13 Charming Places to Visit in Sibiu

Sibiu is a city that encapsulates the truly enchanting fairytale-esque, historic spirit of Transylvania. Nestled in the heart of Romania, Sibiu is where the past and present intertwine. Known for its medieval architecture and rich cultural tapestry, this city’s cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses, and stunning Gothic churches invite you to step back in time.

It is a vibrant hub of museums, galleries, and theatres, each offering a unique glimpse into its storied past and artistic soul. Whether you’re a history buff or a natural beauty lover, Sibiu has something to captivate every traveller. For those who have a keen interest in history and natural beauty, we have curated our list of 13 enchanting, must-visit places to explore in Sibiu. These are more than enough to keep you busy and impressed on your vacation!

Places to Visit in Sibiu This Year!

Often known for its natural beautiful, flavourful and amazing cuisines and local festivals, Sibiu is definitely more than what meets the eye. However, we have managed to gather together a combination of popular and unusual spots that will surely leave you mesmerised by this small, overlooked city in Transylvania.

1. Great Square (Piata Mare)

The Great Square in Sibiu, Romania, is one of the largest squares in Europe. Located in the Old Town, it is surrounded by medieval buildings, cobbled streets, and charming cafes. The square is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Notable features also include the 14th-century Staircase Tower and the Evangelical Cathedral. It is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the city’s atmosphere and architecture.

2. Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor)

The Bridge of Lies is yet another historic spot in Sibiu’s Old Town. Built in the 14th or 15th century, it was a gathering place for merchants. Legends suggest that these merchants used to make promises here. Whenever the merchants lie, the bridge would shake. It is truly the talk of the town and is well-preserved.

3. Small Square (Piata Mica)

Small Square is yet another beautiful place to visit in Sibiu. Like Great Square, this place is also surrounded by medieval buildings, cobbled streets, and cafes. What makes this place a must-visit destination in Sibiu is the Liar’s Bridge. This bridge is known for its legends and photo opportunities. The square also houses the Church of St. Nicholas, which dates back to the 13th century. If you are a history buff, get ready for an unforgettable lesson.

4. The Council Tower

Another must-see destination among Sibiu’s tourist attractions is The Council Tower. Built in the 14th century, it was once a fortress and meeting place for the knights. This Gothic tower stands tall in the Old Town and has a small museum, showcasing Sibiu’s medieval history. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for some breathtaking views of the city. It is often considered one of Sibiu’s most iconic locations.

5. Brukenthal Palace

Built by Baron Samuel von Brukenthal, a governor of Transylvania, Brukenthal Palace is one of the top things to see in Sibiu. Opened in 1817, it is Romania’s oldest museum. Visitors can enjoy art exhibits from Romanian painters, the Baron collection, and the famous Brukenthal Library. It also houses Avrig Palace, the emperor’s summer home which is now a wedding venue and a luxury hotel.

6. Stairs Tower (Turnul Scarilor)

The Stairs Tower in Sibiu was built in the 14th century, and it served as a city gate, watchtower, and fortification. It is famous for its steep, winding staircase leading to the top, which is truly a climb not meant for the faint-hearted. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Now, the tower has been converted into a museum that showcases Sibiu’s rich heritage and architecture.

7. Lutheran Cathedral

The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary is another top spot among Sibiu tourist attractions located in Huet Square. This Gothic-style church has a tower that is around 74 meters high, offering a superb birds-eye view of the city. It is also a historic burial site for mayors and other important historical figures, including Baron von Brukenthal. The cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Sibiu.

8. Marginimea Sibiului

Marginimea Sibiului consists of a group of 18 villages around Sibiu. It offers a glimpse into authentic Transylvanian rural life. Villages like Sibiel, Orlat, Rasinari, and Raul Sadului are known for their preserved culture and picturesque landscapes. Locals warmly welcome visitors with homegrown food and stories. It is a perfect place to experience traditional rural life, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.

