Each summer, the city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, transforms into a vibrant musical wonderland as it hosts UNTOLD Festival, one of Europe’s largest and most spectacular electronic music festivals. Since its debut in 2015, UNTOLD has gained massive international recognition, drawing in hundreds of thousands of festival-goers from around the world.
Known for its electrifying atmosphere, top-tier lineup, and mind-blowing stage designs, UNTOLD offers a unique experience that blends EDM, house, techno, hip-hop, and more. The festival’s Main Stage has welcomed some of the biggest names in the industry, while its other themed stages create an immersive world of music and high-energy performances.
Ready to be part of the festival’s magic?
We’ll tell you everything you need to know for a smooth and unforgettable experience, so tag along as I’ll (hopefully) answer all your burning questions you have as an UNTOLD first-timer.
Table of contents
- When & Where is the UNTOLD Festival?
- UNTOLD Festival Tickets & Prices
- How to Get to Cluj-Napoca for UNTOLD
- Where to Stay in Cluj-Napoca During UNTOLD
- What to Expect at UNTOLD Festival
- Things to Do in Cluj-Napoca Before or After UNTOLD
- Essential Tips for First-Timers
- Final Thoughts: Is UNTOLD Worth It?
When & Where is the UNTOLD Festival?
UNTOLD Festival takes place annually in early August, transforming Cluj-Napoca, Romania, into a vibrant hub of music and entertainment. For 2025, the festival is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary edition from August 7–10, promising an even more spectacular experience.
The heart of UNTOLD is Cluj Arena, a modern stadium that hosts the festival’s biggest performances. Beyond the main stage, the festival spills into surrounding areas, including Central Park, the Someș Riverbank, and the BT Arena, creating a multi-stage, immersive festival universe.
But UNTOLD is more than just a festival—it’s a citywide phenomenon. Cluj-Napoca, often called the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is one of Romania’s most dynamic cities. Known for its rich history, vibrant nightlife, and prestigious universities, Cluj blends medieval charm with a modern, youthful energy. The city, located in the heart of Transylvania, is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles) northwest of Bucharest and is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
During UNTOLD, Cluj transforms completely. The streets pulse with music, pop-up parties, and festival-goers from all over the world. Bars, restaurants, and clubs extend their hours, hosting exclusive afterparties, while public spaces are adorned with festival-themed decorations.
Whether within the official festival grounds or exploring the city's historic squares and buzzing nightlife, visitors experience four days and nights of non-stop celebration, making UNTOLD one of Europe's most immersive festival experiences.
Did you know?Since 2024, UNTOLD has expanded beyond Romania with the launch of UNTOLD Dubai, bringing its signature festival experience to the UAE. The first edition took place in February 2024, and due to its success, the festival is set to return in November 2025. Featuring a stellar lineup that included Tiesto, Armin van Buuren, G-Eazy, and Ellie Goulding, UNTOLD Dubai continues to grow as an international music event, offering festival-goers a chance to experience its spectacular productions and world-class performances in a brand-new setting.
UNTOLD Festival Tickets & Prices
UNTOLD Festival offers several ticket categories, each catering to different types of festival-goers. The General Access Pass comes in two subtypes: one for people under 25 and one for regular attendees. Both are priced the same, but the Under 25 ticket includes a €20 top-up bonus for use inside the festival.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the VIP Tickets & Experiences category includes three sub-types: VIP Main Stage, Galaxy Backstage, and VIP Ultimate Experience. Each offers special perks, including access to premium areas and enhanced services. Both General Access and VIP tickets are valid for all four days of the festival.
If you’re looking for a shorter experience, Day Passes are an option, but they typically become available only a month before the festival. However, be aware that these sell out quickly, especially on days featuring major artist performances.
Additionally, festival access is free for children under 7, while children under 14 must have parental agreement and be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Minors under 18 need to present their ID and a signed parental agreement to enter.
Tickets are available exclusively through the official UNTOLD Festival website and authorized partners.
Sales typically start shortly after the previous edition ends. The Early Birds tickets are obviously the most affordable option, but they are released in limited batches. As the festival date approaches, prices gradually increase. If tickets don’t sell out, a limited number may be available online closer to the event, or even on-site at the festival’s gates, but at a premium price.
One of the best ways to get UNTOLD tickets at the lowest price is to register for pre-sale access. The festival often offers early registration for loyal fans, allowing them to purchase tickets before general sales open. Signing up on the official UNTOLD website ensures you receive notifications about upcoming sales, giving you a head start.
If you're aiming for the cheapest tickets, acting fast on early bird releases is crucial. These discounted passes sell out within minutes, so it’s essential to be prepared with your payment details and ready to purchase as soon as they drop.
Another great strategy is to follow UNTOLD on social media. The festival’s official channels occasionally announce flash sales, exclusive offers and giveaways, which can help you score a ticket at a better price or even for free (if you’re lucky)!
Lastly, avoid third-party resellers at all costs. Buying tickets from unauthorized sources not only risks overpaying but also increases the chances of scams or invalid tickets. Always purchase directly from the official website or trusted ticketing partners to guarantee a safe and secure festival entry.
Local tip:After purchasing your ticket, make sure to assign your ticket to your account and enter the personal data requested within the first 30 days. Otherwise, you will have to pay an extra fee when registering for your wristband.
How to Get to Cluj-Napoca for UNTOLD
Reaching Cluj-Napoca for the UNTOLD Festival is easy, with multiple travel options available, whether you’re coming from within Romania or traveling internationally. The city is well-connected by air, road, and rail, making it accessible for festival-goers from all over the world.
The fastest way to get to Cluj-Napoca is by flying into Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport, located just 8 km from the city center. The airport operates direct flights from many European cities, including London, Paris, Lisbon, Dublin, Madrid, Rome or Frankfurt, as well as domestic routes from Bucharest, Iași and Timișoara.
If you're flying from outside Europe, you still have a couple of options, such as Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv and a few other seasonal routes, but for the rest you may need to connect via a major hub like Bucharest, Vienna, or Munich.
For those traveling from within Romania or nearby countries, trains and long-distance buses offer an alternative to flying. Cluj-Napoca’s main train station (Gara Cluj-Napoca) is well-connected to cities like Bucharest, Brașov, Timișoara, and Oradea, though travel times can be long.
Several bus companies, including FlixBus and MementoBus, operate routes from Budapest, Vienna, and other European cities directly to Cluj-Napoca.
Driving to Cluj-Napoca is a great option if you're traveling from another Romanian city or even nearby countries, like Hungary. The city is approximately 7 hours away from Bucharest, 4 hours from Timișoara, 3 hours from Oradea and 6 hours from Budapest. Keep in mind that parking near the festival area is limited, so booking a parking spot in advance or using park-and-ride services is recommended.
Once in Cluj, reaching the UNTOLD Festival venue (Cluj Arena) is easy.
From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare (Bolt/Uber), or the local bus (line 5 or 8) to the city center. Public transport (including buses, trams) and trolleybuses, operates regularly, with routes stopping near the festival area. Many festival-goers also prefer to walk or use rental electric scooters to navigate the city, as Cluj-Napoca is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
Where to Stay in Cluj-Napoca During UNTOLD
Trust me when I say this: You want to find a place to stay during the Untold Festival as early on as possible, as the city fills up quickly with thousands of festival-goers. You have two main options: you can either search and book accommodation independently or reserve directly through the official UNTOLD website, which offers special packages for attendees.
For those booking on their own, Cluj-Napoca has a variety of options, including 3-star to 5-star hotels, budget-friendly hotels and hostels, and private Airbnb rentals.
To simplify the process, UNTOLD offers official accommodation packages, which can be booked directly through the festival’s website. These options cater to different budgets, from affordable beds in shared dorm rooms to 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels, ensuring attendees find a convenient place to stay without the hassle of searching independently.
Unlike some major festivals, UNTOLD does not have a dedicated camping area, since the event takes place in an urban setting. Still, if you’re a fan of camping, you can find a few options for booking on your own around the outskirts of the city, such as Colina Camping.
The best location for accommodation depends on how close you want to be to the festival:
- City center & Piața Unirii – The most popular choice, offering easy access to both the festival and Cluj’s vibrant restaurants, bars, and attractions.
- Near Cluj Arena (Grigorescu & Mărăști) – Staying in these neighborhoods means you’ll be within walking distance of UNTOLD, but availability is limited, so book early.
- Zorilor & Mănăștur neighborhoods – Slightly farther away but well-connected by public transport, making it a good option for better prices and more availability.
What to Expect at UNTOLD Festival
UNTOLD Festival is much more than just a music event—it’s an immersive, high-energy experience with world-class stages, performances, and visual effects.
The festival takes over Cluj Arena and its surrounding areas, with multiple stages offering a mix of music genres:
- Main Stage – The heart of the festival, where headliners perform massive sets with spectacular lights, pyrotechnics, and special effects.
- Galaxy Stage – The go-to spot for techno and underground electronic music, featuring top-tier DJs.
- Alchemy Stage – Dedicated to bass-heavy genres like hip-hop, drum & bass, and dubstep.
- Other Stages & Themed Areas – UNTOLD also features smaller stages with house, trance, and experimental music, along with interactive zones for a fully immersive experience.
UNTOLD is famous for its massive stage productions, combining cutting-edge visuals, fireworks, laser shows, and themed decorations to create a fairytale-like atmosphere. Every year, the festival builds on its signature mythological and fantasy-inspired themes, making it one of the most visually spectacular festivals in Europe.
One thing to note is that the acts on the main stage have 30-minute breaks between them, so there will be some waiting around if you don’t want to leave and lose your spot.
UNTOLD operates on a cashless system, meaning you need to top up your festival bracelet to buy food, drinks, and merchandise. Do this before entering, as cash points inside the festival are few, and the queues are extremely long. Or you can top up directly from your Untold account (website or mobile app), which is fast and convenient.
One of the biggest frustrations with UNTOLD is that the day-by-day artist schedule is only released 2-4 weeks before the festival. This makes it difficult to plan your schedule compared to other major festivals, so be flexible and keep an eye on announcements.
While UNTOLD always attracts massive crowds, Friday and Saturday evenings are particularly packed, with over 70,000 people inside the venue. In 2023, when Imagine Dragons performed, the crowd reached a record-breaking 115,000 people, making movement difficult and the festival grounds extremely tight.
Things to Do in Cluj-Napoca Before or After UNTOLD
While the UNTOLD Festival will likely take up much of your time in Cluj-Napoca, the city and its surroundings have plenty to offer in terms of culture, nature, and history. Whether you have a few hours to spare or an extra day to explore, here are some top recommendations for things to do in and around Cluj.
Start by wandering through Cluj-Napoca’s Old Town, where you can enjoy the charming mix of medieval and modern architecture. Be sure to visit St. Michael’s Church, Unirii Square, and Matthias Corvinus’ statue. For stunning panoramic views of the city, make your way up to Cetățuia Hill, a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the landscape. If you're looking to unwind before or after the festival, take a stroll through Central Park, a peaceful spot in the city perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Cluj Top Attractions: Turda Salt Mine, Alba Iulia Citadel & Rimetea Village
Start from: Cluj-Napoca (pick-up)
Cluj is ideally located for some unforgettable day trips to nearby attractions. One of the most popular destinations is the Turda Salt Mine, an incredible underground wonder. Romanian Friend offers tours to the salt mine, as well as other nearby destinations such as Corvin Castle, a stunning Gothic fortress just a short trip from Cluj.
For a more adventurous nature experience, Hoia-Baciu Forest — famous for its eerie and mystical reputation—is just a short drive from the city. If you're up for it, we can organize a tour for you in Hoia-Baciu Forest, where you can learn about its legends and unique flora.
For history lovers, visit Alba Iulia Citadel, a beautifully restored fortress with a rich history, or Sighisoara Citadel, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
Tour of Transylvania's Countryside: Sighisoara Citadel & Fortified Villages
Start from: Cluj-Napoca
If you're into hiking, Apuseni Natural Park offers stunning landscapes and trails for all levels. From easier walks to more challenging hikes, you'll experience the untouched beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.
1 or 2-day Hiking Tour from Cluj: Wild Trails in Apuseni Natural Park
Start from: Cluj-Napoca
For a more in-depth guide to attractions in and around Cluj, check out this guide to things to do in Cluj.
Essential Tips for First-Timers
If you're attending the UNTOLD Festival for the first time, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. From packing the right essentials to navigating food options and staying safe in the crowd, here are some key tips to help you make the most of your time in Cluj-Napoca.
When it comes to packing, comfort is key. Since you’ll be on your feet for hours, wearing comfortable sneakers is a must—forget sandals or anything that won’t support you through long nights of dancing.
August in Cluj-Napoca is generally warm, but nights can get chilly, so bringing a light jacket is a smart idea. Weather can be unpredictable, so having a compact rain poncho on hand is useful in case of sudden showers. Your festival essentials should also include your wristband (once collected), ID, sunglasses, sunscreen, a power bank for your phone, and a small backpack or fanny pack to carry everything securely.
A few things that you can’t take with you include: lasers, umbrellas, drones, flammable substances, food and drinks, tripods or heavy selfie sticks.
The food court tends to be overcrowded, with long wait times and higher-than-average prices due to limited space. If you’re looking for a quick and tasty option, skip the main food vendors and search for langos, a traditional deep-fried flatbread that’s faster to get and more affordable.
Cluj-Napoca Food Tour: Food Markets, Regional Dishes and Coffee Culture
Start from: Cluj-Napoca
If you prefer a proper meal, it’s best to eat in Cluj before heading to the festival. The city has a fantastic selection of restaurants, with many great spots in Piața Unirii and the surrounding Old Town area, serving everything from local Romanian dishes to international cuisine.
For UNTOLD, the safety of festival-goers is a priority. There are thousands of security agents available to intervene at any time and a video surveillance system, all intended to minimize unwanted incidents. All you have to do is be vigilant with your surroundings. To keep my valuables safe, I always carry a zippered pouch worn in front of me for my phone, ID and other small belongings.
On peak nights phone networks can become overwhelmed, making it difficult to contact friends. To avoid getting lost in the crowd, set a designated meeting point with your group in case you get separated.
Final Thoughts: Is UNTOLD Worth It?
For anyone who loves electronic music, large-scale productions, and an immersive festival atmosphere, UNTOLD is absolutely worth experiencing at least once.
It’s not just a festival—it’s a four-day journey into a fantasy world, where music, lights, and performances come together to create an unforgettable experience. With massive international headliners, spectacular stage designs, and an energetic crowd, UNTOLD delivers a festival vibe that rivals some of the biggest events in the world.
This festival is a dream come true for EDM, house, techno, and hip-hop fans, with a diverse lineup that includes both mainstream and underground artists. But beyond the music, UNTOLD also offers an experience like no other—set in the heart of Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant city that transforms into a festival playground each summer.
If you’re on the fence about attending, just go for it. I think you’ll love it as much as me and my friends do every year and I hope to see you there in the crowd dancing like there’s no tomorrow. :)
