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Sian Victoria © - Craft Rooftop, Victory Square, Timișoara

Timisoara Sightseeing, Landmarks & Tourist Attractions

Chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2023 is the Romanian city of Timisoara. The largest city in western Romania, Timisoara is a haven of activity, with incredible architecture, delicious cuisine, rich culture, and history to discover on every street.

Thanks to its new title, I’m hoping this Romanian gem will see a large rise in tourists eager to travel to the city and explore the vibrant culture and sights for themselves. Experiencing Timisoara was one of the top highlights of my Romania road trip during the summer of 2019.

There’s so much for you to discover in Timisoara. The city’s roots stretch back to the 13th century, with its diverse culture reflecting its evolution throughout the centuries; helping the city earn the nickname ‘Little Vienna’.

You can learn how Timisoara was the first city in Europe – and second in the entire world – to use electricity to illuminate its streets and admire its flourishing art scene. I visited the historic city for 4 days during a 2-week press trip travelling throughout Romania visiting Bucharest, Oradea, and many regions of Transylvania. I got to see and do many iconic attractions and activities while there, so, I’ve created a compilation of some of the best things to do in Timisoara.

Have a read or watch the video at the end and start planning your itinerary for your next European city break.

Best Landmark Places for Sightseeing in Timisoara

Sian Victoria © - Union Square, Timișoara

Sian Victoria © - Victory Square, Timișoara

Sian Victoria © - Victory Square leading to Liberty Square, Timișoara

These are the three best places to visit located within Timisoara’s historical centre, and it’s at these locations that you’ll want to spend most of your time. Here, you’ll find the most historic landmarks, tourist attractions, and points of interest.

Due to the mild climate in Timisoara, these public squares are home to lush green plant life too, which can be admired when strolling through. The squares are all conveniently within walking distance of each other.

But, if you fancy taking a break from walking, these places can be accessed via trams which can be found around the city and run regularly. There are also many public parks to enjoy green scenery that can be found around the historical centre, too – perfect for if you want to relax after a jampacked day of sightseeing.

Union Square (Piata Unirii)

At Union Square, you’ll find the changing of the guards, Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, St George’s Catholic Cathedral, Casa Bruck and Timisoara’s Art Museum among many more historical buildings of interest.

Victory Square (Piata Victoriei)

At Victoria Square, you’ll find the Orthodox Cathedral at one end and the Romanian Opera House at the other. In between these two historical buildings you’ll see many other fascinating structures, a landscaped area with plants and seasonal events.

Liberty/Freedom Square (Piata Libertatii)

At Liberty square, you can admire the Baroque-Renaissance Old Town Hall, many statues, monuments, and modern art, and a street lined with colourful umbrellas.

Best Thing’s to do in Timisoara

Sian Victoria © - Victory Square fountain, Timișoara

While visiting Timisoara I’d recommend at least two full days dedicated to sightseeing. To truly experience everything the city has to offer from its incredible historic landmarks that have been influenced by many cultures and its vast array of independent food and drink places.

You’ll get to enjoy the city dining alfresco with a view of its public squares that are rich in history.

1. Union Square, the oldest square in Timișoara

Also known as Piata Unirii or Dome Square, Union Square is one of the oldest – and perhaps the most beautiful urban square in Timisoara, gaining its name in 1919 when Romanian troops entered the city.

Lining the square, you’ll find picturesque pastel buildings, built in a fascinating baroque style, which can be admired while dining alfresco at a quaint café among others strolling through the square.

In the bohemian heart of Timisoara, locals enjoy visiting local eateries, sitting in the park, and attending city festivals. There’s certainly no shortage of attractions at Union Square. Most notably, you’ll come across the imposing Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, George’s Catholic Cathedral, and the stunning Casa Bruck. For art-lovers, you can check out Timisoara’s Art Museum.

That’s not all that Union Square boasts. Every Sunday afternoon, you can catch the changing of the guards, where 18th-century Romanian traditions are re-enacted in a magnificent display. There’s also a square named Piata Unirii in Bucharest which you can see in my best things to do in Bucharest post.

Sian Victoria © - Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, Union Square, Timișoara

Serbian Orthodox Cathedral

The Serbian Orthodox Cathedral is visually striking – boasting two towers, bells and opulent Baroque-style decorations on its pastel-hued façade, the colossal structure is nothing short of beautiful.

Completed in the 18th century and, although being rebuilt throughout the centuries due to being partially destroyed, the Cathedral retains traditional architectural styles that reflect Timisoara’s rich past.

The building’s beauty continues as you go inside. Within its interior, you’ll find grand, gold furnishings, lavish chandeliers and historical art pieces that will be interesting to all. It’s worth a visit.

Sian Victoria © - St George's Catholic Cathedral, Union Square, Timișoara

St George’s Catholic Cathedral

After you’ve admired the beauty of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, you can visit St George’s Catholic Cathedral within the square, often called The Catholic Dome by the locals. Though many who visit are local Catholics, often the Cathedral is open for visitors to see just how stunning the structure truly is.

