For many travellers, the city of Sibiu remains a well-kept secret, yet to make it on the mainstream tourist routes. Sibiu, located in the majestic region of Transylvania, is a small medieval gem, that has yet to gain widespread attention, likely due to the absence of direct flights from popular European carriers like Ryanair. However, those who have wandered into this charming destination have discovered a colourful city steeped in history, with so many things to do!
Stepping into Sibiu feels like a journey back in time, with its cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and vibrant colours that will sure leave a lasting impression on you.
I am sharing 24 fun things to do in Sibiu, and helpful tips so you can have the perfect break here! explore the medieval alleys, stay a night in an ICE hotel, take a drive on the iconic Transfagarasan Highway, and walk along the old fortress walls, all while being watched by the eyes of Sibiu (more on that in number 10 on the list).
Sound interesting? Let’s get into it!
Please note some of my links throughout this post are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through my link, I might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Places To Stay In Sibiu
Sibiu is a walkable city, its compact size means you can stay anywhere in the city and still be within walking distance from the top attractions.
If you truly want to be in the heart of the city, then staying on Piata Mica is your best option. You will be surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and historical sights.
Rabbit Hole ( ⭐ 9.2/10 ) – overlooking piata mare this hotel is as central as it gets. Rooms are spacious and chic, breakfast is included which guests have highly rated.
Hotel Casa Luxemburg ( ⭐ 9.2/10 ) – one of the oldest buildings in Sibiu, this medieval-style hotel has been recently renovated. Some rooms offer a view of Liar’s Bridge and the Evangelical Church.
ART Hotel ( ⭐ 9.5/10 ) – this boutique hotel has cosy and stylish rooms to unwind in. Breakfast is included with all room types.
Best Time To Visit Sibiu
Sibiu has a continental climate, summers are warm and due to the surrounding mountains winters get very cold, often below freezing.
Transfagarasan Highway is normally closed between the end of October and the end of June. So, if you want to experience driving on this iconic road then Summer is the best time for you. Temperatures can reach highs of 30°C, and the highest amount of rainfall occurs in June. It is also the busiest period for tourism.
Winter sees temperatures below freezing and a high occurrence of snowfall. The Sibiu Christmas Market begins in December and the town really comes alive. This can be a great alternative to the crowded markets in other parts of Europe.
During Spring the weather starts to warm up with snow melting to reveal sprawling green hills. However some popular trails are still closed, along with the Transfagarasan Highway.
Autumn is one of the prettiest seasons to see Sibiu and the surrounding Transylvania region, due to the changing colour of leaves and comfortable temperatures averaging 23°C. It is also a quieter time to explore, with fewer tourists.
Getting To Sibiu
Flying To Sibiu
Sibiu’s airport Sibiu International Airport (SBZ) is located just 3km from the centre of Sibiu, a short 10 minute drive. The airport is small with only four airlines operating frequent flights. This makes it a little difficult to fly to Sibiu directly from various European cities. Direct flights include destinations such as London Luton, Vienna, Madrid and, Munich.
Another option is to fly to Bucharest, and then book a 5 hour train on Romania’s official train website cfrcalatori.ro to Sibiu.
Trains To Sibiu
Usually I use omio.com to book most train journeys in Europe. However, Romanian trains can only be booked on the official train website cfrcalatori.ro.
I found the train network in Romania to be relatively good, there are no high-speed trains but they are clean, comfortable, and in my experience reliable. Some trains are old school with seating consisting of cabins with 6 seats.
Bucharest – between 5 – 6 hours on a direct train.
Brasov – 3 hours on a direct train.
Timisoara – 7 hours on two trains.
Cluj Napoca – 5 hours 30 minutes on two trains, sleeper trains also operate on this route.
Budapest – 11 hour direct train.
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24 Things To Do In Sibiu
1. Piata Mare (The Big Square)
This is Sibiu’s most iconic and central square. As the name suggests, it is a large and beautiful square.
Once a place for fairs and executions, it is now filled with lively restaurants and cute cafes. Many events are held here throughout the year, so make sure to check out what is on before you arrive.
2. Bridge Of Lies
Legend has it that if you tell a lie crossing this bridge it will creak! Where the name originated from is unclear, either young lovers declaring their love or dishonest merchants trading here.
Built in 1859, this was the first iron bridge in Romania. Gold embellishments adorn the bridge, and at night the arch is lit up.
For a fun thing to do in Sibiu, test this myth out for yourself, tell a little lie as you cross it.
There is also a nice coffee shop nearby, Cafe Des Artistes.
3. Holy Trinity Cathedral
Admire the mix of Byzantine, Baroque and Transylvanian architecture of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the second largest Orthodox church in Romania. This Cathedral is also the seat of the Romanian Orthodox Archbishop of Sibiu and Metropolitan of Transylvania.
Do not skip entering the cathedral, the interior is just as striking as the exterior, and it is free!
4. Wander The Fortress Walls
If you are looking for an interesting thing to do in Sibiu, take a stroll on the fortress walls.
