Things to do and see in Sibiu

Sibiu, located in the heart of Transylvania, is famous for its well-preserved old town of Germanic architecture, a legacy of 12th-century Saxon settlers. Around the city there are remains of medieval walls and towers, such as the ancient Council Tower dating from the 13th century. Other important buildings to visit in Sibiu are the Brukenthal Palace, which houses the Brukenthal National Museum and the Evangelical Cathedral, whose walls contain centuries-old tombstones. But that’s not all! Sibiu has much more to offer.

In this post we will tell you everything you need to know before you set off on your trip to Sibiu in Romania. Find out how to get there, where to stay and the best restaurants where to try the region’s specialities. In addition, we have prepared many other travel tips to help you get the most out of your visit. And if you’ve got time to spare, we’ve also thought of other points of interest nearby to round off the day, as Sibiu can be seen in a morning. Ready to plan your journey? Let’s get started!

What are the best places to visit in Sibiu?

1. The Bridge of Lies

The Bridge of Lies is one of the most romantic sights to visit in Sibiu. Built in the mid-19th century in wrought iron, the bridge is located in the heart of the old town and is a symbol for the city because of its great historical value. The origin of its name is a mystery, but there are several related stories. For example, that it symbolises the lies told by the merchants who crossed it to get to the market.

2. Piata Mara and Piata Mica

There are many charming squares in Sibiu’s old town, but the most famous are Piata Mara and Piata Mica.

The Piata Mara is the largest square in the city, and since the mid-19th century it has hosted markets and various large events. Today it’s where a beautiful Christmas market is held in the run-up to the festive season. The most characteristic buildings of the city are concentrated around it, such as the town hall, the Roman Catholic Church, the Council Tower, the Filek Palace and the Brukenthal Palace.

The Piata Mica, as its name suggests, is much smaller but equally charming. It’s right next to the Piazza Grande and has interesting buildings such as the House of Arts and the Luxembourg House.

3. Brukenthal National Museum

The Brukenthal National Museum, housed in a Brukenthal palace, is a renowned cultural institution and one of the oldest museums in Europe. It was founded in 1817 and houses collections of paintings, sculpture, decorative objects and old books. Notable treasures include works by Flemish, Dutch and German masters, as well as a rich display of Romanian art.

The museum can be visited from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 and admission costs 50 lei for adults and 12.5 lei for children and students. The visit lasts an hour and a half.

4. Strada Nicalai Balcescu

Strada Nicolae Balcescu is the liveliest street in Sibiu. It is located in the heart of the old town and is the hub of Sibiu’s urban and cultural life. It is surrounded by colourful historical buildings, shops, restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal place to stroll around and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the city.

Along Strada Nicolae Balcescu you can admire the picturesque architecture, explore the shops offering local products and enjoy the rich gastronomy of the region.

5. The Council Tower, the best sights to visit in Sibiu

The Sibiu Council Tower, known as “Turnul Sfatului”, is an architectural symbol of the city. It was built in the Gothic style in the 13th century and rises majestically above the Main Square offering breathtaking panoramic views of the medieval city and its colourful rooftops. Inside there is a museum that tells the history of Sibiu and the tower itself.

The top of the tower is accessible every day between 10am and 7pm and the price is very affordable.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Sibiu

1. Sighisoara and Dracula’s House

Sighisoara is a charming medieval town 1h30 away from Sibiu. In a morning you can tour its pretty old town centre of cobbled streets and colourful facades, and visit Dracula’s house, where Emperor Vlad, the character who inspired the novel, once lived.

When you visit Sighisoara, don’t miss Tâmplarilor Street, the School Staircase, the Clock Tower and Cetatii Square. Read more about Sighisoara in this post: What to see and do in Sighisoara?

2. Lake Balea

A hour and a half’s drive from Sibiu lies the beautiful Glacial Lake Balea at an altitude of 2,034m, formed by the melting of snow and ice, offering a stunning visual spectacle with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the majestic surrounding mountains.

During the winter the lake freezes over and becomes a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. In summer it is an ideal place for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains. In addition, the area has an alpine hut and a cable car that provides panoramic access to this remote mountain paradise.

