After a late lunch in Sighiศoara, I hit the road again for an easy, scenic 1.5-hour road trip drive (about 90 km) southwest toward Sibiu. This city is one of the beautiful cities in Transylvania and I cannot help thinking if I would like it more than Sighisoara and Brasov.
๐ก Sibiu Fast Facts: Originally built in the 12th century by German Saxon settlers, Sibiu (known in German as Hermannstadt) grew into the most powerful and wealthy of the seven fortified Transylvanian cities. While Braศov has a larger population today, Sibiuโs historic centre feels significantly grander and more expansive. It has the distinct, aristocratic aura of a major European cultural capitalโa title it officially held in 2007.
๐บ๏ธ Getting There: Public Transport & Logistics
While my Transylvanian (Sibiu leg) road trip relied entirely on a rental car, Sibiu is highly accessible via public transport if you choose to explore Romania without one.
๐ Travelling From Bucharest
- By Train (CFR Cฤlฤtori): Daily direct InterRegio (IR) services depart from Bucureศti Nord station. The journey takes roughly 5.5 to 6 hours and is incredibly scenic, winding through beautifully changing mountain landscapes.
- By Bus: Buses depart regularly from main hubs like Autogara Militari. However, travel times fluctuate heavily based on the notorious traffic along the DN7 highway through the Olt Valley. I would not recommend this unless you are on a very tight budget.
- Private Guided Transfer: If you want the absolute ultimate in comfort and seamless logistics without driving yourself, booking a private transfer allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenery while still letting you stop at remote, hidden Saxon villages along the way.
๐ Travelling From Sighiศoara
- By Train: Travelling between these two historic towns via rail is very straightforward. Direct Regio (R) and connecting trains run throughout the day, taking around 2.5 hours.
- By Bus: Regional bus operators also cover the direct route, getting you between the towns in just under 2 hours.
๐ Staying at the “Mystery Box” Apartment
Like in Braศov and Sighiศoara, my priority for this two-night stay was finding a property that could guarantee a hassle-free parking solution. However, I wanted a change of pace from traditional hotels. I noticed Sibiu has an incredible selection of modern apartment rentals and premium studios equipped with sleek kitchens and cosy living spacesโperfect for a more private, residential feel.
That search led me to a uniquely named booking property: Mystery Box Sibiu. It turned out to be a brilliant choice. The location is incredibly convenient, sitting just 150 meters below the medieval walls of the historic centre where street parking is permitted and entirely free. While snagging a street spot can be a bit of a competitive challenge, I managed to find one close by. Checking in was entirely seamless via a lock box with the physical keys inside.
The interior was a perfect match for the online photos, and I was especially happy to utilise the kitchen to brew the loose-leaf green tea I had bought earlier in Bucharestโa morning ritual I had deeply missed in Sighiศoara.
๐น Evening One: Cobblestones, Cocktails, and “Lies”
After unpacking, I headed straight into the old town for a sunset stroll. Sibiuโs upper town is famously divided into two interconnected main squares: Piaศa Mare (The Large Square) and Piaศa Micฤ (The Small Square). While Piaศa Mare is grand and imposing, I instantly fell in love with Piaศa Micฤ. It has a wonderfully cosy, personal feel, structured with an interesting, asymmetrical floor plan full of strange angles and hidden architectural niches.
To unwind after the drive, I grabbed an outdoor table at Atrium, a lovely cafe situated right next to the iconic Bridge of Lies. Sitting there with a cocktail, looking out over the bridge, the historic Arts House (Casa Artelor), and the bustling square was the exact “chill out” moment I needed to just slow down and reflect.
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ Why is it called the Bridge of Lies? Built in 1859, this is the oldest cast-iron bridge in Romania. Local legend dictates that the bridge possesses ears and a magical power: if someone tells a lie while standing on it, the iron beams will begin to creak, groan, and shudder, threatening to collapse and throw the liar to the ground.
