Top Things to do in Sighisoara
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The 10 Best Things to do in Sighisoara, Transylvania
The clock tower of Sighisoarais the grand dame of the city, reigning tall and proud from atop a central hill. Founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features well-preserved medieval stone streets and structures. Visit fortified churches, climb the famed Scara Şcolarilor covered staircase, and get goosebumps at the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s terrifying creature, Count Dracula.
Restaurants in Sighisoara
1. Art & Crafts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 234 reviews
Hello, My name is Mark Tudose and few years ago I have start "Art & Crafts" in Sighisoara. At first I have made a local artist gallery with handmade products around Sighisoara. I do the wood part in the gallery. In time we developed more opening a museum section for our gallery with pieces made of wood about 50 years ago. This year is for the first time when we will open this museum part for our customers. So, feel free to visit us and let me know your opinion. I really think that the only way for a craft it comes with the story behind. I hope you will like our stories.
Reviewed By mirunavrn - Bucharest, Romania
This souvenir shop in the historical center has various products made by local craftsmen: from wooden carved spoons and hand painted Christian icons to handmade magnets showing the most iconic attractions of the city. The owner is very polite and hospitable, even gives more details about the products and the stories behind them.
2. The Dracula Investigation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 203 reviews
Who hasn’t heard of the (in)famous Dracula? Vampire or ruler, known near and far for his cruelty. Here, at The Dracula Investigation, you will learn that this story also starts with a simple human being like you and me. A person with feelings, a traumatized kid - allow us to present you the real Vlad Dracula - the son, brother, warrior. Inside, in 5 rooms Vlad himself will tell you his life story. You will get to see animations, sculptures and light/ shadow effects. We invite you to travel back in time with us to get to know Dracula’s human, real and often hidden part.
Reviewed By 350kingak
An original idea presenting the life of Vlad Țepeş (the Impaler) in an interactive way with videos, sculptures and audio, creating an adequate atmosphere for his life story.
3. Sighisoara Clock Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 909 reviews
Reviewed By mirunavrn - Bucharest, Romania
The Clock Tower is emblematic for the city. It is currently housing the History Museum of Sighisoara, where visitors can learn about the history of the city and see various well preserved objects and artifacts from different centuries. You can also go up and have an overview of the city.
4. Breite Ancient Oak Tree Reserve
5. Pivnita lui Teo - Teo's Cellar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
At Teo’s 500-year-old cellar you can taste, enjoy and buy different sorts of local alcoholic beverages such as brandies and liquoirs. Among those several have received different prizes for their outstanding quality at national and international fairs. Our family has been producing these beverages for the past 200 years following traditional recipes perfected by local Saxons for centuries from the local area, also known as Tarnava Valley. Our brandy is kept in oak barrels for at least 3 years.
Reviewed By HealdGreenForever - Slovakia, null
We spent a very pleasant 2 hours in Teo's cellar and in his company. What can we say? As a couple who very regularly go wine-tasting, we can confirm that his wines are delicious, his award-winning cognac is fabulous, and his fruit liquors and brandies are superb! If we were to revisit Sighisoara, we'd happily stay in Teo's accommodation next time.
6. Sighisoara Historic Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,577 reviews
Reviewed By carolas936 - Marietta, United States
Sighisoara is an outstanding example of a small fortified city in the border region between the Latin-oriented central Europe and the Byzantine-Orthodox culture of south-eastern Europe. Castle walls enclose a steep plateau hill overlooking a bend in the Tirnava river (traces of occupation trace back to the Paleolithic period). Sighisoara was built in the 12th century by German craftsmen and merchants who were ordered by Hungarian rulers to colonize Transylvania to protect the Carpathian border against the Mongols. These Saxon settlers occupied City Hill; the town grew as a regional trading center, defensive outpost and transportation hub. Following the Mongolian invasion of 1241, the fortified settlement was reinforced with stone walls and guard towers surrounding the entire plateau. The town, known in 1280 as Castrum Sex, developed commercial activities thanks to the powerful guilds of craftsmen. Each guild was responsible for the construction of a tower and its defense. The town obtained the title ‘Civitas’ in 1367 and became an important trading and defensive center in Transylvania. Sighisoara heightened its walls between 1421 and 1526 in response to threatened Turkish invasions. During the 17th century, the population was reduced by almost half from two plague epidemics. Fires damaged the lower town in 1676, 1736 and 1788, floods in 1771, and an earthquake in 1838. Despite this, the area within the castle walls has rebuilt and kept its original medieval architecture, with narrow cobbled streets lined with rows of houses. Three main streets run roughly north-south, crossed by passages and alleyways. Houses are mostly two or three stories, the simple homes of craftsmen, built from stone or brick, covered in colored stucco, roofed with tiles, with a narrow facade along the street and an L- or U-shaped layout. Wandering the cobbled streets between medieval houses gave me a sense of what it would be like to live in a fortified castle. Sighisoara Historic Center was listed in 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is accessible at all times with no entry fee.
7. The History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By AndreiStej - Bucharest, Romania
The history museum that is located inside the old clock tower, features some interesting pieces from the old arts like blacksmithing and tailoring. Also, very interesting is the old medicinal history here. It's a nice and cheap place for a cool history lesson.
8. Church on the Hill
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By 888eugent
On top of the hill, as the name says, sits the church, with a long and interesting history. Fully restored, and next to the school. Beautiful views of the city. The stairs up are the highlight and there a small cemetery next to it, with tombstones dating back several centuries
9. Scara Acoperita-Covered Stairway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By 1506Andrei_T
A symbol of Sighisoara. To reach the Church on the Hill you must climb! ???? But after that, you'll see it wasn't for nothing. Great view of the town and... you did some sport up and down the stairs.????
10. Casa Vlad Dracul
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By JeffMann
I've always wanted to visit sites connected with Vlad the Impaler, so it was a real pleasure to get to Sighisoara and Casa Vlad Dracul. Sighisoara is an amazingly scenic, well-preserved medieval town, full of beautiful buildings, and Casa Vlad Dracul turned out to be a great restaurant. My husband and I sat on the sheltered rooftop deck during a rainstorm and enjoyed a very tasty meal, served by friendly and efficient staff. I highly recommend the cabbage rolls.
