Constanța, also known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea” is a tourist destination worth visiting for a weekend. The port city is home to many tourist treasures whether we talk about the architecture, history, museums, culture, or the ecclesiastical landscape. Being the largest city on the Romanian coast here you will also find modern beaches with fine sand. If you love the sea, cultural diversity, architecture, and history – Constanța is a “must-see” location. Below you will find some leisure activities you can enjoy in this city:
Friday
The old city
The historic center, or “peninsula”, includes the area between the sea, Ferdinand Boulevard, Mihai Viteazu Street, and Termelor Street. This perimeter merges the historical and medieval life of Constanța. This segment includes most of the reference monuments which stand proof that the city, well-deservedly, carries the title of “the oldest city in Romania”.
When we refer to the old area, we say: Ovidiu Square, the Orthodox Cathedral, Geamia Hunkiar, the Metamorphosis Greek Church, the ruins of the Ashkenazi Synagogue, and the Orthodox Church of the Bulgarian community. These buildings are representative of the ethnic and cultural diversity characteristic of this corner of Romania.
Here you can also see the oldest symbol of Constanța: the statue of Ovid, one of the greatest classicists of Latin literature. The Roman mosaic edifice dating from the 4th century BC. e. n is an archeological jewel that you must visit and the Genoese lighthouse is a historical monument of a special beauty that, in the past was used to guide sailors and which is also something not to be missed.
Continuing the foray into the historical life of the city, you can next visit the History and Archeology Museum – a museum complex that includes over 430,000 pieces dating from the Palaeolithic to the modern period.
If you are passionate about fine arts, you can also visit the Sculpture Museum “Ion Jalea” which contains works made using various techniques, covering themes such as: allegorical elements, front sketches, portraits. The works are made of various materials: plaster, bronze, marble and stone.
In the same peninsular area is Stradela Vântului – the narrowest street in Constanța, whose width does not exceed two meters. In the past, this was the part that separated the Armenian quarter from the Greek quarter.
The Touristic Tomis Port
This is yet another location which you should definitely visit if you come to Constanța. Walking in this area of the city will bring before your eyes the beauty and vastness of infinite blue, the sea breeze and will allow you to enjoy some relaxing moments. If you want to dine in a fairytale setting, sitting by the sea, you have a good choice of restaurants in the port offering fish dishes and more. During the summer, you will have the opportunity to go to one of the dolphin performances that take place around the artesian well located in the heart of the port. Another element of surprise that you can enjoy in the port is a gondola ride that lasts between 15-20 minutes and costs 25 lei/adult and 10 lei/child.
The “Carol I” Royal Mosque is the last proposed goal for today. This is the most important Muslim place of worship in Romania dating from 1913. The building was commissioned by King Carol I which is where the name of the Mosque comes from. The building is a true representation of the Egyptian-Byzantine architectural style, which also includes certain Romanian architectural elements.
Saturday
The Casino
We propose you start your Saturday by visiting an emblematic building – the Casino – an architectural masterpiece of the Art Nouveau style. The building dates back to 1910 when it was a real exclusive destination, where the great European elites met.
The Aquarium
The Aquarium, the first institution of its kind in Romania, is located just opposite the Casino. It was opened in 1958 and presents to the general public a very vast biological and ecological marine universe. The sections that make up the aquarium are: the marina, dulcicola, and exotic fish. Here you can see fish from the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, sturgeons, stingrays, freshwater invertebrates, as well as species such as Piranha, the black ghost knife fish, paddlefish and other uniquely colored species.
Natural Sciences Museum Complex
This is, without a doubt, a must-see landmark for tourists visiting Constanța. The complex includes the most popular tourist attractions in the city, namely:
Dolphinarium
Here you will be the spectator of unique performances, starring dolphins, penguins and sea lions. This location is unique in Romania, and the experience will charge you with enthusiasm and energy. The Dolphinarium in Constanța was the first institution of its kind in Southeast Europe, its inauguration taking place in 1972.
Planetarium
The Planetarium in Constanța was opened in 1996, and at that time it was the first public objective of this kind in Romania. By visiting the Planetarium, you will be able to discover the secrets of the infinite universe. In this book-like setting, you will enjoy a visual spectacle: the stars, planets, moon, constellations, comets, meteors, satellites will be presented to you in terms of demonstrations made with a high-performance projector.
The Microreservation
The Microreservation (Microrezervația), which covers an area of 12 hectares out of which 2 hectares are covered by crystalline water and vegetation characteristic of Dobrogea, is part of the same complex. The “stars” of this location are pelicans, swans, ducks and wild geese. In this natural setting you will also have the opportunity to admire rare species of mammals such as mouflons, fallow deer and deer.
The Romanian Navy Museum is the place where you will find unique information about the course of the Romanian military and civilian navy. The museum complex houses models of ships, moulds of Dacian and Roman fighters, anchors, navigation kits and other truly impressive pieces.
Sunday
It is appropriate that the stay spent on the Romanian coast is concluded in a relaxing manner. Thus, you can spend Sunday enjoying the sea breeze and the interesting activities that are organized on the Modern beach in Constanța. The beach is located between Mamaia and the Tomis Port and includes numerous terraces, restaurants, volleyball, and football fields, as well as leisure facilities.
The main activity you can experience on Modern Beach is “The Escapers”, an Escape Room game that will test your ability to act in extreme situations. It is an exciting experience that will help you get away from the net of daily stress. This activity is divided into several rooms suitable for different groups of people: families, pupils and students, companies, groups of friends, and tourists.
Also, a tourist landmark on Modern Beach is the zip line – the ideal option if you are an adrenaline lover. This is the longest zip line in Romania.
After enjoying these interesting and fun experiences alike, book the rest of the day to enjoy the sun, the waves of the sea and the idyllic landscape in front of your eyes.