Sighisoara

Transylvania, Romania

Vlad the Impaler's birthplace.
Draculas inspiration is the best-known resident of Sighisoara. But leave the legend behind and discover one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns.

Video about Sighisoara

Everything within Sighisoara's medieval walls and protected by its nine towers seems perfectly preserved from another time. Along its cobbled streets you'll find merchant's homes, ornate churches, and the birthplace of Vlad Dracula. You'll certainly want to visit the Citadel, Clock Tower, and Scholars’ Stairs. The city built the covered staircase in 1642 to protect citizens on their winter climb to school and church. One of the few European towns to have kept its medieval fortifications intact, its UNESCO listing is no surrpise. There’s much to discover. The Church on the Hill has 500-year-old frescoes. The Church of the Dominican Monastery is famous for its renaissance carved altarpiece, baroque pulpit, and 17th century organ. We recommend taking a walking tour in Sighisoara to get acquainted with the city.

It’s odd how such a colorful and uplifting place can have a legend like Dracula attached to it. But Sighisoara embraces its darker side. There's both a Weapons Collection (housed in Vlad Dracula’s house) and a Torture Museum. There’s a Festival of Medieval Arts and Crafts in July, but year-round you can experience Transylvanian craftsmanship in the History Museum. Spending an extra day here means you’ll get to discover Sighisoara at night. It's calm and quiet after many of the travelers have moved on. You could cover the sights in a few hours. But Sighisoara is an excellent place to have some relaxing downtime. With its central location, why not stay here overnight between visits to Brasov, Sibiu, Cluj, and places even further north?

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Sighisoara

Spend some time in Sighisoara on a tour that takes in other cities in Romania and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Sighisoara and other destinations throughout Romania and Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

From Budapest to Bucharest Custom Itinerary

From Budapest to Bucharest

Budapest, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest

Family Vacation in Romania Custom Itinerary

Family Vacation in Romania

Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu

Keep Rolling in Romania Custom Itinerary

Keep Rolling in Romania

Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Bucharest

Natural Wonders of Romania Custom Itinerary

Natural Wonders of Romania

Bucharest, Danube Delta, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu

The Romanian Grand Tour Custom Itinerary

The Romanian Grand Tour

Bucharest, Danube Delta, Brasov, Gura Humorului, Sighetu Marmatiei, Sighiso ...

UNESCO Heritage in Romania & Ukraine Custom Itinerary

UNESCO Heritage in Romania & Ukraine

Bucharest, Danube Delta, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sighetu Marmatiei, Gura Humoru ...

UNESCO Heritage in Romania & Bulgaria Custom Itinerary

UNESCO Heritage in Romania & Bulgaria

Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Bucharest, Danube Delta, Brasov, Gura Humorului, Sig ...

What I love about Sighisoara

Trip Planner

Sighisoara is like a magic fairy-tale town each child would instantly fall in love with, but adults are not immune either. Part of UNESCO heritage and one of Europe’s last inhabited medieval citadels, Sighisoara always put a spell on me with its “frozen in time” feeling. The 16th-century clock tower, the guild towers, the covered staircase leading to the church on the hill, the colorful old houses, the cheese pies, and even the weird smoked beer all stick with you. The July annual medieval festival is when the past really comes to life and costumed knights, princesses & lords, craftsmen & bards put up various shows like sword fighting, horse tourneys, folk dancing & singing, crafting or cooking

Where to stay in Sighisoara

You'll be staying in the historic heart of Sighisoara, in one of our hand-picked hotels in this atmospheric Transylvanian town. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Elegant Central Hotel in Sighisoara

Elegant Central Hotel

The most modern and luxurious hotel in Sighisoara, this newly opened property offers modern amenities and style.

Boutique Heritage Guesthouse in Sighisoara

Boutique Heritage Guesthouse

This Old Town property is located in an historical building and offers a traditional vibe and antique furniture in every room. Great restaurant!

Small Stylish Hotel in Sighisoara

Small Stylish Hotel

Good quality hotel located just outside the Old Town, this easily accessible hotel has recently been redone and offers modern interiors & amenities

Things to do in Sighisoara

Whether you want to get to know Sighisoara better or explore the surroundings, our selection of tours with our very own private guide all to yourself are the best way to do it. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider adding later.

