tourist guide to moldova

Moldova Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 2, 2023

Moldova, a small, land-locked Eastern European country tucked between Ukraine and Romania , is one of Europe’s most overlooked destinations. It sees just over 300,000 visitors each year and is one of the least visited destinations in the world. Compared to European hotspots like Spain and France, which each welcome over 80 million visitors each year, Moldova is relatively untouched and undiscovered.

Composed of rocky hills, dense forests, and a historic wine region, Moldova is a country that surprises. Sure, if you visit expecting the UNESCO Heritage Sites and epic world wonders of Western Europe you’ll likely be disappointed.

However, if you keep an open mind, learn about the country’s turbulent history, and get off the beaten path, I’m confident you’ll have an amazing (and affordable) trip.

This travel guide to Moldova can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Moldova

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Moldova

1. Explore Chisinau

Chisinau is Moldova’s capital and the gateway to the country for most visitors. Here you can find classic (and grim) Soviet architecture (as well as 1950s Brutalist architecture), beautiful Soviet mosaics, plenty of green spaces and cafes, lots of interesting museums, and fun nightlife. Wander around the center and visit the Triumphal Arch, built in 1840 to symbolize the Russian victory over the Ottoman Empire. Check out the Nativity Cathedral, designed by Abraham Melnikov, with its impressive Russian Neoclassical interior complete with an enormous dome and exterior columns supporting the facade. If you want to relax, head to Stefan cel Mare Central Park where you can grab a coffee, wander around, take in the scenery or read the day away on one of the benches.

2. Check out Bender

Bender (also known as Bendery in Russian as well as Tighina in Romanian) is located on the western bank of the Dniester River near the Bendery–Tiraspol bridge just one hour from Chisinau. This city is under de-facto rule by the breakaway state Transnistria (which has an ongoing ceasefire with Moldova so it’s safe), which declared independence from Moldova in 1990. Visit the impressive Turkish Ottoman Fortress from the 16th century that remained for centuries under rule by Romanians, Russians, and Moldovans for 25 rubles.

3. Sample the wine

Moldovan wine is considered to be some of the best in the world (it’s the 11th largest producer in Europe and 20th in the world). In fact, one-quarter of the country works with wine in some way in this tradition that dates back to 3000 BCE. In 2017, the government of Moldova actually declared wine a food so it could be sold in stores after 10pm. Every year in October, the capital holds a wine celebration. Balti, Codru, Purcari, and Cahul are the four main wine regions. Expect to pay around 175-350 MDL for a winery tour (including samples).

4. Tour Tiraspol

Tiraspol is the largest city in the breakaway Transnistrian republic (and the second-largest in all of Moldova). Located on the eastern bank of the Nistru River, the city itself remains largely unchanged from the Soviet era. However, there are tons of Soviet monuments you can visit near the Palace of the Soviets. There is also a huge memorial at Glory at Suvorov Square in commemoration of World War II, the Soviet-Afghan War, and the Transnistria War (1990-1992). If you’ve done enough sightseeing, head over to the award-winning Kvint Cognac distillery.

5. Explore Transnistria

Transnistria is located between Moldova and Ukraine and a breakaway state since its independence from Moldova in 1990 before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Visit the capital of Tiraspol and check out the colorful Noul Neamt Monastery with its classic Russian Orthodox style and beautiful blue domes. With almost 500,000 people and spanning just over 4,000 square kilometers, Transnistria has its own president, national flag, and even its own currency. Random spot checks by the Russian military can occur so make sure you have your ID. One important thing to note is that Tiraspol Airport isn’t allowed to have international flights so you can only arrive by bus or train from Ukraine or Moldova.

Other Things to See and Do in Moldova

1. relax in naslavcea.

Naslavcea village is one of the most picturesque spots in Moldova (the locals call it the “Switzerland of Moldova”). Located in the northernmost part of the country and on the banks of the Dniester River, there are tons of mountainous hiking trails and viewpoints, and caves here. If you want nature, this is the part of the country for you!

2. Explore the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia

The Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia is located in the southern part of Moldova. It declared independence from Moldova in 1991 and is a fascinating place to learn more about the Gagauz people, who make up 70% of the population here. Head for the capital Comrat and visit some of the city’s museums to learn how this region came into its own. The National Gagauz History Museum and the Ethnographic Museum both shed light on the region and culture and how this autonomous territory came to be (it’s currently in a truce with Moldova, though they have warred in the past). They also have some of the oldest (and largest) wineries in all of Moldova.

3. Visit Orheiul Vechi

Located 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Chisinau, this is an archaeological and ecclesiastical complex. Also known as Old Orhei, it’s a cave monastery home to ruins and cave paintings that date back more than 2,000 years. The monastery is still in use and the monks maintain the site as well as the nearby Orthodox church. Dress respectfully as this is a place of worship.

4. Tour the National Archaeology & History Museum

Opened in 1983, there are over 263,000 items in this collection. They have a 2,000-year-old fired-clay Sarmatian urn shaped like a ram, an entire floor devoted to the Soviet era, sculptures that date back to 4 BCE (they’re the oldest objects ever found in the Bessarabia region), and weapons and armor that date to the 5th century BCE. Admission is 10 MDL but admission is free on the last Saturday and Sunday of the month.

5. Wander the open-air market

Piata Central is an open-air market located in the heart of Chisinau. It spans several blocks and you can find pretty much everything here, from fresh produce to clothing to souvenirs and trinkets. Most of the products here are locally produced so look out for things like raw honey, wine, and brandy. Remember, in Moldova prices are always negotiable so don’t be afraid to barter. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 7am-6:30 pm.

6. Explore the Bendery Fortress

Built during the Ottoman era, this massive 16th-century fortress had the sole purpose of protecting the area from invading Russian forces. With spectacular views of the Dniester River, the grounds surrounding the building are just as impressive as the fortress itself. For decades during the occupation by the USSR, the fort was used as a military base and was off-limits to the public. Today, you’re free to walk the ramparts and explore the narrow tunnels of the fort as it’s intact and well-maintained. Admission is 25 MDL and tours start at 75 MDL.

7. Find Moldova’s Little Prince statue

The Little Prince is a well-known character from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s book Le Petit Prince . The statue can be a little tricky to find thanks to its size (it’s less than 4 inches tall) but it can be found standing on a metal fence in Valea Morilor Park by the lake (it replaces one of the spheres in the fence posts). The concept behind the artwork is that each of the spheres is a representation of each of the planets in the novel. The Little Prince is standing on top of his home planet of asteroid “B-612.”

8. Relax in the oldest park of Moldova

Stefan cel Mare Central Park (Stephen the Great Central Park) is the oldest park in Moldova. The park is a perfect example of landscape gardening from the 19th century. There’s a huge central fountain surrounded by flowers and manicured shrubs and the walkways are lined by trees. Spanning 17 acres, the park has monuments and sculptures dedicated to important figures in Moldova’s history, such as poet and playwright Alexander Pushkin and Prince Stephen the Great. There is also a monument and mass grave for Soviet soldiers who died during World War II.

9. See Soroca Fortress

This fortress was one of the many strongholds of Stephen the Great in 1499. Located in the present-day city of Soroca, it was used to defend the region from the Ottomans, and later from the Russians in the 18th century. The castle has a distinctly Western European design, which has left historians to believe that architects and engineers from the west were brought to the region to help with its design and construction. Built in a circle, the castle has four massive stone towers and curved walls to better resist projectiles. There’s a spacious central courtyard and numerous loopholes for firing weapons. The walls are 3 meters (10 feet) thick and there are several areas for artillery. It’s currently closed for renovations.

10. Visit the Military Museum

Located in the capital, this museum has a sobering and insightful exhibition on Soviet repression during the occupation. It illuminates the forced famines, deportations, and slave labor used by the regime. There are videos, photos, dioramas, and newspaper articles that bring the era to life. Most of it isn’t in English, however, it nevertheless offers insight into just how horrific conditions were under the USSR. Admission is 10 MDL. Closed Mondays.

11. See the Triumphal Arch

Known as the Holy Gate, the Triumphal Arch is a monument in the center of Chisinau. Dating back to the 1840s, it commemorates Russia’s victory over the Ottoman Empire during the Russo-Turkish War (1828–29). Standing 13 meters (43 feet) tall, it’s sort of like a mini Arc de Triomphe.

Moldova Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms are your cheapest option in Moldova, starting at around 250 MDL per night for a 10-20-bed dorm. Free Wi-Fi and kitchens are pretty standard and a few hostels also include free breakfast. There aren’t a lot of options here when it comes to hostels so be sure to book early.

