90 ha
Romanescu Park
13,500
Art Museum Works
300,000
Residents
230 km
From Bucharest
Welcome to Craiova

Plan Your Visit to the City of Banie


Craiova is one of the most important cultural, economic and historical centers in southern Romania. Founded in the 15th century, the city bears the imprint of centuries of history, with strong traditions linked to the Banie House and the great noble families of Oltenia.

Whether you are attracted by the romance of Nicolae Romanescu Park — 90 hectares of nature with a recreational lake, a unique suspension bridge and an English-style garden, classified among the most beautiful natural parks in Europe —, the magic of the famous Craiova Christmas Market, or the unique collections at the Art Museum with over 13,500 works, this guide offers you everything you need.

Discover the best accommodation in Craiova, local restaurants where you can taste Oltenian tripe soup or sarmale with polenta, and a complete calendar of events and festivals 2026 — all in one guide.

What to visit

Craiova Tourist Attractions

From spectacular parks to European-class museums — Craiova has it all.

The lake and the suspension bridge in Nicolae Romanescu Park, Craiova Nature

Parks and Nature in Craiova

Walks on the unique suspension bridge in Romanescu Park or relaxation in the Botanical Garden — Craiova's green lungs.

Discover
Intencity Festival Craiova — stage with lights and crowd Festivals

Craiova Festivals 2026

Rhythm, color and emotion — from the Shakespeare Festival to Intencity, everything comes to life in Craiova's festivals.

Explore
Craiova Christmas Market 2026 — festive lights in the city center Fairs

Traditional Fairs in Craiova

Local traditions and tastes, in fairs that gather people and stories — including the famous Christmas Market.

Explore
Main hall of the Art Museum in Craiova with Brancusi works Culture

Museums in Craiova

The city's stories, preserved in art, science and heritage collections — including original Brancusi works.

Explore
Buzesti Square Craiova — historical architecture and urban life Old Center

Historic Squares and Streets

Walk the city step by step — from boulevards with eclectic architecture to lively squares and terraces.

Explore

Plan your stay

Recommended Itineraries

Whether you have a day or a whole weekend, we have prepared optimized routes for you.

🌅
08:00 — Morning

Nicolae Romanescu Park

Start the day with a 1-2 hour walk in the most beautiful park in Craiova. Don't miss the suspension bridge and the Enchanted Castle.

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11:00 — Before lunch

Art Museum

Discover the collection of works by Brancusi and Theodor Aman in the Barbu Stirbei palace. Approximately 1.5 hours.

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13:00 — Lunch

Restaurant in the old center

Taste Oltenian soup or sarmale with polenta at one of the traditional restaurants in the Mihai Viteazul Square area.

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15:00 — Afternoon

Old Center & Banie House

Walk on Calea Unirii, visit the Banie House (17th century) and the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Dumitru. Photos of the eclectic architecture.

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18:00 — Evening

Mihai Viteazul Square

Sunset in the center, then dinner at one of the lively terraces. Segarcea wine or a glass of Oltenian tuica will complete your experience.

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Day 1 — Morning

Romanescu Park + Botanical Garden

Half a day dedicated to nature: park, botanical garden and Buzesti Square for outdoor lunch.

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Day 1 — Afternoon

Museum Circuit

Art Museum + Oltenia Museum. Evening, performance at the "Marin Sorescu" National Theatre.

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Day 2 — Morning

Historic Center

Banie House, St. Dumitru Cathedral, "Carol I" College and the Prefecture Palace and Marin Sorescu National Theatre — architectural gems.

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Day 2 — Afternoon

Excursion to Cozia or Targu Jiu

100 km away: Cozia Monastery or Brancusi's iconic sculptures in Targu Jiu. Return in the evening, dinner at one of the Old Center restaurants.

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Morning

Romanescu Park with Kids

Play area, boats on the lake and animals in the zoo. 2-3 hours of fun guaranteed for all ages.

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Lunch + Afternoon

Oltenia Museum — Science Section

Interactive natural science exhibits and fossils fascinate kids. Also includes an insect and mineral collection.

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Evening

Recreation Area

Ice cream in the center, a tour of the Old Center or, in summer, the Aqua Park near the city for cooling off and fun.

What's happening in 2026

Craiova Events Calendar 2026

Plan your visit around one of the year's events.

15
May

Shakespeare International Festival

"Marin Sorescu" National Theatre — theatre performances from all over the world, edition with special guests

Culture
20
Jun

Intencity Festival Craiova

Electronic and live music in Romanescu Park — one of the largest outdoor festivals in southern Romania

Festival
12
Jul

Mihai Viteazul Medieval Festival

Historic reenactments, craftsmen and medieval shows in the old center of Craiova

Culture
05
Sep

Traditional Craftsmen's Fair

Local producers, cooks and wines from all over Oltenia — a weekend dedicated to authentic Oltenian flavor

Fair
21
Nov

Craiova Christmas Market 2026

Mihai Viteazul Square transformed into a winter fairy tale — decorations, ice rink, gifts and mulled wine. Until Jan 7.

Fair
31
Dec

New Year's Eve in Craiova 2026 → 2027

Outdoor New Year's Eve concert, spectacular fireworks and unforgettable atmosphere in the city center

Special

Where to stay

Accommodation in Craiova

From 5-star hotels to local guesthouses — for any budget.

Hotel 5 Continents

★★★★★
Luxury · Historic Center

The most exclusive boutique hotel in Craiova, located in a superbly restored historical building on Calea Unirii.

From 550 lei/night

Hotel Parc

★★★★
4 Stars · Park Gate

The only hotel located right at the entrance to Romanescu Park, offering modern rooms and immediate access to nature.

From 320 lei/night

Hotel Ramada Plaza

★★★★
Business · Premium

International standard in the heart of the city, with spa, pool and top facilities for tourists and business people.

From 450 lei/night

City Center Apartments

★★★★
Apartment · Airbnb

Modern fully equipped apartments in the city center — perfect for longer stays or families.

From 180 lei/night

Craiova Central Hostel

★★★
Budget · Youth

Ideal for independent travelers — modern dorms, shared kitchen and a friendly international atmosphere.

From 60 lei/night

Hotel Mercure Craiova

★★★★
Business · International Chain

International standard in the center of Craiova — ideal for business travelers or tourists who prefer known brands.

From 280 lei/night

Flavor of Oltenia

Traditional Oltenian Gastronomy

A city break in Craiova is incomplete without tasting authentic Oltenian cuisine.

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Oltenian tripe soup

Prepared with sour cream and garlic or hot pepper, the Oltenian version is creamier and more aromatic.

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Sarmale with polenta

Pickled cabbage rolls filled with minced pork and rice, flavored with thyme, slow-baked with smoked meat.

🥩

Oltenian mici

The traditional recipe from Oltenia has a unique mix of spices that sets them apart from any other region.

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Pomana porcului

Pork shoulder, tenderloin, sausages and ribs, pan-fried and served with traditional Oltenian polenta.

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Segarcea or Vanju Mare Wine

Craiova is the gateway to the Oltenian vineyards — wines from rare varieties: Tamaiosa roza, Marselan, Negru de Dragasani.

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Oltenian Pies

With cheese and leeks — pies baked in a cast-iron pan or oven, essential at any Oltenian meal.

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Oltenian Tuica

Distilled in copper stills in villages from Dolj county — the traditional appetizer of any Oltenian meal.

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Pickles and Zacusca

Homemade zacusca with eggplant and peppers is an Oltenian autumn specialty, present in every household.

How to get to Craiova

Transport and Access

Craiova is well connected — you can get here quickly from Bucharest or major European cities.

✈️

By Plane

Craiova International Airport (CRA) — direct flights from London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Athens, Munich and other European destinations.

CRA — 8 km from center
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By Train

Frequent InterCity and Regio trains from Bucharest Gara de Nord. Travel time: 2h 30min — 3h with InterCity.

CFR → cfrcalatori.ro
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By Bus

Frequent buses from Bucharest (Filaret), Timisoara, Pitesti, Ramnicu Valcea. Duration 3h from Bucharest.

Craiova Bus Station
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By Car

Via A1 (Pitesti) + DEx12: Bucharest→Craiova ~230 km, approximately 2h 30min. Underground parking available in center.

230 km from Bucharest
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Local Transport

Network of electric trams and buses. Ride-sharing apps: Bolt, Uber active in Craiova.

RAT Craiova

What tourists say

Real Experiences from Craiova

★★★★★

Romanescu Park left me speechless. I didn't expect such a large and beautiful park in Romania. The suspension bridge is unique!

Maria D.
Bucharest · Google Reviews
★★★★★

I came specifically for the Shakespeare Festival and it was totally worth it. The National Theatre has a European-class stage. Will definitely return!

Andrei M.
Cluj-Napoca · TripAdvisor
★★★★☆

The perfect city break! Excellent museums, phenomenal food and friendly people. Craiova is underrated as a tourist destination.

Sophie K.
Vienna, Austria · Booking.com

Useful information

Frequently Asked Questions about Craiova

Craiova is 230 km from Bucharest. The InterCity train takes about 2h 30min and is the most comfortable option. By car via A1 (Bucharest-Pitesti) and then DN6, the duration is 2h 30min-3h depending on traffic. Aeroportul Craiova (CRA) has direct international flights from major European capitals.

Nicolae Romanescu Park is, without a doubt, the jewel of Craiova. With 90 hectares, a recreational lake, a unique suspension bridge in Romania and an English-style garden designed in 1903 by French architect Édouard Redont, it is classified among the largest and most beautiful natural parks in Europe. Entrance is free.

The Craiova Christmas Market 2026 is scheduled from November 21 to December 31, 2026, in Mihai Viteazul Square. It is one of the most appreciated Christmas markets in southern Romania, with an ice rink, panoramic wheel, craftsmen's stalls and traditional products, and an outdoor New Year's Eve concert.

Yes, Craiova International Airport (IATA code: CRA) operates regular flights to major European destinations: London Luton (Wizz Air), Paris Beauvais, Rome Ciampino, Valencia, Munich and others. It is located about 8 km from the city center.

To see the main objectives — Romanescu Park, Art Museum, the old center, Banie House and a few restaurants — 2 days are sufficient. A weekend from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon is the perfect combination. If you want to include an excursion to the wineries in Dragasani or Cozia Monastery, plan for 3 days.

Craiova has a vibrant gastronomic scene. For traditional Oltenian food, look for restaurants with tripe soup, sarmale and mici menus in the central area. Mihai Viteazul Square and Calea Unirii have numerous terraces and restaurants for all tastes, from authentic Romanian cuisine to grill and international cuisine.

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