Giurgiu County

Romania, Europe

Giurgiu County is a STATE in Romania, Europe.

Giurgiu County, nestled along the Danube River in southern Romania, offers a serene blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Just an hour from Bucharest, it’s a refreshing escape where the river defines the landscape. Explore Comana Natural Park, a lush delta-like reserve with lakes, forests, and rich birdlife—perfect for boating, fishing, or cycling along scenic trails. The county capital, Giurgiu, features the iconic Friendship Bridge to Bulgaria and a modest but charming city center with Ottoman-era echoes. History buffs will appreciate the ruins of the Giurgiu Fortress and the mysterious Snagov Monastery just across the lake. Local villages preserve traditional crafts and warm hospitality, while the Danube promenade invites leisurely strolls. Don’t miss tasting fresh fish dishes and Dobrogean wine. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or a quiet cultural retreat, Giurgiu County reveals a slower, authentic Romanian rhythm far from crowded tourist hubs.

Best time to visit Giurgiu County

The best months to visit Giurgiu County are May, June, and September, when the weather is pleasantly warm (20–28°C), nature is lush, and crowds are minimal. July and August are hot but perfect for Danube river activities and festivals, though accommodation can be busier. Spring (April–May) brings blooming landscapes and ideal conditions for cycling in Comana Park. Autumn (September–October) offers golden foliage and wine harvest events. Winter is cold and quiet; some attractions have limited hours, but it’s a magical time for a peaceful retreat and traditional holiday markets.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Overcast
Temperature
17°
Feels like
16°
Humidity
47%
Wind
1 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 8–18°C, crisp

Travel notes

Crowds
Low to moderate
Prices
Low to mid

Autumn colors, quiet hiking, shorter days

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

OTP

Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport

International

70 km away

BBU

Băneasa Airport (Bucharest)

Domestic/Charter

60 km away

Getting around

"Local buses connect major towns within the county, but services can be infrequent. Minibuses (maxi-taxi) are quicker for shorter distances. Renting a car is recommended for exploring villages and Comana Park; roads are generally acceptable but may be narrow. Taxis are affordable in Giurgiu city, but agree on the fare or ensure the meter is on. Cycling is popular around Comana Lake. The Danube bridge offers pedestrian access to Ruse, Bulgaria. Trains from Bucharest to Giurgiu run daily, taking about 1.5 hours. Bucharest’s Henri Coandă Airport is a 70 km drive, with shuttle buses available."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

35 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in Giurgiu city hotels and cafes; limited in rural villages

Local SIM

Local SIM (Telekom, Orange, Vodafone) available at Bucharest airport from $5 or in Giurgiu shops

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe; occasional petty crime in crowded areas. Road conditions require cautious driving.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe; occasional petty crime in crowded areas. Road conditions require cautious driving.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Giurgiu County is generally safe with low violent crime. Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded bus stations or markets, so keep valuables secure. Avoid isolated riverbanks at night. Road conditions are mixed; watch for potholes and stray animals, especially after dark. If crossing into Bulgaria via the Friendship Bridge, carry your passport and check border wait times. Emergency services are reliable; the 112 number works for all urgent needs. In rural areas, response times may be slower. Exercise usual precautions and stay aware of your surroundings."

Entry and health

Health information

"Travelers should have routine vaccinations up to date. Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are present in forested areas, so use insect repellent during outdoor activities. The Danube and nearby lakes may harbor cyanobacteria in summer; avoid swimming in stagnant waters with visible algae blooms. Tap water is generally safe to drink, though bottled water is widely available. Medical facilities are basic in smaller towns; for serious issues, head to Bucharest’s hospitals (70 km away). Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation. Pharmacies are common and well-stocked for minor ailments."

Culture

Local customs

"Romanians value politeness and hospitality. A firm handshake is common when meeting someone. Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries—cover shoulders and knees. At village homes, it’s customary to remove shoes before entering. When invited to a meal, bring a small gift like flowers (odd number, never roses for men) or wine. Tipping around 10% is appreciated in restaurants. Learning a few Romanian phrases like 'Bună ziua' (Good day) and 'Mulțumesc' (Thank you) will endear you to locals. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like the communist era or ethnic tensions. Public drunkenness is frowned upon."
Romanian (official)HungarianRomaniGermanUkrainianRomanian

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5-8 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-8

Hotels

$30-60 | budget hotels and pensions range $30-60/night

Local transport

$0.50 | local bus ride ~$0.50

Cost notes

Very affordable compared to Western Europe. Eating out and accommodation are particularly cheap.

Timezone

Europe/Bucharest
Local time 10:32

More facts

Population

280,000

ISO code

RO-42

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Vanatorii Mici, Vinatorii Mici, Vânătorii Mici, Vînătorii Mici

Major HubHistoric CityNatureFamily-FriendlyRiver CruisesCultural