Cluj vs. Bucharest: Which Romanian City Should You Visit?

Trying to decide between Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest for your trip to Romania?

While both cities are rich in history and culture, they offer very different experiences for travelers.

Cluj-Napoca is well known for it´s unusual museums, music and film festivals, plenty of green spaces, dynamic student life and beautiful Old Town.

Bucharest also known as “little Paris” hosts the 2^nd largest building in the world – the Palace of Parliament, a beautiful and historic old town as well as several grand monuments like the Romanian Athenaeum

Both cities and their surroundings deserve a place on your bucket list.

However, if you only have time to visit one of these cities, you are in the right place. As someone who has lived in both cities (in Cluj for 3 years and Bucharest 3 months), I can help you decide which city you should visit (first).

In this post I´ll compare hotels, accessibility, attractions, costs, safety and several other important aspects so you can make the best possible decision based on your preferences.

So, keep on reading if you are trying to decide between Cluj-Napoca vs. Bucharest!

Bucharest is home to Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), Romania’s largest and busiest international gateway. It offers frequent connections to major cities across Europe, Asia, and North America, making it ideal for long-haul travelers.

Major Airlines such as Lufthansa, UNITED, KLM, Pegasus, Ryanair operate flights from Henri Coanda Airport.

If you book far enough in advance, you can even get a roundtrip ticket for as little as 80 € from Rome or London to Bucharest.

The express train will take you from Otopeni Airport to the Central Station and the city available every 40 minutes.

You can also take the Express Bus Line 100 to get to city center, which is available every 15 minutes.

Cluj-Napoca has a smaller but well-organized airport: Avram Iancu Cluj International (CLJ).

It serves most major European cities, including London, Paris, Milan, and Vienna.

Airlines like Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines or Turkish Airlines operate from Cluj. Non-stop flights to Cluj are rare, generally you will have to book connecting flights. However, this works very well: I currently fly once a year with my family via Munich to Cluj-Napoca and using Lufthansa flights. We never had issues with delays, bad service or lost luggage.

The bus express line 1 will take you in about 40 minutes to Cluj city center or you can easily order an UBER to pick you up in front of the airport.

In summary both cities are well connected to the rest of the world. However, Bucharest wins this category due to a large variety of non-stop and international flights. Cluj-Napoca is better suited for visitors coming from Europe, who get quickly overwhelmed by large airports.

✅ Best for non-stop and international connections: Bucharest
✅ Best for European guests and a smooth airport experience: Cluj-Napoca

✈️ Search for the best flight deals and connections to Romania on Trip.com

Cluj-Napoca is one of the most walkable cities in Romania. The Old Town and central districts are compact and easy to explore on foot. Public transportation includes modern trams, buses and trolleybuses and is very affordable with one-way tickets costing less than 1 €.

The Tranzy App makes Cluj simple to navigate. Just enter start and destination and the app will guide you on which transportation and from which station to take.

All bus and tram stations are equipped with purple ticket machines, where you can pay cash or with card. Information is available in 5 different languages.

Bucharest has an extensive METRO system (subway), trams, buses, and rideshare options. However, it’s a large and spread-out city, so expect longer commute times between attractions. Traffic congestion is common during rush hours.

The best way to explore the main attractions in Bucharest is to use the METRO, as popular attractions like the Palace of Parliament can be found in walking distance from METRO Stations.

A Day Pass for the METRO costs 1,60 € and can be purchased at any station in cash or via card payment.

Visit the METROREX website for a map of the subway lines and available tickets and cards.

✅ Best for walkability: Cluj-Napoca
✅ Best for a large-scale metro system: Bucharest

🚍 Need a rental car to explore the surroundings of Cluj or Bucharest? My top choice for the best deals and flexibility is Discover Cars!

One of the biggest differences I noticed when living in both cities is the type of hotels you’ll find. In Cluj-Napoca, the accommodation scene is smaller and more personal — you’ll come across boutique hotels, apartment-style stays, and a few business or conference hotels.

If your main goal is to explore museums, cafés, and the Old Town atmosphere, I highly recommend booking a place right in the city center so you can walk everywhere with ease.

In Bucharest, the range is wider, with gorgeous hotels tucked into the Old Town and Lipscani district.

The key here is location: while being central is great, try to choose a hotel on a side street, because the main roads are often busy and noisy, even late at night.

Having lived there for a few months, I can say traffic is part of the city’s rhythm, so a quieter street makes all the difference.

One more tip for both cities: if you’re visiting in summer, make sure your room has air conditioning. Romanian summers can be surprisingly hot and sticky, and having a properly climatized room can turn your stay from restless nights into something far more comfortable.

Prices are generally more reasonable in Cluj than Bucharest.

To give you a clear picture, I’ve chosen two favorites in each city — one for when you want a high-budget stay and one for when you prefer comfort at a mid-range price.

High-Budget Pick: Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj

When I first stayed at the Radisson Blu Cluj, it was during one of the big festivals, and the city was buzzing with people.

