Guidebook for Cluj-Napoca
Food Scene
just some of our favorites and mainly places that are close to the apartment (most of them 5-20 min walking distance).
Nothing fancy, but very good breakfast, sandwiches, pastries and coffee. Do try the corn cheesecake ("malai dulce") - a traditional sweet pastry. Panemar is a local franchise, so you might find one next to what you are visiting at the time. The one on Horea str. does not have a seating area, so choose the one next to the train station if you need a table.
45 Einheimische empfehlen
Panemar
48 Bulevardul EroilorNothing fancy, but very good breakfast, sandwiches, pastries and coffee. Do try the corn cheesecake ("malai dulce") - a traditional sweet pastry. Panemar is a local franchise, so you might find one next to what you are visiting at the time. The one on Horea str. does not have a seating area, so choose the one next to the train station if you need a table.
Samsara Foodhouse
Vegan delights, great cozy atmosphere.
Good food, decent prices, very close to you. Do try the caramel apple pancakes, our favorite dessert there.
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Bistro Capriccio
32 Strada HoreaGood food, decent prices, very close to you. Do try the caramel apple pancakes, our favorite dessert there.
Tasty food, stunning view of the city, especially during the warm season, when the rooftop terrace is open. They serve their own beers, we love the unfiltered (is this the word for „nefiltrată”?) ones. Instaready decor.
35 Einheimische empfehlen
Restaurant Klausenburger
22 Strada Regele FerdinandTasty food, stunning view of the city, especially during the warm season, when the rooftop terrace is open. They serve their own beers, we love the unfiltered (is this the word for „nefiltrată”?) ones. Instaready decor.
Traditional Transylvanian food, served in matching decor. Not to be missed.
29 Einheimische empfehlen
Roata
6 Strada Alexandru CiureaTraditional Transylvanian food, served in matching decor. Not to be missed.
Gandhi
1 Piața Mihai ViteazuAuthentically Indian food, spices, aromas, smells and all.
Great Japanese cuisine at decent prices. We eat a lot on delivery, very friendly option.
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Nobori Japanese Restaurant
62 Strada PlopilorGreat Japanese cuisine at decent prices. We eat a lot on delivery, very friendly option.
One of our absolute favorites: Transylvanian multiculti cuisine in a 14-th century remodeled old building also featuring the House of Religious Freedom. Great service, cool atmosphere and sometimes live soft music.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Bistro 1568
14 Bulevardul 21 Decembrie 1989One of our absolute favorites: Transylvanian multiculti cuisine in a 14-th century remodeled old building also featuring the House of Religious Freedom. Great service, cool atmosphere and sometimes live soft music.
Place of historical resonance for those who knew Cluj during communist years. One of the very few places where you could eat out cheap but good food in those times. Nowadays, it has a much more varied menu, but you would miss on its charm unless you ordered a cabbage based dish. We recommend "cabbage a la Cluj", the obvious choice. The „vargabeles” pudding (noodles, sweet cream-cheese and raisins) goes well with that as a dessert from the old times as well.
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Vărzărie
37 Bulevardul EroilorPlace of historical resonance for those who knew Cluj during communist years. One of the very few places where you could eat out cheap but good food in those times. Nowadays, it has a much more varied menu, but you would miss on its charm unless you ordered a cabbage based dish. We recommend "cabbage a la Cluj", the obvious choice. The „vargabeles” pudding (noodles, sweet cream-cheese and raisins) goes well with that as a dessert from the old times as well.
Best place to buy beautiful desserts to enjoy by yourself. Maybe a loved one, too, if you really care about them. Not too budget friendly, but totally worth it.
Un Dulce de la Vlad Mureșan
1 Strada Emil IsacBest place to buy beautiful desserts to enjoy by yourself. Maybe a loved one, too, if you really care about them. Not too budget friendly, but totally worth it.
If you are old enough to remember how gradma used to bring you cake while you were reading in some hiding place, or if you have no idea what that means, go to Friandise to enjoy some delicious home made treats and old music playing on vinyl records.
Friandise
nr 10 Bulevardul EroilorIf you are old enough to remember how gradma used to bring you cake while you were reading in some hiding place, or if you have no idea what that means, go to Friandise to enjoy some delicious home made treats and old music playing on vinyl records.
International cuisine at good prices within walking distance (20 min). Unless vegan or vegetarian, go for the ribs - a decadent delight. Their cheesecakes are to die for.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Marty Muzeului
2 Piața MuzeuluiInternational cuisine at good prices within walking distance (20 min). Unless vegan or vegetarian, go for the ribs - a decadent delight. Their cheesecakes are to die for.
Sightseeing
Cetățuia-Park
60a Strada Emil RacovițăGreat views over the city, instaspot.
