Cluj-Napoca is probably one of the most underrated cities in Transylvania. Many people use this area solely for the airport before travelling to other popular nearby destinations such as Brasov and Sibiu. However, there are many interesting things to do in Cluj-Napoca that can easily fill your itinerary for a day or two. From exploring the historic streets of Cluj’s old town to trying out new food dishes and relaxing with a drink in the evening, there’s a reason that Cluj-Napoca is widely known for being a vibrant city.
The history of Cluj-Napoca dates back over 2000 years, and it gets part of its name from a Roman citadel that was founded in the area. At one point Napoca, as it was called in Roman times, was one of the most important cities in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Following the withdrawal of the Romans in the 3rd century, the city was inhabited by Saxons and it continued to grow from that point onwards.
Today, Cluj-Napoca is known for being the heart of Transylvania, as it played an important role in the economic and historical development of the area. It really is a beautiful city that has a much more relaxed feel to it than other cities such as Bucharest. Spending at least one full day in Cluj is a must if you want to explore the city to its full extent. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how many things to do in Cluj-Napoca there actually are.
Getting around Cluj-Napoca
Cluj International Airport is located very close to the centre of the city. It takes around 30 minutes to get to the old town via public transportation, and if you’ve rented a car at the airport then it should take even less time to drive to your accommodation. Most of your time in Cluj will be spent in the old town, so there’s no need to worry about transportation.
The old town is very walkable, but if you need to get further afield there are plenty of bus options and Uber is available in the city too. If you’ve rented a car in Cluj, I’d recommend parking it at your accommodation and leaving it there as it can be tricky to find a parking spot in the very centre of the city, and it’s not the cheapest option either.
Best things to do in Cluj-Napoca
Piaţă Unirii
One of the first things to do in Cluj-Napoca is to visit Piaţă Unirii (Union Square). This is the main square in Cluj and it marks the heart of the medieval city. The square you see today was designed in the 19th century and it’s surrounded by beautiful noble palaces with St Michael’s Church in the centre. This is where you’ll also find the Matthias Corvinus Monument which stands next to the church, dominating the open space of the square.
Throughout the year, you’ll often find market stalls set up around Piaţă Unirii. We were able to find some beautiful souvenirs here. There are also plenty of food stalls set up that are great to eat from if you’re visiting Romania on a budget. Many of the top things to do in Cluj-Napoca are located around Piaţă Unirii, so it’s a good place to start from.
St Michael’s Church
While you’re walking around Piaţă Unirii, take some time to go inside St Michael’s Church as well. This is the second largest church in Romania, and it’s free to enter. Construction began on this church in the 14th century and many important events have taken place here throughout Romanian and Hungarian history. In recent years, the church has undergone a large restoration project, but it’s now fully open to the public. Visiting St Michael’s Church is one of the top things to do in Cluj-Napoca, just make sure you check the opening times beforehand.
View from the tower of St Michael’s Church
If you’re looking for a good viewpoint in Cluj-Napoca, the easiest one to access is at the top of the tower of St Michael’s Church. The entrance to the tower can be found around the side of the church, so if you’re inside St Michael’s Church you’ll need to exit and walk around the lefthand side of it. The tower has also undergone recent restoration works and there’s no entry fee here either. It’s one of the best free things to do in Cluj-Napoca and shouldn’t be missed.
Matthias Corvinus House
If you’re interested in historic buildings, then a trip to Matthias Corvinus House is a must. This is the oldest building in Cluj-Napoca and it’s famous for being the birthplace of the greatest King of Hungary. It was originally built in the 15th century and by the 18th century it was used as both a hospital and a prison.
Visit the museums in Cluj-Napoca
There are numerous museums in Cluj-Napoca to visit, depending on your interests. Located near the main square are museums such as the Jewish History Museum, the Pharmacy History Museum, and the Transylvanian Museum of Ethnography. One of the top museums in Cluj though, is the Steampunk Transylvania Museum which offers visitors a very unique and interactive experience.
Neolog Synagogue
A short walk across the river from the old town is the Neolog Synagogue. Until WWII, Cluj-Napoca was an important centre for the Jewish community in southeast Europe. This synagogue, which was built in the 19th century, now stands as a reminder of this community. It’s also a place of worship where people can come to reflect on those who were deported and never seen again.
Find an archaeological site
With over 2000 years worth of history to learn about, it should come as no surprise that you may find an archaeological site while you’re walking around the city. We came across an active site by chance as we were making our way around the perimeter of the old town.
Piaţă Mihai Viteazul
Another square in Cluj-Napoca that’s worth visiting is Piaţă Mihai Viteazul. This square is dedicated to Michael the Brave who lived in the 16th century and was one of the most important figures in Romanian history. As well as the large statue dedicated to him in the centre of the square, this is where you’ll also find the city’s Eternal Flame.
