Sighisoara

Food | Wine | Architecture

Sighisoara Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go

Sighisoara, a hidden gem in the heart of Romania, is a destination that promises to leave you spellbound. With its rich history, delicious food, delightful wine, and stunning architecture, Sighisoara offers an unforgettable travel experience. Before you embark on your journey, here are a few things to know about this captivating town.

Sighisoara offers a unique culinary adventure blending traditional Romanian cuisine and international flavors. Don’t miss trying “sarmale” or “mici.” Pair your meal with local wine to enhance the experience. Romania’s vineyards produce exceptional wines, and wine tours are available.

When it comes to architecture, Sighisoara is home to one of the best-preserved fortified citadels in Europe, earning it a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, marvel at the colorful houses, ornate churches, and imposing towers that transport you back in time.

Besides its architectural wonders, Sighisoara is steeped in history. Founded in the 12th century by German craftsmen and merchants known as the Saxons, the town became an important cultural and economic center. It played a significant role in the region throughout the Middle Ages and beyond.

We visited Sighisoara for a month-long stay in June. During our month-long stay in Sighisoara in the enchanting month of June, we immersed ourselves in the beauty and history of this medieval gem. The town’s picturesque landscape, complemented by its exquisite wines and architectural wonders, made it an unforgettable experience.

Below is a guide to our favorite food, wine, and architecture in Sighisoara, plus some additional travel tips and resources we picked up along the way. We hope this information will inspire you to plan your next trip!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sighisoara Food

Sighisoara Wine

Sighisoara Architecture

Where Is Sighisoara Located?

Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Sighisoara?

Hotels in Sighisoara

What Is the Best Time to Visit Sighisoara?

Weather
Shoulder Season
Best Value

FAQs About Sighisoara

Other Things to Know About Sighisoara

Sighisoara Blog Posts

Sighisoara Food

Traditional dishes in Romania are a culinary delight, and Sighisoara is no exception. During our stay, we indulged in hearty meals showcasing the region’s rich flavors and unique ingredients. One dish that stood out was “sarmale,” cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, rice, and spices. The combination of tender cabbage leaves and flavorful filling was simply divine. We also enjoyed “mici,” a type of grilled meatball made from ground beef, lamb, or pork. Check out our Romanian Food page for more information.

Being in the heart of Transylvania, Sighisoara is known for its succulent sausages and smoked meats. The restaurant menus and markets are packed with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the flavors of the region. From succulent cuts of meat to vibrant salads bursting with seasonal produce, there is something to satisfy every palate in Sighisoara.

Sighisoara Wine

The majority of wine available in Sighisoara is locally produced. You can find more information about local wine on our Romania Wine page.

If you’re interested in trying the local wines, there’s a wine region located approximately 1 hour northwest of Sighisoara, where you can visit several wineries offering wine-tasting options.

Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in town, you can visit several wine bars in Sighisoara that offer a wide selection of wines from local wineries.

Sighisoara Architecture

Wandering through the streets of Sighisoara is like stepping back in time. The town’s architecture tells a story of centuries past, with its well-preserved medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings. One iconic sight is the Clock Tower, standing tall at the heart of the town.

Another architectural marvel is the Church on the Hill, an impressive Gothic-style church perched on top of a steep hill. As you explore the town further, you will find charming houses with vibrant facades adorned with ornate balconies and flower-filled window boxes. Each street has its own unique character, inviting visitors to wander and discover the hidden gems at every turn.

Where Is Sighisoara Located?

Sighisoara is located in the heart of Romania, in the historical region of Transylvania. Nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, this enchanting town sits on the banks of the Tarnava Mare River. Its central location makes it easily accessible from various parts of the country.

Where Is the Best Place To Stay In Sighisoara?

Hotels in Sighisoara

There are many great places to stay in Sighisoara. For the best experience, we recommend staying inside the Citadel. We feel the charm and ambiance of Sighisoara is best inside the Citadel and it is the perfect spot for a unique and memorable experience. The castle marker on the interactive map below is the center of the Citadel. We recommend staying as close to it as you can afford and that meets your preferences.

