Things to do in Sibiu Romania

Once in a while, you stumble upon a place that captures your heart and leaves a lasting impression. Sibiu was one of those places for me. I wrote this post to help you plan your visit and decide on things to do in Sibiu, Romania.

I had no plans to visit Sibiu, let alone the country of Romania on our last trip to Europe. But when our time in Budapest came to an end, I searched for a convenient destination by bus and came across Sibiu, Romania. We wanted to root ourselves somewhere quaint for a couple weeks to relax after being on the go the month prior. Little did I know I’d fall in love with the city so much I’d want to move there haha.

**This post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission from these links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure HERE.

About Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu is a well-preserved medieval town in the center of Romania in the region known as Transylvania. Known for its unique architecture with vents in the roof that look like eyes, Sibiu is referred to as the Town with Eyes and is known as a tourist destination with a thriving cultural and food scene. Designated the European Capital of Culture in 2007 and then the European Region of Gastronomy in 2019, there are plenty of reasons to visit this magical little city. If you’re just looking to get to the point of what to do in Sibiu and where to stay, feel free to use the Table of Contents to skip down the page.

History of Sibiu, Romania

Initially, the site of the city was a Daco-Roman fort or city called Cedonia whose later name was Cibinium for the Cibin River that runs there. Sibiu was founded in the mid to late 12th century by German Saxons, invited by the ruling Hungarian King, and initially called Hermannsdorf. Through the middle ages the town went through a few name changes and was an important trade center. As a hub for commerce, politics, and religion it was well fortified over the years.

The city walls protected it from a number of attacks by the Turkish in the 15th and 16th centuries but eventually Transylvania fell under Ottoman rule in 1526. In 1699 the Ottomans withdrew from Hungary and Transylvania and Transylvania went to the Austrian Hapsburg monarchy. In 1711, Transylvania was an administrative area of Hungary.

After WW1 in 1918, Austria-Hungary dissolved and Sibiu and the region of Transylvania become a part of Romania instead of Hungary following a treaty, which leads to many ethnic Hungarians leaving the region. Sibiu officially gets its name in 1919 and street names were listed with a Romanian name (not just German). Sibiu was ethnically German (as well as some Romanian and Hungarian) and was mainly German speaking until the mid 20th century.

In 1941, Romania allies with the Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan, but are overpowered by the Soviet Army by 1944 and Romania decides to switch sides. The large German population residing in Sibiu then found themselves on the losing side and many were rounded up and deported to Siberian camps.

In 1947, the Communist People’s Republic of Romania was formed and aligned with the Soviet Union. From the 1950’s to 1990’s many of Sibiu’s Germans left for West Germany as well as immediately after the fall of the iron curtain.

Modern Day Romania

In 2007, Romania joined the EU and Sibiu was designated a “European Capital of Culture.”  The current population of Sibiu is around 134,000. Romania’s president from 2014 till current day, Klaus Iohannis, was also Sibiu’s Mayor from 2000-2014. He is the first minority German Saxon to be the president.

Sibiu haș begun the process to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as its historical sites and architecture are incredibly well preserved. The city is renowned for having a thriving arts and cultural hub still today and there are a number of museums, art collections, exhibits, theaters, festivals, etc.

Inspired by the Vienna Christmas markets, Sibiu is also well known for its Christmas market since 2007, Sibiu was the first in Romania,

Sibiu, Romania Travel Info

Sibiu is not as simple to get to as a major European hub. But once you’re there, it’s a great place to base yourself for exploring Romania.

Getting to Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu haș a small international airport for smaller airlines only a few miles from the city. Connections are on Wizz Air, Lufthansa, and Austrian airlines to and from a few other European cities like London, Munich, Vienna, etc. Otherwise the capital city of Bucharest is the main international hub. You can take a train between Sibiu and Bucharest and it takes at least 5.5 hours.

You can also take a bus to Sibiu from neighboring towns or cities. For example we took a bus from Budapest, Hungary to Sibiu with Flixbus, albeit a long day. You can also check the schedule of other buses in Romania to get between cities. The websites can be a bit confusing but the two companies that seem to have buses between Bucharest and Sibiu are Cento Trans and Horas or another called Dacos.

