15 Unforgettable Places to Visit and Things to Do in Sibiu

June 21, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2428 Views

Sibiu is a city in Romania and is the capital of its eponymous county. There are two aspects of the best things to do in Sibiu, Romania. One is exploring the city itself, its history and culture. This includes museums, historical buildings, churches, public squares, food, music and so on. You will head towards the best places to visit in Sibiu such as Brunkenthal Museum, Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral and so on. These places will give you great insight into the city’s history. As for the cultural side of Sibiu sightseeing, you should head for public places like the grand and small square, old town area and popular streets. One of the most popular things to see in Sibiu is the houses with eyes, earning this city the nickname “City with Eyes”.

The city was established around the 12th century by German settlers. It quickly rose to prominence in the Transylvania region as a major trade center. There are several Sibiu sights which help you get an insight into this aspect of the city’s history. The old areas still show signs of fortification which once protected the city. These areas also have vibrantly coloured houses and other historical buildings.

The other aspect of Sibiu travel is exploring nature. The city is surrounded by wilderness and a few beautiful lakes. There is a nature park close to the city with hiking trails through forests which has lakes and streams along the way. It is one of Sibiu’s top attractions for outdoor activities. You will also come across a variety of wildlife while exploring these forests. Outside the city, you will find the museum of traditional folk civilization. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Sibiu. This open-air museum recreates a pastoral lifestyle. There are village houses, farms, cottage industry, mills and so on. It is quite an interesting experience.

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Table of Contents

Top 15 Tourist Places to Visit in Sibiu

1. Big Square (Piata Mare)

Also known as the Grand Square, this place is considered the heart of the city. The square has been part of the city since the 15th century. The square is surrounded by several best places to visit in Sibiu, Romania. It is also known for hosting several events, performances and concerts. You will need about 30 minutes for this square.

2. Brukenthal National Museum (Muzeul Național Brukenthal)

This art museum is housed in the palace of Samuel von Brukenthal, who was a former governor of Transylvania. The museum exhibits work by Romanian and European artists. The palace is a marvelous work of art by itself, renowned for its architecture and design elements. It is one of the most beautiful things to see in Sibiu. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

I suggest you should get your Ticket of Brukenthal National Museum in advance.

3. Nicolae Bălcescu Street (Strada Nicolae Bălcescu)

This pedestrian thoroughfare is known for pastel-coloured buildings, historical houses, cascading flower displays and so on. It is one of the best Sibiu tourist attractions for a leisurely stroll and sightseeing. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this street.

4. Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului)

This tower was built during the 1500s and is situated between Piata Mare and Piata Mica. You can climb the 141 stairs to get to the top to get a bird’s eye view of the city. It is also one of the top historical Sibiu attractions. You will need about half an hour for this tower.

5. Pharmaceutical History Museum (Muzeul de Istoria Farmaciei)

This museum is dedicated to the discoveries, inventions and innovations in the field of pharmacy. The museum outlines the evolution of the field and artifacts concerning major landmarks. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Sibiu. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

6. The Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor)

This bridge connects two halves of Piata Mica. It was built in 1859 and is one of the most popular spots to cover during Sibiu sightseeing. The legend says that the bridge will collapse when someone tells a lie standing on it. You will need about 15 to 20 minutes for this bridge.

7. Lutheran Cathedral of St. Mary (Biserica Evanghelică din Sibiu)

This church was built in the 14th century and is best known for its gothic-style architecture. It is one of the most imposing Sibiu sights. The interior of the church have some impressive features as well in terms of art and decor. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this church.

8. Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park (Parcul Natural Dumbrava Sibiului)

This natural park has trails, forested areas and lakes. It is also home to a variety of plants and animals. You will come across roe deers, foxes, and wild boars while exploring these forests. If you are looking for the best things to do in Sibiu, Romania concerning the outdoors and nature, this is where you should be. You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours exploring this place.

9. Sibiu Steam Locomotives Museum (Muzeul locomotivelor cu abur)

The museum exhibits 33 locomotives which were operational between 1885 and 1959. Though not among must see in Sibiu, it is still an interesting addition to your itinerary if you are interested in trains and transportation history. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

10. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Catedrala Sfânta Treime din Sibiu)

This cathedral was completed in 1904 and it took 45 years of fundraising to build it. It is included among Sibiu’s top sights for its history, architecture and interior art. The orthodox cathedral exhibits Neo-byzantine style and its interiors exhibit artworks in form of paintings, reliefs, sculptures and so on. You will need about an hour to explore this church.

11. ASTRA National Museum Complex (Complexul Naţional Muzeal “ASTRA”)

This museum recreates the rural life of Romania. Spread over 96 hectares, the museum has houses, farms, windmills, animal enclosures, churches, workshops and more. It is one of the top things to do in Sibiu if you wish to learn about the regional culture and lifestyle. You will need 2 to 3 hours to experience this place.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket of Astra National Museum Complex in advance.

12. Small Square (Piață Mică)

Also known as the small square, this place is surrounded by colorful buildings. It is especially known for houses with ceilings with eyes. You would need about half an hour for this public square when you visit Sibiu.

