If you’re planning a trip to Romania (or you’re already here) and want to see the best of this country, we have a suggestion for you: a weekend getaway to Sibiu. This is a must-visit city for lovers of history and art. And, of course, those who are enchanted always come back for more stories about this medieval city.

We are clear about this: no matter what your expectations are (relaxation, tourism, adventure, or culture) because Sibiu will exceed them all. To convince you, if you decide to take a trip to this idyllic Transylvanian city, we recommend you follow our suggestions. Take note!

Friday

Your trip can start by exploring the historic center of the city. Walk through its cobblestone streets and don’t miss the colorful Baroque or Renaissance-style buildings.
Of course, you can’t miss visiting the Great Square, a place that will take you back to the past of Sibiu. To complement a good dose of culture, head to the European Art Gallery of the Brukenthal National Museum, located in a building considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and former residence of a Transylvanian noble.

In the Great Square, you will also find other buildings that you shouldn’t miss. Here’s a short list:

• The Roman Catholic Church
• The Blue House
• The Haller House
• Lutsch House

Treat yourself to admiring the city from the Council Tower, and continue your route discovering the historic city at Huet Square. When you arrive, you won’t be able to miss the impressive Gothic building of the Evangelical Church. Very close to this location is the Bridge of Lies, whose name hints at its legend. It is said that if you tell a lie while crossing it, the bridge has the power to detect it and collapse… but don’t worry, we’ve tried it and we’re still alive.

On your way, you’ll also notice the famous “Houses with Eyes” of Sibiu, whose extremely realistic appearance will give you the impression of being watched at every step. Watched or not, keep moving until you reach the Little Square, the commercial epicenter of the city in the 14th century. Right here you’ll find the Hermes House, a building that houses the Franz Binder Museum for the delight of those who love culture, art, and the peculiarities of non-European towns.

Other monuments you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Sibiu:

• Luxembourg House
• House of Arts
• The Tower of the Goldsmiths
• Museum of the History of Pharmacy

Need to recharge? Stop at one of the restaurants in the Little Square and don’t hesitate: order a traditional Romanian dish and a glass of wine. You deserve it! We recommend Kulinarium, which boasts a delicious and varied menu. If you choose a typical dish, you won’t be disappointed.

Saturday

Today we will give you all the recommendations you need to have an authentic experience. First stop to achieve this: the largest open-air museum in Romania. Located in Dumbrava Sibiului, in a natural setting that seems straight out of a fairy tale, the Astra Museum is filled with information about multi-ethnic Transylvania. It is located just 4 km from the city and represents a kind of traditional Romanian universe where you can see houses, workshops, wooden churches, cellars, and windmills. All of these symbolize Romanian culture in the form of a mini-village.

After wandering through the alleys of the museum, it’s time to relax with other activities. There are plenty of options: boat rides or carriage rides for the whole family are always a good idea. There are also special parks for the little ones. Keep in mind that a visit to the Astra Museum can last up to 4-5 hours.

Once you’ve enjoyed the unique beauty of Dumbrava’s rural universe, it’s time to visit another idyllic spot in the area: the Zoo. You can see that Saturday will be a slow-paced day, allowing you to relax and catch your breath. As for the zoo itself, it is a 20-hectare environment with over 268 animals and 63 species of birds. If you haven’t brought any provisions, don’t worry, as there’s a traditional Romanian restaurant where you can replenish your energy. Grab a table and enjoy any of their options.

Sunday

A corner of Sibiu that we must not forget is the Citadel Park (Parcul Cetății). This is a space “guarded” by the walls of the old fortress and the Towers of the Carpenters, Potters, and Carriers. It is another perfect setting for relaxation, where the worries of everyday life simply disappear. Keep an eye on the buildings in this area of the city: remarkably preserved, they are ideal relics for conveying the history of Sibiu to visitors.

We will continue with our Sunday plan discovering another side of Sibiu much closer to today’s reality. We believe that merging the historical with the contemporary is essential to truly appreciate its charm. It will surely not disappoint you.

Have we convinced you? Then follow this route to discover the street art that enlivens the city. Note down the key points:

• The basketball court in Tineretului Park
• School No. 20
• The Children’s Palace
• King Ferdinand Secondary School
• Technical Energy School
• “Radu Selejan” Secondary School
• Secondary Schools No. 4 and No. 21
• “Andrei Șaguna” College
• The Student Culture House
• Last stop: Parc Hotel

 

What do you think of our proposal for a weekend in Sibiu? You’re going to fall in love! Remember, this is just a suggestion. Feel free to swap the days or arrange the visits in a way that suits you best. Just focus on enjoying yourself.