Things To Do
in Bacău
Bacău is a mid-sized city in eastern Romania, serving as a regional hub with a mix of 19th–20th century architecture, riverfront promenades and green parks. It sits on the Siret River at the edge of the Eastern Carpathians foothills, making it a convenient base for both cultural city breaks and nearby nature trips. The city has a relaxed pace, a student population, and some interesting local museums, churches and cafes worth exploring.
Visitors will find affordable food, friendly locals and easy day-trip access to spa towns and mountain trails.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey at the National Museum of Art, where you can admire the impressive collections of Romanian paintings and sculptures. After immersing yourself in art, take a stroll in the nearby Mihai Eminescu Park, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Don't forget to grab a traditional Romanian pastry from a local café to fuel your day.
In the afternoon, visit the Bacău Fortress, a beautiful historical landmark that tells the story of the city's past. Take guided tours to learn more about its architecture and significance in Romanian history. Afterwards, explore the bustling streets of Bacău, where you can find local shops and markets offering unique souvenirs.
As the sun sets, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant that specializes in Romanian cuisine, savoring dishes like mămăligă and sarmale. After dinner, find a cozy wine bar to taste some local wines while enjoying live music. End your day with a peaceful walk along the Bistrița River, admiring the shimmering lights reflecting on the water.
Begin your day with a trip to Bogdănești, a nearby village known for its beautiful natural scenery. Spend the morning hiking through the woods and enjoying the lush landscapes, taking time to appreciate the chirping birds and fresh air. Bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy in the peaceful surroundings.
After your hike, return to Bacău and visit the beautiful Cancicov Park, where you can relax by the lake or take a scenic walk along the paths. The park is perfect for people-watching and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city. For lunch, find a café near the park that serves delightful local dishes.
In the evening, visit the Bacău Art Museum to experience local creativity through various exhibitions. Afterward, explore the vibrant nightlife by heading to one of the popular lounges or pubs in the city center. Celebrate your day with a traditional drink while mingling with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus ticket | $0.50-0.70 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3-5 km) | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable prices and good local food
- Convenient base for both cultural visits and nearby nature
- Friendly locals and a relaxed, authentic Romanian atmosphere
- Smaller city with limited nightlife and fewer tourist services than large cities
- Some attractions may have limited English information or seasonal hours
- "Bună ziua" - Good day / Hello
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Vă rog" - Please / You're welcome (formal)
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Puteți să mă ajutați?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Bacău
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset reflections on the river, bridges and riverside trees make for atmospheric wide-angle shots and cityscape compositions.
A leafy park with paths, statues and ponds; great for portrait photography, seasonal colors and relaxed urban nature scenes.
Historic church architecture, narrow streets and older residential blocks offer characterful shots of local life and ornate façades.
Candid scenes of vendors, colorful produce and local food culture provide lively market photography opportunities.
Food in Bacău
Bacău Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cabbage rolls stuffed with a mix of pork and rice, slow-cooked in a tangy tomato sauce; widely available in traditional restaurants and at family-style eateries.
Must-Try!
Cornmeal polenta served with salty cheese and sour cream — a staple side or main found in most local restaurants and market stalls.
Sour soups such as ciorbă de legume (vegetable) or ciorbă de burtă (tripe) are classic Romanian comfort foods available in taverns and bistros.
Grilled skinless sausages seasoned with garlic and spices — street-food and grill-stand favorite, especially at markets and weekend barbecues.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main covered market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats and baked goods; a good spot for picnic supplies and local treats.
Look for mici stands, pastries and grilled corn along promenades and near parks during weekends and events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and eye contact are standard when meeting; use titles (Domnul/Doamna) plus surname in formal situations until invited to use first names.
When visiting Orthodox churches, dress modestly (covered shoulders/legs), speak quietly and follow any photography restrictions.
If invited to someone's home, bringing a small gift (flowers, sweets) is appreciated and remove shoes if hosts indicate so.
Romanians are friendly and enjoy conversation; avoid assuming political or historical views and be respectful around sensitive historical topics unless you know the person well.
Safety
Tipping in Bacău
Ensure a smooth experience
A tip of 5–10% in restaurants is common for satisfactory service; rounding up the bill or leaving small change in cafes and taxis is appreciated. For hotel porters and taxi drivers, small cash tips are normal.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and larger shops, but many smaller vendors and market stalls are cash-only. ATMs are common in the city; carry some lei (RON) for markets and rural trips. Contactless payment and mobile apps are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring a pleasant time to visit; some higher-elevation trails may still have snow in early spring, but lower hills are good for walks.
Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours — ideal for riverfront strolls, outdoor dining and day trips to the mountains or nearby spa towns; expect more tourists on weekends.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in parks and nearby forests; a great season for photography and hiking in the foothills, with fewer crowds and comfortable daytime temperatures.
Cold winters with occasional snow; city life continues but mountain passes can be snowy — if you plan to hike or drive in higher areas, bring warm clothing and winter tires or consider guided tours.
Bacău at Night
Hiking in Bacău
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible within an hour or so from Bacău, offering forested trails, ridge walks and moderate day-hike options suited for spring through autumn.
Longer trails and quieter wilderness areas a bit farther out; expect more challenging hikes and rewarding viewpoints in summer and early autumn.
A spectacular limestone gorge popular with photographers and hikers; it’s a longer drive (a few hours) but makes an excellent full-day excursion for dramatic scenery and well-marked trails.
Airports
How to reach Bacău by plane.
The local airport serving Bacău with domestic and seasonal international flights; easy and quick transfer to the city by taxi or shuttle.
Larger regional airport about 1.5–2 hours by car from Bacău offering more frequent international and domestic connections; reachable by train or bus with longer transfer times.
Romania's main international airport; roughly 3–4 hours drive from Bacău or several hours by train/bus — useful if looking for wider flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority group, with traditional Moldavian cultural influences strongly represented in local life and festivals.
A visible minority present in and around the city, contributing to local culture and sometimes facing social challenges.
Bacău hosts a university community that keeps parts of the city lively, especially cafés, bars and cultural events aimed at younger crowds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport, with local clubs and passionate neighborhood support for matches and youth teams.
Handball and other indoor team sports have strong community participation and regular local competitions.
With parks and riverside paths, running, cycling and recreational outdoor sports are common among residents, particularly students.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bacău.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in major cities — ask for vegetable soups, salads, mămăligă with cheese or vegetable stews; larger restaurants and cafés often have a vegetarian dish or can adapt plates.
Vegan choices require more effort; bring snacks and rely on markets for fresh produce. Many chefs can omit dairy/meat if requested, but vegan-specific restaurants are rare.
Traditional Romanian cuisine features wheat-based breads and pastries; gluten-free options are not widespread, so communicate restrictions clearly and consider choosing grilled meats, soups without dumplings and polenta (mămăligă) which is naturally gluten-free.