Little is left of the former defence system that once circled Sibiu, but what remains is a beautiful addition that strengthens the city’s charm. The most preserved part of the walls are located on Cetatii street, which is thought to be the most beautiful street in Sibiu.
The entrance fee to the first tower costs 2 lei.
5. Transfagarasan Highway
Declared as the best road in the world by Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson, this is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Sibiu.
Open between July to November, the Transfagarasan Highway passes through the Fagaras mountains, a 151 kilometre unforgettable journey of twists, turns and steep drops.
Close to the peak at 2,034 metres is the glacial Balea Lake. The water here is used to create Romania’s only ice hotel, the Hotel of Ice Transylvania, which is rebuilt every year. The hotel tends to get booked out quickly so make sure to get in early if you want to stay here.
If you need to rent a car Prosper Motors is a highly reviewed local company. If you prefer not to drive there are plenty of tours to Transfagarasan Highway.
6. Moldoveanu Peak
Looking for an adventurous thing to do in Sibiu? Look no further than Moldoveanu Peak.
Moldoveanu Peak is the highest in Romania at 8,346 ft (2, 544 m). Part of Fagarus mountains in the Southern Carpathians, reaching this peak takes approximately 2 days!
The guys at SummitPost.org wrote a great guide with everything you need to know to tackle this climb.
7. Pasajul Scarilor (Stairs Passage)
Built in the 13th century to connect the Upper Town and Lower Town, Pasajul Scarilor is one of the most scenic and snap-worthy spots in Sibiu.
Comprising of two golden arches and two stairways, Pasajul Scarilor leads down to a pedestrian street that is home to the oldest restaurant in Sibiu, Butoiul de Aur.
It is only a 3 minute walk, and is an important historical site in Sibiu.
8. Catedrala Evanghelica “Sfânta Maria”
One of the coolest things to do in Sibiu is to climb the tower of Catedrala Evanghelic? “Sfânta Maria” (Saint Mary Evangelical Cathedral).
This gothic Lutheran Cathedral is not hard to miss with its glistening coloured roof tiles. Dating back more than 500 years, it has been recently renovated.
The climb to the tower is easy due to the newly renovated wooden stairs. From the top of the tower you will be rewarded with views of the Fagaras Mountains and the city below.
Tickets cost 10 lei for the cathedral and an additional 5 lei to access the tower.
9. The Goldsmith’s Stairway Tower
Walking back with a coffee on day one in Sibiu, I wandered across this passage without meaning to! It was so pretty that I went back to the airbnb, grabbed my camera and came straight back to it.
Located in the corner of Pia?a Mic?, beside the lovely cafe Arcade, is, at first an unassuming arch, once you get closer you witness a sea of pale pink medieval buildings, some of which are the oldest in Sibiu. The stairs wind down to a small cute square, Piata Aurarilor.
Snapping some photos here is one of the cool things to do in Sibiu; you can get some unique shots at the bottom of the stairs, with Pia?a Mic? in the background.
10. Watch Out For The Houses with Eyes
Did you know that Sibiu is also known as the city of eyes? This is due to the roofs having holes to ventilate the attics. They are now a symbol of Sibiu and, of course a tourist attraction.
However, locals believe the ‘eyes’ keep watch in case anyone causes any trouble!
Something fun to do while walking around Sibiu is to look straight back into these eyes!
11. Parcul Cetatii
Beside the Fortification Walls is Parcul Cetatii (citadel park), a small yet enchanting park lined with trees. There is a lot of history attached to this park; it was once a moat that surrounded the fortification walls, acting as a defence.
The paths have stars on them to represent prominent Sibiu residents; taking a walk here is certainly an interesting thing to do in Sibiu.
12. Piata Mica (Lesser Square)
I promise you this square is lesser in name only! It is a bit smaller than Piata Mare, but is still a large square.
The square is full of colour with some buildings of historical significance, such as the bridge of lies, Casa Luxemburg and Casa Artelor, along with many restaurants and cafes.
Piata Mica is also dotted with many eyes, and makes for an interesting photo.
13. Turnul Sfatului
Turnul Sfatului is a well preserved 13th century tower, that interestingly also served as a prison.
For a small fee of 2 lei, visitors can climb up 7 floors to the top of the tower for stunning 360 views of the city, making this a cannot miss thing to do in Sibiu.
The climb is narrow and steep, but each floor has exhibits that you can look at and take a break if you need to.
14. Explore the Alleyways
For a city as small as Sibiu, there are so many alleys that wander upon. It felt like every walk, we were happening upon more inviting alleys.
Here are some you should make sure to check out (each link takes you to Google maps, so you can save for later):
- Shoemakers Passage
- Mitropoliei – Xenopol Passage (ie the narrowest street in Romania)
- Pasajuil ?colii
15. ASTRA National Museum Complex
Definitely one of the coolest things to do in Sibiu is visiting Astra National Museum Complex.
ASTRA is an open air museum in the natural park ‘Dumbrava Sibiulu,’ showcasing the traditional buildings of rural Romanian inhabitants. You will leave with appreciation for these people’s resilience, and a profound insight into a long gone era.
