- Sibiu was the first city in Romania to establish a hospital, a school, and a pharmacy, with the latter dating back to the 14th century.
- The city's 'eyes'—the unique ventilation slits in the roofs of historic houses—were designed to regulate temperature in the attics while creating the illusion of constant surveillance.
- Sibiu was named a European Capital of Culture in 2007, a status that catalyzed the massive restoration of its medieval fortifications and historic center.
- The city was historically a fortress protected by four concentric defensive walls and 39 towers, many of which are still visible today.
- The Saxon settlers who founded the city in the 12th century implemented a rigid urban planning system that survives in the current layout of the Old Town.
About Sibiu
Sibiu, located in the heart of Transylvania, is defined by its distinct Germanic architecture and a unique structural quirk where houses feature eye-shaped attic windows that appear to watch passersby. The city center is divided into the Upper Town, home to the sprawling Large Square, and the Lower Town, which retains its medieval merchant aesthetic. Visitors can traverse the historic Bridge of Lies or climb The Council's Tower for panoramic views of the Carpathian Mountains. The city serves as a major cultural hub, evidenced by the regular performances at the Radu Stanca National Theatre and the architectural significance of the “Saint Mary” Evangelical Cathedral.
Highlights of Sibiu
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Cross this legendary iron bridge, which local folklore claims will collapse if you tell a lie while standing on it.
Places of interest
This massive public space is the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and hosting various seasonal markets.
Historical places
Climb to the top of this medieval gateway for an unobstructed view over the red-tiled roofs of the historic center.
Parks
Wander through this expansive 19th-century landscape park, which features a tranquil lake and diverse native vegetation.
Temples
Visit this imposing Gothic structure to see its high vaulted ceilings and historical tombstones of Saxon leaders.
Zoos
This facility offers a large, wooded environment that focuses on conservation and housing species native to the Romanian wilderness.
Venues
Catch a professional stage production at one of the most prestigious and oldest theatrical institutions in the country.
Top things to do in Sibiu
The 161 highest-rated places in Sibiu, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
The Bridge of Lies is a wrought-iron pedestrian bridge constructed in 1859, connecting the Small Square (Piața Mică) to...
2
Places of interest
Piața Mare is the central hub of Sibiu, Transylvania, serving as the city's largest square since its first documented re...
3
Zoos
Sibiu Zoological Garden is the oldest zoo in Romania, established in 1929 within the Dumbrava Sibiului Forest. The groun...
4
Parks
Sub Arini Park is an extensive 22-hectare urban park located in Sibiu, established in 1856. It serves as a botanical san...
5
Temples
The Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Sibiu is an Eastern Orthodox place of worship designed by architect Virgil Nagy a...
6
Parks
Citadel Park, locally known as Parcul Cetății, is a historic green space situated along the remaining sections of Sibiu'...
7
Parks
Astra Park, locally known as Parcul Astra, is a centrally located urban green space in Sibiu, Romania, characterized by...
8
Historical places
The Council's Tower (Turnul Sfatului) functions as a strategic gateway connecting Sibiu’s Large Square (Piața Mare) and...
9
Venues
The Radu Stanca National Theatre is the primary cultural institution in Sibiu, renowned for hosting the internationally...
10
Temples
The Evangelical Cathedral of Saint Mary in Sibiu is a prominent Gothic landmark defined by its soaring seven-level bell...
11
Venues
The Sibiu State Philharmonic is a premier cultural institution housed within the Thalia Hall, a historic venue dating ba...
12
Venues
Sibiu Municipal Stadium is the primary multi-purpose sports facility in Sibiu, Romania, and serves as the home ground fo...
13
Venues
Gong Theater for Children and Youth is a professional performing arts institution in Sibiu dedicated to puppetry and mul...
14
Historical places
The Thick Tower, known as Turnul Gros, is a 16th-century fortification located on the southern edge of Sibiu's medieval...
15
Museums
The Brukenthal National Museum is Romania's oldest museum, housed in the 18th-century baroque palace that served as the...
16
Historical places
The Fortress of Slimnic, or Stolzenburg, is a 14th-century Transylvanian fortification perched atop a hill overlooking t...
17
Museums
The Carpenters' Tower is a 14th-century defensive structure located on the northern section of Sibiu’s historic fortific...
18
Museums
The Altemberger House, also known as the Museum of History, serves as the primary historical institution in Sibiu and is...
19
Parks
The Natural History Museum Garden in Sibiu is a tranquil green space located directly behind the Muzeul de Istorie Natur...
20
Temples
The Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, located in Sibiu's Piața Mare, is a prominent example of Austrian Baroque archit...
21
Places of interest
Potters Tower, known locally as Turnul Olarilor, is a preserved defensive fortification dating back to the 15th century....
22
Museums
The Sibiu Steam Engines Museum is a specialized open-air collection located on the grounds of the former locomotive depo...
23
Historical places
24
Parks
Monument Cruce in Sibiu, also known as the Heroes' Cross, serves as a solemn memorial dedicated to the soldiers who sacr...
25
Temples
The Church of Ascension and St. Nicholas, located on Bulevardul Mihai Viteazul in Sibiu, is a prominent Romanian Orthodo...
26
Temples
27
Museums
28
Places of interest
29
Places of interest
30
Historical places
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Sibiu on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Sibiu
May to September, when the mild weather facilitates walking tours and the city hosts several international theatre and arts festivals.
2-3 days, enough to explore the historic fortifications and the city's extensive public park system.
The historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, while the rest of the city is connected by an efficient local bus network.
Stay in the Upper Town for immediate access to historic sites and proximity to the main squares, or the Lower Town for a quieter, more atmospheric medieval experience.
Mid-range; while restaurants and accommodation are generally affordable compared to Western Europe, prices rise during major international festivals.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 161 curated attractions in and around Sibiu, ranked by traveller ratings.
The Bridge of Lies is the highest-rated place to visit in Sibiu right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 46 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bucharest, Iași, Oradea.
Explore more of Romania
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
