There's much more than Dracula in Transylvania!

Discover Cluj-Napoca in Romania: the capital of Transylvania is a lively student city!

Cluj-Napoca is a treasure city and a bustling college town. With 100,000 students, a quarter of the entire population is attending a university. With so many young people around, the city buzzes with an energetic vibe. There's always something fun going on to suit a wide variety of interests with an extensive offering of bars, theatres, art exhibitions, cultural events, and festivals. Every day of the week feels like the weekend!

In addition to the touristic appeal of Tailor’s bastion, interesting museums and even a mini carnival deep inside a salt mine, this is a living city that has a pulse you can feel.

Cluj isn’t just a place you visit, but rather a city that you live.

So how can you get into the groove and experience Cluj like a local? Go where the locals go!

Start off with a visit to Flowers, a student favorite for meeting and greeting where the prices are right for backpackers and the relaxed staff welcomes you like an old friend. For a different take on a classic drink, try a Marzipan Coffee!

Take a stroll through the medieval streets of Museum Square with all of its cafes and terraces. Most doorways have at least one bar hiding inside, even if there is no sign at the entrance. It’s not uncommon to have one bar in the basement and a completely different bar upstairs.

Then head up to Citadel Hill, where you can catch a bird’s eye view of the entire city. On your way down drop into Samsara Tea House. Kick off your shoes and lounge around in ultimate relaxation with a gourmet tea and a flavored water pipe. An enchanted forest and psychedelic jellyfish are among the unique themes you can find in each room.

Next, head over to Atelier. The tables, chairs, and decorations are all made of cardboard! This incredibly unique bar has frequent live performances ranging from acoustic bands to close-up magic. Try a “Passport to Hell” - an intimidating name for a delicious shot!

For a lively night, check out any of the multitude of clubs surrounding Unirii Square. Each one has a decidedly different feel, and they stay open until the wee hours of the morning when the last customers head home.

No night out is complete without a stop at Rosas for the best kebab in town. With a wide assortment of sauces to choose from everyone can find their favorite flavor. Don’t be put off by the number of people around the counter. Quality attracts a crowd, and the word is out. It’s nice and warm to eat your kebab inside, so slide on up to the register. Bon Appétit!

When all is said and done, head back to your comfy bed at Transylvania Hostel and slip away into sweet dreams. In the morning their crew can give you endless advice on what else to do in Cluj and beyond.