Complete Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Get There, Prices & What to See Nearby
If you’re obsessed with medieval towns, vampire legends, and dramatic Transylvanian landscapes, then Sighișoara needs to be on your bucket list.
This colorful fortified citadel in the heart of Transylvania is famous for one big reason:
👉 It is the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș (Vlad the Impaler) — the real historical figure who inspired Dracula.
But Sighișoara is much more than vampire mythology. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Where Is Sighișoara?
Sighișoara is located in Transylvania, central Romania, in Mureș County.
It sits roughly between:
- Brașov – 2 hours
- Sibiu – 1.5 hours
- Cluj-Napoca – 2.5 hours
The town is small, walkable, and built on a hill, crowned by its iconic Clock Tower.
Why Is Sighișoara Famous?
Because in 1431, Vlad Țepeș (Vlad the Impaler) was born here.
He later became the ruler of Wallachia and gained a terrifying reputation for impaling his enemies. His brutal methods inspired Irish author Bram Stoker when he wrote Dracula.
⚠️ Important:
Vlad did NOT live in Bran Castle permanently, and Sighișoara is his actual documented birthplace.
Top Things to Do in Sighișoara
1. Visit Vlad Dracula’s Birth House
📍 Located in Piata Cetății (Citadel Square)
This yellow building is believed to be the house where Vlad was born.
Today:
- Ground floor = restaurant
- Upstairs = small medieval weapons exhibit
💰 Entry price:
- Weapons room: approx. €4–5
- Restaurant main dishes: €10–18
Is it super authentic? It’s a bit touristy — but still iconic.
2. Climb the Clock Tower
The symbol of the city.
Built in the 14th century, it now houses:
- A small history museum
- A torture room
- A balcony with the BEST panoramic view in town
💰 Entry price: ~€3–4
This is the best photo spot in Sighișoara.
3. Walk the Covered Scholars’ Staircase
Built in 1642, this wooden staircase has 176 steps and was used by school children during winter.
It leads to:
- The Church on the Hill
- The old German cemetery (very atmospheric)
4. Explore the Citadel Walls & Towers
Sighișoara is one of the last inhabited medieval citadels in Europe.
Each tower was historically maintained by a different guild:
- Tailors’ Tower
- Butchers’ Tower
- Tinsmiths’ Tower
You can walk around the walls for free.
5. Visit During the Medieval Festival (Best Time!)
Every July, Sighișoara hosts a medieval festival with:
- Knights
- Fire shows
- Costumes
- Traditional food
It’s one of the best events in Romania.
How to Reach Sighișoara
✈️ By Plane
Nearest airports:
- Cluj-Napoca (CLJ)
- Sibiu (SBZ)
- Târgu Mureș (limited flights)
From there you’ll need a car or train.
🚗 By Car (Best Option)
Driving through Transylvania is stunning.
From:
- Brașov → 2h
- Sibiu → 1.5h
- Cluj → 2.5h
Parking outside the citadel: €2–5 per day.
🚆 By Train
Romanian trains are slow but scenic.
Example:
- Brașov → 3 hours
- Sibiu → 2.5 hours
Ticket price: €5–15 depending on class.
Where to Stay in Sighișoara
You don’t need luxury here. The magic is staying inside the citadel.
Average prices:
- Budget guesthouse: €35–60/night
- Boutique medieval hotel: €70–120/night
Staying overnight is worth it — once day-trippers leave, the town feels magical.
What to Eat in Sighișoara
Try traditional Romanian dishes like:
- Sarmale (cabbage rolls)
- Ciorbă (sour soup)
- Papanași (fried dough dessert with sour cream & jam)
- Fetească Neagră wine (local red)
Meals: €10–20 per person.
What to See Around Sighișoara
🏰 1. Bran Castle (2 hours away)
Bran Castle is often marketed as Dracula’s Castle.
Even if the connection is weak, it’s dramatic and worth visiting.
Ticket: ~€12
🏔 2. Brașov (2 hours)
Brașov is one of Romania’s most beautiful cities.
Don’t miss:
- Black Church
- Tampa viewpoint
- Rope Street
🌄 3. Viscri Village (UNESCO Saxon village)
Prince Charles helped restore it. Super authentic rural Transylvania.
Best Time to Visit Sighișoara
✔️ May–June
✔️ September–October
Avoid:
- Rainy November
- Extremely hot August weekends
Autumn is magical — fog + medieval towers = Dracula vibes.
Is Sighișoara Worth Visiting?
Absolutely yes.
It’s:
- Small
- Romantic
- Photogenic
- Historically fascinating
- Affordable
It’s not a party town. It’s a slow, atmospheric experience.
If you love:
- Gothic vibes
- Medieval architecture
- Dracula legends
- Hidden European gems
This place is for you.
If you’re planning a Transylvania itinerary, combine:
Sighișoara + Brașov + Bran + Sibiu for the ultimate medieval road trip.
And yes…
Standing in the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș hits different. 🧛♂️