Budget hotels start around 700 MDL per night. Expect your accommodation to be comfortable but a little outdated in its decor. TV, coffee/tea, and free breakfast are all pretty standard.

Airbnb is really only available in Chisinau and Tiraspol, although there are a few places in Balti. Private rooms start at 600 MDL per night but average 800-1,000 MDL. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay a minimum of 770-1,300 MDL per night (though it’s more likely to be 2,000 MDL or more unless you book early).

For anyone traveling with a tent, wild camping is free and safe on public land. Just use common sense and avoid staying too close to someone’s house, pick up all your trash, and leave everything as you found it.

For a basic plot at a campground without electricity, expect to pay around 150-200 MDL. There are only a handful of sites around the country, however, making wild camping the easier (and cheaper) option.

Food – Influenced by Russian, Romanian, and Turkish cuisine, in Moldova the portions are large and the food is incredibly affordable. Beef, pork, potatoes, and cabbage are the most common staples here. Mamaliga (a cornmeal porridge), ghiveci (lamb/goat stew), and branza (brined cheese) are just some of the popular local offerings.

For an inexpensive meal of local cuisine, expect to pay at least 120 MDL. Fast food (think McDonald’s) can only be found in the capital. A combo meal costs 100 MDL.

Sandwiches cost around 60 MDL. Pizza can be found in a few of the larger cities for as little as 90-100 MDL for a medium. Asian food (such as Chinese or Thai) can only be found in the capital. Expect to pay around 80-110 MDL for a meal.

A three-course meal at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs 225 MDL. If you’re on the go, try placinte , a cheese-filled pastry that can be found at bakeries and cafes around the country.

Expect to pay between 25-40 MDL for a beer at the bar or cappuccino at a cafe. A bottle of wine costs just 70 MDL.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 400 MDL for staples like meat, pasta, rice, and seasonal produce.

Backpacking Moldova Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 700 MDL per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook a few meals and eat a few meals out, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like hiking. If you camp, you can cut this down to around 450 MDL.

On a mid-range budget of about 1,800 MDL per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals at cheap restaurants, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or taking a wine tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,900 MDL per day or more, you can eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MDL.

Moldova Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Moldova is a relatively cheap country but, if you’re looking to save some money, here are some added ways to cut costs:

• Take a free walking tour – Chisinau and Tiraspol both have free walking tours led by local guides. They’re a good way to get introduced to the city and its history and culture. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Wild camp – If you really want to save money in Moldova, wild camping is perfectly legal and safe on public land.
• Cook your own meals – Book accommodation that has a kitchen so you can cook your own meals. Buying groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it does save you money.
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing is a great way to save money and connect with a local who can share their tips and advice. There aren’t a ton of hosts here, though you can likely find one in the capital if you look in advance.
• Walk everywhere – All of the major cities in Moldova are quite walkable, so skip the public transportation if you want to save. Skip the taxis too!
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. Save your budget and enjoy the outdoors!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Moldova

In general, hostels are few and far between in Moldova. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Chisinau and Tiraspol:

• Amazing Ionika Hostel (Chisinau)
• Like Home (Tiraspol)

How to Get Around Moldova

Bus – Chisinau has three bus stations that link every city and region in the country. Departures don’t necessarily occur on time and the roads can be a little bumpy. Minibusses (usually with 15 or so seats) are the fastest way to get around, although larger coach buses are a little safer since they generally travel at slower speeds.

The two-hour journey from Chisinau to Tiraspol costs around 50 MDL. You can reach pretty much any city in the country from the capital for under 150 MDL.

Train – Trains in Moldova are reliable and safe, albeit a little outdated (they are mostly older Soviet-era trains). While buses run more often and are more affordable for domestic travel, trains are a good choice for anyone looking to travel to nearby countries.

The overnight train to Bucharest, Romania takes 9 hours and costs 510 MDL. Cabins with beds (and bedding) are available for longer journeys.

Flying – There are no domestic flights within Moldova.

Car rental – Car rentals can be as low as 500 MDL per day for a multi-day rental. You need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), as well as proper insurance, as the roads here are far from ideal.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Moldova

If you’re planning to hike and get out into nature, April-May or September-October are the best times to visit as everything is either in bloom or the leaves are changing color. Autumn is also when the vineyards harvest their grapes. Expect temperatures around 10°-15°C (50-59°F).

The high season is July and August. This is the most popular time to visit. During these months the temperatures rise and there are slightly more tourists around. Expect daily highs between 20-27°C (68-81°F).

Winter is from November to March and temperatures drop to around -4°C (23°F). Almost no tourists visit during the winter (the Soviet cities look particularly grim in the gray winter weather). I’d skip a winter visit if you can avoid it.

How to Stay Safe in Moldova

Violent crime against tourists is rare in Moldova, however, scams and pick-pocketing are common in the cities, especially around high-traffic areas in Chisinau such as bus stations. If someone strikes up a conversation with you trying to sell something or if young children approach you, be on alert — their accomplice is likely reaching for your wallet while you’re distracted.

ATM scams are also common here. Whenever possible avoid using ATMs on the street to withdraw money. Only use ATMs within banks to be safe.

Crimes of opportunity are the most common danger here so as long as you keep your valuables out of sight you likely won’t have any trouble. This applies to crowded buses and trains too.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a car, make sure you leave no valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but they can occur so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 903 for an ambulance and 902 for the police.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Moldova Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Moldova Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

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10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

The Perfect 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Ultimate Moldova Travel Guide

Updated May 2024 ,   The Ultimate Moldova Travel Guide was originally written in May 2018

You’ve arrived, this is off the beaten track Europe! Landlocked and sandwiched nicely between Ukraine and Romania, with a breakaway territory to boot- this is Moldova. Moldova is one of the least visited countries in all of Europe (San Marino and Lichtenstein seem to be the only lesser-visited countries).

But why go if no one else is? That’s part of the beauty. You won’t find hoards of tourists here, the wines are some of the best in Europe,  ancient monasteries tucked away in caves , the people friendly, the capital is lively & bustling, your money will take you far as Moldova is a relatively inexpensive destination, and you can even take a step back in time to the Soviet-era with a visit to  Transnistria .

I have now visited Moldova twice: once in 2012 and again in 2017, which is a bit unusual as most who visit Moldova do so to tick it off the list with no intent to ever return. Oddly enough I quite enjoy my time in Moldova whether I’m exploring monasteries tucked into cliff-sides, cheersing glasses of wines with new Moldovan friends, eating as many langos at the bazaar I can possibly fit in my mouth, hiking across the rolling hills of Moldova’s countryside, making friends with Transnistrians using my limited Russian language skills, or just wandering the streets of Chișinău.

The blog posts I have come across about Moldova (there are very few!) seem to really fixate on the opinion that it is boring, ugly, harsh, and poor. Of course, if you don’t like the peculiar and utilitarian designs of Soviet architecture you’ll find it ugly if you don’t take the time to befriend a few Moldovans and really try to explore the place you’ll likely find it boring, and well, there’s no hiding that Moldova isn’t the wealthiest nation (however, it’s not the world’s poorest either… just Europe’s).

One difference I noticed from the span between my two visits is that Moldovans seem to be more hopeful about their country’s future than they were in 2012. So if you have a penchant for orthodox churches, meeting friendly locals, sparkling wine, Soviet-style architecture, and breakaway territories you should probably make that trip to Moldova.

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Moldova has had strong ties to Romania throughout history, which traces back to the 1350s when the Principality of Moldavia was founded. The Principality of Moldavia encompassed much of the land that modern-day Moldova (as well as Romania) sits on.

Nearly 200 years later Moldavia would be incorporated into the Ottoman Empire until the early 1800’s when one of many Russo-Turkish Wars would see that Bessarabia is annexed to the Russian Empire. Bessarabia accounts for what is largely modern-day Moldova.

By November 1917 Bessarabia became the Moldavian Democratic Republic and briefly had independence before uniting with Romania in March of 1918. In 1940 Moldavia would be annexed yet again, this time from Romania to the USSR. Moldova remained a republic of the Soviet Union until the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.

On August 27, 1991, Moldova officially declared independence from the Soviet Union. By March of 1992 fighting intensified between Moldova and the region of Transnistria, which would later become the Russian-backed separatist region.

A cease-fire was declared on July 21, 1992, and from that point forward Transnistria has operated as a de facto independent republic called the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. This still to this day remains unresolved.

So that is a half-arsed speedy version of the history of Moldova. If you want a better explanation of the history of Moldova, you could  purchase this book .

