The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Iaşi, Romania

Discover the hidden gems of Eastern Europe in Iaşi, Romania.

22 April 2023

Iaşi, Romania offers tourists a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. Visitors can explore historical monuments like the impressive Palace of Culture or take a stroll through the beautiful Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park. Foodies will also find plenty to love, with delectable Romanian cuisine like mici and sarmale readily available.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

  • Check in at the Boutique Hotel Astoria, a charming 19th-century building in the heart of Iaşi's Old Town
  • Wander through the narrow streets and colorful buildings of the historic neighborhood, admiring the elegant facades and ornate balconies
  • Visit the 17th-century Church of the Three Hierarchs, a masterpiece of Moldavian architecture with intricate frescoes and carvings
  • Stop for lunch at La Castel, a cozy restaurant in a restored castle with delicious traditional cuisine
  • Browse the antique and craft stalls at the outdoor market on Alexandru Ioan Cuza street
  • Catch an evening performance at the National Theatre, one of Romania's leading cultural institutions
Day 2

Parks and Palaces

  • Have breakfast at Chic Cafe, a trendy spot with homemade pastries and coffee
  • Take a stroll in the beautiful Copou Park, the oldest and largest park in Iaşi, and see the impressive statue of Mihai Eminescu, Romania's national poet
  • Visit the Palace of Culture, a grand neo-Gothic building which houses several museums, galleries and a concert hall
  • Enjoy lunch at Hanul Dacilor, a rustic tavern with hearty meat dishes and local wines
  • Visit the Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis with over 10,000 plant species, including a stunning Egyptian Garden
  • Attend a classical music concert at the Palace of Culture in the evening
Day 3

Monasteries and Museums

  • Have breakfast at Brioche Dorée, a French-style bakery with croissants and sandwiches
  • Drive or take a bus to the nearby village of Cacica and visit the Cacica Salt Mine, an underground wonderland of salt formations and sculptures
  • Return to Iaşi and visit the Trei Ierarhi Monastery, a complex of three churches and a museum with rich religious history
  • Head to the Museum of Natural History, which boasts an impressive collection of fossils, minerals, and animals from around the world
  • Stop for a traditional Moldavian lunch at Casa Bolta Rece
  • Visit the Art Museum, housed in the former Palace of Culture, with a vast collection of Romanian and European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts
Day 4

Exploring the Surrounding Countryside

  • Have breakfast at Caravan, an eclectic cafe with international cuisine and live music
  • Rent a car and drive to the Neamt Fortress, a medieval citadel overlooking the Bistrița River, with stunning views of the mountains
  • Continue to the Neamt Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Romania, with impressive frescoes and architecture
  • Have lunch at Casa Domneasca, a charming restaurant with traditional food and a lovely garden terrace
  • Stop at the Agapia Monastery, a beautiful complex of painted churches and buildings in a picturesque forest setting
  • Return to Iaşi in the evening and have a drink at Cafeneaua Veche, a lively bar with a retro vibe
Day 5

Last Minute Shopping and Farewell Dinner

  • Have breakfast at Papillon, a cozy cafe with homemade yogurt and granola
  • Explore the indoor market of Piata Nicolina, with fresh produce, meats, cheese and spices
  • Visit the Moldova Mall, a modern shopping center with local and international brands
  • Have lunch at the Food Library, a stylish bistro with creative fusion cuisine and design books
  • Return to the Old Town and visit the National History Museum of Moldova, with exhibits of archaeology, ethnography, and numismatics
  • For the farewell dinner, book a table at Ursus Brewery Restaurant, a popular brewery with hearty food and live music. Cheers to a memorable trip in Iaşi!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Iaşi by plane is to fly to Iaşi International Airport. There are direct flights available from major cities in Europe such as London, Paris, and Vienna. From the airport, you can take a taxi to the city center or use public transportation.

Car

To get to Iaşi by car, you can take the E85/E583 road from Bucharest, which takes around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic. The roads are generally good, but be prepared for some potholes and narrow roads in some rural areas.

Train

There are several trains that connect Iaşi to other cities in Romania, including Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. The most convenient train station in Iaşi is the Iaşi Train Station, which is located in the city center. You can buy tickets online or at the station.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no available boats or ferries that operate to Iaşi, as the city is located inland. The closest port is Constanţa, located on the Black Sea coast, but you would need to travel by train or car from there to reach Iaşi.

Bus

The best way to get to Iaşi by bus is to take a bus from the central bus station in Bucharest. There are several companies that operate this route, and the journey takes around 7 hours. You can buy tickets online or at the bus station.

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