
Oradea – Travel Guide
Oradea is one of the most important social, cultural, and business hubs in western Romania. Located on the Crisul Repede River, Oradea is well-known for its beautiful architecture, and many buildings are built in the Art Nouveau style in particular. Undoubtedly, since it is home to so many corporations and national businesses, Oradea also benefits from being one of the richest and most livable cities in the country. Believe it or not, one of the unique places to see in Oradea is Ciuperca Hill, an incredible viewpoint offering the best city views.
All about Oradea



Getting Around Oradea
By Trams and Buses
The city of Oradea offers buses and trams for public transportation. There are 8 tramways and 20 bus routes that connect the main areas and tourist attractions in the city. The cost of a single tram ticket costs around 3 Lei, the price of a return ticket is approximately 5 Lei.
Trams operate frequently in the city and buses run every 30 minutes or less. Timetables and routes are available at the bus and tram stops. Bus tickets cost around 5 Lei for two rides and can be purchased from grey sales booths.
By Taxi
Taxis are available all over Oradea especially outside the bus and train stations as well as popular tourist attractions and hotels. The starting fare for a taxi is around 2 RON, each mile costs an additional 4 RON. Taxis can be called in advance from your hotel.
By Train
There are many trains that arrive in Oradea from other cities in Romania as well as from Hungary and Austria. There are two to three trains per day that travel from Bucharest to Oradea, including a night train costing around 55-65 RON. Several fast InterCity connections to other locations in Romania, including fast trains linking Oradea with at least one daily train to almost every major city in the country. There are five daily trains to Oradea from Budapest, two in the early morning and one that leaves Budapest in the afternoon arriving in the late evening in Oradea, a four-hour journey.
The Austrian Rail Company (OBB) offers a discounted ticket for travel from Vienna to Oradea starting at around 142 Lei, the journey takes 8 hours and tickets can be purchased online at www.oebb.at/
By Car
There is not much need for a car if staying strictly in Oradea as the city has good public transport options. However, the city is located close to the Hungarian border so traveling there and to other cities in Romania will require a vehicle. There are several rental car companies available at the airport and a few located in the city. There is a stunning scenic drive to Arieseni through the Apuseni Motzi villages which is well worth a road trip. The city is well connected to Bucharest via the A1/E81-E68-E79/DN76. And Budapest E60-E671/E69.
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More About Oradea
On Foot
The city center of Oradea is compact and easily accessible on foot with many of the sights and attractions found within walking distance from the main square (Piata Unirii).
By Bicycle
Riding a bike in the city is a pleasant experience and a great way to check out some of the sights and attractions. There are verdant green forests surrounding the city which make for a great bike ride and day out in the great outdoors.
By Private Transfer
Private transfers are available between many cities in Romania with one of our reputable companies. These point-to-point transfers allow for passengers to enjoy the ride and take in the scenery while the driver connects you to your destination. The roads in Romania can be hard for non-locals to navigate, so a private transfer is a great way to travel.

