Muntenia · Romania travel guide
Giurgiu County: The Danube, Comana Wetlands and Herăști Manor
South of Bucharest, Giurgiu County is often crossed on the way to Bulgaria rather than explored in its own right. Give it a day or two and the route opens up: a Danube port city with a landmark clock tower, a protected wetland landscape at Comana, a historic monastery, family-friendly outdoor activities and an unusual 17th-century manor at Herăști. This guide covers the six places in our Giurgiu list and explains how to combine them without rushing.
Planning note: Giurgiu city and Comana are separate stops. Check museum and attraction opening arrangements before travelling, and contact the manor directly because its published visitor programme is weekends only. The natural park is a protected area; follow current local rules and stay on permitted routes.
1. Giurgiu and the Danube waterfront

Giurgiu is a low-lying Danube port and county seat, facing Ruse in Bulgaria. The river edge and the Friendship Bridge give the city its borderland character, while the old clock tower is one of its most recognisable landmarks. Walk the central streets and waterfront, then allow time for the county museum rather than treating the city as only a border crossing. The Danube Bridge is a road and rail crossing; it is not a pedestrian sightseeing promenade, so view it from suitable public areas and do not stop on the carriageway.
Teohari Antonescu County Museum
The county museum is spread across several sections, including the central history collection, memorial history and ethnography. The municipality lists the central headquarters at 3 Constantin Dobrogeanu Gherea Street and gives the museum’s contact numbers and email on its tourism page. Check which section is open and confirm current hours before you go; the sections are at different addresses. If time is short, call ahead and ask which collection best matches your interests.
2. Comana Natural Park and the Neajlov wetlands
Comana’s mosaic of forest, wetland, meadow and water lies roughly 30 kilometres south of Bucharest. The protected area is valued for its biodiversity and birdlife, and makes a rewarding nature break from the capital. Think of it as a landscape to explore slowly rather than a single monument: choose a walk suited to the season, bring water and insect protection, and ask locally about trail conditions and places where access is restricted. The Comana municipality’s attractions page describes the protected area and local visitor activities.
Comana Monastery

The fortified monastery is the area’s best-known historic landmark. Its origins are associated with the 15th century; it was rebuilt in 1588 under Radu Șerban and later altered and restored. The monastery’s church, enclosure and towers reward an unhurried visit. It remains an active religious place: dress modestly, keep voices low, follow directions about photography and avoid entering areas that are closed to visitors. The municipality’s local tourism page also notes the nearby Comana Heroes’ Mausoleum, a First World War memorial within the historic complex.
Comana Adventure Park
The adventure park offers family and outdoor activities such as rope courses and zip lines, with other seasonal activities listed by the local municipality and operator. It is a separate commercial attraction beside the natural landscape, so check the operator’s current timetable, age/height limits, ticket prices and weather-related closures before making it the centrepiece of a day trip. Wear closed-toe shoes and follow staff instructions on equipment. You can combine a short activity visit with the monastery, but allow extra time if you plan to use the trails or water-based attractions.
3. Udriște Năsturel Manor, Herăști

In the village of Herăști, the Udriște Năsturel Manor is a rare stone-built country residence whose history begins in the early 17th century. The official site describes the property at 32 Miloș Obrenovici Street and publishes visits on Saturday and Sunday, 10:00–16:00, with a phone contact. As these details can change, check the official visitor page and call or email before setting out. The manor is a heritage visit, not a large resort complex; plan a quiet stop and allow time to appreciate the building and its setting.
How to plan a Giurgiu County visit
One day from Bucharest
- Start early and drive to Comana for a nature walk while it is cool.
- Visit Comana Monastery and the nearby memorial, allowing time for respectful access.
- Choose the adventure park only if its current opening schedule suits your plans; reserve ahead when required.
- Return to Bucharest or stay locally. Do not assume all activities operate every day.
Two days with Giurgiu city and Herăști
- Spend a half-day in Giurgiu: waterfront, clock tower and a pre-arranged visit to the Teohari Antonescu County Museum.
- On a separate day, combine Comana with Herăști Manor, checking the manor’s weekend programme and allowing for the rural road journey.
Getting around
A car is the most flexible way to connect Giurgiu, Comana and Herăști. Public transport may serve some towns and villages, but services and last-mile links vary; check current departures and local taxis before relying on them. If crossing the Danube to Ruse, check the current border-crossing and bridge arrangements through official channels. Do not plan a tight same-day connection around a border crossing or a rural attraction with limited opening hours.
Food, access and responsible travel
Comana is the strongest place to plan a full countryside meal or overnight stay; book ahead on busy weekends and verify whether a restaurant or activity is operating. In Giurgiu city, use the town as the convenient base for museums and the riverfront. Rural sites can have uneven paths and limited shade, so wear comfortable shoes, carry drinking water and protect yourself from sun and insects. Keep noise low around wetlands, never disturb birds or wildlife, take litter with you and respect religious and residential spaces.
Useful official links
- Giurgiu Municipality tourism information — museum sections and contacts.
- Comana Municipality attractions — park, monastery and adventure activities.
- Udriște Năsturel Manor official visitor page — current visiting programme and contacts.
Hours, tickets, transport and access can change. Confirm directly with each attraction shortly before travelling.

Leave a Reply