Brașov sits in Transylvania, ringed by the Southern Carpathians, and its appeal for a visitor is concentrated: a walled old centre of Saxon merchant architecture, a surrounding square, and the Black Church at its heart. Beyond the walls, the historic districts of Șchei and Blumăna grew up alongside the German town, each with its own character and its own reasons to base yourself there.
For a visitor, the city divides fairly simply. The old centre holds the main sights and most of the accommodation, and it is compact enough to walk. Șchei lies just off the centre and has its own square and hostel cluster. A few places sit further out, near the railway station, the civic centre or the bus stations, which matters if you are arriving or leaving by train or coach. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not which property to book.
Best areas to stay in Brașov
1. Old centre (around Piața Sfatului and the Black Church)
This is the walled Saxon town, marked by the former mayor's office building and the surrounding square, with the Black Church nearby. It is the most convenient base for a first visit: the main sights, the pedestrian streets and the greatest concentration of places to stay are all here, and you can walk to most of what you came to see.
You will find the widest range of accommodation in the city here, from small hostels to the oldest hotel in town, built in an impressive baroque style, and the premier hotel of the centre. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to step out of the door into the historic streets. Expect some noise around the square, and note that parking and car access in the old centre are limited.
2. Șchei district
Șchei is the historic Romanian and Bulgarian district, just off the old centre, with its own main square. It has a distinct identity and a cluster of small, family-run hostels and guesthouses, several within a short walk of that square. It suits budget travellers and younger visitors who want a quieter, more local-feeling base while staying close to the centre.
The practical advantage is that you are still within walking distance of the old centre and its sights, but away from the busiest streets. If you are arriving with a lot of luggage, check how far your address is from the square, as some streets here climb.
3. Around Bulevardul Eroilor
Bulevardul Eroilor runs through the old centre and is a practical axis for accommodation: several places sit on or just off it, including a large modern hotel overlooking a park and a hostel two blocks south of the boulevard. It suits visitors who want to be in the centre but on a main, easily navigated street, and it works well if you are mixing sightseeing with errands.
Because it is a central boulevard, you are within walking distance of the square and the Black Church, and the addresses here are straightforward to find on arrival.
4. North-east of the old centre (towards the civic centre)
A handful of options sit a short distance north-east of the old centre, near the civic centre, including a quiet place on a hillside and a small hotel in a one-way alley. It suits travellers who want to be close to the centre without being in it, and who value quiet over doorstep convenience.
The practical point to note is access: some of these streets are reached by a complicated one-way system, so if you are driving, approach via the street your accommodation advises rather than trusting the most direct route on a map.
5. Around the railway station and bus stations
Some accommodation lies between the old centre and the transport hubs, including places near the railway station and between Autogara 2 and the old centre, roughly a kilometre or two out. This suits travellers arriving late or leaving early, and anyone who prefers to be near the station rather than in the historic streets.
You will generally be within walking distance of the centre, but it is a walk rather than a step, so weigh that against the convenience for your arrival and departure. Ignore the touts at the railway and bus stations who offer rooms.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: small hostels and guesthouses, often family-run, with dormitories or simple private rooms. Expect shared facilities in some places, minimal furnishing, and locations either in the old centre, in Șchei, or a short walk out.
- Mid-range: three-star hotels and comfortable guesthouses, mostly in or within about a kilometre of the old centre. Expect private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and often a restaurant or breakfast room on site.
- Splurge: the premier hotel of the old centre, with suites and a full range of facilities including restaurants, a bar and more. This is the top end of what the city offers visitors.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the old centre, around Piața Sfatului and the Black Church. It puts the main sights, the pedestrian streets and the widest choice of accommodation within walking distance, which matters most when you have limited time. From there you can easily walk out to Șchei or along Bulevardul Eroilor without needing transport.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am arriving by train?
If your priority is a short transfer on arrival, look at the accommodation between the railway station and the old centre, or near the bus stations. Otherwise the old centre is still reachable, but it is a walk or a short ride rather than a step.
Where should I stay if I am on a budget?
The Șchei district and the old centre both have small hostels and guesthouses, including family-run places with dormitories and private rooms. Some budget options sit a kilometre or so outside the centre, which usually means lower prices but more walking.
Is the old centre noisy?
The old centre is the busiest part of the city, so expect more activity around the square. If quiet matters to you, the areas north-east of the centre or the hillside addresses are calmer, at the cost of being slightly further from the sights.
Do I need a car to get around Brașov?
No. The old centre, Șchei and Bulevardul Eroilor are all walkable from one another. If you do drive, note that some addresses are reached by one-way streets and that parking in the old centre is limited.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.