Top Things to Do and See in Timisoara

Boasting a Western atmosphere, Timisoara is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. A tourist destination through and through, the city rewards everyone who comes here. Whether you are there simply to stop and admire the architecture, hide from the midday sun in a shaded park, or just grab a bite to eat, you will be impressed by what the city has to offer.

Below we have listed the top things to do and see in Timisoara. Try them all – or at least one in each category – to make sure you completely grasp the spirit of the city! 

Baroque Palace

Museums & Historical Buildings

Everywhere you turn, you are surrounded by Baroque palaces, imposing historical buildings and elegant houses with Secession facades. One of the most representative historical buildings is Maria Theresia Bastion, a remnant from the first half of the 18th century, now housing several exhibitions. If you want to find out more even more about the history of the city and the region, you should head to the archaeology and history sections of the Museum of the Banat.

If you are more of an art lover, you can wander towards the Art Museum, housed in the majestic Baroque Palace, to retrace the artistic  development from the 18th century to the present day. For those interested  in how the people from Banat and Timisoara lived, rather than in how they expressed themselves, the open air Banat Village Museum is a faithful re-creation of the traditional peasant lifestyle.

 

Churches & Other Places of Worship

You don't have to be a fervent believer to be able to appreciate the beauty of the places of worship in Timisoara, rightfully considered a melting pot of religions. In large squares or hidden between the trees, big or small, Orthodox or Jewish, Romanian or Serbian, these quiet sanctuaries are so different that stepping inside one is never enough.

The most beautiful churches are located in the two central squares of the city. The colourfully-roofed Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral watches over the Victory Square, while at the two opposite ends of the Union Square stand the Baroque Roman-Catholic Dome and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. Halfway between these two squares, you can also spot the Synagogue from the Citadel, a place of worship for the large Jew community in Timisoara. Iosefin Synagogue and Fabric Synagogue, named after the neighbourhoods they were erected in, are two other exquisite religious edifices built in the Moorish style. If you go visit them, don’t miss the Roman-Catholic Millenium Church in Fabric, built in the Neo-Romanic architectural style.

Timisoara Metropolitan Cathedral

Parks & Gardens

When it comes to parks in Timisoara, you are allowed to be picky, as there are enough for everyone. Tens of parks, most of them spread along the banks of Bega River, offer people a shaded retreat from the hot summer months. While the couples will surely head to the Roses’ Park, parents can take their kids to the recently opened Children’s Park  or to the far-off, yet very modern Zoological Garden.

 

River Activities

Coming to Timisoara and not going paddle boating on the Bega River is like going to the seaside and not swimming in the sea!  Over the past year, the city has seen a massive increase in river activities. Today, you can go paddle boating, kayaking and – our favourite – water walking, whereby you are put inside a large inflatable sphere that floats on the surface of the water. Trust us, it is worth a try!

Roses Park

Restaurants

If after a day of exploring the city you want to recharge your batteries, Timisoara has a lot of great restaurants. It all simply depends on you and your culinary  tastes. Those who are tempted by hearty Romanian traditional dishes can take a short walk from the city centre to Casa Bunicii Restaurant, where they will feel like they are in their grandmothers’ homes. Fish and seafood are the main stars at Sabres Fish Restaurant, while the Brazilian, French and Mediterranean cuisines blend perfectly at the elite dining venue known as Sky Restaurant.

 

Bars & Clubs

When you get thirsty, you can head to D’Arc Terrace  for a local beer. This is one of the most popular bars and terraces in Timisoara, as it is situated on a boat anchored on the banks of Bega River. In downtown Timisoara you can also find numerous other bars and pubs, as well as many nightclubs where you can dance 'till the break of dawn. From rock and retro clubs to fashion and indie clubs, Timisoara's nightlife leaves you no chance to get bored (or sleep for that matter)!

 

With a rich historical heritage colliding with a modern tempo, Timisoara is the perfect city-break destination. Multicultural and diverse, with a lively atmosphere and plethora of cultural sites, you will never get short on things to do in Timisoara!

Sky Restaurant