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Last updated on September 12th, 2024 at 01:04 pm
If your idea of a trip to Romania’s enchanting region of Transylvania revolves around Brasov and, maybe, Sighisoara, this guide to the best things to do in Sibiu explains why this lesser-known town is worth adding to your Transylvania itinerary.
Alongside the top things to do in Sibiu, in this article, you’ll find all the practical information and travel tips you need to plan the perfect trip to Sibiu. You’ll also learn why Sibiu is often called the City of Eyes. So, keep reading!
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Where Is Sibiu?
Situated in central Romania in Eastern Europe, Sibiu is a medium-sized city in the Transylvania region, near the southern Carpathian Mountains and well-connected to Cluj-Napoca and Brasov.
Is Sibiu Worth Visiting?
Before we go into detail about the best things to do in Sibiu, let’s address the burning question. Is Sibiu worth visiting?
With its cobbled streets and pastel-coloured buildings, Sibiu is often regarded as the most beautiful town in Romania. Its well-preserved historic centre is a fine example of medieval architecture and the entire town is utterly elegant.
Moreover, Sibiu is graced with a rich history. Founded by German settlers in the 12th century, Sibiu was one of the wealthiest cities in Transylvania and the most important ethnic German city. No wonder it’s still visited by many German tourists.
Sibiu was also a major trade centre in the 14th century. In the 19th century, the first Romanian bank was founded in Sibiu.
Nowadays, Sibiu remains a significant economic hub but also a vibrant and quaint city that fascinates visitors with its rich cultural heritage, beautiful surrounding landscape, historic churches and well-preserved medieval architecture. For all this, it should be included in any Transylvania itinerary.
How Many Days in Sibiu?
Your trip to Sibiu should allow you enough time to enjoy its gorgeous Old Town and everything it has to offer. So, if you’re wondering how many days to spend in Sibiu, two days or a long weekend are perfect to get to know both the Upper and the Lower Town, the two parts of Sibiu’s historic centre.
That said, there are a lot more amazing things to do near Sibiu. Its location makes it the perfect base to explore Transylvania’s stunning scenery and some of the region’s most important landmarks, such as Corvin Castle and Alba Iulia.
Therefore, add more days to your Sibiu itinerary depending on how many short trips you want to plan from Sibiu. On top of that, Sibiu is an excellent starting point for an epic road trip across the breathtaking Transfagarasan Highway.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Sibiu
11 Best Things To Do in Sibiu Romania
1. Stare Back at Sibiu’s Watchful Rooftop Eyes
Rooftops in Sibiu Old Town have oddly shaped windows that resemble tired yet watchful eyes. This peculiar architectural element earned Sibiu its nickname: The City of Eyes.
The Eyes of Sibiu are among the town’s main attractions. They make passers-by feel as though they are constantly being watched. Ironically, the Romanian people were indeed being watched during Ceausescu’s time. Therefore, Sibiu’s architecture didn’t help them feel any better.
Conspiracy theories and urban legends aside, the reason behind those small windows is simply a practical one. Back in medieval times, when Sibiu was a trade superpower, those openings on the roofs served as a ventilation system to prevent goods stored in the attics from going bad. Still, it’s super fun to stare back at those never-sleeping eyes while wandering around Sibiu Old Town.
2. Walk Along The Magnificent Strada Nicolae Balcescu
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Sibiu is a sight for sore eyes with its well-preserved medieval architecture. The perfect place to start your exploration is the historic centre’s main street, Strada Nicolae Balcescu. It was named after a prominent figure in Romania’s history, mostly known for his involvement in the 1848 Wallachian Revolution.
Pedestrianised, wide and lined with magnificent colourful buildings, Nicolae Balcescu Street is ideal for unforgettable leisurely walks. The street is full of life all day long. Its many eateries, cafés and shops attract mostly locals, which is priceless.
3. Enjoy People-Watching at The Splendid Piata Mare
The heart of Sibiu beats in Piata Mare or Great Square, the city’s largest square. Sibiu’s aristocratic past is omnipresent in this elegant square, which is home to several grand buildings. One of them is Brukenthal Palace. The latter houses the Brukenthal National Museum, the oldest museum in Romania, dating back to the early 19th century.
After visiting the Brukenthal Museum, sit at one of the outdoor cafés in the afternoon and watch locals go about their daily lives just as the sun paints the square gold. That’s one of our favourite things to do in Sibiu.
