Hangry Backpacker

The small city of Sighisoara, Romania is one of the most popular places to travel in the historic region of Transylvania. Medieval towers, unique local culture and a picturesque old town draw visitors from around the world.

Travel to Sighisoara, like much of Transylvania, is a tour through the region’s unique blend of ethnic groups. Groups who have called Sighisoara home include Hungarians, Germans and, of course, Romanians.

While other cities in this part of Romania may be more notorious for their Transylvanian heritage, I find it stands out more in Sighisoara. Despite most of the ethnic Germans and Hungarians leaving over the last century, small populations still reside here. It’s not uncommon to see signs in the city in three languages. Although Romanian culture dominates today, the visible impact of the Hungarians and Germans over the last few hundred years is unmissable.

Sighisoara’s culture and history is certainly a worthwhile reason to visit the city, but the main attraction to travel here is to explore the time capsule that is the Old Town, the Historic City Center. Here are the top attractions, the best things to do and everything you need to know about travel to Sighishoara, Romania:

Highlights and Things to Do

Sighisoara can be roughly separated into two parts: the medieval old city and the surrounding “modern” city.

The Historic Center of Sighisoara, a UNESCO-designated site, is a medieval fortress town marked by walls and towers. It is essentially the high ground, with an even higher hill in the middle that looks down over the ‘newer’ city and the surrounding countryside.

The rest of Sighisoara is largely old buildings from the 1800s to the early 20th Century. There are a few modern structures in the mix. Strangely, Communist era architecture is not especially prominent. In this sense, Sighisoara is lucky. For that matter, we’re all lucky that this piece of Transylvanian heritage survived the Romanian Communist era.

The Historic Center of Sighisoara

The Historic Center of Sighisoara sits atop a hill that originally served as a citadel. With the advantage of the high ground and magnificent views, the location is ideal for a fortress in that era.

Today, the Historic Center of Sighisoara is a wonderfully well-preserved old town. From the cobblestone streets (they’re old, so watch your step!) to the colorful buildings, historic churches, medieval towers and walls, it’s easy to see why Sighisoara’s Historic Center is a UNESCO-designated site.

Walking through Old Town is a stroll through a living, breathing postcard. After you walk up the hill – and walking is pretty much how you’ll have to get there – there’s a picturesque scene awaiting around each corner.

The Historic Center of Sighisoara is small, but this is where you’ll find most points of interest.

The Towers of Sighisoara

Sighisoara’s most famous landmarks include its medieval towers. There are nine remaining towers (of 14 originally) you can see, and you can visit most of them.

The towers that survive today are part of the reason the Historic Center of Sighisoara is so unique. In many old cities, the surviving medieval walls, towers and other structures have been absorbed and become part of the modern cityscape. At times, these structures are unrecognizable. The medieval citadel of Sighisoara is still very much visible.

The most striking and prominent tower is the Clock Tower, Turnul cu Ceas. Visiting the Sighisoara Clock Tower is one of the best things to do when you travel to Transylvania.

A visit costs 28 Romanian Lei (about $6 USD as of March 2023). This is the price to visit the tower and the adjacent prison/torture museum. There isn’t much to see there, so I suggest paying only to visit the tower. The tower appears to, well, tower over everything else, but the climb to the top isn’t as difficult as it looks. There are exhibits all the way up with a lot of information (mostly in Romanian, though). Note: The Clock Tower has short hours and is closed on Mondays**

At the top, the view of Old Town is spectacular. The view over the rest of the city is equally great. The perspective of other towers and buildings is unique. This is definitely something you do not want to miss when visiting Sighisoara.

Most of the other towers are open to the public, though one or two are on private property and not accessible. Of note, the Tinsmiths’ Tower is definitely not open to the public. The other towers are worth a visit (if/when they are open). There is a lot of history and unique views with each one.

Piata Cetati

Piata Cetati (Citadel Square in English) is the main town square of the old city. Naturally, this is the de facto center of Old Town Sighisoara.

It is a small square. There are several restaurants, a few souvenir shops, a couple of points of interest and a nice view of the area. This is a good spot to find a bench and take in the scene. The restaurants in Citadel Square are also a great place to stop for a break, and I strongly recommend taking the time for a meal or drink here.

Churches of Sighisoara

There are three notable churches in Sighisoara’s Old Town. Interestingly, none of them are Romanian Orthodox churches. Despite Romania being an overwhelmingly Orthodox nation today, the Historic Center of Sighisoara remains true to the local history in this respect.

