Timisoara
By Anna Lopes

One of the most striking things I learned about Timisoara is that it was the first city in Europe to have electrical street lights in 1884. This is not necessarily the reason why someone should visit the place, although the vibes of the streets in the summer seem to allude to that early invention. It is rather the holiday feeling you get, as you will find that outdoor cafes and restaurants are almost always full, irrespective of the time of day. So, if you are looking for a chillout weekend alone or with your partner, it is a terrific option.

It takes one hour to fly from Bucharest and up to four hours from other major cities in Europe. You can also travel by car, despite what they say about Romanian infrastructure. Trains can sometimes be an option, but make sure you take an Intercity or Rapid. One downside would be that on hot summer days there will be delays that can really test your patience. I once waited for three hours on the platform in Timisoara, but was able to order pizza, which was delivered to the train station!

Where to stay

Timisoara is not necessarily a very popular tourist destination, such as Brasov or Sighisoara.
There is, however, at least one hotel or B&B in every neighborhood and nearby village. Unless you are travelling on business and the company is paying for your expenses, you are better off staying at a B&B. They have their own restaurant and often garden, and many look idyllic in a Mediterranean style.

Casa del Sole
Address: 12, Romulus St.
Phone: +40 356 457 771
Web: www.casadelsole.ro
This is a 4-star B&B, with swimming pool and large outdoor eating and chillout space, where no two rooms are the same, but all of them cozy and romantic; it is the perfect choice for both couples and families with children.

Hotel La Residenza
Address: 14, Independentei St.
Phone: +40 256 401 080
Web: www.laresidenza.ro
Another 4-star hotel, it is perfect for people travelling on business, as it is a very private place with impeccable service. The garden and swimming pool offer an excellent refuge.

What to do

Timisoara is a very compact city; the centre is basically made of two squares – Piata Operei and Piata Unirii – and a network of streets with old buildings that host various boutiques, offices and cafes on the ground floor. Piata Operei is again a two-landmark place: the Orthodox Cathedral, a sort of landmark of the city; and the National Opera and Theatre at the opposite end, a very dynamic and cosmopolitan institution (it also includes the German State Theatre and the Hungarian Theatre).

Piata Unirii is where everybody goes. It is this charming cobbled square, surrounded by old colourful buildings, the Serbian Church, a beautiful Catholic Dome, an Art Museum – Palatul Baroc- and lots of outdoor cafes.

You might encounter stray dogs if you decide to explore the outskirts of the city, but they are almost never found in the centre. I do not know if this sounds comforting enough, but they are very tame mostly ignore humans. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, can be a real menace during the hot season. Make sure you have take insect repellent with you if you have been invited to a BBQ at a friend’s house or if you want to enjoy a drink by the bank of Bega canal.
For an outdoor trip I have some tried and tested suggestions: Bazos / www.bazos.org / A 60 ha wooded area, 20 km east of Timisoara, in the village Bazosul Nou, perfect for walks, a picnic and a nap. Many go there for the game dishes at the exquisite restaurant, Stejarul.
Lake Valiug – Crivaia Resort. You will need a car and a map, but it is well worth the drive. From Timisoara you should follow the E75 road to Resita, and then it’s a short 20 km stretch to Valiug.

Restaurants

Restaurants are to me essential tourist spots that can make your stay memorable, which is why you should choose wisely. Timisoara is a combination of flavours, but some stand out better than others, and that is the Italian cuisine.

Intermezzo
Address: 3, Piata Unirii
Phone: +40 256 432 429
Web: www.restaurant-intermezzo.ro
Indoor and terrace, excellently located in the most popular square Piata Unirii, very decent prices and really tasty Italian dishes.

Casa cu Flori
Address: 1, Alba Iulia St.
Phone: +40 721 180 011
Web: www.casacuflori.ro
Traditional specialities in a warm and elegant location. In the summer you should definitely try the roof terrace!

Pizzeria Celentano
Address: 3, Regimentul 13 Calarasi St.
Phone: +40256435201
Web: www.celentano.ro
This place is not usually mentioned in tourist guides, but it is the only restaurant in Timisoara that is open 24 hrs, which makes it the ideal place for a soothing sour soup (ciorba) after a heavy night out.

Entertainment

Timisoara is a vibrant city, designed for the young at heart; that is why the two most popular forms of entertainment are hanging out in night-clubs and bars, or showing off your tan at swimming-pools (in the summer), of which the best-known are Heaven and Termal.
Suggestion for a memorable pub and club crawl: D’Arc Cafe, followed by River Deck or Fratelli, both on Vasile Parvan Bd., or Heaven Studio, the same location as the swimming pool – Zona Stadion Dan Paltinisan. If you have to make a single wise choice, spend the night at D’Arc Club; the entrance is free, the music – famous hits, and the beer is cheap.

National Romanian Opera
Address: 2, Marasesti St.
Phone: +40 256 201 286
Web: www.ort.ro

Banatul Philharmonic
Address: 2, C.D.Loga Blvd., 2nd floor
Phone: +40 256 492 521
Web: www.filarmonicabanatul.ro