Romania has gained a place in my heart and is one of my favorite countries to explore. During my time in Romania, I often heard locals recommend that I should visit Timisoara. Alas, I never got around to it as I had almost overstayed my visa.
I traveled around other parts of Europe and finally settled in Budapest, Hungary with my girlfriend for a month or so. One rainy day, I had the yearning to head back to Romania and I had four days left on the Romanian visa. Furthermore, Timisoara is just 5-hour train ride away from Budapest. It was a simple decision. My girlfriend and I planned a little adventure to check out Timisoara and hitchhike our way to Belgrade in Serbia.
Timisoara is a beautiful city in Romania you shouldn’t miss
Where to stay in Timisoara?
We first searched for accommodation online and found one on the outskirts of the city with decent price and reviews. We booked the place ahead of time and headed to the location as soon as our train arrived. Walking around in the residential area didn’t give an excellent first impression of the city. It’s like a scene from a 70s movie. There were a lot of communist-era buildings around. Not the neo-classical architecture I was expecting from postcards. Old but not ancient enough to be cool.
Luckily, unfortunate events lead us out of the suburbs and into the heart of the city. I know that sounds like an oxymoron but bear with me.
Birds and clouds over the Art Timisoara Museum
We arrived at the guest house I mentioned that we booked (Arthouse Lucrezia) online, but there was no one in sight. No doors, no entrance, and no office. There was a gate of sorts and a fence with a mailbox that had a little-written address that implied we were at the right place. We knocked, yelled, circled the compound a few times trying to find somebody to no avail. We spent almost an hour trying to find somebody or a way in and finally gave up.
A Beautiful City
Crayon Building Timisoara
We decided to take a taxi to the city to find another hotel in the center called the Central Hotel in downtown Timisoara. It turned out to be a great decision. The location was very centralized, and we had access to the coolest spots in the city. And boy what city. Beautiful, vibrant, and full of amazing picturesque architecture that rivals any top cities in Western Europe.
What is Timisoara famous for?
Kristina in front of the Timisoara Museum
First, let’s get into historical context about Timisoara before we get into the meat of how it’s another remarkable Romanian destination.
Timisoara was built around an ancient Roman fortress, and throughout the decades, various other migrating or conquering cultures made its influence on the city. The Turks, Tatars, Austrians, Germans and even Serbs have left their mark on the Timisoara, and you can see throughout the city’s architecture.
People chillin’ at the Piata Unirii in Timisoara, Romania
There’s a distinct architectural style and personality that makes Timisoara charming. Timisoara was the first city to use electricity to light up the streets in Europe, and it’s second, after New York, to do so in the world. It’s also a vibrant cultural center in Romania that is often referred to as “Little Vienna.”
I don’t know if the “Little Vienna” moniker implies flattery. I’ve been to Vienna, and I’ll take Timisoara over Vienna any day.
A City Full Of Squares
Just a quick stroll over to Union Square (Piața Unirii) and you’ll find out why. There is various distinctive and picturesque architecture in all the four intersections with historical significance.
Union Square is full of pigeons
You’ll see simplified WWI designs contrasted with Byzantine influence marked with growing modernist style. Here you’ll observe Romano-Catholic and Serbian Orthodox churches on opposite sides showing the various historical marks the city has endured throughout history. Little hints of the communist regime do creep from time to time but that’s just appeal of this endearing city that has survived rigors of history.
Things to Do in Timisoara
Timisoara is easy to explore on foot, but it has fast and frequent public tram if you’re too lazy to walk. You’re bound to discover something remarkable and worth seeing so I don’t know why, if you’re able, you wouldn’t want to stroll down the city’s unusual and rustic alleyways.
Timisoara Metropolitan Cathedral
There’s the majestic Romanian Orthodox Cathedral (Catedrala Mitropolitană) that dominates the landscape in Victory Square. This cathedral was built around 1936 with Moldavian style architecture. It’s worth exploring inside, the interior has some interesting elements and has a calm ambiance. This Cathedral is a little bit more detached from the rest of the city but definitely one worth visiting.
The Freedom Square
There’re also several crayon-hued buildings in the Piața Libertății (Freedom Square), another essential square in the city that has different styles of architecture (Secessionist). Here marks the struggle of the Romania people from communism – Timisoara is considered the spiritual capital of the country.
