15 Best Things to See and Do in Cluj Napoca in 2025

Cluj-Napoca is known as the Heart of Transylvania. It’s not just one of the largest (and most expensive) cities in Romania, but also a beautiful one that doubles up as an important academic and business center.

There are plenty of great things to do in Cluj this year and today’s article will highlight all the attractions you must visit.

We talked about Cluj Napoca in a previous article that aimed to provide a general overview. Now, we’re focusing on the things that truly make it stand out.

1. Explore the Old Town Area: Unirii Square

This is where you should start exploring the city. The old town area is filled with treats: from beautiful buildings to important attractions and plenty of small shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Unirii Square is the center of it all. The Saint Michael’s Church is in the center of Unirii Square, one of the most representative Gothic architecture monuments of Cluj-Napoca and Transylvania.

Here’s a photo snapped inside the church – probably it will be incentive enough to convince you to get inside:

The serenity and beauty of the place are truly unique. Standing inside the church, surrounded by all that beauty, taking it all in… this is a magic moment that words can’t fully describe.

If you’re not the DIY type of person, I recommend booking this Guided Walking Tour: 2.5-hour long, focusing on the central area. Lots of information and plenty of things to see!

2. Don’t Miss the Matthias Corvinus Monument

And, if you’re already in front of Saint Michael’s Church, you can’t miss the Matthias Corvinus Monument – probably the most impressive statue in the city.

After you already visited his memorial house in Museum Square, this monument will offer you a better glimpse of his imposing aura.

Overall, this central area is one of the best areas to live in Cluj Napoca, placing you in the… heart of the heart of Transylvania. Ha!

3. Continue Exploring the Museum Square

Also part of the Old Town area, the Museum Square offers even more of the impressive Gothic-style buildings, but also plenty of cafes and restaurants – actually, some of the best restaurants in Cluj Napoca can be found here.

You can also find the Matthias Corvinus house in the Museum Square, the house where the important ruler was born (and whose statue we saw in the Unirii Square, recommended above).

When Matthias Corvinus was born, the structure was an inn; today it’s a museum. Often overshadowed by the statue, this house-museum should be explored further.

4. Visit Banffy Palace (Housing The National Museum of Art)

IMPORTANT: There’s also the Banffy Castle near Cluj Napoca (more on it below). Don’t mix them up as these are two very different places.

Banffy Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, impressive thanks to its baroque architecture.

It houses the National Art Museum, where you can find over a thousand Romanian and European treasures, from paintings to sculptures and decorative art.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you don’t confuse it with the nearby Banffy Castle in the Bontida village, where one of the most important music festivals in Romania takes place.

5. Enjoy the almost perfect symmetry of The Mirror Street

Officially named Iuliu Maniu, the nearly perfect symmetry of the buildings is a quirky little detail that’s unique to Cluj. It’s not a long street, so a quick stroll will do – but be sure to take plenty of photos!

The mirroring buildings are Banffy Palace and Wolphard-Kakas House. A nice experience in the old town area!

6. Take a Break in Simion Bărnuțiu Central Park

I can’t find a better way to describe the central park of Cluj than… a mini world of its own. The main alley is so long and beautiful, that it doesn’t seem to end, lined by towering trees.

Charming pathways, miniature wooden bridges on the sides of the alleys, and even a lake where ducks leisurely swim, together with turtles and various other water-friendly birds.

When here, you must taste the Kurtoskalacs, also known as Chimney Cakes – delicious sweets of Hungarian heritage. There are also tasty treats to enjoy at the wooden caravans in the area, from candied apples to cotton candy, popcorn, and a lot more.

7. Visit the Casino

If you’re already in Central Park, don’t forget or hesitate to visit the Casino. It is equally important as a historical monument and as a cultural center in the city (so not for gambling!), with several artistic and cultural events organized here.

8. Enjoy the silence in Piarists’ Church

Sometimes, you just need a quiet place to sit and think – or not think. The Piarists’ Church is perfect for that. It doesn’t even matter if you are religious or not – trust me!

Lighted candles create a spiritual, soothing ambiance, which you can enjoy while admiring the design, statues, murals, and flowers filling the interior.

This is an impressive Roman-Catholic church dating from 1724, located close to the city center.

9. Wander Through the Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden

Prepare to be amazed by the mix of Japanese gardens, Mediterranean plants, Roman statues, and Australian greenhouses – all in one place.

