The existence of the city was first mentioned in documents in the 11th century. It developed as a major trading post during the Turkish occupation, between 1551 and 1699. After 1699, it was ruled by the Habsburg Monarchy, and, in 1834, it was declared a "free royal town", by Emperor Francis I of Austria.
Arad is a city of impressive buildings and architecture, among its most significant landmarks being the impressive white City Hall Palace (1875), the Palace of Culture (1911-1916), the neo-gothic and secessionist-style Red Church (1906), the large, domed Roman Catholic Church (1902-1904) and the neo-classical State Theatre (1874).
Other significant historic attractions in the city include the Arad Fortress, built under the orders of Hapsburg empress Maria Theresa between 1763 and 1783, boasting a Vauban-style fortress with a six-pointed star shape, and The Synagogue, built between 1827 and 1834, in typical Moorish style.
Also worth visiting in Arad are the Art, County History and Natural Sciences Museums, as well as the nearby attractions such as Minis Maderat Vineyard, about 15 miles east of the city, Lipova Town & Spa, approximately 17 miles east, Soimos Fortress, 20 miles east of the city, and Zarand Land, home to the traditional villages of Barsa, Barzava, Birchis and Buteni, about 60 miles away from Arad.
In addition to the city's attractions, and the ones found in its vecinity, day trips to Oradea (76 miles north), Timisoara (33 miles south), and Corvinesti Castle in Hunedoara (113 miles east), are also always a delight for visitors.
- The first electrical railway in Eastern Europe was lunched on the Arad — Podgoria route, on April 10, 1913.
- Arad was one of the first cities in Romania to be equipped with an automatic telephonic exchange (1937).
- Arad is the cradle of Romanian football. The first official game took place in 1899.
- Arad is one of the starting points for the Romanian press. Until 1918, in Arad, 28 papers were issued, a number that increased to 108 in the interbelic period. The oldest daily newspaper is the "Alfold", first issued in 1861, followed by "Aradi Kozlony" (1885 - 1940).