From the Great Square, wander around the narrow passageways that lead to the nearby Small Square (Piata Mica) and Huet Square (Piata Huet) with the imposing Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary. These three main squares are the heart of the Upper Old Town of Sibiu.
4. Visit The Council Tower & Piata Mica
Piata Mare is connected to Piata Mica via a narrow passageway under the Council Tower. A cosy and vibrant square, Piata Mica is filled with stalls selling souvenirs, books and pieces of art in the summer.
The Council Tower – or Turnul Sfatului as Romanians call it – is one of Sibiu’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 13th century, the tower underwent various reconstruction phases and has had many diverse uses throughout its long history. From grain storage unit to prison to watchtower to museum.
Nowadays, the Council Tower is one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of the entire city of Sibiu from its rooftop terrace.
5. Risk Telling a Lie While Crossing The Bridge of Lies
The Bridge of Lies is perhaps the most popular of all Sibiu attractions. Romania’s oldest cast-iron bridge has no shortage of legends surrounding it. The beautiful bridge is supposed to move and creak when somebody tells a lie while on it.
Other gruesome stories involve throwing people off the bridge as punishment for telling lies. This mostly applied to merchants who played tricks on their customers and girls who lied about their innocence. Crossing the bridge was quite uneventful for us. It neither creaked nor moved and we certainly weren’t thrown off it.
6. Have Dinner in The Depths of an Old Cellar
During our one-week Romania road trip, we had dinner at enough traditional Romanian restaurants to realise that local cuisine is meat-based with very few vegetarian options.
A pleasant surprise was Crama Sibiul Vechi in Sibiu, one of the best restaurants in Transylvania where you can find a handful of delicious vegetarian dishes. Housed in the atmospheric cellar of a 15th-century building, the restaurant features traditional decor and live folk music and this is why we believe it’s one of the best things to do in Sibiu in its own right.
7. Explore The Treasures of Strada Cetatii
Cetatii Street runs along Sibiu’s old city walls and offers the opportunity for a wonderful afternoon stroll. During this walk, you can see parts of the city’s old fortifications such as the Potter’s Tower, the Carpenter’s Tower and the Haller Bastion.
Along the same route, don’t miss Sibiu’s Walk of Fame, the city’s tribute to the various personalities that contributed to Sibiu’s cultural development.
8. Wander Around Sibiu Lower Town
While the Upper Town abounds in aristocratic elegance, Sibiu Lower Old Town with its rustic architecture has an unpretentious yet authentic feel. Formerly the manufacturing area of Sibiu, the Lower Town is utterly charming with its colourful two-storey buildings and wide cobblestone streets.
9. Join a Sightseeing Walking Tour
The best way to get an overview of the city’s history and appreciate its unique architecture is to join a walking tour led by a passionate local guide. Especially if you’re on a tight schedule, a walking tour will show you around most – if not all – of the best things to see in Sibiu listed in this guide with the bonus of hearing stories, tales and legends that only locals could possibly know of.
10. Take a Day Trip To Corvin Castle
Transylvania is dotted with fascinating medieval castles. Situated in Hunedoara, Corvin Castle is one of the best castles in Transylvania that can be visited on an easy day trip from Sibiu.
Corvin Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe. It’s utterly impressive with its Gothic architecture, magnificent drawbridge and unique location – a small rocky hill surrounded by a stream. Once inside, there are several areas to check out, such as the infamous Bear Pit and a 30-metre deep well.
A visit to the charming castle is enough to let your imagination run wild to times gone by. As it takes about an hour and a half to get from Sibiu to Corvin Castle by car, you should reserve an entire day for Corvin Castle. Therefore, consider adding an extra day in Sibiu when you plan your trip to Transylvania.
11. Use Sibiu As The Perfect Base For a Transfagarasan Road Trip
Crossing the Transfagarasan Highway, the most famous road in Romania, is one of the main reasons why anyone should consider a trip to Transylvania in the first place.
The second-highest paved road in Romania is no longer one of the country’s hidden gems as driving enthusiasts from all over the world plan trips to Romania to experience the thrill of driving on the best road in the world, according to Top Gear.
The Transfagarasan offers an unparalleled driving experience through breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Staying in Sibiu before hitting the Transfagaran Highway is a great idea. Sibiu is located relatively near the road’s northern end. This way you can get to the Transfagarasan early in the morning when it’s less crowded, hence way more enjoyable.
