Things to do & places to visit in Southwest Romania, Romania

Southwest Romania #6 destination in Romania 2023. The average rating score is 4.46 based on 2.635 traveler reviews, of 128 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Bucharest, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 9:42.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Transalpina (188 reviews)
- One of the best roads in Romania
Scenic Drives

Compared to Transfagarasn road the asphalt here is simply amazing. There are no holes, no dirt or oil. The view is incredible and if you go with the motorcycle as i did you will put the day as "one of your best day on the bike". A lot of curves and so many stops where you can enjoy the nature. See more..
5.0 Infinity Column (95 reviews)
- the greatest of them all. Brancusi's.
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Situated on the opposite side of the city on the same street axis with the Kiss's Gate the column is visible from far away due to its size. Is located in the middle of the park with the same name. Stictly guarded is some times very hard to get a special photo. Pay attention that in order to reach it from the city you have to pass the railway on an poorly signalised pathway. One of the most important landmarks of Romania: Enjoy! See more..
5.0 Danube Gorge (14 reviews)
- Gorgeous Danube Gorge
Spent 2-3 hours Geologic Formations

Took a boat tour, very friendly and knowledgeable guide. Don't bother to book, you can get one cheaper from the dock in Orsova. First time on Danube and already impressed. Very picturesque landscape. Next time..the other end, the Delta! See more..
5.0 Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Demetrius (12 reviews)
- Nice Metropolitan Cathedral of St Demetrius
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Is near the center of Craiova, and next to Museem - Casa Baniei. It is a marvelous place and it worths to be visited See more..
4.5 Parcul Nicolae Romanescu (269 reviews)
- Very nice park☺️
Parks

Quite place. Nice view. The zoo is poor. Good for jogging. Nice lake. Beautiful gardens... Worth to visit. See more..
4.5 Statue of King Decebalus (178 reviews)
- Imposing statue
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

This imposing stone-carved statue sits overlooking the river Danube. It measures approximately 55m in height and dominates the immediate area. We were on a Viking river cruise and unfortunately, the heavens opened as we sailed past so only viewed it through rain-drenched windows. It was a pity as it was one of the things I really wanted to see. It was carved in the early 1990s but is still worth viewing. See more..
4.5 Cozia Monastery (146 reviews)
- 14'th century magnificent monastery
Spent 2-3 hours Religious Sites

This is one the most beautiful churches in the Southern Romania, located in the most magnificent natural scenery. The church is a must stop on the Valea Oltului highway, one of the two main highways that link Southern Romania with Transylvania. Be sure to step out behind the monastery courtyard and admire the dam lake on the Olt river. You can take also a boat tour. I liked the vivid frescos in the church portico and the icons inside, everything exquisitely proportioned. See more..
4.5 Iron Gates (139 reviews)
- Great idea for a weekend
Spent More than 3 hours Geologic Formations

I took a boat ride with "Prințesa Dunării" of approximately 3 hours from Orșova. The captain gave short details about all the stops on the ride and we had drinks and coffee and ice cream on the boat from which to choose from - not included in the ticket but prices were decent. The ticket was 50 Ron per person and we departed at 3.30 pm. Overall a must see while in Orsova. See more..
4.5 Danube Valley (98 reviews)
- Danube Valley. Spectacular !
Geologic Formations

Danube Valley. Simply gorgeos ! The central point is the statue of Decebal the King of the Dacians. Even now, after two thousand years, The,King still guards the borders of his country. The statue is spectacular for it's size and for the carving technique. Like the american presidents, The king of the Dacians is carved directly in the mountain. You can go there either by car or by foot, but the most inspired way would be by boat on the Danube. I will be back for more ! See more..
4.5 Craiova's Art Museum (87 reviews)
- Small but with many good exhibits
Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

Unbelievable- thought somehow small, you can find known artists and sculptures. The "kiss" - the original is there! See more..
4.5 Horezu Monastery (Hurezi Monastery) (79 reviews)
- Horezu Monastery - beautiful pastoral setting
Religious Sites

Horezu Monastery sits beyond the small village in a hilly setting with fruit trees and hay. The long cobblestone path takes the visitor upwards and out towards the fortified walls made with brick and stone (similar to the oldest church in Cortes de Arges). This monastery features intricate carved details in the stonework not seen in other monasteries. Definitely worth the trip. The surrounding area is also rich in weaving/tapestry making and pottery, with the distinctive rooster motif. A cultural center at the entrance to the monastery, where the parking lot is, displays regional costumes and handicrafts. See more..
4.5 The Gate Of The Kiss (79 reviews)
- The Unique Brancusi
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

The Gate of the Kiss is one the 3 great pieces of the monumental art of Bracusi which are in Targu Jiu. Maybe you never was kissed under this gate, but for sure you will remember all your life that one day you stood here. Many things about this great piece of art you can read for sure on net. If you come in Targu Jiu you can not miss to see it! See more..
4.5 Grădina Botanică Craiova (Botanical Garden) (76 reviews)
- Magical autumn
Gardens

Very beautiful place to take a walk with the persoan you love,beautiful litle lakes,the best thing to ser in Craiova See more..
4.5 Piața Mihai Viteazul (63 reviews)
- Nice old center
Parks

This is the central square of the town. Not very far will find the city hall. There are several beautiful parks around. Always the area is very crowded because the parents or grandparents come with children to play, and also it is a favored place for young people who enjoyed to stay to the garden restaurants. A must see in Craiova. See more..
4.5 Ocnele Mari Salt Mine (61 reviews)
- Small city underground
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Mines

