Romania is not the first destintion that comes to mind when Americans plan a trip to Europe.
It doesn’t have a world-renowned monument like France’s Eiffel Tower, nor does it boast year-round warmer temperatures like Andalusia in Spain.
On the other hand, the Eastern country is known for its Dracula associations, well-preserved medieval castles that might as well belong in a Disney theme park––except they’re the real deal––and stunning cities dating back centuries that are yet to be discovered by tourists.
Potentially one of Europe’s most underrated gems, Timișoara is one of these hidden gems that not only offers stunning sights and culture but, most importantly, shockingly low prices:
One Of Europe’s Last Unsung Cultural Gems
Located in western Romania, near the Serbian border, Timișoara is a historically charged, mid-sized city with a population of over 300,000.
You’re unlikely to have heard of it unless you’re well-versed in Eastern Europe.
Romania is pretty off the beaten path, and though it’s certainly become trendier in recent years, it still pales in comparison with other far more popular European destinations––in short, it’s unlikely to be on the radar of a first-time visitor to Europe.
Maybe after a couple of trips across the pond.
As for Timișoara, it’s probably not even on the go-to list for a first-time visitor to Romania itself, with national capital Bucharest, coastal resort Constanța, and Dracula homeland of Transylvania all attracting bigger crowds, but before you instantly dismiss it, hear us out:
Timișoara may be very offbeat, but you’d be surprised at how much it has to offer, from the beautiful architecture, which is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, even if you’re a frequent visitor to Europe, to the vibrant 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 all over the former Austrian-Hungarian Empire, which included large swathes of modern-day Romania.
In a way, it became a flagship city for Secessionism.
Most of the historic center is characterized by its vibrant colors and grand buildings, with floral motifs and unexpected curves hinting at the occasional Baroque and Modernist influence.
If you’re passionate about architecture, all it takes is strolling the pedestrian-friendly streets at random: they are often lined with historic houses, laid-back cafés housed in Habsburg-era edifices, and stately civic structures.
On the banks of the picturesque Bega River, a short 14-minute walk from Unirii Square, the Metropolitan Cathedral is Timișoara’s pride and joy: a monumental Orthodox temple built in the Neo-Moldavian style, it has 11 towers covered in intricate patterns of glazed tiles.
Nearby, the Palace of Culture is a Socialist-era concrete box that looks almost out of place amid Timișoara’s typically ornate facades, except it hides a secret:
Despite its featureless exterior, it plays host to several iconic institutions, from the renowned German State Theater to the Hungarian-language Csiky Gergely State Theatre to the opulent Romanian National Opera, established during Romania’s Renaissance hungover.
It’s surely not to be missed if you’re ever in town, and if you love History, the nearby Memorial Museum of the 1989 Revolution details Timișoara’s key role in the downfall of communism in Romania and its transition to democracy.
Spoiler alert… the popular revolt that led to Romania’s full-swing West started here.
A Bohemian Atmosphere Like No Other
Beyond the picturesque historic center, Timișoara is a fast-growing, increasingly cosmopolitan hub with thriving modern districts, where you’ll find large shopping centers and leisure zones packed with casual cocktail bars and nightclubs.
There is no specific Bohemian district like Calea Victoriei in Bucharest, but rather numerous venues scattered around town, from the student-frequented Storia, in the heart of the Old Town, to the more-industrial Heaven in the outskirts.
In case you’re wondering how much a night out in Timișoara will cost you on a budget, a pint of beer costs roughly $2.19, or the equivalent in Romanian Leu, while vodka-infused drinks in downtown clubs can cost as cheap as $5.27, based on estimates provided by Expatistan.
Locals are also incredibly friendly towards foreigners, and whether you’ve set out to make local friends in a laid-back pub or have some unhinged fun in a warehouse rave––hear this, no one, absolutely no one, parties harder than Eastern Europeans––you’ll fit right in no time.
Timișoara Is Dirt Cheap
We know you’ve been working hard for those vacation funds, and cheap drinks can’t be the biggest draw for you going somewhere: well, we’re happy to inform you that no week-long stay in Timișoara will hardly ever break the bank.
Overnight Stays For As Little As $14
Starting with accommodation, usually the most expensive part of a trip, a Superior Single Room in the modest, 2-star Hotel Central will set you back by only $55 per night, while the better-equipped, more luxurious Hotel Continental has overnight rates starting from $88.
For those on a shoestring budget who don’t mind sleeping in a bed in a shared dorm, they can find it for as little as $14 a night at Hostel Antonia.
On the higher end of the range, five-star Hotel Tresor Le Palais offers an outdoor swimming pool, free spa and fitness center access and continental breakfast from $166 a night.
Essentially, the median hotel rate in Timișoara is $48, as seen on Budget Your Trip.
Affordable Eats From $4
As for food, the same source indicates past travelers have spent an estimated $42 per day when eating out at local restaurants.
One of the most-renowned eateries in town in Casa Bunicii, just off Piața Unirii, where they serve traditional Romanian-Banat dishes like chicken soup with noodles, or vine leaves with polenta with a modern twist, with prices ranging between $4 and $18.
Restaurant Tinecz is yet another local favorite, particularly for their signature $12.85 Big Angus burger, and if you’re craving some mainstream Italian instead, Dei Frati has surprisingly good pasta, starting from just $5.27 for a spaghetti al pomodoro.
Fly Nonstop To Romania From The United States
For the first time in decades, nonstop flights between the United States and Romania have resumed operations this year, with one-way tickets costing as low as $384.41 one-way with Moldova-based HiSky.
After landing in Bucharest, you can easily connect to other destinations within Romania, thanks to the country’s extensive rail network and domestic flight availability.
Train tickets from Bucharest to Timișoara cost from $31 one-way, though we wouldn’t advise you to travel landside unless you’re not in a hurry: it takes 10h30 in total to cross the length of Romania from its Southeastern capital to the Northwest.
In all fairness, the journey’s quite scenic, but you’re better off flying instead: tickets cost around $95 when booked in advance, and the flight time is a much faster 1h20––by the way, it’s Romania’s own flag carrier TAROM operating on this route.
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