A few things to do in Sibiu you won’t find in any guide book

First written on February, 2019, updated in 2021 and 2026

Planning a visit to Sibiu is easy—but with so much information out there, the hardest part is deciding what to focus on. Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, National Geographic, and Tripadvisor all do a great job of highlighting the city’s main attractions. But what if you want something different, something off the beaten path? Here are my tips for the best things to do in Sibiu. 1. See Sibiu from above.

The easiest option is to climb the Council Tower in Sibiu’s Main Square, which offers a beautiful view over the historic center. As the Council Tower will be closed for renovation over the next two years (2026–2027), a great alternative is the Lutheran Cathedral Tower. This tower is even higher than the Council Tower and can be accessed from the church—you can choose to visit only the tower, or explore the church as well.

For a wider panorama, head to Gușterița Hill on the eastern side of the city—a strategic viewpoint once used by German troops during World War I. You can take bus number 10 (timetable here) and then walk about 30 minutes to the top of the hill. Starting around 2027, an amusement park is expected to open on the other side of the hill, featuring ziplines, summer skiing, and bike tracks.

If you enjoy hiking and mountain scenery, Păltiniș is an excellent choice. At around 1,400 meters altitude, several spots offer breathtaking views of Sibiu. My favorite is the observation point near Oncești Peak, which is easily reachable by chairlift.

Another fantastic viewpoint is Fraga Peak, near Rășinari. Drive about 15 minutes to Rășinari, then climb Coasta Boaci Hill and follow the hiking trail marked with a green hiker symbol painted on the trees.

After roughly one hour of hiking, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view over Sibiu, Rășinari, Cisnădie, and Poplaca, seen from an altitude of about 1,000 meters.

2. If you’re on Sunday morning in Sibiu you have to act like a local

Go to the church, preferably the Orthodox Cathedral in Mitropoliei Street. Romanians are quite religious and on Sunday morning the churches are filled with worshipers. If you’re for the first time in an Orthodox country, participating at the Sunday Mass can be a very good introduction in the rites and culture of Eastern Christianity.  Or,  you can also attend a religious service at one the Orthodox monasteries or hermitages near  Sibiu:  Poplaca,  Orlat or  Paltinis.

3. Also, for Sunday, don’t miss the flea market.

You will probably be the only tourist there, but even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s worth checking out the antiques section. You can find all kinds of items, from coins and old toys to metallic tools—some usable, some just for curiosity.

While you’re there, don’t miss the best mici in town. If you’re not familiar with mici, they are Romania’s most popular barbecue dish—enough to spark your curiosity and appetite!

4. If you’re in Sibiu on Saturday morning, you must go to the Farmers Market near the Sporting Hall.

Don’t have breakfast beforehand, as you’ll find everything you need for breakfast, lunch, or dinner: all kinds of local cheeses, sausages and cold meats, homemade cookies, fresh bread, greens, vegetables, honey, and fruits—all sourced from the villages around Sibiu.

In 2018, Sibiu was named the European Gastronomical Region, and the Farmers Market was one of the main venues for events celebrating local cuisine.

5. Explore the Dumbrava forest by bike.

Want to enjoy the sound and the colours of nature? Rent a bike and explore the Dumbrava forest. You can start the ride from  Sub Arini Park (following the bicycle lane) or from Valea Aurie neighbourhood (near the entry of the Zoo). Look for the “C” (from cycling) sign painted on the trees to find the trail and then follow the trail along the Zoo and Astra Museum. Ride through the forest as far as you meet the pasture of Poplaca village.  From here, you can turn left, to reach the asphalt road connecting Rasinari and Poplaca, and after crossing a small river, turn left again to Sibiu. In 500 meters, after crossing the tram line, you can use the bicycle lane, along the main road, as far as downtown Sibiu.

6. Climb the medieval towersfrom Cetatii street.

In the 15th century, Sibiu built an impressive belt of fortifications (the third one) to protect the lives and property of the city’s inhabitants. Although it survived numerous sieges, some by the Turkish armies, in the 19th century, local authorities decided to demolish the medieval defensive walls because they no longer corresponded to the military realities of that period. Several defence towers and adjacent walls have survived demolition, and as of 2020, 2 of them (the Potters’ tower and the Carpenters’ tower) are open to visitors. Inside the towers, tourists can find signs with helpful information about the history of the city.

