Cluj-Napoca Travel Guide

1. Explore the Museum of Zoology

This museum features hundreds of jarred and stuffed animal specimens. It has a rather dated, unkempt feel to it, which just makes the museum feel even more authentic and creepy. It’s not for the faint of heart (they have some unsettling specimens, such as a two-headed cow calf). The museum can be hard to find but it’s worth the effort as there are over 30,000 items here. Admission costs 8 RON.

2. Check out the Pharmaceutical Museum

The Museum of Pharmacy (often called the Hintz House) is home to Cluj’s first (and Romania’s fourth) apothecary. It originally opened in 1573 and has essentially been around ever since (it was briefly closed during the communist era). There are tons of interesting bottles filled with questionable potions (such as 18th-century aphrodisiacs and ground mummy dust). The museum only has three rooms but it illuminates what medicine was like in the Middle Ages and Renaissance (spoiler alert: it was grim). Admission is 6 RON. Note: The museum is currently closed for renovations.

3. Catch an opera

The Hungarian State Theatre & Opera is close to the river and hosts both plays and operas — many of which offer English subtitles. While the opera house was built in 1910, the Hungarian State Theatre actually dates to 1792. Tickets must be purchased in advance and usually cost around 40 RON per person. The National Theatre Lucian Blaga, one of the most famed theatrical institutions in the country, is another place to see a performance. They regularly have plays, musicals, and operas as well.

4. Shop at the central market

Located behind the Complex Commercial Mihai Viteazul shopping center, this market is where locals come for their fresh produce. If you feel like cooking your own meals, there’s a wide variety of foods here. Hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets, and cabbage are common, as are local dairy products. It’s the best (and cheapest) place to get produce in the city. Many vendors might not speak English, so prepare to use hand gestures (or download a language app) to overcome the language barrier.

5. Revel in the nightlife

Cluj is a town full of youthful, college types (it’s a university town after all). That means there are plenty of places to grab a drink. The weekends are lively, the drinks flow freely, and the resident DJs spin late into the night. Some places worth checking out are Charlie (if you like whiskey), Londoner Pub (if you want a pub), and Booha Bar (a popular student bar).

6. Admire the Calvinist Reformed Church

This late Gothic-style church was constructed in the late 15th and early 16th centuries and is part of the Calvinist tradition, which was briefly the dominant religion in the region. In front of the church lies a statue of St. George slaying the dragon, a popular story in Christian mythology. The exterior, made of off-white stone, is simple but beautiful and the interior, while not nearly as ornate as Catholic churches, is worth a quick visit to see up close.

8. Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania

The museum is home to over 50,000 objects from the 17th-20th centuries, all of which are peasant-related (as opposed to items from royalty, which is what many museums usually present). It’s a small and informative museum that gives insight into typical rural life in the area. Admission is 10 RON per person. There is also an open-air part of the museum, called Ethnographic Park “Romulus Vuia” which features over 90 traditional buildings from all over Transylvania. The park is in a separate location just outside of the city and also costs 10 RON to enter.

9. Explore Hoia Forest

This infamous forest has been the site of many alleged ghost and UFO sightings over the centuries (as well as other paranormal activities). In fact, it’s often considered the creepiest forest in the world. Here, trees are warped and bent in unsettling ways that science hasn’t been able to explain. Take a stroll through the woods during the day for free (lots of locals walk and jog here) or do a guided night tour! Night tours cost 250-475 RON per person.

10. See the Salt Mine in Turda

Located just under an hour from the city, the mine dates back to antiquity and was used throughout the Middle Ages. Learn how workers got the salt to the surface before the invention of modern machinery as you explore the deep, dark, and cool depths of the mine. There’s a small underground lake at the bottom where you can rent a boat and paddle around. There are also games like bowling and mini-golf and even a Ferris wheel! It’s a good place to visit with kids. There is also a spa if you want to treat yourself to some natural remedies. Admission is 50 RON on weekdays and 60 RON on weekends. You can take a guided tour for an extra 100 RON.

11. Take a free walking tour

The first thing I do when I arrive in a new city is take a walking tour. Cluj Guided Tours offers walking tours in English that can help you deepen your understanding of the city and its people. Their tours cover all the main sights so you can learn about the city from an expert local guide. Just be sure to tip at the end! (Reservations currently required).

12. Relax in Central Park

Founded in the 19th century, this large urban park is a great place to go for a stroll or sit back and relax with a book. Located on the southern shore of the Somesul Mic River, the park is home to a man-made lake, trails, and a pavilion. The University of Arts and Design and the Chemistry Faculty of Babes-Bolyai University can also be found here.

For more information on specific cities in Romania, check out these guides: