In the evolving world of remote work, digital nomads are always on the lookout for their next haven. Sibiu, a city in Romania’s Transylvania region, seamlessly blends its rich history with the requirements of modern-day remote workers.

Top 10 things that make Sibiu, Romania perfect for remote workers and digital nomads.

1. It's easy to get into a healthy routine

Being a relatively small city, you won't face decision paralysis like how you might in a big city. For example, you simply have to just walk out the front door with a charged laptop and go towards the center. On the way there, you'll get a nice walk in and you even pass by a fitness park if that's your thing. Once you do arrive in the center and sit down at one of the work-friendly cafes, you'll find that your brain is invigorated with oxygen from the stroll you just took. For those of you that need to get swoll, you can pick things up and put them down again in one of the many gyms scattered throughout the city. If swimming is your thing, there is a public pool in the center where you can get in a few laps. Of course, cycling is also an option by using the city bikes!

2. It's amazing for creative work

Sibiu is a photographer's dream. When it comes to eye candy, there are a ton of colors, unique architecture, events, and most importantly places where people hang out. Also called third places, Sibiu's main square is the most inspiring of all. You can simply sit on one of the benches and people watch for hours. It's also usually a nice surprise every once in a while as the main square hosts many events.

Those of you that are creative will find yourself filled with creative juices. Sibiu as a city gives off a very creative vibe… unlike other cities like Cluj and Timișoara which are dominated by IT relative to their size, Sibiu has a relatively higher percentage of creative industries. Not to bash on IT specialists, but I've been there and I know that compared to other industries, creativity is difficult to exercise consistently and in a way that's productive. Here's the thing, I can't do justice in describing the vibe that I get when I'm here.

3. Transylvanian Coliving

As remote workers and digital nomads, we are all too familiar with the struggles we face. That can be loneliness, a lack of a sense of belonging, or just a place to have your basics covered. Slow traveling and staying at a coliving space can help you cover your human needs. It's important to have the appropriate environment like ergonomic seating or reliable internet infrastracture. Booking a private apartment or studio through Airbnb could be a solution but you'll be hard-pressed to find one with necessities like ergonomic seating or other conveniences.

4. Great bang for your buck

Your money goes a lot further in Sibiu than in many other European cities. What this means is that if you're used to living in a more expensive city like London or New York, you'll have more disposable income or you can simply work less if that's your thing.

Below is the cost of living comparison for monthly stays with Sibiu (Source: Number, Oct 3rd 2023)

• London, UK is 318% more expensive
• Vienna, Austria is 195% more expensive
• Lisbon, Portugal is 182% more expensive
• Bucharest, Romania is 23% more expensive
• Cluj-Napoca, Romania is 21% more expensive
• Bansko, Bulgaria is 5% more expensive

5. Fantastic internet speeds and cheap cell data

Essential for digital nomads, Sibiu provides the necessary technological infrastructure for seamless remote work. To put things into perspective, cell plans start at 5 euros a month and they include ludicrous amounts of cell data (eg. at the time of writing, a 5 euro plan includes 5 Gb of data + 50 Gb bonus). This is all without having to get a monthly subscription.

6. It's easy to get here

Accessible by road, rail, and international air, reaching Sibiu is hassle-free. Romania is lucky as the country has been receiving a ton of EU funds to improve the transportation infrastracture in and around Sibiu. You will mostly notice these improvements in the roadways around the city as more highways are slowly but surely getting built. Although the train system hasn't been improving as much as the roadways, it is still a decent option. Pro tip; the train from Bucharest to Sibiu has the most beautiful views after passing Brasov!

Finally, Sibiu also has a small international airport. There are direct flights to London (usually very cheap), Austria, Germany, Ireland, and Spain.

7. There is a growing international & expat scene

The locals are very much used to seeing lots of diverse people due to well maintained historical sites. Many people visiting means English is spoken by many of the people here. Right now, most of these visitors are what I'd consider tourists.

