Things To Do
in Petrila

Cornmeal polenta served with local cheese and sour cream — a staple comfort food found in family-run restaurants and rural taverns.

Must-Try!

Hearty sour soups — tripe soup (ciorbă de burtă) or more rural vegetable-and-meat sour soups — common in local eateries and good for colder days.

Grilled spiced meat rolls, widely available at festivals, markets and most casual grills; best enjoyed with mustard and a cold beer.

Cabbage rolls stuffed with pork and rice, served across Romania and a frequent homemade dish you’ll find in local restaurants especially at celebrations.

Local market where residents buy fresh vegetables, cheeses, cured meats and baked goods; great for sampling seasonal produce, homemade cheese and covrigi.

Simple grills near bus stops and market areas selling mititei, sausages and snacks — convenient for a quick, inexpensive meal.

A firm handshake and direct eye contact are standard when meeting people. Use formal greetings (Bună ziua) with older people or in business contexts.

Show respect when discussing the mining past; the industry shaped local identity and can be a sensitive topic tied to economic change.

Casual, modest dress is appropriate; remove shoes if invited into someone’s home. Public drunkenness is frowned upon.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in private or religious settings. Avoid photographing active industrial sites without authorization.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving 5–10% for good service is common; round up taxi fares or leave small change for porters and helpers.

Cash (Romanian leu) is widely used in Petrila, especially at markets and small eateries. Cards are accepted at larger restaurants and shops; bring cash for rural purchases and check for ATMs in town before heading to remote areas.

Warm days and cool mountain evenings — ideal for hiking, mountain biking and outdoor photography. Expect sporadic afternoon thunderstorms in the highlands; bring sun protection.

Crisp air and colorful foliage in the Parâng range make this a favorite time for hiking and landscape photos. Temperatures drop quickly in the evening; prepare layers and waterproof footwear.

Cold and snowy, with ski opportunities in nearby resorts. Roads and mountain passes can be icy; check conditions and have winter gear and appropriate vehicle equipment.

Melting snow brings green valleys and wildflowers but also muddy trails. Early spring can still be chilly at higher elevations.

A network of marked trails offering day hikes and multi-day routes, alpine ridges, glacial lakes and summit viewpoints such as Parângu Mare.

World-class hiking with glacial lakes and diverse flora; a longer drive but rewarding for experienced hikers seeking dramatic alpine scenery.

Less crowded trails with rolling alpine meadows and forest walks, suitable for moderate hikes and wildlife observation.

Gentler hikes and nature walks in the Jiu River valley and nearby forested hills — great for shorter outings and family hikes.

Vegetarian options exist (cheese, eggs, vegetable soups, salads, mămăligă), but many traditional dishes are meat-based. Explain preferences clearly or seek out cafés and restaurants in Petroșani for more variety.

Vegan dining is limited; bring snacks if you rely on a vegan diet. Simple sides like roasted potatoes, salads and bread can work, but always ask about animal-based broths or dairy.

Corn-based mămăligă is naturally gluten-free, but many breads and pastries contain wheat. Communicate your needs and be cautious with sauces and processed foods.

Small establishments may have limited ingredient knowledge; carry translation cards for allergies and prefer larger restaurants in Petroșani for clearer labeling.