RESTAURANTS & CAFES

Sibiu has a good selection of restaurants, and an excellent range of cafes, both
cosy, old school coffee houses and funkier, flashier, more contemporary places.

AUSTRIAN
CAF WIEN
Restaurant and cafe in the quiet courtyard behind the big cathedral in Piata
Huet. Besides the superb food - especially worth looking out for is the amazing
selection of cakes and Austrian pastries - what we love most is the setting: the
terrace (in the right weather) is actually set atop part of the old city walls, and
the views are fabulous.QA-1, Piata Huet 4, tel. (+4) 0269 22 32 23/(+4) 0733
22 32 23, www.cafewien.ro. Open 09:00 - 02:00. PEW

BALKAN
BALKAN BISTRO (CONTINENTAL FORUM)
A magnificent dining room at the Continental Forum hotel, where the food truly
is Balkan, and isnt afraid to say so. The menu contains a number of dishes from
all over the region, from Croatia to Turkey. Pick of the menu on our visit was the
chicken with feta and fresh basil, served with rice. The roasted peppers were
great too. Prices not as high as you might think.QB-3, Piata Unirii 10, tel. (+4)
0372 69 26 92, www.continentalhotels.ro. Open 11:00 - 23:00. PLW

CAFES

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AMBER CAFE (AM RING HOTEL)

Lovely. From the Viennese-style wallpaper to the reproductions of classic
works of art on the walls, its a cafe for people who drink coffee in groups of
friends and stay all day to chain smoke and talk about everything and anything.
Is part of the Am Ring hotel.QC-2, Piata Mare 14, tel. (+4) 0724 00 90 94,
www.amringhotel.ro. Open 07:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 09:00 - 24:00. SW
CAFE EINSTEIN
Calling this venue a cafe does not really do it justice. It is another of those Sibiu
cafes that is a bit of everything. You can come for coffee and croissants in the
morning, and then come back in the evening and stay until very late as you
down cocktails and dance to the hits being cued up by the DJ. All rather good.
QC-1, Piata Mica 13, tel. (+4) 0269 24 24 24, www.cafeeinstein.ro. Open
09:00 - 03:00, Sun 10:00 - 03:00. SW
CROQUIS ART CAFFE
Tucked away on a corner of Piata Mica, the interior of Croquis is a bit special:
plenty of exposed brickwork, livened up with some arty silhouettes. It works.
Open for breakfast and late night cocktails it is the coffee we liked: there is
more choice here (we think) than any other Sibiu cafe. Worth seeking out.QC1, Piata Mica 24, tel. (+4) 0724 28 97 84/(+4) 0374 96 84 88. Open 10:00 24:00, Sat, Sun 11:00 - 24:00. PNBW

RESTAURANTS & CAFES

RESTAURANTS & CAFES

RESTAURANTS & CAFES

LATELIER BISTRO CAFE

A Piata Mare staple which has one of the most enviable locations in the city.
Boasts a big terrace out on the square of course, but the interior is rather nice
too, and the food both reasonably priced and good: the beef in green pepper sauce was memorable. Serves top pitchers of fresh lemonade.QC-2, Piata
Mare 9, tel. (+4) 0758 47 21 01. Open 09:00 - 12:00. PTBW

INTIM A Piata Mare favourite, known mainly for its pizza. Has a bright interior,
big windows looking out on the square and besides pizza serves a number of
cracking ciorbas, including an exemplary ciorba de burta, if thats your thing.
Good prices and friendly staff.QC-2, Str. General Gheorghe Magheru 2, tel.
(+4) 0269 43 35 85. Open 09:00 - 24:00. PBSW

TERRACOTTA: FLAVOURS OF NATURE

Food of the highest quality in a setting to match. The menu is impressive, with a
wide range of soups: try the mushroom cream soup with truffles for something
a bit different. There are plenty of salads and pasta, and a very good selection of
meat, fish and seafood, including freshly grilled squid in a simple yet delicious
olive oil and rosemary sauce. The place itself is fine and bright and open, and
you will find it just behind the theatre.QC-3, Str. Dobrun 1, tel. (+4) 0760 26 53
05. Open 12:00-16:00,18:00-24:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-24:00. PLW

PIZZA

PERLA TIMIS
This coffee, cake and ice cream parlour has been doing the business for more
than a decade, and given the fantastic ice cream it is no wonder its still one of
the most popular places in the city. If you have room after your cornet, dont
forego the cakes.QC-2, Piata Mare 6, tel. (+4) 0741 04 44 69, fede2009s@
yahoo.com. Open 07:30 - 22:30, Sat 08:00 - 24:00, Sun 09:00 - 24:00.
PNSW
TEKAFFE (CONTINENTAL FORUM)
Modern, contemporary cafe in the Continental Forum Hotel that makes a nice
change from the twee, Viennese-type cafes of the Old Town. Tea (a huge selection), coffee and cakes, pastries and ice cream.QB-3, Piata Unirii 10, tel. (+4)
0372 69 26 92, www.continentalhotels.ro. Open 08:00 - 22:00, Sun 10:00
- 22:00. PLBSW

FUSION
585 FUSION (GOLDEN TULIP SIBIU)
Even if the food at this place wasnt sensational, it would still be popular thanks
to its location: on the 11th floor of the Golden Tulip hotel. The food is genuinely
fusion, a mix of European and Asian cuisine, and though far from cheap we
have always found it to be worth every penny; good wine list too. The name by
the way refers to the number of metres above sea level you are at when dining
here...QB-4, Str. Scoala De Inot 2, tel. (+4) 0269 23 40 00, fax (+4) 0269 22 40
00, www.goldentulipsibiu.ro. Open 12:00 - 23:30. PLESW

GERMAN
HERMANIA
Just around the corner from Piata Mare this German restaurant serves very
good food at a decent price in a splendid setting. The fillet of trout wrapped in
corn is divine, as is the Hermania steak with mushrooms and cheese. There are
pears in wine for desert, and its all served by happy staff in Saxon costumes.
QC-2, Str. Filarmonicii 2, tel. (+4) 0755 05 59 99, www.hermania.sobis.ro.
Open 11:00 - 24:00. PEBSW

INTERNATIONAL

HALLER CAFE
Nice little cafe on Piata Mare, which opens early for morning coffee and closes
very late. Besides great coffee there is a fine selection of tea, too. You will find it
in the Casa Haller, built in 1537 and perhaps the most gorgeous on the square.
QC-2, Piata Mare 10, tel. (+4) 0720 11 01 94. Open 08:00 - 02:00. PW

ATRIUM CLASSIC CAFE

If its chicken with gorgonzola and polenta cooked to perfection you are after,
then this is the right place. A good spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino made
us happy (its such a simple, yet easy dish to screw up) while the grilled trout
made a change from the usual Sibiu meat fest. Its a nice setting too: contemporary meets traditional in just the right doses.QC-1, Piata Mica 16, tel. (+4)
0269 24 20 00/(+4) 0723 28 74 86, www.atriumcafe.ro. Open 10:00 - 03:00.
PVESW

KLEINES CAFE
Super little place (the smallest cafe in town, apparently) where the most striking feature is the bookcase behind the bar packed with obscure yet fascinating
pieces of trivia. The cafe serves coffee and a great range of tea, as well as both
alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Theres a tiny little terrace in summer too.
QC-1, Piata Huet 3, tel. (+4) 0727 99 91 11, www.huet-residence.ro. Open
10:00 - 23:00. BW

IMPARATUL ROMANILOR
Certainly looks the part as the best restaurant in Sibiu. with its remarkable
sliding glass roof and immense round tables. The food is perfectly acceptable,
sometimes even living up to its environs. The chicken livers in onion sauce
we had can be thoroughly recommended.QC-2, Str. Nicolae Balcescu 4, tel.
(+4) 0269 21 65 00, www.sibiu.imparatulromanilor.ro. Open 11:30 - 23:00.
PEW

SIBIU MUSEUMS
ASTRA MUSEUM OF TRANSYLVANIAN CIVILISATION (MUZEUL
CIVILIZAIEI TRANSILVANE ASTRA)
Magnificent, colourful collection showcasing the best of the traditions of the
various ethnic groups who have lived in Transylvania over the centuries. A
modern museum, the exhibits are displayed in an imaginative manner more
reminiscent of a contemporary art gallery. Superb.QC-1, Piata Mica 11, tel.
(+4) 0269 20 24 14, www.muzeulastra.ro. Open 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon
From May Open 10:00 - 18:00. Admission 5 lei adults, 1 leu children.
CASA TEUTSCH (TEUTSCH HAUS) In the shadow of the St. John Evangelical Church the Teutsch Haus is a cultural centre, museum, bookshop and cafe all
rolled into one. There is even a small childrens playground out in the courtyard.
QB-2, Str. Mitropoliei 30, tel. (+4) 0269 20 67 30, www.teutsch.ro. Open 10:00
- 17:00, Sat 10:30 - 16:30. Closed Sun. Admission 8 lei adults, 5 lei children.

