Need to know
Closest airport: Timişoara International Airport (TSR), located on national road E70, 12 km from the city.
How to get there by car: A1, DN7 from Bucharest (around 61/2-7 h drive)
Population: 307,000
County/Area: capital of Timiş county/western Romania
https://www.facebook.com/timigrams
Future capital of culture in 2023, Timişoara has all types of attractions: major city in the country, lots of beautiful buildings and squares packed with cafés, vibrant nightlife, delicious and fancy food, good and cheap beer, English-speaking people plus friendly locals, many parks, good accommodation places, and last but not least, the city that started the anti-communist revolution against dictator Ceausescu.
Did I miss something?
Oh yes, it is my current home.
And I love it.
https://www.facebook.com/tourismofficetimisoara/
Multiculturalism is the word when you think about Timişoara, the place that was shared throughout history by various nationalities. Close to the border with Serbia and Hungary, Timişoara is easily reachable from three important capitals: Budapest (Hungary), Belgrade (Serbia) – 3 h each – and Vienna, Austria, 5 hours.
Preparing to be capital of culture, Timişoara looks back at its heritage and is in the meantime pulling out all the stops. In fact, the upcoming event only means many cool happenings in a city that shines up its light (the slogan of the town). So, why wait? Plan your trip to Timisoara to discover its top attractions before it is assaulted by hordes of tourists.
Contents:
A bit of history/ Good to know
Tourist attractions
3 Neighboring Squares for all Tastes
There Are Churches for Every Confession
Explore Timisoara on Foot
Art … Under All Its Forms
Water, Boat, Cycling
Come Have a Beer! And Some Yummy Food!
Festivals For Everyone
Timisoara’s Best Museums
Accommodation in Timisoara
A bit of history/ Good to know
Over the years, Timisoara has been influenced by many cultures and underwent several invasions because of its strategic placement. It is first attested in the early 13th century. Conquered by Turkish armies in the mid-16th century, Timisoara remains under strict Ottoman protection for 164 years.
In 1716 the region of Banat comes under Habsburg rule and Timisoara starts developing as capital of the region. After the conquest of Banat, authorities start the colonization of Banat with Catholic Swabians mainly (Germanic people) which makes Timisoara a multicultural centre.
The construction of Bega canal boosts trade and economy. Due to a flourishing period, Timisoara is also named ”Little Vienna”, as a recognition sign of its Austrian-Hungarian buildings and importance. The city becomes finally part of Romania after World War 1. At the beginning of the 20th century, Timisoara has an impressive community of Jews (mainly Hungarian or German speakers) that represent a veritable engine of the city.
After the second World War, the city gets under communist regime. In contemporary history, Timisoara means the first city from Romania (1989) that fought against the communist regime and Ceausescu’s dictatorship that kept the country in darkness for over 40 years.
Serbians, Austrians, Germans, and Turks left their marks on the city, particularly certain neighborhoods. Cetatea (the Fortress) was one of the four main fortresses of the Habsburg Empire. Nowadays, all the buildings from inside the fortress, together with Iosefin and Fabric quarters are historic monuments.
- The fortress of Timisoara was built on a swamp that served as natural fortification for the fortress. The construction of the Bega Canal led to improvement of the lands. It was the first navigable canal, thus increasing trade.
- The first electric illuminated city in Europe, and the second in the world, after New York (1884)
- First city in Europe to have a tram (1869)
- It is also called “Little Vienna” because of Austro-Hungarian influences in architecture; many buildings are living testimony for Art Nouveau/Secession style.
- Has the surname of “city of roses” due to 2 aristocratic families of florists who filled the town with many varieties of roses so beautiful that they got exported to Austro-Hungary and Europe.
The architecture of the town embodies churches of different cults, several Baroque buildings, numerous masterpieces of Art Nouveau, a Jewish quarter and a pedestrian limited area.
Tourist attractions
Still underrated, but with a positive vibe and good energy, Timisoara has a lot to offer. Plus, it is compact enough to stroll along its squares and parks in 1-2 days and serves as departure point for the region’s further exploration, either in terms of hiking and sightseeing, or wine route and tasty food.
I suggest you sit comfortably on your sofa and make an impression of whether Timisoara will be your next travel destination!
