Those of you looking to explore parts of Romania that reach beyond Bucharest and the region of Transylvania may want to look west. Timisoara was recently named the European Capital of Culture in 2023. It’s one of the largest cities in Romania and it has a history dating back to Roman times. If you’re wondering what to see in Timisoara, you won’t be left disappointed.
Timisora is located in the Banat Region of Romania, very close to the country’s western borders. It’s a beautiful city that’s known for its history, culture, and heritage, so there are more than enough things to do in Timisoara to keep you busy for a couple of days. In terms of what to see in Timisoara, all of the main attractions are within easy walking distance from one another. It’s one Romanian city that everyone should visit at least once.
8 attractions to see in Timisoara
1. Piața Unirii
The most central part of Timisoara is Piața Unirii, or Union Square. This large public square dates back to the 18th century, and it was designed to showcase its Baroque aspects. I would put Piața Unirii right at the top of your list of what to see in Timisoara because there are a lot of beautiful buildings here, and a few nice restaurants too.
The buildings in Piața Unirii that are the most popular are Saint George’s Cathedral, Brück House, the Serbian Cathedral, the Timisoara Art Museum, and the Serbian Community House. It’s also a very pleasant area to sit back and people watch for a while.
2. Brück House
The most photographed and instantly recognizable building in Timisoara is Brück House. This building is over 100 years old, and it’s a beautiful example of 20th century Art Nouveau architecture. It was built on the site of a 19th century pharmacy, and today a pharmacy still exists inside Brück House. I’d recommend taking a quite look inside the pharmacy because you can still see some of the original furnishings on display.
3. Streets of the old town
One of the best things to do in Timisoara is to stroll among the streets of the old town. The streets are especially magical at night when they’re lit up, and during the daytime you can hop between the shops to see what unique products you can take home with you. Two streets that you can’t miss are Strada Vasile Alecsandri and Strada Eugeniu de Savoya which both connect to Piața Unirii.
4. Saint George’s Cathedral
Before leaving Piața Unirii and the surrounding streets, take some time to admire Saint George’s Cathedral. This is one of the most eye-catching buildings in the square and it was built at the request of the Holy Roman Emperor in the 18th century. The doors to the cathedral aren’t always open, but if they are then it’s never a bad idea to pop your head inside and take a look around.
5. Liberty Square
Just a short walk from Piața Unirii is Liberty Square. This is another example of the many beautiful public spaces around Timisoara. This square was once the centre of Ottoman-controlled Timisoara in the medieval period. By the 18th century it was predominantly used for military parades and as an assembly point for troops. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that it was given its current name. If you visit Liberty Square in the evening, you may be treated to a pianist surrounded by locals taking in the music.
6. Metropolitan Cathedral
Although not as old as Saint George’s Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks in the city. You’ll definitely want to add it to your list of what to see in Timisoara. It was built in the 1930s and is known for being the religious centre of the Banat Region. It’s also one of the many free things to do in Timisoara, so it’s an ideal attraction if you’re visiting Romania on a budget.
7. Victory Square
Sitting opposite the Metropolitan Cathedral is Victory Square. This square marks the site of the 1989 Revolution, so it’s considered by many to be the most important spot in the city. Victory Square is also where Timisoara was named the first free city of the country’s communist regime. It’s a beautiful square to walk around, with plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as a pretty garden in the centre.
8. Maria Theresia Bastion
When many people are researching what to see in Timisoara, they fail to add Maria Theresia Bastion to their list. The bastion sits just a short walk from Union Square, and it’s the largest remaining part of the city’s fortress still standing. It dates back to the 18th century and was spared demolition in the 20th century because it wasn’t deemed to be in the way of the city’s modern development plans.
Restaurants in Timisoara
Casa Bunicii Unirii
For a modern twist on traditional Romanian food, no restaurant in Timisoara can beat Casa Bunicii Unirii. It’s located less than five minutes away from Union Square and their menu is centred around “grandma’s kitchen”. They have some delicious starters to choose from, and their cocktails are incredible.
I’d recommend ordering the chicken breast in dill sauce with mashed potatoes which is a common dish in the Banat Region. Their desserts are also a big hit with customers, so make sure you leave a bit of room for a sweet treat at the end of your meal.
WISE
WISE is located in Victory Square and it boasts an Italian-inspired menu with a few other European dishes thrown in. This is a great restaurant in Timisoara to dine at in the evening when its ambiance is on full display. We saw a lot of people ordering either burgers or fresh pasta, but we chose a couple of their meat dishes instead. I’d highly recommend ordering the schnitzel as it’s prepared right when you order it using local ingredients. Remember to indulge in one of their lava cakes too.
Where to stay in Timisoara’s city centre
VISAJ Deluxe Downtown
After crossing off everything from your list of what to see in Timisoara, you’ll want somewhere centrally located to spend the night (or two). VISAJ Deluxe Downtown is a luxury residence boasting a handful of beautifully converted apartments located in a historic building. Much of the original interior of the building has been lovingly preserved, so all of the apartments offer a fantastic mixture of old-world charm with modern furnishings. What was once a large, single apartment is now one of the best luxury apartment residences in Timisoara for visitors.
The D Suite Queen is the perfect option for two or three people. It features a unique elevated bedroom that sits on top of a small, modern kitchen. The kitchen comes equipped with everything you need to make a meal, which is a nice alternative to eating out all of the time. You’ll also find a comfortable seating area, a large TV, a dining table, a fridge, and a coffee maker in this apartment. The original floor is an added bonus and we loved the addition of the customized floor-to-ceiling mirror where an adjoining door once stood.
Our apartment also included a gorgeous modern bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels, slippers, a hairdryer, and high-end toiletries are also included for guests. And unlike other apartments in the city, VISAJ Deluxe Downtown allows guests to make full use of the washing machine and dryer in the hallway. They even include laundry detergent! Just next to the laundry space is a shared balcony that overlooks the inner courtyard of the building complex.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Timisoara that’s centrally located and feels like a home away from home, then VISAJ Deluxe Downtown is the best option. Their apartments are conveniently located next to Piața Unirii, close to plenty of restaurants and other attractions in the city. You won’t find anywhere else in Timisoara that blends historic architecture with modern decor quite like VISAJ Deluxe Downtown.
>> See what apartments are available at VISAJ Deluxe Downtown <<
How long should you spend in Timisoara?
After you’ve made your list of what to see in Timisoara, you’re probably wondering how much time you should spend in the city. Most of the main attractions are within easy walking distance from one another. This means it’s very easy to see everything in a day. But, it’s never a bad idea to spend two nights in Timisoara so you can have a more relaxing trip before continuing on your Romanian adventures. Our next stops were Brasov and Bucharest, but you may choose to explore more of the Banat Region instead.
If you have any questions about what to see in Timisoara, where to eat in the city, or where to stay in Timisoara, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Alternatively, you can send me a message on Instagram or TikTok where I’m always sharing new travel tips and ideas about where to travel to next.
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