The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

What Is The Best Time To Visit Sighisoara?

The best month to visit Sighisoara depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.

Weather

The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Sighisoara during the summer is warm, but the elevation makes it bearable.

Below is a chart showing each month’s average high and low temperatures so you can decide what is best for you.

Shoulder Season

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Sighisoara is April to June and September to November. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

Sighisoara is a popular tourist destination but doesn’t get too overcrowded – even in the summer. Even so, you will find fewer crowds in the shoulder season.

We spent a month in Sighisoara in June. The weather was rainy on some days but pleasant and sunny on most. In general, it is a relatively mild-weather destination.

Best Value

April, May, September, and October are good months to visit Sighisoara for the best value and no crowds. You should expect cool weather and pack accordingly.

FAQs About Sighisoara

Is Sighisoara Worth Visiting?

Yes, Sighisoara is definitely worth visiting. If you enjoy soups, stews, and medieval walled towns you will have a wonderful time in Sighisoara. We explored this question in depth in our article “Is Sighisoara Worth Visiting?”

Is Sighisoara Expensive?

Sighisoara, Romania is cheaper than more popular tourist destinations like Vienna, Austria and nearby Budapest, Hungary. However, the cost ultimately depends on the level of luxury required. We prepared a Budget for a Month in Sighisoara that analyzes all the necessary expenses.

What Is Sighisoara Famous For?

Sighisoara is famous for its Citadel with ancient towers and cobblestone streets.

Is Sighisoara Pretty?

Yes, Sighisoara is very pretty. It has a historic Citadel with ancient towers and cobblestone streets.

How Many Days in Sighisoara Is Enough?

You will need one day to walk around the Citadel and see its famous sites. If you have more time, a day trip to one or more of the villages with a fortified church is well worth the time and effort. For a list of the best things to see and a suggested walking tour, check out our article “17 Best Things to See in Sighisoara.”

What Region Is Sighisoara In?

Sighisoara is located in the Transylvania region of Romania.

How to Get to Sighisoara?

If you fly into Targu Mures airport (TGM), the closest airport, you can take a taxi the 30-mile trip to Sighisoara for around RON100. Buses take just over an hour and cost as little as RON5.

If you fly into Bucharest or Vienna, the train journey takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes and costs about RON50.

If you need door-to-door service, then a taxi from the airport to the front door of your hotel is best. To arrange a taxi or private transfer, we recommend GetTransfer.

Other Things to Know About Sighisoara

Airport

The nearest airport to Sighișoara is Tirgu Mures (TGM). There are several options to get from the airport to Sighisoara. The train takes 4h 6m and costs between €5 – €20. The bus takes 2h 25m and costs €8 – €10. The drive is 60.3 km and takes about 1h 1m. A taxi costs between €35 – €50. Although the Tirgu Mures airport is the closest, there are a couple other options for getting to Sighișoara.

Sibiu International Airport (SBZ) is located 3 km west of Sibiu in southern Transylvania. Romanian Railways (CFR) operates a train from Sibiu to Sighişoara 3 times a day. Tickets cost €8 – €10 and the journey takes 2h 13m.

If you’re visiting Bucharest, the capital of Romania, the train from Bucharest to Sighişoara runs 3 times a day. Tickets cost €25 – €28 and the journey takes 5h 22m.

Time Zone

Eastern European Time (EET; UTC+02:00).

Currency

The Romanian leu (plural lei) is the currency of Romania.

Language

Romanian is the official language of Romania. However, English is widely spoken in Sighisoara.

Visa

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Romania if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Romania, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

Electricity

Romania’s electrical outlets are Type C and F. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter. It’s the same adapter used for the rest of Europe.

Romania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

We recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins if you have many items to plug in. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.

SIM Card

Travelers will want a SIM card for Romania. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you must find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased before arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

Car Rental

The train system in Romania makes rental cars unnecessary for most destinations. However, rental cars are needed to reach smaller towns and explore the countryside. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.