A border city that defied my expectations, the enchanting gem of Oradea, is an ideal destination for a weekend Citywalk.
🚗 **Transportation:**
Nestled just 80 kilometers from Debrecen, Hungary, Oradea can be reached in less than an hour by car. This Romanian city is a delightful surprise. Although Romania recently joined the Schengen Area, passport checks are still in place when traveling by Flixbus to the border. There’s only one Flixbus service each way between Debrecen and Oradea, making it feasible to complete a round trip in a single day, with about three hours left for sightseeing.
**Local Public Transportation:**
In Romanian cities, you can generally use a unified system, purchasing tickets directly with a credit card or through the 24pay App. For more details, check out the images on pages p2-p3.
🌁 **Attractions:**
With limited time, I strolled along the main street, Str. Calea Republicii, admiring the stunning exteriors without entering any churches or museums. The architecture in Oradea is breathtaking, with many buildings showcasing Art Nouveau styles, giving the city a unique and dreamy atmosphere. Don’t miss the “Moskovits” Palace, a blue heritage building, and the picturesque castles featured on pages p6-p18.
☕️ **Cafés:**
🌟 **Meron**
🌟 **Café Frei**
These two charming cafés are located on the same street, just a short walk from each other. They offer large, affordable cups of coffee with exceptional taste. Each café has its own distinct style, making them perfect spots for a relaxing break after your walk. On average, a cup of coffee costs around 20 RMB.
🍰 **Desserts:**
🍦 **Bianco Milano Gelaterie** – Try the passion fruit flavor; it’s a must!
🍫 **CHANTIA** – Known for its chocolate in winter and ice cream during the warmer months.
🍲 **Food:**
🍴 **Mesopotamia** – A Turkish kebab restaurant recommended by a friend, though I didn’t get a chance to visit.
🍴 **American Grill** – An American-style burger joint where a burger costs 40 RMB. In China, a similar quality double-layer burger would likely cost 80-90 RMB. The beef here is top-notch. It’s conveniently located right across from Meron.
🍴 **Csíki Restaurant** – Here, you can savor a wide variety of Hungarian and Romanian dishes.
‼️ **Travel Tips:**
Romania is one hour ahead of Hungary, and the winter temperatures can be quite low. It’s best to visit during the milder spring weather. Overall, prices in Oradea are lower than in Hungary, making it a fantastic hidden gem. You can also enjoy some shopping, with DM stores offering generally lower prices.
