--- title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Constanța, Romania | Wimup" description: "The 10 best things to do in Constanța: the restored Casino, Roman Tomis at the history museum, the Carol I Mosque minaret, Ovid's square, Mamaia beach and a day at ancient Histria." url: https://wimup.com/city/constanta type: City guide updated: 2026-10-28 publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com) --- # Top 10 Things To Do in Constanța Constanța, Romania · Europe · By Wimup Editorial, 10 min read Constanța is Romania's Black Sea port, built over the Greek colony of Tomis where Ovid lived out his exile. The old Peninsula holds the Casino, a mosque, an Orthodox cathedral and Roman ruins within a few streets, and the Mamaia beach strip starts at the city's northern edge. ## Quick answer Spend a day on the Peninsula: the history museum and Roman Mosaic Edifice on Piața Ovidiu, the climb up the Carol I Mosque minaret, then the restored Casino and the seafront promenade past the Genoese Lighthouse. Eat fish at Tomis Marina. Give a second day to Mamaia's beach, or drive north to the Greek ruins of Histria. ## Quick facts - **Best months:** Jun · Jul · Sep - **Ideal length:** 2 days - **Budget per day:** $50–100 - **Language:** Romanian - **Getting around:** Walking on the Peninsula, CT BUS buses, taxis & ride apps - **Tourism board:** [Official site](https://www.primaria-constanta.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## The 10 best things to do in Constanța ### 1. Tour the restored Constanța Casino Landmark · Faleza Cazino, Peninsula, Constanța The 1910 Art Nouveau casino on the seafront reopened on 21 May 2025 after a five-year restoration. Inside are exhibitions on the building, Romania's lighthouses and the engineer Anghel Saligny. - **Time:** 1 hr - **Cost:** Ticketed - **Best at:** Late afternoon - **Tip:** Entry is capped per hour, so go early in summer Links: [Casino](https://cazinoul.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 2. Meet Roman Tomis at the history museum Museum · Piața Ovidiu 12, Peninsula, Constanța The National History and Archaeology Museum holds the finds from Tomis and Dobruja. The star is the Glykon, a carved snake god dug up in the city in 1962. - **Time:** 1–2 hrs - **Cost:** Ticketed - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** One ticket office also covers the Mosaic Edifice next door Links: [MINAC](https://www.minac.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 3. See the Roman Mosaic Edifice Ruins · Piața Ovidiu, Peninsula, Constanța A terraced Roman complex that once linked the upper town to the harbour, its mosaic floor still in place. It reopened on 14 November 2025 after restoration. - **Time:** 45 mins - **Cost:** Ticketed - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Pair it with the history museum on the same square Links: [MINAC](https://www.minac.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 4. Climb the Carol I Mosque minaret Viewpoint · Strada Arhiepiscopiei, Peninsula, Constanța Built from 1910 to 1913 at King Carol I's initiative, the Great Mahmudiye Mosque has a minaret you can climb. Around 140 steep steps end in the best view over the Peninsula and the sea. - **Time:** 45 mins - **Cost:** Small fee - **Best at:** Clear afternoons - **Tip:** Cover shoulders and knees; the stair is narrow ### 5. Stand in Piața Ovidiu Landmark · Piața Ovidiu, Peninsula, Constanța The old town square, named for the Roman poet exiled to Tomis. Ettore Ferrari's bronze of Ovid was unveiled here in August 1887; a copy stands in his birthplace, Sulmona. - **Time:** 30 mins - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Evening - **Tip:** Start the Peninsula walk here and head for the sea ### 6. Walk the Casino seafront Walk · Faleza Cazino, Peninsula, Constanța The promenade runs below the old town from the Casino past the small Genoese Lighthouse of 1860. It is the city's evening walk, with Tomis Marina at its northern end. - **Time:** 1 hr - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Sunset - **Tip:** Carry on into the marina for dinner ### 7. Visit the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral Landmark · Strada Arhiepiscopiei, Peninsula, Constanța The Orthodox cathedral of Tomis, built from 1883 to 1885 to plans by Alexandru Orăscu and Carol Benesch. Ion Mincu is credited with the interior. - **Time:** 30 mins - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Services take priority; visit quietly ### 8. Eat fish at Tomis Marina Food · Portul Tomis, Peninsula, Constanța The yacht harbour below the Peninsula is where the city goes for Black Sea fish and mussels with a view of the old town. Bacaro Port and The Boat are the names to know. - **Time:** 2 hrs - **Cost:** Mid-range - **Best at:** Dinner - **Tip:** Book a terrace table on summer weekends ### 9. Spend a day on Mamaia beach Beach · Mamaia, Constanța An 8 km strip of sand between the Black Sea and Lake Siutghiol, Romania's best-known resort. The Telegondola runs 2.1 km above it for the view of both waters. - **Time:** Half a day - **Cost:** Free beach - **Best at:** June or September - **Tip:** July and August are packed; come early ### 10. Day trip to ancient Histria Day trip · Istria, Constanța County The oldest Greek city on Romanian soil, founded by settlers from Miletus about 60 km north of Constanța. Its ruins and museum sit by a lagoon at the edge of the Danube Delta reserve. - **Time:** Half a day - **Cost:** Ticketed - **Best at:** Spring - **Tip:** There is little public transport; drive or book a tour Links: [MINAC](https://www.minac.