Sibiu

Piata_Mica_Sibiu - Sibiu "Piata Mica"

Sibiu is based in southern Transylvania, Romania, 280 kilometers by road from Bucharest.

The old town centre is very attractive. Sibiu is also a good base for adventuring elsewhere in Transylvania.

Sibiu Halal Travel Guide

Known in German as Hermannstadt and in Hungarian as Nagyszeben, Sibiu has always been the centre of Romania's German minority since medieval times. Even today, it contains Romania's largest German community, and due to initiatives by the local government and the Germanic feel of the area has been maintained. Sibiu also has a Hungarian minority, remnants of Transylvania's past as part of the Hungarian Empire and, later, Austria-Hungary. Despite this, Sibiu is also distinctly Romanian (95% of the population today are ethnic Romanians) and manages to fuse these three cultures, as well as smaller minorities of Roma, Slovaks and Ukrainians into a city that is as wonderful as it is vibrant.

Today, Sibiu is one of Romania's cultural and tourism monuments, attracting tourists due to its wonderful medieval charm, excellent views of the surrounding landscapes, great food, and stunning parkland. Sibiu today is also doing excellently economically, having an income per capita higher than the Romanian average.

Much of the city was reconstructed in preparation for being the European Capital of Culture in 2007. The people in Sibiu are much more relaxed and friendly than in Bucharest, and much of the city is pedestrian-friendly.

Travel to Sibiu

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Sibiu

Sibiu International Airport IATA Code: SBZ 45.789023, 24.094987 6 kilometers west of downtown on the main highway 1/7, with five bus routes picking up at the airport gate - route 11 (pink line) is best for the centre. A taxi to the centre will cost around 25 lei daytime, 30 lei late night - Sibiu International Airport Sibiu International Airport Location - Served by Austrian (to Vienna), Blue Air (to Stuttgart), Lufthansa & Tarom (both to Munich) and Wizz (to Dortmund, London Luton, Memmingen, Madrid, Milan and Nürnberg). There are no direct connecting Flights to other cities in Romania, eg for Bucharest you’d face an absurd detour via Munich. Small café & currency exchange, vehicle hire desks.

By Rail

There are three trains a day from Bucharest, taking 5 or 6 hours. From Budapest there are two direct trains, departing around 09:00 and 22:30 taking ten hours, plus indirect services taking 16 hours. It's about 5 hours by train from Sighișoara with a change at Mediaș (12.50 lei, September 2018). For current timetable the easiest website to navigate is DB]. The train station is 500 metres NE of downtown and next to the bus station.

Sibiu Central - Gara Mare - 45.800058, 24.161773 - Sibiu train station Gara Sibiu0 -

By road

Romanian highways are mostly well-signed and in good repair: reckon 7 hours to drive from Budapest. Drive defensively of course, watching especially for horse-drawn carts; but the lunatic driver quotient is probably lower here than elsewhere in South Europe. Your main difficulty will be finding your way through the old town one-way system to your hotel, ask ahead for precise directions.

Sibiu has buses to Bucharest (roughly 5 hours, run hourly, 50 lei) and Cluj-Napoca (roughly 4 hours, run hourly, 30 lei). There’s also at least one direct bus per day to Budapest (11 hours, 150 lei). The main operators are Dacos, Fany and Transmixt; check times and prices on www.autogari.ro. The buses are reliable, comfortable and affordable. The bus station is next to the train station, listed above. For those who want to rent a vehicle locally wiso-rent-a-car-sibiu.ro/ by Swiso Rent Sibiu the average starting price for a day's rental (small car) is about €10.

Get Around

GPS 45.7970|24.1492 Catedrala evanghelica din Sibiu - The Lutheran Gothic Church of Sibiu

Walk. The city is large, but almost all the sights of interest are within the compact old centre, much of it pedestrianised. You can hire a guide via the TIC or main hotels, but wandering at random among the cobbled alleys is half the fun.

You’ll need a bike (hire available), vehicle or # 13 bus to reach the ASTRA outdoor folk museum, listed below. The fascinating Transylvanian villages (eg Biertan) are within cycling range but the primary streets are busy and not much fun by bike, though bike-on-train to Medias is an option. Otherwise either hire a vehicle – eg from Autonom at the foot of Str Balescu, also at the airport – or arrange a tour, eg with Tursib. The only other excursion for which you might consider the train is to Sighisoara. Reckon 2½ hours, it’s an infrequent service, but the bus connections are worse.

Sibiu taxi drivers are generally decent, and switch on the meter without being nagged. But if you’re silly drunk and wearing a “Please rob me” T-shirt....

Alas, Sibiu’s network of trams and trolley-buses has recently been ripped out, just as other cities are expensively re-installing theirs.

