Constanta is one of Romania’s oldest cities, founded around 600 BC under the name Tomis, and continuously inhabited since then. It is also one of the largest cities in the country, serves as the capital of Constanta County and is the most important city of the historical region of Dobruja.
Located on the Black Sea coast, Constanta has a strong connection to the sea, with its main tourist attraction being the shoreline and its most significant economic activity centred around its port. However, there are many other things to do in Constanta City beyond the beach.
While Constanta is worth visiting, a seaside holiday here doesn’t require many days. Three days are enough to see the key landmarks and explore the museums. However, if you plan to explore the city’s nightlife, attend festivals and events, spend time on the beach, or practice watersports, consider extending your stay.
Discover Constanta through its museums
Constanta has a few interesting museums that can help you to understand its rich culture and long history.
The Museum of National History and Archeology Constanta
Located in Ovidius Square in the Old Town, the Museum of National History and Archeology is housed in a beautiful building with Romanian Revival architecture. The museum focuses on the local history of the Dobruja area from 4000 years ago until the Middle Ages, with an additional exhibit on communism.
There are many fascinating things to see in this three-floor museum, so plan to spend around 2-3 hours here.
The Roman Edifice with Mosaic
Next to the History Museum in Ovidius Square, this impressive monument dates back to the 4th-6th centuries. It served as a place for trade and storage.
The Roman Thermae
About 150 meters from Ovidius Square, you can find the ruins of the Roman Thermae, which date from the same period as the Roman Edifice. Although not as well-preserved, the site reveals the walls of the ancient Roman public baths from 1700 years ago.
The Archeological Park
Stroll through this park like it’s an open-air museum. The park’s pathways are lined with ceramic vessels, columns, statues, and remnants of the Tomis fortress from the 3rd century.
The Museum of Folk Art
Situated in a stunning old building from 1893 in the Romanian Revival architectural style, this museum features extensive collections of folk art from all over the country. You can see traditional ceramics, wooden and metal household objects, religious icons on wood and glass, and a variety of textiles such as interior fabrics, rugs, and traditional clothing. The museum also has a gift shop to buy unique gifts representing Romania.
The Museum of the Romanian Navy
The Museum of the Romanian Navy displays the military and commercial maritime history of the country from ancient times to the present day. Covering an area of 10,000 square meters, the museum features 150 model ships and various marine artefacts, including large anchors, steering mechanisms, weapons, and uniforms.
“Ion Jalea” Sculpture Museum
Located in a beautiful house on the seashore, this museum houses 227 art pieces created by the Romanian sculptor Ion Jalea.
Admire the beautiful buildings of the Old Town
Walking through Constanța’s Old Town, you’ll encounter an array of buildings that tell the story of the city’s past. Most of the beautiful houses are either Art Deco or Neo-Romanian. As you stroll through the Historical district, stop and admire landmarks such as The Royal Palace, Vila Sutu, Casa Alleon, Casa Hrisicos, the House with Lions, and Casa Embiricos.
However, in recent decades, Constanta has faced administrative challenges, leading to the decay of its heritage. Many of the city’s historical buildings are in dire need of renovation. The facades of some houses are crumbling, and the effects of time and weather are evident.
Fortunately, there has been a positive change in recent years. As of 2024, many historical buildings have been restored or are in the process of restoration. While much work remains to be done to preserve the city’s legacy, progress is being made.
Another aspect of the Old Town that poses a challenge is its narrow streets, which often lack sidewalks. Cars can drive through these tight spaces, leading to potential disruptions for pedestrians trying to enjoy the historical ambience.
The religious diversity
Constanța’s Old Town is home to diverse religious sites that reflect the city’s cultural history. Exploring these places of worship provides insight into the different faiths represented here.
The Greek Church Metamorphosis (1867) and the Hünkar Mosque (1869) are among the oldest houses of worship remaining in Constanța, built when Dobruja was part of the Ottoman Empire. Metamorphosis is a small Orthodox Christian church that served the large Greek community living in the area at the time. The Hünkar Mosque was constructed using stones from the ruins of the ancient fortress of Tomis.
The Orthodox faith is also represented by the St. Mary Armenian Church, built in 1880. Originally intended as a school for Armenian children, its architecture is quite different from typical places of worship.
The Great Mahmudiye Mosque (1913) on Arhiepiscopiei Street is another notable landmark, serving as the central mosque for the local Muslim community. If there isn’t a ceremony in progress, you can enter and climb the minaret for a beautiful cityscape view. The mosque is also known as Carol I Mosque, named after the Romanian king who approved its construction.
At the end of the same street, near the seashore, you’ll find The Archbishop’s Palace and the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (1895).
The Great Synagogue of Constanța (1914) stands in ruins at the end of C.A. Rosetti Street. Unfortunately, this building is no longer in use, and as the roof and interior walls have collapsed, it cannot be visited. It remains the only synagogue left in Constanța County, marking a significant loss.
Saint Anthony of Padua Basilica, a Catholic church located on Nicolae Titulescu Street near The Great Mosque and the Orthodox Cathedral, was constructed in the architectural style of northern Italy.
