25 Unique Things to Do in Constanta, Black Sea Romania in 2024

Planning a trip to Romania, or fancy a beach holiday with a difference? One place you can’t miss on your trip is Constanta and Mamaia, and you’re in for a treat for so many reasons.

This beautiful and historically rich city on the Black Sea coast has something for everyone. I’ll be covering Roman ruins, Mamaia’s stunning beaches, well-preserved architecture, wineries and a huge music festival called Neversea.

Forget the typical tourist traps – I’ll go through the best things to do in Constanta that’ll make your visit unforgettable.

I stayed for about a week and it’s safe to say I had a brilliant time. Just take a look at my video below if you don’t believe me.

Things to Do in Constanta – FAQ

First and foremost, let’s discuss the essential information you’ll need before travelling to Constanta. Below, I discuss Constanta’s location, getting there, getting around, and more.

Where is Constanta?

Constanta is a lively city on the Black Sea Coast in south-eastern Romania. It’s the oldest city in Romania, dating back 2,500 years.

Nowadays, it’s known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, rich culture and music festivals. Despite Romanian culture being noticeable in each corner of the country, Constanta is more unique and authentic than other cities, and that’s why I genuinely loved it here.

How to Get to Constanta?

Getting to Constanta from the UK and other European cities is straightforward. If you’re flying in, the closest airport is Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport, about 25 kilometres from the city centre.

From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus (we used Bolt which was very affordable). Alternatively, you fly in to Bucharest and catch a train or a bus. Bucharest is a much bigger airport so this might give you more options with airlines and cities you can fly from.

How to Get Around?

Once you’re in Constanta, getting around is easy. The city has a decent public transportation system, including buses and minibuses that cover most areas.

Taxis are also readily available and relatively affordable (I recommend Bolt). For a more relaxed pace, you can rent a bike or simply walk, which is nice especially around the Casino and the old town area which is very walkable.

Where to Stay in Constanta?

One important factor to consider when travelling to Constanta is your hotel, especially given that the accommodations in town and in Mamaia sell out very quickly.

I’ve listed below a few options to consider, trying to take into account service, location, and value for money.

Ramada Mamaia

Ramada by Wyndham Constanta Hotel is located in Mamaia near Lake Tabacaria. It’s only 5 minutes walk from the beach and close to Holiday Village and Aqua Magic.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable with modern design, natural light and amenities like LCD TV, an espresso machine (very important!) and digital climate control.

Breakfast is served buffet style at Blanche Restaurant and you can relax with a drink at Centrum Bar. For the best views visit Atmosphere Sky Bar on the 8th floor.

Lupa Hotel Constanta

Hotel Lupa by Bueno in Constanța offers 4 star accommodation just 400 metres from Modern Beach and close to a lot of the attractions I’ve listed below.

The hotel has air-conditioned rooms with minibar, flat screen TV and spacious bathrooms. Some rooms even have sea view balconies.

Nearby attractions include Ovidiu Square and Constanta Casino, so it’s a great location.

Panoramic Hotel

Panoramic Mamaia Hotel is located 300 metres from Crema Summer Club and right on Lake Siutghiol.

It has a garden, free parking, and a terrace. Rooms are air-conditioned with private balconies facing either the sea or the lake.

Breakfast is great here and either served buffet or from the menu, both have great choices.

Best Tours to Constanta

The Best Things to Do in Constanta, Romania

Let’s finally get to the main topic, the things to do in Constanta.

Many tourist attractions in Constanta are in or around the old town, so that’s a good starting point. I’ll also cover Mamaia and things to do nearby to Constanta.

Visit a Music Festival

If you’re in Constanta, try to time it with a music festival! One of the best known is the Neversea Festival. This huge beachside festival takes place every July on the Black Sea.

Neversea festival is known as Europe’s “largest beachside festival”

It’s one of the biggest and best music festivals in Europe with just under 300,000 participants in 2024, Neversea has an amazing line-up of world famous DJs, bands, and performers across multiple stages.

The setting is stunning, with stages on the beach, so you can dance under the stars with the waves crashing nearby. It’s a full-on festival experience you won’t forget.

Take a look at my video to see Steve Aoki himself making an appearance!

Apart from Neversea, Constanta has many other festivals. Sunwaves Festival in Mamaia is another big one, especially for electronic music fans. It’s mostly famous for its marathon sets and top DJs, and it has a dedicated crowd that parties from dusk till dawn.

And lastly, the Out of Doors Fest is all about rock, so it’s perfect for a change. It’s out of Constanta, but only about 45 minutes by car, which is not too bad. And finally Beach, Please! Always has an interesting line-up with Travis Scott and Wiz Khalifa headlining this year.

Whatever your music interest, Constanta has got you covered!