3 Neighboring squares for all tastes
If you have plenty of time to visit, or, just the opposite, Timisoara’s squares are a must. They are impossible to miss: on the one hand they are sooo close to the heart of the city, and on the other, they represent the core of the city. So, let me introduce them to you: Piata Victoriei (Victory square, as it was the place where the Revolution started), Piata Libertatii (Liberty Square) and Piata Unirii (Union Square), the place preferred by tourists and inhabitants alike.
Victory Square (1) looks like a classic square with two major buildings facing one another: the Orthodox Cathedral at one end and the Opera Building at the other. In between, you can enjoy a good ice cream, beer or coffee at one of the crowded terraces in good weather or enjoy the colourful palette of tulips in spring.
Liberty Square (2) is now the relaxed place to sit and listen to some pleasant street music, but it hasn’t always been the same! Excavations proved that around 45o years ago, under the ground level there were the Turkish Baths. The Oriental past of Timisoara came to light after the municipality reorganized the square some years ago.
Used to purify the human being and cleanse the soul for the divinity, water played an important role in the Islamic world centuries ago, when more “civilized” cultures didn’t rate washing high on their list. The Grand Hammam contained 15 rooms and could boast a clever heating system, a primitive form of floor heating. Ottoman Timisoara had 8 mosques as well, whose remains are not to be seen today, because the Austrian invasion demolished everything when they set foot in Timisoara.
The Plague Column in the middle of the piazza, based on the famous Viennese model, is one of the two columns erected for the same purpose. On the pedestal you can see many bullet marks from the 1989 Revolution.
From this square, you easily reach Union Square (3), a main informal gathering spot, filled with nice atmosphere. Some prefer it for the numerous cafés and eateries, others for its iconic Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, while others simply love hanging out and have a chat on the grass or maybe visit an exhibition or attend some concert. There’s plenty for everyone.
There are churches for every confession
Yes, I really mean it… Timisoara can count up to 10 different languages for the religious service!
Still, I’d like to start with The Orthodox Cathedral (4)(Victory Square), the biggest church in the city, and the tallest one in Romania. It hosts the seat of the archbishop and the bishopry of Banat area. Built between the two world wars, the cathedral has a unique architectural style, called Byzantine, a mix of Romanian tradition with Ottoman influences, that can be found in Moldavian monasteries. Its towers even look comparable to the national costume skirt! It is huge, being capable of sheltering 5000 people, and it contains several artifacts.
The Union Square houses the biggest Catholic Dome (St George’s Cathedral) (5) from the country built in Baroque style in the 18th century. It has a luxurious inside and thanks to its acoustic and organ, many concerts are organized here. Nowadays it is perfectly integrated in the landscape just as the religious service in German, Hungarian and Romanian are a perfect match.
Across the square, you will notice a beautiful but contrasting building. It is the place of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Bishop’s residence (6). An interesting fact is that the Austrians showed tolerance at the beginning of the 18th century by allowing the Serbians to build their own cathedral (in the same square). Their religious construction is oriented with the back to the square not as a sign of defiance, but according to the tradition that the altar had to face sunrise, and because the Catholics had been the first to occupy their place. The Serbian church was initially built in Baroque style with classical elements. It contains beautiful paintings and crystal chandeliers.
The chair of the Serbian bishopry underwent some major changes throughout its history. Laszlo Szekely, the architect whose name is linked to some of Timisoara’s most spectacular buildings, made a successful facelift to the initial provincial Baroque, not only by adding one floor and considerably extending the building, but especially by a radical and appealing change in the aspect. The main style is Art Nouveau, but it preserves Eastern influences.
Explore Timisoara on foot
One of the best things to do in the city is to take a walk downtown (7), and after you quenched your thirst or relaxed your feet at some terrace, start observing the city and … its palaces. Although you can read about the best buildings here, there are many representative ones that display an interesting story/history, name and façade. Most of them are to be found in Union Square and along all streets in central Timisoara (together with neighborhoods of Fabric, Iosefin or Elisabetin). If you are into architecture, you should definitely visit Fabric, although you’ll have to show understanding to look past the neglected facades and layers of dust.
Palaces are carefully organized in geometrical squares, testifying for entities, such as the Jewish quarter, or represent a social status, as expected. Some buildings bear the marks of important people who happened to cross the city, such as Austrian emperor Franz Joseph, while others witness the stay of foreign personalities through the city and ended by shaping it. I’d mention here Prince Eugene of Savoy (you’ll hear of him again!), brought up at King Louis 14th court, who frees Timisoara from the Ottomans and makes it part of the Habsburg Empire, or another French figure, count Florimund Mercy, member of the Austrian Imperial Army whose name is linked to modern Timisoara.
