Tradition, old houses adorned with flowers, secret passages, medieval architecture, teahouses, picturesque towers, warm people, excitement and local culture. All this defines the city of Sibiu in all its splendour. Sibiu is a city with a special charm, which even if you visit several times, you will never get tired or bored of. Believe me, I tell you this from my own experience.
Sibiu is the most important city in southern Transylvania, and one of the most important cities in the country due to its continuous development, being an important cultural and economic centre of Romania. It is a city for all seasons, because no matter what time of the year you arrive here, the city will conquer you. You must visit this magical place at least once in your life, because the atmosphere, the natural and saxon scenery, the view and the people make this city one of the most visited places by Romanian and foreign tourists.
Of course, in order to enjoy the city to the fullest, I advise you to pack a pair of sneakers so that you can walk through parts of the city at a walking pace, so that you will discover that each building has its own history, and its architecture and colours will certainly stay in your memory for a long time. So, I think I've given you enough reasons to start planning your holiday in this enchanting city, and in order not to miss anything worth visiting, admiring and photographing, I've prepared below a list of the most important places to visit in Sibiu.
See here also the TOP of the most beautiful cities in Transylvania.
content
Obiective touristiques Sibiu - What to visit in Sibiu
The Big Square in Sibiu
The Great Market of Sibiu has existed since 1366. In the past it was called King's Square and was the centre of the old city. During the communist period it was called King Ferdinand Square and was renamed Republic Square in 1990. Now, it is known as the Great Square and is a popular tourist attraction in Sibiu. It is a pedestrian area surrounded by historical and representative buildings of the city: Haller House, Hecht House, Weidner House, Lutsch House, Blue House, General House, Sibiu Town Hall, Roman Catholic Church and of course the famous Brukenthal Palace. It is the city's largest square and the venue for some of the city's most important cultural and artistic events. It is here that the city's annual Christmas Fair is held. There are terraces around it, where in winter you can warm up with a hot chocolate and enjoy the atmosphere, and in summer with a cold lemonade.
The Small Market in Sibiu
The Small Square is one of the city's most important sights that you should not miss, as it is located on the surface of the city's second fortification belt. The buildings in the square are also known as the "Eyes of Sibiu" because of their shape: semicircular arches with the ground floor loggia half-open towards the square. The square preserves the appearance of 15th and 16th century buildings, many of which are historical monuments. These include fortifications, public buildings and houses that are inhabited.
Bridge of Lies
The bridge is one of the city's most famous sights, and the oldest cast-iron bridge built in the country. It is located in the historic centre of the city. There are countless legends about the bridge, which have been handed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years. This pedestrian bridge is said to have ears that can hear every lie told here and it also has mysterious powers. People from all over the world come to visit this place to tell their stories.
Sibiu Council Tower
Considered a representative symbol of the city, the Council Tower is located between the two important squares: the Main Square and the Small Square, once the gateway to the city through the second belt of fortifications. There is a small door at the base of the tower leading inside. A spiral staircase takes you to the upper floors, where you can see the clockwork and sometimes temporary exhibitions are on display.Once you reach the top, you'll see that there is a viewing point set up over the whole city. The price for access to the tower is 2 lei.
Staircase Passage
The Passage of the Stairs is also called the Wall of Needles and is a tourist destination in Sibiu that still retains a medieval atmosphere. It is made of brick and stone and connects the city below to the city above by stairs and arches. The passage was part of the city's third belt of fortifications, built in the 14th century. This is also the site of Romania's oldest restaurant, located in the building on the southern side of the passage. Michael the Brave is said to have dined here.
Brukenthal National Museum
The Brukenthal National Museum is a group of museums in Sibiu. These museums have different types of art, from paintings and sculptures to jewellery and ceramics. It is the oldest museum in Romania and the largest in south-eastern Europe, having been open for more than 200 years. Recently, someone broke into the museum and stole eight paintings valued at $25 million. The Brukenthal National Museum has been awarded the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage Europa Nostra and has also been accepted into The Best in Heritage Club of Excellence. This makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sibiu. The museum is located in the main square and the visiting hours are:
Summer timetable (21.03 - 21.10): Tuesday - Sunday: 10 - 18, Monday and the first Tuesday of each month: closed
Winter timetable (21.10 - 21.03):Wednesday - Sunday: 10 - 18 Monday and Tuesday: closed
The house closes at 5.15pm. The price of a strandard ticket can reach 70 lei depending on what you want to visit.
Children and pensioners benefit from a discount. I advise you to check the museum's official website or arrive half an hour beforehand to choose your sights.
