Ploiești (Pronounced: Plo-yesht) is the closest city to Bucharest in Romania (2021 population: 180,540). The city has an attractive core with a collection of 19th-century mansions, unique museums, and excellent rail connections to the rest of the country, making it a convenient base or jumping-off point while exploring Romania.
Known as the birthplace of the modern oil refining industry, it was home to the world’s first large-scale oil refinery in 1856 and remained a major refining hub throughout the 20th century. While not a touristy city, Ploiești draws international visitors engaged with the various local industries and businesses and foreign students at the Oil and Gas University (UPG).
Ploiești traces its formal founding to 1596, when Michael the Brave, Prince of Wallachia, is said to have established it as a market town, though the area had been inhabited for centuries before. Its rise coincided with the decline of nearby Târgșor, once one of the most important cities in Wallachia, now a small village barely 13 km away from Ploiesti. As Târgșor’s trade and influence faded in the late 16th and 17th centuries, merchants and craftsmen gravitated to the growing market in Ploiești, drawn by its position on the crossroads linking Bucharest with Moldavia and Transylvania.
By the late 19th century, it had grown into one of Romania’s key commercial hubs, thanks to its industries, thriving vineyards on the hills to the east, and strategic position. During this time, merchants from across the country gathered here, and the city gained a reputation for its lively spirited nightlife. At its height, just after the First World War, there was said to be a pub for every 200 residents in Ploiești.
During the Second World War, Romania was the largest producer of oil in Europe, with local refineries from Ploiești supplying nearly a third of Nazi Germany's oil needs. This led to repeated bombing raids, the most famous being the 1943 U.S. bombing known as Operation Tidal Wave.
Today, Ploiești remains an industrial centre with four active oil refineries, though its proximity to Bucharest has drawn much of the younger residents to the capital or abroad in search of new opportunities.
Ploieşti is served by the same airport as Bucharest, the Henri Coandă International Airport that is 45 km away. There is a rail line connecting the airport with the main train station of Bucharest where you can easily hop on a train to Ploiești at any time before 22:30 (€3-5). Taxis/Uber/Bolt can also make the journey from the airport to Ploiești but at a significantly higher cost (€25 to €40).
Ploieşti is the second most important railway hub in Romania and is linked by numerous trains with every major city in the country (there are more than 60 trains daily connecting Bucharest) through its train stations.
Trains take between 35 and 70 minutes to cover the distance between Bucharest and Ploieşti, depending on the type of train. The train is the fastest way to get to Ploieşti, both from Bucharest and Brașov.
44.924525.99481Gara de Vest (Western train station). Connections between Bucharest and the whole of Transylvania crossing the Carpathian Mountains into Brașov via Prahova Valley and its famous resorts like Sinaia and Predeal. Some international trains to Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria stop at Ploiești Vest.
44.924926.02992Gara de Sud (Southern train station). Connections between Bucharest and the whole of Moldavia through Buzău. International trains to Chișinău, Moldova and Kyiv, Ukraine stop at Ploiești Sud.
44.953626.02713Gara de Nord (Northern train station). Only local commuter trains going to Măneciu, a small town at the foot of the Ciucaș Mountains.
A dozen or so trains a day connect the two stations, running regularly. The train journey takes 6 minutes. Any train in Gara de Sud with a destination in Transylvania will stop in Gara de Vest and any train in Gara de Vest with a destination in Moldavia or Măneciu will stop in Gara de Sud.
Otherwise, bus line 2 connects the two train stations within 20 minutes. Taxis take 10-15 minutes at a cost of roughly €2.
Ploieşti is home to two official bus stations and one minibus station. Using the bus in the region is not recommended (except perhaps going to Târgovişte, taking a flixbus, or to local places lacking train connections). Service schedules can be a mystery, even to locals. Online information may or may not be out of date. To make matters more complicated, a host of other spots are used as ad-hoc picking up and dropping off locations for various transport services, making navigating the system very difficult for travelers.
44.92528926.0263734Ploieşti South Bus Station (Autogara Ploieşti Sud), Strada Depoului 7. The most important bus station of Ploiesti, near the Southern train station, serving regional bus lines to the nearby cities of Târgovişte, Buzău, some inter-city bus lines to Constanța, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and international coaches to cities in Western Europe. (updated Aug 2025)
44.95869726.0124925Ploieşti North Bus Station (Autogara Ploieşti Nord). The station tends to be used for local transport in the county. (updated Aug 2025)
44.93897725.9803796Ploieşti West Minibus Station (Statie microbuze Podul Înalt). More of a 'spot' that a station, local minibuses can be picked up from here. (updated Aug 2025)
Ploieşti is very well connected with other cities in Romania, being very close to Bucharest and placed almost midway between the capital and Brașov. From Bucharest, in can be reached either through the old DN1 national road or the A3 motorway. The drive from the airport takes around 40 minutes. From Bucharest, the drive can take anywhere between 50 minutes and two hours, depending on congestion levels and how far in Bucharest you start.
