Cluj city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Romania’s buzzy student hub

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Today, Cluj’s centre is home to a lively old town and, far from being cluttered by vampire tat, the streets here serve the people. What to do Explore Unirii Square and the Old Town There are plenty of day trips from the city to Bran Castle, and to various other spots in the Carpathian mountains, but don’t mistake Cluj for a Transylvanian bus terminal. open image in gallery Fountains in Unirii Square Get panoramic hillside views Leaving the old town, cross the Somesul Mic river and you’ll find yourself at the edge of Cetatuia Hill. open image in gallery Cluj’s Old Town at night Where to stay ApartHotel Gutinului is a quirky, recently renovated block of flats less than 10 minutes from the city centre.