Inhabited since the 4th Century BC, Braila is nestled on the Danube River and harbours an Old Town district with renovated buildings from the 1800s. The diverse town boasts eclectic museums and nearby national parks, nature reserves and wineries.

Things to do

Many of the sprawling villas, churches and hotels of 19th-century prosperity still populate Braila's Old Town, which encompasses Traian Square. Stroll the square with stops at the Romanian Orthodox Church and Greek Church, which showcases elaborate frescoes by artist Gheorghe Tattarescu.

Inside Braila County Museum you’ll find archaeology exhibits highlighting the Bronze and Neolithic periods as well as ethnographic and folk-art displays. Get tickets for a stage production at Maria Filotti Theatre, named after the beloved Romanian actress.

Macin Mountains National Park spreads gloriously across the mountainous region about 25 kilometres from Braila. You can hike numerous trails through the forest or climb the base of Tutuiatu Peak. Within the park, the Beech Valley Natural Reservation cradles groves of native Tauric, Oriental and Crimean beech tree species and serves as a habitat for indigenous plants and animals, including the rare spur-thighed tortoise.

In less than an hour’s drive, you can visit the town of Niculitel, famous for its vineyards and wineries and the Niculitel Basilica. Roam through the basilica, built in 370 AD, then view an ancient crypt containing the bones of four Christian martyrs.

Getting around

You can rent a car in the city or at Henri Coanda Airport in Bucharest, about 165 kilometres away. Other options for getting around include taxis, buses and electric tramlines that have been operating since the 1800s.