Practical Information

The official currency of Moldova is the  Moldovan Leu , abbreviated:  MDL . You can easily withdraw leu out of the ATMs around the country or exchange foreign currency at banks. At the time of writing ( May 2024 ) the current exchange rates are:

• $1 USD = 17.63 MDL
• €1 EUR = 19.12 MDL
• 1 RON = 3.84 MDL
• ₴1 UAH= 0.46 MDL
• ₽1 RUB = 0.19 MDL

In the breakaway region of Transnistria, the  Transnistrian Ruble  is the official currency, abbreviated  PRB . Since Transnistria is not recognized as a country (except for in Abkhazia, Republic of Artsakh {formerly  Nagorno-Karabakh }, and South Ossetia), its currency is not of any use outside Transnistria.

Make sure to exchange any leftover Transnistrian Rubles to another currency before departing, apart from maybe a few souvenir Rubles. In 2014 composite plastic coins were introduced in the 1, 3, 5, and 10 ruble denominations. As of  May 2024 , the current exchange rates are:

• $1 USD = 16.10 PRB
• €1 EUR = 17.40 PRB
• ₴1 UAH = 0.41 PRB
• ₽1 RUB = 0.17 PRB
• 1 MDL = 0.88 PRB

For the most up to date exchange rates on the Transnistrian Rouble check the Bank Pridnestrovia website .

The official language in Moldova is Moldovan, but standard Moldovan is essentially identical to Romanian. Regionally recognized languages include Gaugaz and Ukrainian. Russian is widely understood for the obvious reason that Moldova was a republic of the USSR.

In the region of Transnistria Russian is the main language, but Moldovan and Ukrainian are spoken as well. English is becoming a more popular foreign language among younger Moldovans to learn at school (as well as French), but you will find it helpful to at least know a few words and phrases in Moldovan/Romanian or Russian.

How long to visit Moldova

Moldova is nice and small, making it easy to hit the highlights in a short amount of time. In one week you can easily take in Chișinău, a winery or two,  Orheiul Vechi , as well as pay a  visit to Transnistria . In two weeks you could add on visits to Soroca and the north of Moldova as well as the Gagauz region.

Best time to visit Moldova

The most popular time to visit Moldova is in July & August with wine tours, hiking, and camping in full swing, but be warned- it’s really hot! May & June, as well as September, can be pleasant months to visit with warm weather.

October tends to start getting chilly but it is a popular time to visit as the National Wine Day Festival kicks off the first weekend of the month. November-March can be downright cold but will give you a chance to see the country blanketed in frost, and surely you’ll be hard-pressed to run into other tourists.

Need more convincing? Read:  10 reasons to visit Moldova

How to get around in Moldova

The most common way to travel around Moldova is by minibus (marshrutka), these are 15 passenger vans that leave when full and you just tell the driver when you want to get off. Buses connect most cities in Moldova as well, they are just a little slower than travel by marshrutka.

It is possible to hire taxis to get around in Moldova. Note that the capital, Chișinău is the main hub for travel in Moldova.

How to get to Moldova

By plane, train, or bus. Flights connect Chișinău with Moscow, Bucharest, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Vienna, Warsaw, and several other European cities. There are daily trains connecting Moldova with Romania (Bucharest) and Ukraine (Odessa & beyond).

By bus, you can reach Moldova from many cities in Ukraine and Romania as well as Russia. The most frequent bus journeys are to Odessa, Brasov, Moscow, and Kiev. Of course, if you have your own vehicle you can drive yourself to Moldova.

Passport holders from the EU, CIS, USA, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Japan, S. Korea, Hong Kong, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Singapore, Seychelles, Malaysia, Turkey, and several non-EU European countries can enter Moldova for up to 90 days visa-free.

Entering Transnistria will require you to obtain a migration card, which you can get on arrival at the border. Read more on the  Transnistrian Migration Card here .

Where to go in Moldova

The most common places for travelers to visit in Moldova are Chișinău,  Orheiul Vechi , and  Tiraspol  (Transnistria). The underground wine cellars of Cricova and Mileștii Mici are also popular destinations and easy day trips from Chisinau. If you have the time and want to veer off the beaten path in Moldova (which is easy!), try the colorful city of Soroca, Comrat- the capital of semiautonomous Gaugazia, and the lavender fields of Cobusca Nouă . 

Chișinău & Around

Chișinău is the capital and largest city in Moldova, with the majority of attractions that most tourists to Moldova visit within a day trips distance.

Chișinău has a reputation for being boring, grey, depressing, and dingy. But take the time to explore the city, sample the restaurants & bars, hang out in the leafy green parks, and make some local friends and you’ll find the capital anything but boring. You’ll stumble across many of the city’s attractions along B-dul Ştefan cel Mare (Chișinău’s main avenue) and nearby.

A few things to see while in Chișinău include: Cathedral & Ştefan cel Mare Park, Arc de Triomph, Ciuflea Monastery, Piata Centrala, Rose Valley Park, The Artisan Market, Valea Morilor Park, St. Teodora de la Sihla Church, Riscani Park, Moldova National Opera & Ballet Theater, Botanica Park, National Archaeology & History Museum, Pushkin Museum, Military Museum, and the National Ethnographic & Nature Museum.

Make sure and try out some local foods and hit up some of Chișinău’s best restaurants and bars while you’re in the city. Some tasty restaurants to try out are  Vatra Neamului ,  Propaganda Cafe , and  La Placinte .

My favorite spot for quick local foods is from the food stalls at Piata Centrala. Make sure to try the brânză langos and cartofi langos with a glass of cvas.

If you’re in need of a place to stay in Chisinau try the Hostel City Center if you’re on a budget or the Radisson Blu Leogrande Chisinau if you’re looking to splurge.

Check Out Chisinau Tours

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• 2 Day Chisinau & Moldova Foodie Tour

• Price: $164.19
• 3 hour Chisinau City Group Bike Tour

• Price: $45.00
• Private Half Day City Tour of Chisinau

• Price: $122.51

Orheiul Vechi

Orheiul Vechi  is an Eastern Orthodox Monastery built into a limestone cliff along the Raut River, just a short marshrutka ride from Piata Centrala in Chișinău. Make sure and grab a marshrutka signed for Butaceni or Trebujeni, as the ones signed for Orhei, will take you to the town of Orhei which is quite far away. You can easily make a half-day trip of Orheiul Vechi from Chișinău, learn how you can visit for 53 MDL on public transport in my  How to Visit Orheiul Vechi Guide .

For those that don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting to Orheiul Vechi on their own, you can  book a tour of the monastery here .

If you would like to stay in the countryside out here try  Villa Roz  or  Krolichya Ferma  in nearby Trebujeni, or  Resedinta Rotundu  in Butaceni.

Check out my  guide on how to get to Orheiul Vechi

Day Trips To Old Orhei

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• Tour of Orheiul Vechi & Curchi Monastery

• Price: $185.00
• Walking Tour of Molovata & Old Orhei

• Price: $114.93
• Old Orhei & Kurki Monastry Tour

• Price: $170.50

Cricova is a town 15 km north of Chișinău, famous for its underground wine cellar and winery of the same name. The tour of the wine cellars is well worth the trip out here. Tours are about an hour long and run from 10 am to 9 pm for 350 MDL per person, with a special early morning 9 am tour Monday through Friday for only 185 MDL per person.

For an extra 150 MDL each you can bring home a souvenir of 1 bottle of sparkling wine and 1 bottle of red or white wine. Make sure and call ahead of time to schedule your tour at +373 (22) 453659 . You can have your hostel/hotel call you a taxi from Chișinău, a taxi should not cost more than 115 MDL each way (expect to pay 400-450 MDL for a taxi roundtrip that waits for you).

If you want to book a full package including transport, cellar tour and tasting  click here .

For those wanting to spend the night out here in Cricova, check out the newly opened and stylishly modern  Hotel Gio Wine .  Vila Family  is a great option for those on a smaller budget.

Cricova Wine Tours

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• Cricova Tour from Chisinau

• Price: $66.94
• Chisinau Tour + Cricova Winery

• Price: $119.98
• One Day Bike Tour to Cricova

Mileștii Mici

Mileștii Mici is a former mine turned Guinness World Record largest underground wine cellar. Mileștii Mici is located in Ialoveni, about 11 km southwest of Chișinău.

The hours are M-F 9 am- 5 pm, Sat. Sun. and holidays after 5 pm. A guided tour will cost 200 MDL per person on weekdays, and 300 MDL per person on weekends and holidays. Wine tastings start at 310 MDL per person and include a guided tour of the cellars.

Call  +373 22 382 333  to schedule a tour or tasting.

Milesti Mici Tours

• Bike Tour to Milestii Mici

• Milestii Mici Tour

• Price: $64.41
• Milestii Mici + Tiraspol

• Price: $236.18

Cobusca Nouă

Cobusca Nouă is a village just 35 km southeast of Chișinău known for its lavender crops that look like all those beautiful photos you see in France, just better because you’ll likely have them to yourselves! If you’re looking to stay close to the village you can stay in nearby  Anenii Noi .

