Search hotels in Bran

An area full of medieval history and well-known legends in the heart of Transylvania. Lots and lots of things to see, places to visit and experiences to try. The natural beauty of the mountains, landscapes and old villages full of traditions makes this place a gem. Very close to many other historical attractions, adventures, natural beauties or culinary attractions.

The main attraction there is Dracula Castle, which I believe is over commercialist, thanks to the writer Bram Stoker. There are a plethora of stalls selling local products as well as food. Personally, I`d rather be somewhere else like Cheile Gradistei, Fundata, or Moeciu de Sus where nature is at its best offering postcard pictures of the mountain.

Bran is definitely a tourist town. However, it is also a historic town. The castle is the main attraction and it is well worth a visit. We visited a few days before Halloween and it was packed with tour groups and families. There are markets in town, both at the foot of the castle. One is located right by the entrance and it consists of local souvenirs. The other one is across the street and it has good made by local artisans. The views in the town are breathtaking. If you don't mind a busy tourist town, Bran is worth a visit for the history and the amazing views. Parking around the castle can be a nightmare so getting accommodations within walking distance is highly recommended.

This was my first trip to Romania and I decided to keep a room in Bucharest while I traveled to Bran for two days thinking I would want to spend more time in Bucharest. However it has been the opposite. I should have stayed an extra day in Bran. Bran is very close to Brasov so you can get there in 30 minutes, even can use Uber. However, I recommend renting a car. You can pick up the car from train station if renting on Expedia as I did. I say spend more time because I got to Brasov and got the car. Parked near the Black Church and walked the square/ plaza area. This was incredible in and of itself. But after eating I headed to Bran and to my hotel (which was great). I could stay in Bran and see that view every day. But the next day I toured the Bran castle and then drove to Pele’s Castle and the Cantacuzino castle. By the time I returned to Bran was 6 pm. Perfect you might say, I saw everything in a day. Wrong. The next morning I got up and walked to the other side of the castle (down the street) and took pictures. I then drove to a place with views of the countryside. I had no time for anything else as I went back to Brasov ate lunch and left on the train back to Bucharest. Would have been better for more time in Brasov but even more so to explore other towns around Bran (within 2 hours) and to drive the Transfagarasan highway which is considered the most beautiful road in the world. (You need 8 hrs round trip to be able to do this drive from Bran so an extra day just for this) Also, white water rafting and hiking the Transylvanian Alps would have been cool. Note in Bran there are a lot of places to eat. Most hotels have a restaurant and then the standalone restaurants (only two of these) can stay open later for a late night drink as well. There are shops to pick up snacks and groceries as well. And there are a ton of souvenir shops outside of the entrance to castle. (Which is just behind a couple of restaurants along the road)

Typical tourist center. Near the market where you can buy souvenirs, wine, honey, Romanian national food and clothes. There are restaurants and cafes, pharmacies. Everything is nearby. I would like to improve the pavement for pedestrians in the tourist center and in the market, for example, lay paving slabs or asphalt.

VERY touristy. But I came here for the Halloween party at the castle, so that makes sense. I also think Elon Musk's arrival had everybody in a bustle. That may have been part of the crowd craziness.