Timişoara

Why?

Romania’s “Little Vienna” is a cosmopolitan city with diverse architecture, a baroque historical center, lovely parks and gardens and museums of cultural value.

The churches and synagogues, the restaurants, alongside the cultural and vibrant nightlife make Timişoara the most western Romanian city, perfect for a city-break or a relaxing and interesting stop to or from Western Europe.

Discover

Timişoara, the capital of Banat, is one of the largest and most important urban centers of Romania. Although first mentioned in documents in the 12th century, the history of this city dates back to ancient times. Over the centuries the biggest influences it received were from the Ottoman and the Habsburg Empire, the latter of which (after two centuries of rule) has left its biggest imprint on the architecture of the city.

Due to their baroque style many of the buildings found in the historical center reminds one of the capital of Austria, Vienna. Victoriei Square and Unirii Square, the best known Squares of the city, are framed by these beautiful baroque buildings. Here you can find the Orthodox Cathedral, the Baroque Palace, the Roman-Catholic Cathedral, the Serbian Orthodox Church or Saint Trinity Monument. The multiethnic population of Timişoara makes for a considerable number of religious edifices (orthodox, catholic or Jewish). Other buildings of considerable historical significance are the Huniade Castle that houses the Banat Museum and the Bastion of Therezia.

To properly take in the architectural details of the buildings in the historical districts of Iosefin and Fabric or Traian Square, we recommend you take a stroll in these neighbourhoods equipped with a decent quality camera.

The cosmopolitan feel of the city and rich cultural life are the defining elements of Timişoara. A considerable number of events attract culture hungry visitors each year. Some of these are the Plai Festival organized yearly by the Banat Village Museum, the Timişoara Jazz Festival or the Euroregional Theater Festival that encompasses theater, dance and performances with participants from over 16 countries.

Another thing not to be missed in Timişoara is a play or opera at the Culture Palace or a visit to the Art Museum in the Baroque Palace.

Timişoara is also known as the “City of Flowers”. Visit the Botanical Gardens or Rose Park and you will easily see why.

Another good place where you can relax in natural scenery and rural atmosphere is the Banat Village Museum. Here you will have the chance to admire the traditional architecture of the villages in this region. Annual folk based events are held here, popular with both locals and tourists.

You can take a stroll on the promenade next to the Bega River or rent a boat if you like.

Although mostly defined by its cultural and historical significance, Timişoara has always been a significant economic driving force of the region. You can gain a better understanding of this side of the city by seeking out industrial landmarks like the Beer Factory, the former City Slaughterhouse or the water towers of the Iosefin and Fabric districts.

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We recommend

  • Visiting the Communist Consumer Museum.
  • Visiting during the Opera and Operetta Festival held in Rose Park in August.
  • Take a walk down Bega promenade.
Good to know

  • Timişoara lies at the crossroads of European route E671 (towards Arad) and E70 (towards Lugoj and Belgrad). It is connected to Hungary via national DN6 (through Cenad).
  • It’s roughly 560 km from Bucharest, 160 km from Belgrade and 275 km from Budapest.
  • By train Timişoara is connected to all the major Romanian cities and some of European ones (Budapest, Vienna).
  • Traian Vuia Airport is the second largest airport in Romania.
  • The tourist information center is situated at 2 Alba Iulia Street. Summer schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00-19:00, Saturday 10:00-16:00. Winter Schedule: Daily 10:00-18:00, Saturday 12:00-15:00.
  • The Post Office is at 2 Revoluției din 1989 Blvd. Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00-19:00, Saturday 9:00-14:00.
  • You can explore the city on bike by renting one.
  • In 2021 Timişoara will be the European Cultural Capital.

Weather


Wednesday
8°C

Thursday
18°C

Friday
17°C