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RESTAURANTS & CAFES

CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY (GALERIA DE ARTA CONTEMPORANA) In a building far older (1901) than any of the exhibits on display, you
will find a good selection of home grown contemporary art. The gallery was
set up in order to promote primarily Romanian artists, and makes good use of
the space available in order to do so. What some of the art lacks in charm it
makes up for in attitude, and we should admit that we found the experience
of visiting this innovative place highly enjoyable. The atmosphere is friendly
and far removed from the elitism that infects so many other galleries of its ilk.
Given that the exhibitions change regularly, its the kind of place you might
visit more than once.QB-2, Str. Tribunei 6, tel. (+4) 0369 10 17 83, www.
brukenthalmuseum.ro/contemporana_en/index.html. Open 10:00 - 18:00.
Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 8 lei, children 2 lei. You can also buy a ticket
valid for all sections of the Brukenthal Museum (45 lei, children 11.25 lei).
EMIL SIGERUS MUSEUM OF SAXON ETHNOGRAPHY AND FOLK
ART (MUZEUL DE ETNOGRAFIE SI ARTA POPULARA SASEASCA
EMIL SIGERUS) Named after a local collector whose vast stash of Saxon
folk art formed the basis of the museum. Colourful, fascinating and superbly
curated, every presentation tells a story, with the place of every exhibit in the
regions history clearly explained. The museum is housed in the Casa Artelor,
for centuries Sibius main meat market.QC-1, Piata Mica 21, tel. (+4) 0269 20
24 22, www.sigerus.muzeulastra.ro. Open 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. From
May Open 10:00 - 18:00. Admission 5 lei adults, 1 leu children.
FRANZ BINDER MUSEUM OF ETHNOGRAPHY (MUZEUL DE
ETNOGRAFIE UNIVERSALA FRANZ BINDER)
This museum (housed inside the Casa Hermes) is based mainly on the personal collection of the man for whom the museum is named: Franz Binder.
Born in 1824, Binder, like many of his era, had a passion for exploring, and
spent decades in Africa making a fortune as a merchant and collecting African antiquities and fine art. In 1862 he donated the lot to the city of Sibiu, at
a stroke creating the first real museum of non-European art in Transylvania.
The museum also includes the collections of many other pioneers of the age,
bringing together traditional, indigenous art from all over the world. Recently,
the tradition of donating to the museum has been taken up once more: the
Indonesian Embassy in Bucharest for example offered a selection of Indonesian
popular art. Has one of the best museum shops in Romania, packed with local
handicrafts and superb souvenirs.QC-1, Piata Mica 11, tel. (+4) 0269 20 24 09,
www.binder.muzeulastra.ro. Open 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. From May
Open 10:00 - 18:00. Admission 5 lei adults, 1 leu children, students.
HISTORY OF PHARMACY MUSEUM (MUZEUL DE ISTORIE A
FARMACIEI) The History of Pharmacy Museum is a surprising treat. On the
site of Romanias first ever chemist (opened in 1494) the museum houses a
collection of centuries-old medicine bottles (almost all of which are amazingly
decorative, while some of the ceramics are highly intricate ornaments), medical instruments, documents and diagrams explaining the history of dispensary

SIBIU MUSEUMS
medicine. Sibiu has a rich history of pioneering pharmacists, although the city
also has the dubious distinction of being the sometime home of that quack
of all quacks, Samuel Hahnemann, the inventor of homeopathy.QC-1, Piaa
Mic 26, tel. (+4) 0269 21 81 91, www.brukenthalmuseum.ro/farmacie_en/
index.html. Open 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 10 lei, children
2.50 lei. You can also buy a ticket valid for all sections of the Brukenthal
Museum (45 lei, children 11.25 lei).
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM (MUZEUL DE ISTORIE NATURALA)
Housed in a lovely neo-renaissance building just inside the Old Towns walls,
Sibius Natural History Museum was opened in 1895: a good ten years before
the more celebrated Grigore Antipa Museum opened in Bucharest. Thoroughly
renovated and modernised in 2007, the museum today offers a fascinating
look at the evolution of life, as well as the current state of the worlds various
ecosystems, from the Arctic (which is particularly well done) to the Australian
outback. There are separate exhibitions of minerals and fossils, and everything
is well labelled and clearly presented. Well worth a visit.QC-2, Str. Cetatii 1, tel.
(+4) 0369 10 17 82, www.brukenthalmuseum.ro/naturale_en/index.html.
Open 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 13 lei, children 3.25 lei.
You can also buy a ticket valid for all sections of the Brukenthal Museum
(45 lei, children 11.25 lei).
SIBIU ZOO
Escaping tigers excepted, this is one of Romanias better zoos. In a lovely forest setting on the Dumbrava road, around a large lake, there are almost 200
animals to admire, and thats not including the birds and reptiles. There are a
number of species indigenous to Romania, including wild boar, deer, stag and
bears. There are also jaguars, and one less tiger than there used to be.QCalea
Dumbrvii 142, tel. (+4) 0269 24 04 76/(+4) 0269 25 29 96. Open 09:30 17:30, April 09:30 - 18:30, May 09:30 - 20:00. Admission 3 lei, children 2 lei.
Boat hire 15 lei.

TOURS & TOURIST INFORMATION

AEROPORT SIBIU QSoseaua Alba Iulia 73, tel. (+4) 0269 25 39 99,
turism@sibiu.ro. Open 09:30 - 17:30, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 18:00.
CARPATHIAN TRAVEL Tours of historic Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara, as
well as the surrounding areas - including a trip up to Balea Lac. Carpathian
Travel also organise hiking tours, biking tours and trips to the Danube Delta.
QC-2, Piata Mare 12, tel. (+4) 0269 21 13 44/(+4) 0740 84 36 78, www.
carpathian-travel-center.com. Open 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 15:00.
Closed Sun.
CITY INFO KULTOURSQC-1, Piata Mica 16, tel. (+4) 0269 21 68 54/
(+4) 0729 887 478, www.kultours.ro. Open 24hrs.
INFO POINTQC-1, Piata Albert Huet 1, tel. (+4) 0269 24 44 42. Open
09:00 - 22:00.
PRIMRIA MUNICIPIULUI SIBIU The address says Str. Samuel Brukenthal 2, but trust us: the entrance is from Piata Mare.QC-2, Str. Samuel
Brukenthal 2, tel. (+4) 0269 20 89 13, Open 09:00 - 20:00, Sat, Sun 10:00
- 18:00.
RUMANIEN INCOMINGQC-2, Str. Arhivelor 2, tel. (+4) 0736 62 62 67/
(+4) 0372 77 37 73, www.rumaenienbesuchen.ro. Open 09:00 - 21:00.