13. The Lower Town (Orasul de Jos)

The lower town is one of the oldest areas in the city. You can still see parts of old fortified city in this area. You will also come across several historical buildings and medieval 2 story houses. This a place to explore during Sibiu sightseeing when you feel like going for a stroll. It will require about half an hour of time to explore.

14. Huet Square (Piață Huet)

The square is right at the doorstep of the Lutheran Church. The square came to exist between the 1400s and 1700s as a cluster of buildings formed around it. It is also the site of the city’s earliest fortifications in the 1100s, which was gradually replaced by the square and the buildings. It is one of the most prominent historic sights to visit during Sibiu travel and it won’t take more than a few minutes of your time.

15. Altemberger House – Sibiu History Museum

This museum is housed in Casa Altemberger, named after the 15th-century mayor of the city. This museum focuses on the history of southern Transylvania, which happens to include Sibiu as well. Besides the exhibits within, the building is also one of the top things to see in Sibiu. You will need about an hour to tour this place.

You should get your Ticket of Sibiu History Museum in advance.

If you are looking for more Sibiu tourist attractions, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of places you can visit and activities you can enjoy in and around Sibiu.

Things to do in Sibiu

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Sibiu

Brukenthal Museum
Council Tower
Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary
Sibiu Steam Engine Museum
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Astra Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization
Museum of Hunting August von Spiess
Sibiu History Museum
Natural History Museum
Potters Tower
Turnul Dulgherilor
Pharmacy Museum
Emil Sigerus Museum of Saxon Ethnography
Harquebusiers Tower
Romanian Art Gallery
The Stairs Tower
Saint Ursula Roman Catholic Church
Butchers Guild Hall Art House
The Thick Tower
The Evangelical Church of Romania Museum
Sibiu Public Bath
Grand Synagogue of Sibiu
Tanners Tower
Church of the Annunciation
Church of Saint Francis
St. Michael’s Fortified Church
Powdery Tower
Reformed Church
Astra County Library
Holy Aposteles Peter & Paul Church
Goldsmith’s Stairway Tower

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Sibiu

Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park
Lacul Fara Fund
Lac Tocile
Lacul Verde
Frog’s Stone
Lacul Negru
Lake Brancoveanu
Lacul Binder
Varful Magura
Lacul Auster
Lake Sopa
Lacul Closca

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Sibiu

Sibiu Zooloigcal Garden
Sub Arini Park
Astra Park
Citadel Park

Shopping in Sibiu

Shopping City Mall
Hereus Art Bazaar
Promenada Mall
Prima Shopping Center

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Sibiu

Hiking
Swimming
Walking Tour
Bicycle Tour
Mountain Climbing

Sightseeing in Sibiu

Bridge of Lies
Piata Mare
Piata Mica
Stairs Passage
Albert Huet Square
Old City Wall
Haller Bastion

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Sibiu

Kulinarium
Atrium Classic Cafe
Jules Bistro
Teatro
La Cuptor
Old Lisbon
Max Restaurant
Crama Sibiul Vechi
Hermania
Enzo
Pardon Cafe
Cafe Wein
Burger House
Benjamin Steakhouse
Cafe Einstein
She’s Green
The Rabbit Hole
Syndicat Gourmet
Casa Weidner
Hochmeister

Where to Stay in Sibiu?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Sibiu. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Sibiu.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Sibiu

How to Reach Sibiu?

By Air

Sibiu International Airport is the fastest option is to reach the city. You can get direct flights to visit Sibiu from cities in Europe including Antalya, Vienna, Stuttgart, Munich, Bologna, Liverpool, Dublin, Milan, Dortmund, London, Madrid and a few others. The airport is connected to the city by buses and cabs.

By Road

You can direct trains for Sibiu travel from Bucharest and Brasov. But you can get connecting trains from several cities in Romania and nearby countries.

The bus network is far more widespread. You can reach Sibiu from several cities and towns in the country by bus.

If you are planning to travel by car, routes A1, E68, 14 and E81 are the best options.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to reach Sibiu.

Image Reference

Big Square (Piata Mare) – Garrett Ziegler / Flickr
Brukenthal National Museum (Muzeul Național Brukenthal) – Dan Lundberg / Flickr
Nicolae Bălcescu Street (Strada Nicolae Bălcescu) – Garrett Ziegler / Flickr
Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului) – Dan Lundberg / Flickr
Pharmaceutical History Museum (Muzeul de Istoria Farmaciei) – Curious Expeditions / Flickr
The Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor) – Dan Lundberg / Flickr
Lutheran Cathedral of St. Mary (Biserica Evanghelică din Sibiu) – Dan Lundberg / Flickr
Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park (Parcul Natural Dumbrava Sibiului) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons
Sibiu Steam Locomotives Museum (Muzeul locomotivelor cu abur) – PetrS. / Wikimedia Commons
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Catedrala Sfânta Treime din Sibiu) – Pedro / Flickr
ASTRA National Museum Complex (Complexul Naţional Muzeal “ASTRA”) – Thomas Hackl / Flickr
Small Square (Piață Mică) – Thomas / Flickr
The Lower Town (Orasul de Jos) – Taylor S-K / Flickr
Huet Square (Piață Huet) – Cosmin Iovan / PixaBay
Altemberger House -Sibiu History Museum – Bogdan Tapu / Flickr