Things to Do in Cluj

About Cluj

Cluj-Napoca is Transylvania's most important city, where Gothic spires share space with modern buildings and university students fill squares that haven't changed in centuries. Medieval churches stand next to contemporary galleries. Baroque buildings house coffee shops. The smell of kürtőskalács—sweet chimney cake—drifts through the streets alongside espresso from dozens of cafés. Students attend one of Europe's oldest universities here, and they've turned the historic center into something that feels both ancient and alive. Romanian, Hungarian, and Saxon influences layer over each other—you'll see it in the architecture, hear it in the languages people switch between, taste it in the food. Walk along the Someș River at dusk. The city changes then. Folk music spills from old taverns while rooftop bars fill with crowds drinking local wine and Romanian craft beer. Cluj won't overwhelm you with tourist infrastructure. That is part of the appeal. The city works for the people who live here first, and visitors get to experience that—the imperfect, genuine mix of a place that has been rebuilt and reinvented but never abandoned its past.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a rechargeable CTP card for 5 RON at any kiosk for buses and trams. Uber and Bolt are reliable and affordable. The historic center is easily walkable, but wear comfortable shoes on uneven cobblestones. Airport buses run every 30 minutes to Piața Unirii.

Money: Romanian Leu (RON) is the currency; 1 EUR ≈ 5 RON. Most restaurants and shops accept cards, but carry cash for markets and small vendors. ATMs are abundant downtown. Tipping 10% is standard at restaurants and for taxi drivers.

Cultural Respect: Greet with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Remove shoes when entering homes. Many locals speak Hungarian—both languages are equally respected. Dress modestly when visiting churches, and always ask permission before photographing people, especially elderly locals.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Cluj. Try local specialties like ciorbă de burtă and papanași at traditional restaurants. Avoid street food from unlicensed vendors. Farmer's markets offer excellent fresh produce—shop early morning for best selection and quality.

When to Visit

Cluj-Napoca shines brightest during late spring and early autumn. May through September offers ideal weather, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) and minimal rainfall (40-80mm monthly). Peak season (June-August) brings 20-30% higher accommodation prices but lively street life and the well-known Transilvania International Film Festival (May-June) and Untold Festival (early August). Summer temperatures occasionally reach 35°C, making spring (April-May) perfect for walking tours when flowers bloom and temperatures hover around 18-22°C. Autumn (September-October) delivers impressive foliage, comfortable 16-20°C weather, and 25% lower prices as crowds thin. Cluj Music Days classical festival graces October with excellent performances. Winter (November-March) brings snow, temperatures of -5 to 5°C, and 40-50% accommodation savings. While many outdoor attractions close, Christmas markets transform Piața Unirii into a winter wonderland, and cozy thermal baths provide perfect respites. January-February see the least tourists but offer authentic local experiences. Students return in September, injecting fresh energy citywide. Budget travelers should target November or February; festival ensoiasts need advance May or August bookings.