Cluj-Napoca, often referred to simply as Cluj, is Romania’s second-largest city, exuding a lively and youthful spirit. It serves as a prominent cultural and educational center, full of good vibes! With a blend of medieval landmarks, architectural marvels, fashionable urban hubs, and a multitude of events, Cluj is a relaxed city where life unfolds at a leisurely pace. 

     Situated in Central Romania, Cluj attracts a substantial number of tourists, and its strategic location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring Transylvania.

     Some of the best places to visit in Cluj-Napoca include:

• Union Square

     Union Square (Piața Unirii) is the largest and most important square in Cluj-Napoca, the central district of the city spreading out from this square. The St. Michael’s Church, the statue of King of Hungary Matthias Corvinus, the old town hall, the National Museum of Art, the Josika Palace, and the Rhédey palace can be found here.

• St. Michael’s Church

     The St. Michael’s Church is a Gothic-style Roman Catholic church in Cluj-Napoca, dominating Union square, the building being completed in the 1440s.

• Museum Square

     Museum Square is a small historic square, being full of outdoor bars, cafes, and having an irresistible old-age charm.

• Art Museum of Cluj-Napoca

     The Art Museum is housed in an 18th-century baroque palace, and it houses valuable collections of Romanian and European art, including painting, graphics and decorative arts from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Check the official details for more details. https://www.macluj.ro/?locale=en

• Cetatuia Hill

     Cetatuia Hill is one of the most scenic observation point over the city, being only a 15-minute hike from the Old Town. 

• Central Park

     The extensive park was founded in the 19th century and is located on the southern bank of the Someş river, being a quiet spot in the center of the city. 

• Alexandru Borza Botanic Gardens

     This botanical garden comprises rolling green hills, an observation tower, a rose garden, a Japanese garden, greenhouses, ponds, and a variety of plants from around Romania and the world. For more details, visit the website: https://gradinabotanica.ubbcluj.ro/en/home-3/ . 

• Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania

     The Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania has a history of almost 100 years, and is one of the first and greatest of its kind in Romania. It has two exhibition sections, one of which is to be found indoor in downtown Reduta Palace (21, Memorandumului Street), while the other exhibition section is the open-air Romulus Vuia Park situated on the city’s north-west side, in Hoia Forest. More details can be found on the official website: https://www.muzeul-etnografic.ro/en

Furthermore, you can visit other nearby attractions: 

• Turda Salt Mines – https://www.salinaturda.eu/ 
• Alba Carolina Citadel – https://albaiuliaqr.ro/alba-carolina-citadel/?lang=en 
• Corvin Castle – https://castelulcorvinilor.ro/

     Moving around Cluj-Napoca. 

     The public transport system in Cluj-Napoca is decent, with a network of trolleys, buses and trams whizzing around the city from morning to night. Most of the city is within walking distance so you won’t need to use the bus much. Uber and Bolt are available in Cluj and is a bit cheaper than taxis, however, you can take the bus and walk everywhere so you really shouldn’t need it. Cycling is a great way to get around the city as everything is pretty compact. Lots of locals bike around as well.