There are ample parking locations in the city centre, though best is to use one of the two multi-story car parks. The price for parking is around 2.5 lei per hour.
The city’s public transport network, operated by Transport Călători Express Ploiești (TCE), covers all districts with 38 bus routes, 4 trolleybus lines, and 2 tram lines. Public transport navigation is available on Google Maps, though be aware that timetable timings are often unreliable and some routes run less frequently than expected.
Single fares cost 2.5 lei and can be paid directly with a contactless bank card on board. Paper tickets are also available at kiosks near major stops.
bus 1, 30: Crossing the city from south to north via southern train station.
bus 2: Connecting southern and western train stations via city center.
tram 101: Crossing the city from southern train station to the main regional hospital at the northern side of the city via city center and northern bus station.
tram 102: Following the ring road from the western train station to the north of the city and the main regional hospital via northern bus station.
trolleybus 202: Connecting southern train station to western minibus station via city center.
Taxis and ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt) are widely available at all hours, and a trip across the city rarely costs more than 25 lei. While most drivers are honest, a few may try to overcharge by claiming the meter is broken or taking a longer route if they suspect you’re a visitor. To avoid surprises, confirm that the meter is running before starting your journey or use a ride-hailing app where the fare is set in advance.
Ploiești’s historic architecture suffered heavily during the 1943 U.S. bombing raids and in the following decades under Communist rule, which replaced much of the old city with the stark concrete brutalist buildings typical of southern Romania. Quite a bit of the surviving old buildings lay abandoned in a poor state or have been improperly refurbished, not taking the historical design into account. Still, a number of gems remain that reveal the city’s layered past.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist44.9432526.019311Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Catedrala Sfântul Ioan Botezătorul). Romanian-Orthodox cathedral of St. John the Baptist, built in 1923-37 in Neo-Brâncoveanu style, a highlight of Romanian ecclesiastical architecture. (updated Aug 2025)
44.943126.01812Statue of Liberty (Statuia Libertății). A gift from France erected in 1881, the freedom statue depicts the Roman goddess Minerva.
44.943826.02153Central Market Halls (Halele centrale). Built between 1930 and 1935, these interwar market halls are one of Ploiești’s most distinctive landmarks. Their neo-Romanian façade, crowned by a clock tower and steel-framed dome, hides a bustling world of traders selling fresh produce, cheeses, meats, baked goods, and Prahova Valley honey. (updated Aug 2025)
The Palace of Culture hosts the Museum of Natural Sciences, among other temporary exhibitions.44.9419826.021894Palace of Culture (Palatul Culturii). Built between 1912 and 1918 as a courthouse, this striking neoclassical building is one of Ploiești’s architectural gems. Its grand façade features imposing columns and ornate detailing characteristic of early 20th-century Romanian design. Today, the Cultural Palace serves as a vibrant cultural centre housing several museums and exhibition spaces. Visitors can explore local history, art, and cultural heritage showcased through rotating exhibits and permanent collections. (updated Aug 2025)
44.9424826.0263255The Grand Synagogue (Marea Sinagoga), Strada Basarabi nr. 12.