Steam Locomotive Museum
The Steam Locomotive Museum in Sibiu has been in existence since 1994 and contains over 40 steam locomotives that have been running on Romanian railways for over 100 years. Many tourists visit the museum because it is a place where you can learn about locomotives and their interesting stories.
Dulgherilor Tower and Citadel Street
The Carpenter's Tower and was built in the 14th century by the Saxon guild of carpenters in Sibiu. It is part of the third belt of fortifications of the city and is one of the oldest tourist attractions of the city. The tower is located on what is said to be the most beautiful street in the city, namely, Strada Cetății, as it is the only place in the city where you can see a part of the city fortifications that is still quite untouched. There are three towers on the Citadel Street in Sibiu - The Archers Tower, the Olarilor Tower and the Dulgherilor Tower. In summer, there are terraces on the street where you can relax and enjoy the view from the tower and the colourful buildings.
Golden Square
It is considered one of the most romantic places in Sibiu, being a popular attraction. The place is located under the tower of the house in the Small Square in the Upper Town, the Golden Passage and down the steps to the Golden Square in the Lower Town.
Dumbrava Sibiului Zoo and Nature Park
Spread over an area of 933 ha, Dumbrava Sibiului Nature Park is a place where you can see a lot of beautiful flowers, plants and animals. Being located 4 km from the city centre, you must put it on your bucket list as it is a true oasis of tranquillity and connection with nature. The "Dumbrava Sibiului Nature Park" Reserve is a place where you can visit Zoo, Astra Museum and recreational lakes. The zoo was opened in 1929 and is the first zoo in Romania, it covers an area of approximately 20 hectares and is home to many different animals including monkeys, bears, wolves, tigers, lions, deer, buffaloes, ponies, snakes and crocodiles. It's also the country's first zoo to buy a pair of zebras. It is currently home to over 200 of 53 species.
Monthly visiting programmeNovember-January 09:30-16:00, March and October 09:30-17:00, April and September 09:30-18:30, May and August 09:30-19:30, June-July 09:30-20:00 The price of a ticket for adults is 10 lei, and for pupils, pensioners and students 5 lei.
Dumbrava Forest is a popular place for walking and enjoying nature in Sibiu, Romania. It's also great for a day out with friends and is a great place to relax.
Huet Square and the Evangelical Church
Huet Square is one of the most beautiful squares in the historic centre of Sibiu. As one of the most picturesque places in the city, it should be on your list of tourist attractions. In the square you'll discover the church that is said to house the most beautiful bronze chrysanthemum in the country. Evangelical Church is a large and impressive building with a 73.34-metre high tower that can be seen from almost any part of Sibiu. The church ranks third in Romania after The Black Church in Brasov and St Michael's Cathedral in Alba Iulia. The buildings around the Evangelical Cathedral are important because they are part of the cathedral's history and culture. For example, the Parish House, the Stair Tower and the Brukenthal High School are all important places in the history of the cathedral.
Places to visit around SibiuOcna Sibiului, Transfăgărășan, Castle of Lut Valea Zânelor, Cârța Monastery, Sibiului Marginimea, Păltiniș Resort.
Accommodation in Sibiu - Where to stay in Sibiu
- Artisans Boutique Villa is located in Sibiu, less than 160 meters from the Council Tower in Sibiu. It offers a terrace, allergy-free rooms and free WiFi throughout. The property is about 400 metres from Sibiu's Main Square and the Stairs Passage, and 500 metres from Sibiu's Great Synagogue. Rooms are carefully decorated and extremely spacious. The price of a night's accommodation in a private suite starts from 430 lei and can fluctuate depending on the time of year.
- Bohemian Village is located in Sibiu, less than 600 metres from the Council Tower. Famous sights in the vicinity of the property include the Albert Huet Square, the Stairs Passage and the Grand Square. The price of a night's accommodation here for two people starts from 180 lei and can fluctuate depending on the time of year.
- ENJOY is located in Sibiu, just 80 metres from the Council Tower, 150 metres from the Main Square and 230 metres from Albert Huet Square, and offers free WiFi, city views and private parking. The price of a night's accommodation in the 44 m² apartment starts from 220 lei and can fluctuate depending on the time of year. The apartment sleeps 3 people.
- Medieval Fortress a place where the past blends harmoniously with the present. Large bedrooms, like in the movies with kings, which in addition to the huge bed and jacuzzi. Cetatea Medievala is located in Sibiu, 200 metres from the main square, and offers air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Pasajul Scărilor is 200 metres from the Medieval Fortress and Albert Huet Square is 300 metres away. The price of a night's accommodation for 2 people starts from 230 lei and can fluctuate depending on the time of year and the desired facilities.