Travel Ideas
The Most Beautiful Attractions and Accommodations in Craiova
If you are looking for an urban getaway in Romania where history blends seamlessly with art, Craiova is an excellent choice. As the most important city in Oltenia, it has long served as the region's spiritual, cultural, and economic hub. Founded in the 15th century as an estate belonging to the renowned Craiovești noble family, the settlement transformed over the centuries from a strategic trading post into a vibrant, elegant metropolis. Here are some of the most beautiful attractions you can discover:
Must-See Attractions in Craiova
Craiova is one of Romania's greenest and most welcoming cities, where families, lovers of romantic walks, and culture enthusiasts alike easily find their favorite spots. The main pride of the city and the entire region is Nicolae Romanescu Park (Parcul Nicolae Romanescu), the country's second-largest urban park after Herăstrău in Bucharest, considered a true masterpiece of European landscape architecture. The park was designed by French architect Édouard Redont at the beginning of the 20th century. His plans impressed the international community so much that they were awarded the Gold Medal at the 1900 Paris World's Fair. The park was officially inaugurated in 1903 in the presence of King Carol I (Regele Carol I).
(Source: Craiova Travel)
Spanning a vast 96 hectares, this forest park features over 35 kilometers of walking paths, artificial waterfalls, and streams. Among its most popular highlights is the Suspension Bridge (Podul Suspendat), built between 1901 and 1902, which connects two hills over the lake via a dramatic metal structure unique in Romania.
(Source: For Life)
Also widely beloved is the Enchanted Castle (Castelul Fermecat), constructed in a romantic medieval style to disguise the park’s water tower, which today serves as a favorite photo stop for visitors. In the middle of the 4-hectare lake lie water lily islands where visitors can enjoy romantic boat rides during spring and summer. Within the park grounds, you'll also find the Zoo (Grădina Zoologică), founded in 1906 and recently renovated; the country's largest Racetrack (Hipodromul Craiova), built on a French model; the Summer Amphitheater (Amfiteatrul de Vară), hosting seasonal concerts; and Bibescu Palace (Palatul Bibescu), which hosted Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza in 1859. The green oases do not stop here: the Botanical Garden (Grădina Botanică) near the city center attracts visitors with its rare collection of plants, while Fantasy Park, created especially for families with children, offers unforgettable moments alongside fairytale characters.
The absolute hub of the city's cultural life is the Craiova Art Museum (Muzeul de Artă din Craiova), housed in the gorgeous Jean Mihail Palace (Palatul Jean Mihail). Designed by French architect Paul Gottereau after the model of the Château de Cheverny in the Loire Valley, the palace was erected between 1898 and 1907 for Constantin (Dinu) Mihail, the wealthiest man in Wallachia at the time. The interior was furnished with the most luxurious materials of the era: Carrara marble, Murano crystal chandeliers, Venetian mirrors, and Lyon silk.
(Source: Monumente Oltenia)
The museum houses over 8,000 valuable European and Romanian works of art, but its international fame stems from six original sculptures created by the father of modern sculpture, Constantin Brâncuși. Visitors can admire early works as well as world-renowned masterpieces here. In the palace courtyard stands the Constantin Brâncuși Cultural Center (Centrul Cultural Constantin Brâncuși), symbolized by a 12-meter-tall glass prism, beneath which lies a 10,000-cubic-meter underground gallery dedicated to the life and work of the great sculptor.
Strolling through the pedestrian streets of the Old Town (Centrul Vechi), you can discover elegant Belle Époque buildings step by step. Here stands the oldest civil building in the city, Casa Băniei, built at the end of the 15th century and restored by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, which functions today as an ethnography museum. Other must-see sights include the imposing Administrative Palace (Palatul Administrativ) designed by Petre Antonescu, the famous "Carol I" National College (Colegiul Național „Carol I”), the central building of the University of Craiova (Universitatea din Craiova), and the Museum of Romanian Book and Exile (Muzeul Cărții și Exilului Românesc) housed in the monumental Casa Dianu.
Oltenian Gastronomy
After touring the city, sampling the local specialties is a must! In the welcoming restaurants downtown, you can taste traditional Oltenian dishes prepared according to time-honored recipes. The menu features the famous stuffed leek (praz umplut), slow-baked stuffed cabbage rolls in clay pots (sarmale la cuptor în oale de lut), creamy tripe soup with garlic and hot peppers (ciorbă de burtă cremoasă), and juicy Oltenian meat roulade (ruladă oltenească). These traditional meals pair wonderfully with fine wines from the region’s renowned vineyards, such as those in Drăgășani or Segarcea, making dinner the perfect conclusion to your day.
Where to Stay in Craiova? The Best Options on stayhere.ro
Whether you are visiting for a relaxing weekend getaway or a longer vacation exploring Oltenia, Craiova offers modern, comfortable, and high-quality accommodation options. Here are two wonderful choices, ideal as starting points for exploring the city:
Oltenia Studio Happy Residence 3
This elegant, air-conditioned studio is the ideal choice for couples or solo travelers. The property is located less than 1 km from the Ion Oblemenco Stadium and features free WiFi, private parking, and a shared lounge. The studio includes 1 bedroom, a flat-screen satellite TV, an equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and oven, a washing machine, and a bathroom with a shower, bathtub, and complimentary toiletries (towels and bed linen are provided). Cycling can be enjoyed nearby, and Craiova International Airport is 8 km away.
(Source: stayhere.ro)
Oltenia Studio Decebal Residence
Traveling with family or a group of friends? Then this spacious apartment accommodating up to 4 adults is the perfect option. Situated in a residential neighborhood on the 7th floor of a 9-story building, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The air-conditioned apartment features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and coffee maker, free private parking, a shared kitchen, a garden, a lounge, and a terrace. Guests receive a welcome package with water, sweet snacks, tea, and coffee. Ion Oblemenco Stadium is 4.9 km away, and the airport is just 4 km away.
(Source: stayhere.ro)
Plan your urban getaway and book the accommodation that suits you best directly from the owners on stayhere.ro!
