You open the door, see that it’s raining cats and dogs and close it again. How to best spend these days if not in bed?
Here’s one example how you are going to enjoy your day no matter the weather – or precisely because of it!
Morning
Start your day right: Get yourself some breakfast around Piata Unirii. You’ll get the best coffee in town at Roots, Olivo, or Meron.
Olivo has its own roastery and 100% arabica coffee. It’s kind of fancy, the atmosphere is very special, but you can also grab a coffee to go from the small shop in front. Enjoy good service and nice pastries. Meron is quite cozy and offers a variety of coffees as well as shakes, smoothies and more. Try the tasty cakes and croissants!
Continue to visit one of Cluj’s museums and art galleries to inspire and educate yourself. What do you already know about the history of Transylvania? The National Museum of Transylvanian History is a history and archaeology museum that features a permanent exhibition as well as temporary ones, the “Tezaur” (treasure) exhibition, and Pharmacy Historical collection. The entry fee is 3 lei for the temporary exhibitions and 6 lei for Pharmacy Historical collection. Students and retirees get 50% off. Another option is to visit Tailor’s Tower and see the current exhibition for free. You can easy get there by foot. If you have problems orientating yourself, get yourself a map at the tourist information which is right near Roots on Eroilor Blvd.
Lunch
Stop for a bite to eat at Livada or Euphoria Biergarten. Both offer a variety of dishes from pizza and pasta to salads or burgers. How about some traditional papanași at Livada or a delicious cremshnit at Euphoria as a dessert?
Afternoon
Walk through the Central Park and visit the Casino – Cultural Center. After, take a taxi ride to Iulius Mall or Polus Center (soon to be named VIVO) to go shopping in the afternoon. Both shopping malls offer a wide range of shops and restaurants where you get everything you need. Have a break to enjoy the most delicious cheesecake in town at Marty. Have you already found your favourite one? Caramel Snickers, Fresh Banana or rather a Deep Dark Cheesecake?
You prefer sports activities than shopping? No worries! There’s a climbing hall in Berăriei Street called Free Wall, only about 2 km from the city centre. The price is 20 lei. It’s the perfect place to burn off energy after a so far relaxed day!
Dinner
Enjoy some traditional Romanian food for dinner. There’s a very good Romanian restaurant on Napoca Street called “Zama”. Maybe try some “Varză a la Cluj” which is traditional Transylvanian food. Don’t forget to have some Țuică, too. It is a traditional Romanian spirit prepared from plums only from early October until early December. Traditionally, you have one shot before the meal. It is also used as a toast instead of wine.
Evening
Spend the night drinking cocktails at one of Romania’s best cocktail bars: Charlie. To extend the night even further, check out the events calendar. There’s always something going on, you’ll find an event in Cluj no matter the date 🙂 If you prefer Popcorn over alcohol, there are English movies at Cinema City in both malls. Or how about both of it?
How are you planning your rainy day in Cluj? Leave your suggestions in the comments section below.