What to see in 1 day in Sibiu

Though there are a lot of things to do and see in Sibiu, the truth is that the city’s main tourist attraction lies in the facades of its streets, which means that one day is enough to stroll around and discover the city. On your visit, these are the must-see sights:

• The Tower of the Council (Turnul Sfatului)
• Big Square (Piata Mare)
• Bukenthal Palace and the National Museum
• Roman Catholic Church (Biserica Romano-Catholica)
• Small Square (Piata Mica)
• Huet Square
• Lutheran Cathedral of Sibiu
• Walls and towers of Sibiu
• Holy Trinity Cathedral
• Lower City

If you have more time in the area, we also recommend visiting the city of Sighisoara, Biertan, Viscri and Lake Balea.

Where and what to eat in Sibiu

In the squares of Sibiu you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants where you can try local specialities at good prices. Romanian cuisine is characterised by its hearty dishes with sour flavours and a predominance of meat and vegetables. Most likely you’ve never tasted anything like it. In this post you can find out more about Romanian cuisine: Romanian food: What and where to eat?

Here are some of our favourite restaurants in the city:

• Kombinat Gastro-Brewery: At this cosy brewery you can try typical Romanian and Central European recipes at a great price while sipping good local beer. Prices range from €5 to €20.
• Crama Sibiul Vechi: At this cosy restaurant you can eat hearty meals for less than €20. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries on your visit.
• Weinkeller: In this pleasant and romantic wine bar with a garden you can try delicious local dishes accompanied by some good wine.

Where to stay in Sibiu?

In Sibiu you will find several charming accommodations where you can spend the night at a very good price. You’ll find that hotels in Sibiu are much cheaper than in other parts of the country, so you’ll be able to stay close to the centre without any problems. Here are a few recommendations:

• Casa Timpuri Vechi: In the heart of the historic centre you can stay in this beautiful guesthouse with garden for 60€ per night. It’s a very nice place with a delicious breakfast.
• Hotel Apollo Central: This is a simple 3-star hotel with its own restaurant and family rooms. The price per night starts at €40 and breakfast costs €9.
• Hotel Imparatul Romanilor: If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, we recommend this four-star hotel with a pool, gym, spa and a restaurant. You can stay in luxurious rooms from €94 with breakfast included.

How to get to Sibiu?

The town of Sibiu is located in the heart of Transylvania, almost 300km from Bucharest, and due to its tourist reputation, it is fairly well connected by land and air. Here are all the options you have available to get to Sibiu:

1. Plane: The nearest airport is Sibiu International Airport (SBZ) which offers domestic and international flights connecting to nearby European cities. You will most likely have to make a stopover in Bucharest first.
2. Train: Sibiu railway station is an important railway hub and is connected to other Romanian cities. You can take a train from Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara or other cities.
3. Bus: is a very cheap but slow option. Several bus companies offer long-distance services to Sibiu from different parts of Romania and neighbouring countries.
4. Car: At the airport you can hire a car on arrival. This is the best option if you are going to make several stops during your visit to Romania.

What should I know before travelling to Sibiu?

• The official currency in Romania is the Romanian leu (RON), although in some shops and accommodation you can pay in euros.
• The official language of Romania is Romanian, but in tourist areas, it is common to find English speakers, especially in hotels and restaurants.
• If you are an EU citizen, you will only need your identity card or valid passport to travel to Romania. For non-EU countries, a passport with at least 3 months validity is required. A tourist visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
• It is advisable to travel with travel insurance that provides adequate medical cover, as free medical care in Romania is limited for foreign visitors.
• Romania is a safe country, but keep your belongings safe and be aware of possible pickpockets in tourist areas and on public transport.
• The best time to visit Romania is between May and September, and if you’re going to Sibiu it’s best to go in the summer months when temperatures are more pleasant.
• Tap water is safe to drink, but avoid tap water and opt for bottled water.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Sibiu

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own travel tips and recommendations on the things to do and see in Sibiu.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Sibiu