Things to see and do

Strolling along the Danube River shoreline is one of the main attractions in Galati. The backbone of the city stretches for 2.5 miles between the upper cliff and the lower cliff, the longest stretch in Europe along the Danube. The walkway is dotted with metal sculptures dating back to the 70s, and a great location for amateur and professional photography as well as various festivals and events in the city. Visitors can walk, cycle, or roller skate along the shoreline.

The Precista Fortified Church or St. Mary’s Church stands close to the Danube Shoreline. The church was built in 1647 and restored after WWII and is a true monument of architecture and art in the city. Legend has it that there was a tunnel dug out from underneath the church that travels under the Danube River.

The Galati Television Tower is a unique sight and experience in the city, housed in a unique building similar to the towers in Toronto and Berlin reaching a height of 492 feet. Situated at the western end of the Danube shoreline with a restaurant at the top of the tower for great panoramic views and delicious cuisine.

The Museum of Natural Sciences, “Rasvan Angheluta” houses some valuable pieces and collections on display. The Museum complex is also home to the beautiful Botanical Gardens offering visitors a relaxed atmosphere through the flora and vegetation. The aquarium houses an impressive collection of fish species from the Danube, Mediterranean, and freshwater tropical fish. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art digital projection system and two permanent exhibitions that are dedicated to Solar System and Univers. The Astronomical Observatory is the largest and most modern public observatory in Romania featuring a retractable roof and state of the are optical system.

Other interesting museums in the city of Galati include the Marine Museum, Museum of Visual Arts, and the Museum of History.

There are some beautiful verdant vineyards located in the sprawling countryside of Romania. Take a day trip to visit one of the stunning vineyards; Odobesti Vineyards is one of the largest and oldest in the country dating to the 17th century, its famous product is Galbena de Odobesti, a light white wine with a mellow grape fragrance. The vineyard can process over 1,000 tons of grapes, and wines and stretches across Bolotesti, Jaristea, and Odobesti viticultural areas covering over 7,000 hectares. The historic 18th-century wine cellar here has been completely restored and holds over 3,000 hl of wine for aging in stainless steel tanks and oak casks.

Wandering along the Galati waterfront is charming both day and night, it is one of the key areas in the city. The city is one of the largest economic centers in the country with life developed around the Naval Shipyard. There are many restaurants on the waterfront housed in different boats, and the statue of Nicolae Balcescu also stands along the waterfront.

Galati is a popular cruise port and was included on the 2020 schedule of Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s riverboat Brabant. There are cruise itineraries the travel between homeports of Budapest and Regensburg as ports sequence. Galati is on the west banks of the Danube at the junction of the Siret and Prut near Lake Brates and around 50 miles from the Black Sea (via the Danube Delta). The city has endless opportunities for cruises and water excursions.

Galati is ranked second in the country for green space per capita. The city’s largest natural parks and gardens include Mihai Eminuescu Park, Botanical Gardens, Public Gardens, CFR Park, and Garboavele Zoo. Hunter’s Lake is located northeast of the city covering several acres of land including acacia forest, 3 swimming pools, guest houses, camping sites, a restaurant, and boat marinas.

Food and Nightlife

The city of Galati offers a great variety of restaurants with many serving delicious traditional Romanian cuisine along with several Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, Greek, and international options. Romanian cuisine is made up of several different cultures including ancient Greeks, Romanians, Saxons, Turks, and Slavic. Some of the main ingredients used in traditional cooking include pork, beef, and lamb, as well as fish, vegetables, dairy products, and fruits.

Typical food in Romanian is made with meat, usually, pork with menus made up of several different types of pork dishes. Romanians enjoy comfort good, and Galati is a great city for dining options with plenty of diversity and dozens of traditional Romanian restaurants. Many of these local restaurants are located in authentic historic buildings, some playing folk music or featuring folk dancing shows and serving up some of the countries finest cuisine.

