Choco Home & Hostel
The Best-Rated Hostel in Cluj-Napoca Center
Loved by Travelers Like You!
Experience the perfect blend of historic Art Nouveau charm and modern comfort in our boutique hostel.
Just minutes from the Cluj train station and the Old Town. Located on Horea Boulevard, Choco Home & Hostel offers affordable, highly-rated stays for solo travelers, couples, and groups. Enjoy fast free Wi-Fi, self-check-in, and a fully equipped shared kitchen in the heart of Transylvania’s capital. For your comfort and security, we provide fresh bed linens, towels, and personal lockers.
Our Rooms: Dorms & Private Suites
We have a variety of rooms to meet every guest’s criteria. Click the arrows or swipe to explore the images.
Choco Suite
A freshly renovated, private second-floor apartment blending vintage Art Nouveau architecture with contemporary design.
- Layout: Private bedroom, living room with extendable bed.
- Entertainment: Smart TV & fast Wi-Fi.
- Facilities: Dining area, private kitchenette, and en-suite bathroom.
Choco Double Room
A cozy, private double bedroom perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting privacy while enjoying hostel social life.
- Comfort: Queen-size bed, spacious wardrobe.
- Convenience: Private exclusive bathroom, workspace/desk.
- Extras: TV, access to the shared kitchen and terrace.
8 Bed Dormitory
Spacious, sociable, and budget-friendly mixed dorms featuring sturdy bunk beds and a large central dining table.
- Security: Personal lockers for every guest.
- Bed Setup: Reading lights, charging sockets for every bed.
- Convenience: In-room sinks for a quick refresh.
Hostel Amenities Designed for Modern Travelers
We provide everything you need for a comfortable and secure stay in Cluj-Napoca, whether you are a digital nomad needing fast internet or a backpacker wanting to cook your own meals.
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Includes an electric stove, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, and washing machine.
High-Speed Free Wi-Fi
Reliable internet access throughout the hostel, perfect for digital nomads.
Ample Bathrooms
Three separate showers and two separate toilets ensure you never have to wait.
Outdoor Terrace & Lounge
Relax, socialize, and watch TV with fellow travelers in our cozy common areas.
Essentials Included
Free fresh bed linen, towels, and secure personal lockers for every guest.
Cable TV & Entertainment
Enjoy your favorite shows and movie nights with Cable TV available in our lounge and private suites.
Gallery
Peek Into Choco Home & Hostel
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our hostel
1. Booking & Reservations
2. Location & Arrival
3. Check-In & Luggage
4. Amenities & Your Stay
5. Hostel Rules & Vibe
Cluj-Napoca:
Where the Action Is
From the massive stages of UNTOLD and Electric Castle to intimate street food markets, film screenings at TIFF, and cultural fairs in Unirii Square—Cluj never sleeps. Whether you’re here for the festivals or the local vibe, we’re right in the center of it all.
Insider Tip: Visiting in summer? Every weekend brings something new—live music, art, or pop-up events. If you’re festival-bound, ask us for the best local transport routes!
Stay in the loop
Events in Cluj change weekly. Check the official city calendar to plan your nights out.
View Live CalendarDiscover Cluj-Napoca & Beyond: Top Attractions
Make Choco Home & Hostel your basecamp for exploring the heart of Transylvania. From vibrant city squares to underground wonders, here are the top sights you can’t miss during your stay.
🚶♂️ 6 Top Sights Within Walking Distance
One of the best things about staying at Choco Hostel is that you are right in the heart of the action. Cluj-Napoca is a highly walkable city, and within minutes of stepping out our front door, you can discover bustling cobblestone streets, tranquil parks, and centuries of Transylvanian history. Here is what is waiting in our neighborhood.
01
Unirii Square & St. Michael’s Church
The beating heart of Cluj-Napoca. This massive square is surrounded by stunning baroque and gothic architecture, bustling cafes, and the iconic Matthias Corvinus Monument. St. Michael’s Church offers a towering presence and breathtaking interior details.
Insider tip
For the best panoramic view of the city center, you can actually climb the church tower! You must reserve your entrance in advance via their official website.
02
Museum Square & Matei Corvin House
Step into the oldest, most bohemian neighborhood in Cluj. This pedestrian-only, cobblestone square is packed with vibrant outdoor cafes, local craft stalls, and the stunning Franciscan Church. Right on the corner sits the 15th-century Matei Corvin House — the oldest secular building in the city and the birthplace of one of Hungary’s greatest kings.
Insider tip
The Matei Corvin House currently serves as the city’s University of Art and Design. While it isn’t a traditional museum, if the heavy wooden doors are open during the day, you can politely step inside to admire the beautiful, historic inner courtyard. Afterward, grab a local craft beer at one of the lively terraces nearby — it is the absolute best spot in the city for evening people-watching.
03
Central Park & The Old Casino
A lush, green oasis perfect for a morning stroll, a picnic, or relaxing by the water. Don’t miss the beautifully restored Old Casino building, which often hosts free cultural events and art exhibitions.