The most prominent church in the city is the Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal). Sighisoara’s Church on the Hill sits at the highest point of the old city, visible across the city and from many miles away. It dates back to the 1400s and is the most historically significant church in Sighisoara.

The Church on the Hill

The Church on the Hill is remarkable in appearance and position. It is very Transylvanian in design – that is, it’s definitely German in appearance – and stands like a beacon to local history. Like most Lutheran churches in Transylvania, it functions more as a museum today.

I have a thing about paying to enter churches. I was prepared to enter this one, but it turns out it costs to enter and was closed anyway. Despite that, perhaps this is an exception I will make when I return to Sighisoara. There is a lot of history here, and it may be worth the small price of admission on this occasion.

Aside from entrance to the church, the location is worth the hike up the hill. And there is an historic cemetery adjacent to this church. If you’re into this sort of thing, cemeteries can be beautiful, intriguing places to visit. This one is full of history and almost entirely consists of German names on the headstones. It’s a great, unique way to explore the local history.

The Church of the Dominican Monastery

The most visible church when you are in Old Town is the Biserica Masastirii Dominicane, the Monastery Church or the Church of the Dominican Monastery. It sits near Citadel Square and the Clock Tower, right by the edge of the citadel walls.

This is a large Lutheran Church. In true Lutheran fashion, there isn’t a lot happening on the exterior of the church. It’s a nice church, and it’s prominent. But it is fairly simplistic. The interior also seems to be fairly Lutheran, but, unfortunately, it was not open during my time in Sighisoara.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Catedrala Sfantul Iosif, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, is the Roman Catholic church in Sighisoara’s Historic Center. This small Catholic church sits on the north side of the Citadel, with sweeping views of the city, valley and mountains in the distance.

Curiously, the smallest of the three churches in Old Town is the Catholic one. Today’s ethnic minority of Hungarians (Catholics) is considerably larger than the remaining population of ethnic Germans (Lutherans). However, that is one of the things that makes Sighisoara such an remarkable place to visit. It’s about the history; historically, there were a lot of Germans.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is fairly small. It is quiet, simple and entrance is free. At least, I think entrance is free. I walked right inside. There were a couple of people working inside who looked at me curiously, but did not seem to mind that I was looking around. This church is different than a lot of Catholic churches I’ve visited in Europe. It has a simple interior. There isn’t much to see inside, but it’s a nice place to visit.

Holy Trinity Church

When mentioning churches in Romania, it’s hard to ignore the Romanian Orthodox churches that dominate most of the country. The Romanian Orthodox Cathedral of Sighisoara, Biserica Sfanta Treime or Holy Trinity Church, is an unmissable landmark in the city.

Sitting on the bank of the small Tarnava Mare River that runs through the city, the Holy Trinity Church rises above all nearby structures. As an Orthodox church, it stands out, too. It’s not very old, but take the chance if you have the opportunity to visit. Romanian Orthodox churches are stunning inside and out.

Enjoy a Walk through History

With fewer than 30,000 people, Sighisoara is a small city. The Historic Center is even smaller. Despite the small size, it is easy to spend hours wandering around the old town.

I cannot stress how pretty the scenes in the old town are. It really is one of those places where you cannot help but take a picture around every corner. As you wander around looking at the picturesque old buildings and towers, you will suddenly come across a great viewpoint. These are all around the Historic Center.

Away from the old city, “modern” Sighisoara is worth a wander, too. Parts of the area are starkly different from the scenes of the citadel. There are structures from the Communist era and others that are more typical of Romanian life in small cities, neither modern, Communist nor medieval.

The main reason to stray from the Historic Center of Sighisoara is to see what the city is like away from the tourist bubble. It’s not as photogenic as Old Town, though there are places with great views looking back at the citadel.

It’s important to remember that life in places we travel exists away from tourist sites, and you can see this here. This is also a great way to find local places to stop and have a drink or bite to eat on the cheap.

The Scholars’ Stairs

The Scholars’ Stairs is essentially a stairway. It connects the lower part of Old Town to the Church on the Hill and dates back to the 1600s.

The 176 steps are covered by a wooden shelter, presumably to protect churchgoers from the elements in the past. There isn’t a lot to these stairs, but it is an important landmark of the city. And it’s cool that these steps have survived so long.

Also, how often do you get the chance to walk up a notable, medieval set of stairs? That’s something, right? Whether or not the Scholars’ Stairs is worth the recognition it receives, it’s the best way to reach the Church on the Hill, adjacent cemetery and great view at the top.

Hilltop Viewpoint

As mentioned several times already, there are spectacular views of Sighisoara and the surrounding area from various places atop the medieval citadel of Old Town. However, my favorite viewpoint in and of Sighisoara is a hill across from the Historic Center.

