City of Arad - western Romania (Places to see, things to do, transportation, attractions, events.)

Arad Fast Facts

Arad Sights and Landmarks

Straddling on the banks of Mures River, Arad is the only city in Romania to be shared by two of the country’s historic provinces: Crisana and Banat. The city traces its history back to the 11th century and developed as a major trading post during the Turkish occupation, between 1551 and 1699. After 1699, Arad was ruled by the Habsburg Monarchy and in 1834 it was declared a „free royal town”, by Emperor Francis I of Austria. Today, Arad is an important industrial center and transportation hub and, home to two universities, a Romanian Orthodox theological seminary, a Training Institute for teachers, and a music conservatory.

Arad is a city of monumental buildings and architecture, many of which are located located along the city's main street, the broad, tree-lined, Bulevardul Revolutiei. Landmarks of note include the City Hall Palace (1875), the Palace of Culture (1911-1916), the neo-gothic / secessionist-style Red Church (1906), the Roman-Catholic Church (1902-1904) and the neo-classical State Theatre (1874).

Art Nouveau structures (i.e. Szántay Palace, Bohus Palace and Földes Palace) are also part of Arad’s architectural heritage, in particular along Strada Closca and around Avram Iancu Square (Piata Avram Iancu). Just west of Piata Avram Iancu lays the city’s extensive open-air market , the (Baroque) Orthodox Cathedral (1865) and Arad Old Water Tower (1896) now a museum open to visitors Monday through Friday. At the intersection of Strada Mihai Eminescu and Strada Stefan Cicio Pop, lays Grozescu Pharmacy (Farmacia Grozescu) whose original interior has been carefully preserved. The many churches and cathedrals in Arad span four centuries, several denominations, and architectural styles ranging from baroque to neoclassic.

East of Piata Avram Iancu stands the Old Theatre (1817), an art institution where Romania’s national poet, Mihai Eminescu, once worked. Further south near Piatra Veche, lies the old Jewish quarter; beyond spans the Serbian quarter and the impressive Serbian Orthodox Church St. Petru & Pavel (1692-1702) which was rebuilt in a Baroque style in 1790.

Not far from Arad there are quite a few historic Orthodox or other faith monasteries, such as Hodos-Bodrog (1177), Bezdin (1334), Gai (built in 1760-1762), the Princely Orthodox Church in Halmagiu (14th century), Sfanta Maria – Radna Franciscan Monastery (built in 1727 – 1826) and the Roman-Catholic Church in Sânpetru German (built in 1774).

The economic and strategic importance of Arad is also attested by the existence of Arad Fortress (Cetatea Aradului).
This Vauban-style stronghold, with a six-pointed star shape, located one mile east of Arad city-centre. It was completed in the mid-1700s at the request of Hapsburg empress Maria Theresa.

Arad Jewish Heritage

Jews have settled in Arad in the early 18th century and by mid-1800s, the town became a leading center of Reform Judaism, under the guidance of Rabbi Aaron Chroin who officiated from 1789 to 1844. Rabi Chroin advocated a gradual process of changes in the ritual, the use of the German language during services, and even the introduction of organ music in the synagogue.
Before World War II about 10,000 Jews lived in Arad; the community survived the Holocaust and most of them moved to Israel. At the end of the 1990s, the Jewish community in Arad was the second largest in the country (after the one on Bucharest).
Today Arad has two synagogues, both located in the picturesque old Jewish quarter with its characteristic tiny houses jammed tightly together amid quiet streets and squares.
The Neolog rite (Reform) synagogue is part of the Jewish Community Center

Jewish Community of Arad
Comunitatea Evreilor Arad
Address: Strada Tribunul Dobra 10
Tel. (+4) 0257 281.310

Arad Synagogue
Sinagoga Neologa Arad
Address: Strada Tribunul Dobra 10 (access via Str. Cozia)
Built between 1827 and 1834 in typical Moorish style, the large Jewish Orthodox synagogue has stained glass windows and beautiful bronze doors showing Jewish symbols, including the Menorahs.
The door leads into the five-story synagogue, with a large cupola.
The Torah ark resembles a neo-classical church altar, very typical of the period.
An enormous organ, known to be one of the best in Europe, covers an entire wall.
Arad Synagogue more info

