Hidden Gems of Brasov: 10 Local Secrets in Transylvania's Crown Jewel

My nursing background has taught me to appreciate holistic healing practices, and Brasov didn't disappoint. Just 15 minutes outside the city center lies Pietrele lui Solomon (Solomon's Rocks), where locals have been visiting a little-known mineral spring for generations. Unlike the commercialized spas throughout Romania, this humble spot offers free access to waters rich in sulfur and magnesium – minerals I've seen work wonders for inflammatory conditions in my medical practice.

What struck me most was the morning ritual: elderly locals gather before 7 AM with empty bottles, collecting the healing waters while sharing stories. One woman explained in broken English how the water helped her arthritis more than prescription medications. As a healthcare professional, I'm always cautious about such claims, but the scientific evidence for sulfur springs is compelling.

I filled my collapsible water bottle (a travel essential that saves so much space in my daypack) and sipped the slightly sulfurous water throughout my hike. The surrounding forest paths offer spectacular views of Brasov and provide a peaceful escape from the tourist crowds.

If you follow my blog, you know I'm obsessed with exploring cities by Segway – it's my perfect balance between walking tours (exhausting) and bus tours (too removed from the experience). Brasov offers one of the most affordable Segway experiences I've found in Europe through a small local company that doesn't even have a website – just a Facebook page and WhatsApp number.

For just 100 RON (about $22 USD), my guide Andrei took me through hidden alleyways and secret passages between the medieval buildings that regular walking tours skip entirely. We glided through the narrowest street in Romania (Strada Sforii) and accessed a little-known viewpoint behind the Black Church that offered a perspective of the city I hadn't seen on any Instagram feed.

What made this experience special was Andrei's knowledge of local legends. At each stop, he shared stories passed down through generations about the buildings and people who shaped Brasov's history. I recorded these tales using my trusty portable recorder since I knew I'd want to revisit these stories when writing this blog.

The tour ended with a surprise – we Segwayed up a hidden path to a local's garden where we were served homemade palincă (fruit brandy) and traditional placinta cu mere (apple pie). This connection with a local family was priceless.

As someone who finds malls to be fascinating microcosms of local culture, I was intrigued by Corvin Shopping Center – not for the international brands, but for what happens on its third floor. Unlike any mall I've visited across Southeast Asia or Australia, this space transforms into a community gathering spot after 7 PM.

The food court hosts nightly folk music performances where locals of all ages spontaneously join in traditional Romanian dances. I found myself pulled into a circle dance by an elderly woman who patiently taught me the steps. The genuine laughter and community spirit reminded me why I travel – these human connections transcend language barriers.

Behind the main food court sits a small, unmarked door leading to 'Bunica's Kitchen' (Grandmother's Kitchen) – a hidden eatery where local grandmothers take turns cooking regional specialties. For about $5 USD, I enjoyed the best sarmale (cabbage rolls) of my life, along with mămăligă (polenta) and local cheese. The menu changes daily based on who's cooking.

I documented my culinary adventures using my travel journal, where I've been collecting recipes and food memories from around the world. The grandmother cooking that day was delighted to share her secret ingredient for the perfect sarmale (hint: it involves smoked pork knuckle).

While most tourists take the cable car up Tampa Mountain for city views, locals know the real magic happens at a different location entirely. On my second morning in Brasov, I followed advice from my Airbnb host and hiked up a small unmarked trail starting behind the Bastionul Țesătorilor (Weavers' Bastion).

After a moderate 25-minute climb through pine forests, I reached a small clearing with a single wooden bench – and the most spectacular panorama of Brasov I'd seen. What makes this spot special is how the morning light hits the Black Church and Council Square from this angle, creating a golden glow across the medieval rooftops.

I'm an early riser thanks to my nursing shifts, so reaching this spot for sunrise was magical and deeply restorative. The bench was carved with dozens of initials – evidence that this is where local couples come for romantic moments away from tourist crowds. I set up my travel tripod to capture time-lapse footage of the sunrise, which remains one of my favorite travel memories.

The path continues beyond this viewpoint to connect with several hiking trails, making it perfect for nature lovers wanting to explore the surrounding Carpathian forests. I spotted deer tracks and a variety of medicinal plants I recognized from my nursing studies, including wild thyme and yarrow.

As a nurse fascinated by traditional healing practices, I was thrilled to discover Farmacia 'La Ursu' (The Bear Pharmacy) tucked away on a side street near Piața Sfatului. This 400-year-old apothecary still compounds herbal remedies according to ancient Transylvanian recipes, alongside modern medications.

What most tourists don't know is that if you visit on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, the pharmacist – a seventh-generation herbalist – offers free consultations in the back room. I explained my interest in traditional medicine as a healthcare professional, and she generously shared her knowledge of local plants used for healing.

I left with a small jar of pine resin salve (only 15 RON/$3.50 USD) that the pharmacist claimed would help with muscle soreness after hiking. Skeptical but curious, I applied it after my Tampa Mountain trek and was genuinely impressed by how quickly it eased my calf tension. The pharmacist explained that local shepherds have used this remedy for centuries.

They also sell handcrafted tinctures made from local herbs and berries. I purchased a small bottle of their aronia (chokeberry) elixir, which contains impressive levels of antioxidants. I store these special finds in my travel containers to prevent leaks in my luggage – a lesson learned after a disastrous lavender oil incident in Thailand last year!