Best Things to Do in Constanta Romania in One Day

Constanta is a seaside town on the Black Sea coast in southeastern Romania. It is the oldest city in the country and the perfect getaway from Bucharest. And you may have heard that Constanta is a party town (and it is), but there are plenty of things to do in Constanta for solo travellers who are interested in the rich archaeological culture and activities along the Black Sea coast.

When you spend one day in Constanta, you can see historical monuments and ancient ruins in the Old Town. Plus, you can visit the grand casino, interesting museums and beach resorts in both Constanta and Mamaia.

So I hope you will include Constanta on your Bulgaria itinerary and visit this seaside city. Constanta is a safe city for solo female travellers and a wonderful getaway from the capital city.

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Best Time to Visit Constanta Romania

You can visit Constanta throughout the year. It is hot in summer, cold in winter and the weather is pleasant in spring and fall. 

However, I think the best time to go is between June and September when there is at least 10 hours of sunshine each day. But the city can be quite busy with locals visiting on the weekends and international travellers.

If you prefer cooler weather and cheaper prices (for flights and accommodations), consider going to Constanta during shoulder seasons (spring and fall).

Constanta Festivals & Events

Besides considering the weather, plan your visit to Constanta with these exciting festivals and events:

• Neversea Music Festival (early July) – annual 4-day and 4-night event at Neversea Beach.
• Assumption of May (August 15) – the most important local celebrates the ascension of the Virgin Mary.
• Navy Day (August 15) – watch a waterfront naval exercise, a parade and fireworks celebrating those who had dedicated their lives to the sea.
• Sunwaves Festival (alternate between May and August) – 5 days of music in Mamaia.

How to get to Constanta Romania

Plane

The nearest airport to Constanța is Mihail Kogălniceanu Airport (CND) which is 26 km northwest of Constanta. Many flights from London, Rome and Istanbul fly to this airport daily.

Train

However, most visitors will likely be travelling to Constanta from Bucharest. And the best way and easiest way is by taking CFR Călători, the main Romanian railway. 18 trains run from Bucharest to Constanta daily. Check CFR Călători website for train schedules and costs.

Once you arrive at Constanta Train Station, which is located at the south end of the city, walk 30 minutes west towards the Old Town and start your day in Constanta.

How to get around Constanta Romania

All the attractions and highlights of Constanta are either clustered around the Old Town (south part of the city) or around Tabacariei Lake (north part of the city).

It is possible to walk to all the attractions in this Constanta itinerary, but the distances are quite far, and you may prefer to enjoy the city rather than walk from place to place.

So for the first half of the day, walk around Constanta Old Town and explore a few beaches.

Then in the afternoon, take the local bus towards Mamaia and explore Tabacariei Lake and Mamaia for the second half of the day.

The local bus in Constanta costs 2.5 lei for a single ride. Buy a ticket from a CT Bus ticket booth next to a major bus stop (see below) before getting on the bus. Once you are on the bus, validate the bus ticket with a timestamp.

Where to stay in Constanta for Solo Travellers

Most hotels and Airbnb apartments in Constanta are around the major attractions, which means they are clustered around the Old Town (south) and the Tomis Nord neighbourhood, which is west of Tabacariei Lake (north).

The selection of accommodation in Constanta isn’t too exciting in my opinion. I stayed at an Airbnb apartment in the Tomis Nord neighbourhood, but I didn’t like it. The area felt old and apartment was just okay.

If I have to visit Constanta all over again, I would consider one of these two places:

• Artist’s House Apartment – a wonderfully spacious apartment with a balcony by the seaside promenade in Constanta. Check prices & reviews on Airbnb
• Peninsula Boutique Hotel – a 4-star hotel in the middle of Old Town Constanta. Check prices & reviews on Agoda and Booking

Map: What to do in Constanta Romania

Constanta is not a big city but attractions are a bit spread out. Like I mentioned already, the first half of the day will be spent around the Old Town. Then take a bus to Tabacariei Lake to explore the area before moving onto Mamaia.

