Things To Do
in Sibiu
Sibiu is a well-preserved medieval city in Transylvania known for its colorful squares, fortified towers, and vibrant cultural life. Located at coordinates 45.7928, 24.1519, it blends Saxon heritage with Romanian charm and modern arts. The historic center, including Piata Mare and Turnul Sfatului (Council Tower), is lined with ornate guild houses and quaint cafés.
Its lively festival calendar and pedestrian-friendly streets make it a compelling base for exploring Transylvania.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Sibiu and check into your accommodation. Take some time to rest and acclimate to the beautiful surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Romanian pastries.
Stroll through the historic district, exploring the charming cobblestone streets and vibrant squares. Visit the Brukenthal Palace and admire its impressive art collection. Stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant, savoring local delicacies such as sarmale.
Wander to the Great Square, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding architecture. Find a cozy spot to dine outdoors, experiencing the lively atmosphere. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a nearby bar.
Begin your day with a visit to the Astra Museum, an open-air museum showcasing rural life in Romania. Spend time walking through the exhibits and learning about traditional crafts and tools. Grab a hearty breakfast at the museum's café before continuing your adventure.
Return to the city and enjoy lunch at a cozy bistro. Next, explore the historic Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary and climb its tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Sibiu. Spend the afternoon wandering through the artisan streets, discovering unique shops and local art.
Dine at one of Sibiu's fine restaurants, where you can enjoy a fusion of Romanian cuisine and modern gastronomy. After dinner, enjoy a cultural performance at the Radu Stanca National Theatre. Wind down with a walk through the illuminated city, admiring how the buildings come alive at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚌Public transit ticket | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room per night | $40-120 |
| 🍷Bottle of local wine (restaurant) | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, compact Old Town ideal for walking
- Rich cultural calendar and excellent museums
- Friendly locals and easy day trips to the mountains
- Good value for a Central European destination
- Some sites may be crowded during peak season
- Restaurant menus can be meat-heavy; vegetarians should ask for options
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- "Bună ziua" - Hello (formal)
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Vă rog" - Please
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Vorbiți engleză?" - Do you speak English?
- "Scuzați-mă" - Excuse me
- "Nu înțeleg" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Sibiu
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic tower with sweeping views of the central squares and the colorful historic facades; best at sunrise or late afternoon light.
A wide square lined with ornate 18th-century houses in bright hues—great for wide-angle shots and street photography.
A charming, narrow bridge with a storybook feel; ideal for candid people photos and architectural details.
Elegant courtyard and neoclassical façades offering refined architectural photography and a glimpse into the cultural heritage.
Food in Sibiu
Sibiu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich pork stew served with fluffy polenta; a classic hearty dish to try in traditional Romanian restaurants.
Must-Try!
A tangy tripe soup flavored with sour cream and vinegar; a staple Romanian comfort food often found on menus.
Cabbage rolls stuffed with pork and rice, simmered in a tomato-based sauce; widely available in traditional taverns.
Sweet cheese pastries fried or poached, served with sour cream and jam for a classic dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market area where fresh produce, local dairy, and prepared foods are sold; great for sampling seasonal snacks and observing daily life.
Pretzel-like bread sticks and quick bites sold by street vendors around the old town—perfect for a quick, inexpensive bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common when meeting someone; greet with courtesy titles (Domnul/Domnilor for men, Doamna for women) in formal settings. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Small talk about family and food is common; avoid sensitive political topics in casual conversations with strangers.
Safety
Tipping in Sibiu
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is not included; for good service feel free to leave 10%. Rounding up on taxis is appreciated but not required.
Cash and card payments are widely accepted in restaurants, cafes, and shops; ATMs are abundant in the city center. Carry a small amount of local currency (RON) for markets where cards may not be accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with frequent afternoon showers; great for long strolls in the Old Town and outdoor cafés, plus vibrant festivals.
Mild to cool temperatures with colorful foliage; perfect for photography along tree-lined streets and markets.
Cold with occasional snow; charming festive atmosphere in squares, but some outdoor sights may have limited hours.
Refreshing temperatures and blooming gardens; ideal for walking tours and enjoying outdoor terraces as city regains its momentum.
Sibiu at Night
Hiking in Sibiu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible mountain trails near the resort town of Păltiniș; rewarding views, suitable for day hikes from Sibiu.
Forest routes and gentle hikes within the open-air park area, ideal for nature lovers and families.
More challenging routes in the nearby highlands offering panoramic vistas and alpine scenery.
Airports
How to reach Sibiu by plane.
Closest airport to the city, well-connected to several European hubs; easy to reach by taxi, bus, or transfer services.
A larger regional airport about 170 km away with more international connections; usable for longer trips or connecting to Sibiu by train or car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Romanian, with minority groups including Hungarians and Roma; a youthful university presence adds to the local culture.
Sibiu hosts several higher education institutions, contributing to a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere, especially in the city center.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
widely watched and played across the region; local clubs and amateur leagues are common.
Popular indoor team sports with local clubs and youth programs.
Skiing and snow-related activities are accessible in the nearby mountains during the winter months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sibiu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most traditional dishes are meat-centric, but you can find vegetarian options like ciorbă de legume, mămăligă cu brânză (polenta with cheese), mushroom-based dishes, and salads. Ask for meat-free versions or substitutions when possible.