Bran Castle Tours

Bran Castle showing a castle and heritage architecture
Bran Castle which includes a castle and heritage architecture
Bran Castle showing interior views, heritage elements and a castle
Bran Castle which includes interior views and chateau or palace
Photo provided by Image Courtesy of RomaniaTourism.com
Photo provided by Image Courtesy of RomaniaTourism.com

Discover the mysteries of one of Romania’s top attractions, a 14th-century fortification nicknamed Dracula’s Castle.

Bran Castle is best known for its association with the famous Dracula noveland its real-life inspiration, Vlad Tepes, who was also known as Vlad the Impaler. The castle’s whitewashed turrets resemble those described by Bram Stoker in his legendaryvampire novel. Explore the castle's winding interior passageways and chambers and admire its collection of 14th-century art and artifacts.

The castle was built in 1382 to defend Bran Pass against the Ottomans. Although Vlad Tepes, history’s real-life Dracula, never actually lived in the castle, he was briefly held captive here by the Hungarians in the 15th century. Note the castle’s dramatic profile, standing 200 feet (60 meters) tall and backed by imposing mountains. It’s easy to imagine why this structure is believed to have been the model for the castle described in Stoker’s iconic novel.

Check out the quirky Romanian market along the pathway leading to the castle, where you can purchase all kinds of Dracula-related souvenirs and knickknacks. Buy a ticket to access the five floors of the castle and its grounds. Wander around the castle at your own pace or join one of the English-language guided tours.

In the early 20th century, the castle became a summer residence of Queen Marie, granddaughter of England’s Queen Victoria. You can see most of the furnishings imported from Western Europe by Queen Marie on display today. Walk around the castle’s 60 rooms, many of which are connected by interesting underground passages. See historic furniture, weapons and artwork dating between the 14th and 19th centuries.

Enjoy wonderful panoramic views from the castle’s windows, balconies and battlements. Find the small chapel on the southern side of the castle, built in 1940 to honor the queen’s death. On the north side of the chapel wall is a memorial tomb containing the queen’s heart.

Bran Castle is located in the town of Bran, less than 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Braşov. Regular bus services connect Bran and Braşov. The castle is open daily, with opening hours varying by the season. An admission fee is required. Don’t miss this iconic Romanian attraction.

Plan a trip to see Bran Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Le Blanc Aparthotel

Le Blanc Aparthotel

4 out of 5
Sector 6
Price was $1,255, price is now $961 per person
$961
per person
Nov 9 - Nov 15
found 2 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Baltimore (BWI) to Bucharest (OTP)
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
very nice people, very clean hotel, very comfortable

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2021

Blue Apartment near Shopping City Brasov

Blue Apartment near Shopping City Brasov

3 out of 5
Brasov Old Town
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $4,147, price is now $3,108 per person
$3,108
per person
Nov 9 - Nov 15
found 1 hour ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Baltimore (BWI) to Bucharest (OTP)
6/10 (2 reviews)
Orhideea Residence & Spa

Orhideea Residence & Spa

4 out of 5
Sector 6
Price was $1,425, price is now $1,110 per person
$1,110
per person
Nov 9 - Nov 15
found 2 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Baltimore (BWI) to Bucharest (OTP)
8.8/10 Excellent! (725 reviews)
Lovely apartment very clean and well maintained, good food at a reasonable price, The only negative no air con Bolt taxi are the way to get around

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Bran Castle

Tours & day trips

See all 80 activities
Explore Transylvania: Day Trip to Peles, Dracula's Castle & Brasov

Explore Transylvania: Day Trip to Peles, Dracula's Castle & Brasov

Activity duration is 12 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 197 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $98 per adult
Explore Transylvania: Day Trip to Peles, Dracula's Castle & BrasovOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 14 activities
PRIVATE, EASY Day Hike in Carpathian Mountains

PRIVATE, EASY Day Hike in Carpathian Mountains

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $146 per adult*
PRIVATE, EASY Day Hike in Carpathian MountainsOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 4 activities
Day trip Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress and Bear Sanctuary

