Hi,
A few years back I visited Romania and loved it. I thought Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara were all beautiful urban, sightseeing highlights. I also visited Timisoara. I felt that while it had the potential to become more of a tourist draw by sprucing it up, at the end of the day, it wasn’t on the same cream-of-the-crop level as were Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara. What about Cluj and Oradea? Do you think they’re cities to visit ‘only if you’re in the area’ or are they among Romania’s finest destinations like Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara are?1
frida1
Have not been to Oradea. Cluj I don't think is in the same class as the others. It doesn't have the medieval look or ambience. On the other hand, it is an active city, with a university. There is much more in the way of small cafes, regular shops, and restaurants. So I would say it's very different from the other three, and more interesting if you want to see modern Romanian life in a bustling city.
2
alan1972
If you weren't impressed with Timisoara I doubt you'll be impressed with Cluj or Oradea. They both have some nice architecture, especially Art Nouveau, and as Frida says Cluj is a lively university city. But on purely architectural grounds they don't have much you wouldn't see in many other Central European cities. And if you think Timisoara need sprucing up, Oradea needs it even more (or at least it did when I was there a few years ago) ... although speaking for myself I kind of liked the feeling of past glories.
3
etcap
Same as #2. I found Oradea interesting especially because it looked so neglected (it was also a few years ago). Strange to think it was once the "Budapest of the East". Cluj looks fresher and has been renovated, but doesn't have the same air of fallen grandeur as Oradea, and not the same beauty as the towns you mention.
4
greekness2007
Thank you guys. I welcome more input. Otherwise, I pretty much think I know what to do.
5
jack_campin
Driving through Romania last summer, Oradea was the most cleaned-up place I went through (from Moldavia to Hungary via Tirgu Mures, Cluj and Oradea).
6
altius_fortius
OK, guys, take this conaisseur's word: Oradea is one of the best spots to visit in Romania right now. It's not only that people here are more European-like kinda folks, but the place has known significant improvement in the last years: the citadell is 80% "refurbished", so are the historical buildings in the old center. It's a real delight to walk up & down the main street (Republic's Street) and be sorrounded by tens of beutifull old romantic palaces and villas. I honestly think that Oradea is one of the most well-endowed cities in matter of architectural tradition in Romania (maybe even in Europe).
I suggest you take a look on Google pictures - I'm sure you'll find plenty of good reasons to consider this town a beaute. It's gonna take your heart forever...
During the last 3 -4 years Oradea has been going thru some considerate renovation processes. It's now pretty clean and civilized (kinda like it was in the old days). I suggest you give it a look on a day with some nice weather. Why? Many restored building are coated in paint that gives all of its charm on moderate sunlight.
Conviced you already?....
8
altius_fortius
A few quick pix i got on a small search over the net:
http://img7.travelblog.org/Photos/109910/408083/f/4007342-Oradea-0.jpg
http://img7.travelblog.org/Photos/109910/408083/f/4007286-Oradea-0.jpg
http://img7.travelblog.org/Photos/109910/408083/f/4007389-Oradea-0.jpg
http://img7.travelblog.org/Photos/109910/408083/f/4007357-Hotel-Parc-0.jpg
http://img7.travelblog.org/Photos/109910/408083/f/4007347-Hotel-Parc-0.jpg
http://img7.travelblog.org/Photos/109910/408083/f/4007379-Hotel-Parc-0.jpg
http://img7.travelblog.org/Photos/109910/408083/f/4007384-Hotel-Parc-0.jpg
http://img7.travelblog.org/Photos/109910/408083/f/4007397-Oradea-0.jpg
Edited by: altius_fortius
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