As you first step into the garden, you leave the monumental wooden doors behind and get a warm welcome from various species of tulips, roses, herbs, and rocks. Every corner of this garden offers a peaceful escape and a feast for the eyes.

Keep in mind that a full, in-depth tour of the garden, if all the greenhouses are open, can take up to three hours – but it’s worth every second!

My personal tip is to visit the botanical garden in spring to see the freshly blossomed flowers.

Open daily from 9 – 17. Ticket price: 16 lei/adult (3.2 Euro) or 8 lei/child (1.60 Euro)

10. Taste the famous local dish: Varza a la Cluj

You can’t leave Cluj-Napoca before tasting the most famous dish here: Varza a la Cluj, the specialty of the local cuisine.

It features layers of sour cabbage, minced meat, and rice baked to perfection. Usually served with a dollop of sour cream, it’s a delight!

You can find it served in restaurants specializing in this dish, called “varzarii” (cabbage places).

The best is served at Varzarie (here on Google Maps) or Roata (marked here) – but you’ll find it almost in every restaurant, and it’s tasty everywhere.

If you want to learn even more about local foods, check out my previous article about the best traditional Romanian foods.

11. The Perfect Pub Crawl Experience

If nightlife is your thing, and especially if you want to meet new people, then Cluj-Napoca’s Pub Crawl is the adventure you didn’t know you needed.

For four hours, you’ll explore four of the city’s best bars and clubs, skipping lines and getting VIP treatment in each place. With an expert party guide leading the way, you’re guaranteed to have plenty of fun – all while sampling complimentary shots.

Just don’t forget your ID or passport – you need to be 18 or older to join the fun!

12. Catch the Best View in Town at Cetățuia Hill

Climbing up this hill is worth it, as you get some of the most spectacular panoramic views over the city once you’re on top.

You can take the stairs if you’re feeling traditional, but I recommend grabbing a pair of sturdy shoes and hiking up the trails – it’s just 405 meters tall, so not huge.

Get there at sunset. Watching the city lights flicker on as the sun dips below the horizon is pure magic. Bonus: You can also spot various landmarks mentioned in this article, like Saint Michael’s Church, The Tailor’s Tower, Central Park, and more from up here.

13. Visit Tailor’s Tower and the Small Museum

The Tailor’s Tower is a slice of Cluj’s medieval past. It’s part of the old city fortifications and now houses a small museum where various events take place every now and then.

Usually, admission is free, but it can only be visited before 4 PM. The place is filled with history, having been built in the 15th century and being home of various events of major historical importance.

14. Step into the fairytale of the Reformed Church

Just a few steps away from the Tailor’s Tower, you’ll find the Reformed Church, which looks like it belongs in a storybook. A fairy tale one, to be specific.

Initially, I didn’t even have it on my list of things to see when visiting Cluj Napoca. But I stumbled upon it and immediately I thought it was some sort of a fairytale castle!

A tall, imposing building, with square towers, walls of stone, and sharp roofs… it has everything you need to feel like you traveled back in time, vibrating medieval energy.

15. Take a day trip to the Turda Salt Mina

Popular even before Mr Beast filmed one of his videos here (titled 7 Days Exploring An Underground City), Salina Turda (aka Turda Salt Mine) is just a short drive away from Cluj and a must-see impressive place.

More than just a salt mine, but a spectacular subterranean wonderland, this former salt mine has been transformed into a unique attraction. You can explore massive chambers, ride an underground Ferris Wheel, or row a boat on a saltwater lake – now these are truly unique experiences!

The lighting here is spectacular too, turning the mine into a magical experience that can’t be described in words.

As an added bonus when you visit, the air inside is famously therapeutic, due to the salt content. Without a doubt, a must visit place when in Cluj Napoca (and Romania in general!)

I recommend booking this full-day trip from Cluj, which includes a visit to the Turda Salt Mine, but also hiking and lunch in the picturesque Rimetea village.

Final words

Cluj Napoca has a ton of amazing things to offer visitors, and it is a must-visit when exploring Romania, or just focusing on the Transylvania region.

I would go as far as saying that you can find here everything you’re dreaming of seeing in Romania… except for Romanian vampires, of course. But Cluj is a safe city and the locals are friendly and nice (read about Romanian women and Romanian men here, if interested).

Do you have any questions or maybe personal favorite spots in Cluj? Drop them in the comments down below – I’d love to hear from you!