After going to a few expat meetups, I can also confirm that there is a growing expat scene. The Saxon community has a considerable presence here in Sibiu. As a result, I come across many German-speaking visitors from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

Join the Expats Sibiu Facebook group by clicking here

8. Access to modern city conveniences

As opposed to some other digital nomad hotspots, you'll find that Sibiu offers all the conveniences of a modern city. This means that if you're busy and don't have time to cook, you can easily order food delivery right to your door. Maybe you want to eat in town? Easy, just hop on a Bolt scooter and roll into town. Oh, you prefer cycling? Ok, just rent a city bike and cycle your heart away. The beautiful thing about Sibiu is that this city is very walkable. In Sibiu, you have the ultimate freedom of being able to meander through the streets on a whim. Which brings us to the next point...

9. Walkability

Sibiu wants to prioritize pedestrians. There is a growing presence of advocates and it shows; Sibiu has some of the best cycling infrastructure in Romania. Along with the pedestrianization of several road in the center and the introduction of new cycling lanes, Sibiu is taking action.

This is important to digital nomads as many choose to not drive for one reason or another. It makes sense, cars/transportation are usually one of your biggest expenses!

10. The people of Sibiu

Sibiu has a population of 150,000 people and they use the Romanian Leu as their currency. As you spend time in Sibiu, you wil mainly encounter Romanian, English, and German as the top three languages spoken by people here in Sibiu. A notable exception would be the center. Being a very touristy area, you find all the languages spoken here to varying degrees.

On the other side, because it is a relatively small city, you'll find that the locals have a communication style that can be interpreted as being not direct as compared to people in bigger cities.

How is the health & safety Infrastructure?

Being in Europe, Sibiu has good health infrastructure. This means hospitals and clinics for most ailments all within walking distance.

Health insurance for nomads while in Sibiu:

As an ambassador for Safetywing, I highly recommend their insurance as it is simple and is perfect for those of you who work remotely or are digital nomads. Click here to use my referral code! 

How is the climate & weather?

Sibiu is a place with a mild continental climate. Temperatures during the day are in the range f rom 2 °C (35 °F) in January to 26 °C (79 °F) in July. The least rainy month in Sibiu is October with its 7 days of rain, the rainiest month is June, when it rains 14 days. Temperatures during the night go from -7 °C (20 °F) in January to 14 °C (56 °F) in July.

How is the seasonality in Sibiu?

The peak season

• Typically, many tourists visit Sibiu in the summer months. This means May to September. Being the busy season, you'll find a ton of festivals, events, people, and all the hubbub of a lively city. That being said, accommodation will also usually be higher during these months.

The low season

• In Sibiu, you'll find the low season to go from October to April. This deosn't mean the city is a ghost town, quite the opposite. The city simply transforms. With a higher percentage of locals in the city, you will find a more authentic experience. For remote workers and digital nomads, this is a great time to come. You will find that accommodation is significantly cheaper during these months as tourists are not as present.

Transportation within Sibiu?

Public transportation in Sibiu probably won't be necessary. Although the city used to have a tram system, it no longer operates. Nowadays, you can use the bus system which is actually very modern. Using the bus is super easy as all you have to do tap your card to pay on the bus.

Another option is to use a car-hailing service like Bolt, which is the biggest service of this type in Sibiu.

Best places to live in Sibiu?

Now this is debatable as there are many opinions out there. It does ultimately come down to your preferences, the type of lifestyle you prefer to have, or the amenities you prefer having close by. Here are the top three:

• Trei Stejari: Not far from the city center, this quiant neighborhood is very well positioned and incredibly safe. Within walking distance, you have the train station, a mall, the city center, and various stores to fulfill all of your basic needs. The main downside to this neighborhood is that it is a bit of a walk to get to Sub Arine park.
• Dumbrăvi: Smack dab right next to Sub Arine park is this quiant neighborhood. With a few new developments, you'll find this part of town to be very convenient.
• The New Center: The area between the historic center and Sub Arine park is considered to be the new center. This area has the best restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs.

Coliving spaces in Sibiu?

Located close to the historical center in Trei Stejari, Transylvanian Coliving offers an enchanting blend of comfort and professionalism. With open communal areas, high-speed internet, and frequent community events, residents can work productively while also engaging with a diverse group of global citizens.

Coworking spaces in Sibiu

Sibiu has only a few coworking spaces. Nook and Toffice are both located in the center while Transylvanian Coliving is located in Trei Stejari. Transylvanian Coliving is the only space that also offers ergonomic chairs.

