Snuggled in the centre of Romania, Craiova is a city brimming with rich history and mid-century marvel. Being Dolj County’s capital, Craiova stands to be the sixth-largest city in Romania, known for its tapestry of culture, monumental architecture, and inviting spirit. History enthusiasts, art admirers, and culinary explorers will find a plethora of captivating elements in this dynamic city.

Craiova possesses a lineage that dates back to Roman times, with its illustrious history evident by its well-preserved architecture and numerous museums. Tourists can commence their journey at the beautiful Nicolae Romanescu Park, ranking high among the largest urban parks in Eastern Europe. Designed by French architect Édouard Redont, this green oasis has serene lakes, magnificent bridges, and scenic walking routes.

The city’s cultural pulse beats dynamically at the Art Museum, housed within the walls of the majestic Jean Mihail Palace, where you can admire works by Constantin Brâncuși, an adept in contemporary sculpture. The Oltenia Museum provides a deep dive into the region’s heritage, cultural intricacies, and natural sciences. 

Craiova’s culinary landscape is a delight, featuring classic Romanian dishes with a modern flair. Local markets and restaurants serve up the Romanian flavours, from tasteful meats to fresh produce and scrumptious pastries.

Whether you’re submerging in the archaic ambiance, savouring local cuisine, or enjoying the warm reception of its dwellers, Craiova promises an unforgettable and enriching travel experience.

Explore Craiova with Woking Travel!

Flights To Craiova Guide

Flying to Craiova is convenient, with Craiova International Airport (CRA) primarily providing access from major European cities. The airport is located a few kilometres from the city centre of Craiova. Along with handling both international and domestic flights, this airport offers every fundamental amenity that travellers may need such as eateries, shopping facilities, ride rental services, and a free WiFi connection. While Craiova International Airport (CRA) is the chief operational airport, travellers could look into possible alternatives mentioned below.

  • Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) – Bucharest: About 143 miles from Craiova, this airport facilitates flights with multiple international air carriers with more frequent and varied flight options. You can rent a car, catch a train, or take a bus to travel to Craiova from OTP. 
  • Sibiu International Airport (SBZ): Located approximately 200 km from Craiova, this airport manages flights from various European countries.
  • Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR): The airport is situated 250 km from Craiova’s city centre. Handling flights from low-cost carriers, this airport manages flights from multiple European cities, as well. 

Moreover, Wizz Air offers direct flights from the UK to Craiova, taking around 3 hours, while Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines provide connecting flights with layovers on the route.

Tourists may want to consider scheduling transport in advance to ensure a hassle-free transition from the airport to lodgings in Craiova. To guarantee a smooth travel, Woking Travel provides transfer services from the airport to your hotel. To book a transfer or to check out more information about our transfer services, please visit Transfers-Woking Travel. Our services are tailored to make your journey to your final destination in Craiova as comfortable and well organised as possible.

Woking Travel has a handpicked assortment of accommodations to your destination, tending to every budget and preference. You can explore and book hotels that are best suited for you by visiting our Hotels page at Hotels-Woking Travel or browse our holiday packages at Packages-Woking Travel.

Here is a list of the top 10 accommodations in Craiova, ranging from 5 to 3-star ratings:

  1. Hotel Minerva: A 5-star luxurious hotel in the heart of Craiova, offering top-tier amenities including an indoor swimming pool, a spa, fitness facility, and a fine dining eatery.

  2. Hotel Rexton: The 4.5-star Rexton Hotel has elegant accommodations decorated in a traditional, romantic style, as well as state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional services.

  3. Hotel Splendid 1900: This historic 4.5-star hotel amalgamates traditional allure with contemporary comforts with beautifully furnished rooms and top-notch amenities.

  4. Hotel Golden House: This 4.5 star accommodation is located in a tranquil neighbourhood, perfect for both business and leisure visitors. It offers free parking and WiFi, an outdoor pool, gymnasium, and a great restaurant. 

  5. Ramada Palace by Wyndham Craiova: This lavish 4-star establishment provides streamlined rooms & deluxe suites in a relaxed setting along with a restaurant/bar & an indoor pool.

  6. Prestige Boutique Hotel Craiova: This 4-star hotel owns practical rooms & sober suites in a laid-back atmosphere providing complimentary parking & breakfast.

  7. Hotel Europeca: This 4-star facility is located in close proximity to tourist attractions. It offers contemporary accommodations and a range of amenities such as a bar, fitness centre, free WiFi, and conference rooms for business activities.

  8. Hotel Bavaria: A humble 4-star lodging accommodating guests with warm rooms and cosy suites, a comfortable lobby lounge and an excellent restaurant.

  9. Hotel Flormang Craiova: This 3-star hotel provides basic rooms in a casual setting with 2 restaurants, a terrace & a conference room, along with free Wi-Fi. Tourists can enjoy these amenities at a considerably affordable price at Hotel Flormang.

  10. Hotel Helin Central: This 3-star hotel is located in the historic centre of Craiova, offering rooms furnished in a style reminiscent of the 19th century period. 

