Sighișoara was a huge favourite during our trip to Romania. Small, intact, colourful and perched on its hill, the old town looks like a film set. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe — and one of the very few that is still inhabited. We visited Sighișoara at Christmas and highly recommend this time of year (just be warned: it gets cold).
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sighișoara is a must-see in Romania. You wander slowly through cobbled streets, fortified towers and pastel houses, with the rare feeling that time has stopped.
Walking through Sighișoara’s old town
The best thing to do in Sighișoara is simple: walk.
The medieval citadel is compact, fully pedestrian, and every street reveals a new viewpoint. You go up, down, stop to admire the details: carved wooden doors, coloured walls, stones worn smooth by centuries.
It’s the perfect place to wander without a plan. Even when travelling with a dog, the walk is pleasant — the town is calm, gentle and welcoming.
The covered staircase: the symbol of Sighișoara
The famous covered staircase of Sighișoara dates back to the 17th century. This wooden passage connects the old town to the church on the hill.
The place has enormous charm: filtered light, old wood, silence… it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
The house of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula)
Sighișoara is known as the supposed birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, also known as Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend.
His house attracts many visitors. We didn’t go inside, but it’s one of the city’s main tourist attractions.
Where to eat in Sighișoara
We were very pleasantly surprised by the restaurants:
Gast Haus Alte Post: excellent food, warm atmosphere. The decor and ambience are truly beautiful.
Joseph T Restaurant: absolutely delicious. Their traditional dessert is worth trying.
For a coffee break:
Casa Cositorarului: pretty, tastefully decorated, calm, and dog-friendly — ideal when travelling with a dog.
Where to stay in Sighișoara
Sleeping in or near the citadel is part of the experience:
Mercure Hotel Sighișoara: comfortable and very well located. Dogs are accepted (with a fairly significant extra fee).
Casa Georgius Krauss: historic charm.
Pensiunea Joker: a more budget-friendly option, central and pleasant.
Our opinion on Sighișoara
Sighișoara is probably one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Romania. Small but intense, touristy yet never overwhelming, it keeps an incredibly authentic atmosphere.
You come for the history, you stay for the feeling.
Every street corner is photogenic, every walk becomes a memory.
It’s an ideal destination to slow down, breathe, and savour the journey.
A true Romanian gem. Discover more places in Romania here.