About Tulcea
Tulcea is the seat of the county of the same name, a port town of 65,624 inhabitants (2021 census) on the right bank of the Danube, at the entrance to the Danube Delta. A Greek settlement and then the Roman port of Aegyssus stood on the spot; today's town grew under the Ottomans, as the seat of a sanjak, and became part of the Romanian state in 1878. For most visitors Tulcea is the gateway to the delta: this is where the Navrom Delta ships leave for Sulina, Sfântu Gheorghe and Periprava.
The town can be seen in a few hours, on foot, between the waterfront and the hill. Anyone who comes for the delta can combine the day with a walk through the port and what Tulcea has to show.
What you can see
The Danube waterfront is the axis of the town: a long promenade with quays, passenger ships and a view of the far bank of the river. On it stands the River Station (Gara Fluvială), from which the Navrom ships leave, and nearby, next to the waterfront, is the Tulcea Aquarium, the aquarium section of the Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Museum Centre.
Above the town, on Monument Hill (the former Colnic Hora), lies the Independence Monument Park, with the ruins of the ancient fortress of Aegyssus. The Independence Monument, destroyed in 1916–1918 and rebuilt in 1932 and 1977, is the symbol of the town and is visible from all around the port. The History and Archaeology Museum is also there.
Elsewhere in town are the Azizie Mosque, built in 1877 by Ismail Pasha, St Nicholas Cathedral, cross-shaped and Byzantine in style, with bells cast in Bavaria in 1882, the Choral Temple of 1888 and Avramide House, from the late 19th century. The Eco-Museum Research Institute also runs the Art Museum, in the Pasha's Mansion, and the Ethnography and Folk Art Museum in the town. On the edge of town, towards Mahmudia, the Traditional Fishing Village recreates houses, a fish-processing station and a windmill on about 3 ha.
Good to know
The Navrom ships do not leave every day for every village, and the timetable changes with the water level and the weather. Excursions into the delta start from Tulcea; the delta as a reserve has its own page, Danube Delta.
Information verified on 30 October 2026.
- A walk along the Danube waterfront, between quays, passenger ships and the far bank of the river.
- The River Station, where the Navrom Delta ships leave for Sulina, Sfântu Gheorghe and Periprava.
- The climb up Monument Hill to the Independence Monument and the ruins of the Aegyssus fortress.
- The Azizie Mosque, from 1877, with its white minaret above the bank.
- The Tulcea Aquarium, a few steps from the waterfront, for the fauna of the delta.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Bucharest ~297 km (~4 hours), from Constanța ~131 km (~2 hours), on national roads towards Tulcea; from Tulcea to Mahmudia ~31 km. Distances are approximate.
Public transport: the Navrom Delta ship leaves from the River Station, on the waterfront, into the delta. Private boats leave from Port Tulcea Aval.
- Where to park
There are paid public car parks on the waterfront and at the River Station; in summer, when the ships leave, the spaces fill up quickly.
- Fees & discounts
The town is free to visit. Navrom Delta, adult, one way, on the classic ship: Tulcea – Sulina 66 lei, Tulcea – Sfântu Gheorghe 70 lei, Tulcea – Periprava 76 lei, Tulcea – Crișan 50 lei; the semi-fast ship costs more (Sulina 76 lei). For tickets bought online the classic-ship price applies. Children under 7 and pupils travel free, and pensioners get a 50 % reduction; these tickets are bought at the ticket office or on board, with documents. Anyone going into the delta needs the ARBDD access permit: 5 lei/day, 15 lei/7 days, 30 lei until the end of the year, at permise.ddbra.ro.
- Rules
At the River Station carry your ID and, if you are going into the delta, the ARBDD permit. Mosques and churches are entered with shoulders and knees covered and with a quiet voice. On the waterfront mind the edge of the quay and do not climb the bollards or the parapets at the water.
- Facilities
Waterfront with paths and benches · Navrom ticket office at the River Station · cafés and restaurants on the waterfront · museums in town
Frequently asked questions about Tulcea
How much is a ticket to Tulcea?
Admission to Tulcea is free (the town; ships are paid). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Tulcea?
Opening hours at Tulcea: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Tulcea take?
A visit to Tulcea takes about 2½ – 3 hours (waterfront, hill and one museum).
Can you visit Tulcea with kids?
Yes, Tulcea is suitable for children (promenade and aquarium).
Where can I park at Tulcea?
There is paid parking at Tulcea (on the waterfront and at the River Station). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Tulcea?
Tulcea is located at Danube waterfront, at the River Station, Tulcea, Tulcea County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Tulcea?
The best season for Tulcea: April – October (summer, most sailings).
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