When it comes to exploring Europe, there are a lot of hidden gems in this part of the world. If you head to the Southeastern Central region, you will find the historical region of Moldavia, where the cultural capital of Romania is located. The fourth most populous city in the country, Iași is surrounded by ancient, religious, and natural landmarks. Also, the stunning architecture of churches, monasteries, theatres, and many other historic buildings can be seen. Natural landscapes are also around the corner, where you will see beautiful flowers in the botanical gardens or in the green environment of Copou Park. Here is a list of the best things to do in Iași, so scroll down to find out more.
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1. Browse through the books at Gheorghe Asachi Library
Considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Gheorghe Asachi is filled with more than one million books and stunning wood fixtures. Designed by the Swiss architect Louis Blanc, and decorated by the hands of the Romanian painter, Sabin Bălașa, the library is part of the Technical University of Iași. Set up in 1813, this was the first center for technical education in the country. Visiting Gheorghe Asachi Library is one of the most interesting things to do in Iași.
Gheorghe Asachi Library
Address: Bulevardul Carol I nr. 11, Iași 700259, Romania
Website: Gheorghe Asachi Library
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
2. Visit the Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery
After exploring Romanian history, there is nothing like a place to release your thoughts and relax a bit. Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery can be defined as a peaceful spot fueled by good energy to keep your trip positive. Located in the old center of Iași, it brings together all the cultural and spiritual life of Moldavia to one of the most famous complexes of Romanian Medieval art. A magnificent stone embroidery covers the whole exterior.
Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery
Address: Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt nr. 28, Iași 700259, Romania
Website: Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 7:30pm; Sat: 9:30am - 7:30pm; Sun 7:30am - 7:30pm
Price: Free
3. Be amazed by the iconic Palace of Culture
One of the most iconic buildings in Iași, the Palace of Culture is an invitation to meet a historical symbol of the past, and a gorgeous monument of the present. The neo-Gothic architecture stands out from the huge complex. There are 298 rooms that are the home of four museums: the Art Museum, Moldavian History Museum, Science and Technology Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum. Besides the collections, you may want to appreciate the clock tower, the statue of Prince Stephen the Great, or the path that guides the visitors to a lovely garden.
Palace of Culture
Address: Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt 1, Iași 700028, Romania
Website: Palace of Culture
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 40 LEI (8,96 USD) for adults; 10 LEI (2,24 USD) for children; 16/4 LEI tower only (3,58/0,90 USD)
4. Explore The Hall of Lost Footsteps
Do you remember the painter Sabin Bălașa from Gheorghe Asachi Library? His work can be found at The Hall of Lost Footsteps, with tons of poetry behind its meaning. There is a room with 19 murals, designed as a representation of the Romanian spirit, love, and youth, enhanced by the color palette. The artistic combination here is unique, which turns this place into a remarkable landmark and a must-visit place.
The Hall of Lost Footsteps
Address: Building A Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Bulevardul Carol I 11, Iași 700506, Romania
Website: The Hall of Lost Footsteps
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Wander around Elisabeta Esplanade
Iași reserves a path full of history and beauty beyond the museums. This peculiar place, where you can just hang around while enjoying picturesque views, is called Elisabeta Esplanade. Some know it as the Yellow Hill (Râpa Galbenă) because of the yellow clay soil used for pottery or construction. It’s a pedestrian area at the base of Copou Hill, made by a set of curved and paired stairs built at the beginning of the 20th century. Elisabeta Esplanade attracts many visitors, even newlyweds, inspired by the “Juliet’s Balcony” visual.
Elisabeta Esplanade
Address: Iași 700259, Romania
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Catch a performance at The Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre
When it comes to interior beauty, The Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre captivates the eyes of its guests because it is one of the most beautiful theatres in Romania. Inspired by a Baroque and Rococo design, the ceiling is adorned with paintings of nymphs and cupids by the Viennese artist, Alexander Goltz. But there is much more inside the theatre. The main auditorium has is elegant, thanks to the combination of the chandelier and the Venetian crystal lamps. And to top it off, you can enjoy a pleasant performance accompanied by this visual experience.
The Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre
Address: Strada Agatha Bârsescu nr. 18, Iași 700074, Romania
Website: The Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 12pm - 5pm; Thu - Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Wed & Sun)
7. Learn about ancient literature at Dosoftei House
There is nothing better to accompany a play than precious lessons about ancient literature. At Dosoftei House, you will have a taste of this. With arched windows and tall columns, the place was inspired by the archbishop of Dosofta, a renowned scholar of Moldova. There is even a statue of him outside the massive stone building. Once inside, you can follow the development of old Romanian literature through unique exhibits of rare books, old manuscripts, and more. In 2004, Dosoftei House entered the list of historical monuments in Iași.
Dosoftei House
Address: Strada Anastasie Panu nr. 54, Iași 700019, Romania
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 LEI (0,67 USD) for adults; 2 LEI (0,45 USD) for students
8. Stroll around the Botanical Garden
Can you smell this sweet scent? It’s from the colorful flowers of the oldest Botanical Garden in Romania. Made by the naturalist Anastasie Fătu, the park attracts guests with beautiful lakes, greenhouses, and a great variety of trees. It’s an invitation to take the day off and enjoy a lovely picnic surrounded by nature. One of the most enchanting areas is the rose garden, which brings more than 800 species from all over the world, plus different colors and odors. It’s a magical feeling to recharge all your energy after a busy day.
Iași Botanical Gardens
Address: Strada Dumbrava Roșie nr. 7-9, Iași, Romania
Website: Iași Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
9. Relax and pray at the Moldavian Metropolitan Cathedral
The Moldavian Metropolitan Cathedral is considered the largest Orthodox temple in Romania, and it represents one of the religious pilgrimage centers in the country. The combo of the architecture, the superb artworks from different cultures, and the atmosphere itself give you a relaxing experience. Hundreds of believers gather to celebrate Saint Parascheva in October.
Moldavian Metropolitan Cathedral
Address: Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt 16, Iași 700064, Romania
Website: Moldavian Metropolitan Cathedral
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Spend an afternoon at Copou Park
Enjoy an afternoon or a morning at Copou Park. Did you know this park inspired lots of poems? The poet, Mihai Eminescu, used to spend his days under a linden tree while writing some verses. Nowadays, these sketches are considered masterpieces of Romanian literature. The exact place where he worked is an iconic spot at Iași. There is even a bronze bust of him nearby. So, reading one of his poems while visiting can enrich your experience. Give it a try!
Copou Park
Address: Parc Copou, Bulevardul Carol I, Iași 700462, Romania
Website: Copou Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Get to know Iași and its surroundings
When it comes to European destinations, Romania is of a hidden jewel with stunning architecture, a rich history, and amazing scenery. Iași is where spirituality and poetry meet alongside natural landscapes and a strong cultural atmosphere. So, read this guide of the best things to do in Iași and enjoy the “city of hundred churches”.
History
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