Sibiu Travelers Recommend

Two days gives you plenty of time to do more in Sibiu than just city sightseeing. From day trips to UNESCO World Heritage sites to mountain-biking tours, here are our top tips for making the most of your 48 hours in the Transylvania town.

Day 1: Discover Sibiu and Its Surroundings

Morning: Spend your first morning familiarizing yourself with Sibiu’s main attractions, including the Large Square (Piața Mare), Bridge of Lies, and Citadel Park. Join a walking or bike tour to benefit from historical and cultural insights from a guide, or opt for a package that includes lunch to save costs and sample local specialties. Don’t miss the view from the Lutheran Cathedral tower—the highest lookout in the city.

Afternoon: Romania’s most famous road, the Transfăgărășan, begins close to the city and cuts through some of the region’s most dramatic landscape. Take advantage of round-trip tours that travel as far as the Balea Waterfall Cable Car to absorb scenic mountain views in just one afternoon. If you’d rather stay in Sibiu, themed tours and app-based packages are great for personalizing your experience and keeping kids entertained.

Night: The former European Capital of Culture boasts plenty of nightlife options, so this evening choose a traditional tavern and tuck into Romanian essentials such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled meats), or bulz (cheesy polenta). Night owls can go on to visit some of the wine bars, pubs, and clubs around the old town.

Day 2: Explore Wider Transylvania

Day: With its efficient transport links and montane surrounds, Sibiu is a great starting point for exploration of wider Transylvania. Book a mountain-biking, hiking, or bird-watching tour for immersive sightseeing in the Southern Carpathians, or travel with ease to more distant attractions, such as Bran Castle, Cârța Monastery, or the Sarmizegetusa Regia (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on a tour that includes private transfer by car or bus. Day tours typically include pickup from your hotel or a centrally located landmark, and some include lunch.

Night: Back in Sibiu after a day of adventure, soak up the atmosphere with dinner or drinks on a Piața Mare restaurant terrace, then enjoy your last views of the historic city on a sunset walk—the Bridge of Lies offers prime photo opportunities against a dusk-lit skyline. If you plan to travel on to a new city, it’s worth arranging car rental or private transfer to skip the stress of public transport.

Often overlooked in favor of its bigger neighbours, Sibiu boasts Saxon history and cultural heritage that make it a must-visit in its own right, while its location makes it a good base for day-tripping into wider Transylvania. Here are our top tips for three days in the former European Capital of Culture.

Day 1: Cultural Landmarks and Culinary Traditions

Spend your first day checking off Sibiu’s top sights and experiences. Join a bike or walking tour to find your way with ease and learn more about landmarks such as the Large Square (Piața Mare), Carpenters’ Tower, and the Bridge of Lies from a guide, or take advantage of app-based activities to keep kids entertained and explore the city at your own pace. Once you’ve got the lay of the land, immerse yourself in Romania’s culinary traditions and sample staples such as bulz (cheesy polenta balls), ciorbă de fasole în pâine (bean soup in bread), or grilled meats on a food tour. Some tour packages conveniently combine tasting experiences with city tours, allowing you to eliminate the hassle of planning.

Day 2: Mountains, Villages, and Valleys

Connected to Romania’s most scenic route, the Transfăgărășan, and surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Sibiu is a great starting point for exploration of the Transylvanian landscape. If you’re a nature lover, you can book a bird-watching tour to learn about the region’s diverse species, while outdoor enthusiasts can join a hiking, biking, or horseback-riding excursion for an intimate perspective of the region’s mountains, valleys, and villages. Day trips typically include hotel transfers and equipment rental, while some also include lunch.

Day 3: Hit the Historic Highlights

Dedicate your final day to exploring Transylvania’s far-reaching history, taking advantage of tours that include round-trip transfer to optimize your sightseeing time. Choose from a range of day tours to check off attractions that interest you: Whether you want to visit Brașov and Bran Castle for insight into the region’s spooky legends, drive the Transfăgărășan in search of a Cistercian abbey and baroque palace, or see such UNESCO World Heritage sites as the Dacian ruins of Sarmizegetusa Regia, Biertan fortified church, or Sighișoara Citadel, you have options.

This Transylvanian town is known for its Saxon history, montane landscape, and modern culture, and with some planning, it’s possible to squeeze a glimpse of all these into just 24 hours. Here’s how to make the most of your day in Sibiu.

Morning: Check Off Top Sights

Walking and bike tours are a great way to acquaint yourself with Sibiu, as exploring with a guide means deeper insight into the city’s rich history and culture. Start off on the main square to admire classic Germanic architecture under the watchful gaze of the Haller House, then make your way around Sibiu symbols including the Bridge of Lies, Orthodox Cathedral, and Brukenthal National Museum. Don’t miss the Lutheran Cathedral’s 230-foot-tall (70-meter-tall) tower, which offers panoramic views across the city.

Afternoon: Travel the Transfăgărășan

For lunch, take advantage of all-day tours that include a meal to save on costs—otherwise, visit any of the Romanian restaurants dotted throughout the Old Town for a taste of traditional fare. Thanks to the rural surrounds, locally sourced vegetables, cheeses, and meats are a Sibiu staple. Following lunch, it’s time to explore the Transylvanian landscape. The Transfăgărășan scenic road connects to Sibiu, and round-trip journeys offer sweeping views of the Făgăraș Mountains on the way to and from Bâlea Waterfall, where you can catch a cable car up to glacial Bâlea Lake. 

Night: Soak Up Sibiu Culture

Back in town this evening, soak up the atmosphere on one of the outdoor terraces on Small Square (Piața Mică), or nestle into one of the Lower Town’s more intimate eateries. As the former European Capital of Culture, Sibiu boasts a diverse festival program, especially during the summer months, so check in advance to see what’s on during your stay.