Getting Around Sibiu, Romania

The nice thing about Sibiu is the historic old town is quite small and walkable. Many areas are pedestrian only zones.

But if you need to get further from the center, such as the airport or train station, you can take a taxi, Bolt, or local buses. A taxi or Bolt to the airport from the historic center will cost around 20-35 LEI or $5-8. The train station is even closer than that.

 

The bus system in Sibiu is well developed and you can pay with a card ahead at the street vending stations, when you get on the bus, or on the SibiuBus or 24Pay mobile app . To get to and from the airport, use Bus #11. You can find more details including a public transport map HERE.

There are also bike and E-bike rentals in Sibiu, although I didn’t feel like there was a huge bike culture in the city.

If you plan to do some day trips, especially into the mountains, consider renting a car. We always use DiscoverCars for rental cars in Europe. Make sure your personal car insurance covers you or you have travel insurance that covers auto rentals before declining the optional car insurance.

Helpful Travel Info About Sibiu, Romania

Currency

The currency used is the Romanian Leu, or plural Lei, which is divided into 100 bani, with a currency code of RON. $1 USD is equal to around 4.5 RON. So if I was purchasing something in RON, I’d often use my phone calculator to divide by 4.5 to estimate USD.

Costs

Costs in Sibiu were quite reasonable. We were very grateful to find a place with a good standard of food and accommodation for prices that didn’t break the bank. Here are some examples of what we spent on average while in Sibiu:

• One bedroom apartment rental: $50-100 per night on average (or less with long stay discounts)
• Main dish at a casual to nice restaurant: $7-$20 (of course this can be higher)
• Breakfast main: $6-$8
• Dessert $3-$7
• Glass of house wine: $3-$5
• Beer: $3-$5
• Cocktail: $7-$9
• Latte: $3-$4
• 5-10 minute Bolt ride: $3-$5

Language

Romanian is the official language of Romania (and Moldova). It is also spoken by a large population in Ukraine, Hungary, Bulgaria, Russia, Serbia, Israel and more. An Eastern Romance subbranch of Romance languages that evolved from Latin, Romanian has similarities to Italian and Spanish. The fact that it is not a Slavic language like neighboring Hungarian or Bulgarian really surprised me. Around 25 million people in the world use Romanian as their first language. The alphabet has 31 letters and is a modification of the classic Latin alphabet.

In Romania, 90% of the population use Romanian as their primary language. There are a few minority languages spoken in Romania. Hungarian is the primary language of 6% of the population mostly living in Transylvania since that region was part of the Kingdom of Hungary up until the end of WW1. Roma or Romani people who are genetically linked to the Indian subcontinent and migrated west in the 5th to 11th centuries make up approximately 1% of the population that speak Romani, the only New Indo-Aryan language spoken outside of the Indian subcontinent. Roma/Romani should not be confused with having any relationship to Romanian except that a number of them live in Romania. There is also a population of around 1-2% who speak German and an even smaller proportion who speak Ukrainian and Russian.

We found English extremely common in touristy places like restaurants and businesses. The younger generation is mostly fluent whereas the older generation may be less likely to know English.

Common Phrases:

Hello – “Salut” (sah-LOOT)
How are you? – “Ce mai faci?” (cheh my FAHTCH)
Fine, thank you. – “Mulţumesc, bine.” (mool-tzu-MESK BEE-neh)
Please – “Vă rog” (vuh ROHG; usually follows the request)
Thank you – “Mulţumesc” (mool-tzoo-MESK). “Mersi” is also popularly used.
Thank you very much – “Mulţumesc mult.” (mool-tzoo-MESK moolt)
You’re welcome – “Cu plăcere” (koo pluh-CHAIR-eh)
Yes – “Da” (DAH)
No – “Nu” (NOO)
Excuse me (Getting attention) – “Pardon” (pahr-DOHN) or “Vă rog” (vuh ROHG)
Excuse me (begging pardon, moving through crowd) – “Pardon” (pahr-DOHN)
I’m sorry – “Îmi pare rău” (oohm pah-reh RUH-OH)
Good-bye – “La revedere” (lah reh-veh-DEH-reh)
I don’t understand – “Nu înţeleg” (NOO oohn-tzeh-LEG)
Where’s the bathroom? – “Unde e toaleta?” (OON-deh yeh twah-LEH-tah)
Do you speak English? – “Vorbiţi engleză?” (vor-BEETZ eng-LEH-zuh)

Religion

Romanians are one of the more religous European countries and they overwhelmingly identify as Christian Orthodox (86%). Small minorities are Catholic, Calvinist, etc. making 99% of the population a denomination of Christian. Other small minorities are Muslim, Jewish, atheist, or unaffiliated.

