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Craiova Zoo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The Craiova Zoo is a major attraction located in the heart of the monumental Nicolae Romanescu Park, one of the largest and most beautiful landscape parks in Eastern Europe. Its placement in this historical setting gives it a special beauty, where animal shelters seem to merge with the wild nature of the park. Visitors can see lions, bears, tigers, and numerous species of deer and water birds living on the shores of the central lake. Being integrated into a vast public space, entrance is typically free, turning the garden into a vital social center for Craiova residents. A visit here allows not only animal observation but also admiration of the park's architecture, including the famous Suspended Bridge and the Enchanted Castle. Zoo Craiova successfully harmonizes education about fauna with the early 20th-century French landscape aesthetics.

Location: Dolj, Romania
Top sights: Monument Hipic · Glorieta · Main Gate
Nearby: Segarcea (24 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	1	6	12	17	22	24	24	19	12	6	0
Rain mm	44	40	47	49	75	84	71	50	54	59	50	52

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The zoo is generally open year-round, but late spring to early autumn features the most pleasant weather for walking through Nicolae Romanescu Park and viewing the animals in their outdoor enclosures.

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Best time of day

Mornings are typically the best time for a visit, as animals tend to be more active before the midday heat sets in, and the surrounding park is usually much quieter and less crowded than in the afternoons.

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Etiquette

Standard zoo etiquette applies here; please do not attempt to feed the animals under any circumstances, keep a safe distance from the fences, and ensure children are supervised at all times during your walk.

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What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended since the zoo is integrated into one of the largest parks in Eastern Europe, meaning you might end up walking significant distances across various paved paths.

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Getting there

The zoo can easily be reached by entering the main gates of Nicolae Romanescu Park and following the well-marked signs; local public transport options and parking areas are usually available near the park entrances.

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What to expect

Since enclosures may be spacious to accommodate the animals, patience is sometimes required; take your time observing each habitat, and enjoy the broader park environment if an animal is currently resting out of sight.

Geography

Coordinates

44.30000, 23.80000

Facts

Integrated into the Nicolae Romanescu Park, a national historical monument.
The park was designed by French architect Édouard Redont in the early 1900s.
One of the few zoological gardens in Romania with free public access.
The surrounding hectares of water host large colonies of swans and wild ducks.
Features an impressive bear shelter built on a natural rocky structure.
Includes modernized observation zones allowing safe visibility of large felines.
A key objective in the tourism strategy of the Oltenia region.
Located near a historical hippodrome, unique in the south of the country.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nicolae Romanescu Park<1 km · SExplore →

Oltenia Museum Craiova2 km · NExplore →

Jiu3 km · NExplore →

Ford Otosan Craiova4 km · EExplore →

📍Segarcea24 km · SExplore →

📍Balș25 km · EExplore →

Filiași36 km · NWExplore →

📍Piatra-Olt40 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Craiova Zoo (10)

Monument Hipic

Equestrian monument in Craiova, a horse statue in the public space.

Glorieta

Pavilion or monument in Craiova, an architectural element in the park.

Main Gate

Triumphal arch in Craiova, the main entrance to a park or enclosure.

Teatrul de Vară

Open-air theatre in Craiova, used for summer performances.

Ostrich

Ostrich enclosure at the Craiova zoo.

Muflon

Mouflon enclosure at the Craiova zoo.

Birds

Bird aviary at the Craiova zoo, housing various species.

Craiova Zoological Garden

Zoological garden in Craiova, housing animals from different continents.

Parcul Nicolae Romanescu🌳 park

Park in Craiova, a heritage site in Dolj County, Romania.

Castelul Fermecat🏰 castle

Enchanted castle in Craiova, a whimsical structure in the park.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for Craiova Zoo?

Access to the zoo section in Romanescu Park is often free.

Where is it located?

In the famous Nicolae Romanescu Park, one of Europe's largest.

What predators are there?

You can see lions, jaguars, and bears.

Is there a suspension bridge?

Yes, it is a highlight of the park near the zoo.

Can you go boating there?

Boat rentals are available on the large lake in the park.

Craiova Zoo: where is it located?

Craiova Zoo is located in Dolj, Romania.

Craiova Zoo: what is there to see?

Highlights include Monument Hipic, Glorieta, Main Gate.

Craiova Zoo: when is the best time to visit?