Northern Moldova

If Moldova is rarely visited, then Northern Moldova is about as far off the beaten path as you can get in Europe. The lovely cities of Bălți and Soroca are two of the main draws to this region of Moldova. Of course, there are numerous wineries in the region as well.

Moldova’s second-largest city after Chișinău, and nicknamed the ‘Northern Capital’. Highlights in Bălți include St. Nicolas Church, Children’s Park, Ştefan cel Mare Monument, and the Ethnographic Museum. A good option to sleep is at the  Elite Hotel .

The main attraction in Soroca is the Soroca Fortress built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Other attractions include the Candle of Gratitude and the Museum of Soroca History and Ethnography.

Another feature of the city that draws in tourists is Gypsy Hill. Roma people (an ethnic group often referred to as Gypsies) have built elaborate and colorful mansions along this hilltop with the influence of famous buildings like the Bolshoi Theatre and St. Peter’s Basilica. Soroca sits perched on the banks of the Dniester River.

Try  Central Hotel  if you’re planning to spend the night in Soroca.

Ungheni is known to be one of Moldova’s most beautiful cities. Ungheni sits rights on the border with Romania, only separated from the Romanian city of Ungheni by the Prut River. Make sure to pay a visit to Frances Park and the numerous churches scattered about the city.

Gaugazia & Southern Moldova

Comrat/Komrat

The capital of Gagauzia. Highlights of Comrat include Lenin’s Square, Cathedral of St. John Baptist, Gagauz History Museum, Gaugaz Cultural Museum, Gagauz Bazaar, Gaugazian Art Gallery, and the Gagauz National Theatre. Comrat will be the easiest place to be situated in order to explore the rest of Gagauzia.

For accommodation, check out  Caral .

The main attraction in Purcari is, of course, Chateau Purcari Winery. Boating, bicycling, fishing, and hiking are a few activities to do in the area aside from the winery. To arrange winery tours call  +373 60 121 221 .

If you’d like to spend the night at the winery set in the Southern Moldovan countryside near the Dniester River you can  book a stay here .

The far southwestern exclave of Gagauzia. Vulcanesti is rarely visited. Check out the House of Culture as well as several monuments, churches, and memorials scattered about the town.

Transnistria Tours

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• Private Tour of Tiraspol from Chisinau

• Price: $217.23
• Cricova Winery and Tiraspol Tour

• Price: $247.54
• Day Trip to Transnistria from Odessa

• Price: $290.48

Moldova Travel Budget

Moldova is one of the cheapest destinations to visit in Europe, especially with the opening up of several hostels in the country in the last few years. If you’re looking to keep costs low try staying in hostels, or even  Couchsurfing , eating at bazaars and local eateries, traveling by marshrutka, and trying to self-tour as much as possible.

$25/410 MDL per day

Staying in hostels or couchsurfing, dining at local eateries, traveling by marshrutka.

$50/825 MDL per day

Staying in midrange hotels, dining in midrange restaurants, taking a winery tour here and there.

$100/1655 MDL+ per day

Staying in comfortable hotels, taking tours, eating in finer restaurants.

What to pack

Traveling in Moldova won’t require any special items. Summer can get stifling hot so I’d recommend a  lifestraw water bottle  to reduce your plastic waste.

For women, make sure and pack a scarf, because you will need to cover your hair when entering orthodox churches.

You can also pick up a copy of  Lonely Planet’s Eastern Europe  if you’re looking for a travel guide, but it is very, very limited. I’d recommend just purchasing the Moldova chapter in ebook form if you do want the guide unless you plan to travel more of Eastern Europe.

Have Any Questions About This Moldova Travel Guide?

Ask any of your Moldova travel-related questions in the comments section below.

More Posts from Moldova:

Transnistria Travel Guide

10 Reasons To Visit Moldova

How To Get To Orheiul Vechi, Moldova

6 thoughts on “The Ultimate Moldova Travel Guide”

Thanks for this article. I am going to Moldova tomorrow for four days and this article helped me a lot. 🙂

Good to hear, I hope you enjoy Moldova!

what an excellent overview! thank you. i’m debating a visit in may or june and this has given me some nice insight.

Thanks, good to hear! I hope you enjoy if you make it to Moldova

Thank you for the post. The section of Chisinau was very intesting, i will visit it soon my self. The visa info was also handy.

I hope you enjoy Moldova, I always have a great time when I return

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Travel to Moldova – Tips + 12-day itinerary

By Joan Torres 3 Comments Last updated on August 27, 2024

Nestled between Ukraine and Romania, the former Soviet Republic of Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe, if not the least. 

The country, however, is worth the trip: tremendously exotic as per European standards and, after spending more than two weeks around the country, I have written this compelling travel guide containing everything you need to know travel in Moldova , including travel tips and a complete 12-day Moldova itinerary.

Going to neighboring Ukraine as well? Read: Ukraine travel guide

In this Moldova travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Travel insurance
• Best time to travel
• How to get in
• 10 Cultural facts
• Moldovan cuisine
• How to get around

Day 1, 2 – Chisinau

• Day 3 – Day trip to Curchi & Orhei
• Day 4 – Day trip to a winery

Day 5, 6 – Transnistria

Day 7, 8 – gagauzia, day 9, 10 – saharna.

• Day 11-12 – Soroca
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Moldova

IATI Insurance is the most versatile insurance for any destination, including Moldova.

🇲🇩 Introduction: Why going on a trip to Moldova?

Moldova is a bit of a special destination. 

If you travel to Moldova with the objective of visiting UNESCO-listed Heritage sites, I am afraid you have come to the wrong place because there are none here.

Traveling in Moldova isn’t about checking out dreamy European architecture but the best things to do here range from hanging out in a ghost country named Transnistria to visiting other separatist regions like Gagauzia, loads of Soviet Heritage and basically, discovering the most traditional European country.

Honestly, this isn’t a destination for the average traveler but it is one of those places which will only satisfy those who travel with an open mind, willing to get immersed in the country’s history, both recent and past, as well as their political situation. 

This is the ultimate off the beaten track destination in Europe. 

For more inspiration, read all my unusual reasons to travel to Moldova

🪪 Visa for traveling to Moldova

Moldova is in Europe but, as you may know, it doesn’t belong to the EU, so different visa rules apply. 

However, up to 103 nationalities, including all high-GPD countries (see the full list here ) can get a free visa on arrival valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. 

If you are not from one of the lucky countries, you may be able to get an e-visa, and I suggest you visit the Moldovan MFA’s website .

🚑 Travel Insurance for Moldova

IATI Insurance is the most versatile insurance for any type of trip and destination, including Moldova:

• Different plans for each kind of travelers
• Budget plans
• Covers senior citizens too
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

📚 Best books for traveling in Moldova

Romania – moldova travel guide by lonely planet.

It is a bit outdated, from 2007 but, unfortunately, it is the only complete travel guide to Moldova.

Eastern Europe travel guide by Lonely Planet (2019)

Otherwise, if you are traveling all around the region, you could also get the generic Eastern Europe guide, which includes one chapter about tourism in Moldova.

⛅ Best time to travel to Moldova

Best season for backpacking in moldova:.

Mid-September to mid-October. Why? It is harvest season, and wine is one of the main reasons to come to Moldova. You are likely to see how they produce wine, plus the Moldovan wine festival takes in the first week of October.

Winter (from November till February)

Sure, you can visit then but it will be freaking cold with not much going on.

Spring (March to June)

I think spring would be the second-best time to come, as the weather will be pleasant and landscapes will be covered by blankets of flowers. When I visited in September, everything was pretty brown and dry.

Summer (July and August)

High season and hot but I believe it would also be a good time to come. More travelers to hang out with.

Read my travel guide to Kiev

🛫 How to get to Moldova

There are different ways to get to Moldova:

How to travel to Moldova by plane

Chisinau International Airport has a good range of flights connecting with different European cities like Warsaw, Munich, Kyiv and especially Bucharest. I always search for flights on Skyscanner . but you can also check Moldavia Air ‘s website.

How to travel to Moldova by land border

Moldova shares a border and endless entry points with both Ukraine and Romania:

• Ukraine: If coming by land, most people will go from Odessa to Chisinau, either by train or bus, the train being the faster option. You can book your tickets on the official Ukrainian Railway website but remember to type Kishineu , the correct Russian transliteration. However, if you check out the map you will see that there are endless entry points to choose from and I suggest you pick the one closest to your location and destination. For example, after my trip to Moldova, my plan was to head to the Ukrainian Carpathians, so I took a marshrutka from Soroca to a northern city named Briceni, from where you can get a direct bus to the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi. That border crossing is also very convenient for those wanting to go to Lviv. Read my Ukraine travel guide .
• Romania: Again, many entry points to choose from but most travelers will just take the overnight train from Bucharest to Chisinau. Travel Tramp has written about it in this post .

