16 Best Things To Do in Sighișoara, Romania –
The Colorful Medieval Village in Transylvania
Nestled amidst the enchanting Transylvanian countryside, the town of Sighișoara is a hidden gem that will transport you back in time.
With its well-preserved medieval architecture and a rich tapestry of history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit destination for those looking to step into a fairy tale while traveling around Romania.
Its cobblestone streets and brightly painted facades completely stole my heart. It was one of my favorite places we visited on my two week Romania road trip.
My first visit was in the fall right after attending the Halloween party in Bran Castle. (Which was EPIC by the way!!) Early November was the perfect time to visit.
There were absolutely NO crowds and we felt like we had the city to ourselves.
I host and co-guide trips to Romania at Halloween time with my company, Wanderlust Group Trips. (Follow the page on Instagram for upcoming Romania trip updates!)
So here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Sighișoara, ensuring you make the most of your visit! I have no doubt you’ll love it.
1. Admire the Beauty of Sighișoara’s Clock Tower
Your journey into this medieval wonderland begins at the iconic Clock Tower.
“The Sighișoara Clock Tower was among several towers built between the 13th and 16th centuries to defend the medieval citadel. Shimmering scale-like tiles cover the roof and painted wooden figurines emerge from a niche beside the clock. Inside, there is a small museum and a 360-degree viewing platform.“
2. Locate All the Watchtowers
Sighișoara boasts a network of watchtowers, each with its own unique charm. During the medevial ages, there were 14 towers. Each one was built, manned and maintained by the 14 guilds of the city which included groups like the Blacksmiths, Butchers, Weavers, Rope Makers, Leather Tanners, and Tailors guilds. Each tower was it’s own individual fortress. And together they protected the city as a whole.
Amazingly, nine of these medieval towers are still in place.
Make it a quest to find them all and enjoy the panoramic vistas they offer.
3. Take a Picture on Colorful Strada Tamplarilor
Stroll down Strada Tamplarilor, a colorful street lined with charming houses, each painted in vibrant hues. It’s a perfect spot for a photo op!
4. Stay in one of the many gorgeous and historic boutique hotels
Indulge in the town’s historic ambiance by staying in one of the enchanting boutique hotels right in the city center. They offer a cozy and authentic experience, all located in historic properties.
We stayed at Casa Savri and it was PHENOMENAL. I cannot recommend this boutique hotel enough! It’s built into a 700 year old historic house and it’s stunning. Yet it completely honors the history of the place. This was one of our favorite stays in Romania!
We found this place on Booking.com because the reviews were just fantastic! And I have to say, it absolutely lived up to the hype.
However, there are a lot of charming boutique hotels within the citadel. I just recommend staying in the heart of the old city so you can easily walk everywhere.
5. Sample Local Wine with a Tasting at Teo‘s Cellar
Experience the flavors of the region by sampling local wines at Teo’s Cellar, a stunning 500 year old wine cellar in the heart of Sighișoara.
The wine tastings here are a delightful journey into Transylvanian viticulture.
And I cannot say enough good things about the kind man who owns and runs this establishment. He is an absolute gem!!
We did the wine tasting with 7 wines and it was great. (And super inexpensive!!)
Every single wine was delicious. And afterwards, he had us try some of the fruit liquor his family has been making for generations. We loved it so much, we bought a bottle to take home!
There is zero pressure to buy anything when you do the wine tasting but we genuinely loved the drinks so much. His award winning fruit liquor would also make for an excellent gift/souvenir. If you like wine, don’t skip this place!
Address: Strada Școlii 14, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
6. Tour the Inside of the Ironsmith’s Tower
Explore the history of Vlad the Impaler with a visit to the Ironsmith’s Tower. A short film on the “true story” of Dracula adds an extra layer of intrigue. However, I found this video to be comically full of propaganda.
When a child asks if Vlad the Impaler was a bad man, the father character states something like, “If you ever doubt if he was a good person, just look to the flag.” The video completely brushes over the reality that Vlad likely would have been tried for the brutality of his war crimes in modern day. He was responsible for killing 80,000-100,000 people. Many were Ottoman soldiers in warfare yes, but he did not spare innocent lives of mothers and children.
While it is interesting to go inside the Ironsmith’s Tower for a short visit, I would urge you to do some of your own research into this incredibly dark and complex time in history.
I suggest reading this article as well as this one.
Also, the Rise of Empires on Netflix focuses entirely on Vlad the Impaler in their second season Vlad vs. Mehmed. Although dramatized at times, it’s a really great mini-series to understand Vlad’s rise to power and the brutality behind some of his horrendous crimes.
