Timisoara

Timisoara, in Western Romania, is a place that about 320,000 people call home.

From here it's roughly 250 miles (402 kilometers) to the east to Bucharest and 75 miles (121 kilometers) to the southwest to Belgrade, Serbia.

Timisoara is home to some fine civic spaces, ideal for seeing the local residents at their most relaxed and experiencing the gentle pulse of the city. Put on your walking shoes and head to Piata Operei and Piata Traian, two of the best-loved public squares in city. Piata Uniri and Piata Balcescu are two of the other great spots that will help give you an insight into this special city.

Explore the many striking places of worship in the Timisoara area. Some of the most beautiful of these are the St. George's Cathedral, the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral and the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral.

Lovers of the arts will find plenty to cheer about at the Timisoara Opera House, one of the most popular performing arts venues in Timisoara. Before showtime, why not treat yourself to a few pre-show drinks at one of the local restaurants or bars.

Sometimes melancholic, sometimes beautifully romantic, the castles and other strongholds surrounding Timisoara are always special places to explore. The Huniade Castle, a local landmark, shows how local rulers lived here with their families and protected their land from crusaders and marauders.

The Millennium Church is the ideal attraction to finish your explorations into this fascinating city.