I love finding a good view. My favorite viewpoints are those without crowds. When I walked to this hilltop viewpoint, there were only two other people. In a delightful turn of events, the couple insisted I join them.

They spoke a little English, and it turns out they are both ethnic Germans, one Swabian and one Saxon. The man was born in Sighisoara but emigrated with his family to Germany when Ceausescu and Communist Romania fell. His wife was from another area of Transylvania. They were back to visit a few family members and see their home. The couple was also kind enough to share some local knowledge of how the area has changed in the last 30 years.

This was a fascinating encounter for myself, and it was another example of the wonderful travel lesson of “you never know who you might meet.”

This empty hill has a tremendous panoramic view looking back at the Historic Center of Sighisoara. You can find it on Google Maps called “mic punct de belvedere,” which translates to “small viewpoint.” It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach this hill from the Old Town. The directions on Google Maps are accurate.

Vlad the Impaler’s (Dracula) House

It’s hard to escape the Dracula narrative in Romania, especially in Transylvania. This is understandable. It’s a significant driver of tourism. And the same can be said for Sighisoara.

The significance of Vlad the Impaler in Sighisoara is that the house in which he was (supposedly) born is in the Historic Center. There is a lack of concrete evidence that Vlad was indeed born in Sighisoara, much less in this specific house. However, it is known that his father was here when little Vlad was born.

Despite the uncertainty, this is the commonly accepted site of Vlad the Impaler’s birth and early years. Dracula association aside, Vlad is a fascinating historical figure. This building is one of the oldest in Sighisoara, too. I do not suggest paying to visit the small museum, but it is a historical site nonetheless.

Eating in Sighisoara

Eating in Sighisoara is a fun way to get a taste for Romanian history, particularly the local history in Transylvania. It does not come without its challenges, though.

Sighisoara can be broken up into two distinct areas to eat: Lower Town and the Historic Old Town. Old Town has restaurants scattered throughout the area, but the primary concentration is in the main square. This is an excellent spot to grab a bite to eat in a picturesque, historic setting. These restaurants are pretty good, too, and prices are cheaper than many of the newer, trendier restaurants in the city below.

Overall, eating in Sighisoara is not much different from eating in other popular Transylvanian cities, such as Sibiu. Modern Romanian is the most common cuisine. The difference in Sighisoara is that elements of other historic ethnic groups are slightly more visible.

History through Food

Food in Sighisoara restaurants is a reflection of modern-day Transylvania. There are, of course, usual Romanian dishes on most menus. German history is noted in some of the food, but the larger (remaining) Hungarian minority has a more visible representation in local cuisine.

Langos, a fried flatbread, is sold in several spots around Sighisoara. Goulash, another Hungarian staple, is a common sight on menus.

Aside from a few Hungarian and German influences, Romanian food dominates most menus. You won’t have any issue finding delicious, local food for a good price.

Challenges of Eating in Sighisoara

The challenges of eating in Sighisoara are the times and options. Old Town is extremely tourism-dependent. When there are fewer tourists in the offseason or during the middle of the week, restaurants tend to close earlier or not open at all.

You needn’t worry about finding a place to eat, but don’t expect to not see a full slate of options at all times. More info on when to visit Sighisoara below.

The other challenge of eating in Sighisoara is away, or rather below, from the Historic Old Town. The highest concentration of restaurants in Sighisoara is in the area at the base of the Citadel, essentially on the same level as most of the city.

There are a lot of restaurants in this area, but the options are mixed. A few cheap spots and a few places with good local food are more difficult to locate among countless trendy spots, pricier tourist cafes and Italian restaurants.

To be fair, food in the lower town is still pretty affordable, and this is where you can find the few truly cheap places to eat in Sighisoara.

Hangry Backpacker Recommendations

• Casa Wagner – Great local food at this family-run hotel. Sit outside in the square!
• Unnamed Langos Shop – Next to 5 To Go, nice spot for a cheap snack
• Atelier Specialty Coffee – Trendy but good spot for an overpriced coffee and pastry
• Nuvela – This little cafe has cheap wine and great langos
• The bar at MYstical Transylvania – Outdoor bar/garden has local craft beer in a chill setting
• Pensiune Casa Kuhn – This Old Town family-run hotel has good local cuisine, including Hungarian fare
• Helios – Unpretentious outdoor cafe with super cheap beer and snacks. Ignore Google Maps permanent closure update (it is still open)

Travel To/From and In Sighisoara

Sighisoara is easy to reach for tourists. The best way to get to the city is via train. The train station is on the edge of town. It is about 15-minutes walking from the Sighisoara train station to the Historic Center. You can add about 10 minutes if you have bags or stop to snap a photo or two. The walk is easy until you have to walk up the hill. You can expect to break a sweat then.

