Trip to Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Day 1: Arrival and local exploration

Upon your arrival at Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport, you can take a taxi or use the public transportation to reach your accommodations. After checking into your hotel, you could start exploring the city on foot by taking a walking tour. Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is a picturesque city that has much to offer visitors. You can explore the heart of the city in the Union Square, where you can see the majestuous St. Michael’s Church, a gothic-style church built in the 14th century, which is one of the most notable landmarks in Cluj. You could also visit the Banffy Palace, a baroque-style building that is now a museum and hosts many art and history exhibitions throughout the year. Finally, you could head to the Botanical Garden to enjoy a stroll among the exotic plants and flowers.

Day 2: Museums and cultural exhibitions

Today, you can visit some of the most interesting museums in Cluj-Napoca. Firstly, you could visit the National Museum of Art located in the former Bánffy Palace in Cluj-Napoca that exhibits medieval and modern Romanian art. Other museums you could visit include The Pharmacy Museum, the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, and the Zoological Museum.

Day 3: Cultural landscape of Cluj-Napoca

Start at Gheorgheni Lake, which is one of Cluj-Napoca’s hidden gems and a popular recreational destination that is part of the city’s identity. From there you can either choose to spend some relaxing time at the lake or proceed to Cetatuia Hill. The Cetatuia Hill, which is about a 15-20 minute walk from Gheorgheni lake, offers an astounding panoramic view of Cluj-Napoca and is known to be a cultural symbol of the city. Peeking from the hill’s terrace you can also admire the Matache Palace, a listed building of Cluj-Napoca, the National Theatre, St Michael’s Church, the Cluj-Napoca Central Park and the river named Someşul Mic.

Day 4: Palace of Culture and Citadel of Cluj-Napoca

Today you can visit one of the most popular attractions in Cluj-Napoca, the Palace of Culture, an imposing building right in the heart of Union Square. This magnificent building was designed in the Neorenaissance style and houses four museums: the art museum, the history museum, the ethnographic museum, and the science and technology museum. After that, you can head to the Citadel of Cluj-Napoca, a medieval fortress that dates back to the 15th century and played a vital role in the city’s defense system.

Day 5: Hunyad Castle and Turda Salt Mine

You can take a day trip today to visit two nearby attractions. Firstly, you can visit the Hunyad Castle, a Gothic-Renaissance castle that was built in the 14th century and is now a national monument of Romania. From there, you can head to Turda Salt Mine, located about 35 kilometers from Cluj-Napoca. The Turda Salt Mine is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Romania due to its natural beauty, as well as its historical and therapeutic values.

Day 6: Shopping and fun

Today you can explore the Cluj-Napoca’s shopping scene, starting at the Iulius Mall, one of the largest malls in Eastern Europe, home to more than 250 stores and dozens of food and beverage outlets. You could also spend your day on the beach at the Felix and Apollo resorts where you can indulge in therapeutic treatments with mineral-rich thermal spa water.

Day 7: Nightlife in Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca has a vibrant nightlife, with something to offer for everyone. You could start by exploring the clubbing scene. There are a wide variety of clubs and bars in Cluj-Napoca that play different types of music, ranging from live bands, jazz events, and electronic music. If you are a lover of traditional Romanian music, then Casa Vikingilor is the place for you; this folk club is one of the best in the city to enjoy live music and traditional dances. Either way, you will enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city and experience a unique nightlife scene.