Experience in Baia Mare, Romania by Bianca

What is it like to live in Baia Mare? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

As a local here,being raised here was amazing. Out of all the cities of Romania, Baia Mare isn't the largest but it's beauty is impecable. Location, landscape and architecture wise it's fenomenal; as for entertain

ment there are a lot of cute small coffee shops, great quisine, tea shops, etc..
The weather in Romania in general is moderate to very hot and humid.If you are someone who hates VERY hot weather, then Baia Mare isn't the best place for you. Summers here are extremly hot and humid; winters here are also very white. It snows a lot and it becomes cold very quickly but despite all of this the city has it's incomparable beauty.

What is the student lifestyle like in Baia Mare?

Student lifestyle though isn't the very best. Baia Mare has about 2 universities, not very modern but with good teachers. There is the Nord University that has business, letters,economy and more. It is in the middle of the city and very accessible. The other one is the art university. Though small the teachers are amazing. Since I was a student at the high scool of arts, I had the opportunity to meet and talk so some of the professors. They really know what art is.

How much does it cost to live in Baia Mare?

As for prices here, Baia Mare isn't an expensive city. Restaurants, bars and so on have good and reasonable prices.If you are a foreigner and used to pay in euros, paying in Baia Mare or even in Romania in general will be easy and cheap. Our currency is small so nothing is expensive here.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Baia Mare? Is there any advice you can give?

It depends. When it comes to hotels and accommodation for tourists, there are some hotels: Hotel Carpati, Hotel Rivulus, Hotel Ambassador,and so on. As for people who want to come and live here, there are a lot of appartaments for rent and even foster homes if needed.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Honestly, Romanian food is comfort food in two words. The traditional dishes are what I live for: sarmale

( my favorites,they are little meat and ricd rolls in cabbage and set to boil), polenta with mushroom sauce, sausages, meat balls, papanasi, mamaliga( which is polenta with goat cheese and small pieces of meat), pies with goat cheese and parsley, green bell peppers filled with meat and rice, pasta puddding.

What places would you recommend visiting in Baia Mare?

Reverie is a great tea house, for food: Log Out, Buonissimo, Il

Padrino, Burger Box, The Buffet, Gemelli. There are a lot of good restaurants in town, all different but all good in the same way.
As to what to visit, Stephen's Tower is a nice tourist attraction, Muzeul Satului is an old place where houses have been kept since old times. There are a lot of traditional activities and also Turnul Macelarilor (Butcher's Tower) is also a great spot for romanian traditional activities.

Is it good to eat out in Baia Mare? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yees yes yes!!! Log Out are my favorite best Il Padrino. Log Out reminds me of Hard Rock Cafe. The dishes are amaziiingg especially the crispy chicken. Il Padrino is a more fancy restaurant with Italian quisine. The steal is the best I have ever ever eaten.

Is the nightlife good in Baia Mare? Where is good to go?

I personally don't go out at night but there are some good parties in Baia Mare if I do say so myself. The places that host such parties are: Log out, Athos, La Moustache, Reverie.

What advice would you give future students heading to Baia Mare?

Baia Mare is a small town, keep that in mind. Not a lot of opportunities but if you are headed here then don't give up on your dream.
Good luck !!! :)