44.93607526.0264476Radu Stanian House (The House of Marriages), Bd. Independenței 15. The most elegant mansion in Ploiești is popularly known as the Wedding Palace, a name it earned after serving as the city’s registry office. Before that, the property was privately owned by two successive mayors — father and son, both named Radu Stanian — who governed Ploiești around the turn of the 20th-century. At that time, the house was far more modest. Its present grandeur is the result of a major reconstruction in 1926, which introduced elements of the national architectural style so successfully that the building now stands as a textbook example of Romanian architecture. (updated Aug 2025)
44.93034226.0279167Independence Boulevard (The Boulevard of Chestnuts), Bulevardul Independentei. The main artery connecting Ploiești’s city centre to the southern train station, the boulevard is lined with a charming mix of historic buildings and important civic landmarks. It’s a popular promenade where locals gather, especially under the shade of the many chestnut trees that have long adorned the sidewalks. Along the boulevard and its 2 parallel side streets, you’ll find a blend of architectural styles reflecting Ploiești’s past. The wide sidewalks make Independence Boulevard perfect for a leisurely stroll to soak up the city’s atmosphere. (updated Aug 2025)
44.93837426.0223878The Philharmonic hall (Filarmonica Paul Constantinescu), Strada Anton Pann 5. Although the concert hall building is modest and unassuming, it is home to Ploiești’s acclaimed philharmonic orchestra, which regularly performs a rich program of classical and contemporary music. The concerts are highly praised for their quality and atmosphere, making attending a performance a rewarding cultural experience. Check the schedule online to see what’s on during your visit. (updated Aug 2025)
The Clock Museum building44.9362126.026949The Clock Museum (Muzeul Ceasului Nicolae Simache), Strada Nicolae Simache 1. A charming and unique collection of over 1000 sundials, astronomical clocks & vintage watches, that were once owned by famous Romanians, including King Carol I, displayed in a 19th-century magistrate's home. (updated May 2022)
44.939126.0291310Oil Museum (Muzeul Național al Petrolului), Strada Doctor Dumitru Bagdazar 8. The museum offers a comprehensive look at Romania’s pioneering role in the global oil industry. Through a fascinating collection of vintage machinery, historic photographs, models, and documents, it traces the development of oil extraction and refining from the 19th century to today. (updated May 2022)
44.9382426.0274111Merchant’s House Museum (Muzeul Casă de Târgoveţ - Casa Hagi Prodan), Strada Democraţiei 2. The house of Hagi Prodan from 1785 is the oldest standing non-religious building in the city. It's an example of old Romanian architecture with Oriental details with covered porch and carved wood pylons. Now it's a museum giving a view into the lifestyle of an 18th-century rich merchant living in Ploiesti. (updated May 2022)
44.93780926.02589712Ploiești Art Museum (Muzeul Județean de Artă), Bulevardul Independenței 1. Housed in an elegant mansion near the city centre, this museum showcases a diverse collection of Romanian fine art, spanning classical paintings, modern works, and local artists. (updated Aug 2025)
44.9399126.0269413Archeology and History Museum, Strada Toma Caragiu 10. (updated May 2022)
44.9393426.0245814Ploiești Art Gallery (Galeria de Arta), Piața Victoriei. Small art gallery in the city centre. Free entry. (updated May 2022)
44.9390726.0241715Muzeul "Ion Luca Caragiale" (Casa Dobrescu). Building from the late 18th century, nowadays housing a museum about the writer Ion Luca Caragiale (1852–1912).Ploiești's Statue of Liberty
44.94656326.0410481Obor Market (Weekends Only), Strada Oborului 2. Sa Su 06:00-18:00. Traditionally, a central hub for produce and livestock, Ploiești’s Obor Market was moved to the city outskirts as the town modernized in the 19th century. Today, it’s a sprawling open-air market where you can find everything from antiques and DIY goods to fake branded clothes and Ukrainian contraband, plus plenty of surprises. Don’t miss trying traditional Romanian mici with a cold beer while you explore. (updated Aug 2025)
44.975126.062Bucov Park (also known as Constantin Stere Memorial Park). Just outside the city and can be a good place to spend a few hours on a nice day. The park has a zoo, botanical gardens, and a few outdoor bars during the summer where you can also have lunch. (updated May 2022)
44.911426.0413The Hippodrome (Hipodrom). Go to the race tracks to watch horse races right next to the university. There are races roughly every fortnight on Sundays between May and November. (updated May 2022)
44.94102226.0353984FC Petrolul Football match, Strada Stadionului 26. FC Petrolul Ploiești play in the top football league in Romania. Their Ilie Oană Stadium (capacity 15,000) is 500 m east of town centre. (updated Aug 2025)
Airsoft. A popular game in Ploiesti with events organised by the Carpathian Brothers Squad in the ruins of the huge 'Columbia' refinery of the city. Game types include capture the flag, last man standing, and deathmatch. You can make reservations and rent equipment on site. (updated Aug 2025)
Parks Head for a jog at Parcul Tineretului. In Winter, there is an ice skating ring operating in the park. The Olimpia Sports Hall inside the park also offers tennis and basketball courts for rent. Alternatively, the newer West Park also has an ice skating ring and space to jog. Beware in summer time of the lack of shade in West Park!
44.802526.055TRQZ Lake (20 km away from the city centre). A sizable human-made lake with a sand beach, offering water sports, kayaking, a bar, and a food van. Perfect for the hot summers. Can be reached by car or by slow train to 'Prahova' station and a 25-minute walk. (updated May 2022)
44.98120126.1226086Timiș Estate Wellness & Spa Resort, Florica Romalo 4, Chițorani, ☏ +40 374 341 119. The Timiș Estate is a 5 star resort and vineyard domain 10 km away from Ploiești, set on 140 hectares, blending the elegance of its restored neo-Romanian manor with modern nature-inspired bungalows. It offers refined accommodation, diverse dining (Romanian fusion, Mediterranean, bars & tastings), spa & wellness, outdoor activities (walks, cycling, mini-golf, lakes), all in a setting of luxury on the hills overlooking the city. (updated Aug 2025)
Ploiești Jazz Festival takes place every autumn with fantastic performances from various jazz musicians from Romania and abroad.