Roaming around the streets will take you to the only remaining bastion called Theresia Bastion, part of Timisoara’s fortress (8). It showcases arrow shaped fortifications that eliminate dead angles. A remarkable construction, it was made up of three rows of thick walls separated by two canals of water. Nowadays, although rehabilitated and beautiful, the bastion lacks the vibrant life you encounter in other parts of the city.
One of the city’s symbols is the chain of parks (9), Timisoara being famous for its green areas. You can take a walk in the Roses’ Park (full of roses in summer), the Central Park Anton von Scudier, the Botanical Park (chill and relax), the Justice Park (full of tulips in April-May) or even the Children’s Park (to add up some adventure to your life).
Art … under all its forms
In terms of art, Timisoara can surprise its visitors with a wide range of …creativity. You don’t have to visit museums; art will come your way.
However, if you are a “classic culture vulture”, the best starting point is The Baroque Palace (Union Square), a massive baroque building that today houses the Art Museum (10). Part of the Habsburgs’ reconstruction plan, this palace was built beginning with 1754 according to the architectural demands of the time and modified in the 19th century to its current aspect. Besides the permanent exhibitions, the museum showcases interesting art exhibitions that are highly original.
You can visit it for its baroque grand hall adorned with rococo motifs, or for the touch of history, such as famous composers who offered the audience a memorable show centuries ago.
The Opera House (11) (shares the space with the National Theatre) offers a cultural immersion, if you are in the mood!
It has an agitated history: built initially according to famous Viennese architects with rhyming names Helmer and Fellner, the cultural institution rhymed as well with stylish Western European buildings. Unfortunately, soon after its inauguration, the façade burned down completely, and the Romanian architect appointed to reconstruct it, opted for the Romanian Byzantine style, preserving the original style only on the sides.
Despite rumours that said the Opera would look better with the elegant style on again, the actual Romanian look has become a trademark of the city. The Opera’s balcony is now a symbol of liberty, as that was the exact place where revolutionaries delivered their speeches and the sparkle that led to the fall of communism.
Round the corner of the Opera, you get to the instagrammable street with colourful umbrellas. Here, the same building houses both the Hungarian and German State Theatres (12). The interesting part is that the Romanian state pays for the theatres of two minorities who brotherly (and mathematically) share the 5 windows to display the shows of the season.
The artistic atmosphere is completed by live performers all over the squares and modern statues (13) that slowly turn into the city’s symbols such as the boy with the phone (he got a mask during the pandemic to be safe), or Supermom, to mention just a few. The thing with contemporary art is that few people understand it, but everyone comments about it, just like in football or politics. So, modern art has eventually reached its goal! Check out for more to shape your personal opinion!
Graffiti is a form of street art Timisoara embraces! It is young and colourful, and changes when you expect the least! Look for it especially in abandoned places or under central bridges. Timisoara has even a street art festival!
Water, boat, cycling (14)
No, this is not a dish packed with everything…these are the options you can embrace on and around Bega canal.
Turning Bega into a canal starts in 1728 when count Mercy (yes, the one you already read about) starts digging a canal to drain the flooding land from around Timisoara. The solutions later proposed by engineers help the management of water in a swampy area. Nowadays we can enjoy a boat ride as an alternative means of transportation.
If you’d rather stay on dry land, you can rent a bike and ride along the canal on the numerous bike paths, get some vitamin D…and discover the less commercial areas of the city. Should you just walk, there’s the option of stopping by at Vineri 15 (chill place) or Riviere Brasserie and watch the sunset over Bega!
Come have a beer! And some yummy food!
The inhabitants of Banat have always been proud people who live according to the slogan that “Banat is the forehead” (meaning most advanced part of the country). So, Timisoreana, the first beer factory (15) in the country is a good reason to boast and party! Founded by Prince Eugene of Savoy in 1718, the initial goal of the factory was to supplement drinkable water. Ever since, Timisoreana has produced millions of bottles of beer and takes pride in modern technologies. You can even drink beer straight from the factory for a boost of satisfaction!
Wine is another fashionable drink that gets high on the list of preferences. If you want to try something from the area you visit, you should opt for the highly acclaimed Solo Quinta or Cuvee Uberland from Cramele Recas (rather expensive but worth if you are a connoisseur), Rosu or Ovas from Petrovaselo (regular price and good) or Feteasca Neagra (an originally Romanian variety) from Balla Geza winery.
