Things To Do
in Filiaşi

Filiași is a small agricultural town in Dolj County, located in the Oltenia region of Romania. The town centers around a traditional square, local markets, and a friendly, laid-back pace of life. Its surrounding countryside offers easy day trips to farmland, river valleys, and quiet woods.

It’s a budget-friendly base for exploring western Romania and the broader Oltenia landscape.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Filiaşi
morning
:

Start your adventure in the heart of Filiaşi by visiting the local market, where you can savor the fresh produce and handmade goods that showcase the region's culture. Engage with friendly vendors and taste some traditional Romanian snacks like covrigi. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets to appreciate the charming architecture.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Filiaşi Museum, which provides fascinating insights into the area's history and heritage. Spend some time exploring its exhibitions and learning about the stories of the past. As the day progresses, consider grabbing lunch at a nearby restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Romanian dishes.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a cozy café in the town square to experience the vibrant evening atmosphere. Order a warm beverage and indulge in a traditional dessert while mingling with locals. End your day with a peaceful walk through the town, taking in the twinkling lights and the sounds of evening life.

day 2
Cultural Heritage
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the historic Filiaşi Monastery, a serene place of worship that reflects the area's spiritual heritage. Spend time admiring the architecture and peaceful surroundings while learning about its significance. The calm morning air will help you reflect and appreciate the beauty of this sacred site.

afternoon
:

After your visit, enjoy lunch at a traditional Romanian restaurant, where you can try famous dishes such as mămăligă or sarmale. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the city to delve deeper into its rich history, including visits to historical landmarks and guided storytelling. This afternoon will be filled with enlightening experiences that connect you with the community.

evening
:

In the evening, enjoy a folk music concert if there's one happening in town, immersing yourself in the local culture. Dance along with the locals and embrace the joyous traditions of Romania. Conclude your night with a stroll by the river, absorbing the peacefulness and reflections of the lights in the water.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
💧Water (0.5–1.5L bottle)$0.60-1.50
Coffee in a cafe$1-3
🚖Taxi (1 km)$0.60-1.00
🧀Local cheese or bread$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-town atmosphere
  • Friendly locals
  • Good value for money
  • Gateway to Oltenia's countryside
  • Limited nightlife
  • Fewer big-city amenities
  • Occasional language barrier for non-Romanian speakers
  • Transport connections can be slower
  • "Bună ziua" - Hello / Good day
  • "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
  • "Vă rog" - Please
  • "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Unde este stația de autobuz?" - Where is the bus station?

Places to Visit in Filiaşi

Visit one of these nice places.

Main Square and Town Hall

Cobbled streets, colorful facades, and a sense of everyday life; a great spot for street photography and candid portraits.

Riverside paths

Gentle river views with farmland in the distance; ideal for golden hour shots and tranquil landscape photography.

Old church and historic lanes

Historic architecture and narrow lanes offer charming textures and architectural interest.

Culinary Guide

Food in Filiaşi

Oltenia’s cuisine is hearty and farmer-focused, featuring comfort foods that pair well with local bread, dairy, and seasonal produce. You’ll find simple, flavorful dishes in family-run eateries and market-side stalls, with ample opportunities to pair meals with local beverages and coffee.

Filiaşi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sarmale

Glazed cabbage rolls stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, a staple in many Romanian meals.

Must-Try!

Mămăligă (polenta) with brânză and smântână

Creamy polenta served with salty cheese and sour cream; a classic Romanian comfort dish.

Tochitură Oltenească

A rustic pork stew with vegetables, typically served with eggs and mămăligă; a regional specialty.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Piața Centrală Filiași

A bustling central market offering fresh produce, dairy, bread, and local snacks; great for sampling flavors and meeting locals.

Street food corners

Casual stalls near the square offering covrigi (pretzels), mici (grilled minced-meat rolls), and pastry-packs for a quick bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences a temperate continental climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and transitional springs and autumns. Precipitation is moderate, with summer thunderstorms possible and winter frost common.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and conversation

A handshake is common. Use polite forms when addressing strangers; a friendly tone and light small talk are typical in social interactions.

Dressing and manners

Dress modestly in religious sites; remove hats indoors and during prayers if requested.

Safety Guide

Safety

Filiași is generally safe for travelers. Use standard precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded markets, be mindful of traffic when walking near roads, and rely on official taxis or rideshares if available after dark.

Tipping in Filiaşi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A small tip (5–10%) in restaurants is appreciated if service is good; rounding up the bill is common for taxi drivers and casual service.

Payment Methods

Cash (RON) is widely accepted, though cards are increasingly accepted in restaurants and shops in Filiași; ATMs are common in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside; great time for outdoor walks and market visits. Pack light layers and a camera for bright, clear days.

Summer

Warm to hot days; stay hydrated, seek shade, and take advantage of long afternoons in town squares or by the river.

Autumn

Harvest season brings colorful landscapes and seasonal produce; comfortable temperatures for day trips and photography.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; plan indoor activities, and bring warm clothing for outdoor strolls on clear days.

Nightlife Guide

Filiaşi at Night

Filiași offers a relaxed nightlife scene centered around local bars and cafés. Expect casual evenings, occasional live music on weekends, and friendly conversations with locals rather than a large club scene.

Hiking in Filiaşi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Oltenia countryside trails near Filiași

Short, scenic hikes through farmland, orchards, and gentle hills within 1–2 hours of town.

Râul Jiu valley viewpoints

Day hikes along the river with occasional woodland sections and rural panoramas.

Airports

How to reach Filiaşi by plane.

Craiova International Airport (CLJ)

The closest airport, about 60–90 minutes by road from Filiași; connects to major Romanian cities and a few international routes.

Bucharest Henri Coandă International (OTP)

The largest international hub in Romania; more flights but a longer transfer from Filiași (often via Craiova or domestic routes).

Getting Around

Walkability

Filiași is compact and walkable within the town center, with most sights accessible on foot. Some outskirts require a short drive or bus to reach.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Romanians

The majority ethnicity; Orthodox Christian traditions and village-rooted culture are common.

Roma community

A visible minority in many towns, contributing to local markets, music, and crafts.

Youth and families

A mix of students, workers, and families maintaining strong ties to local tradition while exploring modern life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The region's most popular sport, with local matches and a strong community following on weekends.

Handball

Common in schools and clubs; indoor facilities are used in nearby towns and Craiova.

Athletics / running

Community runs and school events are common, especially around parks and open spaces.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light to moderate in town, with occasional congestion around markets and during events. Public transport includes buses and informal shared taxis; roads can be narrow in older parts of town and rural routes may be affected by weather.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Filiaşi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be adapted; look for mămăligă with cheese and vegetables, soups without meat, and salads. When in doubt, ask for vegetable stews or bean soups as hearty meat-free options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in Filiași through local clinics and pharmacies; for specialized care, residents typically travel to Craiova, which has hospitals and specialists.

Discover Romania

Read more in our Romania 2025 Travel Guide.

Romania Travel Guide