Council Tower Sibiu (Turnul Sfatului) - A tall brick tower with a clock on it's side
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Council Tower Sibiu (Turnul Sfatului)

4.7
·2k reviews·Sibiu, Romania

Ascend Sibiu's iconic 13th-century Council Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the historic Old Town.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Council Tower Sibiu (Turnul Sfatului) - A tall brick tower with a clock on it's side

Council Tower Sibiu (Turnul Sfatului)

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend Sibiu's iconic 13th-century Council Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the historic Old Town.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"The view of Sibiu from the top is beautiful! Very cheap, but cash only!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Cash for Entry

Tickets are often cash-only, so be prepared! :moneybag:

Steep Spiral Staircase

Lots of stairs to climb! Wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of the tower

Ascend for breathtaking 360-degree views of Sibiu's charming Old Town and surrounding landscapes.

Medieval Architecture

Medieval Architecture

Inside the tower

Explore the interior of this 13th-century defensive tower, appreciating its historic structure and spiral staircase.

Heart of the Old Town

Heart of the Old Town

Between Great Square and Small Square

The tower's prime location connects Sibiu's two main squares, making it a central landmark.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Ascent

Visit early to beat crowds and enjoy the best light for photos. The tower can get busy, especially during peak tourist season. Consider a weekday morning for a more peaceful experience.

Cash is King

Remember to bring cash for your ticket. Many smaller attractions in Sibiu, including the Council Tower, may not accept card payments. This avoids any last-minute hassle.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Here are four budget friendly places to eat in #Sibiu #Romania to add to your list ⬇️ 🥐 @Warose Bakery 🥨 Spicul 🍄‍🟫 La Turn 🍗 Crama Sibiul Vechi #sibiufood #sibiurestaurants #foodblogger #travel #traveltips #travelblogger #romaniatravel #romaniafood #kristatheexplorer #sibiu_romania #sibiu💎 #visitsibiu #visitromania #romania🇷🇴
@kristatheexplorer
4.2K likes • 119K views

Bring Cash for Entry

Tickets are often cash-only, so be prepared! :moneybag: Reddit

Steep Spiral Staircase

Lots of stairs to climb! Wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Some peace for soul. ⚘ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #Sibiu #stuttgart #snowwhite #redlips #turnulcuceas #instapic #travel #photography #nofilter #instagood #whiteandred
gabrielammanole
372 likes • 0 views
Bird's-eye view over Sibiu. 🥰 _______________ #ig_transylvania #sibiu #visitsibiu #turnulsfatului #românia #romaniawow #romaniatravel #europelife #europeancity #birdseyeview #amazingviews #medievaltown _______________
ellabeautycorner
133 likes • 0 views

Prime Photo Spot

The bird's-eye view is incredible for capturing Sibiu's beauty. :camerawithflash: Instagram

Connects Two Squares

Easily access the Great and Small Squares through the tower's passage. :world_map:

The view from Turnul Sfatului #Sibiu 💛 #travel #discoversibiu #photography #sundayvibes #skyline #blue #arhitecture #oldtown #church #sibiustreets #instatravel #instadaily #instagram #trip
andreia_ivan
132 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash for Entry

Tickets are often cash-only, so be prepared! :moneybag: Reddit

Steep Spiral Staircase

Lots of stairs to climb! Wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Prime Photo Spot

The bird's-eye view is incredible for capturing Sibiu's beauty. :camerawithflash: Instagram

Connects Two Squares

Easily access the Great and Small Squares through the tower's passage. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Council Tower for its stunning panoramic views of Sibiu's historic Old Town and its incredibly low entrance fee. Its central location between the Great and Small Squares makes it a convenient landmark. Some reviewers note the steep climb and the cash-only payment policy as minor drawbacks.

"The Council Tower is a must-visit in Sibiu! Located right in the heart of the Old Town, it's easy to find and the perfect starting point for exploring.

The tower is perfectly situated between the two main squares, Piața Mare (Great Square) and Piața Mică (Small Square). Its ground-floor passage connects the two, making it easy to access."

Gilad Ym

"Nice view, interesting to see a medieval tower from inside."

Art Maniou

"Was here in November, the minute they opened. The entrance is not from the square side by from the side that faces bridge of lies, it’s a small wooden door. You pay, take steep spiral staircase up the tower, passing a couple of floors of spaces with occasional exhibits.
When you reach the top - the view of Sibiu is beautiful!
Very cheap (I believe it was about $2), but cash only!"

