Constanța, Romania: The Ultimate Guide For Solo Female Travelers

Constanța is without a doubt one of my favorite places to be in Europe. This charming coastal city was first built in 600 BC under the name of Tomis and is the oldest city in Romania today. It’s the place the Roman poet Ovid was exiled to for the last years of his life and where a variety of his poems were written. And although being banished is certainly not a pleasant experience, there are definitely worse places to be exiled to than Constanța, even in Roman times. Fortunately, the beauty of this city as survived until today and the abundance of Roman remains, as well as the access to a stunning coastline, make Constanța a hotspot for history aficionados, couples, families, and party people alike.

But of course, this doesn’t mean that Constanța can’t be enjoyed on your own as well! On the contrary, Constanța is one of the best solo female travel destinations out there! During my Romania solo trip last year, I spent the longest time in Constanța, which allowed me to fully unwind at the beach and thoroughly grasp the flair of this ancient city. During this time, I got to explore Constanța in-depth and gather important information on how to enjoy this beautiful city as a solo female traveler that I’d like to share with you in this post.

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Getting to Constanța

As the fifth-most populous city in Romania, Constanța is easily reachable by train, bus, plane, and car. When I visited, I took a train from Bucharest to Constanța, then a bus to Tulcea and back, and ultimately returned to Bucharest by train. Here is some more information on each mode of transportation individually:

• Train: Constanța Railway Station lets you connect easily from Constanța to other Romanian cities, such as Bucharest, Mangalia, Tulcea, as well as some international destinations (via transfer in Bucharest). While offering significantly greater comfort than buses, Romanian trains are quite slow. The ride from Bucharest to Constanța took over two hours. Trains are also slightly more expensive than buses and tickets must be purchased at the counter before boarding, as usual for train travel. However, once you’re on the train it’s a smooth ride and reliable method of transportation.
• Bus: Buses span a wider network out of Constanța than trains. In addition to the destinations reachable by train, buses also offer direct transportation to smaller towns, such as Babadag, as well as transportation across the border to Bulgaria. Buses are the cheapest way in and out of Constanța but be prepared for an uncomfortable ride across bumpy land roads. Be especially careful when sitting in the middle seat in the back of the vehicle because one big bump could throw you out of your seat!
• Plane: Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport is located about 26 kilometers out of Constanța and connects the city with a few other cities across Romania and Europe. The airport is very small and the network extremely limited. However, it’s the most comfortable way to get to the Romanian Black Sea coast from the few cities that are connected.
• Car: Traveling by car gives you the greatest freedom to travel along the Black Sea coast and into the inland of Romania. It’s the only way to get to some rural villages west of Constanța and there’s no need to rely on any schedules. You can easily drive to Constanța with your own car via land roads or rent a car in the city to explore the nearby areas. One good place to rent a car is at the Ibis Hotel in downtown Constanța. However, whether driving your own car or a rental car, remember to do so carefully. The land roads are in bad condition and animals from the nearby farms cross frequently.

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Where To Stay In Constanța

As a popular vacation spot, Constanța offers a wide range of accommodations. From high-end hotels to hostels, homestays to holiday homes, you can find anything. Here are some suggestions of the types of accommodation based on your budget:

• Medium to large budget/comfortable stay: If you’re looking for a comfortable stay close to the bustling beach, I recommend checking out a beachfront resort in Mamaia. If you prefer to stay in the city center, a large hotel in the old town might be best for you. Oftentimes, these ones also include a sea view!
• Low to medium budget/privacy: If you want to have an entire home to yourself with ultimate tranquility in this romantic city, take a look at vacation homes. Just keep in mind that most affordable vacation homes are outside of the city center and you’ll have to take a taxi or bus to get to a point of interest.
• Low budget/socializing: Hostels are a budget traveler’s best friend and an amazing place to make lifelong new friends. This isn’t any less true for Constanța. Share a surprisingly comfortable room with other fellow travelers and socialize with cool people at any time of the day! When I was in Constanța, I stayed four nights in a six-person dorm at EOL 777 hostel and I couldn’t recommend it more for solo female travelers! Located halfway in between Mamaia and the city center, all major attractions are accessible by foot and with a nightly rate of around $14 USD, the hostel is very affordable. But most importantly of all, the owners are extremely kind and I met some absolutely fascinating people during my stay!

Booking.com

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Getting Around Town

Getting around Constanța is quite easy. The city is neither too large to explore by foot nor too small to lack a proper transportation network. These are the ways to get around town:

• Bus: Constanța has an extensive intracity bus network that cheaply gets you around town. There are bus stops pretty much everywhere and you can calculate the best route using Google Maps. The least convenient part about riding buses in Constanța is purchasing the ticket. Like in most places in Romania, you must purchase the ticket in advance at a kiosk, which can be quite tricky if you don’t speak Romanian.
• Taxi: Unfortunately, unlike in other Romanian cities, Uber is not available in Constanța. However, you can use the Clever app to call a registered taxi to your location or simply wave one from the street. Taxis in Constanța are very affordable and not a single time has a driver attempted to overcharge or harass me while I was there. Still, it’s important to keep in mind these taxi safety tips for solo female travelers every time you ride a taxi.
• Walking: Constanța is an extremely walkable city, which makes it easy to save money on transportation. I sometimes walked from Mamaia to the city center, which took 1-2 hours. Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and don’t attempt to walk all the way from the beach to the city in your flip-flops.

