Craiova travel guide

The official currency of Craiova, like the rest of Romania, is the Romanian Leu (RON). Cash remains a popular form of payment, especially for small businesses and local markets. However, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, offering easy access to cash withdrawals. Be sure to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any potential card blockages. It's also wise to carry some cash for smaller transactions. When budgeting for your trip, consider that Craiova is generally less expensive compared to other European cities, but prices can vary depending on the area and type of establishment.

The official language in Craiova, as in all of Romania, is Romanian. While English is taught in schools and understood by younger locals, many older residents only speak Romanian, so it is useful to know a few basic phrases. Try 'Bună ziua' (Good day), 'Mulțumesc' (Thank you), and 'Unde este...?' (Where is...?).

Remember, Romanian is a phonetic language, pronounced as it is written, which should make pronunciation easier once you grasp the basics. Additionally, Romanian is a Latin-based language, so speakers of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or French might find it familiar. Consider downloading a translation app or carrying a pocketphrase book to aid your communication while exploring Craiova.

Craiova, located in the southern region of Romania, experiences a temperate continental climate. The city sees a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, even during the driest months. The average annual temperature is approximately 11.2° Celsius (52.16° Fahrenheit).

The summer months, from June to August, are typically the warmest with temperatures often reaching upwards to 30°C (86°F). However, the city can also experience heatwaves with temperatures occasionally soaring to 35°C (95°F) or more. In contrast, winters in Craiova, from December to February, are quite cold with temperatures often falling below freezing, especially at night. Snowfall is common during this season, which can occasionally disrupt travel.

Spring and autumn are relatively mild and pleasant, with moderate temperatures and less rainfall than the other seasons. These seasons, particularly May and September, provide comfortable weather for outdoor activities. It should be noted that the weather can be unpredictable, so it's advisable for travellers to check the forecast before their visit and pack accordingly.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Craiova is more than just a wonderful city in Romania. Craiova is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Romania.

One fascinating sight in Craiova is the unforgettable Nicolae Romanescu Park. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Craiova.

Nicolae Romanescu Park is open for visitors at any time of the day and is located at Bulevardul Nicolae Romanescu 1A, Craiova 200738, Romania.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Romania, check out our list of top attractions in Craiova below. Discover the best places to visit in Craiova, including the fascinating Nicolae Romanescu Park, "Alexandru Buia" Botanical Garden, Parcul Tineretului, Craiova's Old Town, and "Craiova" Art Museum.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Craiova.

Discover the best things to do in Craiova.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Craiova. Click the green button to view your options.

Discover the culinary delights of Craiova, a city acclaimed for its diverse and enticing local cuisine. The city center, teeming with lively bistros, traditional Romanian restaurants and bustling street food stalls, is one of the best places to eat in Craiova. Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying traditional dishes such as 'sarmale', stuffed cabbage rolls, and 'mamaliga', a local cornmeal dish akin to polenta. For an upscale dining experience, consider visiting Casa cu Lei, an elegant restaurant nestled in a historic building. Here, you can savor contemporary takes on Romanian classics, perfectly paired with a selection of Romanian wines. Alternatively, for a casual meal, head to the local markets where vendors offer delicious, freshly made 'covrigi', a Romanian pretzel. It’s also worth tasting 'papanasi', a popular dessert dumpling filled with soft cheese and topped with sour cream and jam. No matter where you choose to dine, Craiova promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Craiova, a lively city in Romania's southwest, offers a vibrant nightlife scene that must not be missed. The city center, known as the best area for bars in Craiova, buzzes with energy as dusk sets in. This area is dotted with a range of pubs, bars, and clubs, each featuring their unique charm and appeal. A visit to The Stage Pub, famous for its live music, or the trendy Krypton Club, known for its electrifying dance scene, promises a memorable night out.

Craiova's nightlife is a blend of modern and traditional Romanian culture, offering a unique experience for visitors. Enjoy a classic Romanian drink at the traditional Carul cu Bere, or dance the night away at a modern, stylish club like Club Midi. The city's night culture extends beyond the usual bar and club scene, with theatre performances at the National Theatre 'Marin Sorescu' being a must-see. Remember that the party usually starts late in Craiova, with many establishments not filling up until after midnight. So, take your time, enjoy a late dinner, and prepare for a remarkable night in Craiova.

Craiova, Romania's 6th largest city, is not only rich in culture and history, but it also offers a unique shopping experience for locals and tourists alike. One of the best places to go shopping in Craiova is the Mercur Shopping Center. Located in the heart of the city, it hosts a variety of stores, ranging from international brands to local boutiques, where you can discover the city's distinct fashion.

For a more traditional shopping experience, visit Craiova's Central Market. Here you can find local craftsmen selling handmade items that make perfect souvenirs, such as intricate Romanian pottery and traditional woven rugs.

While exploring Craiova, don't miss the chance to stroll down Mihai Viteazu Street, known for its independent boutiques and antique shops. It's an ideal place to hunt for unique, vintage items.

