Tourist attractions in Sibiu: a complete guide to the sights and places not to miss

Sibiu awaits you with open arms, ready to reveal its historical and cultural secrets. But with so many options, where to start? Well, this guide will be your best friend in exploring this wonderful city. You’ll pass through vibrant squares, fascinating museums and relaxing parks, making sure you don’t miss anything important. Get ready to fall in love with Sibiu!

• Top 10+ tourist attractions Sibiu
• Sibiu Museums: a journey through time and culture
• Parks and green spaces: relaxing in the heart of the city
• What to do in Sibiu – Events and festivals in Sibiu
• How to get to Sibiu

Top 10+ tourist attractions Sibiu

Sibiu, a city with a rich history and a special atmosphere, is one of the most attractive destinations in Romania. Discover a selection of the most important sights in Sibiu, places you should not miss during your visit.

1. Big Square

Big Square (Piața Mare), the heart of Sibiu and its historic center, is the ideal starting point for any urban exploration. Here you are greeted by iconic buildings such as the Council Tower, the Brukenthal Palace and the Roman Catholic Church. In winter, the square transforms into a festive setting, hosting one of Europe’s most popular Christmas markets.

2. Brukenthal National Museum

Romania’s oldest museum, the Brukenthal National Museum, is located in the Brukenthal Palace, directly on the main square. Its collection includes works by famous European masters including Rubens, Van Dyck and Titian.

Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeking adventurer, a nature lover or simply looking for a relaxing destination with the family, you’ve come to the right place! We have gathered for you in this article over 20 tourist attractions in and around Sibiu that are sure to help you live the experiences you are looking for.

3. Small Square

Small Square (Piața Mică), accessible from the Grand Square via the Stairs Passage, offers a more secluded atmosphere characterized by brightly colored houses and welcoming cafés. Don’t miss Luxembourg House and the Museum of the History of Pharmacy.

4. Bridge of Lies

The Bridge of Lies, the first cast-iron bridge built in Romania, connects the Small Square and Huet Square. According to legend, the bridge will collapse if a person tells a lie while crossing it. You can’t visit Sibiu without crossing the Bridge of Lies!

5. Evangelical Church

The Evangelical Church, an imposing Gothic cathedral, dominates Huet Square. Its tower, 73 meters high, offers an impressive view over the city. Inside, you can admire the Sauer organ with its 6,002 pipes and the 14th-century bronze baptismal font.

6. ASTRA Museum

The ASTRA Museum, the largest open-air museum in Romania, is located in the Dumbrava Forest. On an area of 96 hectares, over 300 traditional buildings from all regions of the country are on display.

7. Council Tower

The Council Tower, a symbol of Sibiu, offers a unique view of the city from a height of 45 meters. Climbing the 141 steps is a memorable experience.

8. Citadel Street

The Fortress Street, one of the most picturesque streets in Sibiu, is characterized by well-preserved old houses and three medieval towers: the Dulgherilors’ Tower, the Olarilors’ Tower and the Archbusiers’ Tower.

9. Stairs Passage

The Stairs Passage, a medieval passageway, connects the Upper Town with the Lower Town, offering a romantic atmosphere and a special insight into the local architecture.

10. Zoo

The Zoo, the oldest of its kind in Romania, is located in the Dumbrava Forest. It is home to over 300 animals of 74 species, including lions, tigers and zebras.

11. Sub Arini Park

Sub Arini Park, a historic park, is ideal for relaxing, offering shady paths, artesian fountains and over 60 plant species.

These attractions paint a complex picture of Sibiu’s rich culture and history. Each attraction has its own story and charm, contributing to the unique experience the city offers visitors.

Now that you’ve discovered the main sights, it’s time to deepen your cultural experience. Come and explore Sibiu’s fascinating museums!

If you need flexible and comfortable transportation, choose Enterprise to explore Sibiu and its surroundings at your own pace!