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Arad Museums

Arad Art Museum
Muzeul de Arta - Arad
Address: Str. Gheorghe Popa 2 - 4
Tel: (+4) 0257 256.503
Open: Tue. – Sun.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Arad County History Museum
Muzeul de Arheologie si Istorie - Arad
Address: Piata George Enescu 1
Open: Tue. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Natural Sciences Museum
Muzeul Stiintelor Naturii
Address: Piata George Enescu 1
Open: Tue. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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Arad Performing Arts

Arad State Philharmonic Orchestra
Filarmonica de Stat Arad
Address: Piata George Enescu 1
Tel: (+4) 0257 281.554

Arad Drama Theatre "Ion Slavici"
Teatrul Clasic Ion Slavici - Arad
Address: Bd. Revolutiei 103
Tel: (+4) 0257 280.016

Arad County Cultural Centre
Centrul Cultural Judetean - Arad
Address: Str. George Bariţiu 16
Tel: (+4) 0357 405.386

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Attractions near Arad

Mures River Flood-Meadow Nature Park

Parcul Natural Lunca Muresului
Where: Padurea Ceala , 4 miles southwest of Arad
42,418 60 acres of meadows and wetlands, along Riveer mures, easily accessible from Arad city centre. 200 species of birds, over 1,000 species of plants and trees, 50 species of fish. Activities include: nature walks, boating, biking tours, birdwatching, fishing.
Telephone: (+4) 0257 258.010

Eutopia Gardens - Rosarium and Dendrology Park

Parcul Floral Eutopia
Where: 8 miles east of Arad
Address: Mândruloc - DN7
The largest Rosarium in SE Europe (60 acres), Eutopia Gardens is home to rare plants and over 2,000 species of roses.
Telephone: (+4) 0730 101.303

Daiconi Winery

Crama Daiconi
Where: 16 miles east of Arad
Address: DJ708B 49, Miniș

Minis Maderat Winery

Cramele Minis
Where: 19 miles east of Arad
Arad area vineyards stretch on the hills bordering the western part of the Zarand Mountains, between Lipova and Pancota. Star of the region is the vineyard of Minis. In 1862, at a wine contest in London, Rosu de Minis was awarded the biggest prize. More than a century before, the wines of Minis were exported to England, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and even America.

The red, native variety Cadarca, displaying a ruby-red color with a stinging taste of fresh clove, was the wine of the imperial court of Vienna during the reign of Emperor Franz Josef, in the 18th century. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Cadarca are produced employing classical winemaking technologies, while the white wines like Italian Riesling, Traminer, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, are obtained by using cooling zymurgy, resulting in fruity white wines of great finesse.
Telephone: (+4) 0729 142.571

Town of Lipova & Lipova Medical Spa

Where: 18 miles east of Arad
Access: car, train (Radna station)
The charming old town of Lipova served during the 17th century as a meeting point for merchants from Moldova, Muntenia, Transylvania and neighboring European countries, coming here to trade their goods at the local bazaar.
The local mineral waters have been known since the 16th century; in 1892 a natural treatments resort (Baile Lipova) was established here. The springs with mineral water are located 1.6 miles away from the centre of the city. The mineral waters are ferruginous, rich in bicarbonate, calcium, sodium and magnesium (bottled at Lipova) and they are recommended in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, in the diseases of the digestive tract, or associated affections.
Lipova more info

Soimos Fortress

Cetatea Soimos
Where: 20 miles east of Arad
Just east of Lipova lay the ruins of Soimos Fortress (Cetatea Soimos), once guard keeper of the trading route between Transylvania and Crisana. Dating from the 13th century, the fortress was later abandoned around the year 1790. Vestiges of the Renaissance stonework can still be admired today.

