Top 10 Things To Do In Craiova, Romania

1. Check out a paradise for art lovers at Craiova Art Museum

Craiova Art Museum is really a paradise for all art lovers out there! The French architect Paul Gottereau made this beautiful museum from 1898 to 1907. The intricate work in its collections of paintings, sculptures, furniture, religious objects, and porcelains will mesmerize you. Even if you are not an art enthusiast, this beautifully designed museum will make you one! There’s so much of Romania’s history that you can learn through its paintings and sculptures.

Craiova Art Museum

Address: Strada Madona Dudu 14, Craiova 200410, Romania

Website: Craiova Art Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

2. Stop by Muzeul Olteniei, an important centre of scientific and cultural life

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Muzeul Olteniei is a multidisciplinary museum and is an example of Craiova’s rich and well-preserved architecture. The museum features four buildings, namely, a History-Archeology Section, Department of Natural Sciences, Ethnography Section, and the Restoration and Conservation Laboratory. It established its archaeological section in 1915 and it is one of the oldest structures in Craiova. The Neolithic section is an amazing incursion into the city’s rich past and each artefact will give you insight into the rich cultural background of the city and its people.

Muzeul Olteniei

Address: Strada Madona Dudu 14, Craiova 200410, Romania

Website: Muzeul Olteniei

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

3. Visit Craiova Botanical Garden

Craiova Botanical Garden is a haven for nature lovers, preserved perfectly in the heart of Craiova. One can spot a variety of plants that have been assembled from various parts of the region and are used extensively as a study material at the University of Craiova. The interiors of the garden are very well planned and have few memorials and statues. At the entrance, there is even a small well. There’s a pleasant stream and sitting by the brink of it, too. The garden has a very calm aura. Craiova Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to have a peaceful midday stroll.

Craiova Botanical Garden

Address: Strada Constantin Lecca 26, Craiova, Romania

Website: Craiova Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

4. Discover the hidden gem that is Nicolae Romanescu Park

The brainchild of French architect, Édouard Redont, Nicolae Romanescu Park ranks as one of the largest natural parks in eastern Europe. The park is spread across 230 acres (93 hectares) of land, whereby its magnificent lake covers around 10 acres (4 hectares). One can rent a bike to stroll around the park and enjoy its beautiful landscape. The park also has restaurants, a zoo, and an old castle. The garden is pleasantly manicured and the view is definitely worth your visit in this beautiful, picturesque locale.

Nicolae Romanescu Park

Address: Bulevardul Nicolae Romanescu 1A, Craiova 200738, Romania

5. Watch a match at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco

Stadionul Ion Oblemenco is Romania’s fourth-largest football ground and was built in 2017. Within a very few years, this stadium has awed visitors from across the globe and has hosted several important matches. Known as a “Temple of Football” for all football lovers, this stadium has a capacity to host 30,960 people. The structural design was created by a famous local artist called Constantin Brâncuși.

Stadionul Ion Oblemenco

Address: Bulevardul Știrbei Vodă 36, Craiova, Romania

6. Splash into fun times at Water Park Craiova

Ask any Craiova local where they go to have a chill time and one of the things they’re bound to say first is Water Park Craiova! The vibe of this lively water park is always energetic. Be it for young ones or adults, this water park has lots of fun in store. It features some very exciting slides and has plenty of entertainment options to choose from. There are both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. If you are travelling in the summer, you can have a relaxing time basking under the sun as well! The garden is well-trimmed and the bathrooms are very spacious.

Water Park Craiova

Address: Parcul Tineretului, Craiova, Romania

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat, Mon: 8:30am - 8:45pm; Sun: 9am - 12am

7. Catch a light show at Craiova Musical Fountain

Craiova Musical Fountain is every Craiova resident’s go-to spot to end a hectic day! Its artistic water fountain show with some amazing and dramatic lighting effects dancing to the music is so soothing to watch and experience. After a day of exploring, come here to unwind.

Craiova Musical Fountain

Address: Piața Mihai Viteazul, Calea Unirii, Craiova, Romania

Website: Craiova Musical Fountain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Visit the historical church, Biserica Mantuleasa

Visiting Biserica Mantuleasa should definitely be in your itinerary in Craiova. This is a splendid church right at the city’s centre. Originally built in 1726, the church has gone through a number of changes, including being demolished, burned, and later rebuilt. There’s an enormous courtyard and the interiors are very beautifully carved. The inside of the church makes for quite a relaxing environment for some spiritual reflection.

9. Check out Romania's traditional artefacts at Casa Băniei

The fact that Craiova has so many museums proves that the city has a culturally rich and a very thriving heritage. Casa Băniei is one of the oldest historical landmarks in Craiova. The architecture of this city is beyond beautiful and mesmerizing. The exhibits in the museum are very interesting, such as the traditional Romanian instruments and tools, specifically for the region’s occupations. So if you love digging into history, this is the place for you! With a guide, you can tour the museum as the building has been well-preserved.

Casa Băniei

Address: Strada Matei Basarab 16, Craiova 200352, Romania

Website: Casa Băniei

10. Dine in delight at Epoca Steak House & Wine Bar Restaurant

After visiting all these monumental heritage spots, delight yourself with traditional Romanian food at Epoca Steak House & Wine Bar Restaurant. Conceptualized by Swiss connoisseur chef, Jakob Hausmann, this restaurant is a diner’s delight. From traditional Romanian food to Mexican and Italian cuisines, it delights its customers with an array of international and seasonal dishes to choose from. Truly a culinary delight, Epoca Steak House & Wine Bar Restaurant promises everyone a memorable food experience.

Epoca Steak House & Wine Bar Restaurant

Address: Strada Alexandru Macedonski 51, Craiova 200240, Romania

Website: Epoca Steak House & Wine Bar Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm (closed on Sun)

Immerse in Craiova's rich heritage

If you are planning a trip to Romania, you must definitely include Craiova in your itinerary. The city has plenty of other tours and activities to opt for and likewise, many things to do! So, which one are you going first? Do let us know how you liked Craiova!