Sibiu, Romania Travel Guide

Explore Sibiu: A medieval Transylvanian city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.

Sibiu, a gem in the heart of Romania's Transylvania region, is a city that blends rich history with vibrant culture. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Sibiu offers tourists a chance to step back in time. The Large Square (Piața Mare) is the bustling center of the city, surrounded by historical buildings and lively cafes. Just a short walk away, you will find the Small Square (Piața Mică), which is equally charming with its colorful facades and old-world charm. Sibiu is not just about history; it is also a city of festivals and arts. The annual Sibiu International Theatre Festival is one of the largest in Europe and attracts visitors from all over the world. The Astra National Museum Complex, located just outside the city, offers a deep dive into Romanian folk culture with its extensive collection of traditional houses and artifacts. Nature lovers will find Sibiu to be a perfect gateway to the Carpathian Mountains. The nearby Făgăraș Mountains are ideal for hiking and skiing, offering breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities. Additionally, the city is known for its friendly locals and delicious Transylvanian cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sibiu.

Visit the Large Square early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
Don't miss the Astra National Museum Complex; it's worth the short trip outside the city.
Try local specialties like Ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup) and Papanasi (Romanian doughnuts).
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the cobblestone streets can be tricky to navigate.
If visiting in winter, pack warm clothing; Sibiu can get quite cold!

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Explore Sibiu: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

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Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Sibiu

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Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park

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The Bridge of Lies

Discover the enchanting Bridge of Lies in Sibiu, Romania - a historical landmark rich in legend and architectural beauty.

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The Large Square

Experience the historical charm and cultural vibrancy of The Large Square in Sibiu, a must-visit destination for every traveler.

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Sibiu Zoological Garden

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Best landmarks in Sibiu

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Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park in Romania, a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

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The Bridge of Lies

Discover the captivating legends and stunning views at Sibiu's iconic Bridge of Lies, a historical landmark steeped in folklore and charm.

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The Large Square

Discover the vibrant charm of The Large Square in Sibiu, a UNESCO Heritage site filled with history, culture, and stunning architecture.

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Sibiu Zoological Garden

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Albota, Trout Farm

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Crama Sibiul Vechi

Experience authentic Romanian flavors at Crama Sibiul Vechi - where tradition meets taste in the heart of Sibiu.

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Cabana Bâlea Cascadă

Discover Cabana Bâlea Cascadă: A scenic restaurant and hotel nestled in Romania's breathtaking Transfăgărășan mountains.

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Kulinarium

Experience the best of Romanian and German cuisine at Kulinarium in Sibiu – where every meal is a celebration of flavors.

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Crama Sibiul Vechi

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Cabana Bâlea Cascadă

Discover the enchanting Cabana Bâlea Cascadă, a perfect blend of nature, authentic Romanian cuisine, and cozy hospitality in the Făgăraș Mountains.

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Cafe Wien

Discover Cafe Wien in Sibiu: an Austrian cafe offering delightful breakfasts, a cozy ambiance, and live piano music, perfect for your culinary journey.

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Music Pub

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St. Andrew's Scottish Pub

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Imperium Pub

Experience the lively nightlife of Sibiu at Imperium Pub, where karaoke and live music come together for a memorable evening.

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House of Ellixirz - Cocktail Bar

Experience the finest cocktails at the House of Ellixirz, Sibiu's premier cocktail bar, where creativity meets flavor in a vibrant setting.

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SUMMER BREEZE LOUNGE

Experience the charm of Sibiu at Summer Breeze Lounge, where every sip is a moment of relaxation in a vibrant atmosphere.

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Shopping City Sibiu

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Albota, Trout Farm

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Leroy Merlin

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Promenada Sibiu

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Explore Sibiu on the Map

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Sibiu Essentials

Sibiu is well-connected and accessible from various points. The nearest international airport is Sibiu International Airport (SBZ), located about 5 kilometers from the city center. You can also reach Sibiu by train, as it is a major hub on the Romanian railway network, with connections to Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and other cities. Long-distance buses are another option, with services from major Romanian and European cities. If you prefer driving, Sibiu is easily accessible via the A1 motorway.
Sibiu's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, especially the historic city center. For longer distances, the local bus network operated by Tursib is efficient and affordable. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Renting a car is an option if you plan to explore the surrounding countryside or neighboring cities. Bicycles can be rented for a more eco-friendly and leisurely way to see the city.
The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Sibiu, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city and offer an easy way to withdraw local currency. Currency exchange offices are also available, but it’s recommended to use banks for better rates.
Sibiu is considered a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit and unfamiliar areas at night, and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. The historic center and main tourist areas are generally safe, but it's always wise to stay vigilant. No specific high-crime areas targeting tourists are noted, but caution is always recommended.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which will connect you to police, medical, and fire services. Major hospitals and clinics are available in Sibiu, including the Sibiu County Emergency Clinical Hospital. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; a friendly 'Bună ziua' (Good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Sibiu like a local, visit the Piata Cibin, the city's main market, where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss the ASTRA National Museum Complex, an open-air ethnographic museum just outside the city. For a unique experience, attend one of the many cultural festivals held throughout the year, such as the Sibiu International Theatre Festival or the Christmas Market in the historic center.

