Stanstead to Cluj-Napoca: A Solo Weekend in Romania

I fancied a change of scenery and decided to spend a weekend in Cluj-Napoca. I took a Friday afternoon flight from Stansted, which got me to the city just after 9:30 pm. Stepping off the plane into the crisp autumn air, I was greeted by the glow of streetlights and a buzz of activity, even that late in the evening. It felt like the kind of city that’s alive at all hours, and I couldn’t wait to see more.

Saturday was all about exploring, and Cluj didn’t disappoint. I started at Union Square, which is the heart of the city. St. Michael’s Church stands tall in the centre, and it’s hard not to be impressed by its sheer size and Gothic architecture. Inside, it’s just as stunning, with beautifully crafted details that make you pause and take it all in. It’s a bit of a local landmark, and for good reason.

After soaking in the sights at Union Square, I wandered towards Museum Square (Piața Muzeului), which became one of my favourite spots in Cluj. The cobbled streets, quaint old buildings, and lively atmosphere give it a really charming feel. I found a little café with outdoor seating, wrapped myself in one of their blankets, and enjoyed a proper coffee. There’s something so satisfying about sipping a hot drink while people-watching, especially in a place that feels so relaxed yet full of character.

One thing that surprised me about Cluj was how creative and vibrant it is. As I walked around, I kept stumbling across brilliant street art—murals on the sides of buildings, quirky little pieces tucked away in unexpected corners. It’s like the city has this artistic pulse running through it, which makes exploring feel like a bit of a treasure hunt.

For a more traditional art fix, I popped into the Art Museum at Banffy Palace. It’s not overwhelming, which I really appreciated—you can browse through the collection in under an hour, and it’s all set in a stunning historic building. Even if you’re not a big museum person, it’s worth a look.

Of course, food was a big part of my trip. I tried ciorbă, a traditional Romanian sour soup, and honestly, it’s one of the most comforting dishes I’ve had in ages. It’s the kind of thing that warms you up from the inside out, which was perfect for the chilly weather. And the pastries—where do I even begin? I found a bakery that made these incredible flaky treats filled with all sorts of delicious things. Let’s just say I couldn’t resist going back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Sunday came far too quickly. I had a leisurely morning, revisited some of my favourite spots from the day before, and even squeezed in another coffee at Museum Square before heading back to the airport. By the time my 13:15 flight took off, I felt like I’d had a proper little adventure, even if it was just a weekend.

Cluj-Napoca really is a fantastic spot for a short getaway. It’s compact enough to explore at your own pace, but there’s so much to see and do that it never feels boring. Between the history, the art, and the amazing food, I left feeling like I’d found a hidden gem. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different but still easy to navigate, I can’t recommend Cluj enough.