Piatra Neamt, Romania

Piatra Neamt lies in the historical region of Moldavia, and it is considered one of the most picturesque cities in Romania because of its privileged location in the Eastern Carpathian mountains. The city is surrounded by five mountains, giving it all the advantages offered by a kind and unique nature. The oldest traces of human civilisation date back to the Stone Age. The renowned Cucuteni culture (3600-2600 BC) was attested in the region by a remarkable number of settlements and archaeological diggings. Excavations just outside the city revealed the ruins of a large Dacian city named Petrodava. Piatra Neamt is home to many cultural events, including the International Theatre Festival in the springtime, the classical music event Musical Holydays in the summertime and more folkloric festivals all year round.

Piatra Neamt's main attractions are the mountains and the lakes in the area, the festivals held throughout the year, and many historical buildings such as Stephen's Tower or the Princely Court, built in the 15th century during the reign of Stephen the Great. Other important attractions are the History & Archaeology Museum, which hosts the Cucuteni exhibition - the largest Aeneolithic artifacts collection in southeastern Europe, the 15th century Bistrita Monastery, located 8 km west of the city, or the Cozla Park, including the Zoo and the ski run.

Piatra Neamt is linked by railway to Bucharest and Iasi, and by national road to Bacau, Iasi, Suceava, and Targu Mures (Transylvania). The nearest airport is at Bacau at 60 km south.

Cheap minibuses run throughout the city, and the price doesn't change no matter the length of the ride. Taxis are affordable, but they will try to exploit the tourists. A more convenient option is to rent a car, for example using services offered by EuroCars.

Due to the economic boom of the recent years and the increasing number of tourists, Piatra Neamt has developed many accommodation offers, such as hotels and hostels, or by renting short and long term apartments.

Finding the appropiate dining place in Piatra Neamt isn't difficult. A great number of restaurants and bars are available, with many of them serving traditional Romanian specialties. There are also fast foods available, as well as country specific restaurants.

Piatra Neamt has several shopping centres available throughout the city, and there are also available plenty of places to buys souvenirs, the most common met being related to Romanian folk.

Apart from the ocasional events that take place in Piatra Neamt, there is always a theatre or a cinema to go to for entertainment, as well as art exhibitions. The nightlife in Piatra Neamt has a lot to offer on its own. Piatra Neamt has something for everyone, like bars and clubs, discos, or even casinos.