Cluj Bucket List: 50 things to do in Cluj

1. With the boat on Someș (for advanced users) / With the small boats on the Chios Lake (for beginners)

Lately, the Someș river has been through some wonderful changes, and the people from Someș Delivery can be held responsible for many of them. In each summer, during Someș Delivery festival, we could see vessels on the Someș river – boats and paddle boats, or even canoes. In case you missed the ride on Someș you have been longing for, keep your eyes open for opportunities! Meanwhile, if you get to Cluj, either as a tourist or as a student, you cannot miss a boat ride on the Chios Lake. And if you are from Cluj, there is no excuse for you.

2. Suntan on the Grigorescu beach

We remain in the Someș area. Already a long time ago, a beach was fitted out on the Grigorescu bank. We are not wild about this activity, lying in the sun, but we like the idea and it is worth trying it out (maybe accompanied by a book).

3. Let’s put a lock on Elisabeth Bridge

The locks on the Elisabeth Bridge drew our attention during an autumn-winter, we reviewed them (literally and metaphorically) and we said we had to chain and to affirm our love … for Cluj.

4. Let’s admire the city from the tower of St. Michael’s Church

The tower is usually made available for the public on the occasion of the Hungarian Cultural Days, we only have to be tuned and „escalade” it when we have the chance.

5. To fly by hot air balloon over Cluj

If you grew up with the novels of Jules Verne and you came across „Five Weeks in a Balloon”, it would certainly be a dream come true, wouldn’t it!? Yes, for a while now we have had this opportunity in Cluj, as well, and at least for once in a lifetime the city from the heart of Transylvania must be seen from above, from a hot air balloon. Does this sound good? For more information see here.

6. Night walk in the Horea Baciu Forest

To the shame of some of us, we got the Horea Baciu Forest rather late. Towards the end of our student years, more exactly. It was a beautiful experience, next to the team of the Hoia-Baciu Project. But you cannot have a full experience in the famous forest, unless you spend a night out there, in the silence of the dark. The forest by itself is dear to us anyway, with or without paranormal experiences, so will book a night there very soon.

7. Walking through the Ethnographic Park 

It must be visited leisurely, in a quiet, Transylvanian step, with a stop at each gate and house, with quiet moments on the porch. And if you haven’t done it yet, we suggest you should hurry up, because the Ethnographic Park shall go through significant transformations in the upcoming period.

8. Pata Rât

We love Cluj, but it has its sad and grey parts, as well. Pata Rât is still a reality, one that is good to face, to be aware of and, then, to try to get involved for a better city. Some of us from the news room have already got out there, either to get rid of the prejudices and junk, or to follow  the jazz rhythm in the garbage dump. For others, it remains a strange and far away world, which we will soon bring closer.

9. To explore unconventional space and art projects

The Paintbrush Factory  was the first, and since then other old industrial buildings of Cluj have transformed, becoming real centers for art and culture.  If you have already been at the Factory, it would be worth visiting the new Center of Interest, a former industrial building next to the railway station, where we haven’t been yet. In Cluj, we also have an anti-coffee house – to go to, if you haven’t been yet, and as an independent art project, you are due at least one visit at the shows or projects of REACTOR, Create.Act.Enjoy, Urania Palace, The Whole Circle. To be checked also a short visit at the White Cuib, regardless of the hosted event. And lately, in the Railway Workers’ Park, FabHub has appeared – also an initiative of the Paintbrush Factory.

10. Street Art and the Micro Macro Cosmos Man

In Cluj we have the so far biggest wall painting of the country. There are also others throughout the city, but the Micro Macro Cosmos Man  is not to be missed, especially when special projections take place.

11. Stop and listen to the street artists

We often hear the music of the street artists, while we are dashing through the city. At least once, we should sit on a bench on Eroilor street, on a side walk on Bolyai Janos street or on a terrace in Museum Square, with the purpose of listening to them.

12. Negotiations in OSER (FLEA MARKET)

You cannot call yourself a person coming from Cluj, an adoptive son or a long-term visitor of the city, if you don’t come around the flea market of Cluj. You can learn what is to be found in OSER from this article , but it is due to schedule at least 3-4 consecutive visits. You will learn the art of negotiation!

13. To buy flowers from the old lady on Memo

Memorandumului is one of the busiest streets in Cluj, so we often rush through it, elbowing our way through and always thinking that next time we will stop to buy flowers from the nice old lady selling them here.  Some things are better to be done now, than later.

