Sibiu

An elegant former European Capital of Culture with grand Germanic squares, pastel facades and the famous 'eyes of Sibiu' rooftops. It offers a refined blend of museums, cafes and Saxon heritage in a walkable historic core.

Things to do

• Piata Mare — Stroll the grand main square lined with pastel Baroque facades, the Brukenthal Palace and outdoor cafes.
• Bridge of Lies — Cross the wrought-iron footbridge said to creak if you tell a lie, linking the Upper and Lower Town.
• Council Tower — Climb the medieval tower between the two main squares for panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops.
• Brukenthal National Museum — Explore Romania's oldest museum, holding a fine collection of European Old Master paintings.
• ASTRA Open-Air Museum — Wander a vast forest park of relocated traditional Romanian houses, mills and wooden churches.
• Piata Mica — Relax in the smaller, intimate square with arcaded houses and the iconic eyelid-windowed rooftops watching over you.
• Evangelical Cathedral — Visit the towering Gothic Lutheran church, a symbol of Sibiu's Saxon heritage with a lofty spire.
• Passage of Stairs — Descend the medieval covered stairways connecting the Upper Town to the Lower Town's old artisan quarter.

Food to try

• Ciorba de burta — A creamy, garlicky tripe soup soured with vinegar, a beloved hearty Romanian classic.
• Bulz ciobanesc — Shepherd's polenta baked with sheep cheese, often topped with a fried egg and smoked bacon.
• Virsli sibian — Local thin spicy sausages, a Sibiu specialty traditionally grilled and served with mustard.
• Papanasi — Fried doughnut-like cheese dumplings topped with sour cream and tart forest berry jam.
• Telemea and Saxon cheeses — Sample regional sheep cheeses and cured meats at the local markets in Piata Cibin.
• Local Transylvanian wine — Try crisp whites like Feteasca Regala from nearby Tarnave vineyards in the old-town cellars.

Local customs & good to know

• The eyes are watching — Look up for the 'eyes of Sibiu', the eyelid-shaped roof vents that give the town its famously watchful character.
• Saxon heritage runs deep — Sibiu was founded by German Saxons, so you'll see bilingual signs and Germanic architecture throughout the core.
• Explore on foot — The historic center is compact and largely pedestrianized, so wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.
• Time it with a festival — Visit during summer's international theatre festival or the December Christmas market for the liveliest atmosphere.

Nearby

• Transfăgărășan Highway — 44 km
• Biertan — 48 km
• Alba Iulia — 51 km
• Cozia Monastery (Wallachia) — 56 km