🏰 SIBIU, ROMANIA – The Ultimate Local's Guide for US Travelers
Bună ziua, prieteni! I'm your Sibiu guide, here to show you why our Transylvanian gem is Europe's best-kept secret. As a US traveler, you'll love how fairytale-charming, affordable, and packed with Saxon heritage Sibiu is – where medieval towers watch over cobbled squares, and dinner with wine costs less than $20. Let's explore like a true sibian!
📅 3-Day Sibiu Itinerary (Like a Local)
🌞 DAY 1: Medieval Magic & Must-Try Foods
☕ Morning – Romanian Breakfast
Local Tip: Order "O cafea, vă rog" (Oh kah-feah, vuh rohg) for coffee
🏰 Midday – Old Town Exploration
Piața Mare (Big Square) – Spot the "Eyes of Sibiu" on rooftops
Council Tower – Climb for panoramic views (€2)
Bridge of Lies – Legend says it cracks when you lie on it!
🍽️ Afternoon – Saxon Flavors
Crama Sibiul Vechi – Cellar restaurant with ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup)
Local Secret: Ask for "mămăligă cu brânză" (polenta with cheese)
🎶 Night – Jazz & Wine
Imperium Pub – Cozy spot with live jazz
Vinul de Vie – Wine bar with local Fetească Neagră reds
🌲 DAY 2: Countryside & Crafts
🚗 Morning – Village Life
ASTRA Museum – Open-air folk village (€6, rent a bike to explore)
Local Transport: Take bus #13 from Piața Unirii
🧀 Afternoon – Cheese & History
Sibiu Farmers' Market – Sample telemea (sheep cheese)
Brukenthal Palace – Stunning art museum (€5)
🍻 Evening – Craft Beer & Ghosts
Sibiul Vechi Brewery – Try their honey beer
Haunted House Tour – Spooky Saxon legends (ask at the Tourist Info)
🎭 DAY 3: Hidden Gems & Farewell Feast
🛍️ Morning – Local Shopping
Ceramică Hora – Hand-painted pottery
Chocolate de Sibiu – Award-winning chocolates
🍷 Afternoon – Wine Tasting
Vinarte – Sample Transylvanian wines (€15 tasting)
🎉 Night – Fine Dining
Benjamin Steakhouse – Best mici (grilled sausages) in town
Local Secret: End with papanși (cheese donuts with sour cream)
🍴 MUST-TRY ROMANIAN FOODS
Sarmale – Cabbage rolls (holiday favorite)
Ciorbă de fasole – Bean soup in bread bowl
Zacuscă – Roasted veg spread (great souvenir!)
🍷 Drink This:
Țuică (Plum brandy – say "Noroc!" before drinking)
Fanta Shokata – Elderflower soda
🎉 FESTIVALS TO PLAN FOR
July: Sibiu International Theatre Festival
December: Christmas Market (Voted Europe's best!)
⚠️ LOCAL TIPS FOR US TRAVELERS
✅ Safety: Extremely safe – just watch for uneven stairs
🚶 Transport: Everything is walkable
💵 Money: Cards work but carry 50 lei ($10) for markets
🌟 FINAL LOCAL'S ADVICE
"Sibiu is where Dracula meets Disney – all charm, no vampires! Eat where locals queue, learn to say 'Mulțumesc' (Mool-tzoo-mesk = Thank you), and never refuse homemade țuică. La revedere!" – Cheap Trips Guide
Need a fortified church tour or bear-watching trip? Just ask! 🐻
🗣️ ESSENTIAL ROMANIAN PHRASES
Bună ziua (Boo-nah zee-wah) = Hello
Cât costă? (Kut koh-stuh) = How much?
O bere, vă rog (Oh beh-reh, vuh rohg) = A beer, please
Unde e toaleta? (Oon-deh yeh twah-leh-ta) = Where's the bathroom?
Want a custom itinerary for Halloween or winter visits? Just ask! 🎃❄️
