Sighişoara, with its pretty pastel coloured houses, medieval towers and well-preserved UNESCO-listed Citadel, is a must-see spot in Romania! If you’re planning a visit, here are the best things to do in Sighisoara with kids!
(And if you’re not planning a visit yet, keep on reading, and I guarantee you’ll be adding Sighişoara to your bucket list!)
Sighişoara
Built in the 12th century by German craftsmen known as the Saxons, Sighişoara is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the walled town was further fortified with 14 towers, each built and maintained by a craft guild. Of the original towers, nine towers are remaining today. The walls and towers comprising the Citadel are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A walk through the Old Town may remind you of the historic centers of Prague or Vienna. With the original medieval architecture, winding cobbled streets, steep stairways, and imposing towers and turrets, the Citadel is like stepping into a medieval fairy tale. But with the added ambiance of being in the middle of Transylvania, as well as being the birthplace of Dracula, Sighişoara is definitely an interesting place to visit!
We visited Sighişoara during our two weeks in Romania. We actually stayed for three days, because we were waiting for our luggage to arrive, but that’s a different story! Some people stop and visit for a few hours and then head on to visit other places in Transylvania, but we’d recommend spending at least a day or two. The town is small, but you can easily spend a few days here. Whether you have a few hours or a few days, here are our suggestions for things to do in Sighisoara with kids (or without kids)!
Things to do in Sighisoara with Kids
Citadel
The UNESCO-listed Citadel encloses the Old Town within its walls and watchtowers. Of the original 14 towers protecting the town, nine are still remaining. Each of these towers was built and maintained by a different craft guild, hence their names. Still remaining are the Blacksmiths’ Tower, Butchers’ Tower, Cobblers’ Tower, Furriers’ Tower, Ropemakers’ Tower, Tailors’ Tower, Tanners’ Tower and Tinsmiths’ Tower. But the most impressive tower still standing is the Clock Tower. The multi-coloured tile roof glitters in the sun and can be seen from most parts of Sighişoara. Climb to the top of the Clock Tower for an impressive panorama view of the town. *closed Mondays.
Piaţa Cetǎţii
The main square is the heart of the Old Town. Over the years, the square has hosted street markets, public executions and even witch trials. Currently lined with cafes and a few shops, the Piaţa is a great place for a snack or casual meal. The tourist train starts and ends here as well.
Ride the Tourist Train
The tourist train is a great way to see Sighişoara. The train begins and ends in the main square and then heads outside the walls of the Citadel, giving a glimpse of life outside of the Old Town. The ride lasts about 20 minutes, and is a great way to see the town and the Citadel from outside, especially if you’re travelling with kids!
Dracula’s House
Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Vlad Dracul, was a prince in the middle ages who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. He was supposedly born in this house and lived here until age 4. It’s now a restaurant but you can also head upstairs for a small fee and see Vlad Ţepeş room. Even if you don’t go inside, the house is worth a photo op!
The Church of the Dominican Monastery
Close to the Clock Tower, this Gothic church has been restored several times since the 12th century and contains many baroque treasures, including a baroque organ and altar. The church is still in use and often hosts baroque and classical concerts, in addition to holding regular mass.
Dracula’s Statue
Behind the Church of the Dominican Monastery is the statue of Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Vlad Dracul. Even if you’re not a fan of Dracula, it’s a pretty good spot to pose for a photo!
Scholar’s Stairs
Originally built in 1642, this covered passageway sheltered school children heading up the hill in the wintertime. You can climb the 175 steps and imagine having to climb those stairs every day!
Church on the Hill
After climbing the Scholar’s Stairs, you’ll arrive at the Church on the Hill. Initially a Catholic church, it became the main church of the Saxons in the 16th century. The inside of the church is beautifully restored, with fragments of murals from the 14th century. The grounds are open to wander through and lead to a Saxon cemetery.
The Stag House
Built in the 17th century, the house is named for the stag head on the corner of the facade. It’s the most preserved house in Sighişoara and is now a hotel. If you’re looking for an interesting place to stay, it might be worth taking a look!
Stroll the Streets
The best way to experience Sighişoara, is to stroll along the cobbled streets within the Old Town. Wander through the pedestrian friendly streets, admire the original architecture and gaze up at the impressive towers. You’ll feel like you are walking back in time!
Around Sighişoara
Although I feel that you could spend a few days soaking up the atmosphere in Sighişoara, here are a few nearby things to do in Sighisoara with kids.
The Fortified Church at Viscri
Viscri is just 40km south of Sighişoara and one of the best preserved Saxon villages in Romania. The fortified church dates from 1724 but has been restored, displaying original wood carvings and paintings. You can climb the tower for views across the farmland.
Brasov
Brasov is 115km south of Sighişoara and another popular spot to visit in Transylvania. For more information and ideas on what to do in Brasov, see our post on Things to Do in Brasov.
Bran Castle
Bran Castle, “Dracula’s Castle”, is 150km south of Sighişoara . It is possible to visit as a day trip from Sighişoara, but is often done as a day trip from Brasov instead.
Sibiu
The town of Sibiu is 85km to the southwest and another popular spot to visit in Transylvania. For more information on Sibiu, see our post here.
If you have any suggestions for the best things to do in Sighisoara with kids, let us know in the comments below!
Accommodations:
There are many delightful and interesting places to stay in Sighişoara. It’s possible to stay within the walls of the Old Town, but be aware that some places are not accessible by car (paid parking is possible outside the Citadel).
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Check for available accommodation on booking.com or click below.
Booking.comTo Get to Sighişoara:
If you’re travelling by car, there is a direct route from Bucharest to Sighişoara on E60. Travel time is approximately 3.5 – 4 hours. An alternative route, if driving in the summer or early fall, is to drive the Transfagaraşan Road. Voted one of the World’s Best Roads, it is definitely an experience!
By air, the closest airport is Sibiu – 85km, Cluj Napoca – 145km and international airport is in Bucharest 271km (approx 3.5hr).
Trains run daily to Bucharest, Brasov, Cluj-Napoca, Satu Mare and other cities in Romania, as well as Budapest, Hungary.
Buses run from Sighişoara to cities within Romania, as well as daily service to France and Germany.
Useful Information:
Emergency: Dial 112
Hospital: (Spitalul Municipal) Str. Zaharia Boiu 40, Telephone 0265.771.451
Tourist Information Centre: Piaţa Muzeului nr 6, 9am-5pm. Located under the clock tower, they provide maps, information and speak English among other languages.
Telephone: Country code +40, City code 0265, and then the phone number
Currency is the lei, often posted in exchange offices as RON. Although Romania is a member of the EU, the euro does not circulate (yet).
ATMs, Credit Cards and Debit Cards are widely accepted (you will need a 4 digit PIN)
If you’re planning to visit Sighişoara as a stop while exploring Romania, you can read about our 2 weeks in Romania here. We rented a car for two weeks and this was our itinerary, exploring Transylvania, the Maramures, driving the Transfagarasan Road before visiting Bran Castle and returning to Bucharest.
This is very helpful! I’m hoping to visit Sighisoara during our two-week visit to Romania next month. Do you think it’s stroller-friendly or would we have trouble getting around because of steps, cobble stone paths and lots of hills? We have a two-year old that would tire out from all the walking without a stroller
So glad you’re visiting Sighisoara! There are a lot of steps and most of the streets are cobblestone, so it wouldn’t be the easiest with a stroller. If a carrier is an option for you, that would be easier!