Brăila Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Brăila with our ultimate travel guide including the best things to do, places to stay, food to try, and more.


Introduction to Brăila

Located in the Wallachian Plain of Muntenia, Brăila is a charming city with a rich cultural heritage. This Romanian city is situated on the Danube river, making it a perfect destination for river tourism enthusiasts. Brăila city is the largest of its county and has a population of around 200,000. Brăila is known for its historical monuments and iconic architectural buildings representing the city’s glorious past.

List of Places to Visit in Brăila

Here’s a list of top places to visit in Brăila, encompassing cultural and natural attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

From museums and galleries to historical landmarks, Brăila is a place where tradition meets modernity.

  • Casa Nasta - a 19th-century building, which granted secret sanctuary to Romanian revolutionaries.
  • Museum of Brăila - exhibits 500 years of artifacts and documents on the city’s history, including one must-see: the locked room of Maria Filotti.
  • The Public Clock - marking the entrance to Brăila’s historic center, the mechanical clock fascinates audiences with its unique series of animation.
  • Museum of Natural Science and Archeology - it is a repository of natural and prehistoric wonders from the Carpathian Mountains, on display in the elegant Palatul Roznovanu.

Natural Attractions of Brăila: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Natural sites and outdoor recreation abound in the area surrounding Brăila, from the Danube Delta to hiking trails.

  • Nature Park Balta Mică a Brăilei - it protects an important area of wetland with diverse birdlife, such as the great egret, cormorant, and many duck species.
  • Macin Mountains National Park - located in the nearby mountain range, the park is full of hiking and wildlife sights, including Saratura Lake and the Macin Monastery.
  • The Strand – Brăila’s Beach - an excellent option for day trips, The Strand is a large sandy beach located on the shores of the Danube River, offering watersports and sunbathing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brăila

If you are an adventurer looking for outdoor activities in Brăila, the exhilarating hiking and biking routes are for you.

  • Danube Delta Hiking Trail - one of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Romania, this route passes through the Danube Delta, offering incredible views of the lush forest, diverse fauna and flora.
  • Comanesti-Balta Albă Bike Route - it’s one of the most scenic routes in the area, riding the countryside that winds through Bulgarian hills and Danube valleys.

Best Things to Do in Brăila: Activities and Tours

  • Danube Delta boat trip - experience an unforgettable journey on the blue waters of the Danube River exploring the Danube Delta, the second-largest delta in Europe.
  • City Tour - join a guided sightseeing tour and discover the hidden gems of the city and its cultural heritage.
  • Bungee Jumping - adrenaline enthusiasts have a chance to experience the extreme sport by jumping off the Cazasu Bridge over the Danube River.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brăila

To make the most out of your trip to Brăila, consider this week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival, check into the Brăila hotel, enjoy lunch, city tour.

Day 2: Visit Museum of Brăila and other museums and galleries, have lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Danube Delta boat trip, fishing trip.

Day 4: Hiking in the Macin Mountains.

Day 5: Visit Nature Park Balta Mică a Brăilei and Comaneşti, Balta Albă Bike Route.

Day 6: Bungee jumping, visit to beach and watersports, dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 7: Explore local souvenir shops and markets, departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Brăila

Brăila’s culinary scene is vibrant with traditional Romanian dishes that include savory stews, pies, and meat dishes. Check out the top must-try dishes on your visit to Brăila.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mici - grilled minced meat, usually made of beef and pork, flavored with garlic.
  • Cârnaţi - sausage made of minced pork or beef, wrapped in intestine, then smoked and grilled.
  • Plachie - fish stew cooked slowly with chili, tomato, onions, and seasonings.

Local Beverages

  • Tuică - a strong alcoholic spirit, Romanian-style plum brandy.
  • Vin fiert – mulled wine with traditional spices and honey.

Where to Stay in Brăila: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Brăila offers different types of accommodation for different budgets.

  • 4-star hotels: Hotel Traian, Hotel Rebis, and Hotel Dacia.
  • Guesthouses: Casa Mica, Pensiunea Athenaida, and Casa Brandusa.
  • Budget Options: Braila Hostel and G-ral Scarisoreanu Foundation International College.

What to Buy in Brăila: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Brăila is known for its traditional handmade crafts and accessories, ranging from beautiful items made from wood, ceramics, and glassware.

  • Folk art embroidery - handmade traditional embroidery with romanian motifs.
  • Handmade mugs and bowls - ceramic and pottery products of different sizes and shapes.

Local Culture and Customs of Brăila

Romanians are well known for their hospitable nature. The same goes for the inhabitants of Brăila. The festival season in Brăila is full of cultural events, including crafts, music, and performing arts. Dressing conservatively and tipping up to 10% in restaurants is customary in the town.

Best Time to Visit Brăila

The best time to visit Brăila is between May to October when the city’s weather is warm, and the rainfall is low.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brăila

Do:

  • Respect the traditional, colorful way of life of Romanian Culture.
  • Try out the traditional food and drinks of the city.
  • Dress conservatively when going to religious places and attending formal events.

Don’t:

  • Do not bring up the topic of politics or controversial issues
  • Do not take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Do not tip less than 10% at restaurants.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brăila

Brăila is a safe city to visit, offering a low crime rate, but tourists should exercise caution when traveling to unfamiliar places and avoid traveling alone at night.

Health in Brăila

Before traveling to Romania, check your country’s required vaccines and recommended health precautions.

Getting to Brăila: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can access Brăila via several options of transportation, including car, bus, train, and flights.

Airports Near Brăila

The nearest airport to Brăila is Henri Coanda International Airport, located in Bucharest, Romania, which receives international and domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Brăila

There are several bus companies operating in Brăila, providing domestic routes from different cities across Romania.

Other Options

Travelers can also reach Brăila by train or car from Bucharest, Constanta, and other nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Brăila

Brăila is easy to navigate on foot, but transportation by bus is another option. Taxis are also available, but it’s recommended to settle the payment upfront to avoid scams.

Where to Go Next from Brăila: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Galați - a city located on the east side of the river, only 15 minutes away from Brăila with train or car.
  • The Danube Delta - an ecotourism destination with unique flora and fauna such as pelicans and more than 300 fish species.
  • Murighiol - a small town located 50 km from Brăila, known for its traditional fishing and agriculture practices.

Conclusion

Brăila is a city with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. From visiting museums and landmarks to enjoying outdoor recreation and local cuisine, Brăila offers something for everyone. Be sure to stay safe and enjoy your visit to this enchanting city in Romania.