Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Brasov

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, basic private rooms with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Local markets, street food, self-catering, traditional Romanian cafeterias and simple restaurants

Transportation

$3-10 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional shared rides within the city and to nearby attractions

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, hiking in the mountains, visiting free churches and squares, occasional museum entry

Eat at local markets and traditional Romanian cafeterias instead of tourist-area restaurants (typically 40-60% cheaper)

Use public buses and walk to attractions rather than taking taxis everywhere (saves 70-80% on transportation)

Visit free attractions like the Old Town squares, Black Church exterior, and hiking trails in Tampa Mountain

Book accommodation outside peak summer months for 25-40% lower rates

Buy groceries and prepare some meals if staying in places with kitchen facilities (reduces food costs by 50-70%)

Take advantage of free walking tours and explore on foot rather than paying for guided bus tours

Visit castles on weekdays when possible, as weekend rates are typically 15-25% higher

Eating exclusively in the Old Town tourist area where prices are typically 100-150% higher than local neighborhoods

Taking taxis for all transportation instead of using efficient public buses (costs 4-5x more)

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season without comparing options (often 50-100% price premium)

Paying for expensive guided tours to nearby castles when public transport plus self-guided visits cost 60-70% less