Iasi City Guide

Local dishes like sarmale and mici are common. You’ll find Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern food too. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Some spots open late near the city center.

Nightlife revolves around students with bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues, mainly in the city center.

Coffee culture is growing with traditional cafés and emerging specialty shops.

Tipping is usual in restaurants (10-15%), taxis (round up or 5-10%) and services like hairdressers. Small purchases usually don't require tipping.

SIM cards from Orange, Vodafone, and Telekom are easy to get, with passport ID needed. Orange and Vodafone have good coverage and offer eSIMs.

City center is generally clean; some residential areas less so. Recycling is available but can improve.

Some pharmacies and shops open 24/7. Emergency rooms operate at all hours. Late-night food is limited but available.

Large supermarkets offer international products. Markets like Piața Unirii have fresh local produce. Shops usually open 7-10 AM to 9-10 PM, shorter on Sundays.

Cards work in most supermarkets, restaurants, and bigger shops. Smaller shops and markets often prefer cash.

ATMs from major banks like BCR, BRD, Raiffeisen, and Banca Transilvania are common. Expect variable fees for foreign cards.

Local public high schools and the American International School offer English instruction. Contact schools for admissions.

The nomad community is small but growing. Some tech events and cafes are good for networking.

Good green spaces like Copou Park and Botanical Garden offer shaded walks and running paths.

Popular running spots include Copou Park and along the Bahlui River; generally safe and well-lit.

Several gyms offer daily and weekly passes.

Several tennis clubs with courts and rental equipment.

Padel is growing but still less common than tennis.

Yoga studios offer various styles with some English-speaking instructors.

Several dojos offer Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, Kickboxing, and some MMA with varying drop-in policies.

Ski resorts like Durău and Vatra Dornei are 2-3 hours away with varying snow quality and terrain.

Limited water sports like kayaking on local lakes or rivers.

No surfing, Iasi is inland.

No diving; the city is landlocked.

Public hospitals can be variable; private clinics like Arcadia have English-speaking staff and better care. Pharmacies are widespread, some open 24/7.

Tap water is generally safe, but some locals prefer filtered or bottled water.

Parks with playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés are easy to find. Attractions like the Palace of Culture and Botanical Garden suit families.

More conservative than Western Europe, but somewhat open among youth. Few dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces.

Pet-friendly parks and vet clinics exist. Accommodations vary in pet policies.