Iași is a university city in eastern Romania, near the border with Moldova. In the center is the huge St. Paraschiva Metropolitan Cathedral, a 19th-century Orthodox church built in Italian Renaissance style. Nearby, the Three Hierarchs Monastery has an exterior decorated with delicate, Moorish-style stone carvings. Backed by Palas Park’s manicured gardens, the Palace of Culture is a vast neo-Gothic building. ― Google
April to June: Blooming gardens, warm weather, and student life in full swing.
September to October: Mild autumn temperatures and rich cultural events.
December: Festive lights and Christmas markets with fewer tourists.
By air: Iași International Airport (IAS) connects with Bucharest and major European cities.
By train: ~6–7 hours from Bucharest, with direct routes available.
By bus or car: Scenic ride through hills and valleys, especially from Suceava or Bacău.
Local transport: Trams, buses, and taxis make it easy to get around.
Palace of Culture: An architectural icon housing four museums, including history, art, science, and ethnography.
Metropolitan Cathedral: The largest Orthodox church in Romania and a spiritual heart of the city.
Copou Park & Eminescu’s Linden Tree: Historic park loved by Romania’s greatest poet, Mihai Eminescu.
University of Iași (Alexandru Ioan Cuza): Romania’s oldest university, with a beautiful neoclassical building.
Golia Monastery: A peaceful place with a bell tower that offers panoramic city views.
Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery: A masterpiece of stone carving and Byzantine-Romanian design.
Wander through Copou Park and visit the Mihai Eminescu Museum.
Climb the Palace of Culture clock tower for panoramic views.
Explore the National Theatre — one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Discover hidden courtyards, cafés, and antique bookstores.
Attend a classical concert or literary event — the city thrives on culture.
Visit cultural festivals, especially the “Feast of Saint Parascheva” in October — the largest pilgrimage in Romania.
Elegant hotels and boutique guesthouses near the Palace of Culture and Copou Park.
Budget-friendly pensions and apartments are available near the university and city center.
Book early during festivals or academic events.
Iași offers rich Moldovan cuisine with hearty, home-style flavors.
Must-try dishes:
Tochitură moldovenească (meat stew with egg and polenta)
Ciorbă rădăuțeană (sour chicken soup)
Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls)
Pască and poale’n brâu (traditional desserts)
Enjoy local wines, țuică (plum brandy), craft beer, and specialty coffee spots scattered throughout the city.
Iași is a city of education, literature, and Orthodox spirituality.
It has deep ties to Romanian national identity, 19th-century reform movements, and literary icons.
Locals are warm, intellectual, and proud of their heritage.
It’s a place where libraries, monasteries, museums, and cafés full of students co-exist gracefully.
Expect a slower pace than Bucharest — Iași is more reflective and elegant.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring its hills and historical streets.
Bring cash for small bakeries and markets, although cards are widely accepted.
Stay at least 2 days to experience both the urban and spiritual sides of the city.