Can something be better than a short trip to Romania, more specifically to one of the coolest cities in Transylvania – Cluj? This spontaneous trip turned out to be one of the funniest in the past months.
Cluj is the culture capital of Romania with million spots to hang out, great architecture and amazing food! We stayed in Retro hostel situated in old part of the city with super nice and helpful staff. Within few steps from our hostel, you could reach an outstanding botanical garden where you literally felt that somebody brought you in the bosoms of nature. On the other hand 2 streets behind our hostel you could find Central Cemetery, where Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Orthodox people rest their eternal slumber together in the “Pantheon of Transylvania”, which expanded several times over the years and branched out with the foundation of separate Lutheran and Jewish cemeteries in the 17th and 19th centuries.
Where to eat?
What I will be surely remembering from this trip was Casa Tiff – one of the greatest food joints, where food tasted like heaven and have been served in an outstanding manner! Really cozy, semi elegant interiors caught your eye plus super friendly staff, which took great care of you every minute. On the top of that great music! We were literally eating 2 times per day there and on Easter Monday, I was served a massive breakfast on the porch – can not imagine a better morning!
credit: CASA TIFF
Where to drink?
Definitely in Booha Bar! An absolutely fantastic place down the road, surrounded by other little pubs and restaurants. Some sources say that this bar was there forever (exactly 7 years) and some people grew up with the place. The cozy atmosphere and quirky (electronic) music have converted even the snobbiest of quests into regulars and turned Booha bar into one of the most visited spots in the city. On the other hand if you are a tea lover, I can strongly recommend you Deemers Teehaus. Primarily its a tea shop, which features a wide range of tea blends and tea accessories. If you don’t feel like shopping, you can just have a seat at one of the lovely tables and order a nice drink while taking in the wonderful view.
credit: Booha Bar
Where to party?
As you know, I always try to prepare some info for you regarding electronic scene of particular city I had opportunity to visit. This time I sent my dear friend from Designliebe to deep dive into nightlife of this wonderful city.
“If you are an electronic music lover and traveling around Romania, Cluj is your place to be! As a kid of the German Techno movement, I can highly recommend the electronic scene here. However my background knowledge about Cluj was not that big, I knew that some of the Ibiza Cocoon family members had one of their residency clubs in Cluj – Dj´s Raresh and Rhadoo from club Midi! So with this pleasant anticipation, I went out to start my club tour! After warming up in some of those music playing bars like “Zero” or “Booha” I went to Shelter. I would describe this place as a mix of these famous ruin pubs of Budapest.
credit: Shelter
Vast Solo and Kosta aka Duro Disco from Bucaresti have been the headliners and played exactly that soulful tech deep house mix I love and more than that, they really rocked the house. After dancing like crazy and drinking Jägermeister with like-minded people and new friends (haha) I decided to get a better taste of this scene and their inspiring sounds! So around 5:30, I started to look for a real electronic club called Gazette. And that was a perfect decision as the place was on the top of a hill with an outdoor area filled with comfy seats made of wooden pallets. The view from the spot over the city of Cluj was just breathtaking and the big surprise of the evening.
Nothing could be better while partying at night. The location itself was crowed and filled with this kind of bass waves you expect from proper electronic clubs. It reminded you of a little church with this high tapering ceiling, which made the place really special. What else should I say? I had a really great night in Cluj!”
Above all the mentioned places, remember that Cluj is first and foremost, a city with incredible architecture and hidden tightly held streets which will surely lead you to great and unexpected new spots.
Have you ever been in other towns in Transylvania? Do share your comments. For us it was first but surely not the last trip to the Dracula land! We are super curious to hear your stories!