Things to do in and Around Sibiu, Romania

Now let’s finally get into the fun stuff like what to do in and around Sibiu, Romania.

Sibiu is relatively small. The distance across the entire city is only around 3-4 miles and the distance across the historic center is around a mile at most. It’s extremely walkable so you really don’t need a means of transportation while staying here, only for day trips to other destinations.

Things to do in Sibiu Historic Center

Take a Walking Tour

I try to do this every time I visit a new city. It helps me get some history and orient me to some main attractions. Doing this at the beginning means you’ll have a greater appreciation for the city while you’re there and check off some sites at the same time. Sometimes cities have free (tip based) walking tours but the one I did was very affordable from Get Your Guide below:

Visit Piața Mare or Large Square

The center of town is undoubtedly the large square which has existed since the mid 1300’s. Through the middle ages, the square was used for many public gatherings including executions. Many events are still held there today and this is the site of many concerts and festivals as well as the Christmas market. You can check the city tourism site for EVENTS or the county tourism site for EVENTS.

You’ll find a number of restaurants, coffees shops, and other sites that we’ll discuss around the Large Square.

Visit Piața Mică or Small Square

Connected to the Large Square is the Small Square. You pass beneath the Council Tower to get there which is another famous landmark. The Small Square is another hub of activity surrounded by restaurants and some small vendor stalls in the summer.

The Brukenthal Museum

The Brukenthal Palace in the Large Square is a notably large ornate building that was once the mayor’s residence in the 15th century. It now houses art collections put together by Baron Samuel von Brukenthal in the 19th century. Today the museum includes the Altemberger House Museum of History, the Brukenthal Library, the Romanian Art Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Pharmacy, the Museum of Hunting, and more temporary exhibits.

Entry prices for adults vary for each musem and can be found HERE.

Across from the Brukenthal Museum is the beautiful golden yellow Sibiu City Hall building.

Holy Trinity Roman Cathedral

Just to the right of the City Hall is one of the prettiest churches in Sibiu. The Baroque interior is lovely with marble pillars and stained glass windows. From the outside, you almost don’t notice it as it blends in with the rest of the buildings. Under the church’s bell tower is one of the passages from the Large Square to the Small Square. Entry to the church is free.

Climb the Council Tower (Turnal Sfatului)

This 13th Century clocktower is one of many parts of the defensive fortification system and is also one of the passages between the Small and Large Squares. It was once one of the most important structures to defend the entrance gate. For a very small fee, you can climb the seven stories for a fantastic view over the city of Sibiu as well as art exhibits on each level as you go up.

This is also a great viewpoint to see a number of the famous “Eyes of Sibiu” which are the little rooftop windows distinctive of this region. The purpose of these little windows was for better ventilation in attics but there are also legends about their purpose to scare people away and as a symbol of anti-corruption. Either way, they’ve earned the town the nickname “The City with Eyes.”

Turnul Dulgherilor, Turnul Olarilor, Turnul Archebuzierilor

These three towers, also known as the Carpenter’s Tower, Potter’s Tower, and Harquebusiers Tower, are other prominent fortification structures along Citadel Street or Strada Cetății. This entire street is stunning and you’ll also find some beautiful restaurants and bakeries tucked back here along with the Natural History Museum and the The State Philharmonica of Sibiu where you can catch a classical music concert. The towers are connected by some of the old 15th century brick fortification walls that surrounded the city.

You can go in the Carpenter’s Tower entrance and across the wooden walkway along the fortress wall and exits at the other tower. Inside you’ll learn some history about the towers as well as the craftsmen The cost is absurdly low at 2 Lei, or less than 50 cents but it’s only open Tuesday-Sundays.

