Brasov and Sibiu are two of my favorite cities in all of Europe, let alone Romania.
These two Transylvanian cities have held onto their medieval charm without becoming completely overrun with tourists. They’re affordable, incredibly scenic, and full of history. Set right at the base of the Carpathian Mountains, Sibiu and Brasov are also convenient to some world-class hiking and biking trails.
But if you’re visiting Romania on a tighter schedule, you have to pick one or the other to dedicate time. Or maybe you base yourself in one city and squeeze the other into a day trip.
I spent four days in Brasov and two days in Sibiu, and after spending time in both, here’s how I’d describe each and who I think each city is best for.
What Is Brasov Like?
I don’t have any numbers to prove this, but Brasov feels like Romania’s most beloved destination outside of Bucharest.
It’s a medium-sized city tucked into the Carpathian foothills with one of the prettiest old towns I’ve seen anywhere. The setting is a huge part of the appeal. You’ve got colorful medieval buildings, church spires, and all of it sitting beneath Mount Tampa.
Brasov’s history goes back to the early 1200s when Saxon settlers established the city as an important trading center in Transylvania. Because of its location between Central Europe and the Ottoman world, Brasov became wealthy and strategically important. You can still see that history everywhere. Thousand-year-old defensive walls, towers, narrow passageways, and Gothic architecture have all survived surprisingly well.
The city also feels more active than you’d expect for somewhere so historic. Since it’s nestled right in the mountains, you can spend the morning walking cobblestone streets and the afternoon hiking straight into the mountains. I like to call it a mix of Jackson, Wyoming, and Prague, Czechia.
Nightlife isn’t a huge selling point of Brasov, but there are enough bars, pubs, and a couple of late-night spots to keep things lively after dark. Overall, Brasov has energy without feeling chaotic.
Best Things to Do and See in Brasov
- Walk around Council Square and the old town.
This is the heart of Brasov and where I naturally ended up multiple times per day. The square is lined with colorful historic buildings and there’s always some kind of atmosphere without it feeling overwhelming. - Visit the Black Church.
The 14th-century Black Church is Brasov’s most recognizable landmark. The enormous church gives you a good sense of how important Brasov once was as a medieval trading city and is available to enter and explore freely. - Hike Mount Tampa.
One of my favorite things about Brasov is that nature starts immediately outside the historic center. The hike up Mount Tampa isn’t terribly difficult and it’s a great way to get a morning sweat in before a long day of exploring. - Walk up to White Tower (Turnul Alb) and Black Tower (Turnul Negru)
These old defensive structures overlook the city and give the best perspective of Brasov, with the postcard Mount Tampa backdrop. - Take a trip to Poiana Brasov.
If you want more time outdoors, Poiana Brasov is close enough to make it effortless. In winter it becomes one of Romania’s main ski areas, but there’s plenty to do year-round. - Spend an evening on Strada Republicii.
This pedestrian street has restaurants, wine bars, and enough movement that it becomes one of the best places to just slow down and people-watch.
Who Does Brasov Cater To?
Brasov is the easy recommendation for people who want a bit of everything. If your ideal trip mixes city wandering medieval streets with hiking, day trips, and an underrated food and coffee scene, Brasov might win.
It’s also the better pick if you only want one base in central Romania because there’s simply more variety nearby.
How Many Days Do You Need in Brasov?
I’d recommend three days or nights in Brasov.
You can cover the highlights in one full day, but I think that misses the point a little. Brasov is the type of city that deserves slower mornings and time to leave the center. Two days lets you see everything without being in a hurry. Three days allows you to really soak in the city and perhaps take a half-day or full-day trip from Brasov to somewhere like Bran Castle, Sinaia, Rasnov, or a nearby mountain hike. Four or more days can still be worthwhile if you want to use Brasov as a base for my day trips to places like Sighisoara and Viscri in the Transylvanian country.
What Is Sibiu Like?
Sibiu is a smaller city, with a population is about half of Brasov’s. However, I honestly don’t think the experience feels smaller in the ways that matter.
Its historic center impressed me just as much. Without the mountain backdrop, Sibiu leans more heavily into atmosphere and architecture. Unique features like The Eyes of Sibiu and Bridge of Lies were memorable. Saint Mary’s Cathedral and some of the other Gothic buildings in Sibiu were jaw-dropping. We had a dinner at SPIC Paste de Vin underneath Saint Mary’s and it was probably the most beautiful dinner setting of my life.
Sibiu has a deeper German influence than most places in the country. It was settled by Transylvanian Saxons in the 12th century and grew into one of the region’s most important commercial and cultural centers. For centuries it acted as a major hub of trade and administration. Its German name, Hermannstadt, still appears around the city today.