LA PASAJ
Terrific restaurant at the foot of the Pasajul Scarilor, a winner both in winter and
in summer, when it boasts a number of tables out on the street. There will be
something on the menu for everybody, with the big, crispy pizzas worthy of
attention. For dessert theres a cracking tiramisu.QB-1, Str. Turnului 3 A, tel.
(+4) 0369 43 76 87, pasaj@lapasaj.ro, www.lapasaj.ro. Open 10:00 - 24:00,
Sat, Sun 11:00 - 24:00. PVBSW
LA TABLE ROUGE (IBIS SIBIU)
Ibis restaurants are much like Ibis hotels: simple, great value and always much
better than you have a right to expect at these prices. This one is no exception, serving a variety of dishes at cheap-ish prices until late at night. Whats
more, it both looks and feels as much unlike a hotel restaurant as you can get.
An excellent choice when you are Old Towned-out.QB-3, Calea Dumbravii
2-4, tel. (+4) 0269 21 81 00, www.ibishotels.ro. Open 06:30 - 10:00, 12:00
- 16:00, 19:00 - 22:30, Sat, Sun 06:30 - 10:30, 12:00 - 16:00, 19:00 - 22:30.
PLBSW
MARAS STEAK HOUSE
Another Sibiu stalwart, open for at least a decade, this Nicolae Balcescu restaurant serves a decent steak and plenty more besides: such as a very good
attempt at an English breakfast. The surf and turf is not cheap but worth every
penny if you ask us, while at the other end of the price scale the ribs are cheap
and great value.QC-2, Str. Nicolae Balcescu 21, tel. (+4) 0755 04 15 58/(+4)
0744 64 20 26, www.marasibiu.ro. Open 10:00 - 24:00. PVSW
PARDON CAFE & BISTRO
Charming place where you can eat and drink in the shadow of Sibius old city
walls and guard towers. The fact that it is off the main square gives it a certain hidden quality, and a regular crowd of locals make it feel as though you
have stumbled on a fabulous secret hideaway. The various rooms are all quirky
and different, packed with memorabilia from various places, while the food is
good bistro fare, and they serve a great selection of German beers. Good coffee
too.QC-2, Str. Cetatii 14, tel. (+4) 0747 77 72 22, www.pardoncafesibiu.ro.
Open 09:00 - 24:00. PSW
RESTAURANT NEW YORK & ROCK CAFE Top place behind the big hotels on Piata Unirii, a lunchtime favourite of the lawyers who earn a living at
the nearby court. Excellent food (including a great breakfast menu: it is open
early) as well as an upbeat vibe and - as the evening wears on - a crowd that
likes to chat before heading through to the Rock Cafe in the back. They have
occasional live acts here, and at other times show video of memorable rock gigs
from around the world on the big screens. Extra points for a terrace in summer,
and a good alternative to the places on the central squares.QB-3, Str. Justitei
1 A, tel. (+4) 0744 53 61 63, www.restaurant-newyorksibiu.ro. Open 08:00 24:00, Fri 08:00 - 02:00, Sat 09:00 - 02:00, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. PLVSW
RESTAURANT RUBIN
Wow. The restaurant at the Rubin pension is a terrific place that more than
merits the taxi ride from the city centre. Find a menu packed with tasty treats,
from the superb curried chicken to the scaricica (slowly baked, tender pork
ribs). Theres pasta and salad too, as well as brunch at weekends (including an
English breakfast). The setting is superb and at this time of year you should try
and get a table out on the terrace.QPiata Crisan 7C, tel. (+4) 0269 20 76 81,
www.alarubin.ro. Open 07:00 - 23:00. PLVBSW

BARS, PUBS & CLUBS

Sibiu has plenty of options for those who like live music, late nights and
a bit of a party...

BARS, PUBS & CLUBS

CENTRUM BAR
The Centrum is the Ramadas contemporary lobby bar, set in the hotels atrium
around an island bar. Bright and breezy its a cool space that serves as a meeting point for many of Sibius business leaders.QB-3, Str. Emil Cioran 2, tel. (+4)
0269 23 55 05, www.ramadasibiu.ro. Open 07:00 - 24:00. PLBSW
ENGLISH BAR (HILTON SIBIU)
A lot like its famous elder brother at the Hilton in Bucharest, the Sibiu English Bar
is a joy in which to take a drink, be it a coffee, beer or a cocktail. Smart service,
a friendly crowd of regulars and a refinement difficult to find elsewhere make
this almost the perfect drinker. The armchairs are second to none, and almost
comfortable enough to fall asleep in.QPadurea Dumbrava 1, tel. (+4) 0269
50 56 00, www.sibiu.hilton.com. Open 10:00 - 02:00. PLSW
IMPERIUM
Possibly the best decorated cellar in Romania. In an alleyway off Nicolae
Balcescu Imperium is the best place in Sibiu to come for jazz, folk and something just a bit different. There is something going on every night of the week,
even if it is just locals singing karaoke. By day it is a relaxing place to put your
feet up with coffee and a newspaper.QB-2, Str. Nicolae Balcescu 24, tel. (+4)
0762 59 09 56/(+4) 0746 23 41 32, www.imperiumlive.ro. Open 18:00 04:00. PEW
JUST BEER
Just beer indeed. More than 100 kinds of beer from around the world, mainly
the UK, Germany and Belgium, but also a few high-quality if little known American beers. The place itself is nothing to write home about and there
is no terrace - but for those of you who seriously know your beer and want a
quality pint, this is the best bar in Sibiu.QB-2, Str. Bastionului 3, tel. (+4) 0722
68 49 94/(+4) 0745 06 42 31. Open 14:00 - 02:00. Closed Mon, Tue August
closed. NBW
MUSIC PUB
A pub with music, of the live sort. Open all day Music Pub is where you can drink
coffee in the morning before coming back to get very drunk late at night (or do
it the other way around). The venue itself is quite something: it is certainly the
only cellar bar with an enclosed roof terrace weve ever been to (all made possible by clever use of Piata Micas geography). A unique place for a beer.QC-1,
Piata Mica 23, tel. (+4) 0369 44 83 26, www.musicpubsibiu.ro. Open 08:00
- 03:00, Fri 08:00 - 05:00, Sat 10:00 - 05:00, Sun 10:00 - 03:00. PESW

THE GALLERY
Sit by the big windows right on busy Nicolae Balcescu and watch half the city
go by as you dine on some fairly decent food. We ate the beef with mushrooms
and horseradish sauce, and came back the next day for a terrific ciorba de vacuta. Theres another, raised dining section at the back but we prefer the street
view, or the street terrace in summer.QB-2, Str. Nicolae Balcescu 37, tel. (+4)
0729 22 48 09. Open 09:00 - 24:00, Sun 11:00 - 24:00. PVNS
UNION
A bit of everything this place: pizzerie, restaurant, bar and club. The front part
on Piata Mica is like a cafe, while out back the bar is packed almost all day with
a good mix of locals and tourists. The pizza is exceptionally good, and we think
the cartofi taranesti are about the best in the city. The waitresses wear Young
Pioneer scarves. Cute.QC-1, Piata Mica 6, tel. (+4) 0730 51 99 96. Open 09:00
- 02:00. VNSW
VERSAILLES RESTAURANT (HILTON SIBIU)
The Hiltons flagship restaurant, an elegant dining room where the food and
surroundings are in perfect harmony, combining to create perhaps the best
culinary experience in Sibiu. The menu changes regularly, making recommendations pointless, but we can assure you that whatever you order it will present value for money, even if it is a little more expensive than elsewhere in the
city.QPadurea Dumbrava 1, tel. (+4) 0269 50 56 00, www.sibiu.hilton.com.
Open 12:00 - 24:00. PLESW

ITALIAN

GO IN Go In & Find Out, to give this place its full name, and the truth is you
probably will want to go in an find out more after peeking through the windows: it looks very much like the kind of venue you want to spend time in.
Theres pizza, pasta and salad if youre hungry, while theres cocktails a plenty
of you just fancy a drink. Opens early for breakfast too. Note that you can Go In
from the other side, on Piata Huet, too. Cafe stays open until 03:00.QC-1, Piata
Mica 9, tel. (+4) 0745 65 45 76, www.goin-sibiu.ro. Open 09:30 - 24:00, Fri,
Sat, Sun 09:30 - 01:00. VESW

