Things To Do
in Târgovişte

Târgoviște is a historic city in the Muntenia region of Romania that sits along the Dâmbovița River. It is renowned for medieval fortifications, such as Turnul Chindiei, and for its well-preserved old town atmosphere. The city blends centuries of history with a relaxed, provincial pace and easy access to monasteries and natural scenery.

Today it offers a compact, walkable core with cultural sites, markets, and scenic viewpoints nearby.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day at the Târgovişte Historical Museum, where you can immerse yourself in Romania's rich history. Wander through the exhibits showcasing artifacts from the medieval period, and don't forget to visit the iconic Princely Court nearby. The morning light gives the medieval architecture a stunning glow, making for perfect photo opportunities.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local bistro, head over to the Chindia Tower, a symbol of Târgovişte's past. Climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside. Spend some time relaxing in the nearby park, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll among the greenery.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional Romanian restaurant, sampling local dishes such as sarmale and mămăligă. After your meal, take a leisurely evening walk through the illuminated streets of the city center. The atmosphere is lively, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the vibrant nightlife.

day 2
A Day at the Târgovişte Citadel
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Târgovişte Citadel, an impressive fortress that dates back to the 14th century. Explore its ancient walls and towers, learning about the history of the region as you wander through the ruins. The crisp morning air makes it a refreshing time to absorb the historical significance of this landmark.

afternoon
:

After a hearty lunch, spend your afternoon at the nearby Church of the Holy Voivodes, which boasts stunning frescoes and intricate architecture. Take your time to admire the artistry and learn about its importance in the Orthodox faith. The peaceful ambiance of the church provides a serene backdrop for reflection.

evening
:

Wrap up your day with a visit to a local café for dessert and coffee, where you can taste delicious Romanian pastries like cozonac. Engage in conversation with the friendly locals, who will share stories about Târgovişte's past. As the evening winds down, enjoy a slow stroll back to your accommodation, soaking in the charming night atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-4
🚌Public transport ticket$0.5-1
🧃Bottle of water (1.5L)$0.7-1.5
🍷Beer at bar$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich history and architecture
  • Compact size, easy to explore on foot
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Some attractions outside the city require transport
  • "Bună ziua" - Hello (good day)
  • "Vreau să plătesc" - I would like to pay
  • "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Mulțumesc" - Thank you

Places to Visit in Târgovişte

Visit one of these nice places.

Turnul Chindiei (Chindia Tower)

Medieval tower with panoramic city views from the top.

Princely Court Ruins (Curtea Domnească)

Ruinous remains with surrounding gardens ideal for atmospheric shots.

Old Town and Central Square

Colorful facades, churches, and narrow lanes perfect for street photography.

Dealul Mitropoliei viewpoint

Overlook offering views over the river valley and city.

Culinary Guide

Food in Târgovişte

Romanian Muntenia cuisine emphasizes hearty meat dishes, dairy, polenta, and seasonal vegetables. In Târgoviște you’ll find traditional flavors in family-run taverns and markets, often with a rustic, down-to-earth vibe. Sarmale, mamaliga, and hearty soups are common, with fresh produce and cheeses from nearby farms. Don’t miss a coffee or a sweet pastry at a local cafe after a day of exploring.

Târgovişte Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sarmale (cabbage rolls)

Traditional Romanian dish of minced meat and rice wrapped in sour cabbage and slowly cooked.

Must-Try!

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână

Polenta served with brined cheese and sour cream.

Ciorbă de burtă

Fermented tripe soup with sour cream and vinegar.

Mici (mititei)

Garlic-infused grilled meat rolls served with mustard and bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Piața Centrală

A central market offering fresh produce, dairy, bread, and local snacks.

Street food corners in the city center

Casual stalls offering quick bites and authentic regional treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Târgoviște experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot, winters cold with occasional snow, and spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant for sightseeing.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake is common; friends may greet with a light kiss on both cheeks in some contexts.

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly for religious sites; politeness and conversations in public spaces are valued.

Safety Guide

Safety

The city is generally safe for travelers. Practice standard precautions in crowded areas, keep valuables secure, and be mindful of nighttime safety in less busy neighborhoods.

Tipping in Târgovişte

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping around 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included; rounding up at cafes is common.

Payment Methods

Cash and card are widely accepted; contactless payments are common in urban areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming parks; expect occasional showers in April and May.

Summer

Warm to hot days with plentiful sunshine; hydrate and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

Cooler weather with colorful foliage; ideal for photography and city walks.

Winter

Cold and occasionally snowy; indoor attractions and festive markets are common.

Nightlife Guide

Târgovişte at Night

The nightlife in Târgoviște is relaxed, with bars and cafés in the city center. On weekends you’ll find small live music venues and cozy pubs where locals mingle after work. Expect a laid-back scene rather than large clubs, with a focus on conversation and local drinks.

Hiking in Târgovişte

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dealu Monastery Hills Trail

Pleasant hillside routes starting near the monastery; moderate terrain with forest scenery.

Dâmbovița River Valley Loop

A scenic half-day hike along the river valley with viewpoints over the city and countryside.

Airports

How to reach Târgovişte by plane.

Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)

Bucharest's main international airport, about 70-80 km from Târgoviște; accessible by road and rail.

Băneasa Airport (BBU)

Smaller airport in the Bucharest area; offers limited international and domestic services; closest to the city.

Getting Around

Walkability

Târgoviște is fairly walkable in the city center, with compact streets and many pedestrian areas. Some suburbs and outlying sights require a short drive or taxi ride.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Romanians

Predominant demographic with diverse age groups.

Roma community

A smaller yet visible community with a cultural presence in markets and neighborhoods.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport; local clubs participate in regional leagues.

Basketball

Common in schools and local clubs; community leagues and youth programs exist.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is moderate. In peak hours expect slower movement in the city center; reliable rail and bus connections to Bucharest and nearby towns are available; taxis are common.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Târgovişte.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options include mamaliga, cheeses, and grilled vegetables; ask for meat-free versions.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through public hospitals and clinics in the city. For emergencies, use the local hospital; private clinics and pharmacies are common in the center.

Discover Romania

Read more in our Romania 2025 Travel Guide.

Romania Travel Guide