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We’ve been traveling to attend tango workshops quite a bit this year (n.a 2018) but this is the first time I’m writing about it. The reason? We went to a city I really wanted to return to as an adult: Sibiu, Romania. So, although the tango side of the trip was really packed, we managed to find some time to do some (minimal) sightseeing.

How to get to Sibiu

Sibiu is in Transylvania, Romania. The city straddles Cibin River and is home to less than 150,000 inhabitants. Being in the center of the country, Sibiu is well connected to the other Romanian cities. It even has an airport but none of the well-known low-cost carriers fly here, unfortunately. It is well connected to Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest, though, so flying into these cities is a good option. You can then rent a car or take the train to Sibiu.

What to do in Sibiu

Put on those walking shoes, grab a water bottle, and walk. Most of the city has been reconstructed due to it being European Capital of Culture in 2007. The Old Town is compact and charming. It is also the main attraction in Sibiu and where all tourists converge. At any time.

The Citadel of Sibiu is quite well preserved which means you can see interesting towers and walls. There is always something to take a photo of, I can assure you.

The Bridge of Lies is located at one of the entrances to the Old Town. It is quite a popular stop and it can get crowded at times. Just not swear eternal love here. Or worse, ask someone to marry you.

As you face it, walk up the stairs, cross the bridge and keep walking until you see the huge Evangelical Church. Unfortunately, the interior was under reconstruction when we visited but we could climb to the tower! And what a magnificent view it offers.

There are various towers located in the area. As you pass by the church there’s the Stairs’ Tower. And close by, the Stairs Passageway. The Council Tower also allows one to climb up (we haven’t this time).

And then there’s the Citadel Street, the most scenic street in Sibiu. The Carpenters Tower is an imposing sight. But there are two more towers on the same street: Potters Tower and Tinsmiths Tower. Behind the State Philharmonics – which is on this street- there’s the Thick Tower. And just a short walk from here, the Citadel Park and the old walls.

If you are looking for cafes, restaurants, maybe a place to get ice-cream or to do some shopping, Nicolae Balcescu Street is pedestrian and lined up with everything you need. It runs from Union Square all the way to the Great Square.

Where to find vegan food in Sibiu

Oh, yes, my constant struggle. It’s been almost a year since I switched to vegan (n.a. Aug 2017) but it is still challenging to find vegan food when I travel. And again, Happy Cow failed me (it showed one place in the center and that was a juice bar…thanks for nothing).

I cannot believe I’m saying this but Super Mamma Sibiu has an entire chain of fast-food places which offer decent vegan foods. While I did have fries and salad (twice during the weekend), I was able to get stewed vegetables with salad one evening.

And then there are the many cafes and restaurants. At Enzo Ristorante e Caffe I ordered a salad (no cheese) for…brunch on Sunday. At The Gallery I had a verisnteresting tomatoes and spinach pizza (without the cheese).

None of these places are even marked vegan or vegetarian-friendly, so I had to read the menu and also ask if they can skip the cheese. Or I would just not use the sauce that came on the side with the salad (at the fast food place).

A word of advice: you better not be in a hurry! Aside from the fast-food where they almost march you in the queue, when it comes to restaurants, the service is slow. We stayed an hour and a half when I ordered the pizza (and hubby something sweet). I kid you not.

Where to stay in Sibiu

We stayed at Cocosul Rosu Guesthouse . It is basic and located super close to the Bridge of Lies, which means you are super close to the Old Town. There’s parking on the street which makes finding a spot a bit of a luck situation. We didn’t pay for breakfast (found it to be too expensive for our tastes and decided to eat in town).

But, worry not, there are plenty of other accommodation options in Sibiu for every budget. Make sure to book in advance if you travel during the high season (July, August, December – for the Christmas Market).

What about the Tango in Sibiu?

Try as I might I couldn’t find a list of the milongas that take place in Sibiu. But I know of two Tango Festivals. One takes in place in Sibiu in mid-July ( organized by Tango Studio Sibiu ) and one in Avrig (near Sibiu) in late April (same organizer together with Compania de Tango Cluj ) .

Day trips from Sibiu

A wonderful day trip from Sibiu is Sighisoara . If you rent a car it takes about 1 ½ h to get between the two cities. Sighisoara is famous for its medieval citadel, which can be easily visited in less than a day.

The fortified church of Biertan is even closer to Sibiu (just ½ h drive) and can be a lovely stop on the way to Sighisoara.

Also within an hour drive you can find the Clay Castle in the Ferries’ Valley .

If you are up for an adventure, the Transfagarasan road is reachable from the Highway A1 going into Sibiu. The Balea Lake, Balea Waterfall, and Poienari Citadel are the main highlights. And of course, the amazing road!