Begin with a walking tour of Brașov’s Old Town, which offers more intimate glimpse into the medieval enclave. Tours tend to cover highlights such as the Black Church, Piața Sfatului, and St. Nicholas Church, and provide insider knowledge that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook.

Whether you’re a wildlife lover or active explorer, the nearby mountains provide plenty of options. Head deep into the forest in search of native brown bears on a wildlife watching tour or ascend Poiana Brașov to try your hand at skiing.

Take advantage of tours that include food and drink to warm up after a day in the great outdoors; dine in a local home for insight into traditional Romanian cuisine or discover Barsov’s top bars and breweries on a beer-focused tour.

Embark on a full-day tour of medieval highlights such as Sighișoara Citadel, Prejmer fortified church, Bran Castle, or Rasnov Fortress, or spend a whole day exploring the Piatra Craiului National Park or Seven Ladders Canyon in the Piatra Mare Massif. Most day trips include pickup from your Brașov hotel.

Day tours typically drop you back to Brașov in the early evening but if you do have time to spare, ride the Tampa Cable Car to the Hollywood-esque sign on the hill or keep kids entertained at Parc Aventura, not far from the city center.

No visit to Brașov is complete without something spooky. After dinner, capture your final snaps of Gothic city on an after-dark tour, during which you’ll benefit from the insights of a guide and learn more about the region’s vampiric associations, medieval traditions, and eerie secrets.