Overview
Craiova is one of Romania's five largest cities, serving as the administrative center of Dolj County and Oltenia. The city offers a more affordable alternative to Bucharest with 306,000 inhabitants, notable for Nicolae Romanescu Park—the second-largest romantic park in Europe—and a growing Wizz Air hub connecting Western European cities.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Museums · Nature
Before you go
Connectivity
4G available from all Romanian carriers; 5G from Orange in city centre as of 2022.
Culture
The city hosts the biennial International Shakespeare Festival. Nicolae Romanescu Park was featured at the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition.
Money
Romanian leu (lei) is the local currency. Budget accommodation ranges 129-180 lei for guesthouses. Restaurant meals are affordable with many fast food options available.
Safety
Day trips are safe, but avoid walking alone at night in downtown due to organized crime activity. Stray dogs are common—exercise caution.
Transport
Autogara Nord bus station is next to the railway station. Maxitaxis to Bucharest depart every 30 minutes (30-35 lei). Trains from Bucharest cost €12 and take 3 hours 15 minutes.