Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Gay Cluj-Napoca – the unofficial capital of Transylvania – is all about up-and-coming art, bohemian cafes, baroque buildings and medieval masterpieces.
There is also a fiery nightlife scene in Cluj, and although it mostly caters to straight people, there is on gay club bucking the trend and invigorating the local scene with voguing parties and fetish balls.
Sure – most travelers might be tempted to hire a car and skip town at the first chance they get, but this relatively liberal outpost in a very rural country offers some respite for LGBT travelers (and locals) and has a lot to offer …If you are willing to give it a chance!
The first thing to know before a trip to Gay Romania is that homosexuality has not been a crime in over two decades, and there are currently no laws against gay citizens in Romania, aside from those that deny equality in marriage.
In addition, there are anti-discrimination laws offering protection to same-sex individuals though it seems Romania is currently following flirting with the ‘illiberal’ path of Poland and Hungary as it gears up for a referendum to constitutionally prohibit gay marriage.
Many of the progressive moves in LGBT rights in Romania came not from the grass-roots levels but from necessary changes to harmonize with EU laws and gain accession. This is to say despite the legal paperwork, public attitudes are slow to change, and by all accounts, Romanians are amongst the most conservative and religious people in Europe. Romania is still a very rural country with rural ideas.
In saying all this, we did not experience any discrimination in Romania as the largest number of liberally-minded people work in tourism and hospitality.
Many people are probably ignorant at best about homosexuality as it is not uncommon for even relatively open-LGBT people in major cities like Bucharest, Sibiu, Timișoara, and Constanta to remain closeted in some parts of their personal and professional life.
After almost of decade of lethargy, we are finally seeing a cohesive gay movement from across Romania spearheaded by organizations such as MozaiQ. Cluj Pride continues to grow every year, as does Bucharest Pride, and LGBT acceptance in artistic and wealthier Cluj-Napoca was far higher than we expected.
Travelers to Gay Cluj will find many things to love – whether you’re hiring a car on a more significant trip around Romania or just in town for a few days. While there is plenty of fun to be had at night, just don’t expect to find a gay scene like Vienna, Prague, Krakow or Budapest. But who’s to say what the future may hold?
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Cluj-Napoca
Being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want when traveling, and most queer tourists will simply want to check out the top things to see in Cluj-Napoca during the day! Cluj-Napoca is a very safe city, but still, all travelers should take caution with valuables.
Hand-holding or same-sex displays of affection should be avoided in this conservative culture, but otherwise, gay travelers should not encounter any other issues when exploring this charming city.
Cluj Gastronomical Walking Tour
Uncover Cluj Napoca, Transylvania’s capital, from an unusual perspective: through a 4-5 hour walking food tour through the historical center where you’ll get to try the various tastes of the most characteristic products and recipes from the region, including cakes, cookies and local fruit brandy, such as Pálinka and Țuică.
Go on a tour – or hire a car – and make a day trip to one of the”coolest underground places in the world,” and a hidden gem of Romanian tourism. A crazy huge underground salt cavern turned into an amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel – the Turda Salt Mines are just something you have to see to believe. Make sure not to miss the nearby Alba Iulia and Alba Carolina fortress to complete the day.
Get closer to the Dracula legend by calling in at Dracula’s castle in Bran, then exploring the medieval city of Sighisoara, including Dracula’s birth house.
Enjoy Cluj Napoca’s distinctive charm through a tour of its hidden spots, including visiting mirror street, a unique attraction in Cluj Napoca and wandering around St. Michael Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. See how the city is a German, Hungarian and Romanian cultural melting pot as you stroll past the birth house of a famed king and appreciate Avram Iancu Square.
Transfăgărășan Highway
Take a day tour or hire a car to explore Romania’s most iconic road in the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. Not to be missed.
Cluj-Napoca Bánffy Palace
A stunning fine arts museum in an equally impressive baroque building featuring works by major Romanian & Hungarian artists.
Explore the picturesque region of Maramures in the most rural experience of Romania. The Maramures has preserved its traditions, customs, and landscapes for hundreds of years and today, the best way to get to know the culture of this region is through its delicious food and simple homestays.
An annual film festival promotes LGBT culture and cinema, including a Prize Gala with awards for LGBT activism, the best gay publication and the most LGBT-friendly public personality in Romania. Taking place in November annually but check their Facebook for other queer film events throughout the year.
A group of people who identify as lesbians, bi, trans, queer women from Cluj, whose purpose is to connect and link a united and supporting community. They host various events with details on their Facebook page, including coming out stories, parties, picnics, hikes and bike rides.
Now in its second year, Cluj Pride is the first Pride in Transylvania and aims to provide increased visibility for the LGBTQ community in Gay Cluj. The organizers always want to encourage the participation of LGBTQ people in community activities and to contribute to the national dialogue on topics affecting the rainbow community of Romania.