7. Enjoy the Beautiful Terrace Restaurant at Casa Cositorarului
Savor traditional Romanian cuisine with a view. The terrace restaurant at Casa Cositorarului offers a delightful dining experience.
This cozy little spot has hanging plants, fairy lights, cozy seating and blankets for a chilly night.
Like most of the medieval city, the property is both a small boutique hotel and a restaurant.
However you do not need to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy a nice dinner on this stunning terrace.
And I highly suggest the pumpkin cream soup!
Address: Strada Cositorarilor 8-9, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
8. Sighișoara Viewpoint at Bella Vista
For breathtaking panoramas of Sighișoara, make your way to Bella Vista.
It’s a picture-perfect spot to appreciate the town’s unique charm only a 12 minute drive away from the old town.
The small bumpy road will take you down from the citadel and then up on a neighboring hill where there is a restaurant and a guest house. Anyone can visit the restaurant terrace to enjoy the views of the citadel.
We sat having a beer and a coffee in the the sunshine while taking pictures at golden hour, it was delightful!
Address: Strada Dealul Gării 7, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
9. Walk the Historic Covered Stairs
The historic covered stairs in Sighișoara are an architectural wonder, leading to the Church on the Hill. Built in 1642 to connect the lower and upper parts of the citadel, the stairs are now a popular tourist attraction in the city! They are still open today and you can walk the path of scholars from hundreds of years ago.
10. Visit a Nearby Winery
Explore the nearby wineries to further indulge in the flavors of Transylvania’s wine culture.
Just 30 minutes away by car, you can visit Petry Estate Winery.
Andrei Winery Richis 140 is also just a 35 minute drive from town!
11. Visit the Room Where Dracula Was Born
Sighișoara is believed to be the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind Dracula. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the room where this infamous figure was born.
Is it kitschy? Yes absolutely it is. It’s a silly tourist trap. But even with all that, we were glad we did it. We were visiting during Halloween time and wanted to do all the spooky things Romania had to offer.
Besides, it was amazing to see the historic building where Vlad once lived. Its located right next to the Clock Tower.
12. Shop for Locally-Made Transylvanian Souvenirs
Support local artisans and take home a piece of Transylvania with you. Sighișoara is a great place to find unique, locally-made souvenirs.
Unfortunately a lot of souvenir vendors in Romania are selling really tacky trinkets from China that have nothing to do with Romania culture or heritage. But there are some local shops that sell gifts from authentic Romanian artists.
13. Download the Romania App for More Travel Information at Each Stop
To enhance your visit, download the Romania app, which provides detailed information about each attraction and its historical significance.
14. Solve a Questo Challenge
Add an element of adventure to your visit by solving Questo challenges that lead you on a unique quest through the town, uncovering hidden gems and fascinating stories.
The first time I downloaded the Questo app was in Brasov to participate in a dark history quest. It was a blast. Definitely a bit cheesy but also packed with great facts and snippets of history. It’s a fun way to get out exploring the city. Think of it like an outdoor escape room.
You’ll solve challenges as you go from one point in the city to the next. Usually, to solve a fictional storyline but as you play, the app will give you actual facts about the sights you’re seeing etc. We had a ton of fun with it!
Medieval Sighisoara: Defend the Fortress and Protect the City
Storyline of this Questo challenge: “It’s the year 1601 and, after being away from home for too long, you are now going back to your hometown. Shortly after you arrive home, you find out that the city is in danger, as the ruthless Transylvanian ruler, Stefan Bathory is trying to conquer it. Go on an adventure around the old city walls and play the role of a native hero who saves the day.“
15. Book a Night Tour with a Local Guide
Cap off your visit with a night tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
The town’s medieval streets take on a whole new, enchanting character after dark.
Truth be told, this wasn’t the best walking tour I had ever been on but I still enjoyed it. Our guide was knowledgeable but didn’t share as much about the city’s dark history as we had hoped.
16. Book a local cultural tour with award winning guide, Emanuel Enache
One of the highest rated tour guides in the area is available for private tours in both Sighișoara and the nearby surrounding area.
Emanuel is a born and raised Transylvanian native who offers countless unique day travel experiences in the area. I suggest reaching out to him before your trip to arrange one of his tours!
- Discover Gabor Gypsies
- Sighisoara City Tour
- Transylvanian lunch with a local family
- Transylvanian Day Tours
Sighișoara is a town that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a truly immersive experience.
With so much to see and do, it’s a destination that will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the rich heritage of Transylvania.
More on Romania:
Best Things To Do in Sighișoara
Shop my Amazon Storefront for all travel favorite:
