Planning a trip to Sibiu, Romania? Here is everything you need to know, from things to do and see in Sibiu to the best way to get there, where to stay, and where to eat.
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Is Sibiu worth visiting?
Sibiu is absolutely worth visiting. I believe it is one of Romania’s most beautiful cities, located in the historical region of Transylvania. With elements of German architecture dating to the Saxon settlers, beautiful churches, wide squares, and amazing restaurants, Sibiu is the perfect city to discover Romania’s rich history and traditions.
Guided Trips to Sibiu
Before diving into all the things to do in Sibiu and the practical tips to make the most of your trip, I want to share a few guided tours you can easily do from Bucharest or Brasov.
These trips are ideal if you want to make the most of your time and meet other travelers. Unfortunately, traveling through Romania takes time. While we have buses and trains, the roads and railways are not in top shape.
If you can’t rent a car and don’t want to spend most of your trip on public transport, joining a guided tour is a great option. Here are a couple of great options.
2-Day Trip to Brasov, Sighisoara & Sibiu
This 2-day trip is the perfect choice to visit Transylvania from Bucharest. You’ll pass through the Carpathian Mountains, learn about the region’s history and customs, and spend the night in gorgeous Sighisoara.
The tour also includes stops in Sinaia, Bran, Brasov, and, of course, Sibiu. You’ll visit the magnificent Peles Castle, check out the renowned Bran Castle, and explore the charming historical center of Sibiu, where you can learn about the city’s history and visit its main landmarks. On the way back to Bucharest, you’ll drive through the Transfagarasan, one of the most impressive roads in the world.
Guided Sighisoara and Sibiu Private Day Trip
If you’re staying in Brasov, this is the perfect day trip to explore Sibiu and Sighisoara. You’ll start by visiting the lovely Sighisoara Citadel before heading to Sibiu and exploring the historical center with an expert guide who will tell you about the city’s history and legends.
The tour takes a full day, starting early in the morning and ending in the evening. Note that it does not include any food and entrance fees to monuments. While it can be pricy for some travelers, it’s a stress-free way to visit two gorgeous cities in Transylvania in one day.
When to visit Sibiu, Romania
Honestly, any season is great for visiting Sibiu. If you travel there in summer, you may find it more crowded, but the weather is generally very nice, sunny but not too hot. Winters, on the other hand, can be very cold, but you can experience the lively Christmas atmosphere and may even find snow.
Shoulder seasons are probably the best for a good balance of good weather and fewer crowds. Late spring and early fall are the best times for nice weather. I was there at the end of September, and it was chilly in the mornings and evenings but overall very nice, with very few people around.
Map of things to see and do in Sibiu
Before diving into the things to do and see in Sibiu, here is a map with an overview of everything I have included in this guide.
Best free things to do in Sibiu
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, there’s a lot of stuff you can do in Sibiu for free. The city is gorgeous, so simply wandering around is a great way to spend a day in Sibiu.
Check out the main squares
Sibiu has two main squares in the historical center, very aptly named Small Square and Large Square. The Large Square, the city’s most important square, is surrounded by colorful medieval buildings and landmarks like the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church and Brukenthal Museum.
The small square is connected to the Large Square by a passageway under a 13th-century tower, known as Turnul Sfatului (Council Tower). The square is much smaller, as the name suggests, but just as beautiful, with beautiful buildings, cafés, and restaurants all around.
Watch for the houses with eyes
Don’t forget to look at the roofs for a unique feature of houses in Sibiu, especially the older ones. They call them the Eyes of Sibiu (Ochii Sibiului in Romanian) and are small windows built into the roof that look like eyes watching you through slightly open eyelids.
This quirky feature of Sibiu’s houses is one of my favorites. The eyes started appearing on the houses around the 15th century but became more widespread in the 19th century. You can find these peculiar windows in other cities in Transylvania, but they are more prominent in Sibiu.
Visit the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
The Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, not to be confused with the Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral, is a beautifully decorated church dating to the early 20th century. The church is free to visit and features stunning Byzantine architecture and colorful frescoes covering its interior.
The cathedral is just a short walk from the main landmarks, on Strada Mitropoliei. I highly recommend checking out the impressive interior, too.
Explore hidden stairways and passages
The historical center of Sibiu is filled with passageways, stairways, and hidden streets connecting the various squares. Some of the most charming passages are the Goldsmith’s Square Passage, connecting the Small Square to the Goldsmiths Square, and the Stairs Passage, passing behind the Saint Mary Evangelical Cathedral.
However, you can discover several other passages under historical towers and between buildings. The best way to find them all is to wander around and see where they lead.
Cross the Bridge of Lies
This small pedestrian bridge, dating to the 19th century, is among the city’s most legendary spots. The iron bridge connects the Small Square to Albert Huet Square.
