TIMISOARA

To recall Timişoara Rumania’s „gate to the west“would be the understatement of the century. The tax reform draws foreign businesses to the city like moths to the flame. Nowadays giants like the American mobile company Solectron as well as the Procter & Gamble, Nestlé or Linde reside in Timişoara.
The city soon appreciated its pioneering task: Already in 1884 the former garrison town of the Austrian- Hungarian Monarchy had street lighting, furthermore the citizens were the first to oppose dictator Nicolae CeauÅŸescu. The flowers at Piata Victoriei and candles still remind of the victims of the regime and the rebellion.

In spite of the immense boom Timişoara did not loose the charm of the former “little Vienna�: picturesque squares are decorated by beautiful houses in Schönbrunn’s yellow, cobblestone pavement goes through the Old Town and street cafés invite to social loafing. More and more west Europeans discover the city – however Ceauşescu avoided it. He probably suspected that his cult of personality would fade next to Timişoara’s beauty.

Airport
TimiÅŸoara International Airport (www.aerotim.ro) is situated about 5 km north-west of the city. Bus line 26 operates between the airport and Punctele Cardinale in the city centre, one single ticket costs RON 1,30. If you do not find a taxi in front of the airport you can call this number Tel.: 24 43 72 to order one.

Public Transportation
With the bus and tramway system you can easily reach all of the important sights. From the bus station B-dul Maniu you can start trips to the surrounding towns. One single ticket costs RON 1,30.
www.ratt.ro

Taxis
Going by taxi is not expensive in Timisoara - especially not at night. Two important telephone numbers: Tudo Taxi (Tel.: 945) and City Taxi (Tel.: 940).

Piaţa Unirii (Unirii Square)
Unirii Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Timisoara. The surrounding buildings are elaborately decorated and the facades very colourful. The square got its name from the Roman Catholic cathedral which was built by Fischer von Erlach Junior. Moreover you can see the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral and the Baroque Palace. Especially popular scenes for photos are the affluent fountain (Fântâna din Piaţa Unirii) in the middle of the square and the Holy Trinity Monument (Monumentul Sfântei Treimi) which was built in 1740 at the end of the plague epidemic. When you have taken your compulsory photo you can enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the cafes and then continue your tour.

Opera
The construction of the Opera in Renaissance style took over 3 years, however the long creation phase did not bring a lot of luck to this pompous building: At the beginning of the 20th century the building burnt down twice and had to undergo complete reconstruction. Today a replication of the Capitoline Wolf looks after the renowned house – she shows the Roman roots of the country which is not only to be found in the language. Also worth noticing is the simple wooden crux in front of the opera, which reminds of the Rumanian revolution in 1989.
Str MÇŽrÇŽÅŸeÅŸti 2, Tel.: 43 30 20
www.ort.ro

Dont's in Romania
Going with car at night
Whilst in the city the street lightings were introduced in the 19th century, the country roads still are pitch-dark. As a result road holes and unlighted horse and cart can become an unpleasant surprise. If you have to drive, drive carefully!

Toasting
"Noroc" means "cheers" in Rumanian.

Entering a church in revealing clothes
Many Romanians are very religious and in the country there are still women who do not go to church without wearing a headscarf. If you visit a church remember to keep you arms and legs covered.

Coming empty-handed
If you are invited by Romanians to their home you should by all means bring a present with you. Watch out if you have chosen flowers because one gives uneven numbers as a present since even numbers of flowers are laid on graves - if you do it the other way round it will bring bad luck.

Cucina Moderna
One of the best restaurants in Timisoara. Its cook lived in Italy for some years and also learned what "enjoyment" is there. He cooks traditional Romanian dishes but refines them with much finesse. Reservation is recommendable!
Str Socrates 12, Tel.: 20 24 05

L'Osterietta
Lovers of meat can choose between various proper snacks. Those who prefer alternatives which are lower in calories can enjoy seafood or try a tasty Pizza L'Osterietta.
Str. B.P. Hasdeu (colt cu Tebea), Tel.: 47 53 80

Dinar Restaurant
Due to the fact that Serbia is not far away from Timisoara Serbian kitchen is of course as well available in the city. In Dinar restaurant you can enjoy Serbian barbecue specialities.
Str Turgheniev 10A, Tel.: 22 96 96

Hotel Savoy
The elegant 4-star hotel offers 55 spacious rooms, modern design and clear lines. Important deals get sealed here.
Sp Tudor Vladimirescu 2, Tel.: 24 99 00, DR starting at € 90,–,
www.hotelsavoy-tm.com

Best Western Hotel Ambassador
Some of the 120 rooms are equipped highly sumptuous – gold is glittering as far as the eye can reach. All in all a bit florid but only 10 minutes away from the city centre. Rococo fans will be thrilled.
Str Mangalia 3, Tel.: 30 68 80, DR starting at € 69,–,
www.ambassador.ro

Hotel Excelsior
In the city glass and chrome are in demand: The Excelsior is taking up that trend and transforms the hotel into a modern glass box with 30 spacious rooms. Pro: The surrounding is very quiet and yet not far from the city centre.
Romulus No. 36, Tel.: 30 33 04, DR starting at € 69,–,
www.hotel-excelsior.ro

Discoland
Here party people dance to cool beats until the morning.
Piaţa Huniade 1-3, www.discoland.ro

Club 30
Here you listen to blues and jazz music and sip delicious drinks on the stylish bar stools and leather couches - not just for mid-thirties!!
Piaţa Revolutiei, in cinema centre, www.club30.ro

The Tunnel
Nice pub in a cosy vault.
Str Marasesti 12, www.thetunnel.ro

Opera
Dramatic atmosphere with "hot" red illumination and "cold" drinks.
Piata Victoriei 6

Violeta Bar
A favoured bar in Timisoara's most popular "party district".
Piata Victoriei 6

Iulius Mall
Anybody who wants to follow the footsteps of the locals- will find them in the biggest shopping centre in town; here the locals indulge in their propensity to buy. Everything from plasma TV-set to cocktail dresses.
Str. Aristide Demetriade 1
www.iuliusmall.com

Cramele RecaÅŸ
Rumania is famous for exquisite wine. 25 km outside of Timişoara at the foot of the Carpathians fine wines and grapes like Chardonnay, Cardaca and Gewurztraminer grow. At the vineyard’s wine cellar you can try and buy the good wine. www.recaswine.ro

Market
Fresh fruits and vegetables! Bargaining can be fun here but is not the order of the day! Anyways, for only a few Euros the local farmers give you more fruits than you can possibly eat on one day.
Piata 700

Etno Art
Iulius Mall - Basment 55

Partaje Com
CC Terra stand D12

Hermestim
Piata Victoriei 6

Banat Ethnographic Museum
Str Popa Sapca