What to see in Sibiu

RO SB metropolitan cathedral - Interior of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Gothic Church

The Old Town is beautiful. It was predominantly constructed in the late medieval period by the German merchants who were encouraged to settle in and around Sibiu. It’s in excellent condition, having escaped modern encroachments, and having been thoroughly renovated to be European Capital of Culture in 2007. (Standards were maintained in the following decade, in spite of economic woes.) Within Old Town and the Upper Town, containing most of the historic sights, is ranged around three squares: Piate Mare the Great Plaza, dominated by the RC Gothic Church, Piata Mica the Little Plaza has most of the bars and cafés, and Piata Huet is an attractive Gothic conglomeration around the Lutheran Gothic Church. The Lower Town is home to many charming buildings and cobbled squares.

Piata Mare and Piata Mica are linked by a passageway, above which stands the “Council Tower” or Turnul Sfatului.

The Great Plaza - Piața Mare - 45.796621, 24.151758 - Sibiu panorama
Huet Plaza - Piața Huet - 45.797418, 24.149981 A
Turnul Sfatului - 45.7975776, 24.1522729 - Council Tower of Sibiu RO SB Council tower A Climb the tower and get a panoramic view of Sibiu.

Multiple routes connect the Upper and Lower Towns and the two best being Pasajul Scărilor – the stairway from Piata Huet down into Str Turnului, and alternative cobbled ramp – and down Str Ocnei from Piata Mica under the Iron Bridge. This, being the traditional rendezvous of merchants and of lovers, is better known as “The Bridge of Liars”. About 200 m south of Piata Mare, paralleling Str Cetatii, is the surviving section of the Citadel Walls, with a series of towers and bastions. Beyond this hurries the traffic of the sprawling modern town: the spell is broken.

Churches of interest include:

the Roman Catholic Gothic Church on Piata Mare, - Street Mary's Lutheran Gothic Church - on Piata Huet Tower 5 lei, church 3 lei - The church is mostly closed for tenovations in 2018 and 2019, but you can still see its excellent collection of medieval tomb covers, including that of Vlad the Implaler's son, Vlad III, who is said to have been murdered by his enemies outside the chruch after an Easter Sunday service. The tower gives you the highest lookout over the city, and is reached via a series of steep wooden and stone staircases -- this is not for those with mobility or heart problems.

St Ursuline’s on Str General Magheru, and
the stunning Orthodox Holy Trinity Gothic Church (Catedrala Ortodoxă Sfânta Treime) GPS 45.7946417,24.1478457 on Str Mitropol.

The only museum that ranks as “must-see” is the skansen and the outdoor ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization (Muzeul Civilizației Populare Tradiționale) 5 kilometers south of the centre, and listed below. Sibiu’s other museums and galleries are important in a local context, for a nation that is not well endowed – where else could a Romanian go to see a genuine Egyptian mummy, or a Brueghel painting, without leaving the nation? But Westerners have huge multicultural riches on their own doorsteps. See the other museums here if time and interest allow, but not through “fear of missing out”.

Brukenthal National Museum - Muzeul Național Brukenthal | 45.7965, 24.150611 western corner of Piata Mare - Brukenthal National Museum Palatul Brukenthal din Piata Mare - Named for Samuel Brukenthal, 18th-century governor of Transylvania. Paintings from the Dutch and Flemish schools, Italian schools and, of course (German), Austrian and Romanian collections. Also displays Brukenthal's personal collection dating from the 15th-18th centuries.
"Franz Binder" World Ethnography Museum - Muzeul de Etnografie Universala "Franz Binder" - 45.797597, 24.151052 on Piata Mica A - Curios that Binder and colleagues collected on their global travels.
ASTRA Museum of Transylvanian Civilisation - Muzeul Civilizației Transilvane "ASTRA" | 45.797636, 24.151145 on Piata Mica by the Iron Bridge A - Small exhibition space. In April 2017 it displayed 19th-century & modern icons.

Steam Locomotives Museum Muzeul locomotivelor cu abur 45.7968484, 24.1665448 - Decaying locomotives near the train station.
ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization - Muzeul Civilizației Populare Tradiționale "ASTRA" | 45.754991, 24.116063 5 kilometers south, bus 13 runs here. By vehicle follow signs for Rasinari and Paltinis past the cemetery and zoo. The map on this wiki page is correct: ignore Google Map, which will try to take you to the other Astra museums in downtown. Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-18:00 20 lei adult, 10 lei concessions Windmill in National Museum Astra A - Huge outdoor collection of traditional farmsteads, waterwheels, mills, labourers’ cottages, churches and so on, picturesquely ranged around a lake in Dumbrava Forest. Pick a fine day, but the circuit track is tarmac so it’s okay when wet. Allow 3 hours to stroll round.