Honestly, I was worried it would be chaotic everywhere, but the hotel felt like this calm, stylish bubble where I could recharge.

The rooms were modern and spacious, the spa and gym were a blessing after walking all day, and the breakfast buffet… let’s just say it made mornings feel like a treat instead of a rush.

What I really liked was that it felt both professional and personal — staff were attentive, but in a natural way that didn’t feel over the top.

💎 Benefits: A proper 5-star experience with spa and gym, reliable service, and an ideal location.
📍 Attractions Nearby: Central Park (🌳 perfect for a morning walk), Cluj Arena (⚽ concerts and sports), and Union Square (⛪ cafés, shops, and Gothic charm just a short walk away).

👉 Check Prices and Availability for Radisson Blu Hotel

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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj (@radissonblucluj)

💸 Medium-Budget Pick: ZEN Central Apartments

We stayed at ZEN Central Apartments as a family, and it honestly felt like the perfect fit for us.

The apartments are big enough that the kids could play while we relaxed, and having a kitchen meant we could whip up something simple when we didn’t feel like going out.

Parking was included, which anyone who has tried finding parking in Cluj will tell you is a game-changer.

What I loved most was that it didn’t feel like “just accommodation” — it really felt like a home base in the middle of the city. After busy days exploring, coming back here felt cozy and easy.

💎 Benefits: Spacious and modern apartments, a fully equipped kitchen, and parking right in central Cluj.
📍 Attractions Nearby: Union Square (⛪ Gothic church and lively cafés), Museum Square (☕ perfect for people-watching), and Central Park (🌳 ideal for winding down in the evening).

👉 Check Prices and Availability for ZEN Central Apartments

High-Budget Pick: The Marmorosch Hotel

Staying at the Marmorosch Hotel felt a bit like stepping into another era. The building used to be a palace-bank, so you get these gorgeous marble staircases, high ceilings, and interiors that feel almost cinematic.

I remember sitting in the lobby with a coffee, just taking in the details and people-watching, and it felt like I was part of the city’s history.

Add to that a spa for unwinding, a central Old Town location, and you really do feel spoiled. It’s the kind of place I’d recommend if you want to mix sightseeing with a touch of indulgence.

💎 Benefits: Historic atmosphere with a luxury twist, central Old Town location, and spa facilities.
📍 Attractions Nearby: Old Town Lipscani (🍸 nightlife and cafés), Romanian Athenaeum (🎶 music and architecture), and Calea Victoriei (🏛️ a grand boulevard for strolling and shopping).

👉 Check Prices and Availability at The Marmorosch Bucharest

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💸 Medium-Budget Pick: Tomis Garden Aparthotel

For something more practical but still very comfortable, I like Tomis Garden Aparthotel.

The apartments are spacious and come with a kitchen, which makes them perfect for families or anyone staying longer than a few days.

I stayed here during a shorter visit and found it super convenient to be able to make breakfast in the morning and have a bit of extra space to spread out.

It’s not flashy, but it’s warm, reliable, and gives you that independence you sometimes miss in hotels.

💎 Benefits: Apartment-style living with kitchens, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and good value for money.
📍 Attractions Nearby: Universitate Square (☕ student vibe and cafés), Palace of the Parliament (🏛️ a must-see landmark), and metro stations (🚇 making it easy to get around).

👉 Check Prices and Availability at Tomis Garden Bucharest

👉 Whether you go for the polished comfort of Radisson Blu or Marmorosch or the practical charm of ZEN Apartments and Tomis Garden 💸, you’ll be well set up to enjoy your time in either Cluj or Bucharest.

If we are looking at prices, Cluj is generally more budget-friendly than the capital, but only outside of summer festivals like UNTOLD or Electric Castle.

Hotel prices in Bucharest are higher overall, but still very reasonable by Western European standards—especially outside of peak summer months.

🧳 Final Verdict on Where to Stay

✅ Best for affordable boutique hotels and walkability: Cluj-Napoca
✅ Best for variety, luxury, and iconic experiences: Bucharest

Just like any great European city, both Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest are packed with attractions—but they offer very different vibes.

Cluj is compact and easy to explore in a few days, with quirky museums and green spaces that feel local and relaxed.

Bucharest, on the other hand, is buzzing, bold, and full of grand palaces, massive parks, and sweeping boulevards.

Let’s look at what to see in each city!

Cluj is all about culture, charm, and creativity. From immersive museums to Gothic churches and panoramic views, the city has something for everyone—including families, solo travelers, and first-time visitors.

The great thing about Cluj is that you can explore whole Transylvania from here. The famous Corvin Castle, the medieval cities Sibiu and Sighisoara or the historic cities of Alba Iulia are less than a 2-hour drive away.

If you plan on spending one week in Cluj and surroundings, I recommend spending the first 3 days in the city and the rest of the week with day trips to Turda Salt Mine, the Transylvanian villages of Rimetea and Coltesti and a visit to the Corvin Castle.

