Few regions are as romanticised as central Romania’s Transylvania. Boasting a scenic backdrop of Carpathian Mountains, Bram Stoker’s 1897 horror novel Dracula has falsely cemented the image of Transylvania as an ominous land rampant with vampires, crumbling turrets, and foreboding forests, and many visitors, in their haste to step into this storybook and get to the acclaimed Bran Castle, overlook less celebrated wonders that capture the Country's innate history; which s even more riveting than the myth. Descending deep into the centuries-old Turda Salt Mine, for instance, is transcendent. Spending time in Cluj—some 300 miles from the metropolises of Bucharest, Budapest, and Belgrade—where you can marvel at the Gothic and Baroque architecture in the compact city center and partake in the robust nightlife, also provides an intriguing, urban perspective on a legendary land.

Home to the summer music festivals Untold and Electric Castle, as well as the Transilvania International Film Festival, Cluj is a vibrant cultural center, as well as an academic hub. The City comprises of 11 universities and subsequently a large student sub culture. Cluj's decidedly youthful air is perhaps best experienced on Strada Piezisa, which offers an eclectic collection of student centric bars and nightlife. 

Transylvania’s vast history is a complex one, largely dominated by such groups as the Romans and Hungarian's. In the wake of the 1920 Treaty of Trianon, when Hungary’s newly independant borders were defined, Transylvania was ceded to Romania and relations between the two Countries remains terse. 

Aiming to bring together all that co-exist in Cluj is Jakab’s restaurant, which nods to the year that freedom of beliefs was declared and the Unitarian Church of Transylvania was founded. Housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings, 1568 Bistro’s aura of openness is reinforced through a beautifully designed restaurant which feature hand painted ceilings. Serving dishes such as cheesy polenta and crème brûlée stuffed chimney cake this quirky venue takes pride in proving that world class menus can be prepared using only Transylvania's local produce. 

For those seeking something something a little special there is an impressive, growing cocktail scene in Cluj. At Hemingway, for instance brick and neon accents pay homage to the country. This is a bar where no matter how busy cool Margaritas and smooth shisha flow seemlessly throughout the night. 

A short stroll away from Hemingway is Charlie, an inviting restaurant and bar outfitted with memorabilia devoted to its namesake, Charlie Chaplin, and an illuminated back bar that is heavy on whiskey. Many of the city’s finest bartenders have served here, making cocktails that combine unique ingredients such as brandy, jam, and elderflower.

To get a taste of Cluj’s rising arts world, pay tribute to the past with visits to the Transylvanian Museum of Ethnography and the National Museum of Transylvanian History, as well as the Art Museum inside Bánffy Palace, which is more for the character rich 18th century setting than the contemporary exhibitions. For modern art, venture to Fabrica de Pensule, an old paintbrush factory where guides offer tours of the artworks that now line its airy rooms.

Likewise, near the train station is Centrul de Interes; co-founded by artist Florin Stefan who exhibits his paintings throughout Europe. Backed by various arts organizations, Centrul de Interes brings together a large community of studios, galleries, and residency spaces that nurture a budding generation of talent.