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Sibiu, Romania, is one most interesting places I have visited as a solo female traveler. The medieval city, part of Transylvania, is gaining popularity with travelers. You might be wondering, Is Sibiu worth visiting? This solo female travel guide of things to do in Sibiu will give you a brief overview of the best itinerary ideas and why you should definitely visit!
Let’s start with logistics; where is Sibiu located? Sibiu is in eastern Europe, located just 171 mi (275km) northwest of Bucharest. I traveled solo from Bucharest via train for a journey time of about 5 hours. It was not the fanciest of trains, so keep that in mind.
The main Sibiu train station is walkable to the town center in 15 minutes. For those of you who rather get a taxi, Uber has now finally made it to 17 cities in Romania! Although I prefer to walk, if it were nighttime, I would want the option of an Uber.
Solo Female Travel Guide of Things To Do In Sibiu
Sibiu attractions have a medieval vibe that I love. As a solo traveler, a big question always on my mind is whether it will be any fun alone! What makes a place fun for me may differ from what is fun for you, but I am willing to guess you will love it!
What main attractions in Sibiu, Romania, make it worth visiting? Below I will give you a list of the must-sees on my list!
Visit and Climb Sibiu’s Gothic Lutheran Cathedral
The most memorable and somewhat terrifying experience I had was climbing the church tower at St. Mary’s Evangelical Church. The church in Huel Square dominates the area with its elevated spire. This 14th-century Gothic Church is well preserved and open to visitors from 10 am to 6 pm in the summer and 11 am to 4 pm the rest of the year.
My experience climbing the clock tower started in an enclosed stone column for the first hundred steps or so. I was surrounded by the wall and felt safe from the danger of falling. But, once you emerge out of this stairwell and into the large open room, you are looking at climbing a rickety old staircase.
My palms start to sweat even at the thought of reliving this experience. The staircase seemed sturdy enough. However, it is all out in the open. I feared I would somehow get dizzy, miss a step, and fall viciously to my death.
Finally, I reached the top, soaked in a layer of fear and sweat, but all in one piece. It was rewarding to see these fantastic views of Sibiu. So if an aerial overview of lovely city shots is your thing, this is the climb for you.
*At the top of the Luthern Catherdral is is four corner towers. These towers meant the death penalty was allowed. Of course, it was centuries ago, but a neat fact to point out.
Crossing The Unforgiving Liars Bridge
Sibiu is home to the famous, The Bridge of Lies. Located in Sibiu’s old town, this historical landmark has an interesting history. A few urban legends surround the liars bridge. The most commonly told tale is called The Lie Detector Test.
According to the urban legend, if someone tells you a lie while crossing this bridge, the bridge will tell you! Look out for strange noises of the bridge about to break. That is your indication the statement is, in fact, a lie! Hence the name lying bridge!
It has also been said to be a place where empty promises are made! So if your significant other is making a promise to you when crossing this bridge, you may want to think twice!
This final tall tale is something much darker. Legendary stories had been told to warn women never to lie. If any woman had been caught lying about their virginity, they would have been thrown from the bridge to their death.
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Visit the Fortified Towers
Romania remains one of the most exciting places to wander around and explore. This country has such significant preservation of its old medieval fortified cities.
Each tower is unique and worth a visit.
The Thick Tower Sibiu State Philharmonic, Thalia Hall
Address: Bulevardul Corneliu Coposu, Sibiu 550245, Romania
The historical landmark, The Thick Tower, is located on Cet??ii Street and Corneliu Coposu Avenue. The tower was built by the royal judge Markus Pemfflinger in the year 1540. In the year 1787, a hall was added to the tower. The Thalia Hall became home to the first Romanian theatre. After a fire in 1826, the theatre building was rebuilt in a Viennese style.
The Carpenters’ Tower Turnul Dulgherilor
Address: Strada Cet??ii, Sibiu 550160, Romania
The Capenters’ Tower is located at Strada Cet??ii550160 Sibiu, Romania; it was built in the 14th century and is the northernmost of the three towers on Citadel street. This tower has been under preservation several times, most recently renovated in 1987.
The Potters Tower Turnul Olarilor
Address: Strada Cet??ii, Sibiu 550160, Romania
The Potters’ Tower is located at Strada Cet??ii550160 Sibiu, Romania, just south of the Carptners’ Tower. You can climb the towers and take a walk on the defense wall. The tower stairs are very narrow and steep.
The Gunpowders’ Tower
The Gunpowders’ Tower is no longer connected to anything and stands alone. It is located at no. 33 Ocnei Street. Though these towers are restored, you can see they have been preserved with their original structural integrity. You can get a real feeling of what the city must have looked like in medieval times, with fully fortified walls and old streets.
