Cluj Napoca

As the unofficial capital of Transylvania, Cluj might be just the opposite of everything Transylvanian. At its heart, the city is bustling with life, serving as the vigorous launchpad for travelers headed to iconic destinations. Its huddle of historic buildings oozes medieval grandeur. Also, a cacophony of edgy colors, bohemian art, and varied music echo through its streets. Now fully awake from its 90s decline, Cluj-Napoca is ready to take you on a journey filled with culture and pleasure.  

When wandering the winding streets of Cluj Napoca, you will stumble across Neo-Gothic towers and Orthodox churches that paint the city’s skyline. St. Mihail Church is the centerpiece of this unique treasure trove. It attracts visitors as the second-biggest Gothic church in Romania. Surrounding it is the true epicenter of Cluj, Union Square. It is a monumental symbol beyond a landmark. To experience the city like a local, blend with the students and artists casually hanging in the cafes in Strada Piazisa, by far the hippest stretch of Cluj Napoca.

The cultural expressions of Cluj are complete with a thriving visual and performing arts scene. Seek out the National Museum of Art, where a pupil-dilating display brimming with the works of Romania’s finest artists await. Seemingly anachronistic, the city carries the traces of 16-century Romanian Rennaissance. If you wish to get a taste of Romanian performing arts, Avram Iancu Square is the place to be. The square is home to the oldest theatre in the city, but more intimate performances can always be found in the smaller ones.