Things to Do in Sibiu
The essentials in Sibiu are its three connected squares (Grand Square, Small Square and Huet Square), the views from the Council Tower, the iron Bridge of Lies, the Brukenthal Museum and, just outside the city, the ASTRA open-air museum. One or two days are enough for the city, and it is a great base for the south of Transylvania. For the wider region, see our Discover Romania guide.
Below we explain what to see, the best day trips and when to visit.
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Key facts
- Sibiu’s old town is built around three connected squares: Grand Square, Small Square and Huet Square.
- The Council Tower and the Lutheran Cathedral tower offer views over the rooftops.
- The Brukenthal National Museum is one of the oldest museums in this part of Europe.
- The ASTRA Museum, just outside the city, is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe.
- Sibiu is a good base for Corvin Castle, the Saxon villages and, in summer, the Transfăgărășan.
Sibiu at a Glance
Sibiu, known in German as Hermannstadt, was founded by Saxon settlers and was European Capital of Culture in 2007. Most sights are within walking distance:
| Sight | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Square | The main square, surrounded by baroque palaces | 30 minutes |
| Council Tower | A tower between the squares, with a viewpoint at the top | 30 minutes |
| Bridge of Lies | A 19th-century cast-iron bridge with many legends | 10 minutes |
| Brukenthal Museum | Art collections in a baroque palace | 1–2 hours |
| Lutheran Cathedral | A Gothic church with a tall tower | 45 minutes |
| ASTRA Museum | Open-air museum of traditional villages | Half a day |
The Three Squares and the Council Tower
The Grand Square (Piața Mare) is the heart of the city, lined with colourful palaces and cafés. Through the passage under the Council Tower you reach the Small Square (Piața Mică), with its arcades and the Bridge of Lies, and from there Huet Square, around the Lutheran Cathedral.
Look up at the rooftops: many houses have small, half-closed dormer windows that look like eyes watching the street, one of the city’s best-known images.
Tours Around Sibiu and Transylvania
A small-group trip on the Transfăgărășan, a private tour to Sighișoara and Viscri and a 2-day trip through Transylvania from Bucharest.
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Top Gear Road: Transfăgărășan Small-Group Tour (Max 7) with Pick-up
A specialist tour of the famous Transfăgărășan road in a small group (max. 7 passengers), with pick-up included.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Private Full-Day Tour to Sighișoara and Viscri from Brașov
A private day tour from Brașov to the UNESCO citadel of Sighișoara and the Saxon village of Viscri, with hotel pick-up and drop-off.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
2-Day Transylvania from Bucharest: Brașov, Bran, Sighișoara
A 2-day trip from Bucharest through Transylvania: the old town of Brașov, Bran Castle (“Dracula’s Castle”) and the medieval citadel of Sighișoara.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Churches, Passages and the Old Walls
The Lutheran Cathedral dominates Huet Square, and its tower can be climbed for one of the best views of the city. Nearby, the Orthodox Cathedral has a richly decorated interior inspired by Byzantine churches.
Between the upper and lower town, the Stairs Passage and other vaulted lanes lead down to the old craftsmen’s quarter. Along Cetății Street you can walk beside a long stretch of the medieval walls and their towers.
Museums: Brukenthal and ASTRA
The Brukenthal National Museum, in a baroque palace on the Grand Square, opened in the early 19th century and is one of the oldest museums in this part of Europe, with European and Romanian art.
The ASTRA Museum of traditional folk civilisation lies in a forest on the edge of the city. It brings together hundreds of traditional houses, mills and workshops from all over Romania, and you need at least half a day to explore it.
The Best Day Trips from Sibiu
Sibiu is well placed for exploring the south of Transylvania:
- Corvin Castle: a spectacular Gothic castle in Hunedoara, about an hour and a half away.
- Transfăgărășan: the famous mountain road and Bâlea Lake, usually open only in summer and early autumn.
- Saxon villages: Biertan and Cisnădioara, with their fortified churches.
- Mărginimea Sibiului: traditional shepherd villages in the hills south-west of the city.
- Păltiniș: a small mountain resort for walks in summer and skiing in winter.
When to Visit and How Long to Stay
One full day is enough for the old town; two days let you add the ASTRA Museum or a day trip. Sibiu is lively in summer, with festivals and street performances, and in winter it hosts one of the best-known Christmas markets in Romania: see our guide to Christmas markets in Romania.
Sibiu has its own airport and is about two and a half hours from Brașov by road. To fit it into a longer route, read things to do in Transylvania and our 7-day Romania itinerary.
Things to Do in Sibiu: FAQ
Is Sibiu worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most elegant towns in Romania, with three historic squares, good museums and easy access to Corvin Castle, the Saxon villages and the Transfăgărășan.
How many days do you need in Sibiu?
One day for the old town; two days to add the ASTRA Museum or a day trip to Corvin Castle or the Transfăgărășan.
What is the Bridge of Lies in Sibiu?
A 19th-century cast-iron bridge in the Small Square. Legend says it creaks when someone tells a lie on it.
Can you climb the Council Tower?
Yes. The Council Tower has a viewpoint at the top with views over the squares and rooftops. Check opening hours before you go.
How far is Sibiu from Brașov and Bucharest?
About two and a half hours from Brașov and around four hours from Bucharest by road. Sibiu also has its own airport.
Can you visit the Transfăgărășan from Sibiu?
Yes, in summer and early autumn, when the road is usually open. Check its official status before you go, as dates depend on the snow.
