Iasi
Iasi was an amazing first stop in Romania. The city is vibrant, full of culture and history, and was charming. It had a real cosmopolitan, cafe's on the pavement kind of feel to it, and I thoroughly enjoyed being there.
It's very easy to get about in Iasi, there's a comprehensive tram network that will take you pretty much anywhere you might need to go. Just go to the little booths or newsagent huts for tickets.
A great place for a spot of shopping is the Palas Mall. Its huge, and seems to go on forever! Its a great place for grabbing something quick to eat, and there's also a large supermarket in the basement.
Neighbouring the mall, is the National Palace of Culture. Wow.
For a start, it looks like a counts palace, huge and intimidating, yet inspiring and beautiful. You could literally spend days wandering through the complex.. There's four museums inside, plus extra little exhibitions dotted about the place. Take a bit of time to read the information boards about which will help you decide what to see. The archaeological bit for me was the most important and interesting. They had lots of exhibits from the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture, which is world renowned for its beautiful pottery and ceramics, and also through the history of the civilisation. When I visited, they had a very interesting video trying to explain why the culture burned down their house frequently, and then rebuilding in the same ruins.
The palace is worth visiting in itself! Such charm and beauty! And if you are looking for more beauty, then head to the Botanical gardens. They are Romania's oldest, and are beautiful to walk through, especially in the later afternoons, where there is welcome shade from the hot afternoon sun.
Also worth visiting is the Cetauia Monastery. I got there a bit late, so I couldnt see everything, but it's a charming little place, with very ornate stonework and a wonderful atmosphere.
Romaina is famous for its many beautiful churches, make sure you try to see as many as possible!
It's very easy to get about in Iasi, there's a comprehensive tram network that will take you pretty much anywhere you might need to go. Just go to the little booths or newsagent huts for tickets.
A great place for a spot of shopping is the Palas Mall. Its huge, and seems to go on forever! Its a great place for grabbing something quick to eat, and there's also a large supermarket in the basement.
Neighbouring the mall, is the National Palace of Culture. Wow.
For a start, it looks like a counts palace, huge and intimidating, yet inspiring and beautiful. You could literally spend days wandering through the complex.. There's four museums inside, plus extra little exhibitions dotted about the place. Take a bit of time to read the information boards about which will help you decide what to see. The archaeological bit for me was the most important and interesting. They had lots of exhibits from the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture, which is world renowned for its beautiful pottery and ceramics, and also through the history of the civilisation. When I visited, they had a very interesting video trying to explain why the culture burned down their house frequently, and then rebuilding in the same ruins.
The palace is worth visiting in itself! Such charm and beauty! And if you are looking for more beauty, then head to the Botanical gardens. They are Romania's oldest, and are beautiful to walk through, especially in the later afternoons, where there is welcome shade from the hot afternoon sun.
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