You can take a taxi if you wish. Romanian taxis are notoriously untrustworthy. Whether this remains true in Sighisoara, I cannot confirm. Either way, I wouldn’t pay more than 10 Lei for the taxi. It’s a short trip.

There are direct trains to/from Sibiu and Brasov. The train from Sibiu takes about two-and-a-half hours. I paid 13 Lei (less than $3 USD). The train to/from Brasov takes about three hours, and I paid 39 Lei (about $6.50 USD). I’m not sure why it was more expensive. This may be because the train from Sibiu was first come, first serve seating, and the train to Brasov had reserved seats. Either way, the trip to Brasov is not much longer or any more comfortable. Both journeys are easy and cheap.

If you are coming from Bucharest, Cluj or another city, you will have to transfer trains somewhere.

You can also take a bus. Buses are more comfortable and usually faster. However, if you are coming from or going to Sibiu, take the train. It is faster and much cheaper. For Brasov, there isn’t as much difference in price/time when comparing train and bus.

Before you travel to Sighisoara, check out the Hangry Backpacker’s Guide to Transportation in Romania for Tourists.

Getting around Sighisoara is easy. Most of the restaurants and sites attracting tourists are central and near the Historic Center. Otherwise, you can walk anywhere you need to go. This is a small city. If you wish to take a taxi, negotiate a price for all passengers COMBINED before you enter the cab.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit Sighisoara is really any time at all. Despite the wonderful sights and deep history in this city, it is a sleepy place. Business and tourists numbers do increase slightly on weekends. If you can visit during the week, you will avoid the crowds.

This is a mountainous area, and it snows during Winter. Personally, I would not want to walk on the steep paths or old, stone streets when they are wet and/or icy.

Summers here are warm and humid. To me, it’s pleasant. Keep in mind, though, that many hotels, especially in Old Town, do not have air conditioning. These are often old buildings, and there isn’t much need for A/C most of the year.

The shoulder seasons (Spring or Fall) are your best bet for travel to Sighisoara in mild weather. You’ll avoid the Summer crowds and the Winter cold.

How Long Should You Stay?

To be frank, there isn’t that much to see or do in Sighisoara. It is absolutely a photogenic place, and there is a ton of history, too. As far as famous attractions and activities, there isn’t a lot.

Despite that, it is a nice place to slowly enjoy and explore. The old city is so well-preserved, you can spend a couple of days enjoying just that and not feel like it’s time to move on.

However, to be fair to travelers who do not have an abundance of time on their hands, let’s be more specific.

Two days is plenty of time to thoroughly see Sighisoara. Truly, you can see what you “need to see” in a day. Two nights and one day will give you enough time.

Three days or more will give you the time to see “everything” and then some. I stayed for 3 days and enjoyed it all. Another day might have been one too many for me. Of course, if you have a rental car, you can explore the surrounding area with any extra time.

Where to Stay in Sighisoara

I prefer to stay in hostels, but Romania is lacking in the hostel department. I found one single hostel in Sighisoara. Unfortunately, it was entirely booked with a school group during my visit.

There are not a lot of hotels in Sighisoara. Most of these are small, family-run hotels. In fact, I recall seeing only a single large hotel and no chain hotels anywhere. Perhaps I missed it, but even an online search yields small hotels.

I thoroughly enjoyed my small hotel. I stayed a few nights at Casa Wagner, which sits directly in Citadel Square. The staff is friendly, and the hotel definitely has an old charm. It’s a time capsule of sorts but in the best way. Casa Wagner also operates one of the restaurants in the square. My food there was delicious.

Sighisoara’s efforts of preserving the past in their culture and architecture make it a unique travel destination in Romania. There is no shortage of history, and this is an ideal spot to slow down and enjoy the remarkable scene that is the UNESCO-designated Historic Center.

Sighisoara is an excellent place to travel when you visit Romania. The history is visible along the picturesque streets and medieval surroundings. Even better, this is accompanied by great food and stunning panoramic views. If you’re touring through Transylvania, Sighisoara is a must-visit destination.

Sibiu is one of the most popular travel destinations in Romania. The historic city in Transylvania has a long and interesting history that is visible across the city. A mix of historic, picturesque and peculiar attractions have made Sibiu one of the most popular travel destinations in Romania.