ROMANIAN
BUFNITA Traditional restaurant signalled by a fine brass owl hanging over the
entrance. We like this simple place, not least for its cheap, excellent value food,
which is a mix of all your local favourites, from soups and ciorbe to bean stews
and varza cu costita (cabbage and bacon). Try the traditional Transylvanian
doughnuts for dessert if you have any room left.QC-2, Str. Nicolae Balcescu
45, tel. (+4) 0732 06 60 79. Open 09:00 - 24:00. PVNS
CAMARA BOIERULUI RESTAURANT (HILTON SIBIU)
In the Boyars Pantry (as the name translates) the order of the day is outstanding local food Romanian made with fresh local ingredients. This is perhaps as
un-Hilton as you could imagine a restaurant to be, and the atmosphere is great,
made possible by super staff. Any of the stews will have you cooing in delight.
Live folklore shows every Wednesday.QPadurea Dumbrava 1, tel. (+4) 0269
50 56 00, www.sibiu.hilton.com. Open 12:00 - 24:00. PLS
CASA FRIEDA Great pension and restaurant on Nicolae Balcescu. The setting is simple: wooden benches and tables perfect for big groups, with those
at the front (by the window) perfect for couples who want a view of the
street. The food is good, local fare. We ate the best ciolan with fasole weve
ever had in Sibiu here.QB-2, Str. Nicolae Balcescu 40, tel. (+4) 0269 43 42 53,
www.pensiuneacasafrieda.ro. Open 08:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 09:00 - 24:00.
PLSW

LA TURN
Something of a Sibiu legend, one of the first venues to open on Piata Mare,
long before the square was gentrified. It boasts a long, elegant main dining area, complete with some cracking exposed brickwork. Its mainly Italian
food, and very good Italian at that. A great saltimbocca, big salads and probably the biggest selection of fish and sea food in the city. Big terrace.QC-2,
Piata Mare 1, tel. (+4) 0727 52 88 76, www.laturn.com. Open 11:30 - 24:00.
VEBSW

CASA MEDIEVALA Located quite literally within the old city walls, with
a terrace on the top, this fine Romanian restaurant (with a few pasta dishes
thrown in too) is a great place for well priced, well cooked and served-witha-smile type food. The chicken livers in bacon with brandy sauce were great
value for the money and the kids loved the pancakes. When the terrace is out
of action head inside, and then down to the charismatic old cellar.QStr. Egalitatii 16, tel. (+4) 0269 24 47 73, www.casamedievala.ro. Open 09:00 - 23:00,
Sat, Sun 11:00 - 24:00. PSW

MAX One of Sibius best Italian restaurants is at the bottom of the street that
leads down from Piata Mica towards the lower part of the Old Town. We ate a
magnificent cream of broccolli soup here, after which we devoured a turkey
breast cooked in lemon sauce. There is pizza, salad (you can create your own)
and for dessert the ricotta mousse is a treat. Nice courtyard terrace.QC-1, Str.
Ocnei 22, tel. (+4) 0269 23 30 03, www.max-restaurant.ro. Open 12:00 24:00. VBSW

CASA ROMANA
Terrific family-run restaurant and pension close to Piata Mare. Its classic
Transylvanian home cooking that gets served up here, with some of the dishes
coming in the very pot they were prepared in. Brilliant ciorbas, and most days
they have a top value lunchtime deal going on.QC-1, Str. General Magheru
40, tel. (+4) 0740 61 22 70, www.casaromanasibiu.ro. Open 07:00 - 23:00.
VSW

TRATTORIA CIAO ITALIA

Difficult to fault this place. Smashing interior design and food that is a significant step up from the usual Italian-in-Romania standard. The menu offers a few
treats you are unlikely to find elsewhere (beef with truffle sauce, for example)
as well as staples such as pizza (and the pizza we ate was very, very good)
and a good range of fresh pasta dishes. Prices surprisingly decent. Worth a
visit.QStr. Dr. Ion Ratiu 9, tel. (+4) 0751 28 99 22, www.trattoriaciaoitalia.ro.
Open 12:00 - 24:00. PVBSW

CRAMA SIBIANA
We loved the goulash served in a loaf of bread we ate here, as well as the sausage and beans (carnati cu fasole) we had to follow. If you go, do try the baked
apple and vanilla sauce, which looked fantastic but which we did not have
room for. Theres a wandering band to entertain you, happy-go-lucky staff, and
in a nutshell this is the kind of place you simply cant help having a great time
in.QC-1, Piata Mica 1-3, tel. (+4) 0369 40 53 71/(+4) 0729 61 42 60, www.
cramasibiana.ro. Open 12:00 - 24:00. PSW

BARS, PUBS & CLUBS

DIRECTORY

SUPPORTER SPORT CLUB

A short walk from the Old Town this is Sibius only real sports bar. Expect football, handball and the like on the myriad televisions as you down a decently
priced and poured pint and tuck into food that is seriously rather good and
much better than you would ever expect a sports bar to serve: the mixed grill
is a cracker. Back of the net. QB-3, B-dul Victoriei 26, tel. (+4) 0269 21 80 65,
www.supporter.ro. Open 08:00 - 01:00, Sat, Sun 14:00 - 01:00. PLSW

some excellent productions in foreign languages.QB-3, B-dul Corneliu Coposu 2, tel. (+4) 0269 21 00 92, www.sibfest.ro.

THE BOX
The Box is just the kind of place Sibiu has been waiting for: a cracking cocktail and wine bar with bags of charm. You will find it on the ground floor of
an otherwise non-descript block, but once inside the place gives off a terrific
vibe and totally changes your perspective on the location. Go there and drink
expertly-made cocktails as well as tucking in to some rather superb desserts.
QB-4, Calea Dumbravii 24, tel. (+4) 0748 58 73 73. Open 09:00 - 24:00, Fri
09:00 - 04:00, Sat 12:00 - 04:00, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. PLVSW
URSUS COTTON PUB
Looking a lot like some of Bucharests most celebrated nightlife venues,
it comes as no surprise in fact to discover that the newly renovated and reopened Cotton Pub boasts the same interior designer as Biutiful, Energiea and
the like, and it shows: this is the hottest and most sensational destination to
open in Sibiu this year. Indeed, its worth coming just to take a look at the amazing decor. We should also of course mention that they have a good range of
food and drink at reasonable prices, decent music and a fair selection of live
events.QB-3, Str. Dr. Ion Raiu 9, tel. (+4) 0752 26 88 66, www.cottonpub.ro.
Open 08:00 - 03:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 03:00. PESW
VINTAGE PUB
Not everywhere worth spending time in Sibiu is in the Old Town: this place,
for example. Vintage Pub has been around for a year or so now and has become one of the staple choices for a guaranteed good night out. Like many
of Sibius pubs live music is on offer usually a couple of times a week, the price
of a drink is cheap and the long wooden bar might just be the best in the city.
QB-3, Str. Zaharia Boiu, tel. (+4) 0757 881 881, www.vintagepubsibiu.ro.
Open 20:00 07:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun. Terrace Open 17:00-02:00.
PEBW

DIRECTORY
CAR RENTAL
AVISQSoseaua Alba-Iulia 73 (Sibiu International Airport), tel. (+4) 0729 80
03 93, sibiu@avis.ro, www.avis.ro. Open 10:00 - 19:30.

OLD FRIENDS Not all that easy to find (it is in a cellar on Piata Mica), do not
make the mistake of passing by without popping in. This is a very good pub
and club that also serves some good bar food, and which puts on a decent
range of events, from concerts to themed party nights: there is usually something happening. Prices are OK for the Old Town.QC-1, Piata Mica 13, tel. (+4)
0269 25 25 04, www.oldfriends.ro. Open 09:00 - 24:00. PNW

EUROPCARQSoseaua Alba-Iulia 73 (Sibiu International Airport), tel. (+4)

0730 80 10 60, office@rentacar.ro, www.europcar.ro. Open 09:00 - 22:30
Also at Str. Gheorghe Dima 8.

OLDIES PUB
Both looks and feels like a real pub, with the added bonus of the fact that it
stays open until very late, as in breakfast time the next morning. Puts on loads
of great live concerts with top Romanian rock bands, there is a regular karaoke night each Wednesday (probably the most popular in the city) and you
can almost always guarantee that there will be a good crowd in. Serves both
Guinness and Kilkenny on draught.QC-2, Str. Nicolae Balcescu 13, tel. (+4)
0733 08 71 17/(+4) 0722 63 22 23, www.oldiespubsibiu.ro. Open , Wed, Fri,
Sat 21:00 - 05:00, Thu, Sun 21:00 - 02:00. Closed Mon, Tue. ENW

LEISURE

SIXTQC-2, Str. Telefoanelor 1, tel. (+4) 0755 12 69 88, www.sixt.com. Open

09:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 12:00. Closed Sun.