Sibiu Museums: a journey through time and culture

After exploring Sibiu’s main sights, it’s time to focus on Sibiu’s cultural richness, reflected in its varied and exciting museums. These institutions enrich your experience, offering an in-depth insight into local history, art and traditions.

Altemberger House History Museum

The Casa Altemberger History Museum, housed in a 15th-century Gothic building, presents the history of Sibiu from the earliest settlements to the modern era. The collection includes Roman and medieval artifacts as well as important historical documents. A special attraction is the detailed model of medieval Sibiu.

Museum of Ethnography and Folk Art “ASTRA”

Complementing the ASTRA Open Air Museum, this urban museum houses an impressive collection of folk costumes, ceramics and traditional objects from all over Transylvania. The permanent exhibition “The Civilization of Wood” is particularly appreciated.

Natural History Museum

Founded in 1895, the Natural History Museum offers a fascinating insight into the region’s biodiversity. The geology, paleontology and zoology collections are complemented by interactive dioramas and temporary exhibitions on ecological themes.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in the former barracks in the Main Square, exhibits works by contemporary Romanian and international artists. The exhibitions tackle challenging themes and stimulate cultural dialog.

Emil Cioran Memorial House

Although not a museum in the traditional sense, the Emil Cioran Memorial House, dedicated to the philosopher born in Rășinari, near Sibiu, offers a unique insight into his life and work. On display are his personal library and original manuscripts.

“ASTRA” Museum of Transylvanian Civilization

This museum explores Transylvania’s diverse history and culture, with a focus on inter-ethnic relations and urban evolution. The ‘Transylvanian Habitat’ exhibition presents models of traditional dwellings.

These museums complement Sibiu’s attractions, giving you a deeper understanding of Sibiu’s cultural identity. They allow you to appreciate the historical and artistic context in which local monuments and traditions developed.

If you choose to travel through Transylvania in an Enterprise car, feel free to explore other villages along the way. Each has a unique story to tell and will surprise you in different ways.

Parks and green spaces: relaxing in the heart of the city

Having explored Sibiu’s attractions and museums, it’s time to discover the city’s green oases, which offer a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city and opportunities to relax and connect with nature.

Sub Arini Park

Sub Arini Park, with a history of over 160 years, is the green heart of Sibiu. Shady alleyways and artesian fountains create a pleasant atmosphere and the Music Pavilion hosts open-air concerts in summer. The swan lake is the ideal place for romantic strolls, and the 6 km bike path attracts sports and outdoor enthusiasts.

Astra Park

Located next to the ASTRA Museum, this park invites you to relax amid nature and history. You can organize a picnic on the lakeside, rent boats or hydro-bikes for a ride on the water and explore the themed trails linking the different sections of the open-air museum.

Zoo

The Dumbrava Forest Zoo is not only a place where you can admire different animals, but also a place where you can picnic and relax in nature. It hosts educational programs for children about conservation and special events such as “Night at the Zoo”, where visitors can take part in night guides.

Youth Park

This modern space is dedicated to sports and recreational activities. Multi-purpose sports fields, running tracks and outdoor fitness areas offer varied possibilities for exercise, while themed playgrounds are perfect for children of all ages.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden of the Lucian Blaga University welcomes you with collections of rare plants and endemic species from the Carpathian Mountains. The greenhouses with exotic and tropical plants create a special setting, and the tranquillity of the garden is ideal for study and contemplation.

Events and activities in green spaces

Sibiu’s parks often host a variety of cultural and recreational events. The Sibiu International Theatre Festival organizes open-air performances in the Sub Arini Park, while the Music Pavilion hosts brass band concerts every summer Sunday. The Dumbrava Forest hosts environmental education workshops and nature observation activities and the Youth Park hosts orienteering races and sports events.

These green spaces complement the cultural and historical experience offered by the city’s sights and museums. They give you the chance to reconnect with nature, participate in outdoor activities and experience the more relaxed pace of local life. Whether you want to unwind after a day of exploring, play sport or take part in cultural events, Sibiu’s parks always have something to offer.

