Its beaches, its monuments, its bars, its beautiful views… Constanța, the fifth largest city of Romania, may be one of the oldest town of the country, it’s not a sleepy one. And it’s also the home of Ovidius University, one of the four universities participating in this year’s Europavox Campus, the first musical springboard for European students.
Before the Constanța’s finale on the 28th of February, which will select the band that will represent Romania at the European finale this spring, let’s discover the best places to visit, eat at, or simply hang out in the city. Our guide ? Ovidius University’s alumni Diana Slav.
When three young Polish women inquired about the splendours of ancient Constanța in the fall of 2013, Diana Slav began breaking new ground in the field of tour guiding. After nine years, she still amazes local and international tourists on the most well-known seashore tourist tour, Constanța Walking Tour / Constanța La Pas, with her beautiful stories and architectural gems from the Peninsula. Diana is a graduate of Ovidius University of Constanța master’s program in Public Relations and Intercultural Development, promotion 2022. Here’s what she recommended…
Coffee Time – Hypso25
Any day starts with a good coffee and this can be done in the most beautifully decorated steam punk cafe located in the centre of the old town – Hypso25. Why the name Hypso? Because it means elevation, and we are at around 25 meters above sea level. Bonus, in the evening you will find here the coolest cocktails.
Viewpoints – Strada Vantului
The most wanted place for photoshoots now, instagramers and fashionistas. It is the narrowest street in Constanța and half of a Netflix movie was shot in here (name of the movie: What Happened to Monday).
Carol Mosque
Our religious sites are very relaxed, we embrace 8 different religious places only in the old centre. This one allows you to climb 140 stairs which will provide the best panoramic view to the city and to the industrial port too.
Port cliff & old Casino
Everybody loves to be by the seaside and everybody will be impressed by the casino standing there since 1910. The promenade area was first build in 1900 an in the summer is filled with concerts and other festivities.
Santa Maria Bay
This is a hidden gem, located in a different area of the city. But this is similar to Italian lungomare. Since for the moment the area is with not that many inhabitants/cars, it makes perfect for bikes, skates, and if you want to chill, the beach is right down there with direct access.
Restaurants – Bacaro
Right after the promenade and the Casino, my all-time fav place when I want to enjoy the sea, the waves, the winds, and good food. The options are plenty and every corner ask for a new photo to be shared on Instagram.
Rozmarine
This one is hidden in plain view, looking like a little taverna. Is another fav of mine with the best view looking at the industrial port. The sunsets here are magnificent. The food is a fusion between local dishes and international with a personal twist. And if you are lucky, you may find here a party in the street. That’s how cool they are.
Cocktails – Botanica
The best and the most beautiful hidden urban garden with great selections of coffees, teas, cocktails, and small garden concerts.
Beach please – Zoom Beach
The entire city has a longline of beach, all arranged with bars and beach chairs but this one is by far the best place to be. Great bar, great music selection, food court, movie nights and concerts in the summer.
Art and more – ArtAntik
An art gallery with antiques, souvenirs, providing also music gathering, wine tastings and promoting local artists.