The bridge was known as Liegenbrücke in German, which means lying bridge, given the absence of pillars to hold it. However, the name sounded similar to Lügenbrücke, which translates to the bridge of lies. From this misunderstanding, several legends surrounding the bridge started circulating.
According to the legend, if someone tells a lie while crossing the bridge, this will start shaking to make the liar fall. Another legend involves young men who studied at the military academy. They would make appointments with local girls on the bridge but never show up, leaving them waiting in vain. It was basically the local ghosting spot.
Other legends surround this unique bridge in Sibiu. But all stories aside, one thing is for sure. You can’t say you visited Sibiu if you didn’t cross this bridge. Aside from being an iconic spot, it offers a lovely view of the Small Square and its surroundings.
Check out the historical buildings
Sibiu has a lot of medieval buildings with a rich history. Some of these were guild houses or belonged to important personalities. Most of these houses are in the Large Square or other spots around the old town.
Check out the beautiful Haller House, Filek Palace, and Lutsch House in the Large Square and the Goldsmiths Guild House in the Small Square. But be sure to pay attention to other lovely historical houses too.
Go for a walk in the park
Lastly, if the weather is pleasant during your visit, generally from late spring to early fall, you can enjoy strolling through one of the main city parks. The small Astra Park provides a peaceful setting for a pleasant walk on a hot summer day.
The Citadel Park is the most famous, developed around part of the city’s medieval fortifications. Here, you can check out three medieval towers and Sibiu’s Walk of Fame, dedicated to prominent residents.
Must-see museums and landmarks in Sibiu
Turnul Sfatului
Turnul Sfatului, or Council Tower, is the go-to place for the best panoramic view of Sibiu. The 13th-century tower sits in a strategic location between the Small and Large Squares, so it offers a spectacular up-close view of the entire Old Town.
I recommend heading up in the afternoon, at least 15 minutes before sunset to enjoy the view of Sibiu bathed in the golden light. However, the view is spectacular any time of the day. The entry is only 2 RON, which is less than 0.5€.
Saint Mary Evangelical Cathedral
There are two reasons why you should add Saint Mary Evangelical Cathedral to your Sibiu itinerary. First, the interior of the 14th-century church is as beautiful as its imposing exterior. Secondly, you can get a spectacular view from its tower.
The Gothic church is among the most famous of its kind in Transylvania. Access to the church and tower is only 15 RON, which equals around 3€, so it’s worth it.
Fun (but not so fun) fact: the four turrets on the church tower indicated that Sibiu had the right to apply capital punishment. In Latin, the high justice is known as “ius gladii,” and it translates to “the right of the sword.” This symbol appears in other churches in Transylvania, too.
Muzeul Național Brukenthal
Brukenthal National Museum is the most important museum in Sibiu, housing a vast collection of artworks, from Transylvanian works to Italian, Flemish, and Dutch paintings.
Aside from the permanent collection, the museum also houses temporary exhibitions. Brukenthal Museum is on a corner of the large Square and is open from Wednesday to Sunday. The entry ticket is around 10€.
Altemberger House -Sibiu History Museum
If you’re curious about the history of Sibiu and the surrounding region, head to the History Museum. Housed in the 13th-century Altemberger House, the museum traces the history of Southern Transylvania from the Paleolithic Period to the 20th century.
The collection includes the Roman and Medieval Lapidarium, the Arms and Armours section, the Treasury, the Glasswork in Transylvania, and the Guilds of Sibiu, among others. The entry fee is around 7€ for adults.
Restaurants and cafes in Sibiu
La Cuptor
This is among the most popular restaurants in Sibiu Old Town, serving a variety of Romanian and international dishes, from hearty meat-based recipes to burgers and pasta. If you want an ample choice of dishes, this is the go-to place in Sibiu.
Crama Sibiul Vechi
This popular restaurant close to Citadel Park is the go-to place for heartwarming traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice), various Romanian soups, polenta, and much more. Remember to leave some space for the traditional papanasi (fried dough balls with sour cream and sour cherry jam).
Lumos – Coffee and Brunch
If you’re a fan of brunch, smoothie bowls, and nourishing veggie bowls, head to Lumos. This café, a stone’s throw from the Large Square, serves great specialty coffee and delicious brunch, including vegan options.
AM PM Specialty Coffee & Brunch
Whether you want a good coffee, a slice of cake, or a delicious breakfast, AM PM is a great spot away from the business of the Old Town but within walking distance. I love the jungle-inspired yet sleek design and chill atmosphere.
Hug the Mug
Hug the Mug is a delightful little café on Strada Nicolae Bălcescu, one of the main streets in Sibiu Old Town. This is the perfect place for a classic breakfast with coffee and croissant or to enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up while taking a break from sightseeing.
Accommodation in Sibiu
I find that your best bet for accommodation is Sibiu is a small apartment or a boutique hotel, especially if you want to stay close to the Old Town. The big brand hotels are farther from the center, and I find they lack the traditional charm of the older buildings. But that’s a personal choice.