The Bridge of Lies

Once you cross the Small Square, you’ll find one of the most photogenic spots in Sibiu, the small pedestrian Bridge of Lies. This beautiful iron bridge is only from the 1800’s but it’s one of the connection points between the two districts of the historical center, Upper and Lower Towns with a long set up stairs. There is also a cobblestone road that runs below it from the Small Square down to the Lower Town. The legend of the Bridge of Lies is that it will collapse if a lie is told while upon it. As with any mysteriously named place, there are plenty of legends surrounding it.

Saint Mary Evangelical Cathedral

This is one of the most prominent and beautiful churches in Sibiu, located in another small square called Piața Albert Huet Square. The four turrets around the steeple are said to have been a warning to let foreigners know that the town had the right to sentence people to death. The location of the church was once a cemetery. Samuel von Brunkenthal was the last person to be laid to rest here in 1803.

You can go up a number of steps in the church tower for lovely views. It’s only about $2-4 to visit the church and tower.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral

The last church I’ll mention is actually the most beautiful, in my opinion. This one was only built in 1904 but the Byzantine style is stunning and was apparently inspired by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. It is free to enter too.

Turnul Scărilor (The Stairs Tower)

The Stairs Tower  is a beautiful passageway behind the stunning Saint Mary Evangelical Cathedral. The 13th century tower that forms the archway above the stairs is one of the oldest constructions preserved in Sibiu. Near the tower you’ll also find the Guild’s Tree which symbolizes the different guilds in Sibiu and the craftsmen who go on 3 year journeys to learn their trade.

Taking the stairs down leads you from the Upper Town to the Lower Town. When you make it to the bottom of the steps, look back at the stunning view of the cathedral and the Stairs Tower at the top of the stairs. This little square along Strada Turnului has a number of great little restaurants.

Pasajul Scărilor (The Stairs Passage)

The Stairs Passage is one of the most beautiful and photogenic spots in Sibiu. It also leads down from the Upper Town to Lower Town and meets at the bottom of the stairs from The Stairs Tower.

Turnul Scării Aurarilor and Pasajul Piața Aurarilor

Also known as the Goldsmith’s Stairway Tower and Goldsmith’s Square Passage, these are also one of the most beautiful passageways and staircases between the Upper and Lower Towns. It’s a little hidden which makes it feel even more spectacular. You can find it at the Northeastern corner of the Small Square. It leads down to a the small square of Piața Aurarilor (Fingerlingsplatz) which is quaint and beautiful. From here, you can wander the Lower Town narrow streets and stumble upon local craftsmen shops and cafes.

Sibiu Public Bath

I didn’t go here, in fact I discovered it after we left but it looks really lovely. It’s a public spa and wellness center with a swimming pool, saunas, cold water pools, massage rooms, yoga rooms, and gym. You can buy individual services or a day pass.

Find out more HERE.

Cibin Market

Just on the outskirts of the old town, this fresh market features local produce, eggs meats and cheeses. There are also flowers and plants, local honey, and more. Just on the other side of the market is the Cibin River.

Things to do Around Sibiu

The entirety of Romania is full of beautiful cities and outdoor adventures. There is a ton to see and I have only scratched the surface. I’ll keep this list relatively simple and include things that are reasonable day trips from Sibiu.

ASTRA National Museum Complex

This award winning museum is the largest open air museum in Europe in the forested area just a few miles outside of Sibiu’s historic center. The Astra National Museum Complex takes guests through a traditional Romanian village with households, churches, windmills, workshops and more to teach visitors about the history and heritage of their culture and what rural Romanian life was like. The site is so much more with indoor museums, film festivals, events, and more. You can take a taxi or Bolt there or Bus number 13. There’s a lot to see so you may want an entire day to visit. Entrance tickets are 35 Lei or around $7 per person.

Castelul Corvinilor (Corvins’ Castle)

This beautiful castle is about an hour and a half drive from Sibiu. Entrance tickets are 45 Lei or around $10. This is an incredible castle that really gives you a great feel for medieval castle life.

