If this is your first time wandering around Iasi and you don't know where to start, don’t worry! We’re happy to help, here’s a list of 10 things to do and visit in this beautiful city. Before anything else, welcome! We are always happy to embrace newcomers, Iasi loves fresh adventurous spirits and so do we. So, what do you say? Are you ready to fall in love with the city of great ideas? If you didn't already know, Iasi is the city where the first Great Union took place, where the first theatre play in Romania was held, the city of the first memorial literary museum and of the first Botanical Garden in the country. But that's not all. In Copou, you can find the oldest university of Romania, the University of Iași, currently called "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University. Apart from its splendid architectural design, the University also possesses a true artistic monument within its walls:
1. The Hall of the Lost Steps
Located in the main building, the hall has 19 murals painted on its walls, all combining different shades of blue that reflect the soul, youth, history and poetry of the Romanian legacy. As you walk past these astonishing paintings, you cannot help but stop and admire the beauty of Sabin Bălaşa’s artwork that takes you through a whole range of emotions: from the overwhelming shivers you experience when you look at the "Acceptance of death", to the feeling of inner peace generated by the mural picturing Icar.
2. “Gheorghe Asachi” Library
The library, also located inside the “A. I. Cuza University”, was voted in 2015 the most beautiful library in the world. Now you have the chance to see and analyze the reasons behind it being awarded with such a title.
3. “Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre
The building where the theater is currently located was originally designed to function as a town hall, but following a fire that destroyed the former theater, the function of the building changed. Now it hosts one of the most splendid theaters in the world, which was ranked 2nd in the BBC charts in 2015. The next thing you need to do is buy a ticket and go watch a play. You won’t regret it!
4. The Palace of Culture
Combining three architectural styles: neo-gothic, romantic and neo-baroque, the palace is the most imposing building in Iasi. Besides the elegant characteristics and grand stature, the palace also offers other attractions: it houses several museums within its walls that will surely catch your attention.
5. The Botanical Garden
Founded in 1856, it became the first botanical garden in the country. It has several sections, from the rose garden to the flora of the globe, the garden offers views worthy of admiration for most of the year. So, if you need a place to relax and recharge your batteries this is where you have to go.
6. Bucium plateau
Located on a hill above the city, Bucium is the perfect place for a picnic or a walk with your friends at sunset. While you are there don’t forget to admire the panoramic image of Iași, the most striking view that can be seen at night when the city is reduced to thousands of lights.
7. Lăpușneanu Street
Walking down Lapușneanu Street, one of the oldest and most impressive streets in Iași, we can see on both sides, cozy cafes and buildings with a strong historical heritage such as “Cuza Palace”, also known as the Union Palace and many others. The street ends next to the Union Square, formerly known as the Square of Joy.
8. The spiral
The spiral is the place where lots of students gather in the evening in order to have fun and spend time together. Once you go down the spiral, you will find a variety of characters that will surprise you and also a variety of things that you can do: from karaoke to beer pong, to dancing or to just enjoying the atmosphere, while listening to many different types of music: rock, trap, pop or our all-time favorite Romanian songs that take fun to a whole new level.
9. The Ciric Area
Placed on the Ciric river valley, this leisure area is the perfect place to relax with your friends, whether we are talking about a barbecue, or a walk by the lake or a ride on pedal boats. Even if the complex opens in mid-spring, you should not miss the opportunity to visit it at least once.
10. Buy a ticket and hop on the bus or on the tram
There is no better way to discover a city than by getting lost in it. You may be surprised by what you’ll find in your little adventure. Don’t be afraid to try new things because the adventures happen when you have no expectations.
Follow us