Gracing the northern bank of the Bega river, Timișoara, Romania’s third biggest city is best described as old and restless. Always embracing the new and the unexpected, and never one to sit still, the quasi-capital of the western part of the country crams in dazzling architecture, a lively, multi-ethnic community and a defiant spirit. A major urban hub of the historic Banat region, shared for centuries by Romanians, Swabs, Serbians and Hungarians, Timișoara proudly claims to be the first city in Romania to have public water supply and the first in Europe to have electric street lighting, only beaten by New York. Dubbed ‘Little Vienna of Eastern Europe, this Secessionist scrapbook of a city is brimming with festivals, galleries, museums and cosmopolitan energy. As you’d expect from the European Capital of Culture in 2021, a title Timișoara has been deservedly given both as a celebration of its robust cultural heritage and tireless modernisation efforts.
Fly to Timișoara, Romania for
The high-octane capital of the Banat
A city with a youthful spirit and an old soul, Timișoara grew out of an ancient Roman fortress called Castrum Regium Themes, first storied in 1212. The city’s come out of centuries of takeovers with flying colours, and a culture that lives and breathes diversity, innovation and style. Once a gem of the Kingdom of Hungary, then the Ottoman empire, followed by Austria-Hungary, the city today is mostly occupied by legions of foreign students but still celebrates the marks of the many cultures that have shaped its cityscape. Its most captivating sights are dotted around its elegant main squares, Victoriei Square and Unirii Square: think lush parks and a plethora of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings. In recent history, Timişoara gave birth to the 1989 revolution that brought about the fall of communism in Romania in just six days. Life in Timişoara shows few signs of slowing down, pulling huge, albeit more peaceful, crowds for a staggering 4,000 cultural events every year.
Timişoara city centre: a showroom of Vienna Secession
Love all things Art Nouveau? You will be in for a treat, then. As signalled by Timișoara’s nickname, ‘Little Vienna’, the dominant artistic style of the early 20th century is still alive and kicking here wherever you look. So much so that the city has been left with buildings from not one but two different waves of Secessionist architecture, displaying floral ornaments and flowing lines from the first, and clean, geometrical forms from the second. If Baroque is more your jam, Victoriei Square has got you covered, connecting the Opera Square and Loga Boulevard. The Timișoara Art Museum puts on display some 8,000 artworks, spanning centuries, styles and media, in the Old Prefecture Palace that deserves a couple of #archigrams in its own right. Taking up the entire Huniade Castle, the Banat Museum is not to be missed, either. Dive into the region’s enthralling past from prehistoric to modern times through roughly 468.000 artefacts laid out over four sections, including archeology, numismatics, memoirs and cartography. Boasting eleven towers, seven bells, Byzantine-influenced architecture and Romania’s highest dome at 83 metres, the Timișoara Metropolitan Cathedral is another unmissable jewel. In front of the cathedral stands the memorial to all the lives lost during the epoch-making events of the 1989 Revolution, leading to the fall of Ceaușescu’s regime. To get a fuller picture of one of Europe’s most violent anticommunist uprisings, visit the Memorial Museum of the 1989 Revolution on Emanuil Ungureanu.
From grandma’s kitchen to Dacian vineyards
Heavy on sour cream, thyme, tarragon and hot paprika, local cuisine alone would be reason enough for anyone to visit the capital of the Banat region. Austrian, German and Hungarian influences are easy to spot in local specialities, centred around pork and vegetables seasoned to perfection. Iofca, a filling noodle dish with cabbage or cheese, and paprikash, a red-hot chicken stew best devoured with crusty white bread, are bona fide staples when it comes to main dishes. Ciolan cu varză, or pork knuckles with cabbage stew, and pulpă de porc la tavă, a pork roast dish, will go heavy on your taste buds and probably your stomach, too. Țuică to the rescue! Romanians’ favourite plum brandy is there to kickstart both your appetite and your digestion. Can’t even think of having another bite? Wait until you see the dessert menu. Try the locals’ go-to choice, vargabéles, essentially a baked noodle pudding with cheese, raisins and vanilla. No matter which part of the world you roam, grandmothers are and always will be custodians of local cooking traditions. For proof of this adage, visit Casa Bunicii, meaning ‘Granny's House' on Virgil Onitiu, a kid-friendly restaurant that’s big on home-cooked, regional specialities and rustic vibes. Health-conscious travellers might become regulars at Jolie Bistro on Eugeniu de Savoya that serves up rainbow-coloured salads, fresh smoothies and other wholesome bites. Wine-conscious visitors can rest assured: the Banat region’s viticulture is well worth exploring. Local wines have distinctive Mediterranean accents, a fruity character and rich aromas. Not to mention a nearly 2,000-year history that started somewhere around the time the Romans invaded Dacia. Choose from over 230 wines, proseccos and champagnes from all corners of the world at Vinto, a stylish gastropub situated a stone’s throw from Unirii Square.
