Beautiful but Underrated Cities to Visit Before They Become Tourist Hotspots

By

Lisette Marie

February 2, 2026

City Sixteen: The Timeless Beauty of Sighișoara, Romania

Sighisoara at night in the historic centre of the 12th century Saxon town, Transylvania, Romania. Photo Credit: Envato @MatthewWilliams-Ellis

Perched in the heart of Transylvania, Sighișoara is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval citadels—and one of its most underrated. Birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula), this fortified hilltop town features cobbled streets, colorful towers, and Gothic churches that seem untouched by time. The 14th-century Clock Tower dominates the skyline and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. While steeped in legend and lore, Sighișoara is also a vibrant town with artisan shops, cozy cafés, and summer festivals that bring medieval traditions to life. It's a perfect blend of fairy tale and folklore, without the tourist crowds.

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