The historic region of Transylvania was once an ethnically diverse region. A blend of Saxons, Swabians, Hungarians and more, Lutheranism and Catholicism were the dominant Christian denominations. Prior to World War I, Sibiu was home to more Germans and Hungarians than Romanians.

The history of Sibiu (and Transylvania, in general) is what makes it such a great place to travel. Residents of the past left their mark on the city, and the historic old town is extremely well-preserved. This led to Sibiu being named a European Capital of Culture in 2007.

Today, the area is overwhelmingly Romanian. Ethnic Germans and Hungarians emigrated or were pushed out over the course of the 20th century. Only a few thousand remain in Sibiu today. From architecture to food, the impact of their ancestors remains visible and a reason Sibiu is a popular place to visit today.

Here’s what you need to know about travel to Sibiu, Romania:

Highlights & Top Attractions of Sibiu

The historic city of Sibiu, the old town, is roughly divided into two portions: the Upper Town and the Lower Town.

The Upper Town is where most of the top attractions in Sibiu are located. This is also where a majority of tourists spend their time. The primary exception to this is the portions of Lower Town that are right next to Upper Town. Here, there are a few cafes, shops and sites. For the most part, though, Lower Town is quiet.

For obvious reasons, Upper Town is the part of Sibiu that receives most of the attention. That doesn’t mean you should ignore the lower portion of the historic old city.

I thoroughly enjoyed walking around the Lower Town. It is predominantly residential, though you will see the occasional shop or BnB.

The calm walks through the Lower Town are a great opportunity to see a historic side of Sibiu without the crowds. As you venture further out, there are other interesting places to visit. One of my favorite spots in Lower Town is not of the calm variety. Rather, the Piata Cibin (Cibin Market) is a local market. You can find almost anything you can imagine here. 

The market certainly reminds one that Romania was a Communist state for decades, but it also is a brief glimpse into local life. If you’re staying in Sibiu for an extended period of time, you’ll want to shop here to save money and buy local.

Medieval Towers & City Walls

A walk through Sibiu’s historic center is surreal. There is a strong postcard feeling around every corner. As a city dating back nearly a thousand years, Sibiu’s history includes much from the Medieval period. With effective preservation efforts, many of the city’s medieval structures are still visible. In particular, the towers and walls are notable marks of the city.

There aren’t many places in the world where you can climb 12th Century towers or enjoy your morning coffee atop an 800-year-old wall.

The City Walls of Sibiu are largely part of existing buildings or parks that are there for your viewing pleasure. A couple of sections of the walls are part of museums and not always open to visitors. For the most part, though, they are there for your enjoyment.

The medieval towers of Sibiu stand out more. This might be because they tower above adjacent structures.

What I love about the towers of Sibiu is that several are still open to visitors. They aren’t really that tall, but most buildings in Sibiu’s historic center are only a few stories high. While other structures are taller (see next section), the views from the towers are unique.

Some of the towers are part of historic city defenses. Others were built by certain guilds. For instance, there is a Tinsmith’s Tower, a Tanner’s Tower and Potter’s tower.

Turnul Sfatului, the Council Tower of Sibiu, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It is hard to miss, separating the Grand and Small Square. Although other points are higher than this tower, the view from the Council Tower is hard to beat. It has great views of both squares, the immediate surrounding area and the large Cathedral nearby (see below).

The Council Tower of Sibiu is another great thing to do owing to the ease of climbing. As stated, it’s not that tall, but the views atop are much better than one might expect. It’s also a super cheap thing to do. Admission costs a mere 2 Lei – that’s about fifty cents! Climbing an 800-year-old tower to find a great view for less than a dollar – what a great reason to love Romania.

Churches of Sibiu

Sibiu’s rich religious history makes it a great place to visit a few spectacular churches. Of these, there are a few especially remarkable churches that you need to visit.

There are Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Churches worth visiting in Sibiu. These make for excellent studies of architecture, regional history, religion, art and more. Sibiu’s churches help to create the picturesque scene that is this historic city. And there are even some fantastic views.

These two stand out from a city full of exceptional churches:

Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary

The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary is one of the most obvious landmarks in Sibiu. The church is visible from across the city.

This large Lutheran Cathedral was completed over 500 years ago. It is famous for its organs, so don’t miss the chance if you have the opportunity to hear them roar.

Despite being one of the largest and most visible structures in Sibiu, the Lutheran Cathedral functions more as a museum today. The local Lutheran community, consisting primarily of ethnic Germans, is a fraction of its historical size.

