Sibiu is one of the most visited cities in Eastern Europe. It has a long history dating back to the 12th century when it was built by the Saxons. From then, it quickly became the wealthiest and largest of the seven walled citadels founded in this region. By the 14th century it had grown into a wealthy trading centre and today visitors can still enjoy the distinct German architecture that this city is known for. There’s no shortage of things to do in Sibiu, that’s for sure.
While many people choose to plan a day trip to Sibiu from places like Cluj-Napoca, I’d recommend spending at least one night in the city. This way you can explore the beautiful medieval cobbled streets at your leisure, and tuck into some delicious homemade and traditional meals served up at the many restaurants in Sibiu. The medieval charm of Sibiu is similar to Brasov and Sighisoara, but you’ll find some very unique things to do in Sibiu that aren’t found anywhere else in Transylvania.
Things to do in Sibiu
Walk around Piața Mică
As you enter the old town, one of the first things to do in Sibiu is to walk around Piața Mică. This is the smaller of the two main squares in the old town, but I personally prefer this one. Surrounding Piața Mică are beautiful historic buildings that now play host to restaurants, hotels, shops, and museums. This is a great spot in Sibiu for photos if you’re interested in locating some of the famous Eyes of Sibiu too. There’s often a street market taking place in Piața Mică so you may also find your souvenirs here.
The Bridge of Lies
One of the main attractions in Sibiu is The Bridge of Lies. It was rebuilt in the 19th century on the site of a former wooden bridge. This made it the first forged iron bridge in Romania. There are a few legends that surround this bridge, including if you sit on it and tell a lie it will collapse. The most popular ones involve couples and women being lied to by their loved ones while standing on the bridge. It’s definitely a must-see in Sibiu, regardless of what you believe.
Saint Mary Evangelical Church
Saint Mary Evangelical Church was built in the 14th century on the site of a 12th century church. It’s known for being one of the most impressive buildings in the city. It also boasts the tallest tower in Transylvania. If you’re lucky enough to visit when the church doors are open, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the tower. The views of the old town below are incredible and it’s one of the best things to do in Sibiu.
The church sits in Albert Huet Square which is considered to be the oldest square in Sibiu. It’s a beautiful place to rest for a few moments and take in the view of the church.
The Stairs Tower
As you walk around the old town of Sibiu, you’ll probably encounter a few towers along the way. The Stairs Tower is located near Saint Mary Evangelical Church. It’s the only one of the three access gates to the medieval city that’s been preserved. It dates back to the 13th century but the shape you see today is actually from the 15th century. The stairs of this gate help to connect the upper and lower towns.
Piața Aurarilor
One of my favourite things to do in Sibiu is to relax in Piața Aurarilor (the Goldsmiths’ Square). This is a very small square that sits just behind Piața Mică. These two squares are connected by a beautiful picturesque passageway, known as the Goldsmith’s Stairway Tower. There’s not much to see in Piața Aurarilor apart from a coffee shop, but the 15th-18th century buildings here are stunning. It’s not a well known tourist spot either, which is always a bonus.
Visit the museums in Sibiu
There are several interesting museums in Sibiu to visit, depending on your interests. In Piața Mică sits The Museum of Pharmaceutical History. Not far from here, near Saint Mary Evangelical Church, is the “Altemberger House” History Museum. This museum is a good place to stop if you want to learn about the history of the area.
If you’ve rented a car in Romania, I’d highly recommend taking a short drive to the ASTRA National Museum Complex. It’s the largest open-air museum in Romania, and one of the largest in this part of Europe too. Visiting it is considered to be one of the top things to do in Sibiu.
The Council Tower
Located in between the two main squares of the old town is The Council Tower. It’s one of the most well known buildings in Sibiu, and it was once the location of the city hall. The tower dates back to the 13th century and it acted as the entrance gate to the second precinct of the city. It’s been rebuilt several times over the centuries, so very little of its original form remains. Today visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Sibiu from the observation deck at the top of the tower.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
An often overlooked attraction in Sibiu is Holy Trinity Cathedral. It’s located a short walking distance from the main square, so many people neglect to add it to their list of things to do in Sibiu. It’s a beautiful cathedral that you wouldn’t expect to pop up between the narrow streets and historic buildings. It was built in the 20th century as a symbol of the orthodox faith of the people of Sibiu and the region.
Eyes of Sibiu
The Eyes of Sibiu are world famous and are a major highlight of any trip to the city. Wherever you walk through the city, you’ll feel the eyes peering down at you from the rooftops. These unique windows date back to the 15th century. They were used for ventilation purposes, as goods such as grain, cheese, and meat were stored in the attic. The design allowed for air to flow through the attic without letting too much sunlight in.
Today, the windows that can be seen are from the 19th century. Legend has it that they were built to frighten people and give them the feeling that they’re being watched as they walk along the streets.
Stroll along Nicolae Balcescu Street
If you have some free time during your trip to Sibiu, take the opportunity to stroll along Nicolae Balcescu Street. This is the main shopping street in the old town and it runs directly into the main square. It’s fully pedestrianized and there are some nice souvenir shops as well as clothing shops and cafes along here. You may also come across a few eyes from the rooftops peering down at you.