A few popular dishes in the city include sarmale, cabbage stuffed with spiced minced pork or beef. Mamaliga is a cornmeal porridge similar to polenta served with many main courses topped with sour cream and cheese. Covrigi is soft pretzels topped with salt or poppy seeds served hot on the streets of Bucharest. Mici (“small ones”) is made of combinations of ground meat and spices grilled on the barbecue, normally served with mustard and fresh bread. Ciroba de burta (Tripe soup) is a popular first course in Romania made with boiled beef tripe, vegetables, and served with sour cream, vinegar, and a garlic paste.

Galati is one of the largest cities in Romania and ranked one of the top nightlife destinations. The nighttime fun usually starts around 8 pm in the city, starting with a delicious meal and then on to the bars and clubs in the city. Galati is made up of two centers; the historical center and the modern center where visitors can find great restaurant options, cafes, pubs, bars, and clubs. The clubs don’t get started till around midnight and many playing a variety of music with stylish interiors and a fun atmosphere. Divino is the largest club in the country located in the heart of Galati and frequented by the rich and famous with famous DJ’s performing. The riverbanks of the Danube offer plenty of fun nightlife options for visitors including wonderful restaurants with scenic views, as well as bars and other nightlife options.

Hisotry, and Culture

During 101, 102, 105, and 106 the Dacians fought wars against the Romans, and the area became part of the Roman empire. A strong Roman fortress was built at Barbosi to defend the Danube.

The city of Galati’s first official historical attestation dates from 1445, it started as a fishing village on the Danube in 1913, it became the third city in the country according to population. The is evidence as early as the 600s, there was a treasure hoard uncovered in a Byzantine tomb near the Church of the Virgin containing 12 silver coins that were issued between 613-685. Galati’s township was Moldova’s only port for domestic trade with Turkey and Poland.

There was a peasant revolt that took place in the city around 1907. Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, Galati is the port where Count Dracula disembarked his ship and escaped to Transylvania. In 1821 the city burnt to the ground three times by the Russians, the Ottomans, and the Greeks. The city’s development began after 1830 during the Porto-Franco period when it became famous with figures such as Alexandru Ioan Cuza, and Costache Negri were preparing the union of Romanian principalities and considered the city for the new capital.

Festivals and Events

There are a variety of exciting events taking place in Galati throughout the year including festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings, dance performances, opera, musical theatre, exhibitions, and gastronomic events. Some of the cities most important national and international festivals that are held annually in Galati include;

-The International Music Festival “Leonard” - November - December - Includes opera, operetta, musical theatre, symphonic concerts, and a festival named the Danube Jazz and Blues Festival.

-Fani Tardinin “Dramatic Theatre” - Held for over 40 years in the city, the first Romanian theatre to set up a competitive comedy festival.

-The National Comedy Festival - October - November - A marathon of joy where the public can watch some of the best Romanian theatrical performances.

-International Animation Festival “Gulliver” - May - The longest-running animation theatre festival in the city organized by “Gulliver” Puppet Theatre at the City Hall.

-International Festival of Fanfare - August - Organized by the “Danarea de Jos” Cultural Center promotes prestigious bands and young orchestras that perform outdoor concerts on the main stage of the festival and in heavy pedestrianized areas of the city including the Danube Quay and the Public Gardens.

-International Folklore Festival “Doina Covurluiului” - August - Famous ensembles that gather from Romania and abroad with singing and dancing for joy, longing, sorrow, love, and celebration.

-Modern Movie Film Festival - July - The festival is an opportunity for joy and good mood, successful films are shown critically acclaimed and appreciated by the audience held outside.

-National Opera and Operetta Theatre organized by “Nae Leonard” - July - Hosted at the Danube stadium, the Danube Rock Festival is a celebration of guitar, drum, bass, and keyboard sounds.

-Christmas and New Year’s Traditions and Customs Festivals - December - Tudor Pamfile brings together folk ensembles from the country and Galati County and the Republic of Moldova highlighting the traditions and customs of the winter holiday season.