Although a drink is always a good pretext for a chat, Timisoara offers delicious and hearty food (16). According to the number of Mediterranean restaurants, it seems like inhabitants of the city only eat Italian, but if you know where to go you can sample authentic Romanian food. Club XXI is one of the rustic places that provide traditional Romanian dishes, along with Ana Lugojana or Curtea Berarilor (beer draftsmen court)
Strolling downtown, Massimo is always a good choice for food and desert lovers alike, August Pasta Bar is expert in customizable pasta, or Naru is a comfy place that offers a variety of yummy snacks in a cozy atmosphere! If you are vegetarian, Biofresh is your thing. The city’s student complex is crammed with bars and dance clubs that stay open till dawn and the prices are lower than in other parts.
Festivals for everyone (17)
There are quite a few festivals in Timisoara, although the pandemic put a huge stop on every public display of people. If, in terms of city, Timisoara equals multiculturalism, in terms of music, jazz is a diverse musical genre, hence the association of Timisoara with jazz. The Jazz TM Festival has already a tradition, bringing every summer high quality artistic performances. Diskoteka Festival is a music festival with 80es and 90es music and fun.
Flight Festival makes its breakthrough on the city’s stage as it brings in front of the audience music and diverse activities, such as film projections, theatre or tech talks. PLAI usually takes place in early September and is a chill festival made by a community of 100% volunteers committed to social change. Besides music, it involves a network of non-profit organisations and creative environment.
Other interesting festivals include the celebration of Timisoara’s multiethnicity, but also (European) movie festivals that bring an influx of new perspective.
Timisoara’s best museums
The Communist Consumer Museum (18) (1, Szekely Laszlo str., no entrance fee, donations accepted) doesn’t look like a museum, it is mainly a chill place (there is also a no-frills terrace on the premises) to rememorate the past for the ones who experienced it, or to get glimpses of the way Romanians lived communism. Although this museum will not shed light over the political concept, the space gives the tourist the possibility to explore and touch all objects as if at home. Everything inside dates from the communist period and may offer an idea of communist Romania lifestyle.
Memorialul Revolutiei (19) (2B, Oituz str, 10 lei/around 2 euro/adult, 5 lei/around 1 euro/children, students and pensioners) is a different type of communist museum which tries to honour and keep alive the memory of the Revolution victims which started in Timisoara. Visiting it, you can get an idea about the revolution, the chronology of the events, observe interesting artefacts and watch a movie about the events back then. A museum that brings contemporary history closer and makes it more accessible!
Situated in the middle of nature, in a quiet place, the Village Museum (20) (1, Avram Imbroane, 5 lei/1 euro) is an introspection of how people used to live in Banat area. Although it may need more attention (like guided tours), it is a place where time stood still and you can admire traditional homes.
So, this is Timisoara’s very best: a mix between the Romanian Revolution, history and multiculturalism, a gate from the west to the east, a cocktail between generations as well as old cultures and traditions brought alive in modern space. Come and enjoy Timisoara’s top attractions!
Accommodation in Timisoara
In Timisoara there’s a wide offer of accommodation. You can opt for luxury hotels, such as Atlas Hotel with an excellent positioning, or the more comfortable luxury apartments, such as ELLA Apartments, behind the Cathedral. Villa Rosa is another good option, more affordable and slightly farther from the hustle and bustle, while Timhouse is situated downtown. If hostels are your cup of tea, check in at the pleasant and colourful Hostel Cornel or the friendly Freeborn Hostel.
Recommended by TTF:
- A beautiful, multicultural city
- Many amazing buildings both in Baroque and Art Nouveau/Secession style
- Many parks and green areas that will make your exploration of Timisoara’s hot spots easier
- City with good vibes and amazing night life
- Many locals with good food
City essentials
For public transportation access http://www.ratt.ro/info2.html
Taxi companies and Uber
Uber is available in Timisoara
Taxis are relatively inexpensive and widely available.
Tudo Taxi – +40256945, +40723449940
Radio Taxi – +40256940
Pro Taxi – +40256942
Timisoara Tourist Information Centre
(Infocentru Turistic) – Downtown
2, Alba Iulia Street
3 Responses
Muchas gracias.
Thanks a lot.
Beautiful City, great article!
Thank you Marian!