Take a break here. You can read on a bench, ride your bike, enjoy the lake during the warm season and bird-watch. Large playground next to the Stadium. Some amazing old trees still remain from ages ago, part of the same old garden now restricted to the Botanical Garden.
130 Einheimische empfehlen
Central Park Simion Barnukiu
Take a break here. You can read on a bench, ride your bike, enjoy the lake during the warm season and bird-watch. Large playground next to the Stadium. Some amazing old trees still remain from ages ago, part of the same old garden now restricted to the Botanical Garden.
A large 19th century garden has been turned into the Botanical Garden of Cluj in the 1920-ies. An inspiration for gardeners and the history passionate, but also the best place to rest and enjoy nature in the middle of the city. Do not miss the Japanese garden and the tropical plant green houses. Favorite insta-spot.
118 Einheimische empfehlen
Botanical Garden
15 Strada Alexandru BorzaA large 19th century garden has been turned into the Botanical Garden of Cluj in the 1920-ies. An inspiration for gardeners and the history passionate, but also the best place to rest and enjoy nature in the middle of the city. Do not miss the Japanese garden and the tropical plant green houses. Favorite insta-spot.
First open-air museum in Romania, founded in the 1930ies, featuring a number of traditional households and wooden churches, complete with indoor traditional furniture. Charming park on the outskirts of Cluj. Favorite spot for wedding photos and insta-fans. Check their website to make sure it opens during your stay in Cluj.
45 Einheimische empfehlen
Ethnographischer Park Romulus Vuia
Aleea Muzeului EtnograficFirst open-air museum in Romania, founded in the 1930ies, featuring a number of traditional households and wooden churches, complete with indoor traditional furniture. Charming park on the outskirts of Cluj. Favorite spot for wedding photos and insta-fans. Check their website to make sure it opens during your stay in Cluj.
Natural reserve for the hiking passionate, with trails for different difficulty levels. Stunning views, untouched nature.
51 Einheimische empfehlen
Turda-Schlucht
Cheile TurziiNatural reserve for the hiking passionate, with trails for different difficulty levels. Stunning views, untouched nature.
Medieval salt mine, modernized and repurposed for health benefits and entertainment. Used to extract salt ("the gold of the Middle Ages"), then to shelter the population during the bombings in the two world wars, but also as a set for movies during modern days, it is one of the top 10 destinations in Romania.
Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, playground and seating areas at over 100 m depth, as well as an underground circular lake with boats. An elevator will take you there unless you want to use the wooden stairs.
You need a car to get there from Cluj, but buses are also available. Make sure you check their website before going, for updates on schedule and access.
86 Einheimische empfehlen
Salzbergwerk Turda
7 Aleea DurgăuluiMedieval salt mine, modernized and repurposed for health benefits and entertainment. Used to extract salt ("the gold of the Middle Ages"), then to shelter the population during the bombings in the two world wars, but also as a set for movies during modern days, it is one of the top 10 destinations in Romania.
Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, playground and seating areas at over 100 m depth, as well as an underground circular lake with boats. An elevator will take you there unless you want to use the wooden stairs.
You need a car to get there from Cluj, but buses are also available. Make sure you check their website before going, for updates on schedule and access.
Supposedly haunted because of the contorted shape of its trees, it has the reputation of „the Bermuda triangle” of Transylvania. No surprise it attracts the UFO-sensitive and paranormal aficionados, but also more mundane visitors (bike riders, hikers and nature lovers). Close to the Romulus Vuia Ethnographic Park. Unfortunately, lately it has been the target of illicit deforestation for real estate gains.
23 Einheimische empfehlen
Hoia Forest
Supposedly haunted because of the contorted shape of its trees, it has the reputation of „the Bermuda triangle” of Transylvania. No surprise it attracts the UFO-sensitive and paranormal aficionados, but also more mundane visitors (bike riders, hikers and nature lovers). Close to the Romulus Vuia Ethnographic Park. Unfortunately, lately it has been the target of illicit deforestation for real estate gains.
Spectacular scenery away from Cluj and close to Tarnita Lake - a water reservoir servicing Cluj-Napoca. Peace and quiet, fishing, water sports. You would need a car to get there.
A historical note: the anti-communist partisans (1950ies to the 1970ies) in the area had lots of hiding places in the caves of the nearby mountains. Common graves of executed partisans have been recently excavated in the nearby villages by researchers from the Institute for the Study of Communist Crimes.
Someșul Cald
Spectacular scenery away from Cluj and close to Tarnita Lake - a water reservoir servicing Cluj-Napoca. Peace and quiet, fishing, water sports. You would need a car to get there.
A historical note: the anti-communist partisans (1950ies to the 1970ies) in the area had lots of hiding places in the caves of the nearby mountains. Common graves of executed partisans have been recently excavated in the nearby villages by researchers from the Institute for the Study of Communist Crimes.
