Cluj-Napoca (Romanian), Kolozsvár (Hungarian) or Klausenburg (German) is the capital of Cluj county and the unofficial capital of the historical region of Transylvania. The city, with about 320,000 people (2016), is very pleasant, and it is a great experience for those who want to see urban Transylvanian life at its best. Along with fine dining, excellent cultural activities, a wonderful historical legacy and a great atmosphere, the city will not disappoint those who add it to their travel itinerary.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Today, the biggest ethnic group in Cluj-Napoca are Romanians. However, this was not always the case as many different groups have inhabited the city throughout its history. The first trace of humans was neolithic settlements dating back thousands of years. Later the settlement was conquered and inhabited by Romans. The archaeological reminder of Roman Napoca can be seen in Unirii Square in the city centre. Saxons were next to occupy the city: they built the wall around the city which still stands. The city carries the German name of Klausenburg. In the 19th century, ethnic Hungarians were the majority of the population and remained so until 1955. They call the city Kolozsvár.
Public transport in the city is possible by means of 25 bus lines, 7 trolleybus lines, and 3 tram lines, all operated by the RATUC company (Regia Autonomă de Transport Urban de Călători). For most lines servicing the city center you won't need to wait more than 15 minutes. The tariff is 6 lei for two trips. Tickets can be bought inside busses and trams by public transport card, Visa/Mastercard (contactless only), via SMS (Romanian SIM cards only), at machines on major stations or for cash at special booths at most stops, identifiable by the RATUC logo and possibly the text "Bilete si Abonamente" (meaning "short and long-term tickets").
The area around the Union Square is a must see for the visitor, with the Teleki and Banffy Palaces (the latter now housing the National Art Museum), the Franciscan Monastery, the first Unitarian Church in the world, the Piarist Church, the Mirror Street (Iuliu Maniu Street, a unique architectural accomplishment dating back to the late 1800s) and Matthias Corvinus' place of birth, a 15th-century hotel now home to the Visual Arts Academy. Smaller streets around the Square can take you into splendid inner courts, old houses and isolated Churches. 1 Union Square (Piața Unirii). Where you can find St.
1 Lucian Blaga National Theatre (Teatrul Național Lucian Blaga). 2 Romanian National Opera (Opera Naţională Română). Housed in the same building as the National Theatre. 3 Hungarian State Theater (Teatrul Maghiar de stat), Emil Isac nr. 26-28. 4 Hungarian Opera (Opera Maghiară). Housed in the same building as the Hungarian State Theater. 5 PUCK Puppet Theatre (Teatrul de Păpuși PUCK). 6 Tranzit House (Casa Tranzit). An old synagogue converted into an arts center. 7 Reactor Independent Theatre (Reactor de creație și experiment), Str. Petofi Sandor nr. 4, ☏ +40 747197501. 9 lei for children shows, 10/12 lei or 15/20 lei for adult shows.
Cluj dining is some of the best in Romania. Ranging from traditional Romanian, Hungarian and Transylvanian (a combination of the previous two) to Italian (very good Italian food), Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern, American and International Cuisine, the city can offer great dining for all tastes. Fancy restaurants are available as well as local fast food shops and a few international chains (McDonald's, Pizza Hut). All these are in the city centre: 1 Hotelul Agapé. Cafeteria-style restaurant with good Hungarian and Romanian food. (updated May 2022) 2 Vărzărie. One of the few restaurants that Cluj had during the communist times.
Cluj has a vibrant night life, guaranteed by the over 60,000 university students living here. There are bars, cafés, clubs for all preferences and budgets. 1 Bulgakov. They have nice Hungarian food. 2 Casa TIFF. 3 Diesel, Piața Unirii no. 17, ☏ +40 264 598441. One of the oldest and most expensive clubs in Cluj-Napoca. Cosmopolitan events on three floors with some of the most popular groups in Romania. Enigma, 12, Strada Iuliu Maniu, ☏ +40 752 104 642. Bar and restaurant. The interior is in steampunk style and there is an indoor terrace with lots of greenery. 4 Euphoria Biergarten. (updated Jul 2015) 5 Flying Circus Club. Mostly rock music.
Cluj-Napoca is in general a safe city. Even after dark, it is safe to walk through the city center and some of the other neighbourhoods. To be on the safe side, unless you know exactly where you're going and how to get there, suburbs should be avoided at night, especially the neighbourhoods of Manastur, Marasti, and Iris, and the train and inter-city bus station areas. You should, as always, take care of your belongings and pockets.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Cluj-Napoca typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 12 rainy days.
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