Craiova has a range of transportation options to facilitate tourists moving around the city and county. These include public bus and tram systems, ride-sharing services, car rentals, taxis, biking routes, and more. The details for these options and mentioned here:

  • Buses and Trams: Buses and trams stand to be the most popular mode of transportation in Craiova, with 18 bus lines and 3 tram lines sprawling across the entire city. Craiova merges affordability with accessibility, making buses and trams a great option for tourists meaning to travel in the city using public transport.
  • Taxis: Tourists can seamlessly hail a taxi or contact a taxi company to book one.  Taxi Favorit, Taxi Meridian, and Allo Taxi are a few of the popular taxi companies operating in Craiova.
  • Uber: Uber fares are relatively lower than taxis. Hence, it is a considerable choice for getting around Craiova.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car is an intelligent decision if you wish to spend time exploring Craiova’s suburbs or taking day excursions to nearby cities. Make sure you possess an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) before renting out a vehicle.
  • Biking: Craiova is becoming increasingly fond of biking routes. Tourists can rent a bike and travel at their own pace in the city. Although a public bike-sharing programme does not run  in Craiova, this could change in the future given how prevalent biking and cycling are becoming.
  • E-Scooters: Various e-scooter rental companies now operate in Craiova, and allocated parking zones are commonly being constructed.
  • Walking: With smooth walking routes and the city centre’s compactness, Craiova is a pedestrian-friendly region for tourists. However, it is crucial for tourists to be aware of the traffic and use designated pedestrian crossings and paths only.
  1. Madona Dudu Church: A landmark in Craiova, iconic for its incomparable architectural peculiarities and historical value. 

  2. Craiova Botanical Garden: This is a beautiful, serene environment with a variety of plants and flowers where you can live peacefully while enjoying nature.

  3. Nicolae Romanescu Park: This park has impressive natural landscapes where one can take a leisurely walk, picnic or engage in outdoor activities.

  4. Art Museum: This museum is full of Romanian art; it showcases the work of local artists through many periods and their cultural heritage.

  5. Craiova Zoo: In an environment that is child-friendly, visit here to see strange animals and hear about wildlife conservation efforts.

  6. Romanescu Park Zoo: It’s found inside Romanescu Park but serves a smaller area, making it suitable for taking a walk and seeing various types of animals closely.

  7. St. Dimitrie Church: This is a historic Orthodox church with frescoes and architectural masterpieces that will remind you of Craiova’s religious history.

  8. Stefan Stelica Park: It’s an amazing sightseeing place in the city with green, quiet zones, creating the perfect relaxing atmosphere.

  9. Mihai Viteazu Square: This square in Carrion City Centre is packed with shops, cafés, and cultural sites that will enhance your experience of this vibrant city life.

  10. Craiova Musical Fountain: The engaging water show accompanied by music and lights is mind-blowing and magical!

Here are the top 10 restaurants to eat at in Craiova, based on factors including online reviews, tourist recommendations, and expert remarks:

  1. Minerva Restaurant: For its fancy Romanian cuisine and tasteful ambience, Minerva Restaurant is a top selection for a special occasion.

  2. Restaurant Ambra Tradițional Românesc: A classic eatery offering a cosy and welcoming atmosphere along with hearty and scrumptious Romanian cuisine.

  3. Pizzeria Traian: To fulfil your pizza cravings, look no further than Pizzeria Traian, a famed location for its wood-fired pizzas and laid-back ambience.

  4. Ellipse: With its creative European fare incorporating purely seasonal and freshly acquired ingredients, Ellipse satisfies visitors with taste and its contemporary aura.

  5. Trattoria Il Calcio: Get Italian flavours right in Craiova at Trattoria Il Calcio with their pastas, seafood, and pizzas.

  6. Craft: Boasting a trendy atmosphere and an international menu, Craft emphasises on both presentational appeal and indulgence of global flavours.

  7. The Manor Restaurant & Lounge: Set in an exquisite atmosphere, this elegantly intricate restaurant serves fusion cuisine with a blend of international and Romanian flavours.

  8. Epoca Steak House & Wine Bar Restaurant: With juicy steaks and a wide selection of wine, this steakhouse and wine bar serves the perfect tasteful combination to its guests.

  9. Iberico: This eatery particularly focuses on serving Spanish cuisine, tapas, paellas, and other scrumptious delicacies.

  10. Sofia Bistro: For a comfortable and romantic dining experience, this eatery offers French-influenced dishes focusing on fresh, regional ingredients.
  1. Visit The Madona Dudu Church: Witness this iconic church’s architectural elegance and historical significance.

  2. Relax in Nicolae Romanescu Park: In this stunning park, you can engage in a leisurely walk, have a meal, or do activities outside.

  3. Visit the Craiova Botanical Garden: Relax in this botanical oasis and marvel at the different plant species.

  4. Discover the Art Museum: Go through a collection of Romanian fine art that spans periods, showcasing local talent and cultural heritage.

  5. Experience Craiova Zoo: This is a place to enjoy visiting exotic animals and discussing conservation efforts on wildlife in an environment accommodating families.

  6. Enjoy Romanescu Park Zoo: Take some time out and explore a smaller zoo within Romanescu Park, specifically designed for those who want to take long walks while observing many animals from close range.

  7. Marvel at St. Dimitrie Church: These fresco-painted historic orthodox churches with intricate architecture will take you back to the religious heritage of Craiova town.

  8.  Unwind in Stefan Stelica Park: Relax in these beautiful parks characterised by calm green spaces ideal for relaxation or silence inside a city noise culture.

  9.  Experience the Craiova Musical Fountain: Be part of an interesting water show with lights and music that make it magical for any age group visiting.

  10. Explore Mihai Viteazu Square: Get soaked up in the bustling heart of Craiova city full of shops, cafes and cultural sites, where every visitor always has something to remember their visit by due to its vibrant atmosphere

Craiova is blessed with four distinct seasons that beautifully transition throughout the year. Here is a rundown of what tourists can expect:

  • Spring (March to May): Spring arrives with delightful temperatures with average highs of 18-23°C / 64-73°F and moderate precipitation of around 40mm. Tourists can find some of the cheapest flight deals during spring, due to it being a shoulder season comprising lower demand. Visitors can saunter through parks such as Nicolae Romanescu Park, embellished with blooming flowers, take a bike ride along the city’s bike routes, partake in events like Craiova International Marathon in April, or set out on day excursions to nearby natural attractions like the Cheile Oltețului National Park. 
  • Summer (June to August): With the weather heating up in the summer, Craiova experiences average highs ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81-86°F) with occasional summer rain. Flight fares during the summer months can comparatively be a lot pricier than other seasons due to it being the peak tourist season. With no beach in sight, explorers of Craiova can still experience water adventures at AquaLand Park. Carry out outdoor pursuits such as enjoying the Craiova SummerFest in July, or lounge in the shade of Craiova’s outdoor cafes.
  • Fall (September to November): With orange and yellow autumn foliage painting Craiova exquisitely, the city encounters milder temperatures reaching up to 15-20°C / 59-68°F and less frequent rainfall. Fall season also offers some of the cheapest flights for visitors. During fall, tourists can indulge in the harvest season’s wine tasting tours. Many vineyards and cellars offer tours for visitors in fall. Tourists can also attend the Craiova International Film Festival in September, catch a screening of prestigious films and meet movie stars. Hiking in nearby hills like Dealul Gorjanului  is another enriching fall pursuit that may excite tourists.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters bring occasional snowfall to Craiova, blanketing the vibrant streets in a coat of white. Temperatures hover around  3-6°C (37-43°F) during the winter months, allowing limited activities. However the festive spirit dazzles bright, with swarming Christmas markets featuring classic Romanian winter delights like “cozonac” (sweet bread) and “pomana porcului” (pork dish). Visit the ice-skating rinks in the midst of the festive season and experience Craiova’s winter in all its glory. Tourists can also tend to insightful museums and archival sites like the Museum of Oltenia or the Craiova Art Museum for a cosy escape.

To stay informed about the weather in Craiova when planning your trip, check out the Craiova Weather Guide for updates.

This city, located in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET). Therefore, the time difference is as follows:

  • GMT to EET: Craiova is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
  • BST to EET: Craiova is 2 hours ahead of the UK.

Currency:

Craiova uses the Romanian Leu (RON) as its official currency. Although most establishments and businesses in Craiova accept debit/credit cards extensively, it may be advisable for tourists to carry some cash for smaller purchases, taxis, tipping and other emergencies.

Language:

The official language spoken in Craiova is Romanian, however, Craiova has an increasing number of people who speak English, particularly in the hospitality industry. Nevertheless, knowing a few Romanian phrases can prove to be helpful: “Bună ziua” (Hello), “Mulțumesc” (Thank you), “Vă rog” (Please), “La revedere” (Goodbye).

Local Customs:

In Craiova, a handshake and smile are amiable ways to greet people. Attire is typically casual but modest in religious sites. Moreover, tourists are expected to wait patiently to be seated at restaurants and refrain from placing their elbows on the table. Tipping services are treasured but not mandatory customarily. Smoking is forbidden and banned indoors but common outdoors. While photography is normally allowed, ensuring you have consent and permission before photographing people, especially in religious locations, portrays respect for the local customs and culture.

Laws:

To ensure an enjoyable and trouble-free travel, it’s recommended to tourists to familiarise with any crucial local regulations and rules. To be informed about the laws in Craiova, travel advice and more, visit these websites:

There are a myriad of reasons why you would want to visit Craiova:

  1. Rich History: You will find numerous historical attractions, such as museums and cultural landmarks dotting the cityscape of its rich history.
  2. Natural Beauty: Besides parks, there are botanical gardens that give you a sense of tranquillity.
  3. Cultural Diversity: Explore Romanian traditions and customs blended with vibrant urban life through their cuisine.
  4. Relaxation Opportunities—Parks for walking around or listening to live musical fountains, thus offering both relaxation and exploration aspects in one package.

Book your flight to Craiova with Woking Travel and enjoy a seamless travel experience!