Take a photo with the colourful buildings
One of the best free things to do in Cluj-Napoca is to photograph the many colourful buildings around the city. Some of these photos spots are located in busy areas, but the buildings surrounding Piaţă Mihai Viteazul are very easy to photograph. There wasn’t a single person in the square when we visited, so chances are you’ll have it all to yourself too.
Admire the Casino
The Casino (or Cazino) is one of the most popular and well known buildings in Cluj-Napoca. It’s located in Central Park Simion Bărnuțiu and it was built at the end of the 19th century in a Viennese style. The building has served many different purposes over the years, including a casino, and today it’s a popular spot to host artistic and cultural events. When we visited we saw several weddings also taking place here.
View from Cetatuia Park
Among the top rated things to do in Cluj-Napoca is to climb to the top of Cetatuia Park. It’s located a short walk from the historic centre and was where the Habsburgs built the first Vaubahn-style fortification in the 18th century. Not much of the fortifications remain today, but from the top of the hill you can get an incredible view of Cluj-Napoca. I’d recommend visiting later in the day to avoid the haze that appears in the morning.
Find some street markets
The street markets in Cluj are a great way to find unique souvenirs. There are usually food stalls set up too so you can get something quick to eat. Make sure you bring cash with you though, as many don’t accept card payments. We came across a large street market in Piaţă Unirii as well as one in front of the Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral.
You may also find some clothing stalls at these markets, but for the best thrifting options you’d have better luck visiting a local thrift shop. Reuse Urban is a great option that’s just a five minute walk from the main square.
Find the old city walls
The city of Cluj-Napoca was once a walled city, and although the city has since expanded outside of its medieval fortifications, you can still find traces of the walls in the old town. One of the best places to see the old city walls is along Strada Potaissa which is usually bustling with a flower market in the warmer months. If you visit in the off season like we did, you can still find a couple of stalls selling flowers at the end of the street.
Walk along the Morii Canal
One of the more off the beaten path things to do in Cluj-Napoca is to walk along the Morii Canal. Strada Andrei Șaguna is the best portion of the canal to visit as it gives off a bohemian vibe with coffee shops and other businesses lining this pedestrianized area. Sadly there was no water in the canal when we visited, and most of the businesses were closed, but it’s an up-and-coming part of the city that’s worth keeping on your radar.
Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
Apart from visiting St Michael’s Church, another religious building that needs to be added to everyone’s list of things to do in Cluj-Napoca is the Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. It was completed just before the start of WWII and it’s very impressive to look at both inside and out. It’s also another free attraction in Cluj to add to your itinerary. You may find a small street market set up in Piaţă Avram Iancu too, just outside of the cathedral.
Across the road from this cathedral is The National Opera of Cluj-Napoca which is another beautiful building to photograph in the city.
Biserica Piaristă
An often overlooked church in Cluj’s old town is Biserica Piaristă. This Roman Catholic Church was the first to be built in Transylvania after the Protestant Reformation. It was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style, which at the time was another first in the province. Opposite the church are numerous cafes and restaurants, so it’s a nice area to stop for brunch before exploring more of the city.
Tailors’ Bastion
One of the best things to do in Cluj-Napoca for history enthusiasts is to walk to Tailors’ Bastion. This is one of the few remaining fortification towers that were built in the 15th century and its current form dates back to the 18th century, though it was recently restored. In front of the bastion is a statue of a former general who was burned at the stake for treason at the start of the 17th century.
Explore the streets of the old town
There are plenty of hidden gems throughout the old town to discover. One of the best things to do in Cluj-Napoca, if you have some free time, is to take a casual stroll through the streets of the old town. Piața Muzeului is an example of another historic square that’s lined with restaurants, though it’s less busy than the main square. Between the different squares in the old town you’ll come across narrow cobbled streets that hold their own charm as well, and often make great photo spots.
Where to eat and drink in Cluj-Napoca
Madrugada
If you’re wondering where to have breakfast or brunch in Cluj-Napoca, you can’t go wrong with Madrugada. It’s located on the same street as the Neolog Synagogue, so it’s very easy to walk to from the old town. They have a massive menu with all types of breakfast options such as the traditional English Breakfast, Eggs Benedict, and modern twists on well known classic dishes. You can also opt for a sweet treat and add a glass of prosecco to your dining experience. Everything is made fresh too, using local products where possible, so you really can’t beat the flavour and quality here.
The menu is currently only available in Romanian, so I would suggest having Google translate ready on your phone or you can ask the very nice staff to help you out. You can also view the menu on their website before visiting so you have a better idea of what’s available.
POMET
There are many restaurants in Cluj-Napoca to choose from, serving everything from traditional Romanian food to modern cuisines. POMET is a beautiful modern restaurant that’s perfect for an evening meal. On their menu they have everything from seasonal soups and salads to prime cuts of meat and homemade pasta.
