Arad Travel Guide, Romania

Arad Travel Guide – Location

Arad has a strategic location, in the western part of Romania close to Timisoara, one of the most important border cities for the Central and East Europe.

Arad Travel Guide – Topography and Climate

The city is located on both sides of the Mures River, a crucial element in the local topography. The landscape is characteristic for the high Arad Plains with an average height of 100m and lower on the river’s banks. Due to the presence of the river, the soil is sandy, clayey and in some areas stony.

The climate is moderate continental with some Mediterranean influences, offering four different seasons. Summers are hot and low in humidity with an average temperature of about 22 ºC while winters are mild and snowy.

Arad Travel Guide – Flora and Fauna

Original flora and fauna is not very well preserved here due to intense urban activities in the area and still the flora is represented by small areas of forests, the steppe and hygrophilous species on the banks of the river. There are no officially protected areas in town but the locals’ interest in keeping the city green can be observed in the number of parks. Fauna is also not very well represented, but where conditions allow we can find rodents, pheasants, hares and more bird and animal species.

Arad Travel Guide – Population

Arad has a multi ethnic and multi confessional character. The city’s population has been and still is made up of Romanians, Hungarians, Germans, Jews, Serbians and thus we will find here orthodox churches with their Serbian and Romanian communities, Catholic churches, Lutheran churches and the mosaic cult. Religion is also connected to the beginnings of the locals’ cultural life, the first schools being created by monks from some local monasteries.

Being one of the most prosperous towns in the country, Arad’s economy is based on industry, commerce and agriculture, many people working in transport, food and furniture industry.

Arad Travel Guide - Culture and Arts

Arad is a city with a rich cultural heritage, with people appreciating arts in all their forms. A unique religious art gallery presenting the works of some of the local painters is the art gallery at “Saint Simeon” Monastery. The gallery is housed by an old wing of the monastery, an architectonic monument build in 1762 and presenting numerous original paintings on glass and wood.

There are also several other art galleries in the city, presenting diverse artists and their works and photographic exhibitions housed again by the art galleries, museums or other institutions.

Another culture related attraction in town is the Philharmonic Orchestra offering beautiful concerts throughout the year.

Arad Travel Guide – Transports

Arad is crossed by important national roads, railways and also has an international airport. Traveling within the city can be made by public transport, for example by bus, tram or by car getting in touch with one of the many local rent a car companies. The Arad International Airport connects the city with the rest of Europe and indirectly with the entire world. A larger airport is found in Bucharest, the capital of the country.

Still, the main and easiest way to travel to Arad is by car and followed by trains that also have a well developed network.

Arad Travel Guide – Accommodation

Arad is an important financial, cultural and tourist city thus offering diverse and good quality accommodation. For a relaxing weekend or a business travel in Arad, Coandi Hotel offers a great deal of facilities, local hospitality and a magnificent location right on the banks of the Mures River.

Another great place to stay in town is the Xe-Mar Hotel, a beautiful hotel located at a main road with a view over the river. The self sufficient rooms, great restaurant, swimming pool and free parking will surely make your stay as pleasant as possible.

Arad travel guide also recommends Apfel House if visiting Arad. It is a cozy inn with a traditional atmosphere, offering nicely decorated rooms with many local handmade objects and traditional cuisine, all in a beautiful building with an original design.