Things To Do
in Galaţi

Galaţi is a vibrant city located on the banks of the Danube River in Romania. It serves as an important port and a center for the steel industry, showcasing a blend of modernity and history. The city is known for its diverse architecture, beautiful parks, and access to natural landscapes.

With a rich cultural scene, Galaţi offers visitors unique experiences through its museums, theaters, and local festivals.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the City
morning
:

Start your day at the Danube Promenade, enjoying a leisurely walk along the river and taking in the view of the water and surrounding parks.

afternoon
:

Visit the Museum of the Natural Sciences, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna, followed by a stop at the nearby Botanical Garden.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant featuring traditional Romanian cuisine, then enjoy a performance at the Dramatic Theatre of Galaţi.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Head to the historic area of the city and explore the ruins of the Galati Fortress, a reminder of the city's strategic importance.

afternoon
:

Take a boat tour on the Danube or visit the nearby Dunărea de Jos University for a cultural experience.

evening
:

Enjoy the nightlife at local bars and clubs, where you can mingle with locals and experience the vibrant atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a restaurant$10
Coffee$2
🚕Taxi ride$5
🛒Groceries (weekly)$30
🏨Hotel (per night)$50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and history.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes along the Danube.
  • Affordable cost of living.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Public transport may not be as frequent.
  • Language barrier for non-Romanian speakers.
  • "Bună ziua" - Good day
  • "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
  • "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Vorbiți engleză?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Galaţi

Visit one of these nice places.

Danube Promenade

A scenic riverside walk perfect for capturing sunsets and the beauty of the Danube River.

Galati Fortress

The historical ruins provide a picturesque backdrop that tells the story of the city’s past.

Botanical Garden

A lush oasis with diverse plant species, ideal for nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Galaţi

Galaţi offers a delightful culinary scene that reflects Romanian heritage and flavors, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Galaţi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of minced meat and rice, traditionally served with sour cream.

Must-Try!

Mămăligă

A creamy cornmeal dish often served with cheese and sour cream, similar to polenta.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Galaţi Central Market

A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and homemade pastries.

Street Vendors

Various street vendors throughout the city offer quick bites like covrigi (pretzels) and mici (grilled sausages).

Climate Guide

Weather

Galaţi has a temperate-continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping to around -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), often accompanied by snowfall. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake is common, and addressing people with their titles is appreciated in formal settings.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the host to start the meal before you begin eating, and it’s polite to finish everything on your plate.

Respect for Tradition

Showing respect for local customs and traditions is important, especially when participating in cultural events.

Safety Guide

Safety

Galaţi is generally considered safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it’s advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping personal belongings secure. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and it's recommended to familiarize yourself with the local emergency numbers.

Tipping in Galaţi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% in restaurants and cafes if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild weather with blooming flowers, making it perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.

Summer

Hot temperatures can be expected, ideal for enjoying the Danube and various river activities.

Autumn

Cooler weather with beautiful fall foliage, a great time for photography and exploring the parks.

Winter

Cold temperatures with occasional snow, offer a cozy atmosphere for indoor cultural events and holiday festivities.

Nightlife Guide

Galaţi at Night

Galaţi offers a lively nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. The city’s nightlife caters to all tastes, from laid-back pubs to energetic nightclubs. Popular areas include the city center, where you can find numerous spots to enjoy a drink or dance the night away. Many venues feature local music and DJ performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Hiking in Galaţi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Măcin Mountains National Park

Located about 80 km from Galaţi, this park offers various trails with stunning views and diverse wildlife.

Cascada Bigăr

A beautiful waterfall about 90 km away, featuring hiking trails that lead to picturesque viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Galaţi by plane.

Galaţi Airport (GLT)

A small airport mainly servicing regional flights, offering limited connections to major Romanian cities.

Getting Around

Walkability

Galaţi is a walkable city with many attractions located within reasonable distances from each other. The city center is particularly pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and plenty of parks. Walking along the Danube Promenade offers a scenic route for both locals and tourists. Public transport options are available, but many visitors find that exploring on foot provides the best experience.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Romanians

The majority ethnic group, Romanians are known for their hospitality and rich cultural traditions.

Ukrainians

A significant minority, Ukrainians in Galaţi contribute to the cultural diversity of the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Football is the most popular sport in Galaţi, with local teams attracting enthusiastic fans.

Handball

Handball also enjoys a strong following, with local teams competing in national leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Galaţi is generally manageable, with moderate congestion during peak hours. Public transportation includes buses that connect various parts of the city, though schedules may vary. Biking is becoming increasingly popular, and there are designated cycling paths along the Danube. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport or walk to explore the city comfortably.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Galaţi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it’s advisable to check if animal products are used in preparations.

Gluten-Free Options

While gluten-free options are limited, some restaurants may accommodate dietary needs upon request.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Galaţi is accessible, with several public and private hospitals available. Emergency services are reliable, and pharmacies are easily found throughout the city. For serious medical issues, larger hospitals in nearby cities may be recommended. Travelers should ensure they have appropriate health insurance coverage.

Discover Romania

Read more in our Romania 2025 Travel Guide.

Romania Travel Guide