Overview

Timisoara is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in all of Romania, it is a university city and referred to as the city of roses and parks. The third-largest city in the country is nicknamed “Little Vienna” due to the number of buildings built in the Kaiser era. The city boasts some elegant squares, tree-lined boulevards, vibrant lavish gardens, and fairy tale churches. The city is filled with an impressive ring of vibrant parks such as Roses Park, the Botanic Park, and Poporului Park, which encircle the Old Town, a great place to escape in a tranquil environment and enjoy the great outdoors. The city is famous for its flowers and blossoms especially the tulips.

Timisoara offers a vibrant atmosphere with a great cafe culture and a wide variety of restaurants, and nightlife options, many found in the historic Old Town and dotted around the baroque squares. The city is home to a university which brings many students to the area and results in a booming atmosphere. The city was the first to install street lights and to run off hydroelectric power, also it was the first city in Romania with horse-drawn trams introduced in 1867. Timisoara is where the anti-communist revolution started in 1989.

Things to see and do

Wander around the charming squares in Timisoara, Piata Unirii (Union Square), and Piata Victoriei (Victory Square). There are some great cafes dotted around the squares with outdoor seating to enjoy the atmosphere and passing crowds. Check out some of the fabulous independent galleries in the city including Jecza and Helios, and the Timisoara Art Museum.

The city is steeped in history dating back thousands of years, the streets are lined with wonderful architectural delights see in historic buildings like the Old Town Hall, a beautiful Baroque cathedral, and the impressive Timisoara Fortress.

Timisoara was named the European Capital of Culture in 2021, the city features a unique mixture of cultural heritage. Today the city breaths diversity and acceptance after numerous wars from more than six ethnic groups.

History buffs will enjoy the Museum of Communist Consumer filled with items that date back before the Romanian revolution in 1989. Step back in time and explore this fantastic museum with boasts an artsy-hippie bar named Scart with outside seating.

Art lovers check out the local Art Museum of Timisoara found in the bustling Union Square.

Take a day trip to Banat, a fascinating region with a unique history and cultural identity. Locals live as if in a time-bubble isolated from civilization and modern life.

Enjoy a ride down the Danube River which forms the southern Romanian border with Serbia, winding through some superb natural beauty in the Danube Gorge. Take a boat ride down the river and admire the rock sculpture of King Decebal the lead of our Dacian ancestors over 2,000 years ago. There are plenty of places to stop along the way and enjoy fish dishes unique to the area.

Corvin Castle in Hunedoara is a must-see attraction. The famous castle features gothic and renaissance architecture and once served as a defense citadel and home to Transylvania’s rulers. Admire the Transylvania spires on the imposing towers, gargoyles, and impressive defense moat and wooden bridge. The castle is considered one of the best-preserved medieval castles in all of Europe.

Shopping

Timisoara is a great place to shop for all kinds of items including well-known brands, Romanian products, and vintage fashion. Most of the interesting shops are located in the city center, OpenVille is a large mall in the city with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Piata Aurora-Flavia and Piata Mehala are two flea markets that take place in the city on the weekdays with hundreds of stalls to explore. The Brancoveanu shopping area is another popular location as well as Piata Victoriei. Corner shops are found all around the city that is open 24/7 and selling everyday items, and necessities.

Food and Nightlife

Timisoara has it all when it comes to dining options, the cuisine is influenced by Italian, Serbian, Hungarian, German, Turkish, and Arabic. There are gourmet restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, and street stalls for dining. Caruso is a stand-out gourmet restaurant serving up delicious traditional Romanian cuisine, grilled meats are on the menu at Nora. The popular squares in the city such as Victory Square and Unirii Square offer some charming cafes and cute restaurants with outdoor terrace seating and a charming atmosphere to enjoy a meal and drinks. Pastry shops and gelaterias are popular in the city for a sweet satisfying treat. Street stalls sell sandwiches, kebabs, shawarmas, french fries, and other fast food items.

Some popular traditional dishes include Ciorba de Burta, sour beef belly tripe soup, sarmale is meat-filled cabbage rolls, mici is the Romanian version of grilled meatballs or kebabs, and papansi are fried dumplings with jam as dessert.

The city of Timisoara offers a thriving nightlife with plenty of bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs found in the busy squares and the city center. During summer the riverside is the place to hang out on the southern side of town where many restaurants and bars provide shade and a great place to have an afternoon or evening drink. Scartz is a hipster bar just outside the city center popular with the younger crowds and students offering a laid-back vibe with luxurious chairs, hammocks, and bunk beds for hanging out.

History and Culture

The city of Timisoara won the Culture Capital of Europe in 2021 teeming with culture. The city was previously ruled by the Hungarian, Ottoman, and Habsburg empires and now has a diverse range of people living there. The city was the epicenter of Romania’s rebellion against Communism, the Museum of the 1989 Revolution is a great place to learn all about it.

Festivals and Events

Salsa Dance Festival “Salsa with Attitude - Mid-March - Timisoara

Timisoara Easter Markets - End of March to Middle of April

Timisoara Flower Show - End of April - Victoriei Square

Diskoteka Retro Music Festival - May

Timisoara Students Festival - Mid May

Timisoara Children’s Festival - End of May

Timisoara Arts Festival - Beginning of June

Music Festival “Bega” - Beginning of June

Timisoara Short Films Festival - June

Timisoara International Jazz Festival - Beginning of July

Timisoara International Festival of Folklore “Festival of the Hearts” - July

Timisoara International Film Festival - Middle of July

Timisoara Festival - August

Timisoara River Bega “Boulevard” Festival - August

Timisoara Opera and Operetta Festival, part 1 and 2 - End of August Beginning of September|

Timisoara International Music Festival “Plai Festival” - Middle of September

Timisoara Wine Festival - End of October

Timisoara Christmas Markets - End of Nov to Mid January