Brașov (28km north) — the region's main city, with a beautifully preserved medieval walled centre, the gothic Black Church, and a good selection of restaurants and accommodation. The logical base for visiting Bran.
Rășnov Fortress (12km north) — a ruined hilltop peasant fortress with sweeping views over the valley; smaller and less crowded than Bran, and worth combining in a single day.
Piatra Craiului National Park (15km southwest) — a dramatic limestone ridge rising to 2,238m, one of Romania's finest hiking destinations; the main ridge trail is strenuous but the lower paths are accessible to casual walkers.
Peleș Castle (30km east via Sinaia) — the most spectacular of Romania's royal palaces, a neo-Renaissance confection in a mountain setting that makes Bran look modest by comparison.