Things To Do
in Urlaţi

Urlați is a small town in Prahova County, Romania, nestled in the foothills of the Carpathians and the Dealu Mare wine region. It is known for its scenic vineyards, rustic charm, and friendly local atmosphere. The town makes a convenient base for exploring nearby wineries and the Prahova Valley while offering a quieter alternative to larger tourist spots.

Expect relaxing days of wine country scenery, local markets, and approachable Romanian hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Urlaţi and settle into your accommodation, allowing the serene landscapes to welcome you. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Romanian pastries. Take a stroll around the town center to familiarize yourself with the quaint streets and local shops.

afternoon
:

Visit the Urlaţi local museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the area. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, tasting regional specialties like mămăligă and sarmale. Spend the afternoon walking through the scenic surroundings, soaking in the rural ambiance.

evening
:

As the sun sets, seek out a cozy eatery to enjoy dinner with local wines. Engage with friendly locals or fellow travelers over hearty conversations. Cap off your night by taking a leisurely walk, enjoying the tranquil sounds of the evening.

day 2
Cultural Experience
morning
:

Start your day with a traditional Romanian breakfast featuring fresh eggs and local cheeses. Visit the nearby Cula de la Urlaţi, an important historical site, to appreciate the traditional architecture. Immerse yourself in the morning light as you explore the gardens surrounding the site.

afternoon
:

Lunch at a local bistro, sampling homemade dishes that reflect the region's culinary traditions. Participate in a cultural workshop where you can learn craft-making techniques from local artisans. Spend the late afternoon wandering through local craft shops to purchase unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Indulge in a traditional Romanian dinner at a popular local restaurant, featuring live folk music. Share stories with locals over a warm cup of țuică, a traditional Romanian plum brandy. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere before returning to your accommodation.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🥖Bread (0.5 kg loaf)$0.60-1.20
🧀Local cheese (1 kg)$6-10
🚗Taxi 1 km$0.50-1
🍷Glass of local wine$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning vineyard landscapes and wine country serenity
  • Friendly locals and easy day trips to nearby wineries and towns
  • Limited nightlife and public transport options
  • Smaller town amenities compared to bigger cities
  • "Bună ziua" - Hello
  • "Vorbesti engleza?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Vă rog" - Please
  • "Mulțumesc" - Thank you

Places to Visit in Urlaţi

Visit one of these nice places.

St. Nicholas Church Tower

An historic church with a tall tower offering panoramic views over the town and surrounding vineyards.

Dealu Mare Vineyard Terraces

Rolling vineyard slopes ideal for golden-hour landscape photography and wide-angle shots of the valley.

Urlați Town Hall Square

Colorful facades and traditional storefronts frame candid street photography opportunities.

Râul Doftănă Overlook

River bend with footbridges and scenic riverside scenery for tranquil compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Urlaţi

Urlați sits in the Dealu Mare wine region, where rustic Romanian cuisine pairs beautifully with local red and white wines. The cuisine emphasizes hearty, comforting dishes made with seasonal produce and farm-fresh ingredients.

Urlaţi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sarmale

Cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned pork or beef and rice, typically served with sour cream and polenta.

Must-Try!

Zacuscă

A roasted pepper and eggplant spread that is delicious on fresh bread, especially in autumn harvest season.

Mici

Grilled minced-meat rolls seasoned with garlic and spices, usually served with mustard and bread.

Ciorbă de burtă

A tangy tripe soup finished with sour cream and vinegar; available at some traditional taverns.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Market of Urlați

Morning stalls with fresh produce, cheeses, dairy, and homemade preserves—great for sampling regional flavors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Urlați experiences a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is heaviest in late spring and autumn, with sunny, dry periods common in summer. The town can see cool nights even in summer due to elevation and hillside location.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common; greet with 'Bună ziua' (Hello) or 'Salut' (Hi) depending on familiarity.

Forms of address

Use 'dumneavoastră' for strangers or elders; 'tu' is used with friends and family.

Respect for tradition

Ask before taking photos of people; dress modestly in religious settings; remove hats indoors.

Safety Guide

Safety

Urlați is generally safe for travelers. Practice usual precautions: keep valuables secure, be cautious on poorly lit streets at night, and use licensed taxis. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical aid.

Tipping in Urlaţi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated; round up for casual service. For good service in nicer venues, 10% is common.

Payment Methods

Cash (RON) is widely accepted; many places also accept cards and contactless payments. In small establishments, cash may be preferred.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, budding vines, and pleasant conditions for walking and crop photography; expect occasional showers.

Summer

Warm to hot days with occasional thunderstorms; ideal for outdoor wine tastings and sunset photography.

Autumn

Harvest season with grape picking and wine festivals; comfortable temperatures and rich vineyard colors.

Winter

Cold with possible frost or light snow; cozy taverns and candlelit tastings provide a cozy retreat.

Nightlife Guide

Urlaţi at Night

Urlați’s nightlife is intimate and wine-focused, centered on small bars, taverns, and cozy cafes. Outdoor terraces are popular in warm months, and weekends may feature live music at select venues. Expect relaxed evenings rather than large club scenes.

Hiking in Urlaţi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dealul Mare Ridge Trail

High ridge walk with sweeping valley views and vineyard panoramas.

Pădurea Ciocarlia Loop

Forest loop offering shade, wildlife viewing, and peaceful scenery.

Valea Doftanei Lookout Path

Valley-facing trail with viewpoints along the Doftanei river for string photography and fresh air.

Airports

How to reach Urlaţi by plane.

Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)

The primary international gateway to the region; about 70-90 minutes by car, depending on traffic, with rail and bus connections to major towns.

Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport (GHV)

A newer regional option offering domestic and limited international routes; longer drive to Urlați but useful for certain itineraries.

Getting Around

Walkability

Urlați has a compact town center that is walkable, with most attractions reachable on foot. Some routes involve gentle hills, and the surrounding vineyards require a short drive to access more distant viewpoints.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Romanians

Majority population with rural and small-town cultural characteristics.

Roma community

Acknowledged minority present in the region; interactions are generally normal and hospitable in public spaces.

Seasonal workers and visitors

During harvest and tourist seasons, you’ll see a temporary increase in visitors and workers in vineyards and markets.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region, with local amateur teams and community games.

Cycling

Popular for road riding through vineyards and country lanes around Urlați.

Tennis

Courts exist in nearby towns and resort areas; good for a casual match after wine tastings.

Transportation

Traffic

Road traffic can be steady on weekends with visitors heading to the Dealu Mare wine region. Within town, streets are narrow and pedestrian-friendly in the center; public transport is limited, so many visitors rely on cars or organized winery tours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Urlaţi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are commonly available; look for mămăligă, cheese, legumes, vegetables, and egg-based dishes. When in doubt, ask for vegetable stews or grilled vegetables with bread.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in Urlați via local clinics; for specialized or emergency care, residents typically go to larger towns such as Ploiești or Câmpina, where hospitals and 24/7 services are available. Keep a general emergency number on hand: 112.

Discover Romania

Read more in our Romania 2025 Travel Guide.

Romania Travel Guide