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## Best museums in Constanța Roman Tomis, the navy, Romanian painting and a dolphinarium on the Mamaia road. 1. **National History and Archaeology Museum** (Ticketed · Peninsula): Tomis and Dobruja in one building, with the Glykon snake statue. [MINAC](https://www.minac.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 2. **Roman Mosaic Edifice** (Ticketed · Peninsula): A Roman terrace above the old harbour, mosaic floor intact, reopened in 2025. [MINAC](https://www.minac.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 3. **National Museum of the Romanian Navy** (Ticketed · Centre): Ship models, uniforms and the story of Romania's fleet, on Strada Traian. [Navy Museum](https://muzeulmarinei.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 4. **Constanța Art Museum** (Ticketed · Centre): Romanian painting, with a strong showing of the Dobrujan coast. 5. **Natural Sciences Museum Complex** (Ticketed · Mamaia road): The dolphinarium, planetarium and microreserve on the Mamaia road. ## Best beaches in Constanța The big resort strip and the city beaches locals keep for themselves. 1. **Mamaia** (Free · Mamaia): Eight kilometres of sand between the sea and Lake Siutghiol. 2. **Plaja Modern** (Free · Centre): The city beach below the Peninsula, a short walk from the old town. 3. **Trei Papuci** (Free · Faleza Nord): A broad beach north of the centre, used as a summer festival stage. 4. **Tataia** (Free · Faleza Nord): Wild and unmanaged, reached on dirt paths; the quietest sand in town. ## Best restaurants in Constanța Black Sea fish on the marina and Turkish grills in town. 1. **Bacaro Port** (Seafood · Tomis Marina): Fish, mussels and Mediterranean plates on the marina terrace. 2. **The Boat** (Seafood · Tomis Marina): Sea bass, mussels and seafood platters on the water. 3. **Marco Polo** (Seafood · Peninsula): Seafood and Italian cooking a few steps from the Casino. 4. **Konak** (Turkish · Constanța): Turkish mixed grill and baklava, quick and fairly priced. ## Best cafes & bars in Constanța Old town cafes that turn into bars after dark. 1. **Arabica The Coffee Shop** (Cafe-bar · Peninsula): Good coffee by day, Romanian craft beer by night, near the harbour. 2. **Haute Cup** (Cafe-bar · Constanța): An industrial coffee shop that pours wine and cocktails at night. 3. **Hypso25** (Cafe-bar · Peninsula): A steampunk cafe in the old town with a serious cocktail list. 4. **Barissimo** (Cocktails · Constanța): A small, colourful cocktail bar that also opens for morning coffee. ## Best churches & mosques in Constanța Mosques and churches of four faiths within a few streets of the Peninsula. 1. **Carol I Mosque** (Small fee · Peninsula): The Great Mahmudiye of 1913, with a minaret you can climb. 2. **Hünkar Mosque** (Free · Peninsula): The city's oldest mosque, inaugurated in 1869 under Sultan Abdulaziz. 3. **Metamorphosis Greek Church** (Free · Peninsula): Built by the Greek community in the 1860s, under Ottoman rule. 4. **St Anthony of Padua** (Free · Peninsula): The Roman Catholic church of 1935 to 1937, near Piața Ovidiu. ## Best neighborhoods in Constanța The old town for sights, Mamaia for the beach. 1. **Peninsula** (Old town · Centre): The old town: ruins, museums, places of worship and the Casino. 2. **Tomis Marina** (Waterfront · Centre): The yacht harbour below the old town, lined with restaurants. 3. **Faleza Nord** (Residential · North): The residential seafront north of the centre, with city beaches. 4. **Mamaia** (Resort · North): The resort strip of hotels, clubs and sand on the city's north edge. ## Best day trips in Constanța Greek and Roman Dobruja, wine country, the delta and the southern coast. 1. **Histria** (1 hr by car · North): The oldest Greek city in Romania, about 60 km north by a lagoon. [MINAC](https://www.minac.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 2. **Adamclisi** (1 hr by car · South-west): Trajan's Tropaeum Traiani, its museum and fortress, about 64 km south-west. 3. **Murfatlar** (30 mins by car · West): Dobruja's wine country, about 25 km inland, with cellars to taste in. 4. **Danube Delta via Tulcea** (2 hrs by car · North): Boat trips into the delta leave Tulcea, about 130 km north. 5. **Vama Veche** (1 hr by car · South): The bohemian beach village by the Bulgarian border, 47 km south. 6. **Mangalia** (1 hr by car · South): The southern port town, built over the Greek colony of Callatis. ## Festivals & annual events in Constanța (2026) - **Boboteaza (Epiphany)** (6 January): Priests throw a cross into the sea at the port and swimmers dive in after it. - **1 May on the coast** (1 May): The long weekend that opens the season on Mamaia and the city beaches. - **Night of Museums** (May): The city museums open late for one Saturday night, many for free. - **Constanța Days** (Late May): Four days of concerts and events around Piața Ovidiu and the seafront. - **SEAS summer season** (July to early September): Theatre and stand-up shows across the city through the summer. - **Navy Day** (15 August): Naval exercises off the seafront and a torch parade by sailors at night. - **Dobrogea Day** (14 