Oradea- the Romanian city with a rich historic past is full of classic architectural buildings and monuments that are inspired by the baroque and contemporary architectural styles. This beautiful little town is also surrounded by scenic vistas that make for the best sightseeing places for tourists who visit the city.There are plenty of things to do in Oradea. The place is buzzing with local culture and art which can be seen from the several famous, state-of-the-art monuments and museums in the city. Very few people know that Oradea is located just at a distance of about ten kilometers from Hungary’s western border and is nestled at a height of 126 meters, above mean sea level. Oradea lies between the Apuseni Mountains and the Cris Valley, giving tourists a chance to experience the best of both the worlds.
Top 10 Things To Do In Oradea
Wondering what to do in and around Oradea? Here is a little guide to the 10 things in Oradea that you must do!
1. Oradea Citadel
2. Romanian Cuisine
3. Ponor Fortress
4. Hiking
5. Riserva Wine Spa
6. Nymphaea Aquapark
7. Cultural Tour
8. Moon Church
9. Oradea State Theatre
10. Oradea Zoo
1. Oradea Citadel
Learn about Oradea’s history at the Oradea Citadel. Erected by King Ladislaus I of Hungary in the 12th Century, the Oradea Citadel is built in the shape of a pentagon and has a very famous past. This citadel was first under use as a fortified Catholic abbey but was later converted into a Renaissance style citadel. After which this citadel was awarded the status of being the headquarters of the Roman-Catholic Diocese of Oradea. If you happen to visit the Oradea citadel around Christmas, you will also be able to see folk dance performances, people singing Christmas carols and performing their traditional customs.
Location: Oradea, Romania.
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2. Romanian Cuisine
No trip is ever complete without tasting the authentic cuisine of the region that you are visiting, isn't it? This exactly why you should visit Rosecas and grab a meal at this classy restaurant. Rosecas serves some of the best home-style Romanian and Hungarian food including delicious dishes such as chicken paprika and duck, and the good old chicken soup. If you happen to visit in the summers, you can also choose to take a table in the restaurant's terrace section.
Location: 17 Traian Mosoiu St, Oradea 410072, Romania.
3. Ponor Fortress
Known as the greatest Romanian cave, the Ponor Fortress Cave is a 74-meter deep cave and has an underground river as well as rock balconies that overlook the Apuseni Natural Park. The cave has about three entrances that give you access to the forest road that leads you to the Cetatilor Valley and the mysterious underground river. You can either book a minivan and spend the entire day at this Fortress or drive down to this place and explore it on your own. It is strongly recommended that you go through a tour group to ensure safety and ease of travel.
Location: Padis, Romania.
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4. Hiking
Looking for some adventure in Oradea? Go hiking at the Apuseni Nature Park. Drive down to the Apuseni National Park which is about 2 hours away from the main city of Oradea. This National Park gives tourists an opportunity to hike, raft, cycle and relax in the midst of nature. There are over 400 caves at the Apuseni Nature Park such as the Cetățile Ponorului, one of the most popular attractions at the nature park, that you can choose to hike. If you are looking for a more difficult hike, choose the Galbena River track which is full of stunning gorges and is laden with a lot of scenic surprises for hikers. If you just want to relax at the Nature Park, you can head to the Miss Laia Mare waterfall and douse yourself in the tranquil vibes of this section of the park.
Location: Localitatea Sudrigiu, Comuna Rieni, 417419, Romania.
5. Riserva Wine Spa
One of the things to do in Oradea, Romania, is taking a relaxing wine spa. Situated in the Ramada Hotel of Oradea, the Riserva Wine Spa is not like any other spa that you would normally go to. This spa gives their customers the most relaxing experiences through a special vinotherapy. Vinotherapy is basically a spa therapy performed by a professional masseuse wherein a typical Finnish infrared sauna is used and is infused with Himalayan salt to heal all your stressed tissues. After your spa, you can go to their terrace and sip on some wine as you overlook the entire city from this sophisticated spa property.
Location: Calea Aradului, Ramada Oradea hotel- top floor, Oradea- 410223, Romania.
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6. Nymphaea Aquapark
Head to Europe’s largest water park, the Nymphaea Aquapark of Oradea for a day full of fun and adventure with family and friends. Spread over a sprawling area of 7 hectares, this aquapark is aligned with the best and latest technology that assures a full day of unlimited fun and enjoyment for guests. You will find over ten exciting water slides and about fifteen swimming pools, inclusive of relaxation pools where you can relax. If you are traveling with kids, the aquapark also has a dedicated children's play area with special water slides for younger children. Apart from the water slides, they also have six saunas, massage salons, a Turkish bath, sports courts, and in-house restaurants.
