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Sibiu

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City
—°12
Sibiu (Romania)
ℹ️

Practical info — Sibiu

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Look for the 'Eyes of Sibiu' - the unique rooftop windows that look like they are watching you. They are a hallmark of the city's medieval architecture.
  • The historic centre is mostly pedestrian. It's best to park your car in the large lot by the Cibin Market (Piața Cibin) and explore on foot. It's cheaper than the lots closer to the centre.
  • Climb the Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului) for a remarkable 360-degree view of the old town and its red-tiled roofs. The entrance fee is small and the view is well worth it.
  • Don't miss the Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor). Legend says it will collapse if a liar crosses it. It is also the oldest cast-iron bridge in Romania.
  • Explore the Lower Town (Orașul de Jos), connected to the Upper Town by the pretty Passage of the Stairs (Pasajul Scărilor). You'll find quieter streets and a more authentic local feel here.

🍽 Food

🍽
Soup in bread (Ciorbă în pâine)

A hearty soup served inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread. Many restaurants in the Small Square (Piața Mică) offer this Transylvanian specialty, well-suited for lunch.

🍽
Mici at Cibin Market

For the best 'mici' (grilled minced meat rolls), go to the grill stalls at the Cibin Market. It's where the locals eat-an authentic and delicious experience.

🍽
Hencleș/Lichiu

Look for this traditional Saxon cake, similar to a pizza with sweet or savoury toppings. You can find it in some bakeries in the Lower Town or at food festivals in the Large Square.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Cibin Market

Visit this lively farmers' market for fresh fruit, vegetables, and a huge selection of traditional Romanian cheeses. It's a feast for the senses, especially on a Saturday morning.

🛍
ASTRA Museum Craft Shops

The ASTRA open-air museum has an excellent gift shop with authentic, high-quality Romanian crafts. It's the well-suited place to buy meaningful souvenirs instead of mass-produced trinkets.

🛍
Nicolae Bălcescu Street

This is the main shopping street, but the real gems are found in the courtyards and alleys branching off it. This is where small boutiques and artisan shops are hidden.

🧘
Sub Arini Park

Escape the city bustle in this large, peaceful park just a short walk from the historic centre. It's first-rate for a relaxing stroll under the shade of old trees.

🧘
The Citadel Walls (Strada Cetății)

Take a walk along the well-preserved medieval walls and defence towers. This area is often much quieter than the main squares and gives a different perspective on the city.

🧘
The Passage of the Stairs (Pasajul Scărilor)

This welcoming medieval passage connecting the Upper and Lower towns is a scenic and often quiet spot. Go early in the morning for the best atmosphere and light for photos.

Sibiu, historically known as Hermannstadt, is one of Transylvania's most significant cultural and economic hubs. The city is famous for its 'eyes', unique windows in the attics of old houses that seem to watch over the squares. It is divided into the Upper Town, home to most historic landmarks, and the Lower Town, linked by the pretty Passage of Stairs. The Great Square (Piața Mare) serves as the lively heart of the city, hosting fairs and events throughout the year. The Bridge of Lies, Romania's first cast-iron bridge, is steeped in legends and remains a top photo spot. Sibiu’s status as a cultural giant was cemented as the 2007 European Capital of Culture and through its world-class International Theatre Festival. Art lovers should visit the Brukenthal National Museum, housing an impressive European art collection. For a taste of local heritage, the ASTRA Open-Air Museum displays traditional rural life. The city’s culinary scene is award-winning, blending Saxon pastry traditions with robust Romanian mountain dishes.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-204101519222217115-1
Rain mm3129395683104937052513835

Geography

Population
134,309
Coordinates
45.80000, 24.15000

Facts

  • Capital of Culture 2007
  • 'Eyes' of the houses
  • Bridge of Lies
  • Great Square (Piața Mare)
  • Brukenthal Art Museum
  • ASTRA Open Air Museum
  • Saxon heritage
  • Evangelical Cathedral

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sibiu (12)

Sibiu Zoological Garden🎡 recreation

One of Romania's oldest zoos, housing a variety of animals in a forested setting.

🕒 Apr-Sep 09:00-17:00; Oct-Mar 08:00-16:00

"ASTRA" Museum of Transylvanian Civilisation🏛 museum

The ASTRA Museum in Sibiu is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe, dedicated to Transylvanian civilization.

🕒 "no permanent exhibition"

Steam Locomotives Museum🏛 museum

The Steam Locomotives Museum in Sibiu showcases an impressive collection of narrow-gauge railway engines.

🆓

Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary⛪ religious

Gothic hall church from the 14th century, featuring the famous Huet altar and a 6,000-pipe organ.

Palatul de Justiție📍 landmark

The Palace of Justice is a prominent historical attraction situated in the city of Sibiu.

Arquebusiers' Tower📍 landmark

The Arquebusiers' Tower is a historic defensive tower that once protected the medieval walls of Sibiu.

"Holy Trinity" Orthodox Cathedral📍 landmark

Orthodox cathedral in neo-Byzantine style, built 1902-1906, with a marble iconostasis.

"August von Spiess" Hunting Museum🏛 museum

The "August von Spiess" Hunting Museum in Sibiu exhibits an impressive collection of hunting trophies and historical weapons.

🕒 Apr-Sep 09:00-17:00; Oct-Mar 10:00-16:00; Mo closed💶

Biserica Ortodoxă Română "Buna Vestire"🏺 historical

The "Annunciation" Romanian Orthodox Church is a significant religious monument located in Sibiu.

Teatrul Național Radu Stanca🎭 culture

The Radu Stanca National Theatre is a major performing arts venue in Sibiu, renowned for its diverse theatrical productions.

Biserica Reformată (Calvină)⛪ religious

The Calvinist Reformed Church is a distinctive place of worship serving the local community in Sibiu.

Sinagoga Evreiască⛪ religious

The Jewish Synagogue in Sibiu is a historic religious building showcasing the Jewish heritage of the city.

Frequently asked questions

What are the 'eyes of Sibiu'?
They are eye-shaped ventilation windows on the roofs of historic houses in the old town.
Why is the bridge called the 'Bridge of Lies'?
Legend has it that the bridge will collapse if someone tells a lie while standing on it.
Which museum should I visit?
The Brukenthal National Museum is one of the oldest and most important art museums in Romania.
Is there a large park in the city?
Yes, Sub Arini Park is convenient for long walks and leads almost to the ASTRA open-air museum.
When does the Christmas market take place?
Usually from mid-November until the end of December in the Large Square (Piața Mare).
Sibiu: where is it located?
Sibiu is located in Romania.
Sibiu: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sibiu Zoological Garden, "ASTRA" Museum of Transylvanian Civilisation, Steam Locomotives Museum.
Sibiu: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Sibiu: why is it worth visiting?
Sibiu, historically known as Hermannstadt, is one of Transylvania's most significant cultural and economic hubs.
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