There is an app you can download which is quite helpful to listen to as you wander to different areas of the castle. Construction began in the 1440’s as a defensive structure agains the Ottomans. It was often used to hold prisoners and one of the sites you’ll see and learn about in the audioguide is the large bear pit where prisoners were sometimes thrown. The castle today is the result of a massive reconstruction following a fire and years of neglect. Personally, I enjoyed this castle much more than the famous Bran Castle.

If you don’t have a car and want to have the details taken care for you, take a tour like this one:

Castelul Bran (Bran Castle)

The Bran Castle is famous for being associated with the legend of the Count of Dracula. The drive to the castle from Sibiu is quite long – just over 2 hours. But if you could plan to stay in the lovely town of Brasov as well, it is within 30 minutes drive. The castle was build in the 1377 and played a military role up until it was a royal residence after 1920.

Dracula, the 1897 horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker, was set in Transylvania but that is where the connection ends. There is no evidence that anyone who may have been the inspiration for his title character had been to the castle nor had Stoker. The book simply describes the castle as being perched on a precipice which resembles Bran Castle. It is marketed quite well as the castle Dracula lived in so it felt overly commercial and touristy in my opinion. We did make the mistake of going on a weekend though, so it was so packed, it was almost unbearable. Plus the ticket prices were higher at 70 Lei or $15 and parking was tricky.

Again, if you don’t want to deal with driving, visit as a day tour like this one:

Castelul Peleș and Castelul Pelișor

I didn’t make it to these two but they are a long drive from Sibiu at 2.5 hours each way. Much newer than the others, they were built between 1873-1914 and 1899-1902 respectively for the King Carol of Romania. The latter would be a residence for the royal heirs to the throne. They both look like stunning artistic and opulent castles. You can buy tickets online ahead of time but double check their website for updates on availability as they’re doing some renovations and also have limited hours. You have to buy your tickets for each separately and choose if you want it to include each floor of the castle.

Transfăgărășan Highway

The Transfăgărășan Highway, the second highest road in Romania, is a winding paved road through the Carpathian Mountains up to an elevation of 6,699 feet. Notable for its hairpin turns, the drive is an attraction for car and motorcycle enthusiasts, cyclists, and also hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who visit trails, lakes, and waterfalls along the route. The road closes in the winter typically from October until June.

It has sometimes been considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. When you reach the highest point of the highway, you’ll come to Bâlea Lake, a beautiful alpine lake with vast mountain views.

Lastly, I will mention the brown bears. I knew there was a chance of spotting brown bears along this highway but really didn’t understand or appreciate why. Romania has the second largest population of brown bears in Europe second to Russia. Unfortunately the government doesn’t seem to enforce any sort of laws prohibiting the feeding of these bears and they’ve become habituated to people along the Transfăgărășan Highway. I was a bit horrified to see that they sit and wait along the road, almost like a begging dog, for passerbys to provide them with treats from their cars. We witnessed this on numerous instances on our drive and even noted how aggressive the bears are when they see or hear a car window roll down. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to not feed the bears and to not open your car door or window to them. It’s not only dangerous to you, it is leading to the death of hundreds of bears who will be destroyed this year due to human conflict.

You can do a tour to the Transfăgărășan Highway and it’ll take you to the lake in the mountains but from what I can tell it doesn’t go as far down the road as the bears are commonly seen. We had to go quite a ways past the lake at the highest point to see them.

Rășinari

Voted the best tourist village in 2022, this grouping of numerous small traditional villages is only about a 20 minute drive from Sibiu. There used to be an electric tram between them and Sibiu until it was dismantled in 2012 but you can now take Bus #22. The somewhat mountainous region has a long history in shared traditions like sheep breeding, cheese making, folk dance and more. Two festivals the region is know for are Cheesecake Day and Cheese and Brandy Festival. Yes please.

Visit Other Magical Cities

If you’re in Romania, I wouldn’t miss the lovely cities of Brașov (2 hours drive), Timisoara (almost 3 hours drive), and Sighiosara (1.5 hours drive).

Where to Stay in Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu haș a number of boutique hotels but there are also a ton of beautiful apartments available for rent for very reasonable prices. We enjoyed having an apartment to cook one or two meals a day to save money. I’ll list a few of each in different price ranges. As always, I’ve listed ones with fantastic reviews in great locations that I would book myself.

