Where to stay in Craiova: the best areas

Craiova is a compact city, so choosing a neighbourhood isn't about long distances — it's about atmosphere. The question isn't "how close am I to the sights" but "what kind of trip do I want": everything on foot and lively evenings, peace and greenery, or a practical base for train arrivals? The good news is that, in a city the size of Craiova, no choice is a mistake: from any neighbourhood you reach the centre quickly. Below we explain each area, who it suits and what trade-offs to expect — walkability, quiet or price — so you book without regrets.

The old centre — Piața Mihai Viteazul and Calea Unirii

If it's your first visit, stay here. The area around Piața Mihai Viteazul and along Calea Unirii, the city's pedestrian street, packs in almost everything you'll want to see: elegant 19th-century buildings, cafés, terraces, shops, museums and the liveliest nightlife in town.

• Best for: first-time visitors, couples, travellers without a car, anyone who wants to feel the city's pulse.
• Upsides: everything is walkable — museums, restaurants, churches and the evening stroll are minutes apart. After dark the area stays busy and well lit, so you can wander at ease without depending on a taxi.
• Keep in mind: as the most sought-after part of town, rates sit a little higher than elsewhere (though Craiova stays an affordable city), and parking is harder if you're driving. On busy weekends there can be some evening noise.

As an example of central accommodation, Hotel Rexton is a well-known option in this area — a few minutes on foot from Calea Unirii and the main sights. It's the kind of base from which you won't need a car while you're in town.

Around Nicolae Romanescu Park

If you want quiet and greenery, head to the south of the city, near Nicolae Romanescu Park — one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Romania, with lakes, suspension bridges, long alleys and a small zoo.

• Best for: families with children, travellers who run or walk in the morning, anyone staying a few days who wants a break from the bustle.
• Upsides: clean air, space and a slower rhythm. Morning and evening, the park is the perfect place for a long walk, and children have room to play. Accommodation is often in quieter houses and apartments.
• Keep in mind: you're further from the centre, so for nightlife and restaurants you'll take a taxi or a short drive. It's a more residential, quieter area — exactly what you want for rest, less so if you want to go out every evening.

Near the train station and the business area

Craiova's station is a reasonable distance from the centre, and staying nearby is practical if you arrive or leave by train, or you're in town for work.

• Best for: business travellers, train arrivals and departures, short one-night stays, anyone on a tight schedule.
• Upsides: you don't haul luggage far, you're close to transport links and some of the office buildings. You'll often find good value and functional, no-frills accommodation here.
• Keep in mind: it isn't the most picturesque part of town, and don't expect the atmosphere of the old centre. For strolling, shopping and terraces, you'll still head towards Calea Unirii — but it's only a few minutes away.

Residential neighbourhoods and the outskirts

If you have a car and want to spend less, the areas outside the centre are a sensible choice. Rates drop, parking is easier to find, and you're in the centre within a few minutes' drive anyway.

• Best for: travellers with a car, longer stays, families who want space at a good price, anyone who prefers to cook for themselves.
• Upsides: the best prices, easy and usually free parking, more spacious apartments and houses. Ideal if you're staying more than a few nights.
• Keep in mind: you'll depend on the car for almost everything. Without one, you'll rely on taxis or local transport, and distances matter in the evening. Check the drive time to the centre at peak hours before you book.

In short — which area, for whom

• First visit, no car, want nightlife: the old centre (Piața Mihai Viteazul / Calea Unirii).
• Family, quiet, walks in the greenery: around Romanescu Park.
• Arriving by train or on a business trip: near the station.
• Small budget and you have a car: the residential neighbourhoods / outskirts.

Practical booking tips

• If you stay central, plan to walk. You don't need a car — it can even get in the way, since parking in the pedestrian area is limited. If you do drive in, leave the car in a paid car park and explore on foot.
• If you're driving, ask about parking in advance. Confirm whether the hotel or apartment has its own space; in the centre, parking is the biggest headache and can add a cost you didn't budget for.
• Compare by area, not just by price. A cheap stay on the outskirts can mean extra cost and lost time on transport; a slightly pricier central one saves you both. Think in "price plus travel", not just the nightly rate.
• Book early on weekends and during events. Craiova stays affordable, but the central area fills up fast on match days at the stadium or during a festival in town.

To plan the whole trip, see the complete Craiova guide and the list of what to visit. And if you want to go deeper, the city also has a dedicated portal in our network, entirely about Craiova — handy for up-to-date detail on accommodation, events and places.