When is the best time to visit Sibiu?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Sibiu

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Sibiu. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloSalut
  [sah-loot]
- GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
- YesDa
  [dah]
- NoNu
  [noo]
- Please/You're welcomeTe rog/ Cu plăcere
  [teh rog/ koo plah-cheh-reh]
- Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-mesk]
- Excuse me/SorryScuză-mă/Îmi pare rău
  [skoozah-muh/ im pah-reh rah-ooh]
- How are you?Ce mai faci?
  [cheh my fahch]
- Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too?]
- Do you speak English?Vorbești engleză?
  [vor-besh-teh en-gleh-zah?]
- I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo in-tseh-leg]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ash doh-ree sah vehd men-yool, vah rog]
- I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-nank kar-neh]
- Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-rok]
- I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ash doh-ree sah plah-tessk, vah rog]
- Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-zhoo-tor]
- Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
- Call the Police!Chemați poliția!
  [keh-mahts poh-lee-tsee-ah!]
- Call a doctor!Chemați un doctor!
  [keh-mahts oon dok-tor!]
- I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mahm pyehr-doot]
- I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bol-nav]
- I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [ash doh-ree sah koom-pair...]
- I'm just lookingMă uit doar
  [muh oo-eet dor]
- How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kaht koh-stah?]
- That's too expensiveAsta e prea scump
  [ahs-tah eh preh-ah skoomp]
- Can you lower the price?Poți să scazi prețul?
  [pots sah skahz pret-sool?]
- What time is it?Ce oră e?
  [cheh or-ah eh?]
- It's one o'clockE o’clock
  [eh oh-clock]
- Half past (10)Jumătate peste (10)
  [joo-muh-tah-teh peh-steh (10)]
- MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-nya-tsah]
- AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-pah-ah-mee-ah-zah]
- EveningSeara
  [se-ah-rah]
- YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
- TodayAstăzi
  [ahs-tahz]
- TomorrowMâine
  [mee-neh]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?Unde este un/a...?
  [oon-deh yeh-steh oon/ah...?]
- What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [kah-reh yeh-steh ah-dreh-sah?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Poți să-mi arăți (pe hartă)?
  [pots sahm ah-ruh-tsee (peh har-tah)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Când e următorul (autobuz)?
  [kand eh oor-mah-toh-rool (ow-toh-booz)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (la ...)
  [oon bee-let (lah ...)]

History of Sibiu

Sibiu, known in German as Hermannstadt, was founded in the 12th century by German settlers known as Transylvanian Saxons. The first recorded mention of the area dates back to 1191, under the name Cibinium. These settlers were invited by the Hungarian King Géza II to defend the southeastern border of the Hungarian Kingdom against potential invasions.
During the medieval period, Sibiu became one of the most important fortified cities in Transylvania. The city was divided into the Upper Town, where the wealthier citizens lived, and the Lower Town, which housed craftsmen and merchants. Significant portions of the fortifications, including towers and bastions, remain intact today and are a testament to the city's strategic importance.
The 14th and 15th centuries marked a period of economic prosperity for Sibiu. It became a major trading hub, with connections stretching as far as the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe. This period also saw the establishment of the first hospital and pharmacy in Romania, as well as the first book printed in the Romanian language. The city was a center of culture and learning, attracting scholars and artists from across Europe.
In the 16th century, Sibiu was greatly influenced by the Protestant Reformation. The city became a stronghold of Lutheranism, which was adopted by the majority of the Transylvanian Saxons. Despite this, Sibiu remained a place of religious diversity, with significant Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and later, Calvinist communities coexisting within the city walls.
In the late 17th century, Transylvania, including Sibiu, came under Austrian Habsburg rule. This period was marked by significant administrative and architectural developments. The Baroque style left a lasting mark on the city’s architecture, with notable buildings such as the Brukenthal Palace, which now houses the Brukenthal National Museum, one of the oldest and most important museums in Romania.
Sibiu played a significant role during the 1848 revolutions that swept across Europe. The city was a focal point for revolutionary activities in Transylvania, with key figures such as Avram Iancu leading the fight for national rights and social reforms. Although the revolution was ultimately suppressed, it laid the groundwork for future movements towards autonomy and unification.
The end of World War I and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire led to significant political changes in the region. In 1918, Sibiu became part of Romania following the Union of Transylvania with Romania. This event was a pivotal moment in the city's history, marking its integration into the modern Romanian state.
The post-World War II era saw Sibiu under Communist rule, which brought about significant industrialization and urban development. While many historical buildings were preserved, new industrial complexes and residential neighborhoods were constructed. The city also saw an influx of workers from other parts of Romania, changing its demographic composition.
Since the fall of Communism in 1989, Sibiu has undergone a significant transformation. The city has revitalized its historical center, becoming a major tourist destination. In 2007, Sibiu was designated the European Capital of Culture, a recognition that highlighted its rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary arts scene. This period has seen a renewed focus on preserving the city's architectural and cultural legacy while fostering economic and social development.