Târgu Jiu Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Târgu Jiu with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and local cuisine, alongside helpful tips and practical information.


Introduction to Târgu Jiu

Târgu Jiu is a charming city located in Oltenia, the south-western region of Romania, and is considered the heart of the Romanian culture. Situated on the banks of the Jiu River and surrounded by rolling hills, Târgu Jiu is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and cultural attractions. The city is home to one of the most famous Romanian sculptors, Constantin Brancusi, and his public works are prominent throughout the urban area.

Whether you are interested in exploring the art, history, or natural beauty of Târgu Jiu, there is something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Târgu Jiu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Museum of Brancusi

The Museum of Brancusi is dedicated to the life and work of Constantin Brancusi, one of the world’s most influential sculptors of the 20th century. Established in 1952, the museum holds a collection of over 100 works of art by the artist, including sculptures, drawings, and photographs.

The Memorial House of Ecaterina Teodoroiu

The Memorial House of Ecaterina Teodoroiu is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary Romanian soldier, Ecaterina Teodoroiu. The house provides an insight into the heroic story of Teodoroiu, who fought and died in the First World War, and offers a glimpse into the life of people from Oltenia in the early 1900s.

The Brancusi Park

The Brancusi Park is a monumental complex located in the center of Târgu Jiu and includes Brancusi’s most famous works of art: The Table of Silence, The Gate of Kiss, and The Endless Column. These three sculptures are considered an ensemble and represent the cyclical nature of nature, the power of love, and the infinity of time, respectively.

Natural Attractions of Târgu Jiu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Jiu River Gorge

The Jiu River Gorge is a beautiful natural monument and a popular tourist attraction located between Târgu Jiu and Bumbesti-Jiu. The gorge’s cliffs rise up to 300 ft (90m) in places, and the river itself provides a great backdrop for a walk or a swim.

The Gorj County Museum of Natural Sciences

The Gorj County Museum of Natural Sciences is a fascinating place to visit if you are interested in geology and natural history. The museum has a collection of fossils, geodes, rocks, minerals, insects, and other specimens from the region, providing a unique glimpse into the geological history of Oltenia.

The Parang Mountains

The Parang Mountains located near Târgu Jiu is a perfect destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. It is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the region, with narrow gorges, rugged cliffs, and picturesque mountain villages.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Târgu Jiu

The Transalpina Highway

The Transalpina Highway is a well-known biking route that passes through the Parang Mountains. It offers some of the best panoramic views of the surrounding landscape in Romania. The road stretches for over 148km, and the altitude varies between 1,200 and 2,145 meters above sea level.

The Retezat National Park

Retezat National Park is situated in the Western Carpathians of Romania and is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Europe. The park is home to some of the most stunning mountain views, glaciers, clear lakes and rivers, and rare flora and fauna in Europe.

The Jiu River Gorge

The Jiu River Gorge is not only one of the most picturesque natural monuments in Oltenia, but it also offers some great hiking routes for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors. There are numerous trails to explore here, from leisurely strolls to hikes that will challenge even the most experienced hiker.

Best Things to Do in Târgu Jiu: Activities and Tours

Guided Tour of Târgu Jiu

A guided tour of Târgu Jiu is an excellent way to gain a better understanding of the city’s history, culture, and people. Whether you opt for a sightseeing tour or a food tour, you will undoubtedly discover many hidden gems and experience the city like a local.

Rafting on the Jiu River

Rafting on the Jiu River is a thrilling adventure that everyone should experience at least once. The river’s fast-paced rapids and scenic surroundings make it an unforgettable experience. There are several tour operators in the area that offer rafting tours suitable for all ages and abilities.

Wine Tasting in Oltenia

Oltenia is home to some of the best vineyards in Romania, producing high-quality wines for hundreds of years. There are several wineries located near Târgu Jiu that offer wine tasting tours where you can not only taste but learn about the history and production of the local wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Târgu Jiu

Day 1: Visit the Museum of Brancusi and explore the city’s central area.

Day 2: Take a guided tour to the Gorj County Museum of Natural Sciences and visit the Parang Mountains in the afternoon.

Day 3: Visit the Memorial House of Ecaterina Teodoroiu and the nearby ruins of the Tismana Monastery.

Day 4: Hike or bike the Transalpina Highway or take a guided tour to the Retezat National Park.

Day 5: Explore the Jiu River Gorge, either by rafting or hiking.

Day 6: Take a food tour or visit a local winery in Oltenia.

Day 7: Explore downtown Târgu Jiu’s outdoor museum, including The Table of Silence, The Gate of Kiss, and The Endless Column.

Food and Drink Scene of Târgu Jiu

Must-Try Dishes

Sarmale

Sarmale is a traditional Romanian dish made of minced pork, rice, and herbs wrapped in either cabbage or grape leaves. It is typically served with sour cream and mămăligă, a locally made cornmeal.