How To Get To Sibiu
By Air
Sibiu International Airport connects the city to many destinations in Germany as well as a handful of other European cities. The airport is located near the city centre. There is a frequent bus connection to the city centre of Sibiu and the bus ride takes about 30 minutes.
By Train
Although Romania’s railway network isn’t known for its speed or reliability, Sibiu is connected to Bucharest and other nearby cities by train. There are direct trains from Bucharest to Sibiu. However, the journey takes about six hours. The train station in Sibiu is within walking distance from the city centre.
By Car
A great way to get to Sibiu is by car, as part of a road trip across Transylvania. That’s how we did it. We landed in Bucharest and, from there, we started our Romania road trip in our rental car.
If you’re driving and staying in Sibiu Old Town, make sure you park the car in the designated areas. The most convenient parking spaces are located in Piata Unirii or in front of the Continental Forum Sibiu Hotel.
We recommend adding Sibiu to your Romania road trip along with a few days in Brasov, and at least one day in Sighisoara. If you also plan to visit Bucharest, the Romanian capital is a six-hour drive from Sibiu, via the spectacular Transfagarasan Highway.
How To Get Around Sibiu
Sibiu is a relatively flat and walkable city. Most tourist attractions are situated in the Old Town. Therefore, if your accommodation is in the Old Town, the best way to get around the charming city is on foot as everything is within easy walking distance.
Moreover, there’s a public transportation system featuring an extensive bus network across Sibiu and around. Buses are ideal if you plan to visit locations outside the city centre, such as the open-air ASTRA Museum, or to get to either the airport or the train station. For more information about bus tickets, routes and timetables, check out the official website.
Where To Stay in Sibiu
With most Sibiu attractions situated in the Old Town, the latter is the best place to stay in Sibiu. Staying in Sibiu Old Town means that you can walk to all of the town’s points of interest and enjoy them at a leisurely pace.
Conveniently located in the heart of the medieval town, just a short walk from the Large Square (Piata Mare), this 4-star hotel is a great place to stay for a memorable trip to Sibiu.
As in other European cities, we don’t recommend renting an Airbnb apartment for a short stay in Sibiu as Airbnb rentals cause serious problems to the lives of locals by depriving them of their right to stay in their hometowns, as most apartments are taken off permanent residence markets to be used as short-term rentals instead.
Vegetarian Food in Sibiu
As mentioned above, Romanian cuisine is very meat-heavy with only a few vegetarian options. Similar to most places we visited in Romania, the most common vegetarian dish in Sibiu was fried cheese, a staple of local food.
However, the real treats in Sibiu are Gogosi and Covrigi. A Gogosi is an enormous doughnut-like piece of fried goodness with various fillings, either sweet or savoury. On the other hand, a Covrigi is similar to a bagel. Both Gogosi and Covrigi are popular and Strada Nicolae Balcescu is lined with small shops selling them all day long.
Don’t forget to try some Palinka shots while in Sibiu. The latter is a strongish Romanian spirit made of various types of fruit. Go for the apricot one.
Best Time To Visit Sibiu
Summer or early autumn is the best time to plan a trip to Sibiu. Average temperatures from May to October are ideal for spending more time outdoors in gloriously fine weather. We visited Sibiu in July and there was a lot of sunshine and some rain. Days are warm with high temperatures of 27°C/69.8°F in August. However, at night, it gets a bit chilly, so packing some layers is a good idea.
What’s more, if you’re planning to drive along the Transfagarasan Highway, this is the perfect time to do so as the latter is only open from late June (or early July) to October. Another good reason to visit Sibiu in the summer months is the city’s wide array of cultural events, such as the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, an event that takes place on the streets and squares of the city.
On the other hand, winter in Sibiu is cold with the coldest average temperatures around -2°C/28.4°F in January. One of the main reasons to visit Sibiu in winter, though, is the magnificent Christmas Market that takes place in the Big Square (Piata Mare) from late November until early January. Check out the official website for exact dates and the festive schedule.
Also, the winter months are ideal for visiting one of the ski resorts in the Carpathian Mountains near Sibiu.
We hope this list of the best things to do in Sibiu convinced you to add this elegant town to your Transylvania trip, alongside more popular destinations, such as Brasov or Sighisoara, and that our travel tips for Sibiu help you plan the perfect escape to the so-called City of Eyes, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Romania.
WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina
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