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Top Places To See In Constanța

Now we’re getting to the most interesting part of this post. Constanța offers SO MUCH to see and do, I don’t think you’ll ever get bored. Here are some of my top recommendations:

• Piața Ovidiu:

Piața Ovidiu (eng.: Ovid Square) is the heart of the old city center. As the name tells, the square is dedicated to the Roman poet Ovid who spent the last years of his life in Constanța. There is a statue of the poet in the middle of the square and it is said that visiting this place promises good luck in love. How romantic! However, even if you aren’t looking for love, there are lots of restaurants and historic sights nearby, making it a place you mustn’t miss.

• Carol I Mosque:

Carol I Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque of Constanța, was constructed in 1910 and represents the beautiful heritage of the Muslim minority in Romania. The mosque is open for people of all faiths and dress codes aren’t strictly enforced. Furthermore, the minaret is accessible in exchange for a small fee and offers an impressive panoramic view of the beautiful coastal city. However, keep in mind that the staircase up is very steep and narrow and might induce a fear of heights!

• The Casino & The Genoese Lighthouse:

The Casino and the Genoese Lighthouse are scenic landmarks near Constanța Port that add to the city’s romantic flair. The casino is no longer active, so no gambling, but it’s a popular spot to watch the sunset by the sea. Besides, there are plenty of street vendors selling books and souvenirs nearby.

• The Roman Mosaics:

The impressive mosaics are the remainders of the city’s commercial complex during the Roman Empire. Located in a hall and distributed across three floors, the remainders are vast and offer a glimpse into what life in Constanța was like in the ancient times.

• Parcul Arheologic：

This archeologic park in the city center offers a further insight into Constanța’s Roman past. You can take a walk through the various relics of the ancient city’s fortress or sit down on a bench and relax in the green environment.

• Mamaia Beach Promenade:

So, have you gotten tired of seeing Roman remains yet? Then it’s time to head over to Mamaia! With bustling beach promenades, funfairs, street performances, filled beaches with clear water, and the smell of delicious snacks in the air, Mamaia is a top vacation and party spot. You can literally spend all day and night at the beach but make sure to bring a good sunscreen and sun glasses!

• Lacul Siutghiol:

If you thought it couldn’t get any better, there’s also a lagoon on the other side of Mamaia (opposite from the beach). The place is perfect to take a relaxing walk or play in the calm water without all the crowds. One of my favorite activities at the lagoon was fishing out small fish using a net (and of course leasing them right away). However, remember that especially in summer, the place is full of mosquitoes, so you’ll need a good repellant.

• The New City Center:

Lastly there’s the new city center. A rather boring place in itself, it’s the go-to shopping zone in Constanța. If you’re looking for some especially cheap clothes, makeup, and other products, make sure to check out the China City Shopping Center!

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Where To Eat In Constanța

Constanța has plenty of good places to eat but here I’ll list the places I’ve dined at or food I’ve personally tried and loved:

In the Old City Center

• Pizzico:

Pizzico is an Italian restaurant near Piața Ovidiu. A bit more on the expensive side, the restaurant offers a fine dining experience with excellent food.

• The View:

Another higher-end restaurant in the Old City Center in The View near Constanța harbor. Serving a wide variety of international dishes and wines accompanied by an amazing sea view, the restaurant’s outdoor terrace is a wonderful place to watch the sunset or spend a nice evening.

• For your sweet tooth…

…go to any cafe or bakery in the city center! You definitely won’t regret a good cup of coffee with cake and placinta (thin pastry filled with white cheese).

In Mamaia

• Traditional Romanian restaurants:

There are plenty of traditional restaurants at the beach promenade in Mamaia. They offer a wide variety of Romanian classics (think meat, corn purree, vegetables) and often feature traditional dance and music performances in a beautiful folk setting.

• Autoservire (Canteens):

Autoservire restaurants are very popular in Romania and one of the cheapest ways to eat. It’s a type of canteen where you put together your meal from a variety of food items and pay at the end. You can find plenty of these at the beach in Mamaia!

• Street food:

Street food is my favroite type of food pretty much everywhere and of course, there’s plenty of it at the Mamaia beach promenade. Here are some examples of yummy snacks you can find:

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Day Trips From Constanța

With an impressive Black Sea coast continuing south of Constanța, there are plenty of places to visit as day trips out of Constanța. Below are some suggestions:

• Costinești:

Are you getting bored of the calm sea at Mamaia Beach? Then it’s time to head over to Costinești! Costinești is a small town with a bustling beach , where the waves are a bit wilder, the sand a bit whiter, and the visitors a bit of a younger crowd. The place is perfect for surfing and playing beach sports and accessible by bus or train out of Constanța.