If you’re getting tired and hungry from walking around and checking out the awesome architecture. Just take a stroll up and down the Piata Victoriei and you’ll see bars and restaurants from side to side. Circle the Piata Unirii and take your pick of the many restaurants and cafes. I recommend Bistro Stradivarius in Piata Unirii (Union Square) for good food and excellent atmosphere.
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Why Visit Timisoara?
One day in the beautiful city of Timisoara is probably not enough to experience all that it offers. I recommend you start at Piata Victoriei which has the best angle to take pictures of the Metropolitan Cathedral. There are a historic statue and a fountain worth checking out.
Orthodox Church
Timisoara Plaza Fontana Cu Pesti
Once done, you can go inside check out the interior of the Cathedral. The park next to the cathedral is also worth checking out if you’re not pressed for time. Next, you can walk straight to Strada Alba Iulia, all the way to Piata Libertatii. After that, you should spend a good chunk of your time in Piata Unirii and marvel at the amazing architecture.
You should be able to cover the three major squares in the city and see most of its acclaimed landmarks. Check out the map I’ve compiled below with the Downtown Hostel (if you’re solo) and Hotel Central (if you have company) as places to stay at for convenience.
When To Visit Timisoara?
The summer is the best time to visit but any season is good too. There’s plenty of festivals in the Summer, and there are nearby locations for outdoor activities. Timisoara is one of those cities that offer a lot and has a lot, but one you can definitely get the most out of in one day.
A DAY IN BREAKDOWN:
- Train from Budapest to Timisoara – $17 (per person)
- Hotel in the center of the city – $22 (per person, $40 a night)
- Breakfast at Hotel – Free (included)
- Lunch at Timisoara Restaurant & Brewery – $5 (per person)
- Dinner at Bistro Stradivarius Restaurant – $8 (per person, splurged on wine)
- TOTAL: $52 (per person)
Book your accommodations HERE.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO TIMISOARA ROMANIA?
This place has a super homey feel. The architecture is absolutely stunning and I liked the church photos too. I also loved your itinerary down at the bottom and I would love to see a more detailed blog post about it! :)
I’ve the itinerary on the map :) If you can, I recommend visiting Romania. In fact place it on the top of your list :)
Beautiful. This place doesn’t look real haha. It looks like a cartoon fairytale and everything looks so clean too. Definitely getting on my list :)
Timisoara Romania, the fairytale city :)
Wow this place is an architecture paradise. I love colonial-style, colorful buildings like this. I’ve had this recent fetish with them for some reason. Funny how travel changes you.
I hope to visit this place in my travels.
Timisoara is really old and it’s been through a lot of iterations. Worth a visit man :)
Timisoara is so elegant and beautiful. It retains an aura of the old world charm. Would love to get there some day/ The post is quite refreshing as we generally do not see any posts about Romania .
I have a lot of posts about Romania :) The country is a very underrated tourist destinations! WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT ROMANIA RIGHT NOW
The photos are stunning, what beautiful buildings. It looks very quiet too, with not many people around unless that was the time of day? Thank you!
It’s busy city but not as crazy as Bucharest. Not as super touristy as other cities in Europe yet but who knows?
What a charming place. Timisoara looks picture perfect and rather fairytale-ish. I’m planning a trip to Europe right now and was looking for little-known places to put on my itinerary. Love the photos.
Thanks. Timisoara should really be on the top of your list!
I have friends from Romania who always told me when I was traveling (in high school actually) that I should visit. Your photos truly do it justice and make me want to visit more and more! I had never heard of Timisoara, but I love walkable cities and cool architecture so it looks like yet another one to add to my ever-growing list!
Yes. Romania is so underrated!
The city is stunning and beautiful. I love the pastel colours of the building. Simply amazing.
Timisoara is indeed stunning. Worth a visit :)
Glad you like Timisoara Adonis, here’s what else you missed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kX11JZpw7E
But do tell next time your around ;)
I’ll have to check it out next time :)
Hi. Thanks for your guidance, I have a business trip to Iasi, I want to know your opinion about this city and where to visit there?
Hey Mahnam,
I’ve never been to Iasi but I’ve heard some great things about it :) My advise. Do what I do. Don’t do any planning. Discover the city in your own terms. Only make references when you need to!