Pitești Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Pitești with this comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink recommendations, local culture, and logistics.
- Introduction to Pitești
- List of Places to Visit in Pitești
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Pitești
- Best Things to Do in Pitești: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Pitești
- Food and Drink Scene of Pitești
- Where to Stay in Pitești: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Pitești: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Pitești
- Best Time to Visit Pitești
- Do’s and Don’ts of Pitești
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Pitești: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Pitești
- Where to Go Next from Pitești: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Pitești
Pitești is a city located in Muntenia, in the southern part of Romania. Founded in the 14th century, it has a rich history and culture, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking to explore Romania beyond its capital, Bucharest. The city is located in the Wallachian Plain, in close proximity to the Carpathian Mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take a deep dive into the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink recommendations, local culture, and logistics of Pitești.
List of Places to Visit in Pitești
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Pitești has several museums and historical places that offer an insight into the city’s past and cultural heritage.
- Archeology Museum Pitești: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the region’s prehistoric and protohistoric periods.
- National Museum of History and Archeology Pitești: Exhibits a collection of ancient, medieval, and modern history of Romania.
- Church of St. George: One of the oldest religious landmarks in Pitești, the church dates back to the late 17th century.
- The Princely Court of Pitești: A historical monument that houses several exhibitions and hosts cultural events.
Natural Attractions of Pitești: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Pitești boasts natural attractions that offer visitors a chance to experience the great outdoors.
- Bascov Forest: A popular site for hiking, cycling, and picnics.
- Argeș River: The river provides an opportunity for water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
- Trivale Forest: Another excellent hiking spot near Pitești.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Pitești
Pitești is a great destination for hikers and bikers, with numerous trails of varying difficulty.
- Trivale Forest Trail: A 7-kilometer trail that offers a peaceful and scenic walk through the forest.
- Făget Forest Trail: A 5-kilometer trail that features stunning views of the city.
- Târgul din Vale Trail: A more challenging 15-kilometer trail that takes hikers through diverse terrain.
Best Things to Do in Pitești: Activities and Tours
Apart from hiking, biking, and exploring the natural and cultural heritage sites, Pitești offers plenty of other exciting activities.
- Take a guided brewery tour at Pivnița Bunicii.
- Treat your taste buds to the local cuisine at one of the following restaurants: Bistro Bellaria, Casa Creștina, or La Cuptor.
- Go on a wine tasting tour at Domeniul Bogdan.
- Admire the art at Art Gallery 11.
Week-Long Itinerary for Pitești
Day 1: Archeology Museum and Church of St. George Day 2: National Museum of History and Archeology and The Princely Court of Pitești Day 3: Trivale Forest Trail and Bascov Forest Day 4: Făget Forest Trail and Argeș River Day 5: Târgul din Vale Trail and Art Gallery 11 Day 6: Pivnița Bunicii Brewery Tour and Wine Tasting at Domeniul Bogdan Day 7: Casa Creștina, La Cuptor, and shopping for local souvenirs
Food and Drink Scene of Pitești
Must-Try Dishes
Pitești is known for its hearty and savory cuisine, with dishes that will leave you feeling satisfied.
- Mici: A grilled dish made from minced meat and spices, usually served with mustard and bread.
- Sarmale: A traditional dish of cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice and cooked in tomato sauce.
- Ciorbă de perișoare: A hearty soup made from meatballs and vegetables.
Local Beverages
Apart from local wines, Pitești has a unique soft drink called Tăndărică, made from sour cherries and mineral water.
Where to Stay in Pitești: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Pitești offers several accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets.
- Hotel Victoria: A modern hotel located in the center of Pitești.
- Pensiunea Maria: A cozy guesthouse with comfortable rooms and a lovely garden.
- Hostel Una: A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of the city.
What to Buy in Pitești: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Some of the things to buy in Pitești include:
- Traditional textiles and embroidery
- Local honey and jams
- Handmade pottery and ceramic products
Local Culture and Customs of Pitești
Romania has a rich cultural heritage, with Pitești being no exception. The culture is deeply rooted in Christian Orthodox traditions, with religious festivals and customs still widely celebrated.
Best Time to Visit Pitești
The best time to visit Pitești is from April to September when the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Pitești
Do:
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Try the local food and drink.
Don’t:
- Take photographs of people without their permission.
- Engage in political discussions.
Safety and Health
Safety in Pitești
Pitești is generally a safe city, but visitors should take standard precautions such as keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding poorly lit and isolated areas at night.
Health in Pitești
Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance and bring any necessary medication with them.
Getting to Pitești: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Pitești
- Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP): located about 65 kilometers from Pitești and offers both national and international flights.
Bus Stations Near Pitești
- Pitești Bus Station: The main bus station in Pitești with services to Bucharest and other cities in Romania.
Other Options
For those who prefer driving, Pitești is well-connected by road to other cities in Romania.
How to Get Around in Pitești
The best way to get around Pitești is by foot or bike, as the city is relatively small and compact. Taxis and buses are also available for longer trips.
Where to Go Next from Pitești: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Exploring the surrounding regions of Pitești is a great way to discover more of what Romania has to offer. Nearby destinations and excursions include:
- Curtea de Argeș: Famous for its stunning Monastery and picturesque landscapes.
- Poienari Fortress: The historic fortress, famously connected with the story of Vlad the Impaler.
- Transfagarasan: A scenic mountain road that offers breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains.
Conclusion
Pitești may be a lesser-known destination in Romania, but it is undoubtedly worth a visit. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful nature, exciting activities, and welcoming locals, it’s a destination that won’t disappoint. Plan your trip today and get ready to explore the hidden gem of Romania!
