Covering the land between the Danube and the Carpathian Mountains, Western Romania has a lot going on for those who journey there. Like in neighboring Transylvania, castles dot the region’s plains and hills, providing some of the best things to do in Western Romania for people willing to explore. You’ll also discover that cities such as Timisoara and Arad have histories tightly woven into Romania’s past, plus great opportunities to soak up Romanian culture and see spectacular architecture.
While the crowds of Romania’s summer high season don’t reach most of Western Romania, highlights such as Corvin Castle (Castelul Corvinilor) and Timişoara can get busy. Instead, spring (May–June) and fall (September–November) offer comfortable weather for sightseeing and fewer crowds. June sees the Banat Village Museum shed its old-fashioned atmosphere for the modern music of Flight Festival, while Corvin Castle leans into its history with a medieval festival in early September.
Renting a car is the most flexible means of traveling around Western Romania. Trains connect cities such as Timisoara, Arad, and Deva but are usually slower and less reliable than intercity buses; plus, they don’t reach places such as Hunedoara (Corvin Castle). You can explore most cities in the region easily on foot, although Timisoara has an extensive tram network.
Timisoara is the best place to base yourself if you wish to explore Western Romania on day trips and tours. It’s a big city with the region’s best transportation connections for traveling north, east, and south. People who want to reach Corvin Castle by public transportation should first get to Deva and then take a local bus to Hunedoara, where the castle is.
