Things to do and see in Oradea

Oradea is not only a beautiful city in Transylvania, but it is also located on the border between Romania and Hungary. As such, it has always enjoyed great historical importance, and today you’ll be surprised by the number of interesting places to see in Oradea. Oradea’s powerful past can be seen around every corner, and many of its facades and monuments are symbols of the world’s Art Nouveau heritage.

If you want to visit Oradea, in this post we’ll tell you all the places you can’t miss on your trip. We’ll also tell you which are the key points to see close to the city! Thanks to Passporter you can plan your whole itinerary in advance and enjoy your trip to this amazing city on the banks of the Crisul Repede River. You’re sure to love every one of its iconic landmarks.

What are the best places to visit in Oradea?

1. The Fortress of Oradea

This fortress was built in the 9th century by order of the Hungarian King Ladislaus I. They say that within the walls of this fortress lies the real heart of Oradea, as this is precisely where the town as such originated. And indeed, its bricks have endured and celebrated all the historical milestones of the city.

Today, you can still see its pentagonal shape when you visit Oradea. We recommend that you take advantage of this visit to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens surrounding the fortress.

2. The Union Square

Union Square or Piata Unirii was founded in 1733 and is undoubtedly one of the most representative places you will find in Oradea. The buildings that make it up encompass various architectural styles (secessionist, baroque, art nouveau…) and as a whole it is simply spectacular.

Here, in Union Square, you can visit the Oradea Town Hall neo-Renaissance style, the Church of St. Ladyslaus built between 1723 and 1742, the neo-classical Kovacs House and the Bishop’s Palace.

3. The Town Hall Tower

Just behind the city’s town hall stands a huge 59-metre-high tower. It’s possible to climb to the highest point and we recommend you do so because from there you’ll be able to see Oradea perfectly. Note that it has a total of 259 steps, so be prepared for a workout. The entry costs 10 RON and the town hall tower is open every day from 10:00h to 18:00h, except Mondays, which is the only day it’s closed.

4. The Church of the Moon

The Church of the Moon was built in 1784, and its original name is the Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. However, everyone knows it as the Church of the Moon because of the curious clock that adorns its pristine façade. It reflects the different phases of the moon, making it unique in Europe – and only in Oradea!

It’s worth noting that admission is completely free and that the baroque interior is also extremely worth seeing.

5. King Ferdinand Square

When you go to Oradea you should note that this beautiful square is located just across the river. The most representative building in King Ferdinand Square is the State Theatre, built in the 20th century and designed by the architects of the Vienna Opera. It’s impressive! But in this square you will also find other architectural gems such as the Grand Hotel Astoria, or the Poynár House.

6. The Palace of the Black Eagle

When you visit Union Square, you’ll find this striking Art Nouveau palace in front of you. It was built in the 20th century and you should take the time to admire the glassed-in gallery – it’s beautiful. There are also several restaurants and cafes inside this iconic must-see palace in Oradea. Take a break while you enjoy this magical place!

7. Republicii Street

Leaving the King Ferdinand Square you’ll find the biggest shopping street you’ll see in Oradea, called Republicii Street. You can take a stroll, as the street is pedestrian, and enjoy the many shops, restaurants and terraces there. Along this street you will be able to continue discovering other representative buildings of the city, such as the palaces of Stern, Moskovits, or Rimanóczy.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to visit around Oradea?

1. Timisoara

This is Romania’s first free city and it’s a real treat. As well as being the capital of Romania’s Banat region, you’ll be amazed by the city’s rich history and monuments – there are so many magical sights to see in Timisoara! Having had so many border changes between Turks, Romanians, Austrians and Serbs, this city has become a charming multicultural paradise. In addition, it has a rich historical heritage and a lively cultural life.

2. The Apuseni Mountains

If you’re someone who wants to enjoy some nature and outdoor sports during your trip, we recommend you spend some time in the Apuseni Mountains when you go to Oradea. This is a stunning natural park that is also home to some of the largest caves in Europe. Don’t miss the chance to visit them!

What to see in Oradea in a day

If you only have one day to see Oradea, we recommend you go to:

• Union Square and the Town Hall Tower
• The Church of the Moon
• The Palace of the Black Eagle.
• King Ferdinand Square and Republicii Street.

Where and what to eat in Oradea

Romanian cuisine is delicious and is mainly characterised by hearty dishes with sour flavours. Most of them are dominated by meat and vegetables, and you’ll be surprised how much you’ll love them. We recommend you try goulash (a meat soup), hurka (a kind of blood sausage), libamaj (goose liver), or kolbasz (a paprika sausage). There are many other options for Hungarian food, though, and all the dishes are delicious.

Here are some of our favourite restaurants where you can sample their cuisine when you come to see Oradea:

• Rivo Restaurant & Lounge: The food at Rivo Restaurant & Lounge is simply delicious and the atmosphere is going to make you feel super comfortable here as you try the local food. We recommend you try their fish dishes, they are amazing.
• Restaurant Allegria: This restaurant is located right in the centre, so you can get there easily. In addition, you will find first class food. Order the T-bone steak and the house cake, you won’t regret it.
• Spoon Bar & Grill: The Spoon Bar and Grill is super trendy and you’ll be surprised by its relaxed atmosphere. The waiters are very friendly and will be happy to recommend the best dishes. In fact, all the food is delicious!

Where to stay in Oradea

• DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea: Not only is the location of this accommodation key, but it also offers stunning river views. The DoubleTree by Hilton Oradea also has a spa and a massage room. All rooms are spacious and spotless. The price is around 60 euros per night for a double room.
• Avalon Rooms: The rooms are much smaller but have all the amenities and are beautifully designed. In this accommodation everything is very well organised and you can enjoy uninterrupted heating. The price is around 30 euros per night for a double room.

Tips for your trip to Oradea

• The official currency of Romania is the Romanian leu (RON). But in many shops and accommodation you can also pay in euros.
• The official language of Romania is Romanian, although in tourist areas it is common to find English speakers, especially in hotels and restaurants.
• We recommend that you travel with insurance that includes adequate medical cover, as free medical care in Romania is limited for foreign tourists.
• If you are a citizen of the European Union, you will only need a valid identity card or passport to travel to Romania. Non-EU countries, however, must present a passport with at least 3 months validity; however, you will not need a tourist visa for stays of less than 90 days depending on your country of origin.
• Although Romania is a safe country, you should keep your belongings safe and be aware that, as in all cities, pickpockets may be present in tourist areas and on public transport.
• The best time of year to go to Romania is between the months of May and September, as the summer months are when temperatures are at their most pleasant and there are the most daylight hours.
• Tap water in Romania is safe to drink, but we recommend that you avoid tap water and drink bottled water instead.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Oradea

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. In addition, you can share your own travel tips to Oradea.
• Enjoy your trip to Oradea!

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Oradea