Is 3 days enough to see Craiova?

Yes — three days in Craiova is enough to experience the best the city has to offer. Our itinerary covers The Jean Mihail Palace Art Museum, the old city centre & Strada Unirii, Nicolae Romanescu Park & day trip to Targu Jiu (Brancusi monumental ensemble), Oltenia villages, the Casa Baniasa & farewell Craiova, giving you a genuine feel for Craiova without feeling rushed.

When is the best time to visit Craiova?

April–June and September–October: the most pleasant temperatures (18–26°C) and the most beautiful park season (the Romanescu Park in spring and autumn — the most colorful seasons for the most beautifully landscaped urban park in Oltenia). July–August: hot (30–35°C) but manageable. The Craiova International Theatre Festival (June — the most important theatre event in southwestern Romania). The Crai

Where should I stay in Craiova?

Central Craiova, adjacent to the central park — the most centrally located 4-star hotel in the city, walking distance to the Art Museum and the English Market is a great base for exploring Craiova. Hotel Parc Craiova from €60/night is our recommended hotel for its location and value.

What is Craiova most famous for?

Craiova (population 270,000) is the capital of Oltenia and the most important city in southwestern Romania — a vibrant university city with a strong industrial base (the most important Renault/Dacia automobile production hub in Romania outside Pitesti) and a surprisingly rich cultural heritage.

What language do people speak in Craiova?

Romanian (the official language of Romania — the "Limba romana": the most easterly Romance language in the world (the most geographically isolated Romance language: Romanian is separated from the other Romance languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Catalan) by a broad belt of Slavic languages (the most geographically extensive language family in Europe: the Slavic languages of Hungary (where the most easterly Romance island of Romanian is bounded by Hungarian — the most geographically isolated Uralic language in central Europe), Slovakia, Czech, Polish, Ukrainian, Serbian and Bulgarian)). English: spoken by younger educated Craiovanians and at the more internationally oriented hotels and restaurants. German: useful at the Renault/Dacia-connected business community. French: a historical second language in the educated Romanian class (the most French-influenced Eastern European country in terms of historical intellectual and cultural orientation).

What currency is used in Craiova?

Romanian leu (RON). NOT euro (Romania has not yet joined the Eurozone as of 2026 — the most persistently euro-deferred EU country in Eastern Europe). Exchange at banks or licensed exchange offices ("casa de schimb") — the most favorable rates in the city centre (avoid airport and hotel exchanges — the most unfavorable rates). Current approximate rate: 5 RON = €1 (the most useful single conversion benchmark). Very affordable: a restaurant meal: 35–70 RON (€7–14). A coffee: 8–12 RON. A beer: 8–15 RON. Museum entry: 15 RON.

How do you get around Craiova?

Walking (the most practical for the city centre — the entire Craiova historic core is walkable in 20–25 minutes). Taxi (the most affordable and the most convenient for sites outside walking range: Craiova taxis are the most reasonably priced in Romania — the base fare: 2 RON/km, the most affordable taxi in any large Romanian city). Rental car (the most practical for day trips to Targu Jiu (110km), Calafat/Danube (70km), the Dragasani wine region (70km) and the Brancusi birthplace at Hobita (180km)). Train from Bucharest (2.5–3 hours, the most frequent connection — the CFR intercity services).

How do you get to Craiova?

Train from Bucharest Gara de Nord (2.5–3 hours — the most frequent connection: the CFR intercity and intercity express services from Bucharest North Station). Train from Timisoara (3.5–4 hours). The nearest international airport: Craiova International Airport (CRA) — 7km from the city centre (direct flights: Vienna (Ryanair), London Luton (Ryanair — the most important British connection for the large Romanian diaspora in the UK), Brussels Charleroi, Milan Bergamo, Frankfurt Hahn — the most important Ryanair connections). Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport (OTP) — 230km (the most international connections in Romania: the main hub for all major airlines).

What is the tipping etiquette in Craiova?

Tipping in Romania: 10% at restaurants is the most common and the most appreciated tip. Round up the taxi fare. At cafes: leave the small change. At guided tours: 10–20 RON (€2–4) for the museum guide is appreciated. No tip expected at self-service food outlets.

🎧 Craiova Audio Walking Guide

Listen and walk — the map follows you stop by stop

🆓 Free · No app needed · Works offline once loaded

← Back to Craiova Highlights Guide · All guides for Craiova