Overview

Sibiu is nestled at the foothill of the Cindrel Mountains in Transylvania, a charming, historical, medieval town dating back to the 12th century. The city is complete with appealing open squares dotted with terraced cafes and restaurants. The medieval heart of the city features historic stone walls, towers, centuries-old buildings, and magical churches.

Sibiu is known as the “City with Eyes”. Many of the houses especially in the popular squares remain in their medieval form created by industrious merchants, craftsmen, and settlers who constructed steep-roofed houses that allowed for goods to be stored in the attics. These eye-like windows seemingly peep or peek through the roof tiles which are characteristic of Sibiu’s architecture.

Sibiu is ranked as the 8th most idyllic place to live in Europe by Forbes magazine. The majestic Carpathian Mountains can be seen in the distance along with other splendid views of the countryside and other high points in the region. Beautiful squares can be found in Sibiu, Piata Mare, and Piata Mica being the main two, lined by 100-year-old houses, cobblestone streets, and plentiful dining options and shopping opportunities.

The stunning city of Sibiu is one of the cultural and tourism capitals of Romania attracting visitors from all over the world with its medieval charms. The city boasts spectacular surrounding landscapes including the sprawling verdant countryside and soaring Fagaras, Cibin, and Lotru Mountains, which offer plenty of exciting outdoor activities and adventures.

Things to see and do

The historical medieval city of Sibiu is home to some of the best-preserved historical sites in the country with medieval fortifications, historic churches, upper and lower towns, and a significant collection of museums. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 12 institutions house art collections, paintings, archeology, history, decorative arts, and natural sciences.

The best way to discover the city of Sibiu is to stroll through the quaint winding cobblestone streets, detouring down the narrow alleyways to uncover charming shops and cute cafes, passing through the bustling plazas such as b>Piata Mare and Piata Mica lined with colorful buildings where you can shop, dine, and people watch.

Piata Mare or Large Square is a huge rectangular plaza in the center of the city, established in1366, it is one of the largest in Transylvania, a great place for markets, fairs, and once executions! Several of the city’s top attractions can be found in the Square including the Brukenthal Palace which is now a museum, and enchanting 15th-century houses including Casa Haller at number 10, and Casa Lutsch at number 13. The square is simply magical during the holiday seasons and decorated by thousands of twinkling fairy lights and a giant Christmas tree, this is also where the famous Sibiu Christmas markets are held.

If you head through the portal below the Council Tower you will be connected to Piata Mica or Small Square, an irregularly-shaped square fringed by 14th and 16th-century merchant houses with the roofs that feature the “eyes of Sibiu”. A street in the middle of the square leads down to teh Lower Town, crossing over the beautiful Bridge of Lies. Sibiu’s first pharmacy is located here dating back to 1568, now a museum with details on Samuel Hahnemann who invented the alternative medicine of homeopathy in the building’s basement.

Climb the iconic Council Tower which stands tall in the city of Sibiu between the Grand and Lesser Square, a symbol of the city. A seven-story tower featuring a Baroque design, it was constructed at the end of the 13the century, a historic defense was the gateway to Sibiu’s second circle of fortifications. From 10 am until 8 pm visitors can climb the 141 stairs to the rooftop for breathtaking views, and check out the inner workings of the clock mechanisms on the 5th floor.

Take a day trip to Balea Lake, part of the Fagaras Mountains, and can be reached via the magnificent Transfagarasan Road, which winds its way through the mountains from north to south, named one of the most sensational roads in the world. An impressive and thrilling ride with curves that grow tighter and tighter as you drive higher into the mountains, this trip can be done by car or use the Balea Bus. At teh end of the road is the magnificent Balea Waterfall which is well worth a visit and a great place for a picnic and a dip in the refreshing waters. Then take a cable car ride to Balea Lake for some great outdoor fun, there are marked hiking trails and plenty of activities found on and around the lake.

The Museums in Sibiu are spectacular and organized around two entities; The Brukenthal National Museum consists of an Art Gallery and an Old Books Library housed in the fabulous Brukenthal Palace. There is a History Museum here in the Old Town Hall, a Pharmacy Museum found in one of the first apothecary shops in Europe, a Natural History Museum, and a Museum of Arms and Hunting Trophies.

The ASTRA National Museum complex is a terrific open-air ethnography museum spread over 237 acres near the Dumbrava Forest dotted with over 300 buildings including dwellings, windmills, animal paddocks, churches, workshops, farms, and watermills. Here there is a Universal Ethnography Museum, a Museum of Transylvanian Civilization, and a Museum of Saxon Ethnography and Folk Art. The magical Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park covers over 2,000 acres of forest and parkland waiting to be explored. There are over 6 miles of hiking, and biking trails as well as plenty of nature, and the Zoological Garden.

Cycling

Cycling is big in Sibiu, the Sibiu cycling tour has been held here since 2011, and there are plenty of bike rentals and the l’Velo Bike Sharing Group available to explore the city on two wheels. There are guided bike tours offered many of which take cyclists to the surrounding countryside, Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park, Cisnadie, and the mountains.

