Things to do in
Cluj-Napoca

Our most recommended things to do in Cluj-Napoca

Cluj: Turda Salt Mine, Corvin Castle, Alba Carolina Tour

1. Cluj: Turda Salt Mine, Corvin Castle, Alba Carolina Tour

You will meet with our guide at the statue near the Romano-Catholic church in Union Square. First, we'll delve into the fascinating history of the Turda Salt Mine, one of the world's oldest and most unique salt mines. The mine has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. Salt extraction from this mine began during the Roman occupation in 107 AD, and it continued to be a significant source of salt for the region for centuries. Step inside this remarkable underground world and marvel at the striking salt formations, massive halls, and impressive machinery. Learn about the mine's fascinating history and hear the stories of those who worked here centuries ago. Next, we'll make our way to the majestic Corvin Castle, one of Europe's most stunning castles. The castle was originally built by the nobleman Voicu of Hunedoara in the 14th century, but it was later expanded and transformed into a formidable fortress by his son, John Hunyadi. The castle played a significant role in defending the region against the Ottoman Empire, and it was a vital military stronghold for the Kingdom of Hungary. Step back in time as you wander through the castle's halls and courtyards, marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture, and learn about the castle's storied past. Marvel at its Gothic architecture, learn about its rich history and explore its numerous chambers, halls, and courtyards. Finally, we'll explore the grandeur of the Alba Carolina Fortress, a stunning example of Vauban-style military architecture. Discover the history of this impressive fortress and its role in Romania's past as we explore its many courtyards, ramparts, and bastions. In 1918, Alba Iulia played a pivotal role in the unification of Romania when the Great National Assembly, comprising over 1,200 delegates from all over the country, gathered in the city to declare the unification of Transylvania with Romania. This event is considered one of the most important moments in modern Romanian history and is celebrated every year on December 1st as Romania's National Day. You'll be amazed at the scale and detail of this magnificent structure. You will explore the massive walls, towers, and bastions. In the evening, you will return to Cluj-Napoca, and your day trip will come to an end.

Cluj-Napoca: 2.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour

2. Cluj-Napoca: 2.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour

Enjoy a lengthy 2.5-hour walking tour through the fascinating city of Cluj-Napoca, know as Cluj for short. Visit the birth house of Matthias Corvinus, Hungary's most renowned 15th-century king, and learn fascinating stories about his life, as well as the importance of wine in the region. Continue the tour to the large Union Square to admire the classic Gothic style of the 14th-century St. Michael's Church, and the large equestrian statue of Corvinus that rests in front of it. Continue walking until you arrive at the "Street of the Intellectuals," famous for its many educational institutions, including the Babes-Bolyai University. As you walk, learn from your knowledgeable guide about the fate of the witches living in Cluj in the Middle Ages, and the formation of the Guilds. Walk past the remains of the city's defensive walls and arrive at a newer part of the old city, named the Avram Iancu Square. Admire the Orthodox Cathedral that rests here, built in the 1930s, as well as the National Theater, built in 1906 by a team of Viennese architects.

Pub Crawl in Cluj: Nightlife Experience

3. Pub Crawl in Cluj: Nightlife Experience

Visit the stunning new party destination of Romania: Cluj-Napoca! Growing rapidly in popularity among tourists and locals, Cluj is a great city for sightseeing and partying in local vibes! Discover the center to party in unique bars and clubs. Follow your expert guide to the best spots in the city. Benefit from free entrances to all venues and various promotions in some of them. Meet the locals and see how generous they are with their drinks. Explore the city's bars and clubs for at least 4 hours with the help of a party guide. View photos of your big night out, taken by your friendly guides. Enjoy various recommendations so you know how to spend the rest of your trip in the most fun way and feel like a local throughout all the experience!

Transylvania: Dracula's Castle and Birthplace Tour

4. Transylvania: Dracula's Castle and Birthplace Tour

Drive across Transylvania towards the city of Sighisoara. Here, admire the beautiful medieval cityscape in Romania. Visit the clock tower, giving you an insight in the city's history with an impressive view of the citadel, the former defensive towers and walls of the city. Admire the birthplace of the Walachian leader Vlad Dracul, who would later become known as Count Dracula. Discover his house of birth, and sample a shot of Romanian schnapps. In the afternoon, drive to Bran Castle, an impressive fortification and residence of the Romanian family. The castle is also known as Dracula's Castle. In the late afternoon, go back to Cluj-Napoca.

From Cluj: Turda Salt Mines, Rimetea and Coltesti Fortress

5. From Cluj: Turda Salt Mines, Rimetea and Coltesti Fortress

Depart from Cluj-Napoca and head to Turda, once the most important economic center of the region where salt, also known as “white gold,” has been extracted since the Roman age. Arrive at the Salina Turda salt mine and discover the history of salt mining in the town dating from the 17th century. Explore the site, including the Terezia mine, Rudolf hall, and the Franz Josef Gallery.  Afterwards, spend the afternoon in the Transylvanian western mountains in the village of Rimetea. The chalk-white houses and the harmonious structure of the village have earned it several distinctions. Considered to be one of the most beautiful village in Transylvania, it received the Europa Nostra Award for its architectural preservation.  Next up, take a 1-hour hike to the ruins of the Coltesti Fortress for an impressive view of the valley below. In the evening, head back to Cluj-Napoca where you’ll be dropped off at the starting point of your tour.