Location: Aleea Strandului 13B, Oradea- 410051, Romania.
7. Cultural Tour
As they say, you don’t know a city till you don’t know its culture. One of the most interesting things to do in Oradea is taking a cultural tour around the city. This Cultural Tour of Oradea is a 3-hour tour of the city which gives you a chance to explore the Romanian city's history with the help of a professional guide who will also explain the history that lies behind this capital city of Bihor County. A walk through the city of Oradea also takes you to the different architectural palaces, churches, and cathedrals that have popular historic pasts behind them. The places that you will get to visit on this tour are the Moskovits Miksa Palace, Poynár House, Fuchsl Palace, Apollo Palace among many others.
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8. Moon Church
Watch the phases of the moon at Moon Church. Built in the year 1793, the Moon Church or the Biserca cu Luna, as it is called locally, is one of the finest historic monuments in Oradea. Inspired by the Baroque style of architecture, this church tower has a clock and moon installation in the building itself. The rotating mechanism relates to the moon rotating on its axis in 28 days, indicating the different phases of the moon. You can also visit the museum inside the Moon Church that displays the items related to the Orthodox church.
Location: Piata Unirii Nr. 2, Oradea 410072, Romania.
9. Oradea State Theatre
If you are into arts and theatre, watch a play at the Oradea State Theatre. The locals often describe the Oradea State Theatre as an architectural treasure, one that has ‘magic’ written all over it, with super talented performers acting in the plays that run at this theatre. You will be speechless at the magnificence of this theatre and marveled at how well the actors perform. Most of the plays held here are in the local language, but a visit to this theatre is definitely worth every penny you spend.
Location: P-ta Regele Ferdinand nr.4 - 6, Oradea- 410021, Romania.
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10. Oradea Zoo
Visiting the Oradea Zoo is one of the best things to do in Oradea, especially if you are traveling with children. The zoo is spread over 7 hectares and is home to over a hundred species of animals and birds. The best part about the zoo is that you can even feed some of the animals and get a closer look at them, an activity that most children would enjoy. Experience the wilderness at the zoo in the capital.
Location: Calea Matei Basarab nr. 1 mun. Oradea jud. Bihor, Calea Matei Basarab 1, Oradea, Romania.
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Oradea has plenty of things to do and gives travelers an opportunity to go back in time when they participate in local tours. When are you booking your tickets to this picturesque Romanian city of Oradea? Make sure to add this place to your itinerary when you plan a trip to Europe.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Oradea
What are the best attractions in Oradea?
Some of the best attractions that you can explore during your visit to Oradea are Ponor Fortress, Oradea Citadel, Riserva Wine Spa, Nymphaea Aquapark, Moon Church, Oradea State Theater, and Oradea Zoo.
What are the things to do outdoors in Oradea?
Oradea includes several intriguing adventures that you can take during your tour such as hiking at Western Carpathians, exploring Land of Moti, hiking at Padis Karst Plateau, and hiking at Apuseni Mountains.
Is it safe to visit Oradea during covid times?
The Government of Romania has issued some strict covid guidelines such as wearing a mask in public places, social distancing, etc. Individuals who are fully vaccinated are not required to produce a covid test report, but for unvaccinated individuals, a negative RT PCR report should be done 72 hours prior to departure and have to quarantine themselves for 8-10 days in order to explore Thailand.
What is Oradea known for?
Oradea is considered to be one of the greenest cities in Romania and is an amalgamation of spectacular architecture and green environment. Oradea includes several attractions that you can explore during your visit to this mesmerizing destination.
Which are the best restaurants in Oradea?
The top restaurants in Oradea that you must visit are:
1. Piata 9,
2. Steakhub,
3. Via 29,
4. Graf Restaurant and Pizzeria,
5. Rivo Restaurant and Lounge,
6. To Chef’s Restaurant,
7. Barrow,
8. Restaurant Allegria,
9. Meridian Zero,
10. Stokker Hotel.
Which are the best hotels in Oradea?
Some of the best hotels in Oradea are:
1. Ramada by Wyndham Oradea,
2. DoubleTree Hotel,
3. Ivana Apart Hotel,
4. Caro Boutique Hotel,
5. Continental Forum,
6. Hotel Astoria,
7. Hotel Maxim,
8. Hotel Impero.
Which are the best months to visit Oradea?
The best time to visit Oradea is during the summer months because during these months the weather is really pleasant and ideal to explore the major points of interest in the city. August and July are considered as the best months to explore Oradea.
How many days are required for Oradea?
Oradea is a major city in Thailand that comprises some of the most mesmerizing attractions that you can explore. Spending 4 days in Oradea is adequate enough in order to experience some of the best attractions during your visit.
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