Here are the top sites I recommend seeing in and around Cluj:

• St. Michael’s Church & Unirii Square
• National Museum of Transylvanian History
• Steampunk Transylvania Museum
• Hoia Baciu Forest (yes, the haunted one!)
• Ethnographic Park “Romulus Vuia”
• Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden
• Cetățuia Hill (for the views!)
• MINA Museum – Europe’s largest immersive art museum
• Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral
• Central Park “Simion Bărnuțiu”
• Day trips to Turda Salt Mine, Rimetea, Alba Iulia or Corvin Castle
• Clyde Town (Western City outside of Cluj)

🗺️ Want help planning your sightseeing? Check out my Complete Guide to Cluj-Napoca and my Cluj Day Trips Guide to map it all out.

Bucharest is Romania’s capital, and it comes with all the perks of a European metropolis: iconic landmarks, dramatic architecture, and museums on every corner.

Like any other capital you should expect Bucharest to be loud, overwhelming through its size and offering a mixture between beautiful historic monuments and dominant communist architecture.

While Cluj offers a great deal of attractions in the near surroundings, this is not the case with Bucharest.

If you plan to visit the Dracula castle or the fairytale royal castle of Peles, you will have to plan staying one night in one of these locations as they are more than a 3-hour drive away.

The good news is, that you can also reach the two castles with the train in about 2 hours, which is quite affordable and costs around 20 € for a one-way ticket. Book your train tickets in advance, especially in summer at the Romanian Railway CFR.

Here’s a list of must-see attractions in Bucharest:

• Palace of the Parliament (one of the largest buildings in the world!)
• Old Town Lipscani – full of bars, cafés, and historical sites
• Romanian Athenaeum
• Stavropoleos Monastery
• The Village Museum (Dimitrie Gusti)
• Calea Victoriei boulevard
• Carol I Park & Mausoleum
• Therme Bucharest (Europe’s largest wellness and spa center)
• Cotroceni Palace
• National Museum of Art of Romania
• Herăstrău Park

🏛️Planning to visit Bucharest? Don´t skip this amazing tour of the Palace of Parliament

💡 Tip: Like many cities in Europe, Bucharest offers combination museum tickets or cultural passes—but unlike London or Paris, there’s no major city-wide pass yet. Just be sure to book popular attractions in advance, especially in high season!

✅ Best for quirky museums, nature-infused sightseeing and trips in Transylvania: Cluj-Napoca
✅ Best for grand landmarks, major cultural attractions and a visit to Dracula Castle or Peles Castle: Bucharest

Definitely! The city consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Romania. Petty crime is rare, and the city is well-lit and walkable even at night.

Even as a solo female traveler, you don´t have to worry getting around in Cluj or constantly look after your shoulder during a night stroll. As a student in Cluj, I frequently went out on weekends and returned by foot to my student dorm at night and did not feel unsafe.

If you are visiting Cluj during major festivals like UNTOLD or Electric Castle, the city tends to get overcrowded and you should generally be more cautious.

Just like Cluj, Bucharest is also on the list of the top 100 safest cities in the world. It includes well-lit districts, green spaces, good infrastructure and police is widely present, especially in crowded areas.

When in Bucharest, be careful around the Train Station North (Gara de Nord) as this is a popular spot for pickpockets and beggars. Also try to avoid the areas Colentina and Ferentari in District 2 of the Romanian capital, as these are well known for minor criminality, poor infrastructure and poverty.

During my 3-month stay in Bucharest, I stayed in District 1 of the city and always felt safe. Even arriving at the train station in the middle of the night and getting an Uber to my accommodation was no problem at all.

Solo female travelers will also feel at ease in Romania’s capital with the exceptions mentioned above.

✅ Best for stress-free travel with kids or solo: Cluj-Napoca
✅ Best for big-city convenience with a bit more awareness: Bucharest

If you’re still torn between Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest, here’s my honest advice as someone who has lived in both.

Cluj feels smaller, more relaxed, and incredibly easy to navigate — it’s perfect if you enjoy walking everywhere, hanging out in leafy parks, and discovering quirky museums or hidden cafés without feeling rushed.

It’s also a great base for exploring Transylvania, from fairytale castles to haunted forests, and you can fit a lot into just a few days.

Bucharest, on the other hand, has all the energy of a capital city. It’s bigger, bolder, and busier — think huge boulevards, iconic monuments like the Palace of Parliament, and an Old Town that comes alive at night.

If you love grand history, nightlife, and want a city that feels cosmopolitan, Bucharest won’t disappoint.

So, which one should you choose?

• If you only have a few days and want charm, culture, and easy day trips — I’d say go with Cluj-Napoca.
• If you’re craving big-city vibes, epic architecture, and a buzzing nightlife scene, then Bucharest is the one for you.

Honestly, both deserve a spot on your Romania itinerary, but if you only have time for one, listen to your travel style — are you more of a relaxed wanderer or a big-city explorer? That’s the real deciding factor.

Planning on visiting Cluj soon? Get my printable guide of attractions, best hotels, restaurants, foods to try and essential advice ob public transportation. Perfect for first-time visitors!