Give yourself a few hours here; it is huge! It is worth nothing that after 6 pm, you are allowed to enter the grounds on a bike, which allows you to see more than when on foot.
You can purchase tickets in advance via their website.
16. Oldies Pub
This is a large and fun bar with live music! The play old songs, but its just a great atmosphere.
For something fun to do at night in Sibiu, head to Oldies!
17. Muzeul National Brukenthal
For any appreciators of fine art, a visit to Brukenthal National Museum is a must!
The museum hosts an extraordinary collection of European and Romanian artefacts.
That’s not all though, in the courtyard you will find Antonello and Donatello, two chubby cats that are the museums mascots. So cute!
During December when the Christmas market is on the courtyard transforms to a winter party with a DJ, strobe lights, and food trucks!
You can book tickets online via their website, or at entrance of the museum.
18. Christmas Market
If you are visiting in December, you will have the pleasure of getting to experience Sibiu’s small but mighty Christmas market.
Transformed into a Christmas wonderland, Piata Mare is draped in twinkling fairy lights with a ferris wheel, ice skating ring, and plenty of festive food favourites.
I wrote a more in depth blog post on Sibiu Christmas market, you can read that here.
Sibiu Day Trips
19. Sighisoara
Sighisoara is charming medieval town, best known as the birthplace of Vlad The Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula).
The cobbled stoned town is lined with colourful buildings and fortification walls.
Not to miss things to do in Sighisoara: The Church on the Hill, Vlad Dracula House, Clock Tower, and Holy Trinity Christ Church.
20. Corvins Castle
One of the largest castles in Europe, and one of the 7 wonders of Romania, you can be sure this castle will be worth visiting! It is a massive 7,000 square metres.
The castle is well restored, with an impressive drawbridge, dungeon, large courtyard among many other highlights.
21. Balea Lake
Take a day trip from Sibiu to Balea Lake through the impressive Transf?g?r??an Road. The drive alone is incredible, with stunning mountain views before you even reach the clear waters of Balea Lake.
In warmer weather, you will be able to explore hiking trails and the Balea Waterfall, or during winter you can go ice skating and snowmobiling. There is also a cable car ride for a bird’s-eye view.
Another really cool (literally) thing to do in Balea lakes is to spend a night in the unique ICE Hotel. The hotel and everything in it is made of ice, it gets rebuilt every single year. At 2,000 metres it is only accessible via a 15 cable car car!
Foodie Things To Do In Sibiu
22. Cafe Wien
Located beside Saint Mary Evangelical Cathedral, Cafe Wien offers Viennese charm in the centre of Sibiu.
Inside is a cosy ambiance complimented by live piano music, or sit outside on the terrace for gorgeous views across Sibiu.
The menu is Austrian, and the portions are huge! I ordered Veal schnitzel, included is a side dish of your choice, I went with rosti. The schnitzel was the size of the plate, accompanied by two rostis, which were deliciously cheesy. My boyfriend ordered the sausage which was also very nice, this came with a side of potatoes and cabbage.
In true Vienna style the coffees also did not disappoint! I recommend Überstürzter Neumann, coffee poured over whipped cream.
23. Sia Restaurant
Overlooking the picturesque Piata Mare, this restaurant is amazing, it has a little bit of everything on the menu but it is mostly Asian fusion. I would go as far as to say that this was one of the best restaurants we visited in Romania. If you are a foodie you will not regret adding this to your list of things to do in Sibiu.
We ordered Boa buns, which had thick cuts of pork belly, Pork Ramen with freshly made noodles, and Katsudon (this was my favourite!).
Other dishes on the menu I wanted to try but did not have room was the Crispy Broccoli with peanuts, Italian Aubergine, and Pistachio Tiramisu.
24. La Taifas
Romanian cuisine is equal parts delicious and comforting, La Taifas execute this perfectly.
The menu is full of classic Romanian dishes, we ordered the Sarmale ( stuffed cabbage and polenta), and M?m?liga (cheesy polenta with pieces of pork). Every dish that the waiter walked past up with looked incredible, so I think whatever you order will be good!
The restaurant is cosy and warm, it is situated on Piata Mare, the perfect spot for people watching! If you are looking to try great Romanian food in Sibiu then La Taifas is the place to go!
How Many Days Is Enough in Sibiu
Sibiu is quite small so 1 full day is enough to see the city. However, 2 – 3 days gives you time to explore the surrounding areas, or take a day trip. Which, I really recommend.
Is Sibiu Worth Visiting
Absolutely, Sibiu is 100% worth visiting, it became my favourite city in Romania. Sibiu is steeped in history, walking around the city feels like you are in a postcard, the food scene is incredible, and the views of the surrounding Fagres mountains will take your breath away!
What’s not to love!
Is Sibiu Expensive?
No, Sibiu is an affordable destination, and Romania is one of the more affordable countries in the world.
Along with accommodation, food, drink and transport are all much more affordable than other EU destinations. I found €50 a day was a great daily budget for eating out, and sightseeing!
Sibiu is a fantastic budget destination.
So, there you have it, 27 things to do in Sibiu, if you liked this post make sure you save it for later ! You might also want to check out my related posts below.
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