Best coffee & brunch options
our favorites, all in the city center
Elegant feel, cozy atmosphere. Great coffee, nice people, good food. Great for lunch meetings in the city center.
35 Einheimische empfehlen
Olivo Caffe & Bistro
7 Bulevardul EroilorElegant feel, cozy atmosphere. Great coffee, nice people, good food. Great for lunch meetings in the city center.
Bohemian, relaxed vibe, frequented mostly by younger people. Really good coffee with friendly feel.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Tucano Coffee Puerto Rico
19 Bulevardul EroilorBohemian, relaxed vibe, frequented mostly by younger people. Really good coffee with friendly feel.
Funky, high energy vibe, very central. Loved by our teenage daughters and their friends. Also appreciated for being one of the few pet friendly places.
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Sisters Cafe
2 Strada UniversitățiiFunky, high energy vibe, very central. Loved by our teenage daughters and their friends. Also appreciated for being one of the few pet friendly places.
Great place for breakfast and great coffee. Also perfect for brunches and lunches in the old city center.
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Roots
4 Bulevardul EroilorGreat place for breakfast and great coffee. Also perfect for brunches and lunches in the old city center.
Creative, delicious breakfast options with your beverage of choice, shared at a long breakfast table to make you feel among family. Nothing but praises!
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Eggcetera
13 Strada NapocaCreative, delicious breakfast options with your beverage of choice, shared at a long breakfast table to make you feel among family. Nothing but praises!
Steampunk atmosphere, one of the best locations, great coffee, desserts and food.
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Enigma
12 Strada Iuliu ManiuSteampunk atmosphere, one of the best locations, great coffee, desserts and food.
Very poetic place for a break during the day. The place is named after a literary character of a modern Romanian writer, Camil Petrescu. Doamna T of his novel "Patul lui Procust" was voted by literary critics "the sexiest female literary character in Romanian literature". The coffee, cake and snacks here all share this novelistic twist.
Doamna T - art - cafe - boutique
10 Strada NapocaVery poetic place for a break during the day. The place is named after a literary character of a modern Romanian writer, Camil Petrescu. Doamna T of his novel "Patul lui Procust" was voted by literary critics "the sexiest female literary character in Romanian literature". The coffee, cake and snacks here all share this novelistic twist.
Museums, arts and performances
some classics and some alternative
Check their site for plays, concerts, operas, ballets, galas, balls or cultural soirees. The tickets are not expensive (except for international stars concerts), but opening nights usually sell out quite fast. Neo-baroque building from the beginning of the 20th century, designed by the same architects who also designed the Konzerthaus, Akademietheater, and Theater an der Wien (Vienna, Austria). Outdoor performances during summer (esp. June-July).
49 Einheimische empfehlen
National Theater
2-4 Piața Ștefan cel MareCheck their site for plays, concerts, operas, ballets, galas, balls or cultural soirees. The tickets are not expensive (except for international stars concerts), but opening nights usually sell out quite fast. Neo-baroque building from the beginning of the 20th century, designed by the same architects who also designed the Konzerthaus, Akademietheater, and Theater an der Wien (Vienna, Austria). Outdoor performances during summer (esp. June-July).
Great plays and performances, most with subtitles for international audiences. Check their website for instructions and tickets (they are not expensive, but some of the plays sell out in a few hours).
30 Einheimische empfehlen
Hungarian Opera
26-28 Strada Emil IsacGreat plays and performances, most with subtitles for international audiences. Check their website for instructions and tickets (they are not expensive, but some of the plays sell out in a few hours).
18th century Baroque building. A national gallery at the first floor. The ground floor hosts seasonal exhibitions, cultural events and art fares.
76 Einheimische empfehlen
Banffy-Palast
30 Piața Unirii18th century Baroque building. A national gallery at the first floor. The ground floor hosts seasonal exhibitions, cultural events and art fares.
Tranzit House
16 Strada George BarițiuAlternative space for performances, debates, shows and happenings.
Already a „classic” on the alternative arts scene in Cluj, it hosts plays, debates, exhibitions, installations, workshops and happenings.
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Fabrica de Pensule
Already a „classic” on the alternative arts scene in Cluj, it hosts plays, debates, exhibitions, installations, workshops and happenings.
Alternative space for all kinds of creative installations and events. Lots of creativity and diversity.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Centrul de Interes
9 Strada Fabricii de ChibrituriAlternative space for all kinds of creative installations and events. Lots of creativity and diversity.
Tiny, charming museum, based on an actual 19th century pharmacy. Right across the street from the Museum of Art. Ancient therapies with gold, silver or lead are presented along with the apothecary utensils. Personal favorite. A student superstition says you should avoid passing under the double arch at the entrance if you want to pass your exams. Beware the bogus magic!
