This port city at the edge of the Danube Delta has winding streets lined with Turkish, Greek and Romanian houses. Local fishermen sell fresh catch at the riverside market.
Tulcea sits at the gateway to the Danube Delta, where the river splits into its channels before reaching the Black Sea. From the city's port, you can take daily boat trips into the UNESCO-listed wetlands. Walk up to the Independence Monument for views across the river, visit Romania's largest aquarium at the Natural History Museum, or explore the 1865 Saint Nicholas Church and the Azzizie Mosque in the city center.
Exploring the Danube Delta
From Tulcea's port, you can explore the Danube Delta's 5,500 species of plants and animals. Local operators run boat tours through the channels and wetlands, with prices starting at 150 lei for half-day trips and 300 lei for full-day excursions. Watch for white pelicans, European minks, and cormorants among the reeds. Multi-day trips take you deeper into the delta's remote areas, where you can stay in floating hotels or local guesthouses.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Danube Delta Natural History Museum includes Romania's largest aquarium, with 50 freshwater fish species from the delta. At the History and Archaeology Museum, you'll find Roman artifacts excavated from the ancient settlement of Aegyssus. The Art Museum on Grigore Antipa Street displays paintings by Romanian artists, with new exhibitions changing every three months.
Getting Around Tulcea
Trains and buses connect Tulcea to Bucharest (4-5 hours) and Constanta (3 hours). You'll find the railway station, bus terminal, and ferry port within a 10-minute walk from the city center. The local airport handles only charter flights.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Winter temperatures in Tulcea often drop below 0°C from October to April, with snow covering the ground for about 28 days annually. Plan your delta exploration between May and September when temperatures range from 20-30°C. Museums stay open longer during these months, typically from 9:00 to 18:00.
Local Food Scene
Restaurants near the port serve freshwater fish from the delta, including carp, pike, and sturgeon. Try local specialties like fish soup with polenta or grilled pike perch. During the Fisherman's Day in September, local chefs prepare traditional delta recipes at outdoor stalls along the waterfront.
Day Trips and Nearby Sites
Visit the 4th-century Niculitel Basilica and sample local wines at Sarica Niculitel Winery, both 18 miles from Tulcea. The Celic Dere Monastery, also 18 miles away, contains 19th-century frescoes. In the Macin Mountains National Park, 50 miles west, you can hike trails through Romania's oldest mountain range, with peaks reaching 467 meters.