A tour through the Cathedral is interesting in the sense that it provides a stark contrast to the ornate interiors of Catholic churches and the relic-filled interiors of Orthodox churches. It is clearly a Protestant building.

The highlights of the exterior are the colorful designs of the shingles on the roof and the large tower. The tower of the church rises nearly 250 feet high.

A climb up the tower of the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary is one of the best things to do in Sibiu. This is where you’ll find the best view in town. The walk to the top involves plenty of stairs. It’s not an extreme physical undertaking, but you’ll probably break a sweat.

Although the Cathedral interior is notably Protestant and lacking over-the-top decor, it is still very nice. However, I would suggest skipping a visit to the church portion and sticking with the tower.

Why? It’s not free. It’s barely more than a dollar, but that’s not the point.

It irks me, to say the least, when active churches charge admission for entrance. Yes, this church functions more as a museum today, but it is not officially designated as such. Without going further into that, I can understand paying to visit the tower only. This requires upkeep for safety purposes, and heavy foot traffic impacts structural integrity. In the case of Sibiu’s Lutheran Cathedral, stick to paying to climb the tower. The view is unquestionably worth the 10 Lei price of admission.

Romanian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Romanian Orthodox church in Sibiu. The Byzantine style stands out among the predominantly Hungarian and German architecture you see in Transylvania.

The Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral is not as old as most of the other churches of Sibiu. It dates to the early 20th Century.

Don’t let its relative youth deter you. Orthodox churches are interesting sites to see for those more familiar with Western sites, and this Cathedral is magnificent. With inspiration from the Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine style dominates the structure, but there are elements of Transylvania, too.

The interior is unquestionably Orthodox. It is fairly dark, with lots of shiny relics and wall-to-wall artwork, beneath an enormous dome. There is no entrance fee.

Sibiu’s Historic Squares

The historic city of Sibiu has two primary squares – Piata Mica and Piata Mare. These translate to Lesser Square and Grand Square (or Small/Little Square and Big Square), respectively.

Naturally, Sibiu’s famous squares are the centers of tourism in the city. They are remarkably well-preserved, with most of the buildings dating back hundreds of years.

The best part about the Grand Square and the Small Square in Sibiu is that you can enjoy these spaces the way you want to and do so affordably. Most photogenic and historic squares of Europe are lined with restaurants, the ideal spot to grab a drink or bite to eat, take in the scene before you and watch for hours.

Most of these picturesque, cafe-lined squares of Europe are also expensive places to sit and watch the world move along.

Romania is different. It’s cheap. You can affordably sit for a couple of hours in Sibiu’s Grand Square and have a few beers or glasses of wine. I did this on a few occasions. Romanian brews set me back less than $3 per beer. Local wine is only slightly more expensive.

One afternoon, I ate lunch in the Small Square. An entire pizza plus two beers was about $8, fantastic view and tip included.

If you’re on a mission to eat and drink as cheap as you possibly can, skip the cafes in the squares. This is the center of the historic old city, the center of tourism in Sibiu. So, yes, it is generally the most expensive area to eat and drink. But ‘expensive’ in Romania isn’t the same as expensive – or even average – in much of Western Europe.

But where else can you have a $2 beer in a historic square in Europe? There aren’t many options. Even the more expensive places in Romania are cheaper than comparable sites across Europe.

Take advantage of the chance to enjoy a moment to slow down in an historic location surrounded by centuries-old beautiful buildings. There aren’t many places in Europe where a budget traveler can do this, and who knows how long that will be the case in Romania.

Bridge of Lies

The Bridge of Lies is a small, unassuming footbridge in the center of Sibiu. It spans a pedestrian street that connects the Small Square with lower portions of the historic city center.

Aside from being architecturally significant – it is the second-oldest cast iron bridge in Europe, so that’s something – the Bridge of Lies isn’t that important. As far as bridges go, it’s a nice one. And the location does make for a nice photo.

The top of the bridge is where you’ll find most of the photo-takers. It’s definitely one of the top ‘selfie spots’ in Sibiu.

The interesting thing about Romania’s oldest cast iron bridge are the fun legends with which it is associated. The local legend here is that the bridge will collapse if you tell a lie while standing upon it.

Hopefully, the structural integrity of the Bridge of Lies is not dependent upon your honesty. Even so, test the legend at your own risk!

Sibiu’s Bridge of Lies is a nice landmark, though. And the location directly adjacent to the Small Square makes this an easy thing to do in Sibiu. Make sure to snap a few pictures, and tell the truth when you’re standing there!

The Eyes of Sibiu

The most intriguing travel attraction in Sibiu is the famous “Eyes of Sibiu.” 