It's just like a small town underground. They have restaurants, church, small cinema, gift shop, clean toilets, big area for kids to play and as well with activities for kids and adults such as basketball and football and tennis and many others. It's a really nice place to go and visit. The food is good in restaurants and isn't expensive. Loved it and for sure will go back soon. See more..
4.5 Table of Silence (55 reviews)
- First in the row of three Brancusi's urban sculpture
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Situated in the same central park as Gate of Kisses this round stone table with its chairs stand proud near Jiu's River banks. is the first of the three symbols of Tg Jiu urban sculptures by Brancusi. Enjoy ! See more..
4.5 The Women's Cave ( Pestera Muierii ) (42 reviews)
- Great cave
Caverns & Caves

During our trip we stopped and visited this cage. Wonderful place with so many interesting things to view. For almost 1 hour during our tour we saw and heard very interesting stories. I recommend to see it if you are near to the area. See more..
4.5 Manastirea Sf Ana / St Anne Monastery (39 reviews)
- Soaked in sun
Religious Sites

So are the fig trees, quinces and other fruit trees not to mention the flowers and luxury vegetation. This monastery is blessed to have such a location over the Danube in full sun. It feels like in heaven. It is a small wood building but well maintained and very quiet. A must see if you pass by to see the breathtaking Danube Gorge. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Water Castle (38 reviews)
- The city seen from height
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

In 1914, The Water Castle (Castelul de apa) was opened. Considered an emblematic monument to the people of Severin, it gives identity to the city by being built in one of the major traffic roundabouts of the settlement. See more..
4.5 Fantana arteziana / artesian well (29 reviews)
- Beautiful fountain to see at night
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Very nice water and lights show. The water pumps provide a moving show of water and the changing lights makes this fountain a good place to visit at night. See more..
4.5 Turnu Monastery (28 reviews)
- A real gem off the beaten path
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

I've seen many monasteries but this location is different, as in extremely spectacular. Striking contract between the white monastery buildings and the mountains surrounding them. Very picturesque indeed. The road leading to it is also beautiful, right by the stunning Olt river, it is quite a treat to drive to it. There is also a small train station serving the monastery. If you are driving along Olt or going to Calimanesti you must make a small detour and stop here for a couple of hours, you will not regret it! See more..
4.5 Lainici Monastery (27 reviews)
- Lovely Monastery
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Visited again this lovely Monastery last week while I was in Targu Jiu. The place is located in Defileul Jiului and it's such a quiet place where you can relax and meditate. Definitely a must visit if you are in the area. See more..
4.5 Muzeul Olteniei (25 reviews)
- Great museum. Didn't expect to be so nice.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

This museum was a nice surprise for us and for our 6 years old boy. It presents the Oltenia region starting with older times till today, it was really enjoyable and the staff nice and helpful. It's attractive and so pleasant to visit. See more..
4.5 Ski Vidra Transalpina (23 reviews)
- Small ski resort with amazing scenery
Ski & Snowboard Areas

The main slope makes you feel like you'll end up in the frozen lake, which add some extra-adrenaline. Visited the place in February 2019 and the access road from Voineasa was perfect. The storey parking is a great facility and the parking fee is reasonable (10 Lei/day, that's about 2 Euro). The ski-pass is also convenient, and the cableway works fine. However, they accept cash only. The main downside is the fact that the resort is located in the middle of nowhere. We found accommodation in Voineasa, which is 35 km away. The way to Voineasa is spectacular indeed, but driving 35 km after spending 5-6 hours in ski-boots is not the best way to end your day. Another downside is the total lenght of the ski runs - less than 6 km. Although there are not restaurants around the ski resort, there are some street food vans in front of the bottom cableway station. If you're hungry go to the one that sale "Virșli" sausages - they are really yummy with mustard, bread and beer. See more..
4.5 Pestera Veterani (23 reviews)
- Must visit
Spent More than 3 hours Caverns & Caves

You cannot miss it, if in the area! The location is great, well arranged with great and interesting history, also suitable for children. See more..
4.5 Polovragi Monastery (22 reviews)
- Amazing
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Polovragi monastery complex is located at the foot of Piatra Polovragilor mountain near the Olteț Gorges , on the outskirts of Polovragi in Gorj County . It is close to the Polovragi Cave. Polovragi monastery is a convent dedicated to the Assumption, architectural monument of Romanian Land of the eighteenth century . It is classified as a historical monument. See more..
4.5 Village Museum of Valcea County (21 reviews)
- Great for a quiet afternoon
Speciality Museums

We stumbled upon this place and I am grateful for it. For a nominal fee of 3 RON, you get to roam around a vast area, looking at houses dating from centuries ago, reading about their importance in history and breathing in the fresh air that we (sometimes) miss in a big city. There's no time pressure, so feel free to take rests, look around, allow yourself to take it all in. You won't regret it. See more..
4.5 Ostrov Monastery (18 reviews)
- Peace and quiet
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Ostrov Monastery is a nunnery monastery dedicated to "The Birth of Our Lady" and is located on an island of the accumulation lake It was founded by Neagoe Basarab, between 1520-1521 Everything is clean, flowers everywhere, light a candle for lost persons or alive, and sit down, with your thoughts undisturbed, on a bench ... the time stops in place and you feel free of stress and lightly like a flake. See more..
4.5 Polovragi Cave (17 reviews)
- Start with this Cave!
Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

A beautiful natural cave formed at the begining of the Oltetului Canyon. See more..
4.5 Trovanti Museum Natural Reserve (16 reviews)
- Pietre care cresc.
Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations

Trovanti Museum Natural Reserve, is free and represents an interesting place to see. You can feel the nature and her wonders. See more..