Here’s how to spend a day in Cluj-Napoca if you are visiting Romania.
I suggest staying in Cluj-Napoca for at least a day because even though it is not that big of a town, Cluj has wonderful monuments worth the detour.
Cluj-Napoca is the second largest city in Romania after the capital Bucharest. It is located in the heart of Transylvania and is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. The city reflects centuries of history shaped by Dacian, Roman, Hungarian, and Austro-Hungarian influences.
I’ll list here all the must-see monuments and places to explore during your visit.
Start your visit at Piața Unirii (Union Square). This is the historical heart of the city. It dates back to the 14th century and is surrounded by Saint Michael’s Church and the Banffy Palace.
The Banffy Palace was built in the 18th century. This Baroque palace used to be the residence of the Governor of Transylvania, and now houses the Art Museum of Cluj-Napoca.
Saint Michael’s Church is a Gothic church built between 1316 and 1487. Its tower added in the 19th century, is the tallest in Transylvania.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours : Open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5:30pm.
A 12 minute walk will take you to Central Park Simion Bărnuțiu. This is a peaceful green space in Cluj, with a beautiful lake and the historic Chios House. Built in the late 19th century, it was a pavilion for social gatherings and cultural events.
Cetățuia Park is another lovely park located 13 minutes away from the previous one. It is not only perfect to enjoy a walk, but also to watch the sunset and the panoramic view of Cluj from the observation platform. This park was originally built in the 18th century as a fortress.
If you fancy a walk, you can head to the Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden, which is about 30 minutes of walking from Cetățuia Park. Founded in 1920, it houses a vast collection of botanical exhibits and plant species. Plus, there is a charming butterfly greenhouse, home to many different colorful species, creating an enchanting experience !
Entrance Fee : Around 3€ (16 RON) for adults, and 1,6€ (8 RON) for students and seniors.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
If you are looking for longer trails in the forest, you can head to one of the most mysterious forests in the world : Hoia Forest.
This dense forest is famous for its strange legends and paranormal tales. So if you are feeling brave, you can drive for about 25 minutes west of Cluj to discover by yourself its twisted trees and eerie atmosphere.
That’s it for my Cluj recommendations !
I hope this article gave you a better idea of what to expect from a day in Cluj-Napoca, it’s really worth to stop by if you are coming to Romania!
If you plan on coming to Romania soon you can check out my other articles such as the best food specialties to try out in Romania or even my 3 days itinerary in Romania.
