Sibiu may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about Romania travel. However, this medieval town in Romania should definitely be included in your itinerary when visiting the country.
If that doesn't convince you to visit Sibiu, there are so many fun things to do in Sibiu – which you can easily include without breaking the bank.
Situated in the historical region of Transylvania, you can take a 5-hour bus ride from the capital city in Bucharest to Sibiu. If you're traveling from Brasov to Sibiu, the journey will be shorter.
From wandering around the historical areas in Sibiu like fortified churches or medieval architecture in the surroundings, to getting on a day trip to a mountain resort in the Cindrel Mountains, Iuliana from Authentic Travels will share some local insights for the best things to do in Sibiu, Romania!
What to Do and Where to Go in Sibiu, Romania (Without Breaking the Bank!)
Sibiu is located very close to the middle of Romania (0 kilometer). We don't use euros yet, so the prices are still low compared to other European Union's countries.
One of the advantages if you make your way to Sibiu on your trip to Romania is that there are so many fascinating things to do around the city.
Source: Flickr
Whether you plan to join a sightseeing guided tour in Sibiu to explore the centuries-old buildings, or getting on a day trip to some of the best places to visit in Romania – the choice is endless!
From Sibiu, you can easily join a day trip to Sighisoara. The latter is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Romania that you shouldn't miss out on when traveling to Romania.
However, there are so many other activities you can do in Sibiu, especially if you're tight on your travel budget. Not sure what to do or where to go in Sibiu, Romania? Let's dive in!
Indulge in the Romanian ciorbă
If you visit Sibiu, you will have to eat and a hearty, good meal in a restaurant fits perfectly in a 10$ budget. Unless you will choose one of the fancy, luxurious restaurants in Sibiu, most of the restaurants in the city center have decent prices.
For example, you can order the first dish – a soup (or a ciorbă how we call it sometimes) for more or less 10 RON.
The second dish will cost you a little more and it depends what kind of meats you prefer. A schnitzel with a side dish and salad will cost around 25-30 RON, so you might reach the $10 limit.
If you order also dessert (pancakes, ice cream, or fried dumplings) you will pay another for around 10 RON.
Source: Flickr
Climb the tower of St. Mary Evangelical Cathedral
If you prefer to eat less and visit more of the key sights of the town, drop the dessert and buy a 10-RON ticket to the top of the evangelic church's bell-tower.
From the top, you will have panoramic views of the medieval core of Sibiu and you may glimpse even the Făgărași Mountains in the backdrop.
Get on a day trip to Păltiniș
As an alternative, you can also take a bus trip to Păltiniș, a mountain resort located 30 km from Sibiu. There, you can hike in the Cindrel Mountains and then come back to Sibiu in the evening. This is a good way to spend less money and take the most of your stay in Sibiu.
Iuliana is a passionate explorer, travel writer, and blogger based in Sibiu, Romania. Her life motto is taken from a piece of Khalil Gibran, “We live only to discover beauty. All else is a form of waiting.”
Iuliana likes to travel at a slow pace and to some remote places. Riding a camel amidst sand dunes in a desert, that's the moment she feels most authentic. She has specialized in the Balkan/Middle Eastern countries, showcasing remote places of these regions through her workpieces.
I love that you can get food hearty meals for $10. I like to splurge when traveling, but sometimes I also like to take a break and dine on a budget. Fried dumplings sound so yummy!
Sibiu is one of my favourite places in my home country, Romania. If you’re not into a big meal, you can also grab a langos to eat on the street, or other similar products from a bakery for under 10 lei. And the remaining should be enough to check out Brukenthal’s Art Museum. Or to check out the outdoor village museum in Dumbrava. And another cgeap tower to visit is the one next to Piata Sfatului.
This is your first $10 post I’ve read: what a great idea! I love learning how to really experience a country’s culture like a local who probably doesn’t spend hundreds of dollars per day. Very cool to highlight a lesser-known Romanian town as well, Sibiu sounds fascinating!
I’ve never heard of fried dumplings for dessert, how unique! Would defs love to try some and it’s really amazing how much you could get for $10 in Romania!!!
I love that you can get food hearty meals for $10. I like to splurge when traveling, but sometimes I also like to take a break and dine on a budget. Fried dumplings sound so yummy!
Sibiu is one of my favourite places in my home country, Romania. If you’re not into a big meal, you can also grab a langos to eat on the street, or other similar products from a bakery for under 10 lei. And the remaining should be enough to check out Brukenthal’s Art Museum. Or to check out the outdoor village museum in Dumbrava. And another cgeap tower to visit is the one next to Piata Sfatului.
thank you so much for the additional tips! 🙂
This is your first $10 post I’ve read: what a great idea! I love learning how to really experience a country’s culture like a local who probably doesn’t spend hundreds of dollars per day. Very cool to highlight a lesser-known Romanian town as well, Sibiu sounds fascinating!
I’ve never heard of fried dumplings for dessert, how unique! Would defs love to try some and it’s really amazing how much you could get for $10 in Romania!!!