Start early to get your bearings—and the best pictures—before the crowds arrive; a city tour lets you tick off Brașov’s top attractions in just a few hours by transporting you between sights by car or bus. Don’t miss the Biserica Neagră (Black Church), St. Nicholas Church, or the medieval Piata Sfatului town square. Take advantage of itineraries that include snack stops to get to know the culinary culture of Transylvania; make sure you try covrigi (pretzels), a national speciality. Small-group or private tours provide a more personalized sightseeing experience.

Most city tours include lunch. Otherwise, grab a hearty plate of bulz (polenta and cheese) or ciorba de fasole în pâine (bean soup in a bread bowl) in the city before heading out into Brașov county. Bran Castle is a must-see for anyone interested in in Transylvania’s vampire legends and royal history, but it can be frighteningly busy, so it’s worth purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance. If you’d rather experience the region’s famous forests, you can explore them on a wildlife tour or get a bird’s-eye perspective at the family-friendly Parc Aventura, which offers tree-top trails and ziplining.

If you’re ready to relax after an active day, choose a tour that covers local culture. Get the inside scoop on the city’s best bar during a beer tour, or enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal with a local family on a food tour. Alternatively, spook-seekers can capitalize on Transylvania’s year-round Halloween scene on an evening walking tour, during which you’ll immerse yourself in the city’s Gothic ambience and visit reputedly-haunted spots.