Ploiești Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Ploiești, Romania with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking routes, food and drink options, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Ploiești

Located in the heart of the Wallachian Plain in Muntenia, Romania, Ploiești is a historic city with a vibrant cultural scene and stunning natural landscapes. Due to its strategic location, Ploiești has played an important role in Romania’s history, serving as a significant economic and transportation hub for centuries. Today, visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor adventures in the surrounding area, and indulge in an incredible food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Ploiești

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ploiești is home to many museums and historical landmarks that trace the city’s fascinating past. Here are some must-visit attractions:

  • The Ploiești Oil Museum: Located in a beautifully restored villa, this museum showcases the importance of oil production for the city and the country as a whole.
  • The Clock Museum: Housed in the historic city hall building, this museum boasts an impressive collection of clocks and watches from all over the world.
  • The Military Museum: Exhibiting weapons, uniforms, and equipment used by Romanian soldiers throughout history, this museum gives visitors an insight into the country’s military past.
  • The Saint John the Baptist Cathedral: This stunning cathedral dates back to the early 20th century and features impressive frescoes and stained glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Ploiești: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Ploiești is a great starting point for outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top natural attractions:

  • The Mount of the Cross: This hill, located in the middle of the city, offers panoramic views of Ploiești and the surrounding area.
  • The Prahova Valley: Only a short drive from Ploiești, this beautiful valley is known for its hiking trails, stunning mountain vistas, and winter sports opportunities.
  • The Bolboci Lake: This artificial lake nestled in the Carpathian Mountains is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and hiking.
  • The Bucegi Mountains: This beautiful mountain range offers some of the best hiking and climbing opportunities in Romania, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ploiești

Ploiești and the surrounding area offer many opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some top routes:

  • The Mount of the Cross Hiking Trail: This short but challenging trail takes visitors to the top of the Mount of the Cross for panoramic views of the city.
  • The Prahova Valley Bike Trail: This scenic route takes bikers along the Prahova River, through charming villages, and past historic landmarks.
  • The Bolboci Lake Hiking Trail: This picturesque trail takes hikers around the stunning Bolboci Lake, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and picnicking along the way.
  • The Bucegi Mountains Hiking Trail: This challenging trail takes hikers through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Romania, with views of valleys, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.

Best Things to Do in Ploiești: Activities and Tours

From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, Ploiești has plenty to offer visitors. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Visit the Ploiești Oil Museum: Learn about the history of oil production in Romania and see some of the equipment used in the industry.
  • Explore the Clock Museum: Take a guided tour of the museum’s extensive collection of clocks and watches from all over the world.
  • Visit the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral: Attend a service or simply admire the stunning architecture and artwork of this beautiful cathedral.
  • Try traditional Romanian dishes: Sample local specialties like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), and mamaliga (polenta).
  • Take a guided hiking tour of the Bucegi Mountains: Explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in Romania while learning about the area’s history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ploiești

Day 1: Explore the city’s museums and historical landmarks, including the Ploiești Oil Museum and the Clock Museum.

Day 2: Take a guided hiking tour of the Bucegi Mountains or explore the Bolboci Lake area.

Day 3: Visit the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral and attend a service if possible.

Day 4: Take a day trip to the Prahova Valley and explore the scenic countryside.

Day 5: Try traditional Romanian dishes at a local restaurant and visit a nearby winery for a tasting.

Day 6: Visit the Military Museum and learn about Romania’s military history.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the city’s cafes, parks, and shopping districts.

Food and Drink Scene of Ploiești

Must-Try Dishes

Romanian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with a focus on meat, vegetables, and grains. Here are some dishes to try in Ploiești:

  • Sarmale: Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice, served with sour cream and polenta.
  • Mici: Grilled minced meat rolls, typically served with mustard and bread.
  • Mamaliga: A cornmeal porridge similar to polenta, usually served with a stew or meat dish.
  • Zacusca: A spread made from roasted eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, often served as an appetizer.