7. Explore the hidden corners of the old town.

Any tourist guide will tell you to walk through Piata Mare, Piata Mica, Piata Huet or Strada Nicolae Balcescu. And they are right. But, besides these obligatory visits, we recommend some routes that will take you in the daily life of the old Sibiu, beyond the bustle and glam of the central markets. Start your route from Piata Mare, walk down on Avram Iancu Street, where, before reaching the Ursulinelor Church, cross the School Pass to Movilei Street. Walk on Movile Street towards Aurarilor Square and then climb the steps to the Small Square. From there, cross the Bridge of Lies and after a few tens of meters in Huet Square, go down the stairs near the Journeymen House. Once in Turnului Street, turn left and walk up the Stairs Passage. Once in Alexandru Odobescu Street, turn left and reach Piata Mare again.

8. Swimming and spa options in and around Sibiu.

Even though Sibiu doesn’t have natural thermal waters like some other Romanian towns, there are plenty of ways to relax and soak your cares away. One of the city’s oldest spas is Baia Neptun, also called the City Baths. Dating back to the 19th century, it has a swimming pool, dry and wet saunas, a salt room, hot and cold water pools, a gym, and rooms for activities like Pilates or yoga.

For a bigger pool and more modern facilities, check out Aria Spa. The main location on Alba Iulia Street (map here) includes an Aqua Park, spa, and gym. It can get busy, so if you’re mainly interested in swimming, they also run a pool in Cisnădie, a nearby town that has become a Sibiu suburb.

Some hotels, like the Hilton or Împăratul Romanilor, also have small spa facilities. In summer, locals and visitors flock to Lake Binder (website here), a natural lake with a sandy beach, floating playground, and options for wakeboarding, water skiing, or kneeboarding. Keep in mind it’s outdoor, so only open during the summer months.

If you’re up for a short drive, about 30 minutes from Sibiu is Ocna Sibiului resort. This former salt mine area has deep salt lakes formed naturally after the mines collapsed—perfect for a unique and refreshing swim.

9. Things to do in Sibiu with kids.

If you’re visiting Sibiu with children, it’s essential to find activities that keep them entertained. While Gusteland, the amusement park on Gușterița Hill, is expected to open in 2027, there are already several great options available.

One of them is Playtopia (map here), the largest indoor amusement park in Romania—at least according to its creators. It offers a wide range of activities for both children and teenagers and can easily keep them busy for an entire day.

A newer addition to Sibiu’s entertainment scene is the Immersive Museum (website here), located right in the Old Town. It features several immersive spaces designed to play with visitors’ senses and transport them into different realities—an experience that appeals to both kids and adults.

Another interesting option is the Printing Museum – Workshop (website here), where children can learn how traditional printing works. For kids growing up in a digital world, this hands-on activity can be surprisingly exciting.

For even more fun—just outside the city—you can visit Arka Park in Păltiniș, the Upside-Down House, or Calendarul Poveștilor in Porumbacu de Sus, all great options for a family day trip.

10. Eat like a local in Sibiu.

For most visitors, the restaurants of choice are those located in the Old Town. While many of them offer excellent food, there are also several places in Sibiu where locals prefer to eat. Here are a few recommendations straight from everyday life in the city.

One restaurant that has almost reached legendary status is Kon Tiki (map here), famous for its tripe soup. I’d say more than 90% of the food sold here is tripe soup, and it’s not unusual to see people bringing their own pots to take it home for later. That alone tells you how popular it is.

Another local favorite is Grand Plaza. I used to eat there often when my office was nearby. What I like most is the wide variety of soups, usually served with rich sour cream and freshly baked bread—simple, comforting, and very satisfying.

If you’re visiting the Zoo, stop by Cabana Valea Aurie (website here), one of the oldest restaurants in Sibiu. It was already there long before the surrounding neighborhood was built and remains a solid choice for traditional food.

For something fast, affordable, and still tasty, try one of the Super Mama restaurants. There are several locations around Sibiu, and I often stop there when I’m in a hurry but still want a decent meal. It’s self-service—no waiters—so you order and pick up your food at the counter.

One of the oldest fast-food places still operating in Sibiu is Dabo Doner. I remember going there as a student (it had a different name back then). Although I generally limit fast food, every now and then I still give in to the temptation of a doner served in their freshly baked bun.

If you want to have a first-hand introduction to Sibiu, we recommend our walking tour or some of the day trips starting from Sibiu.