Both squares were buzzing with grand energyโPiaศa Micฤ was hosting a local traditional market, while a massive event was being set up in the larger square.
๐๏ธ The Houses with Eyes
As you wander through the old town, remember to look up at the rooftops surrounding the squares. Here you will see Sibiu’s most famous architectural signature: the Houses with Eyes (Ochii Sibiului). These eye-shaped attic windows were originally built by Saxon settlers as ventilation vents to cool food and supplies stored in the attics. Today, they give the uncanny, poetic impression that the ancient buildings are wide awake, silently watching every traveller who steps onto the cobblestones below.
๐ Exploring the Niches of Sibiu
As I continued wandering, I uncovered a few more beautiful corners of the city that are well worth exploring:
- Piaศa Albert Huet: This square wraps beautifully around the towering Gothic Lutheran Cathedral. Unfortunately, the cathedral was closed during my visit, but the square itself is highly elegant, lined with gorgeous historic buildings and vibrant cafe terraces.
- Strada Turnului (Tower Street): A fairy tale street that comes alive in the evening. When the old tower and historic buildings are illuminated, the atmosphere becomes magical as people wine, dine, and enjoy the outdoor seating.
- Strada Cetฤศii (Citadel Street): A quiet, romantic walkway running alongside the old fortification walls, where you can admire the beautifully preserved Potters’ Tower (Turnul Olarilor) and Carpenters’ Tower (Turnul Dulgherilor).
- Strada Nicolae Bฤlcescu: The city’s main pedestrian shopping thoroughfare. This wide avenue is flanked by beautifully restored historic facades, outdoor cafe terraces, and an unbelievable number of street vendors hawking ice cream bars. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many ice cream vendors in one place!
While window shopping along the promenade, I spotted a local Romanian shoe designer shop called Anna Cori. They were having a sale, and I found a truly gorgeous pair of shoes. I stood there debating the purchase, but eventually, logic overtook emotionโI realised they weren’t a style I would regularly wear, so I dismissed the idea. You know that exact feeling when you desperately want to buy something beautiful, but your practical brain firmly steps in?
๐ Dinner in a Hidden Cellar: Crama Sibiul Vechi
For dinner, I relied on Tripadvisor that pointed me directly toward Crama Sibiul Vechi, ranked as the number one restaurant in town. It is a traditional Romanian restaurant tucked away inside an atmospheric, rustic cellar. Knowing how popular it was, I made a tactical decision to arrive just after 18:00 to beat the rush.
It was a smart move. The cellar was already bustling, but I secured a table immediately. Within 15 minutes, a massive queue of hungry travellers surged down the stairs. The waiters, dressed in beautiful traditional white Romanian attire with embroidered vests, were incredibly welcoming.
Wanting a break from my usual grilled fish order, I opted for the fried trout, paired with green beans, assorted vegetable pickles, bread, and a local Radler. It was a wonderful, authentic meal that offered incredible value for such a highly-rated culinary staple. The menu here is massive and deeply rooted in regional Transylvanian cuisine, so I highly recommend chatting with the friendly waitstaff for a personal recommendation. Not wanting to keep the long queue of waiting patrons suffering out there, I drank my coffee, paid the bill, and headed back out to enjoy the city lights before retiring to my apartment.
๐ค The Road Tripper’s Dilemma: What to Do Next?
Back at the Mystery Box, I found myself facing a classic travel dilemma for day two. Should I stay in Sibiu and explore the nearby Astra National Museum Complex? Or should I get back on the road and make an ambitious day-trip loop to see Corvin Castle in Hunedoara and the fortress of Alba Iulia?
๐๏ธ What is the ASTRA Museum? Located just a few kilometers outside Sibiu, it is one of the largest open-air ethnographic museums in Europe. It features over 300 traditional, historic Romanian peasant houses, windmills, and workshops spread across a massive forest and lakeside landscape.