Ploiești City Days is the celebration of the city. It takes place mid-May with various events and performances across the whole city.
Republik Fest is an alternative music festival held every year in Bucov park. The 2025 festival will take place 5-7 September.
La Rock Festival is a rock and alternative music festival held every year in Florești, Prahova on the Cantacuzino domain, around 24 km away from the city.
Summer weekends on the Boulevard. Every summer weekend, Independence Boulevard is closed for traffic. A variety of concerts, competitions, exhibitions and other cultural activities are held every weekend.
Chestnut Festival (Festivalul Castanilor) takes place every autumn reuniting folk artists from the region competing to win prizes for their performances.
Many events taking place in Ploiești can be found on the official Ploiești City App.
Ploiesti is hardly a city known for shopping. Being so close to Bucharest, shopping options are quite limited and basic as they mostly cater to the daily needs of the local population.
Central Market Halls(Halele Centrale), Strada Emile Zola 8. can present plenty opportunities to source traditional Romanian cheese and meat, straight from the farmers.
Obor Market (Weekends Only), Strada Oborului Nr. 1. A large variety of antiques, clothes, and second-hand wares can be found.
44.966125.97281Ploiesti Shopping City (at the northern outskirts of the city). (updated May 2022)
44.946926.03252AFI Ploiesti, Strada Calomfirescu 2 (towards the eastern side of the city). (updated May 2022)
44.9282726.036493Ploiești Value Centre, Strada Democrației (on the south side of the city, 5 minutes away from the Southern train station). (updated May 2022)
44.9485826.008924Berezka, Piața Mihai Viteazul, 11B1. A Russian-themed shop with food and drinks from all over the former Soviet Union. (updated May 2022)
44.9496826.005655Super Mercato. Shop with various Italian products. (updated May 2022)
44.942726.022376GIOYA, Strada Emile Zola 2. Shop with various Italian products. (updated May 2022)
Many restaurants are dotted around the city center as well as the northern strip right before exiting the city towards Ploiesti Shopping City. There is variety in food choices, with quite a few sushi, Greek, Italian, and Turkish places, alongside the typical Romanian.
44.9345426.026061Taverna Greceasca Dionysos, Strada Anul 1907 nr2, ☏ +40 244338835. Traditional Greek restaurant with amazing quality food and wines. €10-15 for a meal with a drink. (updated Aug 2025)
44.95295226.000132Turkish Doner Grill, Șoseaua Nordului 1. Hands-down the best Turkish food in the city. Be sure to try the home-made ayran. €10-20 for a meal and a drink. (updated Aug 2025)
44.9384826.027923Cafeneaua Nației (The Cafe of the People), Strada Ștefan cel Mare Nr. 7A, ☏ +40 732603456. Amogst the very few vegetarian options in the city. Worth a visit for the soups, chickpea and avocado pancakes, and the wide selection of teas. (updated May 2022)
44.9329426.025414Just Sushi, Strada Bobâlna 15, ☏ +40 771572251. Japanese-inspired sushi and noodles bar. Their spicy beef noodles are the closest you're going to get to an authentic Asian meal. (updated May 2022)
44.9344926.026325Restaurant Prestij, Strada Bobâlna nr. 1, ☏ +40 721334433. Upscale restaurant serving international food. (updated May 2022)
There are a few good bars and beer gardens in the city. Nightlife is limited to bars rather than clubs.