Plan on attending Cluj Pride, held in June. You will find a local splash of color and optimistic attitudes, as well as a fabulous lineup of activities – with everything from LGBTQ-themed presentations and movie screenings, to interactive exhibitions and community picnics.
There is, of course, a Cluj Pride march taking place on a Saturday where everybody marches together for equal rights, respect and safety; in solidarity with others! Cluj Pride brings confidence, strength, and visibility to the LGBT community in Romania, and we couldn’t be happier!
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Cluj-Napoca
In Cluj-Napoca, you are unlikely to find a hotel that had any issues with gay guests – and it would be unheard of in any of the more luxurious properties.
During our travels in Gay Romania, we stayed everywhere from small villages to big cities in a variety of accommodation styles and never once encountered more than a confused ‘Would you like a twin or double bed?’. Even when the hotel staff didn’t speak English, we didn’t have any issues and were welcomed everywhere we went.
However, in saying this, some hotels in Cluj-Napoca are just more popular with queer travelers due to their location and LGBT-friendly vibes. These are the hotels we feature here since there is no specific gay hotel in Cluj-Napoca. Each of these gay-friendly Cluj-Napoca hotels offers something particular, so be sure to choose the right style and location to meet your needs.
Of course, there are also hundreds of more hotels in Cluj-Napoca if you don’t find the right one here. Most include free parking, but if your hiring a car, be sure to confirm the details of each property as it is hard in the Old Town especially!
Our favorite gay-stay hotel in Cluj offers world-class service and apartment-style accommodation close to the Old Town and all the attractions – by night or by day. The modern rooms are beautifully decorated, including plush bedding and a large bathroom with a massive walk-in shower.
Ask for a high-level room when booked to enjoy fabulous balconies with fantastic views over Gay Cluj. Housed in the former Ursus Beer Factory, attention has been paid to every little detail at Hotel Platinia, and all guests are warmly welcomed in their luxurious yet contemporary setting.
Cluj Business Class Apartments ☆☆☆☆
Spacious and modern apartments are just a short walk from the gay bar in Cluj-Napoca. Contemporary architecture, city view balconies and very clean. There are also adjoining sitting rooms, so if you’re looking to host or just want your privacy, this is the best option.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cluj ☆☆☆☆
City Plaza – A modern hotel with stylish, contemporary rooms and the famous Hilton service. Renowned for their ‘Go Out With Hilton’ LGBT travel campaign, it is no wonder so many gay travelers choose the Hilton!
In gay Cluj, they can enjoy affordable suites offering living rooms, whirlpool tubs and infrared saunas, enjoy breakfast in a bright, international restaurant or make sure of the full-service spa features an indoor pool, a sauna, a Jacuzzi and a gym.
One of the most popular hotels in Cluj booked by gay travelers; the Hotel Paradis is an elegant hotel in a contemporary building with a complimentary breakfast buffet and parking – in case you are driving around Romania.
The rooms are cozy and somewhat dated, but the free access to the spa area, including a pool, a sauna, a hot tub, and aroma and light therapy, is a big drawcard.
Close to the historical center of Cluj-Napoca, this hotel-decorated hotel offers wonderful service from the owners who go out of their way to ensure everything is absolutely perfect. There is a fitness hall and an outdoor swimming pool, which is available only in summer, and space in the garden to have a relaxing barbecue. If you prefer accommodation oozing family-run charm, the Villa-Hotel Escala is where you will find it!
A beautiful, modern hotel newly opened but somewhat annoyingly located outside of the city – which is a blessing if you are hiring a car in Romania! This 4-star design West City Hotel features unconventional decor elements, such as glass-panel showers in the room, and one of the best breakfast buffets in Romania. It is also near a large shopping center and has lower prices to reflect its less desirable location.
Hampton by Hilton Cluj-Napoca ☆☆☆
A ten-minute walk from the old town, the Hampton by Hilton Cluj-Napoca is nothing to write home about, but if you want a no-surprise stay with low prices, clean and spacious rooms, a gym and a buffet breakfast, you should look no further.
An adorably eccentric hotel filled with color, vibrant design, and unique details. Quiet and with a green courtyard in the center of Cluj-Napoca, Lol et Lola Hotel is a popular budget option for gay travelers who don’t want fancy amenities but enjoy personal service and quirky decor. This is one cute – albeit unusual hotel – you will not soon forget!
A cozy hostel provides comfortable – and affordable – accommodation in a friendly and social atmosphere. Gay-friendly, this is the perfect spot for backpackers from around the world to meet, explore the city, and share stories. If you are on a budget, want to meet new friends to party with and don’t mind sharing a dorm room, then Transylvania Hostel is your best option.
Gay Bars and Gay Clubs in Cluj-Napoca
Oh honey, you better pack your dancing shoes and sequined tank tops, because Delirio is serving up some serious gay realness in the heart of Cluj-Napoca.