Ultimately, my inner curiosity won. I reasoned that when I returned to Bucharest at the end of my road trip, I was already planning to visit the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, which offers a very similar open-air historical experience. I decided to head out on the highway to Hunedoara and Alba Iulia insteadโbut more on that epic side trip in my next post!
๐ธ Evening Two: Fireworks, Faith, and the Ultimate Summer Drink
When I returned to Sibiu in the late afternoon after my day trip, I was craving a cosy spot to just sit and watch the world go by. I tried to grab a table at Crama Casa Grinda on the lively Strada Turnului, but unfortunately, every single seat was taken. The vibe of this area is really nice, especially as the evening lights come up.
As I wandered back into Piaศa Micฤ, I ran straight into a massive, booming rock concert. It was a bit too loud for my original relaxed plans, but heyโwho turns down a free live concert? I managed to snag a front-row terrace seat at Kulinarium, a highly-regarded restaurant right on the square. To contrast the fish from the night before, I ordered the “Kulinarium Pan”: pork medallions, bacon-wrapped chicken, sausage, and potatoes smothered in an incredible mushroom, bacon, and onion sauce. It was absolutely delicious.
Halfway through my meal, the concert took a wild, theatrical turn. Flares erupted from the stage, fireworks lit up the square, and a giant cross rose up with the lead singer hanging dramatically from it! Moments later, the singer transformed into a demonic figure with massive black wings. It was quite the theatrical skit! As the singer spoke in English, with a local translating every sentence into Romanian, it clicked: this was actually a religious rock band utilising theatrical metal to evangelise their faith. Talk about an unforgettable dinner show!
To wrap up my time in Sibiu, I stopped by Mega Image (the local convenience store found on almost every corner) to stock up on my newly discovered favourite Romanian summer drink: Ursus Cooler (Soc & Lime). This elder flower and lime non-alcoholic beer is unbelievably refreshing. Because it was completely sold out near my friend’s apartment where I was staying and the weather forecast predicts a scorching 35ยฐC weekend for my return to Bucharest, I bought a few cans to take with me.
Sibiu completely captivated me with its grand presence, rich history, and quirky nightlife. It was the perfect final base for this stage of my journey. I cannot pin down which city I prefer. Brasov? Sighisoara? Sibiu? Oh, I love them all!
A few more photos of the day:
๐ Next Stop: Transfฤgฤrฤศan Highway
The next morning, it will be time to pack up the Mystery Box and start the final leg of my Transylvanian road trip back to Bucharest. But I won’t be taking the standard highway; instead, I am tackling the legendary Transfฤgฤrฤศan Highway, planning a day full of countless scenic stops along one of the most beautiful winding roads in the world. Stay tuned for that epic drive! But before that I will be detouring from the Sibiu leg of this road trip to visit Corvin Castle in Hunedoara and the fortress Alba Iulia.
๐บ๏ธ Catch Up on the Transylvania 8-Spoke Road Trip Series!
If you missed any of my previous drives, check out the first seven spokes of the journey below before my ultimate trip directory drops very soon:
- Spoke 1: Royal Elegance in Sinaia โ Exploring the stunning Peleศ Castle
- Spoke 2: The Fortress Vibe of Braศov โ Two days soaking in historic charm
- Spoke 3: Day Trips from Brasov โ Exploring Rasnov, Bran, and the Libearty Bear Sanctuary
- Spoke 4: Saxon Heritage in Viscri โ A step back in time
- Spoke 5: Picturesque Sighiศoara โ A night in the Citadel Sphere
- Spoke 6: Grandeur and Mystery in Sibiu โ The historic heart of Transylvania (this post!)
- Spoke 7: Day Trips from Sibiu โ Corvin Castle and Alba Iulia Citadel
- Spoke 8: Bears and Driving Transfagarasan Highway โ Epic Transfagarasan highway drive from Sibiu to Bucharest
Happy Travels!
With love from Jo
Travel Period: August 2026
Sibiu (Transylvania), Romania