Day trip Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress and Bear Sanctuary

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $84 per adult
Day trip Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress and Bear SanctuaryOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Explore Transylvania: Day Trip to Peles, Dracula's Castle & Brasov

Explore Transylvania: Day Trip to Peles, Dracula's Castle & Brasov

Activity duration is 12 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 197 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $98 per adult
Explore Transylvania: Day Trip to Peles, Dracula's Castle & BrasovOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

Rasnov Fortress showing building ruins

Rasnov Fortress

Visit one of Transylvania’s most well-preserved historic citadels, a 13th-century fortress with a dramatic setting within the Carpathian Mountains.

Rasnov Fortress
Caraiman Monastery is an orthodox monastery, which is situated in town Buşteni, Prahova district, at the foot of the massif Caraiman. The Cross from above the Caraiman seems to guard the path, which leeds the steps of the pilgrims towards the monastery. Going towards the cab from Buşteni, at a time, on the left side, there are an indicator and an icon showing the path with stone tiles in patches, path leading towards the monastery. The secretly like walking path, under the dark crowns of the fir trees is eventually reaching an oasis of light, the massif Caraiman emerges in all its splendour. In this glade, Father Gherontie Puiu built, by the grace of Lord and with Virgin’s Mary help, a great monastery. Buşteni is a small mountain town situated in the northern part of Prahova district, Muntenia, located in the center of Romania. It is situated on the Prahova Valley, at he foot of the Bucegi Mountains, which have the maximum altitude of 2.505 m. Situated at a distance of 135 km from Bucharest, it stretches about 7 km along the Prahova Valley, between the “Deer Ford” and the tunnel dug into the mountain spur “Long Edge”. The average height of the town Buşteni is of 850 m. It is one of the most popular mountain resorts, offering spectacular views, a lot of opportunities and holiday activities from skiing to hiking. It’s got a population of 10.463 inhabitants. The Caraiman Monastery is situated at a height of about 900 m, being one of the highest altitudes where a place of worship has ever been built in our country.

Caraiman Peak

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Caraiman Peak during your travels in Busteni. Discover the area's spas and seek out its ski slopes.

Caraiman Peak
#nationalpark Postavaru Romania

Poiana Brasov Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Brasov with a visit to Poiana Brasov Ski Resort. Discover the mountain views and churches in this walkable area.

Poiana Brasov Ski Resort
Cantacuzino Castle is situated on Zamora Street in Bușteni, Romania. The building, whose construction was completed in 1911, was conducted by the architect Gregory Cerchez at the request of Prince George Grigore Cantacuzino. It is built in Neo-Romanian style; the total surface of the estate is over 3,000 square meters. The castle belonged to the Cantacuzino family until the forced nationalization of 1948, when it became a sanatorium for the Ministry of Internal Affair. During the communist period, the original furniture was removed and a part of the interior walls were painted over. After 1989, the castle was returned to Cantacuzino descendants, who sold it to private investors in 2004.

Cantacuzino Castle

Learn about the local history of Busteni when you spend time at Cantacuzino Castle. Discover the area's spas and seek out its ski slopes.

Cantacuzino Castle

Vama Bran Museum

You can study the exhibits at Vama Bran Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Bran. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the ski slopes.

Vama Bran Museum

Dino Parc Rasnov

Bring the family to Dino Parc Rasnov and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Rasnov. Amble around the area's forest or visit its churches.

Dino Parc Rasnov

Best Lodging Options Near Bran Castle

Casa Din Bran-Inn Cuisine

Casa Din Bran-Inn Cuisine

2.5 out of 5
Strada General Traian Mosoiu Nr. 19, Bran, Brasov
Casa Din Bran-Inn Cuisine
Conacul Bratescu

Conacul Bratescu

4 out of 5
Str Festung nr 8B, Bran
Conacul Bratescu
Conacul Törzburg

Conacul Törzburg

4 out of 5
Sextil Puscariu nr.3, Bran, Brasov
Conacul Törzburg
Cozy house, 5 minutes away from Bran Castle, the price is per room, per night.