If there’s one dish you have to try here it’s the carbonara. The pasta is freshly made and then tossed in a large parmesan wheel so it’s incredibly tasty. It’s actually one of their most popular dishes, along with their burgers. If you have room for dessert, the papanasi here are delicious as is the pistachio lava cake.
This is another restaurant that doesn’t offer an English menu, so I’d suggest either reviewing the menu online before you arrive or make sure you can access Google translate on your phone. The staff are incredibly helpful though and the waiters we had spoke English very well.
PRIVÉ
For some of the best cocktails in Cluj-Napoca, you have to visit PRIVÉ. This cafe and cocktail bar is open throughout the day, so you can either grab a coffee and a snack or treat yourself to a cocktail here. The bartender is fantastic at making cocktails, and although their menu is small you’ll have no issues finding something that suits you. We opted to have a couple of cocktails here early in the evening before heading to dinner, and it was a great decision.
Greco
If you’re looking for something quick and cheap to eat in Cluj-Napoca, Greco is a good option. Greco is a small street food restaurant that serves freshly made Greek gyros as well as gyro boxes if you don’t want the pita. They have various meat options available as well as falafel gyros that are loaded with fresh salad and crispy fries. You’ll find it close to the main square too, so you don’t need to waste too much time if you eat here.
Eggcetera
Around the corner from Piaţă Unirii is a popular brunch spot called Eggcetera. It’s a very small restaurant, so if you visit midday you’ll most likely need to wait in the queue for a while. Their menu is centred around eggs, but they also have vegan alternatives available. All of their dishes are beautifully presented and made fresh, but it’s not the cheapest option compared to similar brunch spots in the city.
GARLIC – Bites & Tales
GARLIC – Bites & Tales is one of the most highly rated restaurants in Cluj-Napoca, with a menu that’s based around garlic. I had big hopes for this restaurant but unfortunately a lot of what we ordered lacked much garlic flavour. The chicken burger was a good option for the main course though, and it comes served with roasted potatoes instead of fries. The cheesy garlic bites are extremely popular here, and although they look tasty, you should give them a miss if you’re expecting them to taste like garlic. The same can be said for their garlic soup which was lacking any flavour.
Where to stay in Cluj-Napoca
Syndicate Lodging
Syndicate Lodging is located less than 10 minutes from Piaţă Unirii, and it sits across the road from the Double Tree by Hilton Cluj. It’s a beautiful new building with several luxury apartments inside that are great for short and long stays in the city.
We spent two nights in one of their Junior Suites which was incredibly spacious and spotlessly clean. It’s located on the first floor which is accessible by an elevator or stairs. Along the main hallway is a nice sized bathroom with a walk-in shower, along with a few toiletries. The hallway then opens up into a very large kitchen and living room area. The kitchen is fully equipped so you’re able to cook your own meals with ease, and there’s a large TV on the wall too.
The bedroom was a big highlight of the apartment, with a large and comfortable king sized bed and plenty of storage space for our bags and clothes. The smart TV was also useful so we could watch Netflix in the evenings. Syndicate Lodging is located along a quiet street, so we had no excessive street noise at night either.
Although Syndicate Lodging offers self-serviced apartments, guests can benefit from a discounted rate at the spa inside the Double Tree by Hilton Cluj across the road. Guests are also welcome to dine at the restaurant in the hotel or have breakfast there in the morning for an additional cost. You can request extra cleaning if you’re staying for a long period of time in the apartment too.
Syndicate Lodging is the perfect place to stay in Cluj-Napoca, regardless of how long you’re in the city for. This modern accommodation option will make you feel like you’re living in your own apartment, with the luxury of having the old town of Cluj-Napoca right on your doorstep.
>> See which apartments are available at Syndicate Lodging <<
Is Cluj-Napoca worth visiting?
Cluj-Napoca is a very underrated city in Romania that’s definitely worth adding to your plans, especially if you’re planning a road trip around Transylvania. There are plenty of things to do in Cluj-Napoca, and the old town is very walkable which is a bonus. The food scene here is also incredible, and there’s a very vibrant nightlife scene since the city is heavily student populated.
If you’re interested in day trips from Cluj-Napoca, the Sun Garden Spa is just a 30 minute drive away. The Hoia Forest is considered to be the most haunted place in Romania and is close by too, so that may interest you as well. And of course, cities such as Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara should all be in your Romania travel itinerary.
If you have any questions about things to do in Cluj-Napoca, or where to eat and stay in the city, please feel free to reach out. You can contact me via email or through the contact form on my website. Remember to follow me on Instagram and TikTok too where you’ll find more helpful travel tips about visiting Romania.
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