Brasov Old Town

The Black Church (Biserica Neagra) is the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul, built across the late 1300s and 1400s, and got its name from smoke damage after the Great Fire of 1689 — it isn't actually black anymore. Inside is the largest collection of Oriental rugs outside Turkey, donated by Saxon merchant guilds centuries ago, and a mechanical organ with over four thousand pipes that hosts recitals. Adult admission 30 RON, open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday and Monday from noon, shorter hours in winter.

Council Square (Piata Sfatului) is the historic market square, ringed by pastel-coloured Saxon merchant houses, now full of cafés. Free, always open, and the natural center of gravity for the old town.

Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is one of the narrowest streets in Europe at about 111 to 135 centimetres wide — not the world's narrowest, whatever you may read, but a striking five-minute detour near the old Schei Gate.

The White Tower and Black Tower are reached along a walking path following the surviving medieval city walls, past the Graft Bastion. Both keep to roughly 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays, and the walk between them with the wall running alongside is one of the best short outings in the city.

Tampa Mountain cable car climbs to the hillside “BRASOV” sign for a panoramic view over the old town's rooftops. It can also be reached on foot via a marked trail, roughly 30 to 45 minutes uphill, free if you walk it.