Târgu Mureş is a melting pot of Romanian and Hungarian cultures, featuring remains of the Neolithic, Bronze, and Metal Ages.
The Piata Trandafirilor features cafes, restaurants, churches, and Medieval monuments. The Culture Palace houses several local museums.
Though the city dates back to 1332, after the Mongol invasion, there is evidence that shows life since the Neolithic. In the 1300s the Szekler Market appeared, followed by the first guilds in the 15th century.
From the Apollo Palace, a late Baroque building built in 1820, to the Târgu Mureş Fortress, begun in 1492, with a Franciscan monastery and church, Târgu Mureş features stunning examples of Medieval construction.
Guided walking tours showcase historical landmarks and events of the Mureş Valley.
The annual International Youth Jazz Competition and Festival in May features cultural activities, a student competition, and jazz concerts from internationally renowned artists.
Try typical Romanian kolozsvari-style stuffed cabbage, paprika mushrooms, and stewed beef at Laci Csarda, a Transylvanian restaurant featuring live music.
The best time to visit Târgu Mureş is between May and September when temperatures average 73 to 84 degrees.
The Târgu Mureş International Airport (TGM), nine miles from downtown, connects directly to Copenhagen, Barcelona, Budapest, Dortmund, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris, and Rome. A shuttle bus from the airport averages RON7 and a taxi is RON40.
There are several daily trains from Brasov and Timisoara, a 6.5-hour trip, and from Bucharest, a 9.5-hour trip. There is also a daily train from Budapest, a nine-hour trip starting at RON81.
From Budapest you can reach Târgu Mureş in eight hours on the M3, the DN1/E60, or the A1.
There are buses from Brasov every two hours, and from Budapest four times a week. Prices from Brasov start at RON16 and from Budapest at RON247.
The Hotel Concordia, in the heart of Târgu Mureş, features a neo-bohemian decor and the newest technology, ideal for business and leisure travelers. The Pensiunea Ana Maria, a bed and breakfast, offers free WiFi and private parking, as well as a traditional Romanian breakfast.
City Center - featuring imposing Medieval architecture, museums, churches, shops, cafes, and restaurants, the Târgu Mureş city center is a showcase for Romanian and Hungarian culture.
Cornesti - home to the Plateau and the zoo, Cornesti, over Târgu Mureş, is a great spot for panoramic views of the city and the Mureş river valley. The zoo houses primates, large cats, elephants, zebras, and bears, among others.
Reghin - 19 miles from Târgu Mureş is Reghin, renowned for its violin craftsmanship. Its central square, Piata Petru Maior, features vibrant 19th-century architecture adorned with wrought-iron balconies.
Local buses have routes throughout the city. A ticket is RON2 and can be purchased on board.
Local taxis are relatively inexpensive with rates starting at RON1.68.
Car rentals start at RON100 per day.
The Mureş Mall, near the city center, features five floors of retail shopping. The Promenada Mall, on the outskirts of Târgu Mureş, has chain stores, a movie theater, and a supermarket.
Auchan, a hypermarket, carries food, housewares, beauty products, and clothing. Darina is a local supermarket chain, which carries staples. The cost of living in Târgu Mureş is relatively inexpensive. A gallon of milk averages RON16.27 and a loaf of bread is RON1.82.
Emma serves Romanian schnitzel, paprika chicken, and vegetarian chili. Lunch specials average RON13. Dona specializes in pizza, meat, and fish dishes and pasta. Entrees average RON20.