Things To Do
in Boldeşti-Scăeni

Boldești-Scăeni is a small town in Prahova County, southern Romania, set amid gentle hills and vineyards on the edge of the Prahova Valley. It combines a quiet, rural atmosphere with traces of the region’s oil and wine-making heritage and is an accessible base for day trips to Ploiești and the Bucegi Mountains. Visitors will find modest local services, friendly residents, and scenic country roads lined with vineyards and orchards.

The town is best for travelers seeking low-key cultural experiences, wine-focused outings, and outdoor excursions into nearby hills and mountain ranges.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Boldeşti-Scăeni
morning
:

Begin your journey with a refreshing stroll around the picturesque village of Boldeşti-Scăeni, where you can admire its charming architecture and calm atmosphere. Stop by the local market to experience the local culture and perhaps pick up some fresh produce or handmade crafts. Enjoy a traditional Romanian breakfast at a local café to fuel your day ahead.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the nearby historical sites such as the Church of Boldeşti and the remnants of ancient settlements in the area. Engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts, including pottery and weaving, gaining insight into the region's history. Take a leisurely walk through the scenic countryside, where rolling hills and green fields await.

evening
:

As the sun sets, indulge in a delightful dinner at a cozy restaurant, savoring regional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, join a welcoming evening gathering with locals to share stories over traditional Romanian music and dance. End your day by stargazing in the serene countryside, taking in the peaceful ambiance.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to a local cultural center, where you can participate in a workshop that showcases Romanian folk art and crafts. Engage with locals who are passionate about preserving their traditions, and learn a few authentic Romanian handicrafts to take home as souvenirs. Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring traditional pastries and coffee from a nearby bakery.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to a community event or festival if available, immersing yourself in Romanian customs, music, and dance. Taste various local dishes prepared by community members, embracing the vibrant flavors of Romanian cuisine. Conclude your afternoon with a scenic bike ride along the area’s beautiful trails, enjoying the natural surroundings.

evening
:

As night falls, attend a traditional Romanian folk music concert where you can dance and participate with the locals. Relish a cozy dinner at an outdoor restaurant, featuring a menu tailored to embody the heart of Romanian culinary traditions. Wind down your evening by enjoying a bonfire under the stars, making memories with fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee (espresso) at a café$1.50-3
🚌Local bus ticket$0.50-1
🚕Short taxi ride (within town)$3-6
🍷Bottle of local wine (supermarket)$6-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to vineyards and wine-tasting opportunities
  • Quiet, authentic small-town atmosphere
  • Good base for day trips to Prahova Valley and Bucegi Mountains
  • Lower prices than big cities and friendly local hospitality
  • Limited nightlife and few upscale dining options
  • Restricted public transport options; having a car is helpful
  • Fewer tourist services and limited English in smaller shops
  • Basic accommodation options compared with larger resort towns
  • "Bună ziua" - Good day / Hello
  • "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
  • "Vă rog" - Please / You’re welcome
  • "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Unde este ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Scuzați-mă" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "La revedere" - Goodbye

Places to Visit in Boldeşti-Scăeni

Visit one of these nice places.

Vineyard rows and cellar doors

Rolling vine-covered slopes and traditional cellars make for classic rural wine-region shots — especially atmospheric at golden hour and during the harvest season.

Town center and parish church

Picturesque scenes of everyday life: local architecture, small streets, and the main Orthodox church, which provides cultural context and portrait opportunities.

Country roads and orchards

Quiet lanes lined with trees and stone fences create strong compositions for landscape and rustic lifestyle photography.

Sunrise/sunset over the hills

Elevated points around the town give wide views of the valley and distant mountains — excellent for capturing color and atmosphere.

Nearby Prahova Valley approaches

Short drives toward the Prahova Valley offer elevated viewpoints, mountain backdrops and dramatic clouds, ideal for grander landscape photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Boldeşti-Scăeni

Local cuisine in Boldești-Scăeni reflects classic Romanian and Prahova County dishes: hearty, seasonal, and based on pork, cornmeal, dairy, fresh vegetables and of course locally produced wines. Small family-run restaurants and guesthouses offer homemade preparations; markets provide fresh ingredients for picnics or self-catering.

