Iaşi (pronounced yashy) is the second city of Romania after Bucharest, the national capital, by population and in cultural, historical and academic importance. It is the second largest university centre in Romania. Tourism in the city takes place around its heritage of archaeological sites, memorial houses, museums and historical and architectural monuments.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Iaşi is in Moldavia in northeastern Romania, and very close to the border with Republic of Moldova, from which Romania is divided by Prut River. The city is positioned on the Bahlui River, affluent of Jijia that flows into the Prut River, Iaşi is the "legendary city of the seven hills", namely Cetățuia, Galata, Copou, Bucium, Șorogari, Repedea and Breazu, just like so many cities around world, one such example being Rome. Some of these hills have conspicuous churches perched on top, each of which provides a different view of the city. Iaşi looks green from above in spite of the ubiquitous brick and concrete due to its boulevards and gardens.
Iaşi is a rather large, densely packed town. You can walk from one end to another in a few hours. For the curious visitor, walking is the best way to get around. Maxi taxis go pretty much everywhere you could go on public transportation. They are privately operated, smaller, usually white micro-buses. They have their endpoint destination written on a paper at the front and they follow a usual route. They do not accept foreign currency.
1 Palace of Culture, Piata Stefan cel Mare si Sfant nr.1, ☏ +40 232 275 979, contact@palatulculturii.ro. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. A giant obvious monument that the locals take for granted but which is striking to visitors. It comprises the Art Museum, Moldavia's History Museum, Ethnographic Museum of Moldavia, and "Ștefan Procopiu" Science and Technique Museum. It also houses several infrequently visited museums, including a musical instrument museum and a "village" museum with ethnic outfits. (updated Apr 2017) 2 Casa Dosoftei, Anastasie Panu Str, ☏ +40 747 499 403. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00.
Football: Politehnica Iași were relegated in 2025 and play soccer in Liga 2, the second tier. Their Emil Alexandrescu Stadium (capacity 11,400) is 3 km north of town centre, on the tram route. Releu (an ancient sea bed) – It refers to a large antenna in general, but in Iaşi there is a particular one which you will be directed to if you ask locals. The Releu is a popular picnic spot, and offers a gorgeous view of the city. It is in a strange area, which is half village, half French Riviera; This means that peasants, cows, chickens and dogs still live here, but that some of the properties are being bought by rich Europeans and converted into villas.
Pizza Pazzo, Bd. Tudor Vladimirescu. Nice atmosphere and Italian cuisine in the student district of Tudor Vladimirescu. Reservation might be necessary as the place is vivid and full of customers almost every evening. Occasionally you might get lucky to try their lasagna, although a parmigiana plate is also a good choice beside pizza. Serve with draught beer and be there with friends. Phenicia, Str. Sulfinei, nr. 13. Lebanese restaurant with moderate prices. This would be the place you would want to make a nice impression by getting out to an exotic cuisine, though Lebanese might not be that rich in options. La Gara, Main Train Station.
Iaşi is famous for its nightlife. If you go towards the University you will find a lot of students wondering around or having a beer. There are a lot of bars, coffee shops and pubs where you can chill, have a drink, or watch a game. Most popular discos and clubs are full until morning during University periods. Check out the discos "Skye", "Skin", "Master", "Code" and "Viper" even though there are much more that are popular. You can find a lot of bars in front of the "Copou Park", as there are a lot of student housing there and is only natural there are a lot of leisure places. These bars usually are mainstream with popular music you can hear on the radio.
In general, the city of Iaşi is as safe as any other urban area in Europe and there is really no need for any special precautions. Pickpockets are a problem in Iaşi. Pickpockets do not advertise their strategies, but you should keep your money in a travel pouch tied around your neck and on the inside of a shirt if you want to be confident of its safety. Pickpockets are mainly around the main train station area, and target mostly people with lots of luggage, especially when trams and buses are full. The best strategy is always check for suspicious groups of persons around you and just move if you see them surrounding you.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Iasi typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
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