All across the city, roofs of buildings and homes are adorned with dormers that look like watching eyes. The dormers are a little creepy but also humorous.

Despite legends claiming the dormers are meant to appear like they are spying on you, the ever-watchful Eyes of Sibiu are little more than a local trend from some 500 hundred years ago. They do, however, make for a fun and curious feature of the city.

Dormers of this type can be seen in other places in Transylvania, but Sibiu has the highest concentration. At times, you genuinely feel like someone is watching you as you turn a corner and suddenly meet two giant eyes straight ahead. I had a bit of fun with them, as you can see below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Hangry Backpacker (@hangrybackpacker)

Stroll Around “New” Sibiu

Most visitors do not leave the historic center of Sibiu. To be fair, there’s plenty to do here to occupy your time. However, the city in the 21st Century is much more than a quaint, old town.

There are not a lot of historic sites or pretty buildings in the newer portions of Sibiu. It is an interesting contrast to the old town, though. The marks of Communist architecture are abundant. If you enjoy seeing a place beyond the postcard views and ‘insta-worthy’ scenes, take a walk away from Sibiu’s historic center.

This is where most locals live and spend their time. If you want some semblance of authenticity when you travel to Romania, make sure to get away from the tourist bubbles. In Sibiu, you can walk 5 minutes from the historic center and be in a totally different place. On the positive end, New Sibiu is extremely cheap, and the people are just as friendly.

How Long Should You Stay?

I could easily spend a few weeks in Sibiu. If you use Sibiu as a base to visit nearby towns and villages, even those which might be a couple of hours away, this is a great place for slow travel. Within 1-2 hours from Sibiu, there are national parks, attractive villages, historic sites and more.

For a typical visitor, you can see the main sights and a little more in two days. The historic center of the city is where pretty much all of the notable sights are located. You can visit the churches, towers, squares and wander in between in a little more than one day. Two days allows for you to do all of this and more at a slower pace.

I spent five days in Sibiu. On one hand, I saw ‘everything’ with time to spare. At the same time, I enjoyed walking around the city and could have done so for a few more days. The extra days allow time to explore away from the historic center, an interesting contrast to the old town with few tourists and visit sites outside of town.

The overall vibe in Sibiu is calm. It’s no surprise that there is an expat community here. Whether you spend a couple of days or a couple of months in Sibiu, there is plenty to do.

Where to Stay in Sibiu

You want to stay in the city center when visiting Sibiu. Most of the attractions will be within walking distance, and there are restaurants in every direction. Romania is cheap, so you won’t have to pay typical European “city center prices.”

Accommodation in the Sibiu city center is largely small, independent operators. With a few exceptions, most of it is of the BnB or family-owned hotel variety. Staff/owners are friendly, and prices are usually affordable. Bigger hotels are not far away but will require a walk to reach the historic sites.

Maybe it’s a good thing that Sibiu’s cityscape has yet to be corrupted by large chains. The economic benefits tend to lean toward the local area. However, many travelers seek consistency and reliability when choosing where to stay during their travels. In that sense, Sibiu is lacking.

Backpackers and budget travelers don’t have many hostel options either. I love hostels for so many reasons, but most of Romania is lagging behind in the hostel game.

The two hostel options in Sibiu are B13 Hostel and PanGeea Hostel. Neither of these is great.

I stayed at B13 Hostel. The facility itself is maze-like and large. It’s a cool space and has so much potential. Staff was horrible, though. They were largely absent, offered absolutely no help in or out of the hostel and were not local. It was never cleaned, and the atmosphere was nonexistent. It pains me, because this place has so much potential to be a great hostel.

I recommend PanGeea Hostel. While I did not stay there, the reviews are slightly better. I did visit, though, and this hostel also has the coolest bar in Sibiu on site. The rooms appear to be about the same level of mediocre.

For budget travelers, hostels are still the cheapest option in Sibiu. Leave your high expectations at home. Otherwise, lodging in Sibiu is affordable, and there are plenty of small hotels from which to choose.

How to Get There

Depending on your idea of a good time, transportation in Romania for tourists can be a fun undertaking. If you don’t mind circuitous routes and long travel days through the countryside, Romania is the place for you. Be sure to check out our Romania Transportation Guide before you visit.

Sibiu’s main train station and bus station are adjacent to one another. This is where you are most likely to arrive/depart. From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to the Grand Square.

Getting to and from Sibiu is not especially difficult. It can, however, take quite a bit of time.

Despite being one of the largest cities in Transylvania and one of most popular tourist destinations in Romania, direct routes to Sibiu from other cities are few.