Paradiso Perduto Private Apartment

This is a stunning apartment by one of my favorite restaurants in Sibiu called Weinkeller. It’s in the most perfect and magical location too.

Casa Maria

This is a beautiful apartment with a large bed and kitchen with great reviews. The price is incredibly reasonable.

Residence Piata Armelor

Elegant decor and fantastic reviews, this is a two bedroom so perfect for two couples or a family.

St Andrew’s Apartments

If you’re looking for something larger for the family, this one is perfect. They also have a beautiful balcony for romantic seating and views.

Goldsmith

As the name suggests, this apartment is near the Goldsmith’s Passage. It is in the Lower Town along a colorful narrow road and has a shared outdoor space with little tables surrounded by stunning greenery.

Hotel Casa Luxembourg 

This is a newly renovated, more traditional hotel stay right in the Small Square. Some bookings include breakfast which is rated highly.

Magister Seven 

This is a STUNNING guesthouse right off the Large Square. Rooms are elegant and the price reflects that but it is still extremely affordable for such quality.

Althof Apartments

These are lovely and stylish apartments just a few steps from the Large Square. It is along a main street so if you require parking close to your room, this would be a good spot.

Art Hotel

One of the few traditional hotels on my list, the Art Hotel is in a great location and has a wonderful breakfast included.

What to Eat in Sibiu, Romania

I had no idea what to expect from the food scene in Sibiu, let alone Romania. It was one of the most pleasant surprises of any country I’ve been to. Admittedly I didn’t get to try that many typical Romanian dishes because I’m kind of a “play it safe” orderer when I’m on a budget. Not to mention I’ve been dealing with high glucose spikes for a while so I try to eat things that are safer for me. I’ll list some of my favorite restaurants in Sibiu but of course you should discover others because the food and restaurant scene here is excellent!

Crama Sibiul Vechi

This was our favorite dinner restaurant and the only one we returned to multiple times. They are often completely full and it can take a while. It is in a really neat underground arched brick building. I got the chicken breast with sauce and it was incredibly flavorful. But the one thing you MUST get here is the traditional Romanian dessert, papanași. They are fried donuts a sweet sour cream sauce and blueberry sauce. We had this dessert at other restaurants but this one was by far the best.

Restaurant Pivnita de vinuri Weinkeller

Another great restaurant for trying local dishes is Weinkeller by The Stairs Tower. They are great for traditional dishes and lovely ambiance. Here I tried the dish called sarmale, cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and a side of polenta. It was good!

Atrium

We didn’t eat here although I wanted to. This lovely restaurant has outdoor seating right by the Bridge of Lies with views of the cathedral. They have live evening piano concerts in the summer.

Jules Home Restaurant

This lovely restaurant has a stunning courtyard dining area with locally sourced farm fresh food. They also have boutique rooms to rent as well.

Benjamin Steakhouse

Very nice steakhouse for reasonable prices. Yes, it’s expensive for Romania but the dining experience and preparation warrants it. If you’re looking for a classy dinner this is a great option.

Turtha Balcescu

This is a very beautiful and modern restaurant right on the edge of the Large Square. They have a creative menu with all different kinds of food as well as cocktails and espresso and a connected bakery.

Soul Indian Cousine

I know it sounds weird to get Indian food in Romania, but this tiny place was absolutely delicious. Sometimes I really crave a different type of cuisine while traveling and this totally hit the mark. So awesome to have great quality Indian in a smaller city like this.

Restaurant Pasaj Sibiu

We never actually go to eat here but I wanted to the whole time we were in Sibiu. The reviews are great, the menu looks excellent, and the view of the cathedral and little square around it are so picturesque. Prices are a little higher than other restaurants but between the menu and ambiance, I think it would be worth it for a nice dinner.

Eggs and Butter Brunch Bistro (Oua si Unt )

We absolutely adored this restaurant and thought they had the best restaurant in town. We came one day for brunch shortly after noon and they were already sold out of all their food. Disappointed, we came back earlier the next day determined to try it. The owners are incredibly friendly, run the kitchen themselves, and genuinely and put so much love into this restaurant. We had the hash-brown eggs Benedict and the pancakes and they were out of this world. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and space is limited.

