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Romania is not the first destination that comes to mind for Americans when planning a trip to Europe.
There is neither a world-famous monument like the Eiffel Tower in France, nor are there higher temperatures all year round like in Andalusia, Spain.
On the other hand, the eastern country is known for its Dracula Associationswell-preserved medieval castles that could just as easily belong in a Disney theme park – except they’re real – and stunning, centuries-old towns that have yet to be discovered by tourists.
Possibly one of Europe’s most underrated gems. Timisoara is one of those hidden gems that not only offers breathtaking sights and culture, but above all shockingly low prices:
One of Europe’s last unsung cultural gems
Timișoara is located in western Romania, near the Serbian border, and is a historically burdenedmedium-sized City with over 300,000 inhabitants.
It’s unlikely you’ve heard of it unless you know Eastern Europe well.
Romania is quite off the beaten track and while it has undoubtedly become trendier in recent years, it still pales in comparison to other, far more popular destinations in Europe – in short, it’s unlikely to appear on the radar of a first-time visitor to Europe.
Maybe after a few trips across the pond.
As for Timișoara, it is probably not even on the list of destinations for a first-time visitor Romania itself, with the country’s capital Bucharest, the coastal town of Constanța and Dracula’s homeland of Transylvania attracting larger crowds, but before you dismiss it immediately, listen to us:
Timișoara is perhaps very unconventional, but you will be surprised how much it has to offer, from the beautiful architecturewhat you have never seen before, even if you are a frequent visitor to Europe, in the Lively social scene:
Beautiful Art Nouveau here, there and everywhere
Timișoara is essentially synonymous with the Secession movement, a branch of Art Nouveau architecture that originated in Vienna and spread throughout the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, which also included large parts of present-day Romania.
In a way, it was a model city of secessionism.
Most of the historic center is characterized by bold colors and magnificent buildings with floral motifs and unexpected curves, suggesting isolated Baroque and modern influences.
If you are passionate about architecture, all you have to do is wander aimlessly through the pedestrian-friendly streets: they are often lined with historic houses, cozy cafes in Habsburg-era buildings and stately public buildings.
Located on the banks of the picturesque Bega River, just a 14-minute walk from Unirii Square, the The Metropolitan Cathedral is Timișoara’s pride and joy: a monumental Orthodox temple in Neo-Moldavian style with 11 towers covered with intricate patterns of glazed tiles.
Nearby is the Palace of Culture, a concrete box from the socialist era that seems almost out of place among the ornate facades typical of Timișoara. But it hides a secret:
Despite its simple exterior, it houses several iconic institutions, from the famous German State Theatre to the Hungarian-speaking Csiky Gergely State Theatre and the opulent Romanian National Operafounded during Romania’s Renaissance period.
This is a must-see if you’re ever in town, and if you’re interested in history, the nearby 1989 Revolution Memorial Museum details Timișoara’s key role in Romania’s fall from communism and transition to democracy.
Spoiler alert: The popular uprising that provoked Romania’s unrest in the West began here.
An unconventional atmosphere like no other
Outside the picturesque old town, Timișoara is a fast-growing, increasingly cosmopolitan centre with thriving, modern districts where you will find large shopping centers and leisure zones full of cocktail bars and nightclubs.
There is no dedicated bohemian district like Calea Victoriei in Bucharest, but numerous venues throughout the city, from the student-popular Storia in the heart of the old town to the more industrial Heaven on the outskirts.
If you are wondering how much a night out in Timișoara costs if you are on a budget, A pint of beer costs about $2.19or the equivalent in Romanian Leu, while vodka drinks in downtown clubs can cost as little as $5.27, based on estimates from Expats.
The locals are also incredibly friendly towards foreigners, and whether you want to make local friends in a relaxed pub or have some wild fun at a rave party in a warehouse, listen to this, nno one, absolutely no one, parties are harder than in Eastern Europe – you’ll settle in in no time.
Timisoara is dirt Cheap
We know you have worked hard for your holiday budget, and cheap drinks can’t be the biggest incentive for you to go somewhere: well, we’re happy to tell you that a week’s stay in Timișoara will hardly cost a fortune.
Stay for only $14
Let’s start with accommodation, the most expensive part of a trip. A superior single room in the modest 2-star Hotel Central will cost You only pay $55 per nightwhile the better-appointed, more luxurious Hotel Continental offers nightly rates starting at $88.
If you are on a tight budget and don’t mind sleeping in a bed in a shared room, you can find accommodation at Hostel Antonia for as little as $14 per night.
At the top end of the scale, the five-star Tresor Le Palais offers an outdoor pool, free access to the spa and fitness centre and a continental breakfast from $166 per night.
Essentially, the average hotel price in Timișoara is $48, as reported on Plan your travel budget.
Affordable food from $4
As for food, the same source states that previous travelers spent an estimated $42 per day at local restaurants.
One of the city’s most famous restaurants in Casa Bunicii, right next to Piața Unirii, where traditional Romanian-Banatan dishes such as chicken soup with noodles or vine leaves with polenta are served with a modern twist, with Prices between $4 and $18.
Restaurant Tinecz is another local favorite, especially for its famous Big Angus Burger for $12.85. If you fancy something more mainstream Italian instead, Dei Frati has surprisingly good pasta starting at $5.27 for a Spaghetti with Pomodoro.
Fly nonstop from the USA to Romania
For the first time in decades, nonstop flights between the United States and Romania resumed this year, with one-way tickets Cost only $384.41 each way with the Moldova-based company HiSky.
Once you land in Bucharest, you can easily reach other destinations in Romania thanks to the extensive rail network and the availability of domestic flights.
Train tickets from Bucharest to Timișoara start at $31 each way. However, we wouldn’t recommend taking the mainland route unless you’re not in a hurry: it takes a total of 10.5 hours to cross Romania from the southeastern capital to the northwest.
To be honest, the ride is quite scenic, but You prefer to fly: Tickets cost about $95 if booked in advance and the flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. This route is operated by Romania’s national airline TAROM.
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↓ Elevate your journey ↓
Sign up for Travel Off Path Premium now! No ads, VIP content, personal travel concierge, huge savings, daily deals, member forum and more!
✈️Join our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
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Enter your email address to subscribe to receive the latest travel news from Travel Off Path straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other company. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the companies mentioned in the post.
