Bucharest is the most livable city in Romania, according to a survey conducted by the National Statistics Institute for “Adevarul” daily. Cluj-Napoca ranks second, Timisoara comes third. Brasov is the fourth most livable city in Romania, followed by Constanta and Sibiu. The survey was observing the economic development, the level of wages and unemployment, but also the options for spending the spare time.
According to official statistics, Bucharest has 18 museum and other 15 cultural institutions. The Romanian Athenaeum (1888) is one of the most outstanding buildings in the Romanian Capital. 20,000 companies are registered in Bucharest, most of them located in Pipera district, northern Bucharest. The average gross salary in these companies nears RON 4,100 compared to RON 2,800 in the eastern region of Romania. Over 7 million travelers have passed Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport last year and 120 planes have take off the airport on a daily basis.
The second most livable Romanian city is Cluj-Napoca, known as the Romania’s “Silicon Valley”, as it is the first city in the country on IT experts. Many foreign corporations have branches in Cluj, and the city also hosts top national hospitals. This year Cluj is the European Youth Capital, with many cultural events on the way.
Timisoara also drew many foreign investors due to its excellent location, at the western border of the country, an easy gateway to Hungary and Austria. Timisoara was the first mainland European city and second in the world after New York to be lit by electric street lamps in 1884. The historical buildings of the city, reminding of Austro-Hungarian Empire, brought Timisoara the title of informal capital city of Banat historical region. As a matter of fact, the city is a candidate to become the European Capital of Culture in 2021.
Located in the very heart of the country, Brasov is promoted as an ideal mountain travel destination, luring tens thousands of tourists on an annual basis. Surrounded by the Southern Carpathians, Brasov impressed by its medieval monuments, comfortable accommodation and excellent traditional cuisine. Part of the fortification ensemble around the city has been recently restored using UNESCO funds, and other projects are ongoing. The mayor’s former office building (Casa Sfatului) and the surrounding square (Pia?a Sfatului), are contemplating the city’s center. The square includes one of the oldest buildings in Bra?ov, the Hirscher Haus. Nearby is the “Black Church”, which some claim to be the largest Gothic Style church in Southeastern Europe.
Black Sea is playing a leading part in Constanta’s economy and in the locals’ standard of living. Constanta Port is Europe’s eastern gateway for the goods and the main financial engine of the region. Tourism is another asset of the city, yet to reach its full potential. Historically known as Tomis, Constanta is the oldest still-populated city in Romania. Its historical monuments, ancient ruins, grand Casino, museums and shops, and proximity to beach resorts make it the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism. Open-air restaurants, nightclubs and cabarets offer a wide variety of entertainment. Regional attractions include traditional villages, vineyards, ancient monuments and the Danube Delta, the best-preserved delta in Europe.
Sibiu is the sixth most livable Romanian city, mostly sought by tourists for its medieval attractions. Sibiu is also one of the most important cultural centers of the country, holding the European Capital of Culture title in 2007, along with Luxembourg. Formerly the center of the Transylvanian Saxons, the old city of Sibiu was ranked as „Europe’s 8th most idyllic place to live” by Forbes magazine. Brukenthal Palace, the Liars’ Bridge, The House of the Arts and the Luxemburg House (a Baroque four-storey building) are among the symbols of the city.
Moreover, Sibiu is not just a travel destination but also a strong industrial city, attracting many foreign investments. Unemployment in Sibiu is one of the lowest in the country. Rents are also at a low level compared to other Romanian cities.