Oradea

Oradea, a city in northwestern Romania, is known for its elegant Art Nouveau buildings and grand squares. As you walk through the streets, you'll see the Black Eagle Palace with its impressive passageway, the Church of the Moon with its unique lunar clock, and numerous thermal spas. The city's architecture reflects both Romanian and Hungarian influences, which you can also taste in the local cuisine.

Exploring Union Square

Union Square is the center of Oradea's historic district. This recently renovated plaza is surrounded by buildings with colorful, ornate facades. In the middle of the square stands the Black Eagle Palace, an Art Nouveau building from the early 20th century. You can walk through its grand passageway, which is lined with shops and cafes. Near the square, you'll find the Church of the Moon, an 18th century Baroque church named for its clock that displays the phases of the moon.

Art Nouveau Architecture

Oradea has one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. As you walk down Calea Republicii, the main pedestrian street, you'll see many examples of this decorative style from the early 1900s. Look for buildings with curved lines, floral motifs, and colorful ceramic tiles. Some notable Art Nouveau structures include the Moskovits Palace, La Roche House, and Stern Palace.

Along the Crișul Repede River

The Crișul Repede river flows through the center of Oradea. You can walk along the riverbanks and cross the bridges to see the city from different angles. At sunset, the river reflects the colors of the sky and city lights. Nearby Parcul 1 Decembrie is a green space with fountains and sculptures where you can sit and relax.

Local Flavors

You can try dishes influenced by both Romanian and Hungarian cuisine. Look for plăcintă, a fried pastry filled with cheese. You'll find many cafes and restaurants in the city center, especially around Union Square and along Calea Republicii. For groceries and supplies, there's a large Kaufland supermarket on the outskirts of town.

Getting to Oradea

Oradea has its own small airport with flights to Bucharest. You can also reach it by train or bus from other Romanian cities like Cluj-Napoca. The city is just 8 km from the Hungarian border, making it easy to combine with a trip to Hungary.

Where to Stay

For a central location, look for hotels near Union Square or along Calea Republicii. The Ramada has views over the city and a rooftop jacuzzi, though it's located a bit outside the main tourist area. From most hotels, you can easily explore Oradea's compact center on foot.

Day Trip to Băile Felix

Just 10 km outside Oradea, you'll find the thermal spa resort of Băile Felix. These natural hot springs have drawn visitors for centuries. You can spend a day soaking in the warm mineral waters and enjoying spa treatments. To reach Băile Felix, take a local bus or taxi from Oradea.