One of the reasons Sibiu feels so distinctive is because much of the old town blended in so well with the rest of the city. We explored Sub Arini Parc, a massive park south of the historic center, which was really impressive. The entire city, not just the old town, was really nice and fun to explore – plus it was entirely walkable.
The old town also has a calmer rhythm than Brasov.
There’s still plenty of life, especially during weekends and evenings, but it feels quieter and more relaxed overall.
I also thought the old town was just generally equally nice, if not more serene, than Brasov. Between the famous Eyes of Sibiu, the remarkable cathedrals, the Bridge of Lies, and the friendly locals, it ended up being one of the most memorable stops of my trip.
Best Things to Do and See in Sibiu
- Climb Council Tower.
The view from the top gives you a great perspective of Sibiu’s rooftops and helps show off the layered design of the old town. - Climb Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
If you want another perspective of the city and distant mountains, climb the even taller Saint Mary’s Cathedral. There are centuries-old markings and monuments inside. - Look for the Eyes of Sibiu.
This was one of my favorite details in the city. The attic windows resemble watchful eyes and once you notice them, you’ll start seeing them everywhere. - Cross the Bridge of Lies.
It’s one of Sibiu’s most famous landmarks and a neat little bit of history, including being the oldest cast-iron bridge in Europe. There are multiple stories behind the name depending on who you ask. - Visit the Evangelical Cathedral and Orthodox Cathedral.
The contrast between the architecture of both churches tells a lot of the story of Sibiu’s history and cultural influences. - Spend time in Piata Mare (Big Square) and Piata Mica (Little Square).
The main squares are where Sibiu really shines, as they have the perfect balance between buzz and chill. Grab a coffee, sit outside, and enjoy the slower pace. - Visit the ASTRA Museum.
The ASTRA Museum is an enormous open-air museum just outside of the city that gives a look into traditional Romanian life and architecture. If you’ve never been to a Romanian open-air museum, it’s definitely one of the must-dos in Sibiu if you’ll be in the city for more than one day. - Walk or rent a scooter around Sub Arini Park.
If you want a break from historic streets, this is a really pleasant green space that feels more local, and the upscale residential neighborhood surrounding the park is a quiet escape.
Who Does Sibiu Cater To?
Sibiu is made for travelers who care more about a charming atmosphere than nonstop activity. If your ideal city involves wandering without an agenda and appreciating architecture and history, Sibiu might actually end up being your favorite. I’d also highly recommend it for slower travelers.
You’re not going to find much in the way of partying or fine-dining in Sibiu, but there’s still enough bars and nice restaurants and cafes to have a luxurious stay if that’s what you want.
How Many Days Do You Need in Sibiu?
Two full days in Sibiu felt right. That gave me enough time to explore the old town without rushing, though I wasn’t able to visit the ASTRA Museum, which is a major highlight. I spent more time than most would in the residential and business district of Sibiu, so you could nix that and hit the ASTRA Museum in your two days. Even three days in Sibiu could be worthwhile if you appreciate slow travel.
If you’re short on time, I’d still strongly consider spending at least one night instead of doing Sibiu as a day trip. The city feels most charming around sundown and sunrise.
Differences Between Brasov vs. Sibiu
Honestly, Brasov and Sibiu are pretty similar cities. Despite Brasov being larger, both cities have near equal things to see and do, and they both have that gorgeous medieval charm. The biggest difference comes down to setting and pace.
Brasov is more active and outdoorsy. The mountains are always present and there’s so much at your doorstep in terms of adventure activities. There’s slightly more in the way of nightlife, cafe culture, and top-tier restaurants.
Sibiu feels more relaxed and a little more refined. It still has all of that – some late-night spots, vibrant cafes, and nice places to eat – but on a smaller scale.
Walkability is excellent in both, though I’d give the nod to Sibiu since the entire city felt very walkable, not just the historic center.
So, Brasov or Sibiu?
This probably isn’t the satisfying answer people want, but I genuinely wouldn’t skip either if you can help it. Brasov gave me the outdoor experiences and mountain scenery I wanted. Sibiu gave me some of my favorite moments of simply existing in a place and taking it all in.
If I absolutely had to pick one for a first-time Romania trip, I’d lean slightly toward Brasov because there’s more variety for the average traveler. But for me personally, Sibiu actually sticks with me a little bit more. With that said, they are both 9/10 or 10/10 cities to visit.
How to Get From Brasov to Sibiu
Getting between Brasov and Sibiu is straightforward. The train is the option I’d recommend. It’s super affordable, comfortable enough, and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
However, renting a car to get around Romania is the move, in my opinion. There are so many excellent day trips from Sibiu and Brasov, many of which are in rural areas, that you’ll need a car for. So I’d rent a car in one of the two cities and drop it off in the other, or in Bucharest if you’re flying out from there.