Archaeological Park

This archaeological park in Constanta is where we started our tour around the city, and it’s within walking distance of the old town. It used to be an important site back in the Roman Empire days, and if you’ve been to Rome, it may remind you of the Roman Forum.

The site was called Tomis in Roman times, and today, it’s a free-to-enter tourist spot. The park has been renovated so not everything is original, but it’s still a fascinating area.

There are informational plates all around the park, explaining what you are looking at and helping you imagine what these ruins used to look like back in the day.

You can easily spend anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours here before continuing your visit of Constanta.

Victory Monument

The Victory Monument is iconic in Constanta, and it symbolises Romanian bravery and resilience during World War II against the fascists. The monument was inaugurated in 1968 by sculptor Boris Karadzha.

One thing I’ve noticed when travelling around Romania is that locals are very proud (in a positive way) and this monument represents that well.

Lastly, it’s right in Primăriei Park, so you could spend some time here before moving on to the next things on the list.

Museum of Romanian Navy

Next on this list of things to do in Constanta is the Museum of Romanian Navy, located just a few minutes walk from Victory Monument.

Housed in a beautifully restored old building, the museum’s collections cover everything from ancient naval warfare to the Romanian Navy’s old uniforms and treasures.

You’ll find detailed models of ships, ancient amphorae brought up from shipwrecks, and personal items from sailors throughout Romania’s history.

If you travel to Constanta as a family, this is a great place to visit with kids.

One thing to note is that you must pay a fee of around $5 to take photos inside (on top of the entry fee of 10 RON, or about $2).

Lupa Capitolina Statue

Located near the entrance to the Archaeological Park, the Lupa Capitolina statue is a bronze replica of the famous statue from Rome with the legendary founders, Romulus and Remus.

This statue was a gift from the Italian community and it’s a symbol of the strong historical and cultural connections between Constanta and the ancient Roman Empire.

It’s a popular photo stop and a reminder of the city’s ancient roots and its connection to one of history’s greatest empires.

As a bonus tip you’ll be right on Boulevard Tomis which I highly recommend for a stroll, some shopping, or a quick coffee and a spot of people-watching. One of my favourite things to do on my trips!

Constanța Casino

The Constanta Casino building, also referred to as the Royal Palace of Constanta, is not a palace in the traditional sense but more of an architectural landmark.

It was originally built in 1880 and it served several purposes throughout the years, like a place for royals, a hospital during World War II, and even the Communist Party Cultural Centre.

Its stunning Art Nouveau design and prime location overlooking the Black Sea.

It is currently undergoing a huge renovation, something I am really pleased about. I can’t wait to see this building in it’s former glory. The photo below is from before they started, but I might have to come back to see it once the renovation is complete.

Wind Street / Stradela Vântului

For a taste or real Eastern European style and some modern touches, Stradela Vântului is a quick photo stop. It’s one of the oldest and most picturesque streets in Constanta.

A fun fact is that it’s the second smallest street in the whole of Romania (the smallest being Stradela Sforii in Brasov) and you’ll see a mix of Armenian and Greek architecture.

There is also the Folk Art museum of Constanta nearby which is a stunning building, and some impressive street art all on the same block. Check out the photos below!

Metamorphosis Greek Church

The Greek Church Metamorphosis is located near Aloha Beach and makes the perfect place if you like visiting churches when travelling.

It’s the oldest church in Constanta and was built by the Greek community in 1867. I recommend going inside where you can also find original documents in Greek, which makes it even more unique!

The Art Museum of Constanta

For art lovers please make sure the Art Museum of Constanta is on your list. It’s a great place to get feel for Romania’s artists, with an extensive collection of textiles, ceramics, costumes, and traditional artifacts.

It’s full of pieces from famous Romanian painters such as Grigorescu. They had a fantastic temporary exhibition by new contemporary Romanian artist Irina Dragomir, if it’s still there please allow some time to see this.

The entrance fee is 15 RON, or about $3.20, and you can get a guided tour for 75 RON ($16). Just like the Museum of Romanian Navy, there’s a fee to take photos, which is 45 RON (about $10).

Ovidiu Square

Ovidiu Square is right in the heart of Constanta and one of the places you can’t miss on your visit here.

The square is named after the Roman poet Ovid, whose statue dominates the square, it highlights Constanta’s ancient heritage as a Roman colony.

This plaza is a popular spot for cultural events, festivals, and concerts, making it the place to experience the local lifestyle. And it’s another fantastic place to grab a coffee and people watch.

Museum of National History and Archaeology

Right in Ovidiu square. If you’re a history lover, you can’t skip the History Museum of Constanta, where artifacts and exhibits span from ancient Greek and Roman times to modern history.