Go for an evening walk on the Casino Promenade
The Casino Promenade is a popular pedestrian street stretching about 500 meters along the seashore. The promenade extends from the statue of Anghel Saligny to the Genovese Lighthouse.
At one end of the promenade near the industrial harbour, you’ll find the statue of Anghel Saligny, the 19th-century engineer who designed the promenade. At the other end, near the touristic port, you’ll find the statue of Mihai Eminescu, Romania’s most celebrated poet, along with the Genovese Lighthouse. Despite its significance, the lighthouse is easily missed due to its modest height of 8 meters, comparable to the tree next to it.
A walk on the Casino Promenade is one of the favourite things to do in Constanta both for locals and tourists. The promenade has benches to sit, listen to the sea, and relax. Starting your visit around 6 PM during summer is ideal, as the evening light beautifully illuminates the water and reflects off the white casino, the main attraction of the promenade.
The sea breeze makes the waterfront pleasant during summer, and the scenic views provide perfect photo opportunities. Besides taking photos, there are also other ways to collect memories during your stroll on the waterfront. You’ll find painters who can paint your portrait, draw a caricature, or sell landscape paintings of the Casino. Additionally, photographers can take your photo and turn it into a keepsake magnet.
The Constanta Casino
Along the promenade, you’ll notice the Constanta Casino, the most emblematic building in the city. Constructed in 1909 in the Art Nouveau style, the Casino quickly became a premier venue for elite events of its era.
Unfortunately, the building was abandoned in the 1990s and began to decay. However, a restoration project began in 2019, and as of 2024, while scaffolds still cover its external walls, significant progress is visible. There is hope that this prime landmark of Constanta will recover its former glory.
The cliff from the Casino Promenade extends to the Tomis tourist port, so I recommend starting your stroll at the Anghel Saligny statue, visiting the Casino Promenade, and then continuing to the port where you can find more things to do.
Visit the Tomis tourist port
In the touristic port of Constanța, you can admire luxurious yachts and sailboats while strolling along the gulf piers. One of the most popular things to do in Constanta is taking a steamboat ride, with options ranging from 30-minute to 5-hour excursions on the sea.
The port is dominated by a 35-meter Ferris wheel at the edge close to the Casino Promenade. For a free-of-charge panoramic view of Tomis Port, you can head to Marcus Aurelius Street above the cliff, though it might not be as spectacular as the view from the Ferris wheel.
Many people visit the tourist port for waterfront dining. The restaurants offer fresh fish and seafood, as well as traditional Romanian and international dishes. While the food is usually good, it can be rather pricey.
Learn something new at the Natural Sciences Museum Complex
The Natural Sciences Museum Complex is located on the edge of Tabacariei Lake in the northern part of the city. The complex features a planetarium, a micro-reservation, dolphin shows, and horse riding, making it a great place to visit, especially for families with children.
The dolphinarium is one of the most popular attractions in Constanța, boasting over 50 years of experience.
The planetarium displays 5,000 stars, planets, satellites, constellations, and their movements, offering an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
The micro-reservation spans 12 acres and recreates a natural environment for 86 species of animals and birds.
The horse manège has 14 horses of different breeds and keeps classes for both beginners and advanced riders.
Additionally, the complex includes an aquarium, though it is located near the Casino rather than with the other attractions. The aquarium has been temporarily closed for renovation since 2023, with no set reopening date.
Explore Constanța with the City Tour bus
A convenient and enjoyable way to explore Constanța is by taking the City Tour double-decker bus service. This hop-on hop-off tour offers a flexible and comprehensive overview of Constanța’s key attractions, from historical landmarks to the beach resort of Mamaia. Of course, this bus is only available during summer.
The tour begins at the Constanța railway station, travels through the historical centre and various cultural landmarks and museums and stops at Mamaia, the most popular seaside resort on the Romanian coast.
You can buy tickets directly from the driver or with the 24Pay app. Buy a simple ticket with 6 lei (1,2 €) if you only want a brief overview of the city or a full-day ticket (10 lei, 2 €) if you want to hop on / hop off.
Read more about transportation: How to get around in Constanta: buses, taxis, and more
Deep dive, ride high: watersports in Constanta
Watersports have been gaining popularity in Romania in recent years, with Constanța’s shoreline being a favoured spot.
On windy days, the waves of the Black Sea create ideal conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and surfing. When the sea is calm, it’s perfect for stand-up paddleboarding.
You can rent equipment or take watersports classes at Zoom Beach or Neversea Beach. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also enjoyable activities, with a good spot for these around the Casino.
See the sun rising out of the sea
Located on the western side of the Black Sea, Constanța is a great place for sunrise enthusiasts. If you’re up at 5 AM, you can witness one of nature’s most beautiful light shows. While you can enjoy the sunrise from any beach, the Casino Promenade offers an especially stunning view.
Sunsets at the Black Sea are equally beautiful. The water reflects the light, creating a picturesque scene. You can also take a boat ride offshore during sunset for an even more memorable experience.
Also read: How to get to Constanta