This Romanian city has a vibrant student population and historic center. Its main square features Gothic and baroque churches, while museums showcase local history and culture.
Cluj-Napoca, the largest city in Transylvania, captivates visitors with its Gothic St. Michael's Church, lively Piața Unirii, and vibrant arts scene. This university city offers experiences ranging from exploring medieval architecture to enjoying contemporary cultural events. Whether you're admiring the Baroque Bánffy Palace or relaxing in Central Park, Cluj-Napoca provides a rich Romanian urban experience.
Exploring Cluj-Napoca's Old Town
The heart of Cluj-Napoca is its Old Town, where cobblestone streets connect bustling squares and historic buildings. Start at Piața Unirii, the city's main square. Here, you'll see the Gothic St. Michael's Church, a 14th-century structure standing 80 meters tall with intricate stone carvings. Across the square, you'll find the Baroque Bánffy Palace, which houses the National Museum of Transylvanian History.
A short walk takes you to Piața Muzeului, a smaller square surrounded by colorful buildings. In the evenings, this area comes alive with locals and students enjoying the outdoor cafes and bars. Near the square, visit the Franciscan Church, one of Cluj-Napoca's oldest buildings dating back to the 15th century.
Parks and City Views
Cluj-Napoca has several green spaces for relaxation. The 19th-century Central Park is a favorite among locals. Here, you can rent a paddleboat on the small lake, visit the Chios Casino (now a cultural center), or relax on the grass. For a view of the city, head to Cetatuia Park on a hill above the Old Town. This park, on the site of an 18th-century Austrian fortress, offers a good spot to watch the sunset over the city.
Cultural Institutions
Cluj-Napoca has many museums and theaters. The National Theatre, in a Neo-Baroque building, presents regular performances of drama, opera, and ballet. Art enthusiasts can visit the Cluj-Napoca Art Museum in the Bánffy Palace, which displays Romanian art from the 15th to 20th centuries.
Food and Drink
The food in Cluj-Napoca reflects its multicultural history and student population. Try traditional Transylvanian dishes like "varză à la Cluj" (cabbage à la Cluj) at Zama restaurant. For modern Romanian cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options, visit Samsara Foodhouse. The city has many coffee shops - Meron and Olivo Cafe serve quality coffee.
Festivals and Events
Cluj-Napoca hosts cultural events throughout the year. The Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF) in May/June draws international visitors. In July, the Electric Castle festival takes place at the nearby Bánffy Castle. August brings the Untold Festival, a large electronic music event.
Getting Around
You can walk to most places in Cluj-Napoca's Old Town. For longer trips, use the public transport system of buses, trolleybuses, and trams. Taxis are common and affordable. If you're staying for several days, consider renting a bike to use the city's cycle paths.
Day Trips from Cluj-Napoca
The area around Cluj-Napoca offers interesting day trips. The Turda Salt Mine, about 30 kilometers away, is an underground site with a ferris wheel and boat rides on its lake. You can hike in the nearby Apuseni Natural Park. For medieval history, visit Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, about a 2.5-hour drive from Cluj-Napoca.
