When I decided to go ahead with a short Romanian pit stop on my way to Ukraine, I had initially only planned to visit Brasov and Bucharest. However, thanks to a few suggestions from some wonderful globetrotting friends, I decided that I should make a pit stop to one of the smaller cities, even if just for a day. In the end I decided on taking little side step across from Brasov to the small but scenic town of Sibiu.
Sibiu is much closer to the Hungarian border than Brasov, but is still most definitely a part of the Transylvania region. The city doesn’t really have any major attractions or drawcards, other than the fact that it is really bloody pretty.
It is small enough that you can comfortably see everything you want to see in one day, but big enough that you’ll still find yourself lost down side streets and discovering hidden gems that you had never heard of. This is what I like to call ‘perfection’.
Quite a few of the most well-known sights in Sibiu are located in the Sibiu main square – the ever so aptly named Large Square. Of these sights (which include Brukenthal Palace and a beautiful Roman-Catholic) the Blue House was by far my favourite.
I was on a rather tight budget in Romania (I had just been haemorrhaging money while in Greenland) and as such, opted not to pay the entrance fees for any of these historical sites, but instead was happy to look at them from the outside.
Sibiu has many public squares and if you are looking for a way to entertain yourself without spending any moolah, they are the ideal place to find a seat and people watch to your hearts content.
I must admit, I had been hoping that I would see Sibiu under a thick white blanket of snow, but blasted global warming didn’t exactly make that a possibility! However, despite it not looking exactly how I’d hoped, it was still beautiful.
I spent hours walking aimlessly around the town, exploring colourful houses, tiny side streets, little forts and unassuming castles that were scattered around the place.
Is Sibiu the kind of ground-breaking city that you’ll rave about for years to come? Probably not.
However, if you are just looking for a quiet city to relax, wander and recharge – then a day or two spent here might be exactly what you want.
THE LOWDOWN
Getting to Sibiu: Sibiu is well connected to Bucharest and Brasov by bus and railway
Smart Hostel Sibiu: Hands down the best hostel in Sibiu, a dorm bunk starts at $15/night AUD
Blue House: A beautiful little spot, don’t miss it!
Camera: Images captured with an Olympus OM-D E-M1 in conjunction with M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2/8 lens
Remember: Not every city you visit needs to be earth-shattering, the quietly lovely ones can have an impact too
Love your blog! Lovely places you have travelled to. How do you manage to travel so much on a mid-wife’s income? Air travel alone is prohibitively expensive alone. SIS? 🙂 LOL
Thank you so much!
What does SIS mean?
As for how I travel so much, I am well practiced! I can do a lot on a shoestring 🙂
Beautiful architecture. ☺💕
Love the rustic colors and architecture.
Sibiu is amazing! I’m from Romania and I loved Sibiu from the very first time I visited. I’m so glad you like it too.
It’s a beautiful city that makes you feel you’re somewhere in the German Alps (with all the German tourists around).
They took so good care of it and make it so appealing for tourists and locals alike. Definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. Summer time is even a better time to see it, with the sun lifting up the mood and the festivals that take place there almost every weekend during summer time.
And it’s virtually in the middle of the country so you can go from there anywhere in Romania.
Awesome photos! Great post! Thank you!
Awesome! Can you recommend any other smaller cities? I have heard good things about Sighisoara.
Sighișoara for sure!
Alba-Iulia is nice too; Timișoara (although it’s kinda like Sibiu size-wise); Bran; Hunedoara has the Corvin Castle; Târgu Jiu has Brâncuși’s sculptures; many in the north of Moldova(pick any of the monasteries);
Thank you very much for the tips! I am writing everything down 🙂
This is one of the most mesmerizing things about travel. So many places, that are off the beaten track, turn out to be marvelous revelations. Enjoy beautiful Kiev, even in its time of turmoil. Stay safe.
Absolutely true! I already miss Eastern Europe!
Bot this town seems like a great place to unwind and relax. It is always nice to go to places recommended to you by others, they always seem to be so fun. Keeping space in your schedule is always important so you can visit these hiding places. Learned that the hard way when I did not have enough time for a recommended visit that was suggested by a local.
Where was it that you missed out on Terry?
Was staying at a B&B in Southern France and the very nice owner sat down to talk during breakfast, asked were we were heading to next. After I told him him quickly pulled out his maps and started giving all kinds of recommendations of small un-touristy towns to visit along the way. It was so sad that the day was planned and had a long trip for the stop that night already planned. That is when I started leaving time to see some of these places recommended by locals. I have the names of the towns in an old journal. THe trip was in mid 2000’s. Have a great adventure.
I would love to visit Southern France! I hope you get to go back one day and visit all those places marked in your journal.
I hope to also. I do want to concentrate on Brittany and Normandy next time in France. Relatives were from there in the 1000’s. Did not find out till years later but it just felt comfortable and like home.
That is lovely – that is how I feel in Scotland.
Scotland is lovely, another place I want to revisit and spend more time along with Wales.
Very nice shots!!
I feel like I’ve just traveled there with you, the architecture does remind me of Germany and brings back fond memories of travel to Guanajuato, Mexico! Thank you for sharing!
Wow! I would never have imagined that Sibiu could remind someone of Mexico – that is pretty amazing!
I am enjoying reading about your journey and in particular visiting some of the places I visited a year ago. Sibiu was a favorite stop for a couple days and I enjoyed seeing the beauty in the old city and in particular the “girl’s eyes” in the roofs of the buildings. I wrote about them in my blog in June 2016 at http://barryaday.blog. I think you will enjoy it. The title is “Through My Sensual Sibiu Eyes”
Oh I will be sure to check that out Barry! Thanks for reading 🙂
I love those trunks! I’ve always wanted something like that in my house lol What a neat looking little city!
They would make for some seriously gorgeous decor!
I agree Ellen, it’s always worth it to balance big cities and world-class attractions with a day trip spent in a place that is quaint and lovely!
Totally! Nothing like breaking away from the big cities for a little while 🙂
I absolutely love this post! What a beautiful blog you have – I love reading and following it!
xx
https://colourpotblog.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much Clare, I hope I can continue to write posts that you enjoy 🙂
Thanks for the descriptions and images.. and memories. I was there in September 1990, shortly after “the revolution.” It looks like they have repaired all the bullet holes that were in the building around the square. I would love to return.