CINEMA ARTA Sibius only central cinema. Foreign films are shown in the
original language with Romanian subtitles. There are usually three films per
day. Take buses Nos. 1, 12, 13 from Piata Unirii.QB-4, Piata Aurel Vlaicu 1,
www.cinemaartasibiu.ro/.
RADU STANCA STATE THEATRE
Modernist building on the south side of Piata Unirii that occasionally hosts

RESTAURANTS & CAFES

SIBIU PHILHARMONIC (FILARMONICA SIBIU)

Sibius excellent orchestra plays two or three concerts a week in its fine home,
originally built in 1786 but reconstructed three times since. The last renovation
was completed in 2004. The building also stages opera. See the Philharmonics
website for full details of the programme.QC-2, Str. Cetatii 3-5, tel. (+4) 0269
21 02 64/(+4) 0269 20 65 08, www.filarmonicasibiu.ro. Tickets 6-20 lei.
THE GONG THEATRE
Specialises in puppet shows and plays for children.QB-2, Str. Alexandru Odobescu 4, tel. (+4) 0269 21 13 49/(+4) 0269 21 09 06, www.teatrulgong.ro.

SHOPPING
Sibius main promenade of shops is along Strada Nicolae Balcescu, while Shopping City is the towns only real mall. There are plenty of little souvenir shops
around the city, of which the best is perhaps the ASTRA associations craft shop
at the Franz Binder Museum in Piata Mica.
CONSTANTIN NOICA Gorgeous little bookshop of the kind which is fast,
sadly, disappearing. Lots of good coffee table photo books about Sibiu and
the surrounding area.QB-2, Str. Nicolae Balcescu 16, tel. (+4) 0269 21 14 34,
www.humanitas.ro. Open 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 11:00 - 17:00.
EXPRESS YOU Cigars, fine wines, coffee, tea, gifts and a million other ways
to part with your money. Impossible to go in and not find something to buy.
QB-dul Mihai Viteazul 11, www.expressyou.ro. Open 08:00 - 01:00. Closed
Sat, Sun.
PROMENADA MALL/SHOPPING CITY
Sibius only real shopping mall is just outside the city on the road to Ramnicu
Valcea. Take bus No. 15 from the station.QSelimbar, DN1 Km 306, www.
promenadamall.shoppingcitysibiu.ro/en/index.html. Open 10:00 - 22:00.

USEFUL ADDRESSES
CFR TICKET AGENCY A CFR first: friendly staff. The place is also in a gorgeous building, and the full Sibiu train schedule is posted in the window.QB-2,
Str. Nicolae Balcescu 6, tel. (+4) 0269 21 20 85, www.cfr.ro. Open 07:30 19:30. Closed Sat, Sun.
FARMASIB Excellent if old-fashioned chemist on Sibius main pedestrian
street, open until late every day of the week. Staff speak English.QC-2, Str.
Nicolae Balcescu 53, tel. (-4) 0269 21 78 97. Open 07:00 - 22:00, Sat, Sun
08:00 - 22:00.
POSTA ROMANA (POST OFFICE) Note: Sibius main post office is not on
Str. Posta (that would just be too easy).QB-2, Str. Mitropoliei 14, tel. (+4) 0269
21 32 46, www.posta-romana.ro. Open 07:00 - 20:00, Sat 08:00 - 13:00.
Closed Sun.
SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTA SIBIU (SIBIU EMERGENCY HOSPITAL)
The stray dog population of Sibiu is refreshingly low, and the chances of being
bitten by a dog are minimal. This, however, is the hospital to come to if you
are mauled by a rotten mutt, or have any other immediate health issues. Its
efficient, clean and the doctors are multi-lingual.QB-3, Str. Corneliu Coposu
2-4, tel. (+4) 0269 21 50 50, www.scjs.ro. Open 24hrs.

CRAMA SIBIUL VECHI

Famous Romanian restaurant that remains a favourite with local and foreign
tourists alike. They serve easily the best grilled trout in Sibiu, as well as a
few Transylvanian dishes you might not have tried before, such as the thick
chicken noodle soup and the sausage stew that comes served in a clay pot.
There is usually a bit of live music too.QC-2, Str. Papiu Ilarian 3, tel. (+4)
0269 21 04 61, www.sibiulvechi.ro. Open 12:00 - 24:00. PVESW
DELIS
Simple, good old fashioned type restaurant and wine cellar on Piata Mica.
Choose from the wide range of daily specials chalked up on the blackboard.
Usually theres a good stew (tocanita) on offer, as well as a couple of always
very good ciorbas. Decent selection of wines, good service and a bill that
will not be big no matter how much you eat and drink.QC-1, Str. Piata Mica
29, tel. (+4) 0747 39 92 52, www.restaurant-delis.ro. Open 10:00 - 24:00.
LVSW
HANUL DIN TULGHES
At the ASTRA Museum (see Essential Sibiu) this excellent traditional
Romanian restaurant serves a wide range of classic dishes - and pasta and
pizza - at more than reasonable prices. We can recommend the fillet of pork
with horseradish sauce, and although when the weather allows you will
probably want to sit on the big terrace, do go inside and have a look at the
superb tiled sobe (stoves).QMuzeul Satului, Calea Dumbrvii, Poarta 2,
tel. (+4) 0737 73 66 66. Open 10:00 - 24:00. LEBSW
WEIDNER
Classy restaurant at one of the oldest houses on Piata Mare, of which much
is put to use as an elegant hotel. The restaurant serves fine local food, all
made with the best local ingredients. The pork knuckle with cabbage is our
favourite, alongside the very good gula. Nice big terrace on the square during the summer.QC-2, Piata Mare 16, tel. (+4) 0730 09 24 12/(+4) 0730 09
24 13, www.villaweidner.ro. Open 11:00 - 24:00. PESW

STEAK HOUSE
URUGUAY
A good steakhouse on the edge of Piata Mare. The smart service and upmarket interiors underline the quality of the food on offer, which includes
fine steaks from around the world as well as plenty of local game: boar and
venison, for example. Prices good and there is a decent selection of wine,
too.QC-2, Str. Avram Iancu 2, tel. (+4) 0269 44 40 00. Open 11:00 - 23:00.
PSW

WHERE TO STAY
HOTELS
AM RING QC-2, Piata Mare 14, tel. (+4) 0269 20 64 99.
APOLLO HERMANNSTADT QC-1, Str. Nicolae Teclu 14, tel. (+4) 0269
21 24 65.
CASA LUXEMBURG QC-1, Str. Piata Mica 16, tel. (+4) 0269 21 68 54.
CONTINENTAL FORUM SIBIU QB-3, P-ta Unirii 10, tel. (+4) 0372 69 26 92.
GOLDEN TULIP ANA TOWER SIBIU QB-4, Str. Scoala De Inot 2, tel.
(+4) 0269 23 40 00.
HILTON SIBIU QStr. Padurea Dumbrava 1, tel. (+4) 0269 50 56 00.
HOTEL SILVA QB-4, Aleea Mihai Eminescu 1, tel. (+4) 0269 24 39 85.
IBIS SIBIU QB-3, Calea Dumbravii 2-4, tel. (+4) 0269 21 81 00.
IMPARATUL ROMANILOR QC-2, B-dul N. Balcescu 4, tel. (+4) 0269 21
65 00.
LEVOSLAV HOUSE QC-2, Str. General Magheru 12, tel. (+4) 0269 21 61 85.
PARC QB-4, Str. Scoala de Inot 1-3, tel. (+4) 0269 42 35 59.
RAMADA SIBIU QB-3, Str. Emil Cioran 2, tel. (+4) 0269 23 55 05.
SIMBA HOTEL QCalea Dumbravii 12, tel./fax (+4) 0269 21 60 05.
VILA WEIDNER QC-2, Piaa Mare 16, tel. (+4) 0369 45 39 99.
VILLA ASTORIA QC-2, Str. Piaa Mic 31, tel. (+4) 0369 44 69 17.

PENSIONS & HOSTELS

CASA BACIU QC-1, Str. 9 Mai 29, tel. (+4) 0733 97 99 24.
CASA CARDINAL QB-3, Str. Justitiei 9, tel. (+4) 0269 21 48 14.
CASA SIBIANULUI QC-1, Str. 9 Mai 37, tel. (+4) 0269 24 39 29.
DANIEL QB-2, Str. Masarilor 1, tel. (+4) 0269 24 39 24.
ELA QC-1, Str. Noua 43, tel. (+4) 0269 21 51 97.
FELINARUL QC-1, Str. Felinarului 8, tel. (+4) 0749 90 11 71.
OLD TOWN HOSTEL QC-1, Piata Mica 26, tel. (+4) 0269 21 64 45.
PENSIUNEA CARMEN QStr. Podului 79 B, tel. (+4) 0744 57 75 12.
PENSIUNEA CASA FRIEDA QB-2, Str. Nicolae Balcescu 40, tel. (+4)
0755 03 20 59.
PENSIUNEA CASA SALZBURG QC-2, Str. Cetatii 46A, tel. (+4) 0369 45
09 91.
PENSIUNEA CASA VECHE QC-1, Str. Liviu Rebreanu 4, tel. (+4) 0269
21 30 34.
PENSIUNEA FORTUNA QC-4, Str. Al. I. Cuza 22, tel. (+4) 0733 09 05 90.
PENSIUNEA HUET RESIDENCE QC-1, Piata Huet 3, tel. (+4) 0727 99 91 11.
PENSIUNEA LEU QB-2, Str. Mos Ion Roata 6, tel. (+4) 0269 21 83 92.
PENSIUNEA PODUL MINCIUNILOR QC-1, Str. Azilului 1, tel. (+4) 0269
21 72 59.
PENSIUNEA RUBIN QPiata Crisan 7C, tel. (+4) 0269 20 76 81.

SIBIU BY BIKE
Sibiu is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Romania, and its no surprise to see more locals on riding around on bikes here than anywhere
else in the country. For visitors to Sibiu, hiring a bike is one of the best
ways to get around the city and enjoy all it has to offer: you can even ride
out as far as the ASTRA museum, making use of the old, disused tram
line as a makeshift cycle lane. A number of pensions and hotels offer
bike hire, but the two best places to get your hands on two wheels are at
iVelo, the citys own bike-sharing scheme, or at the Casa Luxembourg/
Kultours City Info Point in (B-3) Piata Mica. At IVelo - found at the rear
of the car park in (C-1) Piata Unirii bikes cost 4 lei per hour, or 15 lei for a
full day. The under 16s and over 65s can hire bikes for free (but for a maximum of two hours). You will need ID. More information at ivelo.ro. At
Kultours bikes cost a little more (around 35 lei per day), but are generally
of a far higher standard and more suitable for longer trips.

INTRODUCING SIBIU

ARRIVING & TRANSPORT

inyourpocket.com

Located close to the geographical centre of Romania, on the northern side of

the Carpathians, the city that the Saxons called Hermannstadt and the Hungarians Nagyszeben is today very much a Romanian city, which locals of all ethnic
stripes call Sibiu.
With a population of just over 170,000, Sibiu is not the largest city in Transylvania, but with its international airport, go-ahead mayor and fully renovated
Old Town, Sibiu is now a genuine rival to better-known Brasov and Sighisoara as
Transylvanias finest visitor destination.
Indeed, it is tempting to say that Sibiu is the kind of place every other town
in Romania wants to be: it is certainly the perfect destination for a couple of
days away. There is plenty to see and do (not least now that winter is a thing of
the past and walking around the Old Town doesnt have to involve getting cold
and wet), plenty of great little hotels and pensions, some terrific cafes and more
decent places to eat than anywhere in the country except Bucharest. And all at
prices way below those you would expect to pay in the capital.
In a nutshell, if you only visit one city in Romania, make it Sibiu. If you only visit
two cities in Romania, visit Sibiu twice.
To keep up to date with all thats new at In Your Pocket, like us on Facebook
(facebook.com/inyourpocket) or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/inyourpocket). We also love to hear from our readers: feel free to drop us a line at
sibiu@inyourpocket.com.

ARRIVING & TRANSPORT

By train, Sibiu is 315 kilometres from Bucharest. Somewhat surprisingly, the city
is not served by any InterCity trains, and just two daily InterRegio trains connect
Sibiu with the capital, the quickest of which takes a shocking five hours and 25
minutes. Much quicker is the plane, yet Tarom operates just one flight per day to
and from Bucharest, a one-way ticket costing from 75.

ARRIVING BY TRAIN
Sibius railway station (D-1) is not half as bad as many others in the country. In
the main hall you will find an ATM, a Relay press store, and helpful staff at the
ticket office. There is even a chemist. There is a 24 hour left luggage deposit
(5.90 lei per bag per day). Outside taxis and buses await, although unless you
are heading for the airport or the citys outskirts, it is unlikely you will need any
transport at all. You can walk into the Old Town in less than ten minutes by following Strada Magheru (directly in front of you as you exit). The street leads
directly into Piata Mare. Bus No. 5 runs from the station to Piata Unirii. Tickets
(1.50 lei) from the automated machine by the stop.

ARRIVING BY PLANE
Sibius airport is very close to the city centre, closer than in any other Romanian
city. Bus No. 11 (which runs until around 23:15) will get you to the city centre
(Piata Unirii) in about 15 minutes. Tickets cost 1.50 lei and can be bought from

SIBIU TRAIN SCHEDULE

From SIBIU
Dep.

Arr.

06:05

09:07

10:54

14:07

15:01

To SIBIU
Dep.

Arr.

BRASOV

06:00

08:36

BRASOV

13:00

15:38

17:40

BRASOV

16:00

19:34

06:05

11:57

BUCHAREST

10:00

15:38

15:01

20:40

BUCHAREST

15:30

21:23

12:04

14:42

SIGHISOARA

15:00

18:09

Verified 20.06.2014. The full Romanian railway schedule is online at:

cfrcalatori.ro.

SIBIU SIGHTSEEING

the kiosk or vending machine next to the stop. A taxi should cost no more than
25 lei. Make sure you pick a taxi with the number 942 or 953 on the side.

ESSENTIAL SIBIU

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN SIBIU

ASTRA TRADITIONAL FOLK CIVILISATION MUSEUM (MUZEUL

CIVILIZATIEI POPULARE TRADITIONALE ASTRA)
An absolute must. Far more than just a village museum, the ASTRA is a place
that seeks to preserve centuries-old traditions and educate people in them. In
that regard it is a genuine Skansen, much like the famed Stockholm original.
Beautifully set over 96 acres around a huge lake four kms along the Rasinari
road (take bus N13 from the railway station) the main part of the ASTRA Museum is home to almost 340 houses, churches, water mills (even floating ones!),
windmills, stables and workshops designed to show off the technological skills
of the Romanian peasant. Most of the exhibits can be entered and explored
(providing hours of marvellous fun for children of all ages). You can also (in
good weather) hire rowing boats on the lake, and, depending on numbers,
pony trek around the museum (ask at the ticket office if there will be any trekking that day). There are regular festivals of Romanian folklore, as well as demonstrations of craftsmanship, animal husbandry, cooking and such like. Simply
walking around the place is a pleasure, and there are three restaurants - one a
traditional Romanian crciuma - as well as refreshment kiosks. Whatever time
of year you come, allow yourself the luxury of a full day to enjoy it all.QStr.
Padurea Dumbrava 16-20, tel. (+4) 0269 20 24 50/(+4) 0269 25 29 99, www.
mcpt.muzeulastra.ro. Open 10.00-18.00. Admission 15 lei adults, 3.50 lei
children, students.

