Next time you're touring Eastern Europe, don't skip Romania. If you think Budapest is a hidden gem of Europe, just wait until you see Cluj-Napoca. This overlooked city is a long six-hour drive away from Hungary's capital, but it is definitely well-worth the slow journey.
Cluj-Napoca is much different from Bucharest, the capital of Romania. There are no Romanian mole people living there and it has a rather European spirit. After all, Cluj-Napoca was under Austro-Hungarian control, which is evident from its architecture, culture, and the local way of life.
Take a stroll through the timeless city center and stop to pamper yourself on the way. Here are some tips on how to spend the perfect weekend in Cluj-Napoca. This is a city where you should prioritize self-care and having fun.
10 Cluj-Napoca Knows How To Brunch
When thinking about the cities with the best brunch in the world, no one ever thinks about Cluj-Napoca. This amazing under-appreciated city is swarmed with trendy breakfast spots that sell breakfast for as cheap as $3 to $5. Add a freshly squeezed juice for an additional $3. The local favorites are eggcetera and DOT Cluj - District of Toast. Judging from their menus and presentation, you'd think you're in NYC, Amsterdam, or Berlin.
9 Learn About Romanian Traditions At The National Ethnographic Park
The "Romulus Vuia" Ethnographic Park is an open-air museum that presents how people used to live in this part of Romania first hand. Visitors can explore a traditional Romanian house and see crafts that date back all the way to the 17th century. The area has a certain nostalgic feel to it, so make sure to bring your camera along and capture the serenity. The entrance fee is $1.35.
8 Transylvania Is Home To The Chimney Cake
Chimney cakes (also known as kurtosz) are sold all around the Czech Republic and Hungary, but they actually originate from Transylvania. While in Cluj, try one at the 1568 Bistro, an eatery that excels in local cuisine and Eastern European dishes in general. If you happen to be there in December, you can get a chimney cake at the Christmas Market, rated as one of Europe's best in 2019.
7 The Land Of Amazing Summer Festivals
Transylvania is known for its spectacular castles and eerie scenery. In July, one of the nearby castles transforms itself into a venue for a 4-day festival called Electric Castle. It usually costs $123 for general admission. Another huge annual event is the 3-day long UNTOLD Festival in the beginning of August. Romanians are open-hearted people who know how to throw a party.
6 Vibrant And Edgy Bars With Great Atmosphere
Generally speaking, Romanians are a sociable and extroverted nation. Cluj is always buzzing because people love to meet, talk, and mingle. Their bar scene is just as thrilling as their trendy breakfast spots. Students like to frequent the hipster Booha Bar that hosts concerts in an intimate setting. Wine tasting as best at the high-end Crush Wine Bar, and if you want to get some really nice dinner, make a reservation at Samsara Foodhouse.
5 Luxurious Standards For Low Prices
By now, it's pretty obvious that a part of Cluj's appeal is its incredible value for money. The best news is, it doesn't stop at restaurants and museums. Sungarden Golf & Spa is a five-star resort with a spa center that imitates an underground cave system. Spend a few hours in the wide selection of saunas and pools for as little as $12 per person. It's a 30-minute drive outside of Cluj, a $5 ride with Bolt or Uber.
4 Afternoon Coffee And Pancakes At Doamna T
Doamna T is a cafe that serves delicious artisan coffee in delicate china cups and mouth-watering Romanian pancakes. It is tucked away in a quiet house with incredible rustic interior design. The walls are adorned with paintings from the beginning of the 20th century as well as works of contemporary local artists. If you like some of the art that you see, ask the charming owner if it is up for sale.
3 A Visit To Turda Salt Mine Is A Must
This astonishing salt mine turned into a museum is located in Turda, a 40-minute drive from Cluj-Napoca. The entrance fee to this underground world is $9. There's an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, and boat-hire, an amphitheater for concert, and even a spa center with mineral pools. The air in the salt mine is highly beneficial for the respiratory system and over-all well being.
2 Club Midi: One Of The Best Clubs In Europe
No need to go to Berlin, Amsterdam, or Ibiza: Cluj-Napoca's nightlife will blow you away. Club Midi is easily a club with one of the best sound systems in Europe. Weekend line-ups consist of techno, tech-house and minimal giants. This perfect-sized club always attracts well-behaved and friendly crowds. Another venue ideal for night owls is Flying Circus Cluj.
1 Samsara Tea House Is Pure Magic
If clubbing is not your thing, fret not. Enjoy a quiet night with a cup of tea instead at Samsara Chillout and Teahouse. They offer a wide selection of teas, kombucha, and shishas. On the outside, the house looks enchantingly spooky, but once inside, you will understand why this is going to be one of the absolute highlights during your time in Cluj.