Its 18th-century Austrian Baroque architectural style will make visitors stop and stare at its magnificence. With double cross towers and a unique pastel exterior, it’s considered to be the best example of this architecture throughout the city.

Its interior doesn’t disappoint, either. With opulent Rococo-style furnishings and classical paint pieces, the cathedral is elegant.

Sian Victoria © - Casa Bruck, Union Square, Timișoara

Casa Bruck

This Art Nouveau style monument was built in the early 20th century and is known for its beautiful display of architecture. Sitting 4 stories high, tourists can observe the striking colours of the building and learn about its history.

With beautiful vintage stained-glass windows, restored shades of pastel green and pink, and features of traditional architecture, there’s so much to admire.

Influenced by Hungarian architectural styles, the structure was originally built for a wealthy businessman to open a pharmacy– which still functions on the first floor. If you pay close attention, you’ll even find the letters ‘BS’ on the building’s façade, representing the original owner, and furniture from the old pharmacy that remains to this day.

As it’s such a perfect photo opportunity, it’s certainly worth visiting Casa Bruck.

Sian Victoria © - Timișoara Art Museum, Union Square

Timisoara’s Art Museum

Fancy seeing Romania’s art throughout the centuries. Housed inside a striking Baroque structure, dating back to the 18th century, and adorned with gold decorations, you’ll discover an array of equally beautiful contemporary art exhibits and traditional pieces.

Throughout 8 art collections, including Contemporary Art, European Art, and Decorative Art, you can discover a diverse display of exhibits throughout Romanian history that is sure to amaze all, even if you aren’t an art lover.

2. Victory Square, the central square of Timișoara

The symbol of the Romanian revolution, Victory Square, or Victoriei square, is the central plaza of Timisoara. Perhaps the best place to visit when travelling to the city for the first time, you’ll be able to see some of the most fascinating attractions here.

The square was, in fact, the exact place where Timisoara was proclaimed as the first independent city in Romania, denouncing Communism. When walking through the picturesque square, decorated with flower displays and fountains, take in the beautiful baroque architecture surrounding you.

Boasting the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, the Romanian Opera House, and the Memorial Museum, among a whole host of other iconic attractions, the entire square is a place of historical and cultural beauty.

Sian Victoria © - The Orthodox Cathedral, Victory Square, Timișoara

The Orthodox Cathedral

Perhaps the most prominent sight within Victory square, The Orthodox Cathedral proudly boasts a 20th-century Neo-Byzantine and Moldavian architectural style, where tourists can observe a distinctive giant dome, looming towers, and bells.

Learn about the religious importance of the cathedral by listening to a local tour guide, while also admiring the beauty of the interior and exterior. Within the cathedral, you’ll be amazed by high, intricately decorated ceilings, opulent furnishings, and religious art pieces.

The Cathedral is an incredible example of eclectic architectural styles and is an attraction worth seeing.

Sian Victoria © - Romanian Opera House, Victory Square, Timișoara

Romanian Opera House

Built-in 1875, the Romanian Opera House is considered an emblem of the city by the Timisoara locals. Showcasing picturesque Renaissance-style architecture, the Opera House puts on several opera and ballet performances – you might fancy catching one when visiting the city.

Although two major fires have destroyed the magnificent building in the past, the reconstruction has given the Opera House a distinctive style, blending neo-byzantine and Renaissance architecture that makes it more fascinating.

Inside, you’ll find lavish furnishings, with chandeliers dotted around the establishment and gold adornments.

3. Liberty square, home to some of the oldest buildings in Timisoara

Sian Victoria © - Monument St. Mary & St. Ioan Nepomuk, Liberty Square, Timișoara

Sian Victoria © - Historical Centre, Timișoara

Sian Victoria © - Traian Square, Timișoara

Dating back to 1700s, Liberty Square sits in the centre of Timisoara and is the oldest square in the city. The square was formerly known as Military or Parade Square, and even Prince Eugene Square, after the Austrian army recaptured Timisoara from Ottoman occupation in the early 18th century.

However, the plaza claimed its current name in 1948, following the outbreak of the Hungarian Revolution.

Liberty Square is Timisoara’s military centre and is home to wonderful architecture and monuments dating back to the early 18th century, including the Old City Hall.

4. Changing of the guards, in Union Square at sunset

Sian Victoria © - Changing of the guards, Timișoara Art Museum, Union Square

In honour of the traditional 17th-century traditions, you can catch a beautiful display every Saturday. Just as the sun sets and illuminates the square in stunning hues of deep orange and red, observe the guards in front of the Timisoara Museum of Art, or Muzeul de Artă, re-enacting the entry of the Romanian troops.

This is a sight you are unlikely to see anywhere else surrounded by mesmerising and historically beautiful landmarks. It’s certainly one of the many top memories I have of exploring Romania.

I experienced it after enjoying a few cocktails at the Craft rooftop bar overlooking Victoria Square before walking to Union Square at sunset to watch the changing of the guards. Locals and tourists gathered around to watch the display which lasted 30 minutes or more.

