Sibiu and Sighisoara are two of Transylvania’s most majestic medieval cities. In fact, they are two of the original seven fortified cities inhabited by Hungarian Kings during the Middle Ages.
Once occupied by Transylvanian Saxons (Germans), Sibiu and Sighisoara still retain that distinct Germanic feel within their medieval old towns. Their allure has led to plenty of high praise from travelers, leading many to wonder which is better to visit.
I spent two days in Sibiu and a half-day in Sighisoara, and both are worth visiting if you have the time. However, if you’re wondering which to dedicate more of your time to, or you only have room on your Transylvania itinerary for one or the other, it can be stressful trying to make a decision.
Continue reading for a full Sibiu vs. Sighisoara breakdown.
What Is Sibiu Like?
Centuries ago, Sibiu was the capital of Transylvania and the cultural center of the region.
Today, Sibiu is a medium-sized city home to about 130,000 residents. The city has earned honors such as being dubbed one of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Europe by Forbes and named a European Capital of Culture in 2007.
The city is just north of the towering Southern Carpathian mountain range. While not in the mountains, Sibiu is close enough to make for easy day trips to beautiful places like the Transalpina and famous Transfagarasan Road.
Unsurprisingly, the historic Sibiu Old Town is where visitors congregate.
I saw some stunning old towns throughout my two-week trip to Romania, including places like Brasov and Timisoara. Sibiu might’ve been my favorite of them all.
Piata Mare (“Big Square”) and Piata Mica (“Small Square”) are the gathering points, with Strada Nicolae Balcescu serving as the primary pedestrian drag.
However, I loved that Sibiu felt like a really pleasant city overall. The bright spots weren’t restricted to a small area. The historic center is quite big and beautiful, but some residential neighborhoods of Sibiu were really nice to explore as well. It by no means is meant to solely cater to tourists. Rather, Sibiu felt like the most livable city in Romania, one that seamlessly blends touristic appeal with local charm.
Locals in Sibiu are very friendly as well (I even got a haircut there and had a nice chat with the barber).
Best Things to See and Do in Sibiu
Some of the best things to see in Sibiu include:
- Muzeul Astra: The largest open-air museum in Europe and one of the best ethnomuseums you’ll find.
- Sibiu Evangelical Cathedral (Saint Mary’s): A massive Gothic-style cathedral constructed in the 14th century. Climb to the top for unbeatable views of Sibiu and the mountains in the distance.
- Piata Mare and Piata Mica: The two squares of the historical center of Sibiu, always bustling with activity.
- Council Tower: The landmark of Piata Mare, built in the 12th century and open for visitors to ascend.
- Bridge of Lies: The first cast-iron bridge in Romania – legend has it that if you speak a lie on the bridge, it will collapse.
- Holy Trinity Cathedral: A towering Byzantine Basilica that’s particularly stunning at night.
- The Eyes of Sibiu: Attic dormers on buildings in Old Town Sibiu resemble human eyelids, a signature feature of the city.
- Sub Arini Park: A huge park on the south side of Sibiu with walking, running, and biking trails.
What Is Sighisoara Like?
Like Sibiu, Sighisoara boasts a UNESCO World Heritage site as a town center. Back when the region was occupied by Transylvanian Saxons, it served as an important commercial and trading center for both local villagers and those across this part of Europe.
The elevated old town has been incredibly well-preserved. The famous Clock Tower is the landmark of the city, with Piata Cetatii (Old Square) being the hub of activity. Webbing off from the square are cobblestone streets paralleled by colorful row houses. Boutique arts and crafts shops, cafes, and souvenir stores are lined around the square and along the main Strada Scolii.
With that said, don’t venture to Sighisoara expecting the same type of vibe as Sibiu.
While both have beautiful old towns, Sighisoara hardly qualifies as a city. Home to about 20,000 residents, the city’s main industry is tourism. The famous elevated citadel isn’t as blended with the rest of Sighisoara as the residential and business districts of Sibiu are with its old town.