Top 12 things to do in Sibiu

1. Piata mare

The Large Square (or Piata Mare in Romanian) is the most important landmark in Sibiu. Inside this medieval town is a huge space where gatherings occurred, executions were held, and other important occasions happened. Nowadays we don’t have executions but there are plenty of festivals and events here!

2. Piata mica

Adjacent to the Large Square of Sibiu is Piata Mica where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding building while eating at a nearby restaurant or even just having a coffee. One of my favorite things to do is walk into town, have a coffee at Nod, and work while enjoying a nice view.

3. The Council Tower

The ~45-meter tall Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului in Romanian) is one of the most important buildings in Sibiu. Nestled in between the Large Square and Small Square of Sibiu, the Council Tower served as a defense tower in historic times. Nowadays, it is a tourist attraction in Sibiu that offers stunning views of the Old Town. Though it was originally built in the 12th century, the tower has been rebuilt many times, each time with a slightly different look than the previous. The current model was constructed in the 19th century.

4. The Astra museum

Located 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) south of Sibiu, the ASTRA National Museum Complex is easily accessible by walking, cycling, car or buses. The museum occupies a total area of 0.96 square kilometers (0.37 square miles) and is the biggest outdoor museum in Romania and one of the biggest in the world. Pre-industrial traditional folklore houses are showcased in this complex. With over 300 buildings and two artificial lakes, the informational museum is a great place for learning about the Romanian traditional ways of life. The rural setting of the museum sets the perfect tone for historical Romania, and even a stroll there is pleasant. Psst, you can even ride your bike in the museum during special hours or events! Since the museum is so big, cycling around is perfect.

5. The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary

If you are looking for a panoramic view of Sibiu, you might think about going to the Council Tower but the watchtower at the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary offers a much better view at a higher vantage point than the Council Tower. At close to 70 meters above the ground, the beautiful buildings of Sibiu dominate the landscape. To get to the lookout tower, you must take a guided tour of the place.

6. The Bridge of Lies

As the first cast-iron bridge built in Romania (second in Europe), the Bridge of Lies is a symbol of Sibiu. The 10-meter pedestrian street was rebuilt in 1859 by Friedrich Hütte to replace an old wooden bridge. Since this was the first bridge not built on pillars, it was called the lying bridge, or the bridge that lies. Another popular legend on the origin of the name is that the bridge would creak and make a noise whenever someone is telling a lie on it. There are usually a few live piano players at the restaurants surrounding this beautiful rustic bridge and around the Little Square, giving you not just beautiful views but also beautiful music.

7. Go through the Stairs Passage

The Stairs Passage is a short passage filled with historical fortification walls and arches. On one side of the passage is the 1st fortification wall built around Huet Square and the Upper Town, on the other side are charming buildings with cafes and restaurants. As you go down the stairs, you’ll come across more cozy cafes and several restaurants.

8. Brukenthal national museum

In the Large Square (Piata Mare) is one of the most stunning baroque-style buildings in Sibiu. This important landmark in Sibiu is the Brukenthal National Museum, the first public museum in Romania established by Samuel von Brukenthal in the late 18th century.

The Brukenthal National Museum is known as one of the best art galleries in Romania. Featuring a variety of authentic medieval Transylvanian artwork, visitors can get a glimpse of medieval Romanian life through the over 1200 paintings from the 15th to 18th centuries. Flemish, Dutch, and Italian paints are also displayed here.

9. The Goldsmith’s Stairway Tower

If you are looking to get away from the crowd, look no further. The Goldsmith’s Stairway Tower and the preceding Goldsmith’s Square is one of the best hidden attractions in Sibiu.

Built in the 13th century as a pedestrian gate tower inside the second fortified precinct, the Goldsmith’s Stairway Passage is one small street with a lot of history. The date 1567 can be seen inside the archway when the tower was modified.

As you go down the stairs, you’ll come across Nod, a roastery and one of my favorite spots to have a coffee.

