Why Visit Sibiu?
Sibiu charms as Transylvania's most beautiful medieval city where Saxon merchants built 'houses with eyes' (dormer windows resembling watchful gaze), three interconnected squares create perfect proportions, and Carpathian Mountains beckon from southern horizons. This Transylvanian gem (pop. ~135,000) preserves German Saxon heritage—colonists arrived 850 years ago building fortifications, guilds, and Protestant churches creating Central European character.
Big Square (Piața Mare) centers city life with Council Tower (RON 2/≈$0 141 steps) offering rooftop views, Brukenthal Palace housing Romania's oldest museum (RON 50/≈$11 for adults), and Catholic Cathedral. Small Square connects via Bridge of Lies (legend says it collapses if you lie). Lower Town's cobblestone lanes preserve craft workshops and 'eyes' houses watching passersby.
ASTRA National Museum Complex (around RON 35-40 for adults, 10km south) showcases traditional Romanian village life across 96-hectare open-air museum with 300+ authentic buildings. Yet Sibiu surprises with culture—European Capital of Culture 2007 spurred renovation, jazz festivals fill squares, and Radu Stanca National Theater hosts performances in German and Romanian. Food scene mixes Saxon and Romanian: mici sausages, ciorbă sour soups, and cozonac sweet bread—Crama Sibiul Vechi serves traditional fare in medieval cellar.
Day trips reach Transfăgărășan Highway (90km, summer only)—Top Gear's 'world's best driving road' snaking over Carpathians at 2,042m—plus Făgăraș fortress (50km) and painted monasteries of Bucovina (6-7 hours north by car or train; best as an overnight trip, not a day trip). Visit April-October for 12-25°C weather perfect for square cafés, though December's Christmas market transforms Sibiu into Romania's most festive city. With affordable prices ($38–$70/day), walkable center, Saxon architecture unique in Romania, and Carpathian adventures awaiting, Sibiu delivers Transylvanian charm as Romania's prettiest city.
What to Do
Medieval Sibiu
Big Square & Council Tower
Piața Mare is Transylvania's grandest square ringed by colorful baroque buildings. Council Tower (RON 2/≈$0) climb 141 steps for rooftop panorama—'eyes' houses, red roofs, and Carpathians. Square hosts festivals, Christmas market (December), and outdoor cafés. Brukenthal Museum (RON 50/≈$11 for adults, concessions available) in palace shows European art. Allow 2-3 hours exploring square and tower. Heart of Sibiu.
Bridge of Lies & Three Squares
Small Square (Piața Mică) connects to Big Square via passages. Bridge of Lies (1859)—Romania's first cast-iron bridge with legend it collapses if you lie. Walk all three squares (Big, Small, Huet) in 30 minutes. Huet Square has Lutheran Cathedral and City Museum. Lower Town accessed via staircase passages—'eyes' houses with dormer windows watch you descend. Free to wander—architecture tells Saxon story.
'Eyes' Houses in Lower Town
Sibiu's trademark houses with dormer windows resembling watchful eyes. Best seen in Lower Town (Orașul de Jos)—cobblestone lanes with craft workshops and quiet residential charm. Free to explore. Local legend: houses watch over city. Photography heaven. Combine with fortification walls walk. Less touristy than Upper Town squares. Go morning for best light on colorful facades.
Beyond the City
ASTRA Museum Open-Air Complex
Around RON 35-40 for adults, 10km south (bus 13 or taxi). 96-hectare open-air museum with 300+ authentic Romanian village buildings relocated from countryside—windmills, churches, traditional houses, and watermills. Budget half-day (3-4 hours). Wear walking shoes—large site. Museum restaurant serves traditional food. Europe's largest ethnographic park. Fascinating cultural insight beyond medieval Sibiu.
Transfăgărășan Highway (Summer Only)
90km south—Top Gear's 'world's best driving road.' June-October only (snow rest of year). Drive snakes over Carpathian Mountains to 2,042m with glacial Bâlea Lake. Full-day tour $43–$65 or rent car ($43/day). Hairpin turns, no guardrails, spectacular scenery. Weather unpredictable at altitude—bring jacket. Lunch at mountain cabins. Return via different route. Romania's most scenic drive—adrenaline and nature.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: SBZ
Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, December
Climate: Cool
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C | -5°C | 3 | Good |
| February | 8°C | -2°C | 12 | Good |
| March | 12°C | 2°C | 11 | Good |
| April | 17°C | 3°C | 3 | Good |
| May | 19°C | 9°C | 15 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 23°C | 14°C | 17 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 25°C | 15°C | 15 | Wet |
| August | 27°C | 16°C | 10 | Good |
| September | 24°C | 13°C | 8 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 17°C | 8°C | 11 | Good |
| November | 8°C | 1°C | 6 | Good |
| December | 7°C | 1°C | 15 | Excellent (best) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Plan ahead: December is coming up and offers ideal weather.
Practical Information
Getting There
Sibiu International Airport (SBZ) is small—seasonal international flights. Buses from Bucharest (4.5hr, RON 70/$15). Trains slow (5-7hr)—buses better. Sibiu is 3hr from Cluj, 3hr from Brașov by bus/car. Regional buses connect Transylvanian cities. Driving: scenic routes through Carpathians.
Getting Around
Sibiu center is compact and walkable (15 min to cross). Local buses serve suburbs (RON 2/$0). Most attractions within Old Town walking distance. Taxis via Bolt cheap (RON 15-25/$3–$5). Rent cars for Transfăgărășan or countryside—driving easy, roads good. ASTRA Museum requires taxi or bus 13 (RON 2).
Money & Payments
Romanian Leu (RON). The Romanian leu is stable; $1 is roughly 5 lei—check current rates in your banking app. Cards accepted in hotels and restaurants. Cash needed for markets and small shops. ATMs plentiful. Tipping: 10% expected in restaurants. Sibiu is very budget-friendly by Western European standards.
Language
Romanian is official. German still spoken by older Saxon community (most emigrated). English spoken by youth and in tourist areas. Signs Romanian. Learning basic phrases helpful: Mulțumesc (thanks), Bună ziua (good day). Sibiu's Saxon heritage visible in German street names.
Cultural Tips
Saxon heritage: German colonists built city, most left post-1989, but architecture remains. 'Eyes' houses: dormer windows watch streets—local legend. Bridge of Lies: first cast-iron bridge in Romania, legends about liars. ASTRA Museum: wear comfortable shoes, large outdoor site, traditional villages reconstructed. Transfăgărășan: summer only (June-October), weather unpredictable, no services on top, bring snacks. Christmas market: December, Romania's best, rivals German markets. Romanian hospitality: warm, generous. Remove shoes in homes. Food portions huge. Jazz Festival: May. Film Festival: June. Sunday: shops closed. Dress casual. Orthodox churches: modest dress, women cover heads. Carpathian Mountains: gateway to hiking, Făgăraș range nearby.
Perfect 2-Day Sibiu Itinerary
Day 1: Medieval Sibiu
Day 2: ASTRA & Carpathians
Where to Stay in Sibiu
Upper Town (Oraș de Sus)
Best for: Three main squares, museums, hotels, restaurants, tourist hub, medieval core
Lower Town (Oraș de Jos)
Best for: 'Eyes' houses, artisan workshops, quieter, authentic, residential, charming
Sub Arini
Best for: Residential, modern Sibiu, less touristy, local markets, everyday life
Dumbrava Forest/ASTRA
Best for: Open-air museum, nature, forest walks, traditional villages, 10km south
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Sibiu?
What is the best time to visit Sibiu?
How much does a trip to Sibiu cost per day?
Is Sibiu safe for tourists?
What are the must-see attractions in Sibiu?
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Sibiu
Ready to Visit Sibiu?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