14. The Inside of the Franciscan Church

The church is sometimes lost in the overall picture of the Museum Square, but those who dare to step inside, we have heard, can have a pleasant surprise. Of course, you could enter many other religious buildings in Cluj, especially if you haven’t done so yet, but we believe that the Franciscan Church would be one of the handiest, but “omitted”.

15. Participate at the Jam Sessions & Sofar Sounds

The musicians from Cluj are talented and it’s a pleasure to catch them at jam sessions, through various pubs. A unique project that has reached Cluj also, is Sofar Sounds, the initiative that aims to bring people and music together, in intimate, personal settings (such as apartments, courtyards and interior gardens, personal spaces). Places are limited though, to maintain the intimate atmosphere. Those eager are to register for the desired event, and the final guests are chosen at random. It is difficult to get to a Sofar Sounds event, but we heard that it is worth trying several times.

16. A Quiet Walk in the Central Cemetery 

Also known as the Hajongard Cemetery, it was declared a historical monument, with the oldest grave dating from 1599. Beyond the sad connotation of the place, the Central Cemetery is a picturesque place.

17. Cabbage a la Cluj

Cabbage a la Cluj is like those famous books or movies that you know so much about, that you feel like you’ve already fed on them. Not being declared fans of cabbage, some haven’t tested the traditional cabbage a la Cluj not even by today. Try it once in a lifetime, and if all goes well, maybe we can learn to even cook it.

18. To Admire Cluj from the Feleac Hill

The Feleac Hill is easily reached by car, and the classic point of observation, on the road leading to the astronomical observatory, offers impressive views over Cluj, both during the day and at night. By the way, we have put together 7 places, from where you can have a panoramic view of Cluj, see here: https://goo.gl/H2ksqk .

19. Ride your bike from one end of the city to the other

On short sections or on certain streets where the bike lanes have continuity, I dared. I still haven’t cycled from one end of the city to the other, though. It is to be tried and who knows, to be adopted as a lifestyle.

20. To play all the escape games of Cluj

We tried (see our 59 minutes in such a game), we liked it and we decided to test them all!  We have a list for this too, 10 reasons to go to the escape games in Cluj (I’ve told you we like lists, haven’t I?)

21. Go to Laser Tag with a bunch of kids

If you are not invited to children’s parties, a group of friends is also accepted – it’s time to embrace your playful side and enjoy the game! In Cluj, you can try Laser Tag World. Other possibilities: paintball and airsoft (we’ve already tried them and can confirm: they’re a lot of fun!)

22. Spend an entire day in the Central Park, lying on the grass

Just lying, doing nothing. Not just passing by, not just on a short break. An entire day dedicated to relaxation in the park.

23. Volunteer in Cluj

Sometimes, we do not realize how lucky we are to have so many associations and projects in which we can become volunteers, whether they are charity projects, cultural, tourism or community impact events. Volunteering develops you as a person, and the experience gained is invaluable, regardless of your age. We are neither high school pupils, nor students any more, but it is never too late to be volunteers. A few things about why you would like to become a volunteer in Cluj, in this article.

24. Interact with the animals in the Vivarium or bring your pet here 

Vivarium is a living corner of Cluj, with about 57 species of animals – reptiles and amphibians, fish, micro-mammals and birds – that you can admire. You can even interact with some of them. In addition, do you know that the Vivarium offers, on a voluntary basis, specialized (veterinary) assistance for sick or injured reptiles or birds? Also, if you have small pets and leave the locality (for example during the holidays), they can be temporarily housed here at the UBB Vivarium. Details here: Short visit at the Vivarium in Cluj

25. Flying Markets

We, the representatives of the current generations, have to somehow get to the flying markets of Cluj, to buy products directly from the producers. We have recently visited Roșia Montană and were served with the simplest traditional food: polenta with cheese and eggs. We cannot describe in words, how good the food tasted. It wasn’t the first cheese polenta I’ve ever eaten, and the only explanation for the taste bud delirium was that it was real food, it was for real. Not only is it easy to walk through the flying markets, but it would be ideal to find an authentic local producer, from the villages of Cluj, from whom to get supplies. You improve your quality of life and at the same time support its agricultural and daily activity.

Source: cluj.com