with me so could only photograph a few representative structures within the citadel from the ground.

We made a brief stop at Alba Iulia on our way from Brasov to Cluj-Napoca on day 15 of our 17-day road trip in Romania. To see the citadel in detail, it should probably take a whole day, but we could only see a few following highlights due to limited time that day.

16. Bell Tower, Alba Iulia

The Bell Tower in Alba Iulia is a striking architectural element within the Alba Carolina Citadel, standing tall and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

This historic tower, part of the impressive fortifications, not only serves as a visual centerpiece but also provides visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the historical significance and beauty of the citadel from an elevated vantage point.

17. Coronation Cathedral, Alba Iulia

The Coronation Cathedral within Alba Iulia Citadel, Romania, is an Orthodox cathedral with a neo-Byzantine architectural style, built to commemorate the coronation of Romania's first kings. The cathedral's grandeur is evident in its massive central dome, intricate frescoes, and the ornate Coronation Chamber, making it a significant religious and historical landmark within the Alba Iulia Citadel complex.

18. St. Michael's Church, Alba Iulia

Dating back to 11th century, St. Michael's Church in Alba Iulia is the oldest and longest cathedral in Romania. It has been damaged and rebuilt for many times in the history, and is one of the best-preserved medieval cathedrals in Europe.

Last but not least, even I’ve shared specific photo locations, you don’t have to limit your photo opportunities to landmarks and “must-visit” attractions. Free your mind, and embrace whatever photo opportunities that come in your way. Remember, photography is about finding something extraordinary in an ordinary place. Practice that everyday, and you’ll see beauty everywhere.

In conclusion, if you’d like to see medieval history, architectural wonders and diverse multi-cultural atmosphere, Brasov and Cluj-Napoca will be a perfect destination combo for your Romania trip. Together with the capital city of Bucharest, mountain scenes along Transfăgărășan Highway and Transalpina Highway, cultural and historic hubs from Sibiu to Sighișoara, and multiple castles, Brasov and Cluj-Napoca completed our Romania trip with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories. (Check out all 4 parts of our 17-day road trip in Romania).

Our Romania trip also marked a milestone of 20 weeks travel in Europe. Check out our previous travel destinations since July 2023. Coming up next was Milan, Italy.

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