MaxiMarc Winery

Cramele Maxi Marc
Where: 22 miles northeast of Arad
Address: Strada Vii FN Măderat

Zarand Land

Tara Zarandului
Where: 40-60 miles east of Arad
An interesting ethnographic area, Zarand Land is home to the traditional villages of Barsa, Barzava, Birchis and Buteni. Local handicrafts include: embroideries, sheepskin coats made by the furriers in Buteni, sleeveless jackets made in Bata, pottery molded by potters in Birchis.
Traditional peasant's households have been remarkably preserved in the villages located in the mountainous zones.

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Day Trips from Arad

City of Oradea
Where: 76 miles north of Arad
Oradea is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania, known for its relaxed atmosphere and Secession architecture.
City of Oradea info

City of Timisoara
Where: 35 miles south of Arad
The largest city in westwern Romania, and one of the main university centres in the country,
Timisoara is known for its spectacular architecture and its vast parks.
Timisoara has been designated as a 2023 European Capital of Culture.
City of Timisoara info

Wines and Beers of Arad, Road trip
Itinerary: Arad -- Daiconi Winery -- Siria Fortress -- Crama Siria / Minis Winery -- Pancota Winery -- Brewery Zimanu Nou -- Purgly Mansion - Șofronea, Arad (72 miles round-trip)
Visit wineries and breweries near Arad and discover some of western Romania's unique, superb, wines and tasty beers.
Itinerary Map

Corvin Castle – Hunedoara
Where: 115 miles east of Arad
A spectacula Gothic-style structure, Corvin is one of the most beautiful castle in Transylvania.
Corvin Castle info

ARAD TRIP PLANNING INFO

Arad Transportation

Air

Arad Airport
Aeroportul International Arad (ARW)
Address: Calea Aeroportului 4
Telephone: (+4) 0257 254.203
Arad International Airport is located 2.6 miles West of Arad city centre.

Other airports, not far from Arad are:
Timisoara (TSR) - 35 miles south
Oradea (OMR) - 75 miles north

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Travel by car to / from Arad

The fastest route from Bucharest to Arad is via A1 / E81 / E68:
Bucuresti – Pitesti – Ramnicu Valcea – Sibiu – Alba Iulia – Deva - Arad

The fastest route from Budapest to Arad is on E75 - E68:
Budapest - Szeged - Nadlac - Arad

Distance from Arad to:
City	Distance (Miles)
Bucharest	345
Baia Mare	198
Brasov	264
Cluj Napoca	170
Constanta	480
Iasi	405
Oradea	78
Satu Mare	156
Sibiu	174
Sighetu Marmatiei	214
Suceava	358
Timisoara	35

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Arad Train Transportation

Arad Train Station
Gara Arad
Address: Piata Garii 8 - 9
Tel: (+4) 0257 231.777
The train station is located 1.5 miles north of the centre.
Trams # 1 and 3 connect the train station with downtown Arad.

There are daily trains connecting Arad with: Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Brasov, Cluj Napoca, Sibiu, Bucharest, Oradea, Timisoara, Constanta, Iasi, Baia Mare, Suceava.

SNCFR Ticket Office
Agentia SNCFR Arad
Address: Str. Ioan Metianu 16
Tel: (+4) 0257 280.977
Open: Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.;
Services offered: train schedules / information and tickets for future travel.
Tickets for same-day travel are only available at the train station.

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Inter-City Bus

Arad Bus Stations

Autogara Transdara
Address: Calea 6 Vânători nr.5-7
(0.4 miles northwest of Arad train station)
Telephone: (+4) 0257 270.097
Bus service from/to Transdara Bus Stop

Autogara Tabita
Address: DN7E, Arad
Telephone: (+4) 0752 311.017
Bus service from/to Tabita- Arad Bus Stop

Autogara Pletl
Address: Calea Aurel Vlaicu 308
Telephone: (+4) 0257 228.028
Schedule of Buses that leave from/ arrive to Pletl - Arad Bus Stop

Statia Autocar Tarsin
Address: Piața Gării 6
Schedule of Buses that leave from/ arrive to Tarsin - Arad Bus Stop

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Arad Public Transportation

15 streetcar / tramway and 18 bus routes connect Arad's main areas and tourist attractions.
City of Arad Public Transport Planner app.

