I have spent years exploring the winding streets of Europe with my furry best friend by my side. However, few places have surprised me as much as the vibrant city in the heart of Transylvania. If you are a traveler who refuses to leave your pup behind, let me share my journey. This is the ultimate guide to Dog Friendly Holidays in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. It is a city where history meets a cool, young vibe. Best of all, it is incredibly welcoming to our four-legged companions.
Why I Chose Cluj-Napoca
I often search for a dog friendly holiday near me when I am in Europe. Most people think of Paris or Berlin first. But Cluj-Napoca is the second most populated city in Romania and it offers something those giants sometimes lack. It is the unofficial capital of Transylvania. The vibe here is young and trendy because it is home to a massive university.
First of all, I noticed something very important. Unlike many other Romanian cities, there are no stray dogs roaming the streets of Cluj-Napoca. This makes a huge difference. It removes the stress of potential fights or health concerns while you take a stroll. Is Cluj-Napoca safe? Yes, it is very safe for both humans and pets. I felt completely at ease walking through the old town at night.
Planning Your Trip: The Paperwork
The dream of holidays with dog europe requires a bit of prep work. Romania follows standard European Union rules. I had to ensure my dog had a microchip. This chip must be an ISO 11784 or 11785 compliant, 15-digit device. Additionally, a valid rabies vaccine is a must. You must get this vaccine at least 21 days before you cross the border.
I carried an EU Pet Passport everywhere. If you come from a non-EU country, you will need a special health certificate and perhaps a rabies titer test. Later, I realized that some breeds like Pit Bulls might need to wear a muzzle in public areas. Plus, the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher are also on the muzzle list. Therefore, you should check these rules if your dog is a larger breed.
The Best Dog Friendly Hotels Romania: Where We Stayed
The search for the best dog friendly hotels romania led me to some fantastic spots. I found that about one-third of the listings in the area are pet-friendly.
First, I looked at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj. This is a 5-star luxury spot right in the center. It allows both dogs and cats. They even provide food and water bowls. The staff was professional and the breakfast buffet was amazing. It has a guest rating of 9.4, which is wonderful. On top of that, it is right next to Central Park, which is perfect for morning walks.
Similarly, I explored Residence iL Lago. This hotel is located near a beautiful lake and a big mall. It is very pet-friendly and the area is quiet. I enjoyed the lake views from the balcony. It also has a 9.4 rating.
I also want to mention Bloom Downtown Suites. It is in the heart of the old town. Dogs of any size are allowed there for no extra fee. The rooms have kitchenettes with dishwashers, which made it feel like a real home.
If you prefer apartments, I stayed at The Central Apartment. It is located between the city center and the railway station. It was a multilevel place with a kitchen and even a washing machine. It was a great base for 10 nights. Another good choice is the Csikos Apartment. It is spacious and can sleep four people. However, be aware they might charge a small extra fee for the dog, around £4 per night.
Eating Out: A Paradise for Pups
I was shocked by how many restaurants welcomed us. Dog friendly holidays in cluj-napoca, romania are easy because of the cafe culture. Many places have outdoor terraces, but some even let you sit inside.
I spent a lovely evening at /FORM Café in Museum Square. The design is very modern and cool. They actually have a special menu for dogs. My pup felt like a king. Another favorite was Che Guevara Social Pub in Unirii Square.
If you want a good burger, go to People Pub. For a more artistic vibe, I recommend Atelier Café on Memorandumului Street. It acts as a cozy cafe during the day and a bar at night, often with live music. Shadow Cafe-Bar in the Old Town is another great spot for a beer with your dog. It is very informal and has interesting art on the walls.
Additionally, I found Meron to be the best coffee shop for pet owners. The servers brought a bowl of water to our table without me even asking. They have several locations and they are all pet-friendly.
For a fancy meal, I visited Carrousel in Central Park. It sits on an island in the lake. The chicken was flavorful and the surroundings were stunning. It is the perfect place to relax after a long walk in the park.
Exploring the City with Your Dog
Navigating Cluj-Napoca is quite easy. It is a very walkable city. You can also use the bus or tram. Dogs are allowed on public transport if you buy them a ticket. A human ticket costs 5 lei, which is about $1.22. Smaller pets in carriers are often free, but larger dogs must wear a muzzle.
