Things To Do
in Gherla

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, slowly cooked in a savory sauce — found in traditional restaurants and during village family meals.

Must-Try!

Cornmeal polenta served with salty cheese and sour cream, a staple comfort food available at many local eateries and households.

A sour vegetable or meat soup (often with beef or pork) flavored with lovage or vinegar — widely available and perfect as a starter.

Baked or fried cheese pastry sold in bakeries and markets; a great snack while walking the streets.

A small local market where farmers sell seasonal vegetables, eggs, cheeses and sometimes prepared foods like placinta and smoked meats; best for fresh produce and sampling homemade products.

Scattered through town, bakeries offer fresh breads, corn cakes and sweet pastries in the morning and are the go-to for quick local snacks.

Handshakes are customary in initial meetings; address people with formal titles (Domnul/Doamna) unless invited to use first names.

Dress modestly when visiting churches and remove hats; photographing interiors may require permission.

Politeness toward older people and hosts is important — small gestures like accepting a cup of tea or trying food are appreciated.

Respect quieter village rhythms, especially in the evening and on Sundays; loud behavior in residential areas is frowned upon.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service is common, rounding up taxi fares is usual, and small tips for hotel staff and guides are welcome.

Cash (Romanian leu, RON) is widely used — smaller shops and market stalls are often cash-only. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most restaurants and larger shops, but signal and terminal availability can vary. ATMs are available in town.

Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and fewer tourists make this a pleasant time for walking and local events; some mountain trails can still be muddy.

Warm to hot days with lively village life and outdoor markets; the best season for hiking in the Apuseni foothills and enjoying riverside picnics, but expect occasional thunderstorms.

Cooler, crisp air and colorful foliage — excellent for photography and mushroom season in nearby woodlands; harvest festivals may take place in villages.

Cold with possible snow; town is quiet and atmospheric, though some countryside roads may be slippery or impassable without winter tires.

The majority population, speaking Romanian and practicing Orthodox or Greek-Catholic faiths.

A visible Hungarian community in the region with cultural ties and bilingual signage in some areas.

Present in and around the town, contributing to the local cultural fabric while facing social challenges like elsewhere in the country.

Gherla has historical Armenian roots visible in church architecture and family names, though the Armenian community is much smaller today.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with larger cities; mămăligă, salads, cheese pastries and soups without meat are common — ask for meat-free versions and be explicit about no meat stock.

Vegan choices are sparse; carry snacks, look for vegetable-based soups and salads, and shop at the market for fresh fruit, bread and legumes.

Traditional cuisine uses a lot of wheat and corn; gluten-free bread is not common — restaurants may accommodate simple requests but bring snacks or plan to shop in Cluj for more options.

English may be limited in small venues, so learn allergy phrases in Romanian and be cautious with cross-contamination in rustic kitchens.