• Mangalia:

A formerly Ancient Greek town, Mangalia offers a variety of sights, including ancient ruins, the Esmahan Sultan Mosque, and a nice harbor. North of the city, you can find more seaside resorts, such as Cap Aurora, Saturn, and Jupiter. The city is also accessible by bus or train.

• Varna:

Did you know you can go all the way to Bulgaria by bus from Constanța? Go on a day trip across the border and visit the beautiful city of Varna!

Read More: Ruse, Bulgaria: A Perfect Day Trip From Bucharest

• Adamclisi:

Adamclisi is a small village in the countryside near Constanța famous for its Roman remains like the Tropaeum Traiani. Unfortunately, the village is not accessible by public transportation but if you rent a car you can enjoy the beautiful Romanian countryside on the way there and back.

• More:

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Nightlife in Constanța

Are you a night owl? Don’t worry because the bustle in Constanța continues well into the night! Be it pubs near Ovid Square or fun beach bars in Mamaia, there are plenty of spots to hang out. Besides, Romanians are very friendly and will make sure you’re safe out at night as a solo female traveler.

When I went alone to a beach bar in Mamaia, a couple invited me to join their table. We spent the entire night chatting, they treated me for snacks, and in the end made sure I safely got into a taxi back to my place.

A special tip when you have to buy something at night: check out the non-stop market in the Old City Center! They have a variety of snacks and drinks but also breads, meat, and cheese that you can buy around the clock.

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Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers In Constanța

Having traveled solo in Constanța, I had a great time connecting with locals and visitors alike and generally felt very safe, apart from a few instances. However, there are a few points that are important to keep in mind for solo female travelers visiting Constanța.

Theft

Guess what, I haven’t gotten robbed in Constanța or felt in the imminent danger of it! However, especially when swimming in the sea alone, it’s important to make sure that nobody just casuall steals your valuables. Here are some ways you can protect your belongings when you’re alone at the beach:

1. Bury your belongings in the sand when nobody is looking – that’s what I did most of the time and it worked but it’s not the most reliable method.
2. Ask friendly-looking people to watch your things – When I was at the beach, a family asked me for this favor. They returned and everything turned out well, but keep in mind that you can’t 100% trust everyone. This method is better if your belongings aren’t very valuable.
3. Get a waterproof pouch – this way, you can take your phone and cash into the water with you. The shops at the beach promenade sell plenty of these but they tend to be of bad quality and don’t offer reliable protection. It’s better to spend a bit more and invest in a good quality pouch.

Taxis

I’ve personally had zero problems with the taxi drivers in Constanța but things can happen anytime so I strongly encourage you to read my taxi safety tips for solo female travelers.

Sexual Harassment

This was in my experience the biggest problem in Constanța. I was approached by men all the time and while some just tried to flirt in a harmless way, others were pretty nasty. One time when I went to the beach, a group of teenage boys followed me and said nasty things when I just wanted to lie down and relax. I shooed them away but they were extremely persistent and moved closer and closer.

Another time, I went to a beach tattoo stall and the next moment I turned around, the owner was on video chat with a younger man trying to show him my face. The man showed up a few minutes later and tried to convince me to go in his car with him and have some drinks at a bar. The entire situation seemed extremely shady and needless to say, I didn’t go with him.

If something like this ever happens to you, do NOT go. Getting into a stranger’s private car and taking drinks from an unknown person are some of the most vulnerable situations for solo female travelers. It’s better safe than sorry because you never know the true intentions of strangers.

Health

Food and tap water is generally very safe for consumption in Constanța but if you happen to feel sick, go to one of the many pharmacies that you can find in every corner. Most pharmacists speak English, making communication quite easy.

The major health concern, especially at the beach, is the sun. Keep in mind that UV radiation can not only cause painful sunburns but also serious skin damage and cancer in the long run. It’s crucial to wear broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen at the beach anytime and reapply frequently. When not in the water, cover up your skin with long clothing and a head covering and protect your eye with quality sunglasses. If you still happen to get a sunburn, try to relieve the pain with aloe vera gel.

Although mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria or dengue are not common in Romania, mosquitoes can be a great nuisance, especially when enjoying a summer evening by the lagoon. Make sure to apply mosquito repellant every day in summer and use a cream to relieve the itch if you’ve already been bitten.

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Conclusion

Thanks to its well-preserved Roman relics and beautiful coastline, Constanța is a popular tourist spot. There are plenty of things to do in and around the city or you can just spend days in a row at the city’s beautiful beaches. Furthermore, Constanța is very safe, making it a perfect destination for solo female travelers. You can easily get there from Bucharest or other Romanian cities with a variety of transportation methods and stay at any type of accommodation of your choice. The city is beautiful in every way and definitely worth a visit when traveling along the Black Sea coast.

Read more:

Ruse, Bulgaria: A Perfect Day Trip From Bucharest

Top 10 Taxi Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers

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