Remember to get travel insurance for Moldova I strongly recommend IATI Insurance as it has COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount Get exclusive 5% discount if purchasing via this link

🕌 10 Facts about Moldova, Moldovans, and Moldovan culture

1 – The Republic of Moldova is a former Soviet country – It joined the USSR in 1940 and declared its independence in 1991.

2 – Before, it used to be part of Romania – Well, their history is, of course, more complicated than that but, before joining the USSR, present Moldova was a region named Bessarabia, which belonged to Romania but was ceded to the Soviets as a consequence of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact  in 1940.

3 – Therefore, Moldova is a real Romanian/Soviet blend – Moldovans are culturally Romanian but, since the Soviets ruled here for more than 50 years, Russian culture is strongly present in all aspects of life, from their cuisine to the architecture and even their national psyche. 

4 – Romanian is the official language – Moldovan is basically Romanian, which is a Romanic language from the same family as Catalan, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. However, most Moldovans also speak fluent Russian, including the young generation, unlike happens in Georgia .

The educated young generation in Chisinau can speak English apart from that, communicating with the locals other than in Russian can be a struggle. 

5 – It has 2 separatist regions – On the one hand, you have Transnistria, a breakaway territory inhabited by Russians that declared their independence from Moldova in 1992. Basically, it is a country not recognized by the UN. For more information, read my Transnistria travel guide .

Moreover, you also find a region named Gagauzia, mostly inhabited by Gagauz people, a Turkic ethnic group that converted to Christianity. Gagauzia also declared independence from Moldova but, for different reasons it just became an autonomous region. For more information, read the relevant section of this guide.

6 – Around 94% of Moldovans are Orthodox Christians – And between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Romanian Orthodox Church, there is a big dispute over which is the national church of the country. 

7 – Their national animal is the aurochs – Which is an extinct species of cattle and the symbol that appears in their flag. 

8 – It is a wine country – From epic wine cellars to endless wine bars, wine is an essential part of Moldova’s culture and one of the main reasons to travel to Moldova . In the rural part of the country, everybody has a vineyard in their garden and produces home-made wine from its grapes; and you will be likely to taste it if staying in a local guest house.

9 – It is the poorest country in Europe – According to the World Bank , the GDP per capita of Moldova in 2018 was only 3,189.4USD. To give you an idea, Romania’s was 12,301USD and Spain 30,523USD. 

10 – Corruption and bribes are a problem – Moldova is one of the most corrupt countries in Europe and you will notice it as you soon as you step in the country, as the custom’s walls are filled with anti-bribery warnings. 

🍲 Moldovan food: what is it like

Moldovan cuisine is hearty and, whereas most national dishes are essentially Romanian with a local twist, Russian flavors and their dill-based dishes are highly present in all restaurant menus. 

In fact, the cheapest places to eat will always be in those self-service Soviet canteens which you can find all over the former Republic, and which all serve the same food, from Kazakhstan to Belarus .

Filled pastries, a large variety of soups and heavy meat-based dishes often served with polenta, which is like corn couscous, is what Moldovan cuisine is mostly about, but they also have plenty of vegetarian appetizers. 

Must-try dishes during your trip in Moldova:

• Placinte – This is the most traditional and common snack in Moldova, typically found in all bakeries but some restaurants also serve it for lunch. It is a pastry usually filled with cheese and available in many different shapes and sizes.
• Zeama – Traditional chicken soup normally eaten for lunch.
• Limba Soacrei – Translating to m other-in-law’s tongue , these are eggplants stuffed with walnut paste, similar to the ones you find in Georgia . Funnily enough, both countries claim their recipe is the original one.
• Sarmale – The classic vine or cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and meat which you can find in a big bunch of neighboring countries.
• Mamaliga – Perhaps, the most traditional dish in the country, mamaliga is corn porridge, usually served with pork, cheese and sour cream on the side.
• Coltunasi – Classic dumplings which you can find in all Eastern European countries, with different names, shapes and sometimes filling. In Moldova, they are usually filled with bryndza (cheese) but the most unique ones I found were filled with sour cherry, typically eaten for dessert.

💰 Money in Moldova

In Moldova, they use the Moldovan Leu (MDL) and, approximately,

1 USD = 17.80 MDL

Note: In the breakaway territory of Transnistria, they use a different currency. For more information, read all my practical tips to visit Transnistria

Paying by card and ATMs – ATMs are plentiful all over the country and most shops will accept credit cards, including in smaller towns. However, do have some cash with you when you get out of Chisinau, as not all places will accept credit cards.

Exchanging money – Like in all non-euro countries in Europe, finding offices where you can exchange money is always easy, especially in Chisinau.

How much does it cost to travel in Moldova?

Whereas it is not nearly as cheap as Asian countries, Moldova is still a budget country as per European standards. These are the prices of the most typical things:

• Budget Hostel: 100-150MDL (6-8€)
• Double room in a budget hotel: 400-500MDL (20-25€)
• Double room in a mid-range hotel: From 600-800MDL (30-40€)
• Local meal: 40-60MDL (2-3€)
• A 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant: 100-200MDL (5-10€)
• A glass of local wine: 20-30MDL (1-1.50€)
• A glass of wine in a fancy place: 60-80MDL (3-4€) 
• Marshrutka from Chisinau to Tiraspol: 37MDL (around 2€)
• Marshrutka from Chisinau to Orhei: 20MDL (1€)
• Short taxi rides in Chisinau: 40-50MDL (2-2.50€)

🛺 How to get around Moldova

If you are backpacking in Moldova, the easiest way to travel around the country is by marshrutka , as distances aren’t particularly long and you just have so many options all day long.

Train – There is a train line in Moldova but it is not that convenient unless you are traveling to places outside of Moldova like Odessa or Bucharest.

In Chisinau – You can get in a trolley bus for as cheap as 2MDL (10 cents of €) and, by taxi, I recommend you download Yandex, which is like the Russian Uber.

Hitchhiking – Very easy, as this a common practice among locals but, usually, the driver will expect a fee, which tends to be not higher than the price of a local marshrutka ride to the same destination.

📍 12-day Moldova Itinerary or how to spend 10 days traveling in Moldova

Most travelers will just spend a few days in the country, mostly sticking to Chisinau and Transnistria.

However, with all the photos from this Moldova itinerary, here’s hoping to convince you to spend longer.

Moldova Itinerary Map – Things to do in Moldova

Unfortunately, Chisinau is often perceived as the ugliest capital in Europe, competing closely with Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. 

The capital is gray, mostly composed of Soviet buildings and overall, there isn’t much to do besides checking out some concrete and some not very exciting museums. 

Although I fully agree that Chisinau isn’t the place to visit mind-blowing architectural buildings, plus I am not the most museum-friendly person, Chisinau has some pretty cool Communist Heritage to check out, it is a great base to do some excellent day trips and there are plenty of wine bars where to have some good fun.

Best things to do in Chisinau

Triumphal Arch & Cathedral Park – The main landmark in the city is a not very triumphant Arc de Triumph. I am just kidding, but most triumphal arches across the globe tend to be massive, but not this one. Anyways, Chisinau’s Triumphal Arch was built to commemorate Russia’s victory against the Ottomans at the beginning of the 19th century.

Lenin & Karl Marx statues – Except in Belarus , where the Old Fellah can be seen all over the country, today, Lenin statues are getting harder to see but, in Chisinau, just across Valea Morilot Park, you can find one along a Karl Marx bust.

Read: Weird things to do in Belarus

Chisinau Circus – I have seen many Soviet Circuses around the former Soviet Republics but the one in Chisinau is particularly amazing. Today, the circus remains closed and, unfortunately, by the time I was there, there was no way to get in, but some people did, and here you can some pictures from the inside .

Central Market – A traditional Eastern European market filled with very friendly Moldovans, especially the ladies from the indoor dairy section. 

Saint Theodor Church – There quite a few churches to visit in the city but for me, this one was the most beautiful. 

If you are interested, in this post you can more things to do in Chisinau, including all museums, parks and other landmarks.

Where to stay in Chisinau

Backpacker hostel – Amazing Lonika Hostel – Probably, the best hostel in town. Amazing stuff, location, and a pretty cozy place. The best option for backpackers.

