Cluj-International Airport: An all-inCLUJive experience in Romania’s second city

Stepping off the plane at Cluj International Airport , travelers are greeted with beautiful rolling hills surrounding Transylvania’s largest city and the second-largest city in Romania. With its mix of historical allure, modern vibrancy, and nearby natural attractions, Cluj-Napoca offers something for every type of traveler, including anyone like me who wants to see it all. Article published in association with Cluj International Airport.

Arrival and departure tips

Cluj International Airport offers convenient access to Cluj-Napoca from various key European cities, boasting more than 50 accessible origins. This ensures effortless travel to Cluj-Napoca, regardless of whether you opt for a budget airline or a legacy carrier. I really enjoy flying into regional international airports because one rarely spends hours getting to the center. Cluj is one of these places — small airport, fairly quick border control, and a short distance from the city center. The city’s efficient public buses whisk you to the heart of the action in less than 30 minutes.  For those of you who don’t like public transport or who’ll arrive late at night, there are all kinds of taxi services available, both the old-school ones and the app ones.  There are three bus lines operating from the airport to the center of Cluj-Napoca:

• Express Bus line A1E is a special bus service that provides access to the airport parking lot and has stops at both the departure and arrival terminals. The bus schedule is aligned with the arrival and departure schedule of flights, and passengers get direct access to Cluj-Napoca city center (the Regionala and Mihai Viteazu Square stops).
• Bus line 8 takes you to Piața Mihai Viteazul Square (Mihai Viteazul Square) in the center of Cluj-Napoca. Buses depart in intervals of approximately 15 minutes from 04:55 am to 10:07 pm.
• Bus line 5 takes you to Piața Gării Street (by the main train station). Buses depart in intervals of 10 to 20 minutes between 04:57 am and 10:26 pm.

Unveiling Cluj’s past and present

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Rich in history, Cluj-Napoca carries echoes of its past as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is a significant center of Romanian culture. The city’s architecture tells stories of various eras, with St. Michael’s Church from the 14th century standing as a prime example of gothic craftsmanship, and the Bánffy Palace embodying the splendor of baroque influence. There is also the Roman footprint on the history of the city and in its name; ‘Napoca’ refers to the name Romans gave to the settlement after they conquered Dacia in the 2nd century CE. The story goes that in the 1970s, communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu added it to the name Cluj to emphasize the Roman roots of the region. But the full name Cluj-Napoca is rarely used by the locals — they just use ‘Cluj’, pronounced “kloozh”. Today, the city is a lively hub that attracts people from Bucharest and other regions as well as a lot of international tourists.

A place worth exploring

Piața Unirii — Getty Images A hard place to miss in Cluj is Piața Unirii (Union Square), one of the largest squares in all of Romania. The vibrant atmosphere of the square offers an ideal starting point for exploring. It’s a bustling heart where past and present merge and it provides stunning views of historical landmarks while allowing you to engage with the local pulse. One of the best places to visit here is the Hotel Melody Central, which serves as a hotel, restaurant, jazz club and chapel.

Cultural canvas: art, film, and music

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Cluj’s creative canvas spans many genres, from the National Art Museum located inside Bánffy Palace where you can find more established artists, to the underground charm of galleries like Centrul de Interes, Fabrica de Pensule or Galeria Quadro, as beacons of contemporary art. For those who are interested in an original approach to art tours, send a message to this Instagram account to get a customized tour. Every year from the end of May to the start of June, the city hosts the Transilvania International Film Festival , which is the biggest film festival in Romania and is known for discovering new voices in cinema. During the festival, you can enjoy both feature and documentary films, many parties, live music, all in pleasant late spring temperatures.

A summer of beats

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Cluj, a vibrant cultural hub in Romania, hosts a plethora of music festivals that have become integral to its artistic landscape. Among these, the most noteworthy are Untold Festival (voted among the world’s top 10 festivals), Electric Castle (voted Best Medium-Sized Festival at the European Festival Awards 2019), and Jazz in the Park (voted Best Small Festival at the European Festival Awards 2019).

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Electric Castle stands out as a unique blend of music, technology, and art, attracting a diverse audience to the historic Bánffy Castle. On the other hand, Untold Festival has gained international recognition for its massive EDM lineups and captivating stage productions, drawing electronic music enthusiasts from around the globe to the heart of Transylvania. Jazz in the Park showcases a different face of musical expression. Celebrating the rich heritage of jazz, this festival brings together both local and international jazz artists in a series of open-air performances held in Cluj’s picturesque Parcul Central (Central Park). All of these festivals contribute not only to Cluj’s cultural identity but also to the global festival circuit, solidifying the city’s reputation as a must-visit destination for music aficionados.