Rather, since Sighisoara is so compact, it makes for a perfect day trip from Sibiu. All of the sights worth exploring are within a very short walking distance. The town center only encompasses several blocks worth of streets.
Sighisoara also felt much more catered to tourists than Sibiu.
Perhaps this is due to the Dracula lore. The town is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the fictional character Dracula. Plenty of people venture to Sighisoara to see the Dracula House (which isn’t worth visiting unless you’re into the story behind it).
Best Things to See and Do in Sighisoara
Some of the best things to see and do in Sighisoara include:
- The Clock Tower: The main landmark and entry point of the Citadel, constructed in the 14th century
- Piata Cetatii: The historical main town square, surrounded by colorful medieval buildings and boutique shops.
- The Covered Stairwell: A set of 174 covered stairs that takes visitors to the highest point of the city. It was originally built to allow families to reach the church and school more easily in wintertime.
- Church on the Hill: The massive 15th-century church at the top of the stairwell – the 3rd-largest Church in Romania.
- Teo’s Cellar: A secret 500-year-old wine and liquor cellar that doubles as a guesthouse.
- History Museum of Sighisoara: A sensible first stop if you want to gain some valuable insight and context for the places you’ll see in the city.
- Vlad Dracula House: The birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the character who inspired Dracula.
Differences Between Sibiu vs. Sighisoara
Below is a quick breakdown into the differences between Sibiu and Sighisoara if you’re deciding which spot to prioritize your time.
| Sibiu | Sighisoara | |
| Size and Feel | Medium-sized, lived-in city with local life beyond tourism | Small, storybook town centered around its Citadel |
| Atmosphere | Cultural, relaxed, and authentic | Compact, charming, and tourist-oriented |
| Main Highlights | Piata Mare & Piata Mica, Council Tower, Muzeul Astra | Clock Tower, Piata Cetatii, Church on the Hill |
| Old Town | Large and integrated with the rest of the city | Tiny, elevated Citadel area |
| Best for | Longer stays and exploring beyond the old town | A short visit or day trip full of medieval charm |
| Overall Impression | Balanced mix of local life and tourism; feels livable | Beautiful but more like a preserved attraction |
Which City Is Better to Visit: Sibiu or Sighisoara?
There’s no clear winner between Sibiu and Sighisoara.
However, the cities are quite different. Sighisoara feels more like a town, with very little going on outside of the small Citadel area. Sibiu, meanwhile, feels like an actual city, with solid dining options, nice residential neighborhoods, and enough people to go around and places to see to keep the city alive into the late-night hours.
My personal preference was Sibiu. I’m a sucker for medium-sized cities, and Sibiu fit the bill. It felt like the most well-rounded city in Romania, somewhere I could genuinely see myself living.
There’s enough to see and do in Sibiu to warrant a multi-night stay, whereas Sighisoara is more of a day trip from Brasov or Sibiu. And while the Sighisoara Citadel was undoubtedly beautiful, it felt much more catered to tourists than Sibiu.
Related: How to Get From Brasov to Sighisoara
Other Places Worth Visiting in Transylvania
Sibiu and Sighisoara are two of several places I visited during my Transylvania road trip.
Here are some more spots to hit during your time in this beautiful region:
- Transfagarasan Road: The most famous and scenic mountain pass in this part of the world.
- Transalpina Road: A lesser known, but arguably equally stunning mountain road.
- Transylvania’s Saxon Villages: Small, fortified villages dotted throughout the countryside.
- Viscri: The most charming of Transylvania’s fortified villages.
- Brasov: An undeniably attractive city with a postcard-worthy medieval old town nestled in the mountains.
- Cluj: The largest city in Transylvania and the best nightlife in Romania outside of Bucharest.
- Turda Salt Mine: One of the deepest mines in Europe, with several floors to explore (including an underground theme park).