Vlada

What People Like

Amazing city views
Affordable entry fee
Central location

What People Dislike

Steep stairs
Cash only payment

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Council Tower is centrally located in Sibiu's Old Town, situated between the Great Square (Piața Mare) and the Small Square (Piața Mică). You can easily walk to it from most accommodations in the historic center. Reddit

Parking in Sibiu's Old Town is generally restricted. It's best to park in designated paid parking lots outside the historic center and walk. Reddit

While buses serve Sibiu, the tower is best accessed by foot once you are in the Old Town. Most tourist sites are within walking distance of each other. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is very affordable, often around $2 USD. It's a great value for the views you get. Reddit

Tickets can typically be purchased on-site. It's advisable to check for any specific booking requirements during peak season, but usually, you can buy them upon arrival. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check locally or online for the most up-to-date information, but it generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. Reddit

The tower involves climbing many steep, spiral stairs and is not accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Reddit

Many visitors report that the Council Tower is cash-only, so be sure to have Romanian Leu (RON) on hand. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The top of the tower offers stunning panoramic views of Sibiu's red rooftops and historic architecture, perfect for capturing the city's charm. Instagram+1

Early mornings or late afternoons during the 'golden hour' provide beautiful lighting for photography, with fewer crowds. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and any posted signs. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the tower is situated between the Great and Small Squares, which are surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and bakeries offering local and international cuisine. TikTok

You can find traditional Romanian dishes, as well as international options. Bakeries and cafes are also plentiful. TikTokReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Council Tower offers a fun adventure for families, though it's important to note the climb. The tower is essentially a series of steep, spiral staircases, so it might be challenging for very young children or those with strollers. However, older children often enjoy the sense of exploration and the reward of the amazing views from the top. Reddit

Make it an educational experience by talking about the tower's history as a defensive structure. The climb itself can be a fun challenge, and the panoramic views provide a great opportunity to point out different parts of the city. Remember to bring cash for tickets and ensure everyone is wearing comfortable shoes for the ascent. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Council Tower is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The entrance fee is very low, often around $2 USD, making it one of the most affordable attractions in Sibiu. Reddit This provides incredible value for the stunning views and historical experience it offers. Instagram

Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Great and Small Squares, which are free to wander. Many local eateries near the tower also offer affordable meal options, making it easy to enjoy Sibiu without breaking the bank. Just remember to have cash on hand for the ticket purchase. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului) is a significant historical landmark in Sibiu, dating back to the 13th century. Originally built as part of the city's defensive fortifications, it served as a lookout point and a fire watchtower. Its strategic location between the Great Square and the Small Square made it a crucial element of Sibiu's medieval urban planning. Over the centuries, it has undergone various modifications and restorations, each adding a layer to its rich history. Today, it stands as a testament to Sibiu's past as a powerful trading center and a key city in Transylvania. Instagram

The tower's architecture reflects its defensive origins, with thick walls and a commanding presence. Its ground-floor passage, which connects the two main squares, is a unique feature that allows visitors to pass through the tower itself. This architectural element not only served a practical purpose in medieval times but also adds to the tower's charm and accessibility for modern visitors. The blend of its historical significance and its functional integration into the city's layout makes it a fascinating structure to explore. Instagram

Visitors can climb the tower to experience its historical ambiance and gain a new perspective on the city. The ascent itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of the tower's interior structure. The views from the top are a reward for the climb, showcasing the well-preserved medieval cityscape of Sibiu. Instagram+1

Experiencing the Views

The primary draw for many visitors to the Council Tower is the spectacular panoramic view it offers. From its highest accessible point, you can see the entirety of Sibiu's Old Town, with its red-tiled roofs, charming squares, and historic churches. The view extends beyond the city limits, providing a glimpse of the surrounding Transylvanian landscape. Instagram+1

Travelers often describe the view as breathtaking and a must-see for anyone visiting Sibiu. It's particularly rewarding to identify landmarks you've already visited or plan to see from this elevated vantage point. The experience is enhanced by the tower's central location, allowing you to orient yourself within the city's layout. InstagramReddit

For photographers, the tower is an ideal spot. The best times for capturing stunning images are during the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and warm, creating a magical atmosphere over the historic city. Instagram Be prepared for a climb, as the ascent involves numerous stairs, but the rewarding vistas make the effort worthwhile. Reddit