Transfagarasan Highway Private Tour

Transfagarasan Highway Private Tour

Transylvania Hidden Countryside Private Tour

Transylvania Hidden Countryside Private Tour

Follow in the Footsteps of Prince Charles Private Tour

Follow in the Footsteps of Prince Charles Private Tour

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

5.0 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Sighisoara, based on 15 reviews

Review by Cortney & Steven

Cortney & Steven

North Carolina

Our trip to Hungary and Romania far exceeded our expectations. It was wonderful to know that everything was taken care of for us, and we could relax and enjoy ourselves. It was an absolutely perfect trip!

Our trip to Hungary and Romania far exceeded our expectations. It was wonderful to know that everything was taken care of for us, and we could relax and enjoy ourselves. It was an absolutely perfect trip!

Year : 2022
Visited : Hungary, Romania
Itinerary : Budapest, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2022
Visited : Hungary, Romania
Itinerary : Budapest, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest
Rating :

5 / 5

Review by Gretchen & Lisa

Gretchen & Lisa

North Carolina

I greatly appreciate that JayWay was able to customize the trip so that I could visit the village my Grandparents came from. They are extremely flexible and do not sell just a canned trip.

I greatly appreciate that JayWay was able to customize the trip so that I could visit the village my Grandparents came from. They are extremely flexible and do not sell just a canned trip.

Year : 2022
Visited : Romania
Itinerary : Bucharest, Danube Delta, Brasov, Gura Humorului, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Timisoara, Bucharest
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2022
Visited : Romania
Itinerary : Bucharest, Danube Delta, Brasov, Gura Humorului, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Timisoara, Bucharest
Rating :

5 / 5

Review by Honore & Ryan

Honore & Ryan

New Jersey

I have worked with a number of travel agencies in the past but none of them were nearly as wonderful as JayWay Travel. They have such an accommodating, personable, thorough, detailed staff and we always felt safe and well taken care of, as if we were never really on own. Also, the website is so detailed, interactive and well done.

I have worked with a number of travel agencies in the past but none of them were nearly as wonderful as JayWay Travel. They have such an accommodating, personable, thorough, detailed staff and we always felt safe and well taken care of, as if we were never really on own. Also, the website is so detailed, interactive and well done.

Year : 2021
Visited : Poland, Hungary, Romania
Itinerary : Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Cluj, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest
Rating :

5 / 5

Year : 2021
Visited : Poland, Hungary, Romania
Itinerary : Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Cluj, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest
Rating :

5 / 5

Read more Guest Reviews

More Videos About Sighisoara

Another video about Sighisoara

Latest articles about Sighisoara
from the JayWay Travel Blog

Travel Back to Medieval Times

Travel Back to Medieval Times

Medieval Sanctuaries: Transylvania’s Top Ten Fortified Churches

Medieval Sanctuaries: Transylvania’s Top Ten Fortified Churches

9 Amazing and Unique Places to Visit in Romania

9 Amazing and Unique Places to Visit in Romania

Read more articles about Sighisoara on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Sighisoara

How long should I spend in Sighisoara?

We recommend spending a full day in Sighisoara. Nevertheless, if your time is limited, we can include a stop and a guided tour in Sighisoara on your way between Brasov and Sibiu.

What are Sighisoara's must-see sights?

Start your walk through this UNESCO-protected medieval fortified town in front of the 14th century Clock Tower, the city’s symbol and the former town hall, now a history museum. Right next to the tower is the Dominican Order Church, initially a 13th century Gothic monastery, converted by 16th century Transylvanian Saxons into a Lutheran church. From the church and tower, continue straight ahead for a few minutes on Piata Cetatii street and pass by House Vlad Dracul, where the Vlad the Impaler was born. You will reach the main square, where you can turn left and head to the Covered Stairway. This passage leads to the fortress hill, where the town's schools and cathedral are located. Once you climb the stairs, you should definitely go inside the Church on the Hill. This is one of the most famous Gothic churches in Transylvania, and home to very old paintings, original chests where people kept their valuables in times of siege, and the catacombs of the Romanesque church buried beneath.

Are mobility issues a concern in Sighisoara?

Yes, unfortunately. Sighisoara is a medieval citadel located atop a hill. The streets and alleys are sometimes narrow and uneven with cobblestones. To get to the main attractions, you must climb many stairs. Therefore, we don't recommend Sighisoara for those with mobility problems.