Local Beverages

Romania is known for its wine and beer, as well as traditional spirits like palinca and tuica. Here are some popular local drinks:

  • Ursus beer: A popular Romanian beer brand that can be found in most bars and restaurants.
  • Feteasca Neagra wine: A rich and full-bodied red wine made from indigenous Romanian grape varieties.
  • Palinca: A traditional fruit brandy made from plums or other fruits.
  • Tuica: A strong brandy made from fermented plums.

Where to Stay in Ploiești: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ploiești offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some top choices:

  • Prahova Plaza Hotel: A modern and comfortable hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • Vigo Hotel: A boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
  • The Guest House: A charming guesthouse with affordable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Ploiești: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From handicrafts to local food specialties, Ploiești offers a variety of unique souvenirs and products to bring home. Here are some suggestions:

  • Handwoven rugs and textiles: These colorful and intricate rugs are made by local artisans using traditional techniques.
  • Romanian wine: Bring home a bottle of Feteasca Neagra or another local wine variety.
  • Local honey: Ploiești is known for its delicious honey, made from the nectar of the area’s wildflowers.
  • Traditional costumes and clothing: Visit a local market or boutique to find a unique piece of traditional Romanian clothing to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Ploiești

Romania has a rich and varied culture, with traditions and customs that date back centuries. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Ploiești:

  • Greetings: In Romania, it is customary to shake hands when greeting someone for the first time. Women may also kiss each other on the cheeks.
  • Dress: Romanians tend to dress quite conservatively, and it’s advisable to dress modestly when visiting churches or other religious sites.
  • Tipping: It is customary to leave a small tip (5-10%) in restaurants, cafes, and other service establishments.
  • Holidays: Romania celebrates a number of important holidays throughout the year, including Christmas, Easter, and Orthodox Saint’s Days.

Best Time to Visit Ploiești

The best time to visit Ploiești is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ploiești

Do:

  • Try traditional Romanian dishes and drinks.
  • Explore the area’s natural beauty with a hiking or biking tour.
  • Learn about the city’s rich history and culture by visiting museums and historical landmarks.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in religious sites or conservative areas.
  • Forget to tip in restaurants and cafes.
  • Speak loudly or be overly boisterous in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ploiești

Ploiești is generally a safe city, but visitors should take the usual precautions to avoid theft and scams. It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night.

Health in Ploiești

Romania has a good healthcare system, but visitors should make sure they have adequate travel insurance before arriving. It’s also a good idea to bring any prescription medication you need, as it may not be available locally.

Getting to Ploiești: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ploiești is well-connected to other cities in Romania and Europe by road, rail, and air. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Ploiești

The nearest international airports to Ploiești are Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest (54 km) and Aurel Vlaicu International Airport in Bucharest (61 km).

Bus Stations Near Ploiești

Ploiești has several bus stations that offer connections to other cities in Romania and Europe, including the Ploiești South Bus Station and the Ploiești North Bus Station.

Other Options

Trains, taxis, and car rentals are also available in Ploiești.

How to Get Around in Ploiești

Ploiești is a relatively small city that can easily be explored on foot or by bike. Taxis and buses are also available.

Where to Go Next from Ploiești: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ploiești is a great starting point for exploring the region’s other attractions. Here are some nearby destinations worth visiting:

  • Brașov: Known for its beautiful medieval architecture and stunning mountain views, Brașov is less than two hours away by car or train from Ploiești.
  • Sinaia: This charming mountain town is home to the stunning Peleș Castle, as well as many hiking trails and winter sports opportunities.
  • Bucharest: Romania’s vibrant capital city is only an hour’s drive or train ride from Ploiești, and offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.

Conclusion

Ploiești is a hidden gem in Romania, offering visitors a rich cultural experience, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant food and drink scene. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or just relaxing and enjoying the local atmosphere, Ploiești has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover all that this beautiful city has to offer.

Gara de Sud Gara de Sud Ploiești's Statue of Liberty Ploiești's Statue of Liberty The Cultural Palace The Cultural Palace Halele Centrale, the Central Market Hall Halele Centrale, the Central Market Hall City view City view