Craiova Uncovered: The Ultimate 2-Day Adventure

Discover the charm of Craiova without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

As a traveler on a limited budget, Craiova offers a great opportunity to explore Romania without breaking the bank. You can experience the city's vibrant culture, delicious food, and charming architecture without spending a fortune. Check out local markets, art museums, and breathtaking parks to fully immerse yourself in this hidden gem of Europe.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Craiova's Art and History

  • Hotel: Hotel Emma charming and affordable with comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Start with a visit to the imposing Craiova Art Museum, showcasing Romanian and European art.
  • Head to the Civic Center to see the impressive Nicolae Romanescu Park, an oasis in the center of the city.
  • Don't miss the Historical Museum of Oltenia, a treasure chest of regional history and culture.
  • Visit the Saint Demetrius Church to admire the baroque and neoclassical architecture and the impressive interior.
  • Take a break at the cozy Cofetaria Victoria for a coffee and some traditional Romanian sweets.
  • End the day with a stroll along the lively Nicolae Balcescu Boulevard, full of shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Day 2

Food, Shopping, and Local Traditions

  • Start with breakfast at Casa Bunicii, a charming café serving delicious homemade pastries and coffee.
  • Explore the Cornetu Market, a colorful and bustling open-air bazaar selling all sorts of fresh produce, cheese, and meat.
  • Visit the House of Romanian Popular Art to see the traditional costumes, folk art, and crafts of the Oltenia region.
  • Enjoy a traditional Romanian lunch at Casa Vianu, a quaint restaurant serving local specialties like sarmale and mici.
  • Take a stroll through Craiova's Old Town, featuring elegant buildings from the 19th century and charming narrow streets.
  • End the day with a shopping spree at the Artisan Market, where you can buy handmade souvenirs, ceramics, and textiles.
  • Craiova may not be as famous as other Romanian cities, but it has a distinct charm, a rich cultural heritage, and friendly people. Whether you are a history buff or a foodie, Craiova has something to offer. And with Hotel Emma as your home base, you will have a comfortable and affordable stay in this hidden gem.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Craiova, Romania by plane is to fly into Craiova International Airport, which is located approximately 6 kilometers from the city center. There are several airlines that offer flights to Craiova from major European cities such as London, Rome, and Paris.

Car

Driving to Craiova is straightforward and there are several major highways that lead to the city, including the A1/E81 from Bucharest and the A6 from Pitesti. The journey from Bucharest to Craiova takes approximately 3 hours by car.

Train

While there are no direct train routes to Craiova from other European cities, it is possible to take a train to Bucharest and then transfer to a train headed to Craiova. The journey from Bucharest to Craiova takes approximately 4 hours and there are several departures per day from the Gara de Nord train station in Bucharest and the Craiova train station.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no boat routes to Craiova as it is not located near any major bodies of water.

Bus

There are numerous bus companies that operate routes to Craiova from other cities in Romania as well as from neighboring countries such as Bulgaria and Serbia. The main bus station in Craiova is Autogara Craiova, which is located in the city center.

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