Where you’ll see and certainly hear the guards light a cannonball, it made many of us jump as you can see in my video footage below. It's a free attraction that you should go to watch on your first visit to Timisoara.

5. Sail Bega River, on a scenic boat tour

The Bega River stretches across Romania and Serbia at an extensive 244km long. Built during the reign of the Habsburgs, the river rises in both the beautiful Poiana Ruscă and the Carpathian Mountains, and then flows into the Tisa River – one of Hungary’s major rivers – and then into Serbia.

The river can be admired throughout the city, making for picturesque walks and a beautiful landscape. However, one of the best ways to enjoy the Bega River is hopping onto a scenic boat tour.

Known as vaporetto’s across Romania, Timisoara became the first Romanian city to introduce a water transport system in 2018, where a singular waterbus route has nine stops along the Bega Canal.

On our final day, we had the pleasure of travelling through the city, enjoying the scenic views while sailing along the waters. An experience I highly recommend for viewing the urban city of Timisoara from a different perspective.

6. Ride a Tram line dating back to 1889

Sian Victoria © - Tram line near Liberty Square, Timișoara

Sian Victoria © - Palatul Ştefania, Trajan Square - Piața Traian, Timișoara

If you’ve been exploring the city on foot, you’re likely to be needing a break. So, why not get to the next attraction on your itinerary by travelling on the historic Timisoara tram line? The city’s tramway system stretches back to 1889, although they only became electric in 1899 – until then, they were controlled by horses. It’s the oldest tram network in all of Romania.

By hopping onto a tram, you’ll be able to travel around the city at your own pace and discover all the iconic sights and see parts of Timisoara that you may never have seen on foot.

After the boat ride, we caught the tram, and it was a lovely way to sit back and experience the city in an authentic and historical way as our lovely Timisoara tour guide shared fascinating stories and pointed out the city’s hidden gems.

7. Find statues, monuments, and modern art in the public squares

Sian Victoria © - Statue Of Saint George, Timișoara

Sian Victoria © - Trajan Square, Timișoara

Sian Victoria © - Holy Trinity Statue, Union Square, Timișoara

Liberty Square boasts some of the most incredible attractions in Timisoara. See the colossal Old City Hall, built back in the 18th century and replacing the site of a Turkish Bath, the infamous Saint Mary Statue, standing proudly in the centre of the square, and the unique Plague Statue, commemorating the victims of the 1738 plague.

The square is home to monuments echoing Timisoara’s rule under the Ottoman Empire, most notably The Military Casino. Built-in 1775, this structure is considered one of the most important military buildings in the city – here, you can see beautiful Baroque-style architecture, as well as unique Rococo elements.

However, you’ll across elements of modern art that stand out amongst the historical architecture, such as the distinctive statue of the boy talking on a phone. You’re sure to spot plenty of modern art and historical monuments as you explore the city on foot.

8. Umbrella street, connecting the historic centre

Sian Victoria © - Umbrella Street, Victory Square, Timișoara

Perhaps one of the many beautiful features of the city is Umbrella Street. Connecting Liberty and Victory Square, you’ll wander into a fluorescent passageway on Strada Alba-Iulia.

Like many places across the world nowadays, colourful umbrellas are used to create vibrant hotspots across many cities, especially in Europe. There’s also one to be seen in Bucharest created by a pizza shop.

Umbrella Street is decorated with umbrellas in a myriad of colours, illuminating the quaint shops and cafes below in sensational orange, pink and yellow. It’s certainly worth travelling down this unique street to see the beauty of Umbrella Street for yourself, especially as it’s very ‘Instagrammable’.

9. Discover hidden gems, with a guided walking tour

Timisoara is filled with countless attractions; so, you might find it difficult to ensure you see everything on offer. One of the best ways to experience the city is by walking its streets with a local tour guide in Timisoara. While enjoying the company of other tourists who are eager to discover the European Capital of Culture for 2023.

There’s a multitude of guided walking tours up for grabs for tourists to enjoy, where you’ll be able to admire the iconic historical sights of the city, and even catch a glimpse at some hidden gems. You’ll be able to hear the tales of the city’s cultural history from those who know it best.

To conclude

So, there we go. Hopefully, with some inspiration from this Romania travel guide, you’ll be able to plan your travel itinerary to include all the best sights and attractions in Timisoara. There’s so much on display in this beautiful city – you’ll certainly discover more sights that weren’t included here.

You may also be interested in my review of the 4* Hotel Boutique Casa del Sole. An independent family-run accommodation near the centre where I stayed during my time in Timisoara that’s home to an outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants and a sauna.

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Timisoara Sightseeing, Landmarks & Tourist Attractions

Best Landmark Places for Sightseeing in Timisoara

Union Square (Piata Unirii)

Victory Square (Piata Victoriei)

Liberty/Freedom Square (Piata Libertatii)

Best Thing’s to do in Timisoara

1. Union Square, the oldest square in Timișoara

Serbian Orthodox Cathedral

St George’s Catholic Cathedral

Casa Bruck

Timisoara’s Art Museum

2. Victory Square, the central square of Timișoara

The Orthodox Cathedral

Romanian Opera House