Things To Do
in Târgu Secuiesc

Târgu Secuiesc is a small town in Covasna County in central Transylvania, rooted in Székely Hungarian heritage. Its streets showcase colorful façades, traditional wooden gates, and a relaxed, village-like pace. Set at the foothills of the Carpathians, it serves as a tranquil base for outdoor excursions and cultural discoveries.

Beyond hearty regional cuisine, visitors can explore markets, churches, and nearby towns such as Sfântu Gheorghe and Miercurea Ciuc.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café in the heart of Târgu Secuiesc. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings, including the striking Reformed Church. Visit the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps pick up some artisanal goods.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a traditional Hungarian restaurant, head to the nearby Szekler Museum of Secuiesc for an insightful look into the region's history and culture. Spend some time wandering the quaint streets, visiting local shops that showcase handmade crafts. As the afternoon sun warms the town, find a park to relax and soak in the serene surroundings.

evening
:

Dine at a local bistro where you can savor authentic Romanian dishes, complete with a glass of local wine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, enjoying the charming ambiance of the town at night. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local pub to unwind and interact with friendly locals.

day 2
Skiing and Snowboarding in the Mountains
morning
:

Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast, then head to the nearby ski resort for a thrilling day in the snow. Rent your gear and take a few warm-up runs on the slopes, enjoying the crisp mountain air and stunning winter scenery. If you're new to skiing, consider taking a lesson to improve your skills.

afternoon
:

Break for lunch at the ski lodge, where you can warm up with a hot drink and enjoy a view of the slopes. Spend the afternoon exploring the varied trails, from gentle slopes to more challenging runs, ensuring an exhilarating experience. Don't forget to capture some breathtaking photos of the snowy landscape.

evening
:

Return to Târgu Secuiesc for a cozy dinner at a rustic restaurant, savoring hearty dishes that will replenish your energy. Share stories about your skiing adventures with fellow travelers as the evening unfolds. If you have the energy, take a stroll through the quiet town, enjoying the peaceful ambiance under the winter stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
🏨Budget hotel (per night)$25-50
Coffee$2-4
🚌Public transit day pass$2-6
🧀Groceries (basic staples)$15-40/week

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich Székely culture and warm hospitality
  • Access to nearby Carpathian scenery and nature
  • Limited nightlife and larger crowds in peak season
  • Language barrier for non-Romanian/Hungarian speakers
  • "Bună ziua" - Hello / Good day
  • "Vă rog" - Please
  • "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
  • "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Vorbiți engleză?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Scuze" - Excuse me / I'm sorry

Places to Visit in Târgu Secuiesc

Visit one of these nice places.

Central Town Square

A lively hub with Székely façades and colorful architecture, best in the golden hours.

Reformed Church Bell Tower

A historic church tower offering architectural detail and city views.

Hilltop Overlook

Panoramic vantage point on the surrounding hills for wide countryside shots.

Market Street at Dawn

Quiet streets and early market activity provide atmospheric street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Târgu Secuiesc

The local cuisine blends Romanian and Hungarian influences, featuring hearty paprika-spiked dishes, savory stews, and rustic pastries.

Târgu Secuiesc Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Gulyásleves (Goulash Soup)

A hearty paprika-rich soup or stew, a staple in Székely homes and taverns.

Must-Try!

Töltött paprika (Stuffed Peppers)

Peppers stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, simmered in tomato sauce.

Pörkölt (Meat Stew)

Slow-braised meat (usually pork or beef) with onions and paprika, typically served with dumplings or potatoes.

Lángos (Fried Dough)

Fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese or savory toppings from street stalls.

Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake)

Sweet caramelized pastry baked on a spit, popular from markets and bakeries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Market (Piata Agroalimentara)

Fresh produce, dairy, bread, and regional specialties—great for tasting everyday Romanian-Hungarian life.

Street Food Stalls

Lángos, chimney cake, roasted corn, and seasonal treats near the market square.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is temperate continental with four distinct seasons: warm summers, cold winters, and mild springs and autumns.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and language

A respectful greeting such as 'Bună ziua' (Good day) is appreciated; many locals in the area are Hungarian-speaking or bilingual.

Religious and community spaces

Ask before entering churches or community events; dress modestly when visiting places of worship and speak softly in sacred spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; practice standard precautions against petty theft in crowded markets and on public transport, and drive carefully in wintery conditions.

Tipping in Târgu Secuiesc

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

If service is not included, a tip of 5-10% is customary in restaurants and cafes; round up at casual spots.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long daylight; occasional afternoon storms. Pack water, sun protection, and a light layer for cooler evenings.

Autumn

Mild days with changing foliage; harvest markets flourish and countryside colors shine.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; cozy indoor cafes, warm paprika dishes, and winter landscapes in the surrounding hills.

Spring

Mild temperatures and budding greenery; great for city strolls and hill hikes.

Nightlife Guide

Târgu Secuiesc at Night

The nightlife in Târgu Secuiesc is low-key, centered around cozy cafés, wine bars, and cultural events rather than large clubs.

Hiking in Târgu Secuiesc

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Baraolt Mountains Trails

Forested hills with panoramic overlooks and a network of gentle to moderate trails.

Olt River Valley Walk

Riverside paths with lush banks, suitable for easy-day hikes and photography.

Airports

How to reach Târgu Secuiesc by plane.

Târgu Mureș International Airport (TGM)

Closest international gateway; regular connections and rental car services available.

Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ)

Major hub in western Transylvania; good option for multi-city trips.

Bucharest Otopeni International (OTP)

Largest Romanian airport offering extensive international connections; longer drive from Covasna.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and highly walkable; most sights are reachable on foot, while hillside neighborhoods involve gentle climbs and longer walks.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Székely Hungarians

A strong Székely Hungarian community with bilingual traditions and distinct cultural heritage.

Romanians

A significant Romanian population alongside Hungarians in the area.

Roma

Roma communities are present in some neighborhoods, contributing to the region's diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport across towns, with local teams and casual weekend games.

Basketball

Widely played in schools and community clubs.

Handball

Common in local gyms and sports centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate in town; main roads are well maintained, but winter conditions can slow travel; for longer trips, trains and long-distance buses connect to nearby towns such as Sfântu Gheorghe and Miercurea Ciuc.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Târgu Secuiesc.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most dishes are meat-based, but you can find mushroom dishes, főzelék (vegetable stews), dumplings, and cheese plates; communicate dietary needs to staff.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Târgu Secuiesc includes local clinics and general practitioners; for hospital-grade care, residents typically go to Sfântu Gheorghe or Miercurea Ciuc, which have larger facilities and emergency services. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card and any required documentation for international travel.

Discover Romania

Read more in our Romania 2025 Travel Guide.

Romania Travel Guide