The city itself boasts 26 miles of bicycle trails ideal for exploring the many parks, squares, and attractions. Some companies will take you on extensive rides through the surrounding area, traveling through various small towns and villages on the outskirts. Cycle through the verdant peaceful forests, through vibrant fields laden with wildflowers, and enjoy breathtaking views from the hilltops.

The Sibiu Cycling tour takes is a 2.1 professional category bicycle road race held entirely around the city. The race normally takes place over four days and includes a prologue on the cobbled streets of the city, and two climbing stages, one on the famed Transfagarasan Road to Balea Lac and the second to the mountain resort of Paltinis.

Skiing

The Fagaras and Candrel or Transylvania Mountains are just on the outskirts of Sibiu. These soaring mountains are a magnet for ski lovers with the Paltinis and Arena Platos ski resorts located just 11 miles from the city. These mountains are also great for hiking and trekking during the spring and summer months and escaping to the mountains for the day is a wonderful escape from the city. The dense forests and spectacular peaks are filled with protected species such as wolves, lynx, bears, and capercaillie.

Paltinis is the oldest ski resort in Romania decorated with beautiful 19th-century villas and the Cindrel hotel. Paltinis is a stunning winter holiday destination set in the heart of the former Saxon communities of Transylvania, a refuge for writers for many years. These wonderful slopes are a great place for beginner, and intermediate skiers served by chair lifts. The resort town offers excellent dining options, luxury accommodations, and all the amenities.

Arena Platos is a little closer to Sibiu, just 3 miles down the road from Paltinis and home to a collection of smaller hotels, and pensions including the Perla Paltinisului and the Casa Turistilor. The resort offers five short slopes, five drag lifts, and a good ski school.

Food and Nightlife

The city of Sibiu has a lot of great food options and plenty of restaurants and an excellent range of cafes to choose from. There are many eateries found in the popular plazas and squares in Sibiu including Piata Mica and Piata Mare where you can find cozy terraces outside fantastic restaurants and cute cafes. The cuisine in Sibiu features a mixture of local authentic Romanian, Saxon, and Hungarian cuisine as well as many international options. There are plenty of pubs to choose from in the city, Piata Mica offers the widest range of eateries in the city and there are also plenty found in Old Town.

Super Mama is Transylvania's only fast-food chain offering cafeteria-style dining serving up flavorful soups, sandwiches, mashed potatoes, lasagna, kebabs, and shawarma. There are quite a few locations in Sibiu including one at the entrance to Old Town on Strada Nicolae Balcescu in Astra Park.

Some things to try when dining in Sibiu, Old cheese from the local shepherds, pear brandy, fruit cakes, and traditional Romanian dishes such as “Sarmale” the national dish pork-stuffed cabbage rolls, “ciorba” soup which is often eaten with most meals, and “mamaliga” which is polenta with crumbled cheese and sour cream. Be sure to try some sweet Romanian treats like “clatite” or crepes served with jam or Nutella and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Food Tours are popular in Sibiu as the surrounding region is known for its culinary traditions and specialty dishes.

There is plenty to do in Sibiu at night including restaurants, pubs, cafes, and bars with outdoor terrace seating in the summertime. During the summer the city is bumping with concerts, festivals, and events where visitors and locals alike can enjoy live music, entertainment, food, and drinks. Some of the city’s most well-known nightlife establishments include Oldies Pub with a lively atmosphere, great music, and drinks. Time Out, Orphee Pub, Union Pub, and Old friends pub are among the other happening places to spend an evening after hours, most are found in the center of the city. Clubs in the city worth checking out including Zebrano, one of the most exclusive in the city offering a unique atmosphere, fantastic design, and great music. Liquid frequently has notable DJs spinning music, Pure Passion and The Cotton club also offer a great night out.

Festivals and Events

Sibiu is the annual host of many fun festivals and events, the most prestigious of these being the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, which is held at the end of May. Here is a list of some of the other wonderful festivals in the city.

-Sibiu Easter Fair - April

-Sibiu Jazz Festival - May

-Sibiu International Theatre Festival (TIFF) - June

-Summer Classics - Music Days - June

-Carl Filtsch International Piano Competition and Festival - July

-Sibiu Fashion Days - July

-Sibiu Fashion Week - July

-Sibiu Cycling Tour - July

-Red Bull Romaniacs - July

-Artmania Festival - July

-The Traveling Craftsmen - Between June and August

-National Festival of Folk Traditions - August

-The Songs of the Mountains Festival - August

-The Medieval Festival - August

-The Potters’ Fair - September

Sibiu Opera Festival - September

-Cibinfest - September <

-Sibiu Open Tennis Event - September

-Astra Film Festival - October

-Handmade Festivals - October

-The Christmas Fair - November through January

-Street Food Festival - Held in Sibiu’s Main Square 3-5 times a year

-Roma Festival - Held in Sibiu’s Main Square 3-5 times a year