The museum is housed in a beautiful historic building and offers a detailed look at the archaeological findings from around the region, including jewellery, coins, weapons, and pottery. Make sure to check out the exhibit about Communism on the second floor.

The Glykon Snake or “fantastic snake” is a symbol of Dobrogea and Tomis and dates back to the 2nd century!

The famous piece below is the Glykon Snake or the ‘fantastic snake’ found in the treasury room. It’s a symbol of Dobrogea and Tomis and dates back to the 2nd century!

Ion Jalea Sculpture Museum

Dedicated to the celebrated Romanian sculptor Ion Jalea, this museum is a tribute to his life and work.

The museum houses the largest collection of his sculptures, ranging from expressive portraits to complex thematic reliefs that explore human emotions and historical events.

The entrance fee 15 RON, which is about $3, a reasonable price for such an interesting museum.

Anghel Saligny Statue

Back to the old town area, make sure to pay homage to the Anghel Saligny Statue, a 6-metre high statue with beautiful sea views.

Anghel Saligny was well-known engineer who designed the Fetești-Cernavodă railway bridge, the longest in Europe at the time, and that passed over the Danube.

Aside from that, he designed the storage facilities of Constanta’s seaport, hence why he is so recognised in Constanta.

Mihai Eminescu Statue

Next on this list of things to do in Constanta is Mihai Eminescu’s Statue, right by the Black Sea.

Mihai Eminescu was originally from Moldova and was a famous poet, journalist and novelist, he was respected as the most famous romantic poet in the country.

Apart from the statue itself, it’s worth stopping by for the views.

Tomis Eye Panoramic Wheel & Tomis Port

For some of the best views of Constanța and the Black Sea, head to the Panoramic Wheel, locally known as Tomis Wheel. It’s a popular attraction during the evening with the view of the city lights.

The ticket is 25 Lei per person, or about $5, and it lasts about 8 to 9 minutes.

Last but not least, this list of unique things to do in Constanta wouldn’t be complete without the touristic port. The marina is not only a docking point for boats and yachts but also a cool area filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Spend time in Mamaia

As I’ve mentioned a few times, you can either stay in Mamaia or visit for the day. We stayed here so I had plenty of chances to explore and eat. There’s a totally different feel to Constanta, this has a beachside holiday vibe to it.

I’ve listed below a few of the best things I did in Mamaia from the cable car to the water sports.

If you have enough time and like history, then make sure to visit the ruins of The Ancient City of Histria, an ancient Roman and Greek town, which was abandoned about 13 centuries ago.

Visit JT Water Sports

Families and adrenaline junkies this one’s for you! Located on Lake Siutghiol, JT Water Sports is one the biggest water parks in Romania, with wakeboarding, flyboarding and more.

Besides wakeboarding, you can also kayak, paddleboard and jet-ski. Best of all, they have wakeboarding for beginners and instructors that can help you learn the ropes.

There is also a floating water park, perfect for kids and adults to chill and have fun, and it even spells Mamaia from above! Definitely one of the best things to do in Mamaia for families.

It’s open daily from 9.00AM to 8.00PM, and the entrance fee is 120 Lei ($27) per person for an all-day ticket or 70 Lei ($15) for a 2-hour ticket.

Fratellis Beach Club

Fratellis Beach Club in Mamaia is the place to be day or night. During the day you can relax at the beach club on their sunbeds and enjoy a cocktail or two.

It’s the perfect spot to chill and get some sun. Prices are reasonable and you can get a sunbed with towel for only 60 Lei, or about $13.

As the sun sets, Fratellis turns into one of the coolest nightlife spots in the area. It regularly has top DJs and live performances. And the food and drinks are great, it’s the place to party late into the night.

We had one of our best nights of the trip in Fratellis, make sure you check it out in my video!

Ride the Cable Car

One of the best ways to see Mamaia is by riding the Telegondola Mamaia. This cable car ride will give you a unique view of the resort town, the Black Sea and Lake Siutghiol.

It’s a 2.1 km smooth ride, which lasts about 15-20 minutes and is perfect for families, couples and solo travellers. The price is 30 Lei per person, or about $6.

The Telegondola is open daily from 12.30PM until 10.30PM, apart from Mondays where it starts operating at 3PM.

Other Things to Do Near Constanta

The next few things to do are within a couple of hours drive, and could all be done on a day trip.

Viisoara Winery

If you like wine, then a stop in Viisoara is a must when visiting Constanta.

The winery has 330 hectares and produces Fetească Albă, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Gris and more. You can also learn about the great history in the village of Viişoara.

It was founded in 2016 by the Albu family and the winery combines tradition with modern techniques to produce fantastic wines. You can take a guided tour of the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process and taste a variety of wines.

Viisoara Winery is the perfect place to enjoy the Romanian wine experience. There’s also an on-site restaurant with 100 seats available serving amazing food.

