Things to Do in Transylvania
The essentials in Transylvania are Brașov and its old town, Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress, the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, the squares of Sibiu, the Saxon villages with fortified churches and Corvin Castle. With more time, add Cluj-Napoca and the Turda Salt Mine. For the rest of the country, see our Discover Romania guide.
Below we explain what makes each place special and how to organise them in a route of three to seven days.
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Key facts
- Brașov is the most practical base: close to Bran, Râșnov, the mountains and the bear-watching areas.
- Sighișoara’s historic centre and the Saxon villages with fortified churches (such as Biertan and Viscri) are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Sibiu is about 2.5 hours from Brașov and a good base for the south and for Corvin Castle.
- You need at least 3 days for the essentials; 5 to 7 days let you add Sibiu, Corvin and the villages.
- Bran Castle is about three hours from Bucharest; Brașov is easy to reach by train.
Transylvania at a Glance
Transylvania is large, so it helps to group the places by base. This table sums up the highlights:
| Place | Why go | Best base |
|---|---|---|
| Brașov | Old town, Black Church, mountain views | Brașov |
| Bran and Râșnov | The “Dracula” castle and a hilltop fortress | Brașov |
| Sighișoara | UNESCO-listed medieval citadel | Sighișoara or Brașov |
| Sibiu | Elegant squares and the Bridge of Lies | Sibiu |
| Saxon villages | Fortified churches such as Biertan and Viscri | Sighișoara or Brașov |
| Corvin Castle | A spectacular Gothic castle in Hunedoara | Sibiu |
| Cluj-Napoca and Turda | A lively city and an underground salt mine | Cluj-Napoca |
Brașov: The Gateway to Transylvania
Brașov combines a pretty old town around Council Square, the imposing Black Church and forested mountains right above the rooftops. You can take the cable car up Mount Tâmpa for views over the city or stroll along the old walls. Our guide to things to do in Brașov covers the city in detail.
It is also the best base for the area: Bran, Râșnov and the ski slopes of Poiana Brașov are close by, and it is the starting point for bear-watching tours. Read our guide on where to see bears in Romania.
Tours to Discover Transylvania
A 2-day trip from Bucharest through Brașov, Bran and Sighișoara, a small-group day to Sighișoara, Viscri and Rupea from Brașov and a visit to the Turda Salt Mine from Cluj.
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Viator
2-Day Transylvania from Bucharest: Brașov, Bran, Sighișoara
A 2-day trip from Bucharest through Transylvania: the old town of Brașov, Bran Castle (“Dracula’s Castle”) and the medieval citadel of Sighișoara.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Small-Group Tour of Sighișoara, Viscri and Rupea from Brașov
A small-group day trip from Brașov to the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, the Saxon village of Viscri and Rupea Fortress: UNESCO heritage in one day.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Curly Tour: Day Trip from Cluj to Turda Salt Mine & Turda Gorge
A day trip from Cluj-Napoca to the spectacular Turda Salt Mine (Salina Turda) and the dramatic limestone canyon of Turda Gorge.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Castles: Bran, Râșnov and Corvin
Bran Castle, known worldwide as “Dracula’s Castle”, and Râșnov Fortress, on a hill 12 km away, are easy to see in a day from Brașov. If you are coming from the capital, our guide on how to get from Bucharest to Bran compares the options.
Further west, in Hunedoara, Corvin Castle is one of the most impressive Gothic castles in Romania, with towers, drawbridges and a dramatic setting. It works best as a day trip from Sibiu. More in our guide to Transylvania’s castles.
Sighișoara: A Living Medieval Citadel
Sighișoara’s hilltop citadel is still inhabited, with cobbled streets, colourful houses, the Clock Tower and a covered wooden staircase up to the church on the hill. According to tradition, Vlad III, the prince who inspired Dracula, was born here.
It is about two hours from Brașov, so you can visit on a day trip, but sleeping in the citadel lets you enjoy it in the evening, when the day visitors have left.
Sibiu: Squares, Towers and the Bridge of Lies
Sibiu is one of Transylvania’s most elegant cities, with three connected squares, houses with roof windows that look like eyes and the iron Bridge of Lies. The Lutheran Cathedral and the Council Tower offer views over the rooftops.
Sibiu is a good base for the south of Transylvania: Corvin Castle, the Saxon villages and, in summer, the Transfăgărășan road are within reach. In winter it hosts one of the best-known Christmas markets in the country.
The Saxon Villages and Fortified Churches
Between Brașov, Sighișoara and Sibiu lie dozens of villages founded by Saxon settlers, each with a church surrounded by defensive walls. Several of them, such as Biertan, Viscri and Prejmer, are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
They are best visited by car or on a guided tour, as public transport is limited. Combine two or three villages with Sighișoara for a full day.
Cluj-Napoca and the Turda Salt Mine
In the north of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca is a lively university city with cafés, museums and a busy cultural life. About 30 km away, the Turda Salt Mine is a huge underground space with a lake, a Ferris wheel and galleries carved into the salt.
Cluj has its own airport, so it is a convenient start or end point if you are travelling through the north of the region.
How Many Days Do You Need in Transylvania?
It depends on how much you want to see. These routes work well:
- 3 days: Brașov, Bran and Râșnov, and a day in Sighișoara.
- 5 days: add Sibiu and one or two Saxon villages such as Biertan or Viscri.
- 7 days: add Corvin Castle and, in the north, Cluj-Napoca and the Turda Salt Mine; in summer, the Transfăgărășan.
- To choose your dates, see our guide to the best time to visit Romania.
Things to Do in Transylvania: FAQ
What is the most beautiful town in Transylvania?
Sighișoara and Brașov are the most popular, and Sibiu is close behind. Sighișoara has the most complete medieval citadel; Brașov has the best setting under the mountains.
How many days do you need in Transylvania?
At least 3 days for Brașov, Bran and Sighișoara. With 5 to 7 days you can add Sibiu, the Saxon villages, Corvin Castle and Cluj.
What is the best base for exploring Transylvania?
Brașov is the most practical for Bran, Râșnov and the mountains. Sibiu works well for the south and Corvin Castle, and Cluj-Napoca for the north.
Can you visit Transylvania without a car?
Yes. Trains connect Bucharest with Brașov and Sibiu, and buses reach Bran. For the Saxon villages and Corvin Castle, a guided tour or a car is much easier.
Is Bran Castle really Dracula’s castle?
Bran is marketed as “Dracula’s Castle” because it fits the novel’s description, but the historical link with Vlad III is weak. It is still one of the most visited castles in Romania. More in is Bran Castle really Dracula’s castle?
When is the best time to visit Transylvania?
Late spring and early autumn are the most pleasant. December is magical for snow and Christmas markets.