Boldeşti-Scăeni Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce — commonly served with mămăligă (cornmeal porridge) and sour cream; found at local homes and traditional restaurants.

Must-Try!

Mici (Mititei)

Grilled skinless sausages made from mixed minced meats and spices; a popular street and barbecue food, especially in summer and at local gatherings.

Ciorbă

A family of sour soups (vegetable, beef, or tripe varieties) seasoned with vinegar or borș; a warming everyday staple served in most eateries.

Papanasi

Fried or boiled sweet cheese dumplings served with sour cream and jam — a beloved Romanian dessert you'll find in taverns and cafés.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local weekly market (piață)

Typical small-town market where farmers sell seasonal fruits, vegetables, dairy, cured meats and bread; a great place to assemble a picnic or sample fresh products from the region.

Street snacks and bakery stalls

Look for covrigi (Romanian pretzels), warm pastries, and mici from grill stands in summer; small bakeries also sell fresh cozonac, cakes and rolls.

Ploiești central market (nearby)

If you head into nearby Ploiești you’ll find a larger market with more variety, regional cheeses, and fresh produce — useful for a broader culinary exploration.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a temperate continental climate: warm to hot summers with occasional heatwaves, cool to cold winters with snow in higher elevations, mild springs with variable rain, and crisp, colorful autumns that are ideal for vineyard photography. Elevation changes toward the Bucegi foothills bring more mountain-like conditions with cooler temperatures and quicker weather shifts.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Polite greetings

Use formal greetings (Bună ziua for daytime) and titles when meeting unfamiliar people; a handshake is customary when introduced.

Church etiquette

Dress modestly and speak quietly in Orthodox churches; women may be expected to cover shoulders and sometimes hair — observe local practice and follow signs or staff guidance.

Hospitality and gifts

If invited to a local’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift such as wine, sweets or flowers; remove shoes if asked and accept offers of food as a sign of respect.

Conversation topics

Politeness and interest in local culture and food are welcome; avoid making strong political comments unless you know someone well — discussing family, food and local traditions is a safe choice.

Safety Guide

Safety

Boldești-Scăeni is generally safe for visitors with a low rate of violent crime; as in any small town, take common-sense precautions against petty theft, keep valuables discreet, and avoid poorly lit streets at night. Road safety can be an issue on narrow rural roads — drive carefully, watch for slow agricultural vehicles and livestock, and carry a charged phone. In medical emergencies dial 112; keep basic travel insurance and medications on hand.

Tipping in Boldeşti-Scăeni

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5–10% in restaurants if service is good; round up small bills for cafés, taxis and hairdressers. In small family-run venues a small tip or thank-you is customary.

Payment Methods

Romanian leu (RON) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in larger shops, restaurants and hotels, but small vendors, markets and rural guesthouses may require cash — keep some lei on hand. ATMs are available in nearby larger towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make spring an excellent time for outdoor walks, cycling and early vineyard shoots; weather is changeable so pack layers and a light rain jacket.

Summer

Warm to hot days and long daylight hours are ideal for vineyard visits and outdoor dining; expect occasional heatwaves and busy weekends as Romanians holiday in nearby mountain resorts.

Autumn

Harvest season (September–October) brings vibrant vineyard colors and wine events — a top choice for wine lovers and photographers; temperatures are crisp and comfortable for daytime excursions.

Winter

Cold temperatures with possible snow; the town is quiet and scenic, and nearby mountains offer winter sports, but some rural roads can be slippery so winter tires and warm clothing are essential.

Nightlife Guide

Boldeşti-Scăeni at Night

Nightlife in Boldești-Scăeni is low-key: expect small bars, beer gardens and occasional live folk or popular-music nights at community venues and guesthouses. For a wider selection of clubs, cocktail bars and late-night entertainment, travel to nearby Ploiești or the Prahova Valley resort towns where evening options are more varied. Weekends in the town can feature local social events and seasonal festivals tied to harvest or religious holidays.