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Museum of Pharmacy
28 Piața UniriiTiny, charming museum, based on an actual 19th century pharmacy. Right across the street from the Museum of Art. Ancient therapies with gold, silver or lead are presented along with the apothecary utensils. Personal favorite. A student superstition says you should avoid passing under the double arch at the entrance if you want to pass your exams. Beware the bogus magic!
Wineries
try some Romanian and Moldovan wines - a secret gem of the wine world, connoisseurs say
Over 400 Romanian wines, but also beautiful collections of international wines. We love the red dries, anything from the Feteasca Neagra Reserve but not only.
Crama Noastra
35 Strada Ion I. C. BrătianuOver 400 Romanian wines, but also beautiful collections of international wines. We love the red dries, anything from the Feteasca Neagra Reserve but not only.
Hearty, honest table wine, a traditional choice for the people in the area, local production. Very nice rosees.
Crama Domeniile Boieru Cluj Napoca(Dambovitei)
27 Strada DâmbovițeiHearty, honest table wine, a traditional choice for the people in the area, local production. Very nice rosees.
Traditional Southern Romanian Murfatlar wine for all budgets: private label and premium. Legends associate the Murfatlar wine to the historical ancestors of Romanians, the Dacians (notorious drinkers if you listen to the ancient historian Herodotus badmouthing them over the centuries). National franchise selling in Cluj.
Crama Murfatlar
Traditional Southern Romanian Murfatlar wine for all budgets: private label and premium. Legends associate the Murfatlar wine to the historical ancestors of Romanians, the Dacians (notorious drinkers if you listen to the ancient historian Herodotus badmouthing them over the centuries). National franchise selling in Cluj.
Traditional Romanian wine (apparently production started at least 200 hundred years ago), selling point for the national franchise. You should try the Siel rose, a recent recipient of international prizes.
Crama Tohani
Strada PloieștiTraditional Romanian wine (apparently production started at least 200 hundred years ago), selling point for the national franchise. You should try the Siel rose, a recent recipient of international prizes.
Night pubs
... as seen from our teenage daughters perspective, since we are not exactly your regular party animals.
Themed around Revolution. Apart from good music and drinks, they serve good food as well.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Che Guevara Social Pub
10 Piața UniriiThemed around Revolution. Apart from good music and drinks, they serve good food as well.
Pub feel with a cultural twist. Local artists, writers and all kinds of creative people regularly meet here. A literary club called Nepotul lui Thoreau (Thoreau's Nephew) meets here for readings and fierce criticism on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Insomnia Cafe
2 Strada UniversitățiiPub feel with a cultural twist. Local artists, writers and all kinds of creative people regularly meet here. A literary club called Nepotul lui Thoreau (Thoreau's Nephew) meets here for readings and fierce criticism on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.
Local produce
Local things to taste in Cluj
Oldest local dairy producers (bought by the Dutch Friesland company some years ago). The thing to try is the Năsal cheese, a smear-ripened cheese based on cow milk, matured in a natural cave in Țaga that has been used by local farmers to store cheese since Medieval times.
Napolact
7-8 Piața Mihai ViteazuOldest local dairy producers (bought by the Dutch Friesland company some years ago). The thing to try is the Năsal cheese, a smear-ripened cheese based on cow milk, matured in a natural cave in Țaga that has been used by local farmers to store cheese since Medieval times.
Best meats and cured meats (mostly pork and veal) locally produced by the Moldovan family and sold in a franchise throughout Cluj. You can also have a meat-based cooked meal there. Our favorite: their prosciutos and hams („șunca Moldovan”).
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Moldovan - Carmangeria Sânicoara
79 Strada Louis PasteurBest meats and cured meats (mostly pork and veal) locally produced by the Moldovan family and sold in a franchise throughout Cluj. You can also have a meat-based cooked meal there. Our favorite: their prosciutos and hams („șunca Moldovan”).
Best breads and pastries in town, local family business franchised throughout the city.
45 Einheimische empfehlen
Panemar
48 Bulevardul EroilorBest breads and pastries in town, local family business franchised throughout the city.
Biggest and best food market in town. You have to go inside the huge hall behind the McDonalds in Piata Mihai Viteazu to buy all sorts of natural, fresh local produce: fruits, vegetables, dairies, berries and mushrooms, herbs and flowers, but also fish, breads, meats and others. Choose the small farmers, not the retailers, to have the most authentic experience.
Piața Mihai Viteazu
Piața Mihai ViteazuBiggest and best food market in town. You have to go inside the huge hall behind the McDonalds in Piata Mihai Viteazu to buy all sorts of natural, fresh local produce: fruits, vegetables, dairies, berries and mushrooms, herbs and flowers, but also fish, breads, meats and others. Choose the small farmers, not the retailers, to have the most authentic experience.