If you arrive by train and keep to the main tourist area of Sibiu (Old Town, Strada
Nicolae Balcescu and Piata Unirii), it is unlikely that you will ever need to use the
citys public transport system. The only bus routes of any interest are the Nos. 5 which links the Gara (station) with Piata Unirii; 11 - Piata Unirii to the airport and
13 - Gara to Muzeul Satului (ASTRA Village Museum). Of note too is the No. 22,
which serves Paltinis from the station. Tickets (1.50 lei) for Sibius buses must be
bought from a kiosk or vending machine before boarding, and stamped in the
little machines once on board. For the bus to Paltinis a special ticket costing 16
lei (return) is needed. There is a fine of 50 lei if you are caught with no ticket. Taxis
are cheap in Sibiu and perhaps better than buses for longer distances. Just make
sure you take a taxi belonging to a trusted taxi company, with the numbers 942
or 953 on the side. To call a taxi, dial (0269) 942 or (0269) 953.
Sibiu In Your Pocket
IYP Romania Srl
Str. Stefan Burileanu 1-3
Bl. 21E, Sc. 1, Ap. 8,
Bucuresti 014191, Romania
Tel. (+4) 021 321 44 18
sibiu@inyourpocket.com

E S S E N TI A L
C I TY G U I D E S

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a member of the
Romanian Audit
Bureau of Circulation (BRAT).

Project Manager Remus Mesar Editor Craig Turp

Cover photo by and Marius Godoi at Dreamstime. All over photography
by and Craig Turp unless otherwise stated.

Copyright notice
Text, photos and maps IYP Romania Srl 1999-2014 unless otherwise
stated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
in any form, except brief extracts for the purpose of its review, without
written permission from the copyright owner. The trademark In Your Pocket
is used under license from UAB In Your Pocket (Bernadinu g. 9-4, Vilnius,
Lithuania tel. (+370-5) 212 29 76).

The sights that you really cant leave Sibiu without seeing...

BRUKENTHAL MUSEUM An outstanding museum based around the collection of Samuel von Brukenthal, an 18th century governor of Sibiu who
sponsored major cultural projects in an effort to make Sibiu a centre of intellectualism. (His legacy includes both a school (on Piata Huet) and the museum
that carries his name). Built between 1778 and 1788 as a (large) private home,
the modern day museum is home to over 1000 works of art by artists as diverse
as Van Mieris, Carriera, da Cadore, Raoux and Titian, and often includes modern
works commissioned from local artists especially for the museum. Titians Ecce
Homo is a pure delight and probably the highlight of a visit here. Other exhibitions not to be missed include the Transylvanian sculptures in stone, print
works, stamps and the Gothic exhibition: the latter is the first permanent exhibition to explore the roots of the phenomenon in the visual arts of the late 18th
and 19th centuries, emphasizing literary sources and the historical context of
the Neo-Gothic reaction to the enlightenment. On the second floor of the museum you will find the entrance to the separate Romanian Art Gallery, a fantastic collection of paintings featuring all of the greatest ever Romanian painters,
including Misu Popp, Theodor Aman, Nicolae Tonitza and Nicolae Grigorescu.
To be honest, there is not a duff collection in the entire building, and you really
should allow yourself enough time to see it all.QC-2, Piata Mare 4-5, tel. (+4)
0269 21 76 91/(+4) 0369 10 17 80, www.brukenthalmuseum.ro. Open 10:00
- 18:00. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission 12 lei, children 3 lei for The
Romanian Art Gallery. You can also buy a ticket valid for all sections of the
Brukenthal Museum (45 lei, children 11.25 lei).
CATHOLIC CHURCH (BISERICA PAROHIALA ROMANO-CATOLICA
SF. TREIME) Piata Mares elegant baroque Catholic church was opened in
1733, although the tower was not completed until a decade later. Its worth
taking a look inside to admire the magnificent Viennese organ, installed in the
1860s.QC-2, Piata Mare 3.

SIBIU SIGHTSEEING
climb. Although the interior is somewhat modest (especially when compared
with the Orthodox Cathedral down the road) there are a number of fine frescoes to admire, the finest of which is the enormous Rastignirea (The Crucifixion), painted by Johannes of Rosenau in 1445 and entirely restored in 1989-90.
The churchs treasury is said to be one of the most valuable in Europe. The organ, installed in 1914, is the largest in the country. Alas, you will have to admire
it from the exterior until later in the year, as it is currently being renovated.QC1, Piata Huet, tel. (+4) 0269 21 12 03. Both the church tower and interior are
currently being renovated and will be closed to visitors until later in 2014.
HISTORY MUSEUM (MUZEUL DE ISTORIE CASA ALTEMBERGER)
Officially part of the Brukenthal Museum, Sibius History Museum is found in the
Casa Altemberger, opposite the Evangelical Church; For more than 400 years
(until 1948) this was Sibius Town Hall. The building hosts a number of exhibitions spread over three floors, from the lapidarium in the basement (featuring
pieces from the Roman period) to the collection of coins in the tower. Particularly good is the exhibition devoted to the Romanian National Movement
of the 19th century, which campaigned tirelessly to encourage and develop a
Romanian national consciousness amongst Romanians living in the Hapsburg
Empire. Not be missed either is the collection of glass ornaments either made
or found in the Sibiu region. Many come from the famous glass works at Porumbacu de Sus, a short distance east of Sibiu.QB-2, Str. Mitropoliei 2, tel.
(+4) 0269 21 81 43, www.brukenthalmuseum.ro/istorie/index.html. Open
10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 20 lei, children 5 lei. You can
also buy a ticket valid for all sections of the Brukenthal Museum (45 lei,
children 11.25 lei).
ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL (CATEDRALA ORTODOXA)
Built between 1902 and 1906, Sibius enormous Orthodox Cathedral was,
surprisingly, designed by two Budapest-based Hungarian architects, Virgil
Nagy and Iosif Kamner. The ornate exterior (two colours of pressed stone set
in horizontal stripes) is complemented by a wonderful interior, centered on a
huge dome holding mosaics painted in Munich and a gargantuan golden altar.
Later additions include paintings from the 1950s by Ioan Kber and Anastase
Demian, including the impressive frescoes at the altar.QB-2, Str. Mitropoliei
33-35, tel. (+4) 0269 21 15 84.

Heading for Bucharest?

Make sure you pick up a copy of
Bucharest In Your Pocket

PIATA HUET
Today a little overlooked, Piata Huet is in fact where Sibiu began: this was the
first part of the town to be fortified, in the 12th century. Lacking the picture
postcard, brightly painted houses of its neighbours, Piata Huet is dominated
by an enormous Evangelical Church and its imposing tower. Unusually, the
tower (1496) was completed before the rest of the church (1520).
The Brukenthal School borders one side, while between the school and
the church stands a statue of Georg Teutsch, Archbishop of the Evangelical
Church of Transylvania for much of the 1860s and 70s. Behind the church runs
the Pasajul Scarilor, probably the most photographed sight in Sibiu, built in
the 18th century to link the Upper Town with the Lower.
Take a look too at the Turnul Scarii (Tower of Steps), a far steeper route
down to the lower town. The tower (and the portion of wall which runs alongside) is the only surviving part of Sibius original 13th century fortifications. At
the bottom, built into the towers base, the Butoiul de Aur is the citys oldest
hostelry.QC-1.

EVANGELICAL CHURCH (BISERICA EVANGHELICA SF. MARIA)

Piata Huets defining landmark is this enormous, starkly Gothic church, built in
various stages from 1350, and only finally completed in 1520. Its tower is just
over 73 metres high, and the view from the top is well worth the long, steep

PIATA MARE
Few Old Town squares in Europe - let alone Romania - have been given the
love, care and cold hard cash that Sibius Piata Mare has benefited from over
the past few years. Always a handsome square famed for its imposing tower
and wonderful old houses, every building in the square is a protected, historic
monument.

