Breakfast time
If you’re in the mood for a tasty vegetarian bite, you can choose Bindu, a central place filled with good food, good mood, good music, and good cocktails (if you fancy starting your day like that). Make sure you try one of their breakfast combos or, my favorite, the vegan wrap. Yum!
A good alternative is Treazu&Nu, near Palas Mall, where they have some super delicious breakfast options and great coffee. My recommendation? Benedict eggs & a flat white. But don’t take my word for it, go and taste it by yourself.
Time for a walk
It’s time to go wandering around the city centre. Take a stroll on Stefan cel Mare boulevard and take a look at one of the most imposing and impressive buildings in Iasi, the Metropolitan Cathedral. You can also take a few steps towards the National Theatre park to get a better perspective of how beautiful it is.
While you’re in the park, relax for a little bit and enjoy the view of the “Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre as well, as this edifice represents a Neoclassic architectural jewel. If there aren’t any rehearsals scheduled and you’re in the mood, you can ask for an inside tour of the theatre. I promise you won’t regret it.
If you want to spend your time taking the outdoor roads, you can continue your walk along the boulevard until you arrive in front of the Palace of Culture. Take a look at Casa Orest Tafrali‘s beautiful architecture which now serves as the Catholic diocese’s typography.
Right next to it, one of the most beautiful churches in Iasi – the “Three Hierarchs” Monastery. The blending of traditional shapes with precious materials and refined decorations turns it into the most precious church monument in the city.
Head to the Dosoftei House, which marks the first pages in the history of Romanian literature. This is one of the oldest civil buildings preserved in Iasi and it represents an important landmark in the city’s history.
Last, but not least, make sure you at least take a walk around the Palace of Culture, one of the absolute symbols of Iasi. In terms of architecture, art, and history, this building is a gem.
Hungry yet?
Lunchtime is here by now, so you can go to Trufanda to eat one of their toasts made from the very best seasonal and local ingredients. I especially liked the sausage toast and the beetroot & goat cheese toast. Not to mention the calming visual appeal this place has: a green oasis making you feel like you are having lunch in the middle of nature.
Cheffa is another good option if you are looking for some delish tacos, burgers, or steaks. Their terrace, hidden in plain sight, is a gem during summer if you want to spend your time in a stylish place, sheltered from the city’s murmur and heat.
Visiting mood
Even if you’re full by now, I bet your appetite for culture is yet to be satisfied.
I strongly suggest you go visit the House of Museums, a fascinating place, full of history.
The building on Vasile Alecsandri street no.6 was erected in 1896 and initially had Jewish owners, later being bought in 1914 by the “Viața românească” Society.
The premises hosted for years the only typography of the city until a building was built for it on Sf. Lazăr Street. Following the typographyʼs relocation, the Palace hosted various exhibitions in the period of 1932-1934. However, with the acceding of the communists to power, various state companies were in charge of the administration of the building.
The buildingʼs cultural purpose from 1914 to 1934 has now been restored under the new title of House of Museums, where 4 new museums are open to the public: The Museum of Iași Pogrom, The Museum of the Jewish Theatre in Romania, The Museum of Poetry, The Museum of Childhood under Communism.
Ending the day the fun way
Quite a busy day, eh? The time has come for some rest now, so it’s safe to say that you can swing by for some cocktails at Gist, or at the hottest cocktail bar in the city, Oddity. The atmosphere will be quite relaxed and you will get to spend an evening with the bartenders that will know exactly what drink suits you best if you tell them a bit more about yourself.
If you’re in the mood for beers, you can always choose Beer Zone or The Trumpets. Plus, if you’re hungry, you can order your favorite pub food, which may not be entirely healthy, but is definitely appetizing.