Piața Mare
The largest square in old town Sibiu is Piața Mare. This square often plays host to public events, concerts, and other activities, so you’ll always find something happening here. The square first appeared in public records in the mid-14th century and during the Middle Ages it was used for many events, including executions. It’s a beautiful square to walk around and all of the buildings here are worth taking photos of.
Sibiu City Hall and Brukenthal Palace
While you walk around Piața Mare, you’ll come across two very prominent buildings. The Sibiu City Hall is an iconic building with a beautiful facade that features on many postcards and other images of the city. Next to it is Brukenthal Palace which was built in the 18th century on the site of two medieval houses. It was the first museum opened to the public in both Romania and Central Europe, and it’s home to a beautiful collection of art pieces.
Explore the streets of Sibiu’s historic old town
Sibiu is a very budget friendly city in Romania to visit, with most of the attractions being free or having a very small entry fee. One of the best things to do in Sibiu is to explore the streets of the historic old town. As you make your way through the winding cobbled streets, you’ll come across quaint shops, cozy corners, and unique medieval Saxon buildings that you won’t see anywhere else in Europe.
Sibiu old town fortifications
Sibiu was once a thriving medieval citadel, and parts of its fortification still remain today. Both the Carpenters Tower and the Potters Tower are open to the public, and date back to the 14th century. They’re unique towers with a connective wall between them, unlike other towers around the old town. Sadly they were closed when we visited, but going inside them is one of the top things to do in Sibiu and shouldn’t be missed.
Not far from these two towers is where you’ll find Haller Bastion, which was completed in the 16th century. The best way to view it is from across the main street that runs parallel with the old town.
Where to eat in Sibiu
La Turn
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Sibiu that’s conveniently located in the main plaza, you need to stop at La Turn. It’s located next to The Council Tower and it’s open throughout the day. They have plenty of options on their menu, ranging from bowls of pasta to more traditional Romanian food.
Those of you looking for something to fill you up for the rest of the day should go for either the Mushroom Stew or the Peasant Plate which are both served with a good portion of polenta. You can always stop by La Turn for a drink too if you’re not in the mood for food as it’s in a prime location with a great view.
Warose Bakery
Warose Bakery is located a short walk from the old town, and it’s certainly worth adding to your itinerary. We arrived early in the morning to ensure everything was freshly made and still available. They offer everything from fresh bread to sandwiches and delicious pastries. If you’re in a rush, I’d recommend ordering a box of their pastries to take back to the centre of the old town with you. They also have a good choice of fresh coffees and teas here that are reasonably priced.
Crama Sibiul Vechi
Crama Sibiul Vechi is a very popular restaurant in Sibiu, located in the basement of a historic building. The restaurant itself is relatively small inside, so if you haven’t booked you may need to wait to be seated. The menu here is enormous, and it’s based around traditional and homemade Romanian dishes.
There are plenty of meat dishes available but they also have a good variety of vegetarian alternatives. The Chicken Stew with Polenta was a highlight of our meal and we finished things off with a massive portion of papanasi (Romanian doughnuts).
Spicul
If you’re looking for something quick to take on the go, along Nicolae Balcescu Street is a local bakery called Spicul. It’s not a sit-in bakery, so you need to order and pay at the small window in the wall. Behind the counter you can see the bakers freshly preparing everything by hand too. There’s a good selection of traditional baked goods that you can try from here and they’re incredibly cheap as well.
Where to stay in Sibiu
Kesletz House
Kesletz House is a beautiful luxury guesthouse located just a 10 minute walk from the walls of the old town. They have four guest rooms available inside this mid-century house, and each one has been lovingly decorated with premium furnishings and has a relaxing ambiance.
We had the pleasure of staying in the Bibliotheque Suite which is incredibly spacious. The room was once the library of the house, and the suite has been designed to pay homage to this with the inclusion of a library in the corner. The room also features blackout curtains and we had a couple of sweet treats waiting for us when we arrived.
The Bibliotheque Suite is an ensuite room. The newly refurbished bathroom has been beautifully tiled and features a modern rainforest shower. Towels and a few toiletries are also provided with the room, so you don’t need to worry about packing these for your trip to Sibiu. You’ll also find a hairdryer in the bathroom, and if you need an iron that can be found on the upstairs floor and is available for all guests.
The check-in process at Kesletz House couldn’t be easier. On the day of arrival you’ll be provided with an access code for the gate, main door, and the door to your room so you can arrive whenever it’s most convenient for you. On the main floor you’ll find a beautiful dining room as well as a coffee station and a fridge with all types of drinks for guests.
Finding accommodation in Sibiu doesn’t need to be difficult. With Kesletz House you have the convenience of being next to the old town with the added bonus of being located in a quiet neighbourhood. There’s also plenty of street parking available. It’s the best place to stay in Sibiu for both short and long stays.
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Is Sibiu, Romania worth visiting?
There are many beautiful places to visit around Transylvania, but some of them are more tourist oriented than others. Despite Sibiu being one of the most visited cities in Romania, it still has a small town charm and doesn’t feel particularly overwhelming in terms of attractions or crowds. Sibiu is definitely worth visiting if you like to walk around historic old towns. You’ll be surprised by how many things to do in Sibiu there are. In terms of unique attractions it really can’t be beat, with the Eyes of Sibiu watching you at every turn, day and night.
If you have any questions about things to do in Sibiu or places to eat in the city, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch with me via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow along with my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where you might come across some more helpful travel tips for your upcoming trip to Romania.
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