Must-See Attractions in Oradea – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Oradea. My journey through Romania began there. No wonder, since it is located only 13 kilometers from the border with Hungary and I was driving from Hungary I heard from my colleague, a Romanian named Eddie, that, in his opinion, it is the most beautiful city in the country. Oradea has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years, and many buildings have been restored.

Although I expected Oradea to be really pretty, it impressed me even more in person. The city looks amazing, and its architectural style is reminiscent of Barcelona, but without the crowds.

What is worth seeing in Oradea? What are the most interesting attractions of the city? I will tell you about them in this post.

Oradea – What is Worth Knowing?

Oradea is the tenth-largest city in Romania, located on the banks of the Crișul Repede River. Many Hungarians live in this part of Romania, so you can often hear Hungarian spoken on the streets, and even see Hungarian street names. This cultural blend is a unique aspect of the city that I think is worth knowing about when visiting Transylvania.

Originally known as Varadinum, Oradea’s history can be traced back to 113 AD when this name was first recorded. Nevertheless, evidence of human presence in the region goes back as far as the 4th century BC.

Union Square (Unirii Square)

This is where we will begin our tour of the city. The square is surrounded by significant buildings, including the City Hall, the Black Eagle Palace, the Bishop’s Palace, and several others, as well as restaurants and cafes.

As you walk around the square, you will notice that Oradea is home to many buildings in the Art Nouveau style, possessing high architectural value. While no one is likely to count them during a tour, according to Romanian sources, there are 89 of them.

Black Eagle Palace (Vulturul Negru)

This building is by far the most famous in the city.

The palace, consisting of two Y-shaped segments, is characteristic of the Art Nouveau style.

Some compare this shape to the form of an eagle’s beak. The building is adorned with a glazed passageway and floral and animal decorations. The black eagle in the stained glass window, which gave the building its name, dates back to 1909 and was created by a local studio.

The Black Eagle Palace houses various facilities, including a hotel, restaurant, cafes, clubs, and offices.

Calea Republicii Street

If you enjoy admiring the Art Nouveau style, a walk down this street is a must. Stretching 600 meters in length, Calea Republicii has been transformed into a pedestrian zone. Today, it’s the perfect place to admire the colorful townhouses, each designed in the distinct Art Nouveau style.

Deutsch’s Lighting Store (Casa Deutsch)

Interesting buildings are plentiful in Oradea, and among them is Casa Deutsch. This former glass, porcelain, and lamp store stands as one of the most attractive Art Nouveau buildings, located on Vasile Alecsandri Street.

However, what sets it apart is not only its unique appearance but also the history of the Deutsch family, who were known for their success in the glass business in the Black Forest. The family’s origins can be traced back to Ignác, the patriarch. His sons, who later changed their name to Dénes, continued to expand the “German glass empire.” Before World War I, they were one of the wealthiest families in Oradea.

Tragically, the family’s fortune took a turn for the worse. Sándor Dénes fought on the Eastern Front in World War I, and after his return, family members began to die one by one under tragic circumstances. This sequence of events culminated in Sándor’s suicide in 1934, marking a somber chapter in the history of Oradea.

Oradea Fortress

The medieval fortress of Oradea, built in the 11th century, is situated at a strategic point in the city, on the Crișul Repede River. This location provided excellent defense in the past, making it a key defensive point of the region for many centuries, as is common with such fortresses.

Nowadays, visitors can explore the fortress site and even take part in various workshops.

The fortress has a unique star-shaped appearance when viewed from the air, consisting of bastions connected by walls. It’s a sight to behold, and one that you can see for yourself:

Baroque Complex in Oradea

The Baroque complex in Oradea was constructed in the 18th century and includes a cathedral, palace, houses, and a garden. The Roman Catholic Bishop’s Palace bears a resemblance to Vienna’s Belvedere Palace and interestingly boasts 365 windows. Even the Austrian princess Sissi once stayed in this remarkable palace. The cathedral, with its 11 altars and relics of saints, also distinguishes itself from others in this part of Europe.

The aforementioned houses within the complex are collectively referred to as “The Canons Row.” There are ten of them in total, and although they were built over many years, they are connected by a long arcade. This tunnel presents an interesting architectural feature and, in my opinion, makes a great spot for photographs or could even serve as a frame for a movie.

Churches in Oradea

Listing all the churches in Oradea is a challenge, and visiting each one could take a significant amount of time. It would depend on whether you’d like to admire the interiors or attend mass, as there are 100 churches in the city! If you prefer, you can visit just a select few, such as:

• The Capuchin Church, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
• The Church within the fortress.
• The Church of the Holy Spirit.

These examples represent the rich religious heritage of Oradea, offering a glimpse into the city’s historical and architectural diversity.

Boulevards Along the Crișul Repede River

Walking along the boulevards of Oradea is a real pleasure. Not only does it offer a chance to admire the city from a unique perspective, but you’ll also find several pubs where you can enjoy a meal or simply have a drink, whether it’s coffee or something stronger.

Unfortunately, at least at the moment, Romanian dishes may not be on the menu, but if you’re in the mood for a burger or pizza, you’ll certainly find those options. Whether for dining or just taking in the sights, the boulevards provide a delightful experience.

Oradea – Attractions

Of course, the places mentioned above are not the only interesting locations in Oradea. Some of the most frequently highlighted sites in guidebooks include:

• Darvas La Roche House: An Art Nouveau museum that showcases this distinct architectural style.
• Nymphaea Aquapark: A fun and relaxing water park that offers entertainment for all ages.
• Zion Neological Synagogue (Zion): An impressive and historically significant religious site.
• Teatrul de Stat: A renowned state theater known for its cultural performances.

These attractions add to the rich tapestry of Oradea, offering both historical insights and modern entertainment for visitors.

Where to eat in Oradea?

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to try Romanian cuisine, I strongly encourage you to explore it. If you’ve already been to Romania, you’ll likely know what I mean.

For those looking for a recommendation for lunch or dinner, I suggest visiting Cyrano at Calea Republicii 7. Whether you’re new to Romanian flavors or a returning fan, this place offers an excellent chance to enjoy the culinary delights of the region.

Where to sleep in Oradea?

In Oradea, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. From hotels and guesthouses to rental apartments, there’s something for everyone. Many facilities are located in the city center, but if you prefer a quieter setting, apartments can be rented more on the outskirts. That’s what we chose to do, as we had our cat, Pearl, traveling with us on the trip—a companion we always take on longer journeys. Renting apartments helps us turn the trip into a comfortable vacation, not just for us but for our pets as well.

You can find the rental apartment I recommend here.

You can check out other well-rated accommodations here and on the map below.

Oradea – The Gem of Romania

This beautiful city of Oradea in Romania boasts a rich array of attractions for history enthusiasts and lovers of modern architecture alike. My guide serves as an introduction to exploring not only the city itself but also the surrounding region. The area is renowned for its therapeutic thermal springs, such as Băile Felix, offering a blend of natural beauty and relaxation.

Stay tuned for more inspiration from Romania, as I’ll be sharing more insights and highlights on the blog soon. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about this fascinating part of the world, there’s much to discover and enjoy.

See also:
Cluj-Napoca: A Transylvanian Gem

Salina Turda – An Amazing Salt Mine in Romania 

Timisoara: What to Do in My Favorite Romanian City

Top Things to Do in Arad

Must-see attractions Transylvania

Cheile Turzii Reserve – Exploring the Turda Gorge