SIBIU SIGHTSEEING

SIBIU SIGHTSEEING

A walk around the square should probably begin at its - and old Sibius
- dominating feature: the Turnul Sfatului, or Council Tower. The symbol of
the city, the tower was built during the late 13th century (no two historians
agree on one set of exact dates) to protect an entrance to the building next
door, which until the late 1490s was Sibius Town Hall. The tower is open to
visitors (10:00-20:00), and you can climb its steep steps to admire both the view
of the city from the top, as well as the inner workings of the towers clock on
the way back down. The bright yellow house next door, which possesses the
enviable address of Piata Mare 1, dates from around 1650 and today hosts the
La Turn restaurant, something of a Sibiu legend. In front of the building is a
statue of Gheorghe Lazar, the son of peasants from nearby Avrig who was
adopted by Samuel Brukenthal and who would go on in later life to found the
first Romanian-language school in Bucharest. The fine green building behind
Lazar is one of the squares later constructions, a teaching and boarding house
for would-be Roman-Catholic priests. It was built in the 1720s on the site of
what had been the towns tanners workshop.
Piata Mares elegant baroque Catholic church was opened in 1733, although the tower was not completed until a decade later. Its worth taking a
look inside to admire the magnificent Viennese organ, installed in the 1860s.
The newest building in Piata Mare is the former bank that today plays host
to the Town Hall. It was built in an eclectic, highly decorative style in 1900 and
the citys main Tourist Information Centre can be found on the ground floor.
The Brukenthal Palace, today the Brukenthal Museum, was built in the
late 1700s, a century after the blue house next door (a house which is known,
unsurprisingly as the Casa Albastra: Blue House). It too hosts part of the Brukenthal collection and forms part of the museum. A run of smaller houses from
the 19th century (one of which contains the best ice cream parlour in Sibiu)
completes the western side of the square.
Having been the home for more than a century (until 1904) to the High
Command of Hapsburg forces in Romania, its no surprise that the splendid
house on the next corner of Piata Mare is known as the Casa Generalilor (The
Generals House). The house was built in the 15th century, the passageway in
the middle (which leads through to Strada Arhivelor - which is itself worth a
quick look) being added later. For many people, the charming Casa Hecht
next door (first built in the 1450s but given a neo-renaissance makeover many
centuries later) is their favourite on the square. We will let you make your own
mind up. The Casa Haller two houses along (with the lovely Haller Cafe on the
ground floor) is named for its one-time owner, Petrus Haller, a Hungarian businessman who made his money from mining and construction the these parts.
Note how its Romanesque portal is somewhat oversized, as if it really wants
to be part of the big neo-classical house at the end of the terrace: a church
property from 1802 known as the Casa Filek.
Opposite, the Casa Lutsch is the only other house on Piata Mare to boast
a balcony, while - after walking past a couple of cafes, you will come to the last
great house on the square, the Casa Weidner, built in the 1570s and today one
of the most elegant hotels in Sibiu.QC-2.

their loggias, a stark contrast to the straight lines of Piata Mare. The most attractive is the house at No. 26, built in 1568 and shortly afterwards opened as
the citys first chemists shop. It is today home to a hostel and to the unique and
surprisingly interesting History of Pharmacy Museum (see Sibius Museums).
The bright, salmon-coloured and somewhat haphazard house at the end of
the row (home to a great cafe and bar) hides behind it the Pasajul Aurarilor
(Goldsmiths Passage), a narrow set of stairs that lead down to Piata Aurarilor in
the lower town. From here head for the wonderful Casa Artelor, one of the oldest in Sibiu (it is first mentioned in documents from 1320, as a butchers). Its sublime loggia is topped by a relief of Sibius seal, added in 1789. The house is today
the Astra Traditional Folk Civilisation Museum (see Sibius Museums).
Crossing the Podul Minciunilor (on which everyone appears to stop halfway for a photo) you reach the other side of the square, a long row of houses
that curves around leading back to the Town Hall. The house on the corner, the
16th century Casa Luxembourg, is one of Sibius finest, having only recently
been renovated and opened as a hotel. The Atrium Cafe on the ground floor
hosts regular live concerts and plays. Look out next for the five tiny windows
(so thin they look like pillboxes) embedded in the roof of the orange house at
No. 12. There is a very good Tourist Information Office on the ground floor,
while a pub operates in the basement. The Franz Binder Museum (see Sibius
Museums) occupies No. 11, known as the Casa Hermes.
The house is also the headquarters of the Astra organisation, which operates the museum, as well as the Astra Village Museum complex and a couple of
others in Sibiu. The building, constructed from 1865-7 is something of an oddity on Piata Mica, its linearity and lack of loggia making it stick out like a sore
thumb. From here, four cafes and restaurants all in a row occupy 16th century
houses, which lead to the Town Hall. Turn right and in a few steps you will be in
the third of Sibius Old Town Squares, Piata Huet.QC-1.

N 10 - July - October 2014

Mini-Guide

Sibiu
Restaurants Cafes Bars Sights Hotels Maps
Arhivelor C-2
Avram Iancu C-1
Azilului C-1
Baratiu B-2
Berariei C-3
Brukenthal B/C-2
Cetatii C-2
Constitutiei D-1

Emil Cioran B-3

Felinarului C-1
Filarmonicii C-2
Funarilor C/D-1
Gheorghe Lazar C-2
Gheorghe Magheru C/D-1/2
Grivitei B-1
Independentei C-2

Ioan Lupas B-2

Lucian Blaga C-2/3
Mitropoliei B-2
Mos Ioan Roata
B-1
Nicolae Balcescu B/C-2
Odobescu B-2
Piata Huet B/C-1
Piata Mare C-2

Piata Mica C-1

Piata Schiller C-2
Piata Unirii B-3
Selarilor C-1/2
Telefoanelor C-2
Tribunei B-2
Victoriei A/B-3/4
Xenopol B-2

PIATA MICA
Walking through the passage underneath Turnul Sfatului, you will come to
Piata Mica (The Small Square) which you will notice immediately is anything
but small, and is not exactly square either. It is delightful though: much quieter,
shadier and simply more peaceful than its busy neighbour. Its home to some
great cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as museums and historic houses. In
the middle of the square is Strada Ocnei, the main street to the lower town,
which passes under the wrought iron Podul Minciunilor (Liars Bridge), so
called because of the neer-do-wells and cheating merchants who would, legend has it, gather on it.
To make sure you do not miss anything, take a stroll around the square in
an anti-clockwise direction starting at the tower. The first building (the yellow
one) is the Old Town Hall, followed by a number of small, mainly 17th century
houses, many of which now host restaurants and cafes. All are remarkable for

REFORMED CHURCH (BISERICA REFORMATA (CALVINA))

The slimline Reformed Church provides a stark contrast to the far more elaborate Orthodox Cathedral just up the road. Built from 1783-6, its elegant facade
hides a sober interior, brightened up by little more than the fine organ. The
churchs tower (cross the street for a better look) is a wonderful example of
baroque design.QB-2, Str. Mitropoliei 9.
STRADA CETATII The best preserved portion of Sibius medieval defences is
to be found along Strada Cetatii, where three towers and a long stretch of wall
have survived the centuries in fine shape. The three towers are named for the
three guilds whose task it was to defend them: Turnul Archebuzierilor (Archers Tower), Turnul Olarilor (Potters Tower) and Turnul Dulgherilor (Carpenters Tower). The area alongside the wall has been turned into a pleasant
park and is perfect for a morning walk. Just past the final tower is the home of
the Sibiu Philharmonic, while just past that is the Natural History Museum
(see Sibiu Museums).QC-2.
SYNAGOGUE (SINAGOGA)
Sibius Synagogue (built from 1898-9) has apparently not been used as a place
of worship for a number of years, given the citys tiny Jewish population, who
instead meet for prayer in a smaller building. Sibiu currently has no Rabbi. The
Synagogue remains open for visitors however, although you need to ask at the
office (behind the Synagogue) for somebody to open up for you.QD-1, Str.
Constituiei 19, tel. (+4) 0269 21 69 04. Open 09:00-12:00. Admission 3 lei.
TURNUL SFATULUI
The symbol of the city, the tower was built during the late 13th century (no two
historians agree on one set of exact dates) to protect an entrance the building
next door, which until the last 1490s was Sibius Town Hall. The tower is open to
visitors (10:00-20:00), and you can climb its steep steps to admire both the view
of the city from the top, as well as the inner workings of the towers clock on
the way back down.QC-1, Piata Mica 1. Open 10:00 - 20:00. Admission 2 lei.

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