Housed in the stately Brukenthal Palace, the former home of the Austrian governor, the Brukenthal Museum is the nation’s top art gallery, with an impressive collection of Romanian and European paintings and sculpture. The collection includes a series of works by European masters that were confiscated by the Communist government and later stolen, before being recovered by the museum.

Administered by the Brukenthal Museum, the history museum in the Altemberger House charts the history of Romania from prehistoric times through invasions and empires to the modern day. The collection covers everything from Roman statues and medieval jewellery to flintlock rifles and suits of armour.

A grand Gothic edifice lording it over Piața Albert Huet, the Evangelical Cathedral (aka the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary) is the city’s most famous monument. Founded in the 12th century, the cathedral contains the mausoleums of Romanian royalty and a famous organ from 1772, with a font made from metal reclaimed from captured Turkish cannons.

The 12th-century walls of the fortified city of Sibiu are still visible in many parts of the city, and nine of the 39 watchtowers that once guarded the city are still intact. Built in classic Transylvanian style, these iconic towers conjure up images of the horse-drawn carts and men-at-arms who paraded under their arches in the medieval heyday of the Principality of Transylvania.

Medicines and remedies were sold on this site for centuries before the pharmacy was converted into a fascinating museum, charting the history of early medicine in Romania. Shelves are piled high with pills, tonics and sinister-looking medieval medical tools.

Step from Romania to the far reaches of the globe at this quirky museum, displaying the curiosities amassed by the 19th-century collector Franz Binder. Displays cover everything from Asian shadow puppets to African masks and carvings.

South of the centre, this open-air museum gathers together an impressive 120 traditional buildings in a vast country park. With structures rescued from across Romania, it’s a fascinating place to explore, and live-re-enactments bring the local traditions to life.

Set in the former hunting lodge of Colonel August von Spiess, master of hunts for King Ferdinand I, this intriguing museum is stuffed with mounted heads, trophy antlers and ancient muskets. It’s set beside the sprawling expanse of Sub Arini Park.

The graceful Orthodox cathedral on Strada Mitropoliei is said to have been inspired by the Byzantine churches of Constantinople (now Istanbul), embellished with baroque and Transylvanian elements. The main reason to visit is the lavish interior, painted floor to ceiling with images of saints and sinners.

The Turnul Sfatului, or Council Tower, rises elegantly above Piața Mare on one side, and Piața Micã on the other. From the top of this medieval landmark, there are sweeping views over the old city to the green hills beyond. Paintings of Sibiu through the ages are displayed in the stairway that climbs to the top of the tower.

Franz Liszt and Johann Strauss were regular visitors to Sibiu, and the elegant Sala Thalia, home to the State Philharmonic of Sibiu, is the best place to hear the sound of wind and strings today.

True to its name, this old-fashioned beer hall feels like a step back in time; come for guest beers, live bands and a cheerful, laid-back vibe.

A self-styled art café with DJ sets, art shows, quirky live stage performances and bistro-style bar snacks.

This moody, dimly lit basement jazz club is the place to come for hip sounds and cool cocktails.

An atmospheric vaulted cellar on Piața Mică, with live bands and just the right amount of dive bar chic.

With moody lighting and tables on the terrace, this is a great choice for a romantic dinner, with an eccentric menu that ranges from homemade pasta and pizzas to meat cooked on a hot stone.

The perfect place for dinner before a show at the State Philharmonic, with a pan-European menu and walls piled high with antiques.

Set in an atmospheric cellar, this reassuringly old-fashioned eatery is the best place to sample old-fashioned Romanian cooking.

A popular retreat from the bustle on Piața Micã, with tables in a cosy basement and a hearty menu of Romanian and Transylvanian staples.

A friendly and unpretentious café, tucked away on a lane in the Lower City, with a broad menu of soups, salads, pizzas and pasta dishes.