Guest House – Home Sweet Home – A pretty cool guest house with very comfortable rooms and an epic breakfast.

Apartment – Sweethome Deluxe – A 1-bedroom apartment with a panoramic view of the city center that can accommodate up to 4 people.

Day 3 – Day trip from Chisinau: Curchi & Orhei Vechi

On your 3rd day, you may wanna check some important Christian sides: Curchi and Orhei Vechi.

They aren’t in the same place though, so if you are traveling by public transportation and want to visit both in one day, you should wake up early.

Curchi monastery

Curchi is a small rural village home to a monastery named Curchi which, in my opinion, was the most beautiful I visited when I traveled in Moldova.

The monastery was founded in the 18th century but then it was used as a psychiatric hospital during the last three decades of the USSR.

They re-opened it in 2005 and, since then, it’s been under ongoing renovation. 

How to get to Curchi – First, you need to take a marshrutka to Orhei town, located 50km north of Chisinau. They depart from the Central Bus Station and cost a bit more than 20MDL. The intersection to Curchi is just 5 or 6km before Orhei and I recommend you get off there and hitchhike the remaining 10km to Curchi. Alternatively, there are also marshrutkas running between Orhei and Curchi but they don’t leave that often.

BONUS! Visit Tabara village – If you have some time to spare, there is a village 8km west of Curchi named Tabara. I personally walked all the way there and, on the way, I passed through a few very traditional villages which were pretty interesting to see. Once you reach Tabara, there is no need to go back because if you continue walking over the hills, you get to a road that leads directly to Chisinau, and where you can hitch a ride.

Orhei Vechi

Orhei Vechi, meaning Old Orhei , is one of the top attractions in Moldova, an archeological and ecclesiastical complex containing 2,000-year old ruins, a cave monastery, a modern monastery and quite a few archaeological sites scattered all over the place.

The views you get from the hill are pretty awesome and, if you come in spring or summer, the fields will be covered by fully grown sunflowers and many different colors. 

Visiting the complex is free and it takes around 2 hours to visit the main sites.

How to get to Orhei Vechi from Curchi – If you are following my Moldova itinerary, you will go from Curchi and, for that, you have two options. The easiest way would be taking a marshrutka to Orhei and, from Orhei, take a second marshrutka to Butuceni, the village where Orhei Vechi is. This option seems convenient but these are small villages and buses don’t run that often. Your second option should be more fun and that is by hitchhiking.

How to get to Orhei Vechi from Chisinau – If you want to get there from Chisinau, you have two different options. If you are lucky, you may find direct marshrutkas to Butuceni, but you only get a few per day. Otherwise, take the one to Orhei and get off at the intersection towards Orhei Vechi, around 10km before. At the intersection, walk for a few hundred meters until you find the bus stop to Butuceni.

Day 4 – Day trip from Chisinau: Visit a winery (I personally went to Asconi winery)

All right. 

If you travel to Moldova, it means that you are probably looking forward to some wine tasting, am I right?

Moldova is filled with loads of wineries, from all sizes.

Cricova, Purcari, and Milestii Mici are the biggest, most famous and visited by tourists, especially the last one as, apparently, it holds the largest cellar in the world, composed of 200km of underground tunnels. 

However, I didn’t go to any of those. I didn’t because I know what visiting this kind of winery is like. They are monster corporations that produce wine on a giant scale and all they offer is an overpriced wine tasting tour and a visit to their most industrial facilities. 

Side note – Visiting the biggest and famous wineries isn’t the way to experience the wine culture in Moldova, but you need to go to the rural areas and see how they produce it in the traditional way (if you come in harvest season). Alternatively, you can stay in a local guesthouse, where you are likely to be offered homemade wine.

Instead, we decided to go to a middle-sized one: Asconi winery .

By the way, this article contains a list of lesser-known wineries in Moldova .

We went there because it has an amazing outdoor restaurant packed with local people, serving traditional homemade food. Dishes were inexpensive, so was the wine, and we made our own wine tasting. It was an excellent half-day trip from Chisinau. 

We also did the tour but, as we expected, it was rather disappointing – they all are – and we would have preferred to just go to the restaurant. 

How to get to Asconi Winery – From Central Bus Station in Chisinau, you need to get a marshrutka to a village named Puhoi and get off a couple of kilometers before. It is a 30km journey.

Milestii Mici and Cricova can be easily visited on a day trip from Chisinau. Purcari, on the other hand, is quite far from Chisinau but if you have your own car, it is doable in a day.

Welcome to the largest Soviet open-air museum, the Soviet theme park of Transnistria. 

Like I said before, Transnistria is an unrecognized country within Moldova and, for many, the highlight of traveling to Moldova. 

Actually, in my opinion, if you only have 2 or 3 days to travel in Moldova, Transnistria should be your top priority.

I will not talk a lot about it because I already wrote a full travel guide but, long story short, Transnistria is mostly inhabited by pro-Russian people who didn’t want to belong to pro-Romanian Moldova, so they self-declared their independence shortly after the fall of the USSR. 

Today, Transnistria can easily be visited on a day trip from Chisinau, but I recommend you stay over for one night at least, as there are plenty of exciting things to see. 

Best things to do in Transnistria

• Tiraspol – The capital and where you find the Soviet theme park.
• Bender – Home to a fortress and a large Communist Heritage.
• Sucleia – A village where you find an epic monastery inhabited by Transnistrian monks.

Transnistria requires a separate visa, has its own borders, currency and many peculiarities. My guide to visiting Transnistria contains everything you need to know about it.

How to get to Transnistria (Tiraspol)

Easy. Marshrutkas to Tiraspol leave continuously from the Central Bus Station and one ticket costs 37MDL. It is a 2-hour journey.

Where to stay in Transnistria

Best Backpacker Hostel –  Like Home Hostel  – The best backpacker hostel in town is run by a lovely local family, has a garden, a good location and vibes. 

Best Budget Hotel –  Elektromash Hotel  –  Good quality budget rooms in a hotel which also has a kitchen.

Best mid-range hotel –   Hotel Russia  – If you want a more comfortable stay, this hotel is the best value-for-money mid-range option in town.

For more information, read my Transnistria Travel Guide

Have you ever heard of Abkhazia? Abkhazia is another unrecognized country located in today’s Georgia. Check out my travel guide .

After our 3-day visit to Transnistria , we decided to head to Gagauzia to get to know the famous Gagauz people everybody was talking about. 

Gagauzia is an autonomous region within Moldova which also attempted to become independent in 1991 but then, when Moldova started to pay more attention to their rights as a minority, they agreed that Gagauzia would become an autonomous region within Moldova.

Still, visiting Gagauzia really feels like a different place than Moldova.

First of all, the Gagauz are ethnically Turkic people who converted to Christianity.

They speak Gagauz, a Turkic language particularly close to Turkish, but they are also pro-Russian – they actually had a referendum in 1991 to decide whether to remain part of the USSR or not, and the YES won – and use the Cyrillic alphabet.

I am not sure which language prevails, Russian or Gagauz, but what I know for sure is that many Gagauz don’t speak Romanian.

Actually, whereas most Moldovans are easily granted Romanian passports, Gagauz people aren’t and, funnily enough, they do get Bulgarian passports because, according to a Gagauz I met, their culture is particularly close to Bulgarian. 

Therefore, Gagauz people are a pro-Russian Turkic group who converted to Christianity and are culturally Bulgarian. It’s pretty fucked up but Europe is fucking awesome.

If you are traveling in Moldova, it is definitely an interesting spot but something you need to know is that there isn’t much to do here other than learning about the Gagauz people, so I think this is a place to be visited only by the most intrepid and curious travelers or those who are heading or coming from Romania, as Gagauzia is on the way.

Meeting English-speaking locals can also prove challenging, and we barely did, but we were very lucky that, in a village named Besalma, I met a local lady who spoke impeccable English and invited us to her house and gave us some good insights about the region over a cup of coffee and some pastries. 

This is an excellent photo essay from The Guardian about the region.

Things to do in Gagauzia

Gagauzia is a big region. I spent 2 days there and visited the following places:

Komrat – The capital of Gagauzia, and a very Soviet town, you will see. Again, there isn’t much to do here other than visiting the town’s church and to check out the Soviet stuff, especially the  kvass tank stalls.

Chirsova – Chirsova is a town where you find a small winery whose main facilities are inside a very old-fashioned Soviet building. You can visit it in the morning but, if not, you can go to the winery’s shop where you are likely to see some locals drinking local draft wine. In the shop, they sell the whole range of Chirsova wines. We bought the best and most expensive they produce, a Merlot Reserve from 2010 and only cost 30MDL, around 1.50€. All right, it wasn’t a very good wine but seriously, for 1.50€ a bottle, I have never tasted anything better. By the way, because some people get confused, this is Chirsova, not the famous Crisova winery .

Besalma – 20km south of Komrat, you find a lovely rural village home to a wood-made windmill, a real icon of Gagauzia. The windmill however, is in a pretty bad shape and, apparently, it is been like this for years. In Besalma, you can also visit the National Gagauz history and ethnographic Museum .

Where to stay in Gagauzia

Astoria Hotel – There aren’t many options in Komrat, and we stayed here because it was the cheapest but if you are only 1 person, it isn’t that cheap.

How to get to Gagauzia

We went to Komrat from Tiraspol, which was a long and tiring 4-hour journey but you can easily go from Chisinau South Bus Station. 

In Saharna, you find a pretty colorful monastery which also turns out to be the top pilgrimage place in the country.

Any Moldova travel guide out there will always tell you that the monastery is the ultimate and only reason to visit Saharna but during our visit, we discovered that there was an even better reason.

Meeting Liuba. 

The fact is that, when we were traveling in Moldova, we wanted to spend some time in an authentic rural village.

While doing some research, we discovered that, in an off the beaten track village named Saharna, besides the monastery, there was a brand-new homestay with no reviews and not very nice photos but still, we decided to give it a try.

The homestay, however, wasn’t really in Saharna but in Saharna Nova, a very rural village, 5km beyond and, upon our arrival, there was a woman waiting outside who greeted us with: Buenas tardes!

It turned out that the host, Liuba, was an old woman who had lived for more than 10 years in my hometown area, in several places around Girona province (Spain), including Selva de Mar, Platja d’Aro and Girona city.

She could speak impeccable Spanish, understood Catalan and knew everything about my hometown and culture.

Being able to have some real conversations with someone from that area was very rewarding but also, Liuba was a kind-hearted woman who made our stay very enjoyable, fed us with delicious home-made food and, since we visited her during harvest season, she even took us to her neighbor’s to see how they collect grapes and produce wine.

The monastery was great to see but seriously, the main highlight of this area is hanging out at Liuba’s house and enjoying real rural Moldova.

I dare say that this was our best Moldova traveling experience.

How to stay in Liuba’s place

Liuba’s guest house is called Casuta de Linga and you can book it through this link .  

How to get to Saharna & Saharna Nova

From the Northern Bus Station in Chisinau, you need to take a marshrutka to Rezina and, from there, a second marshrutka to Saharna, which leaves you next to the monastery. Saharna Nova is around 5km after that and your best bet would be hitchhiking. 

Day 11, 12 – Soroca

Soroca was our last stop in Moldova before traveling to the Ukrainian Carpathians. 

There are two reasons to stop in Soroca when you travel in Moldova: one is to check out their Medieval fortress from the 15th century and the other is to get to know one of the largest communities of Romani people, more commonly known as gypsies.

Soroca is, in fact, a gypsy city, and a peculiar one, because here you find the Gypsy Hill, which is an upper neighborhood full of extravagant and ostentatious mansions, composed of glittering columns and shinning roofs, built with the purpose of showing their success after years of discrimination. 

We didn’t spend much time in Soroca, so we just walked around the neighborhood for a while but this is an excellent write-up of a traveling family who met the Gypsy King of Soroca . Yes, he exists.

Things to do in Soroca

Soroca Castle – Located at the shores of the Dniester river, this Medieval castle is the best in the country. 

Gypsy Hill – Explained before, and it is a short walk up from the city center.

Dniester river – The city is located at the shores of the Dniester river, the other side being Ukraine. Near the castle, there is a very rudimentary ferry that can take you to the other side. Since most nationalities have visa-free for both countries, you could just cross and spend a couple of hours in Ukraine , even though I am not sure if there is anything to do in the border village.

Where to stay in Soroca

Villa de Nord – One of the very few options and the cheapest in town probably. The owner, however, was a pretty nice lady who spoke very good Italian.

How to get to Soroca

If you are coming from Chisinau, there are loads of buses leaving from the North Bus Station. 

If you are following my Moldova itinerary, so you are going there from Saharna, you will first need to go back to Rezina and then take the marshrutka towards Balti, but you need to get off at the intersection before Floresti (say you are going there). At the intersection, just wait for the marshrutka that goes to Soroca.

Conclusion of travel in Moldova

When I told travelers I met on the road that I was planning to spend two weeks traveling in Moldova, most of them didn’t understand why one would spend so much time in a country where there isn’t much to do.

Well, as you could see in this 12-day Moldova itinerary, the country’s main attractions are slightly different from what a normal holiday would be but, once again, if you travel with an open mind, I am pretty sure you won’t get bored at all. 

❗ More information for backpacking in Moldova

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Moldova destination

• Transnistria Travel Guide
• Unusual Reasons to Visit Moldova

Travel guides to former Soviet countries

• Georgia Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Tajikistan
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Azerbaijan Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
• Uzbekistan Travel Guide
• Kazakhstan Travel Guide

Wow ! These guides are really super?. Thank you so much

Came across this blog as i was researching more about Moldova and how i can make my itinerary. Am planning to make a lifetime trip to Moldova.

HOW CAN YOU HELP ME IN GETTING MY THE ITINERARY. IF YOU DONT MIND SHARE THESE ONE AS I SEE ITS WELL DETAILED AND INFORMATIVE. NEED A DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENT TO ASSIST IN MY EVISA PROCESSING TOO.

Hi, there’s a detailed itinerary on this very same post: https://againstthecompass.com/en/travel-moldova-itinerary/#9

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The world is finally waking up to the charms of this little nation wedged between Romania and Ukraine. Moldova was famously dubbed the world's least happy place in a bestselling book in 2008, but today it's better known for its unspoiled countryside and superb wine tours. As one of Europe’s least visited countries, Moldova retains a measure of roads-less-travelled charm. But that’s changing quickly as budget flights from Western Europe take off.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Orheiul Vechi

The archaeological and ecclesiastical complex at Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei), about 50km north of Chişinău, is an important historical site and a place of…

Tipova Cave Monastery

The fantastic Tipova Cave Monastery is built into cliffs that tower some 200m above the Dniestr River's right (west) bank, in the tiny village of Tipova…

Bendery Fortress

This impressive Ottoman fortress, outside the centre near the Bendery–Tiraspol bridge, was built in the 16th century and saw keen fighting between Turkish…

Soroca Fortress

This gloriously solid behemoth on the Dniestr dates to the late 15th century and the reign of Moldavian Prince Ştefan cel Mare. It was built on the…

Cave Monastery

The most impressive sight at Orheiul Vechi is the Cave Monastery, built inside a cliff high above the gently meandering Răut river. It is marked by a…

Nativity of Christ Metropolitan Cathedral

The main highlight of the Parcul Catedralei is the city's main Moldovan Orthodox church, dating from the 1830s, with rich interior frescoes. The bell…

National Museum of Ethnography & Natural History

The highlight of this massive and wonderful exhibition is a life-sized reconstruction of the skeleton of a dinothere – an 8-tonne elephant-like mammal…

Army Museum

Occupying one end of the Centre of Culture and Military History, this once-musty museum now hosts a moving exhibit on Soviet-era repression. Stories of…

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The Ultimate Moldova Travel Guide & 4 Day Itinerary

• 18 minute read

In this Moldova travel guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Moldova through a carefully crafted 4-day travel itinerary. From the bustling capital of Chisinau to the mysterious regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia. And from the beautiful monasteries of Old Orhei and Curchi to the world’s largest underground wine cellars.

Moldova may not be on everyone’s travel radar, but its diverse attractions make it a rewarding destination for those willing to explore. Despite its small size, this Eastern European country has a very diverse set of attractions and experiences. And because Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe you’ll have most of these places completely to yourself.

So come along with me and discover the best things to do in Moldova with this travel guide. First you will find all of the practical information you need, followed by a suggested 4 days in Moldova travel itinerary. So plan your trip now and uncover the treasures of this fascinating country.

Contents of this article Show

Moldova travel guide – best time to visit, moldova travel guide – visa formalities, moldova travel guide – getting there, moldova travel guide – getting around, moldova travel guide – money matters, moldova travel guide – where to stay, moldova travel guide – staying connected, moldova travel guide – travel insurance, day 1: explore chisinau on a self-guided walking tour, day 2: transnistria adventure, day 3: monasteries, heritage sites and wine, day 4: journey to gagauzia, how to shorten or extend this 4-day moldova itinerary, moldova travel guide | final thoughts, moldova travel guide | practical information.

Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe, so there aren’t many guide books on Moldova out there. So let me take you through some of the practical information.