Here is a quick summary of all the attractions you will see in one day:

1. Piaka Ovidiu (Ovidius Square)
2. Muzeul de Istorie Nationala si Arheologie (Museum of National History and Archeology)
3. Edificiul Roman cu Mozaic (Roman Building with Mosaic)
4. Moscheea Mare Mahmoud II (Great Mahmudiye Mosque)
5. Casa cu Lei (House with Lions)
6. Biserica Sfântul Nicolae (St. Nicholas Church)
7. Catedrala Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel (Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul)
8. Stradela Vântului (Wind Street)
9. Cazino Constanta (Constanta Casino)
10. Farul Genovez (The Genovese Lighthouse) on the Seaside Promenade
11. Plaja Modern (Modern Beach)
12. St Mina’s Orthodox Church at Tabacariei Lake
13. Plaja Reyna (Reyna Beach)
14. Luna Parc (Luna Park)
15. Mamaia Beach

Below is an interactive map highlighting all the attractions of my Constanta itinerary. Red pins indicate the must-see attractions in Constanta that are part of a one-day itinerary. Blue pins denote other attractions to see if you have more time. Burgundy pins indicate the places to eat, and yellow pins are accommodations.

Constanta Itinerary: Things to Do in One Day

1, 2 & 3. Piaka Ovidiu (Ovidius Square)

Piaka Ovidiu (Ovidius Square) is the main square in Old Town Constanta and it has some of the best attractions in the city

First, there is a bronze statue honouring the first major Roman poet, Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso).

Behind the statue is the Muzeul de Istorie Nationala si Arheologie (Museum of National History and Archeology). It was previously an old City Hall building but now it contains a large collection of ancient art.

Moreover, you can see some of Romania’s best archeological finds at Edificiul Roman cu Mozaic (Roman Building with Mosaic). The Roman Mosaics complex has over 9,000 sqft of colourful mosaics from 4th century AD.

You can simply enjoy the architecture of the museums or go into one or both if you are interested.

Museum of National History and Archaeology Address: Piața Ovidiu 12, Constanța | Hours: 9am-5pm; closed Mondays & Tuesdays | Admission: 20 lei

The Roman Mosaic Building Address: Piața Ovidiu 12, Constanța | Hours: 9am-5pm | Admission: 20 lei

4. Marea Moschee din Constanța (The Great Mosque of Constanța)

Next, see Marea Moschee din Constanța (The Great Mosque of Constanța), the largest mosque in Romania. It was commissioned in 1910 by Romanian King Carol I and it was modelled after a mosque in Konya, Turkey.

Not only do you have to check out the Neo-Byzantine and Romanian architectural elements of this mosque, you also have to climb up 149 steps for a stunning view of Constanta harbour. The 164-ft tall minaret has a narrow spiral staircase that can take you all the way to the top.

Address: Strada Crângului, Constanța | Hours: 10am-9pm | Admission: 4 lei

5, 6, 7, & 8. Best Attractions in the Peninsula District

Constanta’s Peninsula District is at the southeast end of the city. In this historic part of Constanta, there are a few highlights that you should look for:

• Casa cu Lei (House with Lions) (24 hours) – currently an abandoned building but you can still admire the pre-Romanesque and Genoese architectural styles. Look for the four columns with the sculptured lions.
• Biserica Sfântul Nicolae (St. Nicholas Church) (?) – visit the Neo-Byzantine white church that was once a Bulgarian church.
• Catedrala Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel (Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul) (7am-7pm Sunday to Tuesday; 7am-11pm Wednesday to Saturday) – visit the Greco-Roman style church that was partially destroyed during WWII. Look for the oak iconostasis, candelabras and candle stands, frescos and the relics of several Saints.
• Stradela Vântului (24 hours) – also called the Wind Street, is the narrowest pedestrian street in the Constanta, and second narrowest in Romania.

