Sibiu is one of Transylvania’s most charming cities, where colourful squares, Saxon architecture and cosy cafés come together in a way that feels both relaxed and full of character. We’ve visited in every season — from summer strolls to our Romania Christmas Market trip — and each time the city offers something new.

With its walkable old town, rich history and friendly locals who speak English to a surprising degree, Sibiu is an easy and rewarding place for travellers to explore. This guide brings together the best things to do, where to stay and what to eat, so you can make the most of your time in this beautiful Romanian city.

Overview

Sibiu has always felt special to us. Each time we return, whether in the warmth of summer or during our festive Romania Christmas Market trip through Craiova, Bucharest and Sighişoara — the city greets us with a familiar charm.

It’s a place where brightly painted houses and proud German-inspired architecture sit beneath pointed rooftops, where life moves at an easy pace and the historic streets seem designed for slow wandering.

Historically known as Hermannstadt, Sibiu is one of Transylvania’s most culturally rich cities. The population today sits at around 145,000 and you’ll still find traces of the Saxon community that shaped the city’s layout and traditions.

Romanians make up the majority of locals, with a smaller German minority still living here — something that adds an extra layer to everyday life. English is widely spoken, especially among younger locals and hospitality staff, so most visitors get by without any difficulty.

Despite being one of Romania’s most beautiful destinations, Sibiu is often overlooked in favour of Braşov, Sighişoara or Cluj. Yet it offers just as much: a relaxed old town, excellent museums, lively cultural events and some of the prettiest viewpoints in Transylvania. It’s an easy city to fall for.

How to Get to Sibiu

You can reach Sibiu in several ways:

By Air

Sibiu International Airport is small but well connected to Germany, which makes it an easy weekend break for many German travellers. Flights from other European cities are more limited but increasing year by year.

Alternatively, you can land in Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport and then take the train for 2 hours or so to Sibiu.

By Train

We personally prefer taking the train, especially if we’re coming from Bucharest or Braşov. The journey is longer than driving, but you’re rewarded with lovely mountain views — particularly the section between Braşov and Sibiu, where the peaks rise steeply and look magical in winter when they’re snow-dusted. From Sibiu train station you can take a local bus or taxi straight into the old town.

By Car

Driving is also an option and gives you flexibility if you’re exploring Transylvania more broadly. Roads into Sibiu are in good condition, although they can get busy during holidays or festival periods.

Travelling Around Sibiu

Sibiu’s historic centre is compact and wonderfully walkable, so you won’t need public transport for most of your stay. Distances between attractions are small and the charm lies in strolling through the narrow passageways, hidden staircases and quiet corners of the old town.

You can get the tourist mini-train that takes you around the old town. Taxis and Bolt operate reliably if you need to travel further, such as to the ASTRA Museum village complex.

Currency – What You Need to Know

Romania uses the LEU (RON). As a rough guide:

• £1 ≈ 5.7 RON
• €1 ≈ 4.95 RON
• $1 ≈ 4.5 RON

Prices in Sibiu are generally affordable and card payments are widely accepted in restaurants, cafés, shops and most attractions. Even so, cash is still used heavily, especially in markets, bakeries, small kiosks and rural day-trip spots.

Withdrawals from ATMs are easy but some banks charge higher fees than others. We usually avoid Euronet ATMs and head to bank-owned machines instead.

Money exchange is best done at a proper exchange bureau, which offers better rates than hotels or airport desks. High-end hotels can exchange money too, but the rates tend to be less favourable.

Where to Stay in Sibiu

Sibiu is compact and easy to navigate, so most areas work well for a short city break. Even so, each neighbourhood has its own character, atmosphere and advantages depending on the type of stay you’re after.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, we would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Trip.com to get the best rates. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Sibiu for your specific dates.

Below are the areas we feel work best for visitors:

• Upper Town (Piața Mare & Piața Mică)
  Best for first-timers and couples — central, lively, and ideal for sightseeing or the Christmas Market.
• Lower Town (Pasajul Scărilor Area)
  Quiet, scenic and great for photography — still only a short walk from the main squares.
• Near the Train Station (Gara Sibiu)
  Practical and budget-friendly — perfect if arriving or leaving by train.
• Sub Arini Park Area
  Leafy, relaxed and family-friendly — good for longer stays with more space.

Best Time to Visit Sibiu

Sibiu works well in any season:

• Summer is lively, warm and full of café terraces and festivals.
• Autumn brings cooler temperatures and colourful foliage across the parks.
• Winter is our personal favourite thanks to the Sibiu Christmas Market, one of the most atmospheric in the country.
• Spring feels quiet and fresh as the city wakes up after winter.

Our Top Things to Do in Sibiu – What Not to Miss

Before diving in, it’s worth noting that the historic centre is entirely walkable, so you can explore at your own pace without needing buses or taxis.

1. Soak Up the Atmosphere in Piața Mare (Large Square)

Piaţa Mare is the beating heart of Sibiu. Whether we’re visiting in summer or winter, we always find ourselves here people-watching for a while.

In warmer months children run through the little ground fountain, cooling off as parents chat nearby. The square opens up beautifully at sunset and the pastel façades look warm and inviting.

In winter this becomes the stage for the Sibiu Christmas Market, complete with an ice rink, mulled wine stalls and a Ferris wheel. We always go up for the view; seeing the lights of the market below is one of the most enchanting scenes in Transylvania.

2. Explore Piața Mică (Small Square)

Connected to Piaţa Mare via the Council Tower, this smaller square has its own charm — arched passageways, colourful façades and cosy restaurants. Throughout the year you’ll find small markets popping up: artisan fairs, food stalls and seasonal events.

It’s also home to the Museum of Pharmacy.

2.1 Visit the Museum of Pharmacy

Set inside one of Sibiu’s oldest pharmacy buildings, this tiny museum offers a look at centuries-old apothecary tools, jars, potions and remedies. It was one of the region’s most important pharmacies and gives a little insight into how medicine was practiced before modern laboratories existed.

3. Discover the Brukenthal National Museum

Named after Samuel von Brukenthal, the Habsburg governor of Transylvania in the 18th century, this museum is one of the oldest in Romania. It houses several collections including European art, Romanian art, Transylvanian history and decorative pieces.

For us, the Brukenthal Museum helps put Sibiu into context — its mix of cultures, its historic wealth and its role as a cultural hub. The museum sits right next to Sibiu’s beautiful Town Hall, another landmark you shouldn’t miss.

4. Step Inside the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cathedral

With its elegant interior, tall arches and detailed frescoes, this cathedral is one of Romania’s most impressive. We sat inside for a while during our last visit, taking in the ornate decorations and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to pause during your city wander.

5. Climb the Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului) for Panoramic Views

Climbing this 13th-century tower is a little workout — the steps get narrow and steep — but the effort is rewarded with panoramic views of both Piaţa Mare and Piaţa Mică. On clear days the rooftops glow golden.

The entrance is a bit hidden; look for a small door between the two arches at the base of the tower. It’s easy to miss if there isn’t a queue.

From the top you can also admire the Evangelical Church and its eye-catching patterned roof tiles.

6. Walk Past Sibiu’s Medieval Towers

Along the remaining section of Sibiu’s fortified walls you’ll find three of the best-preserved defensive towers:

• Turnul Dulgherilor (Carpenters’ Tower)
• Turnul Olarilor (Potters’ Tower)
• Turnul Archebuzierilor (Arquebusiers’ Tower)

You can’t climb inside them, but walking this path helps you imagine how Sibiu once defended itself against invading armies.

7. Cross the Bridge of Lies and Hear Its Legends

Probably Sibiu’s most recognisable landmark, the Bridge of Lies is a cast-iron pedestrian bridge with several myths attached to it — from lying lovers to mischievous merchants. In summer the bridge is decorated with vibrant flowers and looks almost like a scene from Strasbourg’s Petite France.

8. Visit Saint Mary Evangelical Cathedral

This Gothic cathedral dominates the upper town and is one of Transylvania’s most important Lutheran churches. Inside you’ll find tall pillars, medieval frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere.

