Cluj-Napoca Adventure Guide: 3 Days of Fun!

Explore the beauty of Romania's cultural gem on a shoestring budget in Cluj-Napoca.

21 June 2023

A trip to Cluj-Napoca, Romania on a limited budget can still be an incredible experience. You can start by staying at a budget-friendly hostel or Airbnb and then explore the city on foot or using public transportation. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities, such as visiting museums, parks, and traditional markets, as well as sampling local cuisine at affordable restaurants and bars.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Check into Hotel Transylvania, a budget-friendly hotel with Gothic decor
  • Stroll around Piața Unirii, the city's main square, and admire the impressive architecture
  • Visit the National Museum of Transylvanian History to learn about the city's past
  • Have lunch at Roata, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Romanian cuisine
  • Walk up to the Cetățuia Hill for panoramic views of the city
  • Catch a performance at the Hungarian State Opera or the Romanian National Opera
Day 2

Nature and History

  • Start your day with breakfast at Simpla Story, a hipster cafe with a creative menu
  • Take a bus to Turda Salt Mine and marvel at the underground wonderland
  • Stop by the Corvin Castle, an extraordinary Gothic castle in nearby Hunedoara
  • Have a late lunch at Buongiorno e Buonasera, a quaint Italian restaurant with homemade pasta
  • Visit the Botanical Garden of Cluj-Napoca and enjoy the lush greenery and fresh air
  • Cap off the day with drinks at Klausen Burger, a popular brewery with a range of beers on tap
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Have breakfast at Habibi, a Middle Eastern-inspired cafe with shakshuka and falafel
  • Visit the Art Museum of Cluj-Napoca for a dose of modern and contemporary art
  • Have lunch at Marty Boulevard, a funky street food joint serving gourmet burgers and fries
  • Take a walk around the historic district of Someșeni and admire the colorful facades
  • Explore the St. Michael's Church, an impressive Gothic church in the heart of the city
  • Head to Samsara Foodhouse for dinner, a trendy restaurant specializing in vegan cuisine
  • There you have it, a 3-day itinerary filled with adventure in Cluj-Napoca that will leave you spoiled for choice. Happy travels!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Cluj-Napoca, Romania is by flying into Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) from major cities like London, Paris, Barcelona and Frankfurt.

Car

Driving to Cluj-Napoca, Romania from nearby cities like Budapest and Bucharest is a great option. You can rent a car from major car rental companies like Hertz and Avis, and take E60 or E576 highways to get to Cluj-Napoca.

Train

There are various options for taking the train to Cluj-Napoca, Romania. One option is to take a train from Budapest Keleti railway station to Cluj-Napoca railway station. Another option is to take a train from Bucharest North railway station to Cluj-Napoca railway station.

Boat

There are no direct routes by boat to Cluj-Napoca, Romania due to its inland location, but you can take a cruise along the Danube River and stop in cities like Budapest or Belgrade, and then take a bus or train to Cluj-Napoca.

Bus

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to get to Cluj-Napoca, Romania is by taking a bus from major cities like Budapest and Bucharest. Companies like Flixbus offer direct routes to Cluj-Napoca.

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