Hiking in Boldeşti-Scăeni

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Local vineyard and hill walks

Short trails and country lanes around Boldești-Scăeni provide easy walks through vineyards, orchards and small woodland patches — perfect for half-day outings.

Prahova Valley (Sinaia/Bușteni approaches)

A short drive offers access to the Bucegi Mountains and many marked trails ranging from easy ridge walks to challenging alpine routes; cable cars in Sinaia and Bușteni shorten access to higher trails.

Teleajen valley routes

Trails following river valleys and forested hills in the region give pleasant lower-elevation hikes with seasonal interest and birdlife.

Bucegi National Park trails

For more ambitious hiking, head into Bucegi National Park for famous routes, panoramic summits and alpine landscapes — plan logistics carefully and check weather and trail conditions.

Airports

How to reach Boldeşti-Scăeni by plane.

Bucharest Henri Coandă (OTP)

Main international airport serving Bucharest (Otopeni), roughly 60–90 km south of Boldești-Scăeni depending on route; best option for most international flights with car hire, bus and train connections to the region.

Bucharest Aurel Vlaicu (Băneasa)

Smaller airport closer to central Bucharest handling some regional and private flights; limited scheduled commercial service but useful for private or charter options.

Ploiești (small airfields nearby)

Ploiești has small airfields and general aviation facilities; for scheduled passenger flights you’ll typically use Bucharest airports and travel by road or rail to Boldești-Scăeni.

Getting Around

Walkability

The compact town center is easily walkable for daily errands, market visits and short sightseeing. Exploring vineyards, neighboring villages and hill viewpoints is best done by bike or car since distances and hilly terrain make long walks less convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Romanians

The majority population; traditional family structures and rural lifestyles are common.

Roma community

Like many parts of Romania, there are Roma residents in the region; communities are diverse and you may encounter different cultural traditions.

Commuters and younger professionals

Some residents commute to Ploiești and Bucharest for work, bringing a mix of rural and suburban lifestyles to the town.

Elderly population

Rural areas often have an aging demographic as younger people move to cities, reflected in quieter daytime streets.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport locally with community matches and youth teams; watching or attending a local game is a good way to see village life.

Handball and amateur indoor sports

Common in schools and community centers; local clubs and school teams are active.

Cycling and recreational hiking

Popular for both locals and visitors who use rural roads and nearby mountain trails for leisure and training.

Skiing (in nearby mountains)

While not in town itself, nearby Prahova Valley resorts are popular winter sport destinations for skiing and snowboarding.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Boldești-Scăeni is generally light, but commuter flows to and from Ploiești and Bucharest can be congested during morning and evening rush hours. Regional roads toward the Prahova Valley can become busy on weekends and holidays. Public transportation includes local buses and minibuses; trains from nearby stations connect to Ploiești and Bucharest, but schedules may be infrequent so plan ahead.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Boldeşti-Scăeni.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in big cities; ask for vegetable stews, cheeses, egg-based dishes, mămăligă with cheese, salads and soups without meat. Smaller restaurants may accommodate requests if asked politely.

Vegan

Vegan choices are limited in small towns; rely on markets for fresh produce and bakery items, and request plain vegetable dishes or salads — bringing snacks can be helpful when exploring rural areas.

Gluten-free

Traditional Romanian cuisine uses wheat and corn; mămăligă (cornmeal) is naturally gluten-free, but many breads and pastries contain gluten. Communicate needs clearly in Romanian or have a translation handy for cross-contamination concerns.

Allergies

Smaller kitchens may not be able to guarantee allergy-safe preparation; carry necessary medication and consider informing hosts/restaurants in advance.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic medical services and pharmacies are available locally for routine needs; for hospital-level care and specialists, the nearest major facilities are in Ploiești. Emergency services are accessed by calling 112. Make sure you have travel or health insurance that covers hospitalization and medical evacuation if needed.

Discover Romania

Read more in our Romania 2025 Travel Guide.

Romania Travel Guide