Best things to do in Sibiu

Sibiu Music Festival - second weekend in September. Stages in each of the piatas and near the old city walls.
After visiting ASTRA, continue driving south through the village of Rasinari, to see that charming rural Romania isn’t just in a museum. From there continue up to the road end at the ski resort of Paltinis. Or turn east for more village scenery via Cisnadioara and Cisnadie, till you loop back to Sibiu via the main north-south highway.
Ocna Sibiului is a bathing resort some 15 kilometers NE of Sibiu. The lakes are salt, formed by the flooding of ancient salt mines. In some and the waters are utterly black and opaque. Enticing, yes?
Hike Fagaras Mountains and Cindrel Mountains.
Guided bike tours around Sibiu.
Guided enduro trips in the mountains, riding levels from tourist to hard.
Go on the Transfăgărășan road, crossing the Fagaras mountains with dramatic views. OrTransalpina GPS 45.7934,23.6137 - Transalpina_(DN67C), an even higher road.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sibiu

Lots of souvenir and craft shops, especially on Piata Mica. German language book, incl. history and calenders, at the market square local organic juice in 2.5 L. botles. second things from rest of euorpase

Halal Restaurants in Sibiu

You won’t go hungry. Food & drink here is to a good standard, and affordable by West GCC standards – reckon €30 for two people with two courses and drinks. The main concentration of restaurants, cafes and pubs is in and around Piata Mica. Hearty Transylvanian fare includes "ciorbă" (sour soup with various Meat or veg), “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage leaves), stews and grills, often with mamaliga (polenta). Vegetarians and vegans shouldn’t starve but will need to enquire carefully. Also lots of fast food from familiar chains, but you can do better.

Crama Sibiu Vechi - The Old Sibiu Restaurant | Str Papiu Ilarian 3 - ☎ +40 269-210461 | Opening Hours: noon-midnight - Excellent cellar restaurant offering traditional Romanian cuisine at reasonable prices.

La Cuptor - 9 Mai 7 45.7998236, 24.1512225 ☎ +40 742 396 696 | Opening Hours: Daily 13:00-23:00 - Good food at reasonable prices.
Butoiul de Aur - Golden Barrel | Pasajul Scărilor foot of stairway down to Str Turnului ☎ +40 746 779 283 | Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-23:00 - Long-established atmospheric place, good food.

A local speciality is a "meter" of organic juice served in pubs.

Club Liquid on Str Somesului is a night club which plays mainstream music. The audience is about 50% tourists/local residents.

Undercover Society - 45.7877068, 24.1415595

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sibiu

Sibiu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sibiu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sibiu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sibiu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sibiu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sibiu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSibiu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sibiu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sibiu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sibiu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sibiu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sibiu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sibiu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sibiu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sibiu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sibiu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sibiu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sibiu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sibiu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sibiu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sibiu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sibiu Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Hostels

Centrum Hostel - Str Gheorghe Lazar 6 ☎ +40 747 534 998 - Beds for 35 lei - 100 m from Piata Mare. Formerly "Flying Time Hostel", no reviews since change.
Old Town Hostel - Piata Mica 26 ☎ +40 269 216 445 - Rooms from 50 lei - In a 450-year-old building looking onto the Small Plaza. Breakfast is not included but you can use the kitchen all you want. Laundry is available for €2. Dorms have about 10 beds per room.

Hotels

Zanzi - Str Constitutiei 1 ☎ +40 724 528 348 Checkin - 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €22 - Small pension near train station.
Hotel Apollo Hermannstadt - Str Nicolae Teclu 14 ☎ +40 269 212 465 - Rooms start at €56 - Comfortable and modern hotel. Internet is available in rooms.
Hotel Continental Forum - Piata Unirii ☎ +40 372 692 692 - €60 - This modern 13 floor, 182-room hotel is plain but well maintained. Its rooms often have nice views. Often accommodates tour groups. At the edge of the pedestrianised centre of Old Town. Street parking outside is vigorously policed, get permit at reception for checking in, take their advice on medium-stay parking.

Hotel Imparatul Romanilor | Str Nicolae Balescu 2-4 just off main square, taxis drop off at end of Str Xenopol 50 metres away ☎ +40 269 216 500 - Grand 18th-century pile, very central, atmospheric but in need of sprucing up.

Noblesse Boutique Hotel - Str Blanilor 17 200 m from train station ☎ +49 369 418 000 - €60 - Friendly pleasant place just E of old town, close to railway & bus stations
Villa Santa Maria - Str Livezii 43 3 kilometers west of centre, off highway to airport ☎ +40 269 224 451 - €40 - Cosy 3-star, rooms are well equipped and well kept. Breakfast is included. Free wireless Internet available. English-speaking owners.
Ana Airport Hotel - Soseaua Alba Iulia 120 On main hwy 1 kilometers east of terminal, 3 kilometers west of old centre ☎ +4 269 228 875 - Simple 3-star near airport

News & References Sibiu

Go Next

Spend at least a day exploring the nearby medieval fortified churches – you’ll need your own transport. The Saxon settlements of Transylvania came under attack in the 15th & 16th century, but instead of erecting castles and they fortified the churches with walls and lookout towers. Most examples are clustered around Medias and the best being the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Biertan and Valea Viilor.

Sighisoara has an attractive old fortress. It can be combined with a day-trip to the fortified churches, but stands as a centre in its own right. Other notable centres include Cluj-Napoca, Targu Mures, and Brasov. Further south, into Wallachia, is Curtea de Argeș an old fortress city in Muntenia.

If your itinerary includes Bucharest, try to visit it before Transylvania. It’s interesting but far from pretty, and it’s going to look especially drab after seeing Sibiu.