9. Cazino Constanta (Constanta Casino)

Cazino Constanța (Constanta Casino) is possibly one of the best attractions in Constanta because of it is considered to be the symbol of the city.

It was originally built in 1880 in Art Nouveau architectural-style and was functioning as a casino for almost 40 years. Then it was a makeshift hospital during both world wars, a community centre and then abandoned until 2019. It went through few years of renovation and the doors are open again in 2025.

Enjoy the grandiose architecture from the outside or take a tour and see the newly restored interiors. Book a ticket in advance to avoid the long queue.

Address: Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 4, Constanța | Hours: 10am-1pm & 2-8pm; closed Mondays & Tuesdays | Admission: 53 lei

10. Farul Genovez (The Genovese Lighthouse) on the Seaside Promenade

Continue walking on the seaside promenade along the waterfront. At the east end, there are several monuments and statues.

Seen in the photo is the Mihai Eminescu Statue, a statue commerating the great Romanian poet.

And behind the sculpture is the Farul Genovez (The Genovese Lighthouse). The 8m tall octagonal lighthouse was built around 1300 by Genoese who traded at the port and guided the ships at the sea. It was a functioning lighthouse until 1905. Today, it is an important monument along the seaside promenade.

11. Plaja Modern (Modern Beach)

Visiting Constanta means visiting some of the best Romanian beaches and the Plaja Modern (Modern Beach) is one of them.

Not far from the Old Town is the big sandy beach with clear water. You can rent a lounge and an umbrella for a few hours or get a drink at a nearby beach cafe.

Modern Beach can get busy during the high season but it is not as crowded as the beaches of Mamaia. Enjoy a bit of sun and sand here. You also have two other opportunities to see beaches later in the day.

12. Biserica Sfântul Mina (St Mina’s Orthodox Church) at Tabacariei Lake

There isn’t a whole lot to see at Tabacariei Lake. But the one thing I really enjoyed was visiting Biserica Sfântul Mina (St Mina’s Orthodox Church).

Built between 1995 and 1997, the church was constructed entirely with timber. Plus, the architecture is quite different from everything else in Constanta. It has all the characteristics of the traditional wooden churches of Maramures, which is in the mountainous region of northern Transylvania.

Peek inside and see all the wood furniture and decorative elements while you are there. Admission is free.

It is a 50-minute walk from Modern Beach to St Mina’s Church. Take Bus 5-40 to save a bit of time and energy.

Address: Strada Soveja 21, Constanța | Hours: 9am-5pm | Admission: free

13. Plaja Reyna (Reyna Beach)

Even though you just spent a bit of time at Modern Beach, I think it is still worth seeing Plaja Reyna (Reyna Beach) (and it is on the way to the next attraction).

Reyna Beach has a similar feel to Modern Beach where there are lounge chairs, umbrellas, places for drinks, etc. But it has one special feature you can’t find anywhere in Romania.

On the north end of Reyna Beach, there is a spectacular mural painting called “Marine Reflections – The Unseen Face of Pollution“. The 2,000 sqm mural is a manifesto against pollution around the world.

But what is so unique about it is that the mural is the largest air-purifying mural in the world. It was painted with Airlite purifying paint, which the mural can clean the air, remove 112 kg of nitrogen oxides, and absorb 95 kg of CO₂ each year. Pretty cool, huh?

After seeing the mural, walk north along the shore towards the next attraction.

14. Luna Parc (Luna Park)

Luna Parc (Luna Park) is a small amusement park with classic carnival rides like ferris wheel, roller coaster, and bumper cars. It also has games where you can win prizes, miniature golf, and many souvenir shops.

But the highlight of Luna Park (for me) has to be the food. Many food vendors and restaurants line the main avenue in the park. Each restaurant cooks pretty much the same thing: barbecued meat. And there are many types of meat on the menu and a small selection of vegetables too.

If you want to eat here for dinner, pick one of the restaurants, then order your food and drinks, pay and enjoy your meal in the outdoor seating area.