From Cluj: Turda Salt Mine, Gorge, and Remetea Full-Day Trip

6. From Cluj: Turda Salt Mine, Gorge, and Remetea Full-Day Trip

Embark on an excursion from Cluj to visit three of Transylvania's notable sites. See an underground theme park that's nestled inside the Turda Salt Mine, go for a hike through the dramatic Turda Gorge, and encounter traditional rural life in a preserved Rimetea village. Start your experience with pickup and a short drive to the Turda Salt Mine. Take a guided tour and spend some time in its unique underground theme park. Try out the ferris wheel, play a round of minigolf, or ride a boat on its underground lake. Hop back in the vehicle and head for the Turda Gorge. Marvel at the 3-kilometer long canyon, with massive walls sculpted in weathered limestone. Hike through high cliffs with steep ridges, rock towers, caves, and lots of varieties of flora and fauna. Conclude your experience with a visit to Rimetea village. Enjoy strolling amongst traditional white houses with green windows. Get a feel for Transylvanian rural life in a preserved and beautiful location.

Transylvania Gems: Sighisoara, Medias, Biertan & Gypsy life

7. Transylvania Gems: Sighisoara, Medias, Biertan & Gypsy life

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Transylvania's rich history and captivating charm. Start with the pick-up from Cluj city centre, followed by a 2-hour drive to Medias. Stroll through the city, admiring the Citadel of Light and stunning 15th-century medieval buildings. Next, visit the UNESCO-listed Biertan fortified church, surrounded by impressive 15th-century walls. Experience Sighisoara, home to Europe's only inhabited medieval citadel, boasting 9 towers, including the iconic Clock Tower. Explore the history museum, torture chamber, and marvel at the 12th-century architecture. Discover the Hill Church and other captivating sites like the Stag House and Venetian House. Embrace Transylvania's diversity, where Romanian, Hungarian, Gypsy, and German communities have coexisted for centuries. Visit a Gypsy community practicing age-old copper smithing crafts, and gain unique access with a trusted guide. Return to Cluj via a scenic route, taking in Transylvania's breathtaking landscapes.

Cluj: King Matia Quest Experience

8. Cluj: King Matia Quest Experience

Go on a quest around Cluj by solving clues that will unlock stories and cool locations. Along the way, find fascinating stories of the legendary King Matthias Corvinus. Discover hidden secrets about people who lived, partied, and fought in the city. See amazing architecture, and reach a fantastic spot for a panoramic view of the city. After you buy the quest, you will receive an access code that you can use in the app. It will take you from 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, but there's no time limit, you can finish it at your own pace. The total length is about 3.5 km. You won't need a guide, just download the app, go to the starting point and begin the adventure. If you are a large group, one person can purchase access for the entire group by selecting the number of people in the group. All group members will be able to play the city game on their smartphone. Alternatively, each person can purchase their own ticket. You can play as a group and solve the clues together as you walk, or you can split into smaller groups/teams and compete against the others. Each person can also play on their own, separate from the group, and meet the group at the end.

Sighișoara and Biertan: UNESCO in Transylvania

9. Sighișoara and Biertan: UNESCO in Transylvania

Drive through the Transylvanian highlands towards Sighișoara. Visit the medieval town center of Sighișoara, which is very well preserved and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the citadel and visit among others the emblem of the town, the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill, the Citadel, the fortified walls and towers of the city and also the birthplace of the Wallachian leader Vlad Dracul, who later became known as Count Dracula in Gothic literature and film. In the afternoon, drive to the Biertan, a small village in a secluded Transylvanian valley. Visit the imposing fortified church in Biertan (also belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage Site). Then, return to Cluj-Napoca.

Cluj-Napoca: Day Trip in Saxon Wonderland

10. Cluj-Napoca: Day Trip in Saxon Wonderland

Spend a day in the capital of the historical region of Transylvania, the city of Sibiu. There you'll admire one of the most beautiful medieval cityscapes in Romania, as evidenced by the city's title as "European Capital of Culture". On the drive down, you'll find out more about the Saxons roots, their colonization in Transylvania and their cultural impact on the country. In Sibiu, you'll start off by seeing the city's walls and the three main squares. Then you'll visit two of the most important churches. Climbing up to the top of the Council Tower will give you a beautiful overview of the old city. In the afternoon, the group will take a short excursion from Sibiu to visit two villages that seem to be stuck in time: Sibiel and Fantanele. Here, the population lives from what it produces locally and horse-drawn carriages are a daily occurrence. You'll taste a local made schnapps (tuica) and then visit the glass paintings museum in Sibiel. In the afternoon, you'll head back to Cluj-Napoca.

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Frequently asked questions about Cluj-Napoca

What top attractions are a must-see in Cluj-Napoca?

The must-see attractions in Cluj-Napoca are:

What are the best day trips and excursions from Cluj-Napoca?

The best day trips and excursions from Cluj-Napoca are:

Sibiu

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What people are saying about Cluj-Napoca

Overall rating

4.8
(110 reviews)

Overall great experience, nice and small group, and Andrei the guide, was the best, helpful, knowledgeable and reachable. Great way to learn about the history, the legend, and the myth surrounding Dracula and Rumanía. The only downside, could be the long car ride, but it was a comfortable vehicle, and an even better company.

Couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Picked up at our accommodation on time, learnt so much from our guide Andrei along the way. He was patient with our pace, gave us great tips to the region and was simply awesome company.

Really good. Tailored to our knowledge and interests. Really good to get a little more understanding of this interesting little city.

All the place is beautiful.specially the salt mine.what is amazing inside the cave.fantstic😍

Amazing! The guide was really interesting and the activities were really worth it