Things To Do
in Turda
Turda is a historic town in Transylvania renowned for its world-famous salt mine and dramatic natural surroundings. It sits along the Someș River, offering a blend of industrial heritage, green spaces, and easy access to the nearby Apuseni Mountains. The centerpiece is Salina Turda, an underground wonder that captivates visitors with eerie caverns, a subterranean lake, and atmospheric lighting.
With a compact town center, welcoming locals, and nearby hiking routes, Turda provides a relaxing base for exploring rural Romania with a Transylvanian flavor.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Turda and settle into your chosen accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the charming town center to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Enjoy a coffee at a local café while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the Turda Salt Mine, a remarkable historical site transformed into an underground amusement park. Explore the vast chambers, try out the Ferris wheel, and admire the stunning salt formations. Don’t forget to capture these moments with plenty of photos.
Dine at a traditional Romanian restaurant, indulging in local specialties such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mămăligă (cornmeal porridge). Experience the warmth of Romanian hospitality and perhaps enjoy some live music. Take a stroll back to your accommodation under the night sky, reflecting on your first day in Turda.
After breakfast, embark on a hiking adventure in Turda Gorge, a breathtaking natural reserve. The hike offers stunning views of the limestone cliffs and unique wildlife, making it an excellent opportunity for photography. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature's beauty.
Continue your hike and explore various trails, discovering waterfalls and hidden caves along the way. The diverse landscape provides plenty of spots to relax and unwind while immersing yourself in the tranquility of the gorge. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Return to the town and choose a welcoming restaurant for dinner, sampling more local dishes. Wind down by visiting a nearby pub for some regional wine or a traditional palinca (fruit brandy). Share tales of your adventurous day with fellow travelers or locals you meet.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍝Meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Cappuccino | $2-3 |
| 🚕Taxi 3-4 km | $4-7 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $30-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Iconic Salt Mine at Salina Turda
- Accessible natural beauty at Cheile Turzii
- Compact, walkable town center and affordable prices
- Good base for exploring the Apuseni Mountains and rural Transylvania
- Limited nightlife and big-city amenities
- Public transport options are limited for rural excursions
- "Bună ziua" - Hello / Good day
- "Vă rog" - Please
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "La revedere" - Goodbye
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "O cafea, vă rog" - A coffee, please
- "Vorbiți engleză?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Turda
Visit one of these nice places.
A surreal subterranean landscape with reflective lakes, illuminated caverns, and dramatic rock formations—excellent for unique lighting and reflections.
Towering limestone cliffs and a carved gorge that offer expansive panoramic views and dramatic foregrounds for landscape photography.
A vantage point above the town that captures Turda’s skyline, the salt mine, and surrounding countryside during golden hours.
Food in Turda
Turda Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and rice, a staple dish across Transylvania, best enjoyed with polenta and sour cream.
Must-Try!
Polenta topped with salty sheep cheese and sour cream; a classic side or vegetarian-friendly main when paired with mushrooms or fried eggs.
A tangy tripe soup enriched with sour cream and vinegar; a traditional favorite for adventurous eaters.
Grilled minced-meat rolls spiced with garlic and paprika, typically served with mustard, onions, and bread.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, pastries, and quick bites to sample Romanian street foods.
Casual stalls around the center selling grilled sausages, pastries, and seasonal snacks; ideal for a quick and affordable bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting such as Buna ziua (Hello) or Salut (Hi) goes a long way; shake hands with strangers in formal settings.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak quietly and remove hats as a sign of respect.
Traditionally, wait for everyone to be served before starting; meals are enjoyed at a leisurely pace with conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Turda
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding the bill up or leaving 5-10% is common; small tips for guides or taxi drivers are appreciated but not obligatory.
Cards are widely accepted in urban areas; cash is still commonly used in markets and smaller eateries. Contactless payment is increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and budding foliage; showers are common, so carry a light rain layer and enjoy early season hikes before the crowds arrive.
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; expect afternoon storms. Stay hydrated and seek shade in the historic center or near Salina Turda.
Crisp air and colorful foliage; great for scenic drives and shorter hikes. Harvest season brings seasonal ingredients to markets.
Cold temperatures with occasional snow; Salina Turda remains a popular indoor destination. Dress in layers for outdoor viewpoints.
Turda at Night
Hiking in Turda
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A signature limestone canyon with dramatic cliffs and scenic viewpoints; suitable for day hikes and photography.
Gentle to moderate loops offering city panoramas and easy access to historic lookout points.
Airports
How to reach Turda by plane.
The main international gateway to the region, about 40–60 minutes by car from Turda with frequent flights to Europe.
A smaller option about 1.5–2 hours by car; serves regional connections and some international routes.
A broader choice about 2.5–3 hours away by road; useful for cross-Romania itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The historic majority in Turda and the surrounding region, with a mix of urban and rural residents.
A recognized minority with cultural influence in regional traditions and language in some neighborhoods.
An integral part of the social fabric with its own cultural contributions and local crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime and local recreation; you’ll see matches or informal games in parks and schoolyards.
Flat and hilly routes around Turda and into the surrounding countryside, suitable for casual riders and enthusiasts.
The nearby Cheile Turzii and surrounding hills attract outdoor lovers for day hikes and rock climbs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Turda.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer vegetarian versions of Romanian staples such as mămăligă, vegetable soups, and mushroom dishes; explicitly ask for meatless options or dairy-free adaptations.