Things to do in Timișoara

This tour will start with a brief introduction about the country’s situation today, so you get a feel for Romania and a basic understanding of the story of Timisoara. Learn the history of the city, starting with the Mongol invasion centuries ago through the contemporary revolution against the communist regime in Romania. During the tour, hear about the years of the Turkish occupation and see where the Turkish public bath, the bazaar, or the Central Mosque used to be located in the past. Everything changed when Timisoara was conquered by the Austrian imperial troops at the beginning of the 18th century. The city was completely rebuilt during that time. Wooden buildings from the Middle Ages disappeared and new streets and houses, as well as a fortification system were set up. Learn about how one of the first trams in the world to connect people from the suburbs to the city center was built in Timisoara. Timisoara was also the first place in continental Europe, where electric street lights were used. Discover these and many more interesting and entertaining facts, anecdotes, and stories on this walking tour.

On this walking tour, you will follow explore the history of Timisoara, with a focus on the Jewish community. Visit the small Jewish Quarter of Timisoara’s city center. See the city’s beautiful Moorish synagogue, and discover the story and architecture of the impressive Status Quo synagogue in the Fabrikstadt neighborhood. In addition to the magnificent synagogues, a number of Timisoara’s stunning buildings were financed and designed by Jewish townsmen. Another stop on this tour will be the only Stolpperstein, or “stumbling stone” in Romania. These kind of stones are small monuments made of iron or copper which are engraved with the name and life dates of Holocaust victims. These stones are one of the few reminders of the crimes that happened under the Nazi regime during World War II.

Situated on the northern bank of the Bega River in the Banat region, Timisoara impresses everyone with its charming and vibrant cultural life, and its rich historical heritage. Take your time to discover the first European city that used the horse-drawn trams (1869) and electrical street lightning (1889).  Timisoara was also the first Romanian city that reacted at the Revolution in 1989 against the Communist regime. The walking tour begins in the downtown quarter of “Cetate” (the former “Inner City”), with many old buildings in the styles of Art Nouveau or Baroque, large pedestrianized squares, and a general multicultural character. You will begin with a visit to Victory Square, known also by the name of Opera Square, enjoying a visit to the impressive Orthodox Cathedral, and the Opera and Theater House. Next, the Liberty Square hosts the Old City Hall with its Turkish inscription, showing again the mixture of cultures and religions who have lived here. The Union Square is dominated by the Catholic dome-church, the Serbian-Orthodox Cathedral and by the President's Palace – the Arts Museum. Also, walk through the interesting ruins of the old fortress, constructed in the Vauban Style.

Departing from Timisoara, travel to Hunedoara, where you'll do a tour of Corvin Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Europe. Go up the towers, see the torture room, and be impressed by this mesmerizing place. Then, go to Turda Salt Mine, a magical place located in the heart of Transylvania and surely the most spectacular underground place in Eastern Europe. Formed more than 13 million years ago, these salt deposits are now part of a museum, located 120m underground. A truly unique experience that you cannot miss.

Take a drive through the Romanian countryside on a day trip from Timisoara to Arad. See Arad's many stunning buildings, such as the Red Church and the Palace of Culture. Get picked up from your hotel in Timisoara and embark on a road trip through rural Romania. Stop to admire the Roman Catholic Church and the Town Square in the village of Vinga on the way. Arrive in the city of Arad, capital of Arad County in Romania's Banat region. Learn about this area from your guide. Walk down the Bulevardul Revolutiei, a broad tree-lined boulevard. Take in the impressive architecture of its various historical buildings. Pass by City Hall Palace, built in 1875. See the Palace of Culture and the neo-Gothic Red Church. Gaze up at the large domes on the Catholic church. Take in the neo-classical architecture of the State Theater. Next, stop at the Maria Radna Monastery, where pilgrims stop to pay their respects. Then, drive to Soimos to see the imposing Soimos Fortress. Afterward, enjoy a short stop in Charlottenburg, the only circular village in Romania. Finally, stop in Altringen to get some food or coffee (not included). Get dropped off back at your hotel in Timisoara at the end of your tour.

Discover the history of Communism in Timisoara as you start your tour at the location of the misfit SCARTZ club. Hear about the most notorious Romanian during communist times, Nicolae Ceausescu. You guide will unveil the 50-years geopolitical evolution that resulted in the Romanian Revolution of 1989. Visit the Communist Customer Museum, which is located in the basement of SCARTZ club. The next stop will be at the Anti-Communist Resistance Movement Monument where you will hear how Romanians harshly opposed the communists during the 1950s and 1960s. Afterwards, visit the Reformed Hungarian Church, the place where the uprising started in December 1989, the local headquarter of the former Communist Party. See the Cemetery of Revolution Heroes and learn about the final events, that led to the end of Ceausescu’s regime. Your guide will then tell you more about the Anti-Communist and Anti-Ceausist Revolution of Timisoara. At the end of the tour, you will visit the Revolution Memorial of Timisoara. This site honours the brave people of the Anti-Ceausist Revolution of Timisoara, which ultimately led to the end of Ceausescu's regime in Romania.

Enjoy a convenient private transfer from your accommodation in Bucharest to your preferred location in Timisoara. Relax knowing that you are traveling safely in a licensed vehicle. Your English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at your location in Bucharest. Experience a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned vehicle. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Travel conveniently without having to worry about pre-booking or last-minute searching.

Enjoy a one-way private transfer from your accommodation in Timisoara to your preferred location in Bucharest. Relax knowing that you are traveling safely in a licensed vehicle. Your driver will be waiting for you at your location in Timisoara. Experience a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned vehicle. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Travel conveniently without having to worry about pre-booking or last-minute searching.