The easiest way to reach Sibiu from most places is via bus. If you are coming from Brasov, the train is best. Otherwise, even larger cities like Cluj and Timisoara require connections as part of long journeys.

Sibiu is less than 150 miles from Bucharest. That 150 miles takes over 8 hours by train and almost 6 hours by bus. These times assume there are no delays. We suggest taking the bus.

Taking the Bus from Bucharest to Sibiu

My bus ride from Bucharest to Sibiu was supposed to take less than 5 hours. The journey ultimately took over 6 hours. You can drive yourself in about 4 hours, but you aren’t immune to road delays.

The bus is the best way to reach Sibiu from Bucharest. It is slightly more expensive than the train, but the bus is faster and much more comfortable.

You can find the bus to Sibiu leaving Bucharest at Autogara Militari (bus station). Tickets are purchased from the bus driver. There’s no need to go inside. The bus times and destinations are listed on signs next to each berth. If you are uncertain, walk up to people near a bus and ask, “Sibiu?”

The Romanian people are generally helpful and friendly. Once you find your bus, put your bag underneath. Hop in line, and pay the driver. Seats are not reserved. Pick your favorite row, and get comfortable. It’s going to be a long but scenic ride!

I paid 84 lei for my bus. Current prices on the best site for Romanian bus transportation is 91 lei. That’s less than $20. The train is cheaper, but the bus is a far more comfortable and scenic trip.

After you arrive at the Sibiu bus station, it’s easy to reach the historic old city. You can see the church towers in the distance, slightly uphill from the station. The walk takes about 15 minutes to reach the center.

The Best Time to Travel to Sibiu

Summer is the best time of year to travel to Sibiu. Romania is fairly warm and humid during Summer months, but that is relative.

As someone who is from a place that is miserably hot from June through August (and just regular hot two months either side of that), I found the weather in Sibiu to be excellent. Days are warm, and nights are pleasant, even cool.

Rain falls evenly throughout the year, so there’s no need to avoid any kind of rainy season. I suggest packing a rain jacket.

Sibiu gets cold during Winter, but it doesn’t receive an annoying amount of snowfall. There is a ski resort less than an hour away.

Sibiu has a famous Christmas market that makes December a time to brave the cold. Naturally, it attracts a lot of visitors. For Christmas market enthusiasts, it might be a great alternative to the jam-packed, more famous Christmas markets in Western Europe.

Weather aside, the time to visit Sibiu is now. I say this because it is growing in popularity. Tourism in Romania (pre-2020) was growing due to its affordability and wide offerings of history, nature and unique culture. Sibiu is a place that combines all of that, and it will only grow more popular and busier in the years to come.

Eating in Sibiu

Eating in Sibiu is tricky. A majority of tourists will find themselves in the historic center for most, if not all, of their time here. Consequently, there are a ton of restaurants in the center from which to choose.

Restaurants are not exclusive to the squares, either. Side streets are home to more restaurants, cafes and pubs.

How do you navigate the sea of restaurants in Sibiu?

In a sense, you cannot avoid tourist restaurants in the historic center. This area is dominated by tourism, so prices will be higher than elsewhere in the city.

The good news is that Sibiu is a budget-friendly travel destination. Despite being a tourist town, it’s cheaper than Bucharest. There are ‘local’ places to eat – and you can get more details in the Hangry Backpacker’s Sibiu Food Guide soon! – but it takes a little effort.

What I like about eating in Sibiu is the ease of eating Romanian food in comparison to other popular destinations within the country. Most of the cafes in the squares serve local food. The elements of Hungarian and German influence of food in Transylvania is present in Sibiu but less so than other cities.

In general, the food in Sibiu is good and affordable. And it’s easy to find decent Romanian grub. If you want to save money, search farther away from the squares.

Sibiu is on most short lists of places to travel in Romania. Due to the culture, architecture and setting, it is also gaining notoriety as a great place to travel in general.

Romania is gaining traction as a great place to retire, largely due to the temperate climate and low cost of living. Sibiu has become the home to a growing expat community, and it’s easy to see why.

For those of us who want to visit Sibiu less permanently, the general atmosphere is an attractive one. It is an excellent place to slow down, wander around and enjoy your travel destination. From food to history, you can experience Transylvania in the ideal setting.

Romania’s capital city has a lot offer, but tourism in Bucharest often revolves around a party. That’s not the case in Transylvania. There’s fun to have, but partying is not the goal. Sibiu is a place to travel to experience Romania and appreciate its unique history and beauty.