Oradea FAQ
How do I get to Oradea?
The city is serviced by the Oradea International Airport which is a small airport located 3 miles from the city center.
The city is also conveniently located near the Hungarian border with Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport being a nearby airport with trains that connect to the city.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
If you have not booked a private transfer through us then you have a few options to connect to the city including buses, taxis, and rental cars.
Oradea airport has a local bus service on No.28 that travels between the airport and the city center, a ticket costs around 6 RON.
Taxis are available to the city and will cost around 30 RON.
How do I get around by train Oradea?
There are many trains that arrive in Oradea from other cities in Romania as well as from Hungary and Austria. There are two to three trains per day that travel from Bucharest to Oradea, including a night train costing around 55-65 RON. There are several fast InterCity connections to other locations in Romania, including fast trains linking Oradea with at least one daily train to almost every major city in the country. There are five daily trains to Oradea from Budapest, two in the early morning and one that leaves Budapest in the afternoon arriving in the late evening in Oradea, a four-hour journey.
The Austrian Rail Company (OBB) offers a discounted ticket for travel from Vienna to Oradea starting at around 142 Lei, the journey takes 8 hours and tickets can be purchased online at www.oebb.at/
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More About Oradea
How do I get from the train or bus station to my hotel?
The main train station Oradea Train Station (Gara Oradea) is located 2/3 mile from the city center. Tram #1 and #4 travel south from Piata Bucuresti (just outside the train station) to Piata Unirii, the main square in Oradea. There are plenty of taxis outside the train station.
The main bus station is located just a few minutes away from the train station with trams and taxis available to connect to your hotel.
How do I get around the city using public transportation?
The city of Oradea offers buses and trams for public transportation. There are 8 tramways and 20 bus routes that connect the main areas and tourist attractions in the city. The cost of a single tram ticket costs around 3 Lei, the price of a return ticket is approximately 5 Lei.
Trams operate frequently in the city and buses run every 30 minutes or less. Timetables and routes are available at the bus and tram stops. Bus tickets cost around 5 Lei for two rides and can be purchased from grey sales booths.
Should I rent a car in Oradea?
There is not much need for a car if staying strictly in Oradea as the city has good public transport options. However, the city is located close to the Hungarian border so traveling there and to other cities in Romania will require a vehicle. Several rental car companies available at the airport and a few located in the city. There is a stunning scenic drive to Arieseni through the Apuseni Motzi villages which is well worth a road trip. The city is well connected to Bucharest via the A1/E81-E68-E79/DN76. And Budapest E60-E671/E69.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Taxis are available all over Oradea especially outside the bus and train stations as well as popular tourist attractions and hotels. The starting fare for a taxi is around 2 RON, each mile costs an additional 4 RON. Taxis can be called in advance from your hotel.
Is Oradea a walking city?
The city center of Oradea is compact and easily accessible on foot with many of the sights and attractions found within walking distance from the main square (Piata Unirii).
Can I ride a bike in Oradea?
Riding a bike in the city is a pleasant experience and a great way to check out some of the sights and attractions. There are verdant green forests surrounding the city which make for a great bike ride and day out in the great outdoors.
Is Oradea a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?
Oradea is a very safe destination for tourists with crimes against visitors being very rare. There are few other cities anywhere in the world that feel safer, there is plenty of police presence around town, especially in frequently visited tourist sights and attractions. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas especially on board public transport, don’t exchange money in the Change Bureaus, always use Banks. Keep your valuables close, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t wander around alone at night. If you rent a car be sure to take extra precautions and lock your vehicle and remove any valuables.
What are some popular areas for shopping?
The city offers visitors some unique shopping options including many cute local craft stores spread throughout the Old Town area where you can pick up some great gifts and authentic souvenirs. Calea Republicii is the main shopping street in the city which is pedestrianized and brimming with shops and cafes along with stunning Art Nouveau-style buildings.
What is the language spoken in Oradea?
The official language spoken in Oradea is Romanian, the closest currently spoken relative to ancient Latin. Many people will also be able to speak French, Spanish, and Italian, and the Roma people will speak the native Romany. Many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants, and many locals speak Italian. We recommend you get a good English-Romanian guidebook and learn the common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.
What is the best time to visit Oradea?
The climate in Oradea is humid continental with oceanic influences offering warm, hot summers that offer cool evenings and short but cold winters. The average annual temperature is around 50 F and summer temps that range from 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency of Romania is the Romania Leu (RON or lei). You will need to exchange your currency for the Romanian Leu, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus.
What is the food like?
The dining options in Oradea are plentiful with many high-rated restaurants serving up local cuisine as well as other continental options such as Italian, Mediterranean, Romanian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Asian options. Oradea is known for its Transylvanian food and this type of cuisine can be found in many of the local authentic restaurants especially in the Old Town area.
Some local dishes to try when dining in Oradea, Old cheese from the local shepherds, pear brandy, fruit cakes, and traditional Romanian dishes such as “Sarmale” the national dish pork-stuffed cabbage rolls, “ciorba” soup which is often eaten with most meals, and “mamaliga” which is polenta with crumbled cheese and sour cream. Be sure to try some sweet Romanian treats like “clatite” or crepes served with jam or Nutella and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
What is the nightlife like?
Some local dishes to try when dining in Oradea, Old cheese from the local shepherds, pear brandy, fruit cakes, and traditional Romanian dishes such as “Sarmale” the national dish pork-stuffed cabbage rolls, “ciorba” soup which is often eaten with most meals, and “mamaliga” which is polenta with crumbled cheese and sour cream. Be sure to try some sweet Romanian treats like “clatite” or crepes served with jam or Nutella and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
In case of Emergency dial 112 for the Police, Ambulance, or Fire services.
Hospitals:
County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Oradea tel. 40-259-437-750.
Top Attractions

Oradea Fortress
A star-shaped medieval fortress with layers of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque history.

Black Eagle Palace
Art Nouveau architectural gem featuring stained-glass arcades and also unique boutique shopping galleries.

Union Square
Undoubtedly, the unique beating heart of Oradea, framed by architectural marvels as well as stunning lively cafes.

Moon Church
Famous for its astronomical clock that tracks lunar phases on the church tower.
Unique Experiences

Sunset & Secrets: Twilight Walk Along the River.
Follow the golden light as it dances on the river’s surface during a guided evening walk. Hear stories of old Oradea, pass lively terraces, and watch the city gently light up as day fades to night.

Golden Hour at the Palace: Art Nouveau Meets Espresso.
Marvel at the swirling Art Nouveau elegance of Moskovits Miksa Palace, then unwind at a stylish café right across the street with unique views that feel straight from a postcard.
What to expect while traveling