9. Citadel Street (Strada Cetatii)

Citadel Street is one of the best things to see in Sibiu. It is known to house the Continental Forum Hotel, and is a picturesque pedestrian street in Sibiu’s historic centre. Bordered by city walls and colourful buildings, this street is where history meets modernity. The street is perfect for a leisurely stroll and captures the essence of Sibiu’s legends and how they define the city today.

10. Fagaras Mountains

The Fagaras Mountains, known as the Transylvania Alps, are part of the Carpathian Mountains and feature Romania’s highest peaks, like Moldoveanu (2,554m) and Negoiu (2,535m). Make sure to bring along your best pair of hiking shoes and set aside at least two days to hike these peaks. If you are looking for a smaller adventure, try a day hike from Balea Lake, and make sure to enjoy the stunning landscapes.

11. Brasov and Dracula Castle

Brasov and Dracula Castle are also among the top things to see in Sibiu. The Dracula’s Castle is also known as the Bran Castle. Inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this castle is a day trip away from Sibiu’s main city. During you trip to Brasov and Dracula Castle, you can also explore the charming villages of Magura and Pestera or visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary.

12. Michelin-rated ASTRA Museum

ASTRA Museum of Folkloric Traditional Civilization is located in Dumbrava Forest, about 4 km from Sibiu Old Town. This open-air museum is massive and spans over 96 hectares of land. It showcases Romanian village life and culture through unique and original pieces. The ASTRA Museum currently holds 3 stars from the Michelin guide, making it a must-see place in Sibiu. 

13. Saxon Villages

Saxon Villages are renowned for their beautiful fortified churches, restored after their abandonment during Romania’s communist era. The most popular Saxon villages are Viscri (known to be the final home of King Charles), Biertan, Vii, Alma, Richis, Crit, Mosna, and Saschiz, among 120 other villages.

Documents Required to Visit Sibiu

Travelling to Sibiu requires you to have a few documents in hand. While they are mostly similar to the documents required to travel internationally, we recommend contacting the embassy for specific requirements.

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of travel.
• Romania Entry Visa
• Letter of invitation received from a Romanian citizen, a citizen of another EU or EEA member state or Switzerland, or a holder of a Romanian Residence Permit.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or other travel accommodation).
• Travel itinerary (travel ticket or, if driving, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and green card).
• Proof of sufficient financial means (€50 per day, but no less than €500).

Visa Process to Visit Sibiu

Before visiting the beautiful tourist attractions in Sibiu, you need to get your hands on a tourist visa. We have simplified the process and outlined the steps below:

• First, you must submit a Romanian e-Visa application with electronic copies of the required documents.
• Remember to send a copy as well as submit the originals of all the documents submitted to a Romanian diplomatic mission.
• After sending the original documents, wait for the validation of your application from the embassy.
• Once your documents are approved, you have to appear before the Romanian diplomatic mission for verifying your biometric data.
• You will also have to pay the Romanian visa application fee.
• After this process, which takes about a week or two, you have to wait for the final confirmation of your visa from the Romanian embassy or mission (you can check the progress of your application online).
• Finally, you can collect your passport with the affixed Romanian visa.

Importance of Travel Insurance during International Travel

Travelling abroad is exciting but requires careful planning. One crucial part of travelling you need to consider is applying for a travel insurance from a trusted insurance provider like Star Travel Insurance. It covers you against various emergencies like illness, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Moreover, your international travel insurance also ensures that can deal with unexpected hassles without the worry of financial stress.

So, before you begin your adventure at Sibiu, remember that international travel insurance is not just a routine step, but also a smart investment for a worry-free trip.

Regardless of whether you are looking for medieval architecture or vibrant cafes, Sibiu is a treasure trove of experience. With so many things to see in Sibiu, every corner of the city tells a story. So, do not just visit, but indulge in its rich history and lively culture. After all, Sibiu is not just a destination; it is an adventure waiting to be explored.

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