Now that you’ve discovered the places to relax, let’s see what activities you can do with the little ones in Sibiu! A fun and learning adventure ahead!

If you’ve made it to Sibiu, you can drive on the Transfăgărășan, the most beautiful road in the world, according to Top Gear. Discover the country’s most picturesque roads in this article.

Places to visit in Sibiu with children

Once you’ve explored the sights, museums and green spaces, focus on the experiences Sibiu has to offer families with children. Sibiu is an ideal destination for family vacations, combining education with fun.

Natural History Museum – A journey through the world of animals

The Museum of Natural History has great educational potential for children, with interactive dioramas showcasing local and global ecosystems, a fossil and mineral collection perfect for little palaeontologists, and themed weekend workshops for children focused on discovering nature.

Zoo – More than just a visit to the animals

The zoo offers activities specially designed for children, such as the ‘Caretaker for a Day’ program, where little ones can help care for the animals, guided tours tailored to different age groups and themed play areas inspired by the animals’ natural habitats.

ASTRA Museum – Living history for children

The ASTRA Museum offers traditional crafts workshops for children, such as pottery, weaving or glass painting, horse-drawn sleigh rides through the museum complex and special family-friendly evening experiences in the form of the “Night at the Museum” event.

The Council Tower – A vertical adventure

A visit to the Council Tower can be turned into an interactive experience, with observation games for children as they climb the 141 steps, animated stories about the city’s history adapted for the little ones and panoramic photography workshops for teenagers.

Natural Park Dumbrava Sibiului – Nature Adventure

Dumbrava Sibiului Nature Park offers easy hiking trails, ideal for families, picnic areas and playgrounds in the middle of nature, as well as birdwatching and local flora and fauna watching activities.

Gong Theatre for Children and Youth

The Gong Theatre offers age-appropriate puppet and puppet shows, theater and improvisation workshops for children and teenagers, as well as the International Children’s Theater Festival, a renowned annual event.

Sibiu Magic Show

A special event that usually takes place during the summer, Sibiu Magic Show, brings magic and illusion shows in the Main Square, magic trick workshops for children and themed parades involving the whole family.

These experiences complement Sibiu’s tourist offer, making the city an ideal destination for families. Combining education with fun, these activities allow you to discover history, culture and nature in an interactive and memorable way. In addition, many of these places offer special programs during school holidays, making Sibiu a great choice for a family getaway at any time of the year.

Through these activities, Sibiu proves that it is more than a museum city – it is a living place where children can explore, learn and have fun, creating unforgettable memories with their families.

Now that you know what you can do with kids, let’s see what events and festivals are waiting for you in Sibiu! Get ready for an explosion of culture and fun!

What to do in Sibiu – Events and festivals in Sibiu

After exploring the sights, museums, green spaces and children’s activities, focus on the events and festivals that bring Sibiu to life all year round. These cultural events complement your sightseeing experience, transforming the city into a vibrant scene of art, music and traditions.

Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS)

The city’s biggest annual cultural event takes place in June. Over ten days, the festival brings over 500 events including contemporary theater, dance, music and circus performances. The main square and other venues in the historic center become stages for open-air performances, and professionals and the public can take part in workshops and conferences dedicated to the performing arts.

Sibiu Jazz Festival

This renowned event for jazz lovers takes place in May. The festival features concerts by international and local artists, organized both in the main square and in clubs around the city. The atmosphere is complemented by late-night jam sessions hosted in unique venues in Sibiu.

Astra Film Festival

The international documentary film festival takes place in October and features both outdoor and indoor screenings. The program includes themed sections, including films for children and teenagers, and there are debates and meetings with filmmakers.

Christmas Fair in Sibiu

Considered one of the most beautiful Christmas fairs in Europe, the event takes place in the Piazza Mare from late November until January. Visitors can discover stalls selling traditional products and handicrafts, enjoy an outdoor ice rink and a children’s carousel, and the atmosphere is enlivened by concerts and carol carol carols.