10. Sibiu Christmas Market

If you are planning on visiting Sibiu during Christmas, you cannot miss the world-famous Sibiu Christmas Market. Starting in October, the entire Large Square (Piata Mare) prepares for the yearly festivities. Starting with the fairy lights that span from the center of the square to the perimeter, Sibiu slowly transforms into a Christmas wonderland.Hundreds of local merchants set up shops in their traditional wooden cottages. Visitors will find traditional elements of a German Christmas market (because of the Transylvania Saxon influence) fused with Romanian touches. Selling a wide variety of products such as mulled wine, local traditional cheese, popular native sweets such as the kurtoskalacs, wooden toys and decorations, and much more, the Sibiu Christmas Market is nothing but joy and excitement! Though it occurs at a slightly different time every year, you can expect it to at full bloom from the middle of November to early January of next year!

11. Check Out The Old Fortifications In Sibiu

As one of the largest and wealthiest seven walled citadels built by the Transylvanian Saxons, it is not surprising that some of these old fortifications are still in place. In fact, parts of the medieval walls are still standing, and visitors can see that at the Citadel Park (Parcul Cetății). Out of the 39 towers, five bulwarks, four gates, and five artillery batteries in Sibiu’s original fortification, four towers remain to this present day. They are the Harquebusiers Tower (Turnul Archebuzierilor), Potters Tower (Turnul Olarilor), Carpenters Tower (Turnul Dulgherilor), and the Thick Tower (Turnul Gros). Since they are located on the City Wall, you can’t miss them as you walk into the city center from the south east. If you're lucky, you may come across a food truck festival that takes places here!

12. Stroll Around The Lower Town Of Sibiu

Though most of the things to see in Sibiu are located in the Upper Town of Sibiu, you cannot miss the Lower Town of Sibiu as well. Where the Upper Town contains most of the landmarks, the Lower Town is home to well-preserved cobblestone streets and medieval houses. Stroll down the Lower Town of Sibiu and you will inevitably fall in love with its rustic charm: The narrow streets, the exposed bricks in the buildings, locals going about their own business, the markets, and more.

Top 3 experiences near Sibiu

1. Corvin Castle

Located in Hunedoara in the western part of Romania, many travelers tend to overlook Corvin Castle. Known as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania, Corvin Castle is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Romania. Sitting on a rocky outcrop with a beautiful wooden connecting bridge, the castle looks magical. The elegant orange and red hues of the castle coat the outer walls and the soaring turrets, and for a second you have to remind yourself that you are not in a fairytale. As one of the biggest castles in Europe, exploring it can take a few hours. Luckily, they have an app that you can download that guides you through the whole castle so make sure you bring your smartphone and some headphones! Since it is a 1.5-hour away from Sibiu by car, visiting Corvin Castle is at least a half-day activity. We recommend that you combine a visit to Corvin Castle with a visit to Sarmizegetusa Ruins.

2. Sarmizegetusa Ruins

Hidden deep within Romania's Orăștie Mountains lies the ancient Dacian fortress complex of Sarmizegetusa Regia. This site, once the capital and the most important military, religious, and political center of the Dacian Kingdom, holds an air of mystery and grandeur. Predating the Roman conquest of Dacia in the early 2nd century AD, the ruins provide insight into the sophisticated culture and engineering capabilities of the Dacians.

3. Citadel Alba-Carolina

In the heart of Alba Iulia, the Citadel Alba-Carolina stands as a magnificent embodiment of European military architectural evolution. This star-shaped fortress, the largest of its kind in Romania, is a testament to the rich tapestry of the country's history. Built in the early 18th century on the site of ancient Roman and medieval fortifications, Alba-Carolina was designed to represent the grandeur of the Habsburg monarchy.

Do you want to visit Sibiu?

After soaking in the wonders of Sibiu through words and images, are you ready to make it your next adventure? Live authentically and be part of a community that shares your zest for discovery.

Consider experiencing Sibiu like a local by staying at Transylvanian Coliving. Nestled in the heart of this medieval gem, our coliving space offers not just a place to rest, but an opportunity to weave yourself into the very fabric of Sibiu's rich tapestry. Engage with fellow travelers, share stories over a cup of coffee, and experience the Sibiu vibes as those who've wandered before you.

Immerse in the culture, be part of a community, and embrace the true essence of Sibiu. Book your stay with Transylvanian Coliving today and make your travel tales worth telling.