Cozy house, 5 minutes away from Bran Castle, the price is per room, per night.

Bran
Cozy house, 5 minutes away from Bran Castle, the price is per room, per night.
Club Vila Bran

Club Vila Bran

3 out of 5
str. Alunis, nr. 9, Bran, BRASOV
Club Vila Bran
Hotel Bran Belvedere

Hotel Bran Belvedere

3.5 out of 5
Str. Predelut 101, Bran
Hotel Bran Belvedere
The Pines Bucegi Lodge

The Pines Bucegi Lodge

3 out of 5
Str. Rudarita, nr. 3, Bran, Romania
The Pines Bucegi Lodge
Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux

Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux

3 out of 5
Strada Balaban 280, Bran
Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux
Tohanu Vechi

Tohanu Vechi

4 out of 5
174 Strada Mare, Zarnesti, BV
Tohanu Vechi
See all 952 properties in Bran Castle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bran Castle

While visiting Bran Castle, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as skiing and relaxing at local spas. Don't miss the chance to explore the Brașov Adventure Park, take guided tours of the castle, and embark on exciting day trips in the area. Additionally, you can experience local culture through music recitals that showcase Romania's vibrant artistic scene.

Shopping

In Bran Castle, you can enjoy local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Afi Brașov, located 15 miles away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family entertainment. Additionally, Republicii Bulevard, 14 miles away, provides a delightful mix of shops in a bustling atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Silviu Ploiesteanu Stadium, located 15 miles from Bran Castle. Engage in various sports activities or simply enjoy the lively sports vibes that the facility offers, making it a great spot for both recreation and relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Babele cable car gondola in Bușteni, located 9 miles from Bran Castle, offering stunning mountain views and adventure vibes. Alternatively, enjoy the Telegondola, 10 miles away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking excitement and breathtaking scenery.

Nightlife

For a fun night out, visit Zao Park, an arcadeAdventureZone located 17 miles from Bran Castle. Enjoy thrilling games and a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for both kids and adults looking to unwind after a day of exploring.

Find the best attractions near Bran Castle

Bran Castle, often referred to as the "Castle in Bran," offers a rich blend of history and adventure. Visitors can explore the historic fort, nearby national parks, and nature preserves, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Don't miss the chance to delve into the castle's fascinating rooms and learn about its significance in Romania. Welcome to Bran Castle, where every corner tells a story!

  • Rasnov Fortress: A historic gem located 7 miles from Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress offers a glimpse into Romania's medieval past. Perched on a hill, this ancient fortress boasts stunning views and rich cultural vibes, making it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
  • Dino Parc Rasnov: Just 7 miles from Bran Castle, Dino Parc Rasnov is an adventure-filled amusement park perfect for families. With life-sized dinosaur replicas, fun activities, and outdoor play areas, it's an exciting destination for kids and the young at heart.
  • Piatra Craiului National Park: Located 9 miles away, this stunning national park showcases breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. With its rugged mountains and diverse wildlife, Piatra Craiului National Park is ideal for hiking, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquility in nature.

Best time to go to Bran Castle

Visitor numbers around Bran Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Bran Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January24.1°F (-4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
February27.1°F (-2.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
May52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
July63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December28.0°F (-2.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bran Castle

To save money on your trip to Bran Castle, consider visiting in April, June, or November for lower hotel prices. Booking a month in advance often yields the best deals. Look for last-minute offers on Expedia and aim for a Wednesday stay, as Fridays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider bundling flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can offer exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings, helping you maximize your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bran Castle are April, June and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Bran Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bran Castle is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Bran Castle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can sort your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the highest priced, allowing you to find the best deals right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel categories. For instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you’ll be shown a variety of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Bran Castle with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.