At the heart of Mureş County, is the quiet city of Târgu Mureș, a place that tourists will definitely love. It’s a place where the past and present collide, showcasing the best of both worlds. While you are here, you will feel like you are stepping inside a history book and experiencing remnants of medieval times while having a glimpse of how it has evolved in modern times. Both locals and tourists alike can enjoy the mix of Romanian and Hungarian cultures through its various attractions, such as Târgu Mureș Fortress, Ascension Cathedral, and Târgu Mureș Palace of Culture, to name a few. As for activities that you can enjoy here, check out the top things to do in Târgu Mureș, Romania.
1. Get acquainted with the fauna at Zoo Tîrgu Mureș
Situated in the eastern area of the city, this zoo has been around since the ‘60s. From housing only three wolves, two bears, two boars, two pheasants, and a deer, it now has a variety of animals divided into different pavilions and enclosures. Its Primate Pavilion, where you’ll find various kinds of monkeys and apes, comes with a banana tree and a number of tropical plants. It also offers plenty of other wildlife, aquariums, terrariums, a bird aviary, and even a parrot section. The area resembles a forest, making you feel like you are truly one with nature.
Zoo Tîrgu Mureș
Address: Strada Verii 57, Târgu Mureș 540080, Romania
Website: Zoo Tîrgu Mureș
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 5 RON - 50 RON (1.18 USD - 11.88 USD)
2. Learn about the city at Târgu Mureș Palace of Culture
Located close to Piata Trandafirilor, the city center, Târgu Mureș Palace of Culture remains a testament to the beauty of 20th-century architecture. Here, you can marvel at Mirror Hall, where you will find intricately colored stained glass art depicting Szeklers folklore and Transylvanian people’s way of life in medieval times. Apart from this, you can also see remnants of Hungarian culture by looking at the design of the property’s rustic stone frames, marble stairways, and curved windows.
Other must-visit exhibits here are the Great Hall, which has paintings, sculptures, beautiful architecture, and decorative art, and the Great Concert Hall.
Târgu Mureș Palace of Culture
Address: Strada George Enescu, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 2:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 4 RON (1 USD) to 10 RON (2.37 USD)
3. Go back in time at Medieval Fortress
This fortress was built from 1605 to 1653 and takes after the town fortifications found in eastern Germany and Austria due to its Renaissance architectural style. Still standing strong today, the fortress’ first bastion by the gate still has its medieval defense systems. The oldest church in Târgu Mures can be found inside, alongside barracks, a park, and a small history museum.
Medieval Fortress
Address: Bulevardul Cetății, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Website: Medieval Fortress
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 9:00pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free admission
4. Learn about sausage-making at Petry Museum and Workshop
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Butchery has been around Târgu Mureş for decades. One of its bastions in the 17th century was named after the butchers’ guild. Petry Museum and Workshop offers tourists and locals a sneak peek into the world of sausage-making. You will learn various things, such as the special tools used and the Petry family’s history. Plus, you will witness the preparation of sausages right in real-time. The best part? They do custom orders, so make sure to bring your own sausage recipe. You will be given the chance to pick your own spices and meat, and they’ll immediately make it in front of you.
Petry Museum and Workshop
Address: Aleea Scăricica 1, Târgu Mureș,Romania
Website: Petry Museum and Workshop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm; Sat: 8am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
5. Take a breather at Platoul Corneşti
If you’re looking for a quick nature escape in the city, Platoul Corneşti is the place to be. It offers the best views since it is elevated from the rest of the city. What’s more, its location allows you to breathe some fresh air. Here, you will find Zoo Tîrgu Mureș, a huge playground, a small area for golf, and a little train for the kids. There are also trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking.
Platoul Corneşti
Address: Strada Verii, Number. 57.Tîrgu-Mures, Romania, Târgu Mureș
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Visit Teleki-Bolyai Library and Bolyai Museum
Boasting one of the richest collections in Transylvania, Teleki-Bolyai Library is home to over 200,000 books that date as far back as the 15th century. It was founded by Count Sámuel Teleki de Szék, who was one of the most knowledgeable book collectors of his time. Inside, you can find a wealth of collections, such as ancient encyclopedias, atlases, maps, albums, and books on ancient art. Other collections include Bibles in different languages. On the ground floor, you can spot the Bolyai Museum, which showcases the renowned Bolyai mathematicians’ surviving personal items and manuscripts.
Teleki-Bolyai Library and Bolyai Museum
Address: Strada Bolyai 17, Târgu Mureș 540067, Romania
Website: Teleki-Bolyai Library & Bolyai Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5:30pm (closed from Sat - Mon)
Price: Free
7. Marvel at the architecture of Ascension of the Lord Cathedral
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Ascension of the Lord Cathedral is a remnant of the past that still stands to this day. It was built from 1925 to 1934 with the help of skilled architects, engineers, and painters based on Victor Vlad’s blueprint, which was widely believed to have taken inspiration from a Greek Cross. You can see colorful interiors, framed medallions with engravings of Transylvania’s major Orthodox churches, and a breathtaking stained-glass dome interpreting Christ’s blessing. Masses are held in this cathedral to this day.
Ascension of the Lord Cathedral
Address: Piața Trandafirilor 1, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Price: Free
8. Go river rafting along the Mures River
An adventure-filled day awaits when you book a river rafting tour with Outdoor Experience Romania. Spanning over 700 kilometers (435 miles), the Mures River flows into the Tisza River. The Mures Gorge is perfect for beginners who are curious about kayaking. You will be in the hands of experienced rafters who will guide you every step of the way. Other activities you can participate in around the area include mountain biking, trekking, and horseback riding.
River rafting along the Mures River
Website: River rafting along the Mures River with Outdoor Experience
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 123.35 RON to 123.35 RON (29 USD to 82 USD)
9. Discover ancient relics at the Muzeul de Etnografie și Artă Populară
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located inside Toldalagi Palace, Muzeul de Etnografie și Artă Populară offers a variety of valuable ethnographic collections. Discover folk costumes from olden times, interior textiles, religious objects, and contemporary creations from as early as the 20th century. Indeed, there will be no shortage of artifacts that will help you get acquainted with the culture of Targu Mures and Romania here.
Muzeul de Etnografie și Artă Populară
Address: Piața Trandafirilor 11, Târgu Mureș, Romania
Website: Muzeul de Etnografie și Artă Populară
Opening hours: Tue to Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 2pm; Sun: 9am - 1pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 RON to 12 RON (1 to 3 USD)
10. Shop 'til you drop at Promenada Mall
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
No trip is complete without shopping or checking out local malls. After sightseeing around the historic siteș of the city, take a trip back to the present and stroll around Promenada Mall. As it comes with over 80 shops of local and international brands to choose from, a plethora of cafes and restaurants, game areas, and a casino, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Visiting this mall is easily the best way to wrap up your trip at Târgu Mureș.
Promenada Mall
Address: Gheorghe Doja Street 243, Târgu Mureș 540228
Website: Promenade Mall
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
Watch history come to life at Târgu Mureș
There are plenty of sights to see on this side of Romania. Whatever suits your taste, whether it is exploring flora and fauna, getting reacquainted with history, or simply marveling at intricate architecture, Târgu Mureș is a delightful place you wouldn’t want to miss.
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