Samuel von Brukenthal was the last person buried here in 1803. For a small fee (around £2–£3) you can climb the church tower for sweeping views over the rooftops.

9. Enter the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral

Romania’s Orthodox cathedrals are always striking but Sibiu’s stands out thanks to its golden-orange interior, domes and mosaics.

When we visited there was a service taking place and the cathedral was beautifully full, giving an intimate insight into local religious life.

10. Wander the Old Town for Scenic Corners

Sibiu is full of photogenic spots and hidden angles. Three areas we always revisit:

10.1 Turnul Scărilor (Stairs Tower)

A medieval tower linking the upper and lower towns, surrounded by cobblestones and archways that feel wonderfully atmospheric.

10.2 Pasajul Scărilor (Stairs Passage)

One of Sibiu’s most photographed locations — rows of brick steps framed by archways and old houses. A great place for slow photographs.

10.3 Turnul Scării Aurarilor & Pasajul Piața Aurarilor

Quiet, charming lanes that capture Sibiu’s medieval character beautifully. They’re perfect if you enjoy exploring beyond the main squares.

11. Check Out the Sibiu Public Baths

We haven’t yet tried the Sibiu Public Baths, but from what we’ve seen and heard they’re impressively renovated and well maintained — arguably much better presented than Budapest’s Széchenyi Baths. It’s on our list for next time.

12. Other Things to Do in Sibiu

If you have more time in Sibiu, here are some suggestions for more things to do.

Our Top Restaurants in Sibiu

Sibiu’s food scene reflects the region’s layered identity: Romanian heartiness, Saxon influences, Hungarian hints and a deep love for slow-cooked comfort dishes.

It’s the kind of cuisine that feels homely and generous, often arriving in cast-iron pans or deep clay pots, and usually leaving you pleasantly full. Below is our list of our favourite restaurants when we are in Sibiu:

1. Taste Local Classics at Hochmeister

Hochmeister Delikat’essen is a traditional restaurant with Saxon and Romanian influences. I had the veal schnitzel while Hristina chose the mămăligă with mushroom cheese sauce.

The schnitzel was decent, but the mămăligă was creamy and rich, with mushrooms giving a deep, earthy flavour.

2. Indulge in French-Inspired Treats at Petit Patis

Petit Patis is a Paris-inspired patisserie we return to every time. Their gateaux selection is impressive and we never leave without a bag of freshly made madeleines.

My favourite so far has been the baba au rhum, soaked perfectly and balanced in sweetness. The “three chocolates” cake (dark, white and milk chocolate mousse) is another staple.

3. Dine Underground at Crama Sibiană

Set inside a rustic cellar, Crama Sibiană focuses on Romanian dishes. On our visit, food arrived slowly and some plates were slightly overcooked, but the papanasi were very good — crispier than usual but tasty.

The waiter, aware of the uneven experience, was very insistent about the tip which made us laugh a bit.

4. Feast on Generous Portions at Crama Sibiul Vechi

Crama Sibiul Vechi is another cellar restaurant offering hearty Romanian meals. Portions here are huge — we ordered only mains and that was plenty. Hristina’s “Shepherd’s Bag” mixed pork neck, sausages and cheese sauce with mămăligă.

Mine was similar but with ham. Both were rich and flavourful, although perhaps too many components competing for attention.

5. Warm Up with Saxon Specialities at Kulinarium

Located in Piaţa Mică, Kulinarium serves German-inspired dishes with excellent execution. We tried their signature dish — ham-wrapped chicken in cheese sauce served in a cast-iron skillet — and it was warming and satisfying.

The sauce tied everything together beautifully. Our only complaint? The chairs were a bit too small for anyone tall (I’m 1.91 m), but the food absolutely made up for it.

Final Thoughts

Sibiu is a city that rewards wandering, curiosity and slow travel. Its German-Saxon heritage, lively squares, impressive churches and peaceful corners make it one of the most enjoyable places in Romania to spend a few days.

Whether you’re coming for the Christmas market, the architecture or simply a relaxed city break, Sibiu offers a little bit of everything — and is always worth a spot on your Romania itinerary.

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