We were skeptical at first, but this club has us gagging for more with its electrifying atmosphere and fierce DJs. The drinks flow like the Danube River and the boys are hotter than a Romanian summer. You may even forget you’re in Eastern Europe for a moment, but trust us, you’ll never forget the time you had at Delirio.
But honey, don’t show up expecting a quiet night sipping cocktails, this club is for those who are ready to get their Grindr on and slay the dance floor until the early hours of the morning. Let’s just say, you might need a vacation after your vacation to recover from the non-stop partying at Delirio. We were pleasantly surprised to find a thriving gay scene in Cluj-Napoca and Delirio is leading the charge.
Otherwise, there are a few favorite cocktail spots and cafes where you might bump into other gays, or a high-end nightclub if you are getting desperate to party. You can also try Str Piezisa, filled with cheap bars populated by relatively liberal students but remember – in general – hand-holding or same-sex displays of affection outside of gay bars can lead to trouble anywhere in Romania and should be avoided.
If you can, try to meet gay locals during the day around town – or on a dating app – to find out about any one-off parties in clubs or bars, and look out for one-off events such as the Let’s Have a Kiki parties – Romania’s first open-minded circuit party, often held at the Cluj Arena.
The only gay club in Cluj-Napoca, opened Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with an offshoot in Sibiu and another location opening soon in Timisoara. The place to meet gay guys in Cluj with go-go dancers, fabulous drag shows, DJ music until 5 am and plenty of vodka-fuelled, scantily-clad boys. Delirio is known as a place where everybody can have a good time, and just be themselves – regardless of sexuality.
People here are genuinely friendly and welcoming to foreigners – in contrast with other clubs, we visit in Cluj. Still, everything is not perfect here, the venue is small and old, with a limited selection of drinks, but we are just thankful the Delirio Gay Club Cluj exists and provides a safe space for the Romanian LGBT community to just be.
Their website listed all the gay events in Cluj, including the Kiki Ball and events at other venues, and Thursday is generally lesbian night.
A pub/club concept in Cluj that is a meeting point for alternative people: gay, straight or unicorn. There is always something on here every night of the year with different events and activities, including occasional gay parties. Try their signature drink, an Inferno that sounds like hell, but is actually heavenly – or their wide variety of craft beers.
Club Midi
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A Cluj institution is renowned for its electronic music, big-name DJs, and huge crowds. It is not exactly a gay hangout, but this is Romania, so what did you expect? Still, you should have no issues enjoying the lively nightlife of Cluj Napoca here, and you never know who you will meet…
A quirk bar is hidden on the second floor of a building, and set out like a real apartment – complete with all its original furnishings! A great place to relax, organize to meet people and enjoy a unique fit-out with beer and occasional events.
Possibly the most beautiful cafe in Club, serving steam-punk realness with delicious food and fun drinks. The back summer garden is also very popular with its ivy-covered wall and is perfect for dates and for other casual meetings. The first steampunk kinetic bar in the world with plasma lamps and humanoid robots on the walls, yet weirdly serving classic Romanian far.
Bruno Wine Bar
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A cozy wine bar in the heart of Club with the best of Romanian wines – but a small, and often missing international collection. Low prices, honest service, and relaxed vines.
A locally owned and independent cocktail bar in Cluj Napoca with a mix of tourists and locals. Everyone from drinking novices to cocktail connoisseurs will appreciate their finely crafted drinks and colorful decor. Unlike Hemingway bars in Key West and Paris, the famous namesake has never visited Cluj as far as we can tell.
A cocktail factory in Cluj, this theme bar, with original cocktails served in jars, has a social atmosphere and strong Communist design motifs – similar to places in Warsaw, Prague, Budapest, and Estonia. A great place to start the night with affordable drinks and friendly crowds.
Gay Saunas in Cluj-Napoca
Well darling, if you were hoping to find a steamy, all-nude encounter in the saunas of Cluj-Napoca, we’ve got some bad news for you. The truth is, there simply aren’t any gay bathhouses or saunas in this charming Romanian city or in the entire country, for that matter.
It’s a shame, we know, but sometimes the reality of a destination doesn’t live up to our wildest dreams. But fear not, all is not lost. Romania has a rich and vibrant gay culture, it’s just not one that’s centered around bathhouses and saunas. Instead, the gay community here thrives in lively bars, clubs, and events. So grab your cutest clubwear and head to Delirio, the premier gay club in Cluj-Napoca, where you can let loose on the dance floor and mingle with the locals.
There are also hook-up apps or Sniffies sometimes the best memories are made outside of a sauna anyway. So don’t let the lack of bathhouses hold you back, there are plenty of other ways to have a fabulous time in Cluj-Napoca.
Gay Map Of Cluj-Napoca
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Cluj-Napoca? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!