44.9428426.032841Jazz Cafe, Strada Praga 11, ☏ +40 722259725. A relaxed beer garden with food and drinks. (updated May 2022)
44.9435726.025142Altera Lounge, Strada Erou Calin Catalin 11 (corner with Strada George Cosbuc). Bar with small summer terrace and decent food. (updated May 2022)
44.9412326.015443The Fable, Strada Vasile Lupu 32. Popular bar with outdoor seating and a good selection of cocktails and fine spirits. (updated May 2022)
44.91334326.035034Teatrul Naţiei (The Theatre of the People), Bulevardul București 28. From the owner of Cafeneaua Natiei, a cultural hub located near the university hosting concerts, performances and events. The same great vegetarian food from Cafeneaua Natiei is available here too. (updated Aug 2025)
44.94126.022065The Shamrock (Winmarkt Omnia Shopping Center). Known locally as 'Irish'. The bar is located on the roof of Winmarkt Omnia in the city centre. During summer, there are tables outside on the roof where you can enjoy the view. (updated May 2022)
44.933926.01086La Ștuțu, Strada Rândunelelor 2. A rock bar with a sizable beer garden and probably the best fried anchovies you will ever have. (updated May 2022)
44.933826.026497Room 26, Bulevardul Independenței 26. Try this café for their Belgian waffles. (updated May 2022)
44.94277526.0255978Ziya Cafe & Wine Bar, Strada Basarabilor 20. Speciality coffee place with outdoor seating. (updated Aug 2025)
44.94426826.0166599Piagi Cafe, Bulevardul Republicii 16. Cafe close to the cathedral in the city centre. (updated Aug 2025)
44.941426.0196310Caffee Milano, Bulevardul Republicii 25. Italian coffee and delicious lunch options. (updated May 2022)
44.9403526.0234211Blues Cafe, Bulevardul Republicii 1 (inside Hotel Central). Has a very nice Viennese cafe vibe. (updated May 2022)
44.9429826.023412Longline, Strada Bibescu Vodă 2-4. Has premium coffee in a minimalist modern atmosphere. (updated May 2022)
44.9385626.00973313Zaț Cafe, Strada Traian 1. One of the trendy outdoor cafes of the city serving speciality coffees and smoothies. The typical hanging out spot for younger people. (updated Aug 2025)
44.9414126.027911Hotel Prahova Plaza, Strada Constantin Dobrogeanu Gherea 11, ☏ +40 244526850. Your typical Eastern European communist hotel. €70-100 per night. (updated May 2022)
44.9405526.022982Hotel Central, Bulevardul Republicii 1, ☏ +40 244526641. Another one of the big hotels of the city. As central as it gets. €60-90 per night. (updated May 2022)
44.93993926.0229623Villa Bijoux, Strada Tache Ionescu 18. Central mansion turned into hotel. €60 per night. (updated Aug 2025)
44.93424426.0261214Acapulco Hotel, Strada Bobâlna 1. 65 - 90 EUR per night. (updated Aug 2025)
44.93433926.0269075Hotel Vigo, Bulevardul Independenței 28. (updated Aug 2025)
44.9610625.982646Casa Simoni (Pensiunea Casa Simoni), Strada Pensiunilor nr 4, ☏ +40 745 010 310. This one is really buttoned up with decor inside so that you'll feel a bit like you're in a dollhouse possibly. Breakfast available. 143 lei. (updated Jan 2021)
44.9603925.981777Hotel Yarus, str Republicii, nr 228, Cartier Albert, ☏ +40 737 599 600. Looks a little bit like one of those gentleman clubs outside, but here you'll find clean, warm rooms; a restaurant with an outdoor terrace and substantial breakfasts; and possibly even some karaoke or bar and entertainment. 159 lei. (updated Jan 2021)
44.9464226.034258Forum, Strada Gheorghe Doja 215 A (Centro commerciale AFI), ☏ +40 722 997 979. A three-star hotel
There is free Wi-Fi across most of the city center and inside most, if not all, bars and restaurants. Internet speeds are among the best and cheapest in the whole world (500-1000 Mbps is the typical broadband speed).
Visiting the wineries of Prahova County The Dealu Mare wine region, which begins north of the city and stretches all the way to the city of Buzău, was slow to embrace wine tourism, including tastings and overnight stays, but is moving quickly to make up for lost time. The region is known for both high-quality whites and reds. The 100-km-long (driveable only) Prahova Wine Road takes travellers through arid, remote terrain and villages as it connects many of the best wineries. There are over 20 wineries on the hills east of Ploiesti. Highly recommended wineries with tastings include Crama Budureasca , Crama Serve Ceptura and Gramofon Wine .
Slănic Salt Mine is 40 km away or 1 hour 20 minutes by train. It is a huge underground salt mine with tunnels and a sightseeing platform. The salt mine is in the resort town of Slănic that features lots of beautiful hiking areas, horse riding centre, lidos for bathing in the summer, and quite a few accommodation options, albeit a bit basic and dated.
Explore Valea Prahovei and its resorts, Sinaia, known for Peleș castle and its royal history, is 50 minutes away by train; Busteni, a smaller town with many options to hike and rent villas, is 1 hour away by train; Predeal is 80 minutes away with the fastest train. All the mountain resorts have fantastic hiking and mountain biking trails, ski slopes for the Winter, great food, and plenty of interesting sights.
Brasov, one of the most beautiful cities in Romania, is 100 km away or ~2 hours by train.
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