November): The anniversary of Dobruja joining Romania in 1878, marked with events. - **Bayram** (Follows the lunar calendar): Romania's Muslim community, centred in Constanța, marks the two Eid festivals. ## Must-try dishes in Constanța, Romania - **Midii**: Black Sea mussels, fried, in pilaf or as saramură. - **Hamsii**: Small Black Sea anchovies, fried whole and eaten by the plate. - **Plachie**: Fish baked with onion, tomato and wine. - **Șuberek**: The Tatar fried pastry filled with minced meat. - **Plăcintă dobrogeană**: Dobruja's layered cheese pie, baked or fried. - **Baklava**: Turkish syrup pastry, a legacy of Ottoman Dobruja. - **Mici**: Grilled skinless sausages with mustard and bread. - **Murfatlar wine**: Whites and sweet wines from the vineyards 25 km inland. ## Constanța transport & airports - **Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport** (CND): About 24 km north-west of the centre on the E60. Transevren runs buses between the airport and Constanța station; a taxi takes about 30 minutes. [CND Airport](https://mk-airport.ro/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **Constanța railway station** (Rail): CFR trains to București Nord take about two hours on the fastest services, every one to two hours, with extra trains in summer. [CFR Călători](https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **City buses** (CT BUS): CT BUS runs the city network, including routes from the station to the Peninsula and north to Mamaia. The old town itself is best walked. [CT BUS](https://www.ctbus.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **Taxis and ride apps** (Taxi): Metered taxis and ride apps such as Bolt cover the city and Mamaia. Agree on the meter or use an app to avoid inflated summer fares. ## Constanța at a glance - **Country:** Romania - **Region:** Capital of Constanța County, in Northern Dobruja on the Black Sea - **Population:** 263,688 at the 2021 census (INS); 415,695 in the metropolitan area - **Founded:** As the Greek colony of Tomis, in the 6th century BC - **Port:** The Port of Constanța, the largest on the Black Sea - **Language:** Romanian; Turkish and Tatar in the Muslim community - **Currency:** Romanian leu (RON) - **Time zone:** EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3) from late March to late October - **Calling code:** +40, with 241 for Constanța - **Airports:** Mihail Kogălniceanu International (CND), about 24 km north-west - **Power:** 230V, 50Hz, type C and F sockets - **Emergency:** 112 ## Interesting facts - Ovid spent his last years in exile at Tomis, the Greek colony under today's Peninsula. - Ettore Ferrari's 1887 statue of Ovid was copied in 1925 for Sulmona, the poet's birthplace. - The Glykon snake statue in the history museum was found buried in the city in 1962. - The restored Casino drew 202,000 visitors in 2025, its first season after reopening. - The Mamaia Telegondola, opened in 2004, runs 2.1 km about 50 m above the resort. ## Constanța travel FAQ ### How many days do you need in Constanța? Two days work: one on the Peninsula for the museums, the mosque, the Casino and the seafront, and one for Mamaia's beach or a drive to Histria. Add a third for the Danube Delta from Tulcea or a tasting in Murfatlar. ### When is the best time to visit Constanța? June and September give warm sea water without the July and August crowds on Mamaia. The city sights are open all year, but the coast is quiet and many beach businesses close outside the summer season. ### How do you get from Bucharest to Constanța? By train from București Nord, about two hours on the fastest CFR services, with more trains in summer. Buses also run the A2 motorway, and Mihail Kogălniceanu airport, 24 km north-west, has flights. ### Is the Constanța Casino open to visitors? Yes. The 1910 building reopened on 21 May 2025 after restoration and is ticketed, with entry capped per hour. Inside are exhibitions on its history, Romania's lighthouses and Anghel Saligny. Check cazinoul.com for current hours. ### Should you stay in Constanța or Mamaia? Stay on or near the Peninsula for the sights, restaurants and the station. Choose Mamaia for a beach holiday: the resort is on the city's northern edge, a bus or taxi ride from the old town. ## Nearby guides - [Varna](https://wimup.com/city/varna.md): Bulgaria · 10 picks - [Bucharest](https://wimup.com/city/bucharest.md): Romania · 10 picks - [Burgas](https://wimup.com/city/burgas.md): Bulgaria · 10 picks - [All of Europe →](https://wimup.com/europe): 151 cities Part of the [Romania guide](https://wimup.com/country/romania.md) · [Europe](https://wimup.com/europe.md) ## Sources - [Constanța tourism board](https://www.primaria-constanta.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Tour the restored Constanța Casino: Casino](https://cazinoul.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Meet Roman Tomis at the history museum: MINAC](https://www.minac.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [National Museum of the Romanian Navy: Navy Museum](https://muzeulmarinei.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport: CND Airport](https://mk-airport.ro/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Constanța railway station: CFR Călători](https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [City buses: CT BUS](https://www.ctbus.ro/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.