Address: Vacanța, Bazar Comercial zona Sat, Constanța | Hours: 4-11:30pm Sunday to Friday; 4pm-3am Saturdays

15. Mamaia Beach

Mamaia is the perfect spot to end your day in Constanta. This popular beach resort on the Romanian coast is 8km (5 miles) long and is sandwiched between the Black Sea and Lake Siutghiol. There are many open-air restaurants and sporting facilities (windsurfing, snorkelling, biking, tennis, beach games, etc.) next to the beach.

And at night, Mamaia transforms into a giant party. There are dance clubs and music playing on the beach all night long.

As for me, I’m not much of a party-goer myself, but I still enjoyed the vibe at night in Mamaia. I saw many young and old people strolling along the promenade and many families with young children.

Mamais is the busiest between June and September. But it is much quieter during the cooler months. So depending on when you go to Mamaia, it will definitely have a different vibe.

Other Things to See in Constanta Romania

There are many more things to see in Constanta (mainly museums) besides the attractions mentioned in the itinerary. If you are spending another day in spend Constanta, here are a few more places to check out (see blue pins on the map):

1. Muzeul de Artă din Constanța (The Art Museum of Constanța) (10am-6pm; closed Mondays & Tuesdays; 15 lei)  – see over 7,500 Romanian contemporary art pieces (paintings, ceramics, upholstery furniture, etc.) spanning two buildings.
2. Muzeul de Arta Populara (Constanta Folk Art Museum) (10am-6pm; closed Mondays & Tuesdays; 15 lei) – learn about Romanian folk art by seeing over 16,000 ethnographic exhibits including folk costumes, jewellery, household items and more.
3. Muzeul Marinei Române (The Museum of Romanian Navy) (?) – admire models of ships and learn about the history of the Romanian Navy.
4. Muzeul de Sculptură Ion Jalea (Ion Jalea Sculpture Museum) (10am-6pm; closed Mondays & Tuesdays; 15 lei)- be in awe of the marble and bronze sculptures created by Ion Jalea, a well-known Romanian sculptor who completed many masterpieces with only his right arm.

Where to Eat in Constanta and Mamaia

The food along the Black Sea coast is phenomenal! Expect a lot of seafood options in Constanta and Mamaia. Moreover, many restaurants have al fresco dining options where you can people-watch or sit by the beach.

Here are some restaurants I tried and really liked:

• La Ana si Ion (10:30am-11pm) – an excellent restaurant with patio seating in the Old Town serving hearty Romanian meat dishes.
• Cherhana Pontica (11-12am) – if you are super hungry, get a seafood platter for two at this beachfront restaurant at Mamaia.
• Terasa Cetate Mamaia (10am-10pm) – lots of seafood options at this affordable Romanian restaurant, including Black Sea mussels.
• Nikos Greek Taverna Cazino Mamaia (11:30am-11pm) – the same Greek restaurant in Constanta but in Mamaia.

Is Constanta Worth Visiting?

All the hype about Constanta, Mamaia and the Black Sea coast is true! The city is full of ancient artifacts while the seaside coast is relaxing and inviting. There is nowhere else in Romania where you can simultaneously enjoy both city and beach life.

I hope you will add Constanta to your solo Romania itinerary. I highly recommend this affordable city with vibrant energy.

Let me know in the comments below if you enjoy this itinerary or have suggestions to improve it.

Ready to plan your trip to Romania? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best accommodations in Romania on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Get Your Guide and Klook for the best tours around Romania.

Thank you for reading my solo Constanta itinerary

For more travel inspiration, check out my Romania page for posts on solo travel in Romania. Here are some recommended posts:

Romania posts:

• Romania 10-day itinerary for first-time travellers
• Bucharest 1, 2 and 3-day solo itineraries
• 25 Best Bucharest food: What and where to eat in Bucharest
• Best things to do in Brasov in one day
• Things to do in Sighisoara Romania: 1-day itinerary
• One day in Sibiu: top things to do

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!