Insider tip
During the warmer months, head to Chios Lake inside the park and rent one of the giant pink flamingo paddleboats! Afterward, grab a fresh Kürtőskalács (chimney cake) from one of the small vendors near the park entrance.
04
Cetățuia Hill
A short but steep climb takes you up to the ruins of an old Austrian fortress, rewarding you with a stunning panoramic view of the entire Cluj-Napoca skyline.
Insider tip
Skip the midday heat and do this climb right before sunset. There is a cafe terrace at the very top (Pergola) where you can grab a local beer or lemonade and watch the city lights turn on during “golden hour” — it is the best photo spot in the city.
05
Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden
Spanning 14 hectares, this is one of the most beautiful and complex botanical gardens in Eastern Europe. Get lost in the Japanese Garden, explore the tropical greenhouses, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon surrounded by thousands of plant species.
Insider tip
Make sure to find the giant Water Lily Greenhouse! It houses massive Amazonian water lilies that are spectacular to see. Also, if you are a student, bring your student ID card for a discounted entry ticket.
06
Ethnographic Museum & Romulus Vuia Park
A literal time machine back to rural Transylvania! While there is an indoor gallery in the city center, the real star is the “Romulus Vuia” Open-Air Park. It is the oldest open-air museum in Romania, featuring dozens of beautifully preserved 18th-century wooden peasant houses, windmills, and stunning wooden churches set in a peaceful, sprawling park.
Insider tip
Skip the indoor city-center gallery on a sunny day and head straight to the Open-Air Park (located near the edge of the Hoia Forest). Pack a book or a small picnic! The park is incredibly quiet, wonderfully shaded, and feels like you are walking through a real, abandoned medieval village.
🚐 7 Epic Day Trips & Surrounding Adventures
Cluj-Napoca is perfectly positioned as a 'gateway to Transylvania,' meaning there are several incredible spots within a 1-2 hour drive that feel like completely different worlds. Here are some day trips that are very popular with travelers, ranging from 'The Versailles of Transylvania' and hidden mountain villages, to a spectacular underground salt mine and a world-famous haunted forest.
01
Turda Salt Mine
An absolute must-see. This massive underground salt mine looks like a sci-fi movie set. Deep beneath the earth, you will find an amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, and a subterranean lake where you can rent rowboats.
Insider tip
Always bring a warm sweater or light jacket, even in the middle of summer! The temperature deep inside the mine stays at a constant 10–12°C (50–54°F) year-round. Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the long summer queues.
02
Turda Gorge
A paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and rock climbers. This dramatic karst landscape features towering limestone cliffs, caves, and a beautiful trail that follows the Hasdate River through the canyon.
Insider tip
Do not wear flip-flops or smooth sneakers! The rocks along the river path get very slippery. Wear shoes with good grip. For adrenaline junkies, look for the massive zipline (tiroliana) near the canyon entrance before you start your hike.
03
Hoia-Baciu Forest
Known as the "Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania," this world-famous forest is famous for its crooked, dancing trees and spooky legends. Whether you believe in the paranormal or just want a fantastic hiking and mountain biking trail, it's a thrilling day trip.
Insider tip
To see the weirdest part of the forest, set your map for Poiana Rotundă (The Round Meadow). It is a perfectly circular clearing deep in the woods where absolutely no trees or vegetation will grow — and scientists still don't know why!
04
Rimetea Village & Colțești Fortress
Frequently voted the most beautiful village in Romania. Rimetea is famous for its uniform white houses with green shutters and the massive "Piatra Secuiului" (Szekler's Rock) mountain that looms over it. It's a place where time has stopped.
Insider tip
Hike up to the ruins of the Colțești Fortress (5 minutes away) for a stunning view of the valley. Afterward, eat at "Conacul Secuiesc" — their Goulash and local desserts are legendary.
05
Bánffy Castle in Bonțida
Known as the "Versailles of Transylvania," this was once one of the most spectacular aristocratic estates in the region. It's a mix of Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles. Today, it's famous worldwide as the home of the Electric Castle Festival.
Insider tip
The castle is currently being restored. Ask for a guided tour to hear the dramatic story of how it was burned down in WWII. Also, the "Kitchen Building" often houses a lovely small cafe where you can sit among the ruins.
06
Tarnița Lake
The go-to summer spot for locals. It's a massive, deep blue reservoir surrounded by thick pine forests. It's perfect for swimming, stand-up paddling, or renting a small boat.
Insider tip
If you like hiking, search for the trail to "Piatra lui Lucaci." It's a moderately difficult 2-hour hike that leads to a rocky outcrop with the absolute best aerial view of the lake winding through the mountains.
07
The Reed Beds of Sic
Often called "The Delta of Transylvania," this is a massive protected marshland. It features a 1-kilometer long wooden floating walkway that takes you right into the heart of the reeds. It's incredibly peaceful and a paradise for birdwatchers.
Insider tip
Visit during the "Blue Hour" (just after sunset) or early morning. The light hitting the yellow reeds and the wooden bridge makes for incredible, minimalist photography.
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