Arad Taxi

Taxi company	Phone #
Favorit	0257 280.000
Taxi Arad	0257 244.244
Taxi Alfa	0257 945
Europa	0257 941
Star	0257 212.222
Verbita	0257 944

Arad Car Rental Companies

Promotor Rent a Car
Tel: (+4) 0734 403.403

Sixt
Tel: 021 94.00 (this is valid short phone #)

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Arad Hotels

Accommodations in Arad include:

Hotel Name	Class	Location
Grant Boutique Hotel	boutique / five-star	Arad City Centre
Continental Forum	four-star / upscale	Arad City Centre
Leon - Hotel & Spa	four-star / upscale	two miles east of Arad City Centre
Best Western Central	three-star / midscale	Arad City Centre
President	three-star / midscale	three miles east of Arad City Centre
Ibis Style	three-star / midscale	five miles west of Arad City Centre

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Arad Shopping

Arad local beers: Zimand, Aradeana
Local wines: Cadarcă (red) and Mustoasă de Măderat (white), obtained from native grapes.

Arad Water Tower Art Galleries
Galeriile "Turnul de Apă" Arad
Address: Strada Piotr Ilici Ceaikovski 11
Telephone: (+4) 0742 053.688

Souvenir Arad
Magazin Souvenir Arad
Address: Strada Lucian Blaga 4 - 6
Telephone: (+4) 0744 987.698

Art Deco Arad / Atrium Mall
Address: Str. Teodor Pacateanu 101
Telephone: (+4) 0775 515.383

Art Europa
Address: Strada Stan Dragu 12
Telephone: (+4) 0257 278.627

Atrium Mall
Address: Calea Aurel Vlaicu 10 - 12
Telephone: (+4) 0357 444.100

Galleria Mall
Address: Calea Aurel Vlaicu 225 - 235
Telephone: (+4) 0257 242.242

Ziridava Shopping Centre
Address: Bd. Revolutiei 39 - 41

ExpoMarket Jackson
Address: Strada Feleacului
Telephone: (+4) 0257 284.488

Gemi Center
Address: Strada Nicolae Titulescu 3
Telephone: (+4) 0722 207.053

Grand Center
Address: Strada Banu Maracine 225 - 235
Telephone: (+4) 0257 242.242

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Tourist Info

Arad Tourist Information Center
Centrul de Informare Turistica
Address: Bd. Revolutiei 81
Tel: (+4) 0357 731.296
E-mail
Arad Tourist Information Center provides maps, brochures and information on accommodations, restaurants and transportation.

Arad Local and Regional Authorities

Arad City Hall
Primaria Arad
Address: Bd. Revolutiei 75
Telephone: (+4) 0257 281 850
E-mail

Arad County Archives
Directia Judetean Arad a Arhivelor Nationale
Address: Str. Ceaikovski 2 - 6
Telephone: (+4) 0257 233.818
E-mail
Hours and contact info

Consumer Protection Agency
Oficiul pentru Protectia Consumatorilor – Arad
Address: Bd. Revolutiei 50
Telephone: (+4) 0257 257.049
E-mail

Postal Services

Post offices display a postal horn symbol and the word Posta.

Arad Main Post Office
Address: Str. Caius Iacob 4
Tel: (+4) 0257 232.222

Telephoning Arad from Abroad
International Access Code (011 for US) + 4 (country code) + 0257 or 0357 (area code) + six-digit telephone number

Arad Maps

Arad City Map   (Harta Orasului Arad)

Romania Physical Map   (Romania - Harta Fizica)

Romania Main Roads Map   (Romania - Harta Rutiera)

Romania Road Map   (Romania - Harta Drumurilor, Sosele)

Romania Rail Map   (Romania - Harta Cailor Ferate)