Things To Do
in Urziceni
Urziceni is a small county town in Ialomița County, located on the flat plains of southeastern Romania about an hour by car from Bucharest. It functions as a local commercial and transport hub for surrounding agricultural villages and sits near the Ialomița River. The town offers a mix of modest urban life, Orthodox churches, small parks and everyday Romanian market culture rather than major tourist attractions.
Urziceni is a practical base for day trips into nearby rural landscapes and for accessing larger destinations in the Prahova and Buzău regions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk through the lovely parks of Urziceni, where you can admire the local flora and enjoy the fresh air. Visit the nearby markets to experience the vibrant atmosphere and maybe pick up some fresh produce and local delicacies. As the morning unfolds, grab a coffee at a local café to soak in the town's ambiance.
In the afternoon, explore the local history by visiting the Urziceni Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the area. Take your time to stroll through the picturesque streets, stopping by artisanal shops to get a feel of local craftsmanship. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the charming bistros offering traditional Romanian dishes.
As dusk falls, seek out a local restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in a hearty meal while enjoying live music. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the town, perhaps finding a spot to sit and appreciate the peaceful evening atmosphere. End your day with a sweet treat from a nearby pastry shop to cap off your Urziceni experience.
Begin your day by visiting a nearby village to immerse yourself in the traditional Romanian lifestyle. Take part in a local cooking class where you learn to make classic dishes using local ingredients. This hands-on experience not only fills your stomach but also deepens your understanding of the culture.
Return to Urziceni for an afternoon spent at a local art gallery, where contemporary Romanian artists showcase their work. Engage with local artists and perhaps participate in a workshop to create your own piece of art. Afterward, explore local cafés and enjoy a leisurely lunch while reflecting on your creative experience.
Tonight, immerse yourself in Romanian folklore by attending a traditional music and dance show at a community center. Experience the warmth of local hospitality and participate in the celebrations, learning traditional dances. Wrap up the evening with a drink at a local bar and connect with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L at a bar) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $35-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Romanian atmosphere with local markets and friendly residents
- Good base for exploring nearby countryside and day trips to hills and natural areas
- Lower costs compared with larger cities, with simple, hearty local food
- Limited tourist infrastructure and nightlife compared with larger cities
- Fewer dining and accommodation options; specialized services may require travel to Bucharest
- Public transport connections are functional but less frequent than in major urban centers
- "Bună ziua" - Good day / Hello
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Vă rog" - Please / You're welcome
- "Unde este gara/autogara?" - Where is the train station/bus station?
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Scuzați-mă" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Urziceni
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic shots of everyday life: pedestrians, small shops, municipal buildings and the rhythm of a provincial Romanian town.
Riverside scenes with birds, reflections and tranquil pastoral views—especially attractive at sunrise and golden hour.
Vibrant market stalls with colorful produce, cured meats, cheeses and traditional goods—great for street and food photography.
Photograph traditional church architecture, domes and religious iconography; interiors can be atmospheric but ask before photographing services.
Wide agricultural plains, country roads, haystacks and small hamlets provide classic Romanian rural landscapes, particularly striking at sunset.
Food in Urziceni
Urziceni Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cabbage or vine leaf rolls filled with pork and rice, slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce — widely available at local restaurants and home-style eateries.
Must-Try!
Grilled spiced minced meat rolls usually served with mustard and bread — a popular street-food and grill item at weekend markets and small grills.
Sour soup (varieties include ciorbă de perișoare or ciorbă de legume) often served with sour cream and hot peppers; a staple lunch option in town.
Cornmeal porridge (polenta) served with salty cheese and sour cream — a traditional, filling side or main at regional restaurants.
Seasonal river fish like carp prepared fried or in stews, found at places that specialize in fish or during market days.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main daily market where local farmers sell fruits, vegetables, dairy products, eggs and homemade preserves—great for fresh ingredients and photography of local life.
Occasional weekend or evening stalls near the market or parks selling mici, grilled corn and simple kebabs—ideal for casual street-food tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A brief 'Bună ziua' (good day) or 'Bună' is customary when entering shops or greeting people; handshake is standard in formal encounters.
When visiting Orthodox churches, dress modestly, speak quietly and follow any posted rules. Photographs inside may be restricted during services.
Hosts can be warm and generous; if invited to a home, it’s polite to bring a small gift (sweets, flowers) and remove shoes if requested.
Rural and small-town areas tend to be more conservative—dress and behavior that are low-key and respectful are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Urziceni
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: leave around 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, round up taxi fares, and give small change to café or market servers. For hotel porters or exceptional service, a small tip is welcomed.
Cash (Romanian leu, RON) is widely used, especially in markets and small establishments; larger restaurants, supermarkets and many hotels accept cards. ATMs are available in town but carry some cash for rural purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming fields—ideal for countryside walks, markets become livelier with fresh produce; occasional rain showers are common, so pack a light waterproof layer.
Warm to hot and generally dry; good for outdoor dining and riverbank relaxation, but inland heat can be intense on some days—seek shade and stay hydrated.
Crisp, pleasant weather with colorful fields and harvest activity; an excellent time for photography and visiting markets with seasonal products.
Cold with possible snow and frosty mornings—temperatures can dip below freezing. Services continue but dress warmly and expect shorter daylight hours.
Urziceni at Night
Hiking in Urziceni
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle, riverside trails and country paths suitable for easy hikes, birdwatching and photography close to town.
About 1–2 hours by car—offers forested trails, viewpoints and the Siriu Lake region for moderate hikes and scenic drives.
A longer day trip (around 1.5–2 hours to the valley) to classic mountain trails, waterfalls and alpine scenery for full-day hikes and mountain activities.
Wetland and forest trails a drive away, suitable for nature walks, birding and short hikes if combining with an excursion toward Bucharest.
Airports
How to reach Urziceni by plane.
The main international airport serving Bucharest, approximately 60–90 km (about 1–1.5 hours by car) from Urziceni depending on route and traffic; offers the most flight options and connections into the region.
A smaller airport closer to northern Bucharest used mainly for general aviation and some charter flights; fewer commercial services than Henri Coandă.
Located on the Black Sea coast (further east), useful if combining a trip to the seaside; about 2–3 hours by car depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, predominantly Romanian-speaking and largely affiliated with the Romanian Orthodox Church.
A visible minority in many parts of the region; community sizes vary among villages and towns.
Like many smaller towns in Romania, Urziceni has a significant proportion of older adults, with younger people sometimes moving to larger cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Romania, with local amateur and youth teams active in town and surrounding villages.
Handball is widely played at school and community levels, particularly among youth and local sports clubs.
Flat terrain around Urziceni is well-suited to cycling and running for locals and visitors seeking low-impact outdoor exercise.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Urziceni.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small towns: look for salads, cheese-based dishes, mămăligă with mushrooms/cheese, vegetable soups and egg-based dishes. Ask staff for simple vegetable preparations; markets are good for fresh produce if self-catering.
Vegan choices are more limited; plan ahead by visiting supermarkets for staples (bread, legumes, vegetables) or bring snacks. Larger towns and Bucharest offer greater vegan variety if needed.
Traditional Romanian cuisine uses a lot of wheat (bread, pastries). Gluten-free options exist but aren’t widespread—ask about corn-based mămăligă as a safe alternative and communicate dietary needs clearly.
As in many places, cross-contamination can occur in small kitchens; bring translation cards describing allergies in Romanian and shop at supermarkets for packaged alternatives if necessary.