Remember, most shops in Craiova open around 10 AM and close by 9 PM, and payment is typically in Romanian Leu, although credit cards are widely accepted. Enjoy the vibrant shopping scene that reflects the true spirit of this captivating Romanian city.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Craiova, Romania, without breaking the bank. One of the best free things to do in Craiova is to visit the stunning Botanical Garden, a sprawling urban oasis filled with lush vegetation and tranquil ponds. Stroll its verdant paths and enjoy the serene ambiance. Don't miss the enchanting 'English Park,' inspired by the romantic English landscape gardens. Another must-see is the impressive statue of Mihai Viteazul, a Romanian national hero, situated in the city center's main square. This monument is a symbol of national pride and a popular meeting point. For art enthusiasts, the Art Museum offers free admission to its permanent exhibition, showcasing Romanian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Finally, take a leisurely walk down Craiova's pedestrian street, Nicolae Romanescu, lined with beautiful buildings and lively cafés. While it's free to wander, the enticing aromas from the local food stalls might tempt you to open your wallet!

The most popular way to experience Craiova is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Romania. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Craiova on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Romania, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Romania, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Craiova, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Craiova below.

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Romania. In fact, you can choose from as many as 150 different top-rated vacation packages to take you to Craiova, and even more if you expand your search to include a bigger area of Romania.

To help narrow your choices down, here are some of the best vacation packages for exploring the city of Craiova.

For an epic vacation, discover Craiova and other top destinations in Romania on a top-rated holiday like the Cheap 10-Day Romania Road Trip Vacation from Craiova traveling east to Târgu Jiu, Sibiu, Sinaia, and Bucharest. This vacation package provides travelers with tons of opportunities to experience not only the most popular attractions in Craiova, but also in other top places to visit in Romania. If Craiova's Old Town, Parcul Tineretului, Nicolae Romanescu Park, Oltenia Museum - Department of Natural Sciences, and "Alexandru Buia" Botanical Garden are on your bucket list, this is the perfect vacation package for you.

If you would like to go on a budget vacation in Craiova, book the popular Cheap 3-Day Romania City Break in Craiova and spend as little as 190 EUR. This vacation will take you on a journey to experience some of the most incredible attractions and sights in Craiova, including the fantastic "Alexandru Buia" Botanical Garden, "Craiova" Art Museum, Parcul Tineretului, Nicolae Romanescu Park, and Zoo Park Craiova.

Get more Craiova vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Romania that match your needs and budget.

Discover and compare 150 vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Craiova.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Craiova get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Romania. Your customized holiday package to Craiova is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Craiova, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Romania. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Craiova, Romania, in May.

The cheapest one-way flight to Craiova costs around 20 EUR and is offered by the airline Wizz Air Malta. The flight leaves on June 1 at 3 and departs from Cologne Bonn airport in Cologne, Germany.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Craiova cost approximately 673 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on June 6 and the return flight is scheduled on June 8. The flight time is around 27 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Timișoara Traian Vuia International.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Romania and the city of Craiova from your city of departure.

Travelers visiting Craiova in Romania can fly to Craiova International airport directly from 1606 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Craiova International airport and the city of Craiova in Romania depart from Craiova International airport in Craiova, Romania, Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, Jamaica, and Cochin International airport in Kochi, India.

Travelers can fly to Romania by choosing from from 1 weekly flight(s) from Craiova; from 10 weekly flight(s) from Kingston; and from 1 weekly flight(s) from Kochi.

The airline that operates most flights to Romania is Cambodia Airways. Cambodia Airways offers 13 scheduled flight routes to Romania.

Discover the most popular flights to Craiova below. Click to view flights to Craiova, Romania from destinations all across the globe.

A trip to the fascinating Craiova, Romania, means opportunities to relax at any of the 2 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 100 hotels and 38 vacation rental apartments. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Craiova provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, Prestige Boutique Hotel Craiova is one of the top picks of travelers in Craiova.

The hotel is located at Strada Matei Basarab 15 and boasts many great utilities, including Air conditioning, Airport shuttle, and Bar.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Craiova. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Craiova, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Villa Flormang. For approximately 30 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Double Room at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 2 different types of places to stay in Craiova. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Craiova for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 138 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Craiova provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Craiova are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Craiova.

If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Prestige Boutique Hotel Craiova, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Craiova, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Euphoria, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Craiova. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Craiova on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Craiova that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Craiova to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Craiova can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Romania at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Craiova is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Craiova is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Craiova.

Check out all options available in Craiova and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Romania below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Craiova. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Craiova, Romania, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Romania. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Travelers in Romania can catch flights to domestic airports in Suceava, Iași, Bacău, Cluj-Napoca, and Bucharest. Domestic flights in Romania are operated by 2 airlines: Wizz Air Malta, and Wizz Air. There are around 6 scheduled flight routes operating to Craiova on a weekly basis.

From Craiova, travelers can book scheduled flights to 6 domestic destinations.

Traveling to another city or region in Romania? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Craiova to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Romania on the selected dates.