Mici

Mici is a type of grilled sausage made of minced pork and beef, served with mustard and bread. It is a popular street food in Târgu Jiu and the entire Oltenia region.

Papricaș cu mămăligă

Papricaș cu mămăligă is a stew made of pork or chicken, served with a side of mămăligă. It is a hearty dish, perfect for the colder months.

Local Beverages

Ţuică

Ţuică is a strong alcoholic beverage made of plums, and it is widely produced in the Oltenia region. It has a high alcohol percentage, and it is usually consumed in small shots before or after a meal.

Ciuica

Ciuica is a fermented drink made of apples, similar to cider. It is widely popular in the region and is usually consumed cold.

Where to Stay in Târgu Jiu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel Europa

Hotel Europa is situated in the heart of Târgu Jiu, just a few minutes away from the city’s main attractions. It features 99 hotel rooms, two conference rooms, and several dining options.

Hostel Mosaic

Hostel Mosaic is a budget-friendly hostel located in downtown Târgu Jiu. It offers comfortable dorms and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a shared kitchen and lounge area.

Casa Cleo

Casa Cleo is a beautiful guesthouse located in the outskirts of Târgu Jiu. It features six comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant that serves traditional Romanian cuisine.

What to Buy in Târgu Jiu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Traditional Oltenian Weaves

Traditional Oltenian weaves are handmade by local artisans, and they are available in a variety of patterns and sizes. They make excellent souvenirs and are perfect for home decor.

Local Wines

Oltenia is famous for producing some of the best wines in Romania. There are several wineries in the area that offer wine tasting tours, and guests can purchase bottles of their favorite wines to take home.

Bălțița Cheese

Bălțița cheese is a famous cheese variety from Oltenia, made of sheep’s milk. It has a distinct, salty flavor, and it can be found in most local markets and shops in the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Târgu Jiu

The people of Târgu Jiu are known for their hospitality, and visitors can expect to be warmly welcomed wherever they go. The local culture has been heavily influenced by the region’s history and traditions, and this is reflected in the city’s food, art, and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Târgu Jiu

The best time to visit Târgu Jiu is during the spring and early fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be extremely hot, with high humidity levels, and the winter can also be quite harsh and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Târgu Jiu

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including traditional Oltenian dishes and beverages.
  • Visit the outdoor museum while admiring the sculptures located throughout the town.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Dress inappropriately, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Hike or explore remote areas alone.
  • Litter or harm the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Târgu Jiu

Târgu Jiu is a safe destination for tourists, and crimes against visitors are rare. It is still advisable to take common-sense precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended, especially when going to crowded places. Additionally, it is best to avoid walking alone at night and away from populated areas.

Health in Târgu Jiu

Medical facilities in Târgu Jiu are generally well equipped, and most practitioners speak English. However, it is always recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, including medical coverage, since local clinics may require cash payments.

Getting to Târgu Jiu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Târgu Jiu

Târgu Jiu has its own airport, Târgu Jiu Airport, which is located approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) from the city center. However, the airport mostly connects to Bucharest.

Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest is the nearest airport, and it has daily domestic and international flights to major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Târgu Jiu

The bus station in Targu Jiu serves routes to big cities, including Bucharest, Craiova, and Cluj.

Other Options

Trains are also an option, especially since the train station is located centrally, and the network is extensive, linking Târgu Jiu with major Romanian cities.

How to Get Around in Târgu Jiu

The best way to explore Târgu Jiu is by foot or bicycle. Biking services exist or can be rented from authorized centers, rides between destinations located in different areas can take 5-10 minutes by local buses operating throughout the city.

Where to Go Next from Târgu Jiu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Băile Herculane

Baile Herculane is a spa town located in the Carpathian Mountains, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Târgu Jiu. The town is known for its thermal springs, and it has been a popular destination for over 2000 years, providing a unique combination of natural beauty and relaxation.

The Transfăgărășan Highway

The Transfăgărășan Highway is one of the most beautiful driving roads in Europe, stretching over 90 km (56 mi) and crossing the Făgăraș Mountains. It provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and links Târgu Jiu with the city of Brasov.

Sinaia

Sinaia is a mountain resort located in the Prahova Valley, approximately 200 km (124 mi) from Târgu Jiu. It is famous for its picturesque landscapes, elegant architecture, and the Peleș Castle, a stunning royal palace that offers a glimpse into Transylvanian history.

Conclusion

Târgu Jiu is a hidden gem, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you enjoy art, traditional foods, or outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in this charming city. From the historical monuments of the Brancusi Park to the scenic views of the Jiu River Gorge, Târgu Jiu has a lot to offer.

The Endless Column by Constantin Brâncuși The Endless Column by Constantin Brâncuși