In addition to walking around the city, another way to discover the splendour of the city is to look at Cluj from above. There are several places from which you can admire the city and we made a ranking. Below you will find our recommendations:
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Cetățuia Park Fortress
The Cetațuia Park Fortress is located on a hill in the central area of the city and is an unmissable tourist landmark. It is an old Habsburg fortification located at an altitude of 405 m of which relatively few elements are left: part of the walls, some buildings, and two gates.
Indeed, to get there you will have to make a little effort and climb 237 stairs, but it will not be in vain. It is the ideal place if you want to enjoy a unique view over the city. Take your camera with you and capture the beauty that can be seen from above. Among the most important elements you can see are: the Multipurpose Hall (Sala Polivalentă), Cluj Arena – one of the most modern stadiums in the country, the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe, the Central Park and more.
You can choose to walk on the plateau or enjoy a coffee “with a view” on the Pergola terrace.
To get there you can start from the Museum Square (Piața Muzeului), then you have to cross the bridge over the Someș River and climb the stairs, after which you will reach the top.
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Feleac Hill
From here you get a complete view of the city from where you can see Cluj in all its entirety. In the evening, the lights that bathe the city turn it into a fairytale setting worthy of stopping for a moment and rest. Thus, you will be able to detach yourself from all the hustle and bustle of the day, look at the city, the stars and enjoy the peace.
The easiest way you can get there is by car. You will have to drive up Calea Turzii, towards Feleacu, which is 7 km away from Cluj-Napoca.
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Water Tower from the Botanical Gardens
If you make it to the Botanical Garden you have to make the effort to climb the Water Tower. You will have the opportunity to enjoy both the greenery around as well as a beautiful view over the city. You will see the tallest buildings in Cluj, including the tower of St. Michael’s Church.
Coming here, you will find a quiet environment, undisturbed by the urban bustle.
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Uliului Street
Located in the Grigorescu neighbourhood the narrow road goes all the way to the edge of the Hoia-Baciu forest. Take Donath Street, then go up the winding road up to the point where the asphalt ends.
From here, you can see the Mănăștur and Grigorescu neighbourhoods, as well as Florești. This place is less known, more difficult to access due to the distance you have to travel up, but it is well worth the effort.
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Saint Michael’s Church Tower
This is the second tallest church in the country (80 m) and one of the most important symbols of the Transylvanian Gothic architectural style. The church is located in the city center in Unirii Square. In order to enjoy the view, you will have to climb 175 stairs. If you want to visit the building, know that there is no entrance fee. Access to the tower is not always permitted so, if you do find it open, make sure you don’t miss it.
Visitors to the tower are not always allowed, so if you get the chance, don’t miss it.