Buy local, drink local
If you’re looking for that perfect little something to hold on to while reminiscing about your Timișoara trip, we have two words for you: folk art. Hit the museum shop at the Museum of Banat for traditional handicrafts, like pottery or colourful folk costumes, or drop by any of the myriad souvenir shops on Victoriei Square. Scouring the city for your usual labels? Be it designer brands, accessories or cosmetics, find everything under one roof at the Bega Shopping Centre on Carol Telbisz Street. Or under an even bigger roof at Iulius Mall on A. Demetriade Street, along with all the big-hitting international fast food joints and cafés. Remember to stop at the central market on Coriolan Brediceanu Street and taste the best produce, dairy, meat and pastries Romania’s agricultural heart has to offer. Done with your souvenir hunt? Locals and tourists both love letting their hair down at D’arc, a lively pub right in the city centre that hosts live gigs and epic parties for all tastes. Ready to explore a hidden gem? Make your way to Viniloteca, a vinyl shop-cum-pub where you can browse hundreds of records and over 100 types of craft beers from all across the globe. Have trouble choosing? Ask for Bereta, a Timișoara-native brew and you’ll never taste anything like it again. Quite literally: the brewery produces small batches of seasonal craft beer but never uses the same recipe twice.
Putting the gorge in gorgeous
As fascinating as Timișoara is, its cradle, the Banat region is just as packed with things to do and see. For starters, it’s here where the majestic Danube river has formed its biggest gorge, which also doubles as a natural border between Romania and Serbia. Say hi to the nearly 50-metre tall rock sculpture of Decebalus, the last Dacian king and all-round Romanian folk hero, who fought back against the legions of Roman emperors Domitian and Trajan. The otherworldly Bigar Waterfall is an absolute must-see for any visitors to the Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park (Parcul Naţional Cheile Nerei-Beușniţa), along with its bigger sister, Beusnita Waterfall, and the reserve’s impossibly blue karst lakes and other karst wonders. Hiking enthusiasts, of course, shouldn’t leave without completing the dreamy 23-kilometre trail between Șopotu Nou and Sasca Română. Up for a bigger challenge? Aim for the Retezat mountain range, a true gem of the Southern Carpathians. Although this hike is no walk in the park in any sense, those who prevail will be rewarded with breathtaking views over unspoilt lands and mirror-still glacier lakes. Ready for an even more ambitious trip? Travel back in time in Romania’s most stunning Gothic-style castle, Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle. One of Europe's most beautifully preserved medieval buildings, the citadel was built by the Anjous and served as a fortress and lavish home to Transylvania's rulers. Continue your time travel with visiting the Neolithic remains of Sarmisegetuza that served as Dacians’ capital, as well as a key military, religious and political stronghold two millennia ago, and stands as a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site today.
Timișoara weather
Thanks to the region’s mild climate, there isn’t really a bad time to visit Timişoara. July is usually the hottest month with the highest average temperature of 31°C, while December tends to be the coldest with the lowest average temperature of 6°C. If you’re wondering about the best time though, it’s generally from mid-spring to early autumn, when sunny days, pleasant temperatures and limited rainfall are the norm.
Timișoara airport
Timișoara is served by Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR), located 10km from the city centre. Hop on express bus no. 4 (E4) to reach Timişoara centre or express bus no. 4 (E4b) to get to the city’s central railway station. Alternatively, car rental and taxi services are readily available outside the arrivals area.
FAQs for booking flights to Timisoara
How to get cheap flights to to Timisoara?
Use FareFinder to compare fares and discover the cheapest Timisoara flights for the next 6 months, helping you to plan ahead and save. Frequent flyers can save even more by joining the Wizz Discount Club, which gives you and your companions access to an instant €10.00 discount on fares from €19.99 and further discounts on checked-in baggage purchased online.
When is the best time to visit Timisoara?
Timisoara has a mild climate; it is a great place to visit any time of the year. July and August are the hottest months, July being the hottest with an average of about 31°C. Those who like hot weather would appreciate this time. December is the coolest month, with temperatures falling to an average low of 6°C.
The best time to visit would be from mid-spring to early autumn, roughly April to October. Within this time, you could expect sunny days, moderate temperatures, and the least rainy days, in the best way that will enable one to experience the city's very active culture and historical sites. On the other hand, late spring and early autumn are most ideal if you don't like crowds and want more affordable rates. Keep in mind that May and June will most likely be the months when there will be the most rain.
How do I offset the carbon emissions of a Timisoara flight?
As part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions, we've launched a carbon offsetting scheme. Input the details of your Timisoara flight into our travel footprint calculator to calculate your carbon emissions. You can choose to offset your emissions by making a payment supporting two verified carbon-reducing projects. You will receive a certificate in return, recognising the offset emissions.