Charlie’s Specialty Coffee and Brunch

This adorable cafe is great for brunch. Their coffee is good too. It wasn’t my favorite in Sibiu but very good especially for a restaurant and being able to get coffee with food.

Lumos

A beautiful and stylish coffee and brunch restaurant, they have a very nice menu with lots of healthy options. They also stay open until 6 or 8 pm and serve cocktails.

Best Coffee

Meron

Meron is located right on the Large Square and they have a couple little tables outside and more seating inside. They are a roaster with a simple, well done coffee menu catering to espresso affectionados with rotating beans of varying origins so don’t expect bottles of syrup and whipped cream. They make a great flat white which Chris and I shared each and every morning for 2 weeks. We tried other coffee shops too, but even though Meron is a Romanian chain, we continuously preferred it over others.

Nod

This was our other favorite specialty coffee shop in Sibiu. There are actually two of them in Sibiu. One is in the Small Square and one is in the Lower Town in the little square, Piața Aurarilor. The latter is somehow much better. It was quiet and dare I say, a bit pretentious? I like pretentious coffee shops. The one in the square was playing too loud of music and it felt like the staff cared less about coffee than they did visiting with each other. Maybe it was just a bad day. But like many other Romanian coffee shops, they are purists without any sugar or syrups – just lovely, unadulterated espresso drinks.

Don’t Forget

There is nothing particular to Romania or Sibiu that you would pack differently than anywhere else. But just a reminder, here are some of my typical necessities as well as a few helpful apps/things to not forget before you go.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

My all time favorites are Allbirds for a light walking tennis shoe. I also love some Tevas for walking sandals that are also good walking and hiking sandals if needed.

Sun Hat

Never leave home without it in 3 out of 4 seasons. I like a packable one that doesn’t crease, but I often bring the other kind and have to carry it around or wear it the entire time. I love this Hemlock visor.

Electrical Adaptors and All Charging Cords

Romania uses Type F electrical outlets which are the two round circles, like much of Europe. We use a universal travel adaptor that has pretty much every kind of plug you would need anywhere. Don’t forget all your cords for your phone, camera, etc.

ESim

Maybe you have international data with your home provider, but if not, it’s always nice to have a little (or a lot) extra data. I use Holafly often because it provides unlimited data plans. It is more expensive than getting a local eSIM when you arrive, but I don’t like the hassle of doing at the airport. I need my internet right away for Bolt or directions or checking in.

Google Translate App

Not only is the Google translate app great for having a conversation with someone in another language, it’s exceptionally useful for reading signs and menus. Use the camera function within the Translate app to read the menu or screenshot a picture of the menu and import it into the translate app. I use this constantly in other countries.

Google Offline Maps

You should download Google offline maps ahead of arrival and while you have WiFi. Offline maps are great for driving directions when you’re out of service.

Debit ATM Card and Credit Card

You don’t want to waste money in ATM and international transaction fees. Get an account that reimburses you for all of that. We use Charles Schwab and pay zero to get our cash out of foreign ATMs.

If you’re not using a credit card to earn points and miles so you can travel for free, what even are you doing? I love Capital One Venture (that’s a referral link) which includes Priority Lounge Access as well as travel credit and Global Entry. Chase Sapphire and Alaska Airlines credit cards are great too. I haven’t paid for a flight in literally years because of points. Not to mention you often get rental car insurance and travel insurance with many credit cards.

International Driver’s Permit and Driver’s License

Not every country requires this or enforces it but Romania did. When we picked up our rental car we were required to show both the intentional permit and the driver’s license. You can get them in the states at AAA quite quickly for a small fee.

In Summary…

I genuinely hope this post helps you appreciate, plan for, and have the best time in Sibiu, Romania. There are not many European cities that have had such a profound effect on me as this one and I hope it leads to much more time there in my future. I imagine I’ll continue to add tips and attractions to this post, but if you have any suggestions I should add, I’m happy to hear them. Thank you so much for reading!

You Might Also Like: