Must-See Places to Visit in Sibiu

Sibiu, nestled in the heart of Transylvania, is a city that exudes charm and character. With a fascinating blend of German and Romanian culture, Sibiu boasts some of the best-preserved historic architecture in the region, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Romania.

The top must-see places to visit in Sibiu:

1. The Historic Center – Sibiu’s Historic Center, also known as the “Old Town,” is a feast for the eyes. With colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved medieval fortifications, the Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll through the winding streets and alleys, and don’t miss the main square, Piata Mare, with its impressive baroque buildings and the ornate Brukenthal Palace.
2. The Evangelical Cathedral – Dominating the skyline of Sibiu’s Old Town is the Evangelical Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that dates back to the 14th century. Inside, visitors can admire the impressive stained-glass windows, intricate wooden carvings, and the ornate altar.
3. The Council Tower – Rising above the Historic Center is the imposing Council Tower. Built in the 13th century, the tower was used as a defensive fortification, and later as a town hall. Today, visitors can climb to the top for stunning views over the city.
4. The Astra Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization – Just outside Sibiu’s city center is the Astra Museum, an open-air museum that showcases the traditional way of life in Romania’s rural communities. Spread over 100 hectares, the museum features more than 300 buildings, including farmhouses, churches, and watermills, as well as a collection of traditional costumes and handicrafts.
5. The Bridge of Lies – One of Sibiu’s most popular attractions is the Bridge of Lies, a historic pedestrian bridge that spans the small river that runs through the city. Legend has it that the bridge would creak and groan whenever someone told a lie while crossing it, hence its name.
6. The Cindrel Mountains – Just a short drive from Sibiu, the Cindrel Mountains offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors. With hiking trails, pristine forests, and breathtaking vistas, the Cindrel Mountains are a nature lover’s paradise.

If you only have three days to visit Sibiu

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventure, Sibiu has something for everyone. Don’t miss these must-see places when you visit this charming Romanian city.

Day 1: Sibiu City Tour

9:00 AM – Start your day with a visit to the Historic Center. Take a stroll through the winding streets and alleys, admiring the colorful buildings and well-preserved medieval fortifications.

10:00 AM – Head to Piata Mare, the main square of the Historic Center, and visit the Brukenthal Palace. This ornate baroque palace houses one of Romania’s most important art collections.

11:30 AM – Walk over to the Evangelical Cathedral and admire its impressive Gothic architecture. Take some time to explore the interior, with its stunning stained-glass windows and ornate wooden carvings.

1:00 PM – Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Historic Center. Try some traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat) or mici (grilled minced meat).

2:30 PM – After lunch, head to the Council Tower, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Sibiu and the surrounding countryside.

4:00 PM – Take a stroll along the medieval fortifications that encircle the city. Stop by the fortified towers and bastions for a closer look.

6:00 PM – Enjoy dinner at one of the many outdoor cafes in the Historic Center. Watch the sunset over the city as you sip a glass of local wine.

Day 2: Astra Museum and Cindrel Mountains

9:00 AM – Drive to the Astra Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, just outside Sibiu. Spend the morning exploring the more than 300 traditional buildings, including farmhouses, churches, and watermills.

12:00 PM – Enjoy a picnic lunch on the museum’s grounds, surrounded by the beautiful Romanian countryside.

1:00 PM – After lunch, take a short hike in the Cindrel Mountains, which offer breathtaking views and pristine forests.

4:00 PM – Return to Sibiu and visit the Bridge of Lies, one of the city’s most popular attractions. Cross the historic pedestrian bridge and see if it really creaks when you tell a lie.

6:00 PM – Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city center. Try some of the local wines, which are gaining international recognition.

Day 3: Sibiu Surroundings

9:00 AM – Drive to the nearby town of Cisnadie, known for its well-preserved fortified church. Take a guided tour of the church and learn about its history.

11:00 AM – Continue to the fortified city of Biertan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city’s medieval fortifications and visit the impressive fortified church.

1:00 PM – Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, and try some of the delicious Transylvanian cuisine.

2:30 PM – After lunch, drive to the charming village of Sibiel, known for its traditional Romanian pottery. Visit the local museum and learn about the history of pottery in the region.

4:00 PM – Return to Sibiu and take a relaxing stroll through the city’s parks and gardens.

6:00 PM – Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city center. Try some of the local craft beers, which are becoming increasingly popular in Romania.

With this three-day itinerary, your family will have a chance to experience the best of Sibiu and its surroundings. From historic landmarks to outdoor adventures to traditional cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this charming Transylvanian city.