Here are three top-rated options close to the major landmarks in Sibiu, one for every budget.
Budget stay
If you’re traveling on a tight budget and like staying in hostels, B13 Hostel is the perfect choice. A short walk from the Large Square, this hostel offers spacious rooms, a nice common area, and a kitchen.
Mid-range
If you can spend a bit more, Arhivelor Apartment has delightful small apartments right next to the Large Square. The completely furnished apartments have everything from heating and WiFi to the coffee machine, but the best feature is the central location.
Luxury
For a luxury stay in the heart of Sibiu, check out MAGISTER seven. You can choose between large rooms, suites, and luxury apartments, all in a renovated historical building close to the Small Square.
I always use Booking.com to find accommodation, so I always recommend it. Check out more options in Sibiu on the map below:
How to get to Sibiu
Sibiu is easy to reach from other nearby cities like Brasov, Bucharest, and Cluj-Napoca.
The easiest way to travel in Romania is by car. Most people fly to Bucharest and rent a car to explore other areas. If you choose this option, I recommend checking Discover Cars for various rental options and competitive rates.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can get to Sibiu by train or bus. The only downside of taking public transportation in Romania is that it tends to be slow. The roads are not in tip-top shape and the trains are quite old. Still, I have recently traveled but train and bus and it’s not too bad.
If you plan to travel by train, I recommend checking either the state railway CFR Calatori or the private Regio Calatori. The private is usually cheaper but has fewer rides.
If you want to catch a bus, you can find several options on Autogari.
Lastly, I recommend Skyscanner for finding the best flights to Romania. Sibiu has an international airport with several flights to many European destinations. However, for more choices, you can fly to Bucharest.
Things to do near Sibiu
Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park
Just southwest of Sibiu, Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park is a protected area with beautiful nature covering a vast forested area. The natural park is better known for the ASTRA Museum of the Folkloric Civilization, a recreation of rural Romania, with museums dedicated to local history and ethnology.
Dumbrava Sibiului is a delightful place to spend at least half a day exploring the trails, enjoying the fresh air, and visiting the ASTRA Museum. If you stay longer than a couple of days in Sibiu, this is the perfect place to visit within a short distance of the city center.
Castelul de Lut Valea Zanelor
If you have a car, there’s a fairytale place less than one hour away from Sibiu you shouldn’t miss. Castelul de Lut Valea Zanelor, which translates to The Clay Castle Fairy Valley, is a charming castle of recent construction made from clay and sand, immersed in the beautiful landscape of Southern Transylvania.
Everything at Castelul de Lut is handmade in Romania, from the structure of the unique castle to the furniture. While you can’t yet visit the interior or spend a night in this magical place, you can walk around the gardens and admire the view.
Organized day trips from Sibiu
Alba Iulia and Corvin’s Castle
Corvin’s Castle is one of Romania’s most beautiful castles, though lesser known than the most popular Bran and Peles Castle. This Alba Iulia and Corvin’s Castle tour includes a visit to this charming castle and the historical center of Alba Iulia, a city known for its Habsburg citadel.
The tour lasts all day, including a guided visit around Alba Iulia, free time to see more of the city and have lunch, and a visit to Corvin’s Castle. Given the poor train connections to these places, joining an organized tour is the best way to visit these unique places in Transylvania.
Timisoara Day Trip
Timisoara consistently ranks among Romania’s most beautiful cities. Located in far western Romania, close to the Serbian and Hungarian borders, Timisoara is the third-largest city in Romania.
Want more reasons to visit Timisoara? The city is the European Capital of Culture in 2023, with Elefsina in Greece and Veszprém in Hungary. If you can’t dedicate an entire trip to Timisoara, join this day trip from Sibiu and discover the city’s highlights, including Victory Square, the Synagogue, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Union Square.
Transfagarasan and Balea Lake
One last trip worth considering from Sibiu is this scenic tour that includes driving along the winding Transfagarasan Highway, admiring the beautiful Balea Lake, and visiting the ruins of Carta Monastery.
Transfagarasan is Romania’s most famous and spectacular road. The winding road crosses a section of the Carpathian Mountains and leads to the glacial Balea Lake. This is undoubtedly one of Romania’s most beautiful natural areas. Unfortunately, the Transfagarasan Highway is only open in summer, given the harsh weather conditions in winter.
Don’t forget about travel insurance
I don’t travel anywhere without good travel insurance. I recently partnered with SafetyWing, which I consider among the best travel insurance out there. It works in 185 countries, and your policy extends automatically every month, so you don’t end up without coverage.
SafetyWing is a great choice if you want to visit multiple countries at once. Find out more about the insurance coverage and sign up here. I also wrote a detailed article about SafetyWing if you’re looking for more reasons to get this insurance.
That’s about it for this Sibiu guide, I hope you find it useful and interesting. If you visit Sibiu, let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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