Food, drink, and good vibes

Cluj-Napoca emanates a youthful and creative energy; with a large student population, as we’ve seen, the city boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Moreover, cafés line the streets, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and observation.

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The central market is a sensory playground, where fresh produce and artisanal products take center stage. This market allows travelers to immerse themselves in the flavors of Romanian cuisine. Euphoria Biergarten presents a fusion of tradition and innovation, showcasing the city’s ability to embrace both its heritage and contemporary aspirations. Cluj’s student culture fuels a dynamic craft beer and cocktail scene. Steampunk fans would appreciate the allure of Joben Bistro , while Insomnia , evolving from a photo gallery into a bar, attracts artists and actors alike. The weekend essential is Booha Bar . When it comes to coffee, breakfast and brunches, I recommend the District of Toast , a fresh addition to the local culinary landscape. It offers inventive toast-based dishes, including the noteworthy ouă Clujentine, a unique take on poached eggs. Other places worth checking out are Meron, Eggcetera, and Sisters.

Tips for day trips

Local public transport in the form of trains and buses provides a cost-effective way to reach these day-trip destinations. For those seeking more convenience, rental cars are readily available and offer flexibility in exploring the region. Just click on ‘Cars’ in the top left corner of the Kiwi.com homepage to get started.

Turda Salt Mine

Turda Salt Mine feels like a movie set — Getty Images A short journey from Cluj, Turda Salt Mine ’s surreal underground landscape captivates you with its majestic chambers and unexpected attractions like its underground amusement park. Riding a subterranean Ferris wheel is an adventure that transcends the ordinary. I guarantee that you’ve never seen a place like this before.

Rimetea

The village of Rimetea and its beautiful hilly backdrop — Getty Images

Just a few kilometers from Turda, you can venture into the Apuseni Mountains to explore the picturesque village of Rimetea. The village’s traditional architecture and stunning surroundings offer a peaceful escape from the city hustle. On the way there, you might also want to stop by for a short hike around Cheile Turzii (Turda Gorge), a large natural preserve with marked trails that take you to one of the most gorgeous spots in the region. Cheile Turzii: a gorgeous gorge indeed — Getty Images

Alba Carolina Citadel and Corvin Castle

Another slightly longer trip I recommend is visiting the Alba Carolina Citadel in Alba Iulia. It is an enormous star-shaped fortress that played an important role in Romania’s unification. The local museums provide a glimpse into the nation’s past. And if you want to visit Corvin Castle — one of the most impressive, majestic castles in all of Europe — spend the night in Alba Iulia and book a day trip to Hunedoara, where this rebuilt gothic-renaissance stunner is located. Corvin Castle is as majestic as it is magical — Getty Images

Bonus travel tips for Cluj-Napoca

Budgeting

Keeping an eye on currency conversion is fairly straightforward. One euro corresponds to approximately 5 lei (RON). Cluj-Napoca offers a lot for very reasonable prices. One draft beer is modestly priced at around €1.20, while a cappuccino to kick-start your day starts at €1.30. For a great meal for two people, around €20 should be enough. The city has not become as expensive as some other post-communist cities such as Prague , Ljubljana, Dubrovnik, or Kraków . Nevertheless, I’ve noticed that when trying to save cash no matter where I am on vacation, I often choose cozy, local spots to eat and drink, that have a charming atmosphere. So, my go-to tip for Cluj — and pretty much any city in the world — is to explore the lesser-known eateries away from the touristy areas. These gems often offer authentic dishes at a fraction of the cost and you get to sit and talk with the locals. Also, don’t forget — exploring the city on foot is not only free and allows you to immerse yourself properly in its ambiance, but it also helps you stumble upon hidden corners that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The best time to go

Spring and fall cast an enchanting spell on Cluj-Napoca, with the city adorned in blossoms or bathed in vibrant autumnal hues. Mild temperatures offer an ideal environment for al fresco drinks and urban exploration. Summer invites an influx of festival enthusiasts, while throughout the year, the city pulsates with captivating events, ensuring that every season has something special to offer.

Epilog

Cluj stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of history and modernity. Its rich tapestry of architecture, culture, and natural beauty provides travelers with a multifaceted experience that unveils Transylvania’s intriguing layers. Whether you’re strolling through its streets, savoring local flavors, or embarking on day trips to nearby gems, Cluj is a city that invites exploration — to uncover its stories and to create your own. Click here to see our best deals on flights to Cluj-Napoca . For more travel inspiration, visit Kiwi.com Stories .