Things To Do
in Craiova
Craiova is a dynamic university city in southwestern Romania, blending historic architecture with a lively cultural scene. The center is walkable and filled with cafés, markets, and grand squares, while parks and riverside trails offer easy escapes. It serves as a gateway to Oltenia’s countryside, with Romanescu Park as a highlight just a short ride from downtown.
With affordable dining, friendly locals, and easy access to nearby landscapes, Craiova offers a relaxed yet engaging Romanian city experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Craiova and check into your hotel to freshen up. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, where you can sample traditional Romanian pastries. Take a stroll through the nearby Nicolae Romanescu Park to shake off any travel fatigue.
Explore the Craiova Art Museum housed in the former administrative palace, admiring its extensive collection of Romanian and European art. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant, savoring delicious local dishes. Continue your afternoon by visiting the Romanescu Park to enjoy its beautiful gardens and the lake.
Dine at a cozy local restaurant, trying out dishes like mămăligă and sarmale. After dinner, take a post-meal walk through the illuminated city center. Consider enjoying a traditional Romanian folk music performance at a nearby venue.
Start your day with breakfast at a local bakery, then head to the Oltenia Museum to learn about the region's rich history. Afterward, visit the impressive Saint Demetrius Cathedral, one of the oldest religious buildings in Craiova.
Have lunch at a downtown café before embarking on a guided walking tour to discover Craiova's historical landmarks, including the Letter’s Square and the impressive University of Craiova. You'll also be able to see the stunning architecture of the city.
Relax over dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can share stories with fellow travelers. After dinner, visit a local pub to experience Craiova’s nightlife, or enjoy a quiet evening stroll through one of the city’s vibrant squares.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range) | $25-40 |
| 🚕Taxi (1 km) | $0.80-1.50 |
| 🏨1 night in mid-range hotel | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Central location in Oltenia with access to parks, culture, and university life
- Generally affordable with good food and hospitality
- Limited nightlife compared to larger Romanian cities
- Summer heat and humidity can be intense
- "Bună ziua" - Hello / Good day
- "Vă rog" - Please
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Vorbiți engleză?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Craiova
Visit one of these nice places.
A sprawling, scenic park with winding paths, lakes, bridges, and lush landscapes—ideal for dawn or golden-hour photography.
Historic facades, statues, and the energetic university campus offer contrasting shots of old and new Craiova.
The theatre’s façade and surrounding squares provide stately architecture and atmospheric evening light.
Brick-lined streets and views toward the Jiu river create intimate street photography opportunities.
Food in Craiova
Craiova Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy tripe soup, commonly found in traditional restaurants; look for a tangy, garlicky version with a splash of sour cream.
Must-Try!
Grilled minced-meat rolls served with mustard and bread; a staple at grill joints and market eateries.
Polenta balls stuffed with cheese, often fried or baked and served as a rustic side or snack.
Cabbage rolls stuffed with pork and rice, a comforting staple in Oltenia's cooking.
Bean soup with smoked meat, a hearty dish popular in winter dining.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant central market for fresh produce, meats, dairy, and local specialties; great for sampling seasonal snacks and observing daily life.
Casual stalls offering grilled meats, corn on the cob, mici, and sweet treats; ideal for a quick, tasty bite while sightseeing.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting such as Buna ziua (Hello) is appreciated; say please (vă rog) and thank you (mulțumesc). Handshakes are common in formal situations.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid loud behavior in public spaces; seating and dining are relaxed but orderly in most venues.
Safety
Tipping in Craiova
Ensure a smooth experience
A small tip (5-10%) is common in restaurants if the service is satisfactory. In cafés and casual eateries, rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two is appreciated but not mandatory. Taxis typically do not require a tip beyond rounding up the fare.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make it ideal for city strolls and outdoor cafés; expect occasional rain showers.
Hot and often humid; carry water, wear a hat, and seek shade in parks or along the Jiu river to stay cool; occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons.
Pleasant temperatures with colorful foliage; perfect for walking tours and outdoor photography; light rain is possible.
Cold with possible snow; indoor attractions and cozy cafés are popular; back streets can be chilly but charming with festive lights.
Craiova at Night
Hiking in Craiova
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Shaded, easy to moderate trails around the park’s perimeter and along the lake.
Forest hikes with varying difficulty, accessible by car for day trips.
Day hikes with scenic viewpoints, forested slopes, and monastery visits.
Airports
How to reach Craiova by plane.
Main local gateway; short drive to the city center; serves domestic and some international routes.
Romania’s largest airport; connect to Craiova by domestic flight or long-distance rail.
Major western Romania gateway; farther from Craiova but accessible by rail or road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large and active student population due to the University of Craiova and other faculties.
Predominant ethnic group; a mix of ages with growing families in the city.
A smaller Roma community present in several neighborhoods and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local clubs and matches draw sizable crowds.
Active local leagues and courts in public spaces.
Traditionally strong in Romania with community clubs and youth programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Craiova.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most places; look for tatami-like bean dishes, vegetarian soups, mămăligă with vegetables, and eggplant or pepper-based dishes. When in doubt, ask for the chef’s recommendations or for dine-in menus with vegetarian choices.