I took my dog to the Ethnographic Park Romulus Vuia. This is an open-air museum just outside the center. It was founded in 1929 and shows old houses and churches from Transylvania. It is a fantastic place for a long walk. Dogs must stay on a lead and you must clean up after them. The entry fee for adults is only 10 lei.
Gradually, we made our way to Central Park (Parcul Central). It is a historic monument with scenic paths. We spent hours there. I also recommend a trip to Hoia Forest for a bit of mystery. Some people say it is the “Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania”. It is a great spot for forest bathing and hiking.
Finally, I have a big surprise for shoppers. Iulius Mall Cluj became pet-friendly in December 2025. This was a first for the city. You can bring up to two dogs or two cats with you. You must keep them on a leash or in a carrier. Also, you need to carry their health records or pet passport. Just remember that they cannot go into the food court or children’s play areas for hygiene reasons.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
Though the city is very friendly, some places are strictly off-limits. I learned that the Botanical Garden does not allow pets. It has over 11,000 species of plants, but your dog will have to sit this one out.
Similarly, if you want to visit the famous Salina Turda (the salt mine), leave your pet at the hotel. It is a spectacular underground world, but pets are forbidden. They are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
What are the main holidays in romania? You should know that on January 24th, the salt mine and some other spots have special hours for the Day of the Union of the Romanian Principalities. On December 25th, 26th, and January 1st, the Botanical Garden is closed.
If you need a break from your dog for a day trip, I found a resort for puppies called Pet Joy. It is a great kennel where they send you pictures of your dog having fun. Also, if your dog gets sick, the Vetero Veterinary Clinic offers 24/7 emergency services. They have locations in the Zorilor and Grigorescu neighborhoods. One of their doctors, Dr. Anca Doboși, is even a specialist for exotic animals like birds and reptiles.
FAQ
Is Romania dog friendly?
Romania is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs. You will find growing pet-friendly options in cities and the countryside. Though it has a reputation for stray dogs, travelers find the country surprisingly friendly for pets.
Is Cluj in Romania worth visiting?
It is a great place to visit because it is the second most populated city in Romania and acts as the unofficial capital of Transylvania. The vibe is young, cool, and trendy.
Is Cluj-Napoca a city in Romania?
Yes, it is a city located in the North-Western side of Romania.
How are dogs treated in Romania?
Dog ownership is widespread, though stray dogs are a significant issue in some large cities. Locals sometimes do not treat strays well, which makes the animals shy and timid.
Is Cluj-Napoca expensive?
The city has some of the most expensive rents in Romania, sometimes higher than the capital. Nevertheless, it ranks 386th out of 560 on a global cost of living scale.
How far does $100 go in Romania?
You can get a lot for your money since a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs about $37. Public transport is cheap, with a ticket costing around $1.22. Therefore, $100 can support a visitor for several days.
What is the prettiest town in Romania?
Sighisoara is a highlight because it is a well-preserved medieval town on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Is Cluj-Napoca safe?
Yes, the city is safe for families and travelers.
Are there bears in Cluj-Napoca?
You can see bears at the Bucharest Zoo, but there is no mention of wild bears in Cluj-Napoca in the provided text.
Where is the best place to holiday with a dog?
Cluj and Brașov are excellent choices for a holiday.
Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
Airlines like TAROM allow pets under 8kg in the cabin, but they must stay in a carrier. Larger dogs must travel in the hold.
Where to take a dog on holiday in Europe?
You can visit Carpathian hiking trails, the Danube Delta, or historic cities like Cluj and Bucharest.
Concluding Words
Before you set off on your holidays with dog europe, you must handle the paperwork. Romania requires an EU Pet Passport or a valid health certificate. Your pet must have a microchip and a rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days before travel. Plus, some breeds like Pit Bulls, Boerboels, and Ban Dogs are not permitted to enter the country. Other breeds, such as the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher, must wear a muzzle in public spaces.
If you use public transport, smaller pets in carriers travel for free, but larger dogs need a half-price ticket. A standard ticket for a person costs 5 lei, which is about $1.22. Therefore, it is very affordable to get around. Finally, if you need a place for your dog to stay while you visit the Salina Turda salt mine—where pets are forbidden—I recommend the Pet Joy puppy resort. They send regular photo updates so you know your dog is having fun.