Murfatlar Winery

Another winery you must visit is Murfatlar, located in the Dobrogea region near Constanta. It is one of the most famous wine producers in Romania. And what a welcome they gave us!

With its vast vineyards and history dating back to the early 20th century, Murfatlar produces many wines, including the famous Lacrima lui Ovidiu.

The vineyard has Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Muscat Ottonel, Romanian Frankincense, and Fetească Neagră grape varieties.

You can visit the vineyards, taste wines and learn about the unique environment that gives Murfatlar wines their special character. Did you know the very first grapes were planted back in 1907? Amazing.

Saint Andrew’s Cave Monastery

Saint Andrew’s Cave Monastery is a spiritual and historical landmark not far from Constanta, close to the Bulgarian border. It’s an incredible place, and one of my favourite stops on this trip.

It is believed to be the place where Saint Andrew, Jesus’ first apprentice, came and preached. The monastery complex has a small cave where the Saint lived and spread Christianity.

The monastery is a peaceful retreat and a window into Romania’s Christian heritage, and that’s a big part of the culture.

It’s also believed that the holy water has healing properties and will help you live longer. Check out the video to see if I tried it.

Trajan’s Trophy

Trajan’s Trophy, also known as Tropaeum Traiani, is a Roman monument near the village of Adamclisi, an easy stop on the way to or from Saint Andrew’s Cave Monastery.

Built in 109 AD by Trajan, it’s a 37-metre high victory monument for the Roman victory over the Dacians during the Dacian Wars. Or it was, this one is a replica, but still represents the same meaning.

The trophy is a symbol of Roman power, with 54 metopes showing battle scenes, the brutality of the war and the Roman triumph.

Today, most of the metopes from the original are in the Archaeological Museum of Adamclisi. Make sure to visit, I’ll tell you more below.

Archaeological Museum of Adamclisi & Adamclisi Fort

The Adamclisi Museum, near the Tropaeum Traiani, is a great place to learn about the Roman history of the area.

It has many artifacts from the region, including the original metopes from Trajan’s Trophy that we discussed above.

There is plenty of information about the Dacian Wars, and there’s no better place to learn about it. Beside the museum is the ancient city of Civitas Tropaensium, also known as Adamclisi Fort.

Founded in 109 AD, it was a settlement for Roman veterans. You can visit the ruins of the city, with parts of the defensive walls, gates, and several Christian basilicas.

The museum and the fort together will give you a good overview of the Roman presence in the area, and I particularly liked this part of my visit to Constanta.

Where to Eat in Constanta and Mamaia

Last but not least, let’s talk about food. The cuisine in Romania can be underestimated, and we had some fantastic meals on our trip.

It’s a little similar to Bulgarian food but with different touches, and these are the best places where to eat in Constanta and Mamaia.

Harlequin by the Lake

Harlequin by the Lake in Mamaia is a dining experience that’s hard to beat, and that’s one of the best restaurants in the area.

Located right on the edge of Lake Siutghiol, this restaurant is known for its great dishes and panoramic views. We had a huge selection, too many to name. But the locals told me to try Fritto Misto, a variety of fried seafood.

Lupa Restaurant

Lupa Restaurant has a lovely Italian inspired menu with a twist. You can try bruschetta, cold meat platters, risottos, pastas, meat, and seafood. There are also vegan options. The décor is minimalist with Roman and Greek influences.

It’s one of the premium restaurants in town so it’s a little more expensive than other places, but it’s very much worth it. Upon arrival we were greeted by some fantastic live music.

The terrace is lovely in summer evenings, you can see the surrounding area and it’s very close to many of the things to do in Constanta.

Cherhana Pontica Restaurant

Cherhana Pontica Restaurant is a must visit especially if you love seafood!

They have very fresh fish dishes and large portions at fair prices. The beachfront location with swings for kids is a big plus so it’s perfect for families.

Dining here, especially with a fish platter or the mussels, and a glass of cold white wine by the Black Sea is an experience that you won’t forget anytime soon! I suggest booking in advance to get a table, since it’s a popular place.

Beta Restaurant

Beta Restaurant is one of the best in Constanta, big portions and good food at fair prices. The menu has great pasta and breakfast options.

Beta Restaurant is located within walking distance from the city centre, so a lot of the things I’ve mentioned above are within walking distance.

Conclusion

And there you have it – the most unique things to do in Constanta and Mamaia by the Black Sea in Romania. I hope you’ve found some new experiences to add to your itinerary!

Thank you for sticking until the end and let me know if you have any questions by commenting here below, and don’t forget to watch the YouTube video above.

My trip to Constanta and Mamaia was sponsored by the local tourism board. However all of the opinions about the destination and things to do remain my own.