The Arquebusiers Tower
Located on Cet??ii Street 1357 – 1366, this tower later became the Weavers’ Tower. Standing as the southernmost of the three towers on the street with a height of 20.75m.
For one of the most impressive historic and beautiful cities, I recommend Sighisoara. Check out the 7 Best Things to do in Sighisoara here.
Visit The Other Defense Towers
The Council Tower
Address: Pia?a Mic? 1, Sibiu 550182, Romania
Located between the Great Square and the Small Square. The Council Tower is one of the most significant buildings in the city center. The tower was formally the defense gate into the second precinct and once hosted the City Hall of Sibiu. Another notable function was between 1962 and 1998, the tower hosted a section of the Brukenthal Museum displaying medieval exhibits.
The Goldsmith’s Stairway Tower
Address: Pia?a Albert Huet 3, Sibiu 550182, Romania
Located in Huet Square, The Stairs Tower is one of the three access gates into the 1st precinct of the fortifications. The tower is a one-story massive brick tower, with its first floor being an arched passageway. This tower connects the “Upper Town” with the “Lower Town” toward Turnului Street. Also situated under the curbed wall separating the garden of the Parish House.
Visit Churches & Museums in Sibiu
This medieval city of Sibiu is the cultural European capital with the various churches and museums it offers. Here are a few of the best from this medieval town.
Churches
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Address: Strada Mitropoliei 33, Sibiu 550179, Romania
Located near the Historic Center Square and a few blocks from The Evangelical Church museum. The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the 2nd largest Orthodox church in Romania.
The Hagia Sofia in Istanbul inspired the church design and is only 100 years old. It is visit-worthy for its vibrant interior murals.
Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church
Address: Biserica Romano-Catolic?, Pia?a Mare, Nr. 3, Sibiu, România
The Church tower completed in 1738 connects the Large Square with the Small Square of Sibiu. The exterior and interiors of this church are special due to the Viennese baroque style. Of all the churches in Sibiu, this one should be a priority on your list.
Saint John the Baptist Church
Address: Calea Popl?cii 30, Sibiu 550151, Romania
It is not one of the most impressive, but it is old with an interesting bell tower. If you are in the area and/or a church buff, it’s worth stopping by.
Biserica Ursulinelor (The Ursuline Church)
Address: Strada General Magheru 36, Sibiu, Romania
This church is Greek-Catholic and the former Ursuline Monastery. A very beautiful place built around the 1500s. Take note that it’s not open for tours, but the building is worth seeing.
Museums
Muzeul National Brukenthal (Brukenthal National Museum)
Address: Pia?a Mare 4 – 5, Sibiu 550163, Romania
One of the largest museums in Eastern Europe and the first in Romania. The Brukenthal National Museum was established in the 18th century by Samuel von Brukenthal. This museum contains the treasures of Transylvanian culture.
Muzeul de Farmacie (Pharmaceutical History Museum)
Address: Pia?a Mic? 26 Ground Floor, Sibiu 550182, Romania
This museum is the oldest pharmacy in Sibiu and was founded in the 1600s. Visitors have been welcome since 1972. The building is located in the Small Square and is open Wednesday thru Sunday.
Casa Altemberger
Address: Strada Mitropoliei 2, Sibiu 550179, Romania
The Sibiu History Museum contains everyday life items from the Transylvanian region. There is a small admission fee of 20 lei.
Accommodations in Sibiu
The accommodations cost in Sibiu is much lower than in most cities I visited in Europe. I found that even on a budget, you can stay in some lovely places here.
My top recommendations are below.
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Deals: Best Hotel Deals in Romania
When is the Best Time to Visit Sibiu?
I personally enjoy visiting Sibiu in October. The temperatures are mild and pleasant and you are not surrounded by as many tourists as you are in the summer.
Also when you visit in October you will find that prices are a bit lower than they would be in the summertime.
The festive fall is a great time to check out all the festivals in Romania! When I visit Romania again I will be visiting in the month of October!
FAQs for Sibiu, Romania
Sibiu is a small city that you can easily get through in 2 days. If you move slowly, you can stay 3 days at maximum before you will have likely seen and done it all! I find this to be true of most places I visit, but especially with smaller cities like this one.
Yes, Sibiu is definitely worth visiting on a day trip. However, you might feel cheated if you don’t spend at least one night.
I felt incredibly safe while in Romania! The locals were friendly and helpful. Not everyone will speak English, but most hospitality workers do.
I found all the places I wanted to see in Sibiu were accomplished by foot. If you are traveling to other cities or historical landmarks in Romania, rent a car. The public transit system around the country isn’t well connected.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Sibiu, Romania
Every traveler has a different set of priorities. I am a traveler that appreciated more a village town than a bustling city. Churches and castles are more interesting to me than art museums and skyscrapers. Visiting Sibiu solo checked all these boxes, and I would highly recommend it to any solo female traveler!