Sibiu Sounds Festival

The festival of electronic music and contemporary art takes place in August. Attendees can enjoy concerts and performances in unconventional spaces and the public space is animated by interactive art installations.

Sibiu Medieval Festival

A foray into the city’s medieval atmosphere usually takes place in August. The event features historical re-enactments, chivalric jousting, traditional craft workshops and costumed parades through the historic center.

Sibiu Opera Festival

Dedicated to opera and classical music lovers, the festival takes place in September and October. The program includes opera performances and symphonic concerts in the Piazza Mare, as well as recitals hosted in historic venues such as the Evangelical Church.

ARTmania Festival

The rock and alternative arts festival takes place in July. It features concerts by international and Romanian bands in the main square and events are complemented by contemporary art exhibitions and performances.

These events add a dynamic and contemporary dimension to the tourist experience in Sibiu. They give you the opportunity to see the city in a different light, transforming historic spaces into stages for contemporary art and culture. For you, attending these events can significantly enrich your trip, offering a unique insight into Sibiu’s vibrant cultural life.

By participating in these cultural events, you discover that Sibiu is not just a city-museum, but a living community that blends centuries-old traditions with contemporary artistic expressions. Whether you are passionate about theater, music, film or visual art, Sibiu’s cultural calendar has something to offer, turning a simple tourist visit into a complete and memorable cultural experience.

Now that you know what’s in store for you culturally, let’s see how you can get to this wonderful city more easily! Here’s useful information on transportation and planning!

How to get to Sibiu

Once you’ve explored Sibiu’s sights, museums, green spaces, children’s activities and cultural events, it’s important to get down to the practicalities of traveling. In this section, you’ll discover the different ways to get to this fascinating city.

By plane

Sibiu International Airport offers a convenient option for you with:

• Direct flights from Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and other major Romanian cities.
• International connections to cities such as Munich, Vienna, London and Stuttgart.
• Fast transfers to the city center (about 20 minutes) by taxi or public transportation.

By train

Travel by train offers a scenic and comfortable experience, with:

• Direct connections from Bucharest (about 5-6 hours), Cluj-Napoca, Brasov and other major cities.
• Sibiu train station, conveniently located close to the city center.
• Option to book sleeping compartments for overnight trips.

By car

For you, if you prefer the flexibility of driving, there are:

• Easy access via highways A1 (from Bucharest) and A10 (from Cluj-Napoca).
• Well maintained national roads from all directions.
• Parking available in the city center and near the main tourist attractions.

By bus

An economical and comfortable option with:

• Regular services operated by companies like Flixbus, connecting Sibiu with other cities in Romania and Europe.
• Sibiu Bus Station, centrally located, with easy connections to tourist attractions.

Transportation within the city

Once in Sibiu, exploring the city is made easy with:

• An efficient public transportation system, including buses and trolleybuses.
• Bike rental options, ideal for exploring parks and outlying areas.
• Compact historic center, perfect for walking tours.

Tips for planning your trip

• Book early, especially during the festival season.
• Consider purchasing a Sibiu City Pass for access to public transportation and free entry to many attractions.
• Check the cultural events program to synchronize your visit with festivals of interest.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, Sibiu welcomes you with a well-developed infrastructure and varied options to meet your needs. Once you arrive, you’ll discover that the effort of the journey is fully rewarded by the cultural and historical richness of this remarkable city.

Sibiu is not just a city, but a complete experience – a place where history, culture and nature blend harmoniously. Whether strolling through the Main Square, exploring the ASTRA Museum or venturing into the surrounding Saxon villages, every corner has something special to offer. Whatever the season, Sibiu welcomes you with charm, hospitality and a host of attractions that will stay with you. So if you haven’t yet put Sibiu on your travel bucket list, now is the perfect time to do so!

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