In this section you can find out what the best time to visit Moldova is, but also if you need a visa. Find out how to get to Moldova, but also how to get around. And not least of all where to stay and how to stay connected to the internet.

Moldova experiences a moderate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers (June to August) typically see temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. And while travelling in winter can be more challenging it can also be very rewarding in rural areas that can offer snowy scenery.

The best time to visit Moldova however is during the late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild, with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). These seasons also coincide with various cultural festivals and wine harvests.

Most western countries can visit Moldova visa free for up to 90 days, such as all EU-countries, United Stated, United Kingdom and Australia.

And all those that can visit Moldova can also visit the self-proclaimed country of Transnistria for up to 45 days.

Check right here if you want to learn more about all the visa policy details for Moldova. And for more details on Transnistria here .

Most people visiting Moldova will arrive through the airport, or enter the country from Romania via Iasi or Bucharest on a long distance bus. Of course if you are driving you have total freedom as well. Either way, if you follow the itinerary in this travel guide it’s best to head to Chisinau.

Chisinau International Airport (RMO)

If you live further away from Moldova flying into the country is your best choice. Chisinau has an international airport that is serviced by quite a few airlines such as Austrian, Tarom and Wizz. Check Google Flights to find your connection to Chisinau and book directly with the airlines or through booking.com .

Wizz also flies to Iasi in Romania from where you can take a long distance bus to Chisinau (see below).

Every 20-30 minutes city bus line 30 stops in front of the terminal building. This bus takes you close to Cathedral Park in the centre of Chisinau. You can buy your ticket on the bus for 6 lei, either in cash, or with Visa or Mastercard. Alternatively, get in a taxi, or use the Yandex Go app to get a ride which should cost around 100 lei.

Long Distance Bus

The most common bus routes to Moldova are those to Chisinau from Iasi and Bucharest in Romania. From Iasi the bus trip takes about 3 hours. And from Bucharest 8 hours.

Chisinau is also well connected to Odessa in Ukraine. But since Russia is often throwing bombs on Odessa please consider your safety when visiting Ukraine.

I always use omio.com to search and book international bus connections. I like Omio because their app lets you keep all your bus tickets in one place. And the app let’s you compare trains, buses and flights in the same app. Sign up to Omio with this link to try it out. You’ll get €10 credit to use on your first booking.

Train from Bucharest

If you’re in Bucharest you can also take the train. The sleeper train takes about 14 hours and departs daily at 7pm (from ‘Bucuresti Nord’ station). You can book your ticket on the website of Romanian Railways .

If you follow the itinerary in this Moldova travel guide you will use a variety of transportation options. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, but to get around Chisinau you can use the great bus system as well.

On your day trip to Transnistria you will use the marshrutka, which is a kind of shuttle service. On the final two days of this Moldova itinerary it’s best and easiest to travel around in a rental car.

Use the city bus in Chisinau

The city bus is the way to go if you want to cover somewhat larger distances within Chisinau. All available buses are visible in Google Maps to make it even easier for you. Most buses run very often so you never have to wait long.

Inside every bus there will always be a person walking up and down selling tickets. A single trip is just 6 lei (about €0.35). No cash? No problem! All of the buses are equipped with machines where you can tap your credit card (Visa and Mastercard).

Take the marshrutka between cities

The marshrutka is the way to go when you want to travel between cities in Moldova. Autogara Centrala is the hub in Chisinau connecting you to Tiraspol, Comrat and Orhei for example.

The marshrutka is perfect if you just want to visit another city from Chisinau and then go back. However, if you want to travel between smaller sights in this itinerary it can be time consuming and confusing to use marshrutkas.

Bus stops outside of Chisinau typically don’t have any information. Not for the marshrutka that stops there, let alone at what time. So do keep that in mind if you want to rely on marshrutkas.

Take a taxi

Taking a taxi is also a handy way to get around Chisinau. There is no Uber in Moldova, but you can install the Yandex Go app that works very similar.

Tip: Many visitors to Moldova use the Yandex Go app to get a ride from Chisinau to the Cricova Winery. For the way back they have the reception of Cricova arrange them a taxi, if Yandex Go doesn’t have any cars around.

Rent a car for a few days

I highly recommend to rent a car for the final two days of the itinerary in this Moldova travel guide. It’s just so much more convenient to get around to explore Gagauzia and the monasteries around Orhei.

To avoid having to go back to the airport you can rent a car from one of the rental companies’ city locations. I booked my car with Sixt through rentalcars.com . They allowed me to pick it up in their city centre location and return it at the airport.

So check out rentalcars.com to find, compare and book your rental car. For peace of mind take their insurance as well to avoid any hassle when picking up and returning the car.

Moldova uses the Moldovan Lei (MDL) at a rate of about 20 MDL to €1. You won’t be needing a lot of cash though, because pretty much everywhere you can pay with your bank card or credit card. If you need cash you can simply get it from most ATM’s around the country.

In Transnistria they use their own currency, the Transnistrian Ruble (PRB). You cannot get it anywhere, other than in Transnistria. And you cannot change it back to anything anywhere other than in Transnistria. The exchange rate is similar to the MDL

There are plenty of exchange office and banks in Tiraspol, so you shouldn’t have trouble to exchange to local currency. Most common currencies they all take are euros, US dollars, Russian rubles and Moldovan lei.

This Moldova travel guide shows you how to make the most of your trip. By using capital Chisinau as your base you can easily visit all of the destinations in this Moldova travel itinerary. Find my suggestions on where to stay in Chisinau below.

INTERNATIONAL LUXURY

RADISSON BLUE LEOGRAND

If you’re looking for luxury from a large international chain then this hotel is your pick. Unbeatable central location next to Cathedral Park.

CULINARY BOUTIQUE HOTEL

THOMAS ALBERT

Right in the centre of town close to wine bars and excellent restaurants. And Divus, the city’s best restaurant on-site.

HOSTEL CITY CENTER

Looking for the best location in town, but don’t want to pay too much? This hostel has dorms and private rooms right opposite the Radisson.

APARTMENT WITH A VIEW

PANORAMIC VIEWS AIRBNB

Stay on the 15th floor of a brand new apartment complex, just off the main street and next to the central bus station.

Not quite what you are looking for? Then use the map below to find a hotel that suits your style and budget as you visit Moldova.

Before you travel to Moldova check whether your phone and data provider also got you covered in Moldova. If not then you can install an Airalo eSim in your phone. I use Airalo all the time when I venture outside of the EU.

I got an Airalo esim for Moldova (Orange network) and it had 4G pretty much everywhere I went. However, if you travel to Transnistria it won’t work, especially not in Tiraspol. I did have 4G sometimes in Bender. In public parks in Tiraspol there is some very slow public wifi available.

Tip: If you usually rely on Google Maps to get around, then download the map before your visit to Transnistria.

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Honestly, it might sound cliché, but I firmly believe it’s true. Travel insurance gives me peace of mind, because if something happens I don’t have to worry about expensive bills.

I always have travel insurance, 365 days a year, because I travel quite a lot. And it usually turns out cheaper than taking out separate policies for each trip. Find my recommendations for travel insurance below.

Under 50 years old? – My recommendation is to check out Heymondo Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance. It covers all your trips for a year up to 60 days per trip. You can also get insurance through Heymondo for trips with specific travel dates. As a reader of Next Journey Ahead you get 5% off your Heymondo insurance through this link .

Over 50 years old? – Older than 49 and travel a lot? Then you want to check out World Nomads travel insurance. They also offer annual travel insurance, or you can insure trips with specific travel dates.

Digital Nomad? – If you’re always on the move then I recommend checking out the Nomad Insurance of SafetyWing . This insurance company – by travellers, for travellers – offers subscription based insurance. That means it renews every month until you cancel. Perfect! But you can also insure specific travel dates.

Moldova Travel Guide | 4-day Itinerary

With all of the practicalities out of the way let’s get to the best part of this Moldova travel guide. Exploring Moldova! I’ve created the below 4 day Moldova itinerary based on my own experience. That means it all worked out for me.

If you have more or less than 4 days available to discover Moldova you can of course also use my Moldova itinerary. At the end of this Moldova Travel Guide I give you some options to shorten or extend this itinerary.

Your Moldova itinerary begins in Chisinau, the vibrant capital of Moldova, which is known for its Soviet-era architecture and lush parks.

Morning – EcoLocal Farmers’ Market, a walk in the park and Artcor

Start your day with a visit to the Ciuflea Monastery, a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture. From there head to the Piata Centrala (Central Market), or if it’s Saturday take the bus to the EcoLocal Farmers’ Market instead.

Continue with a stroll through Dendrariu Park from where you can walk or take the bus to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. If you love art and music then check out if there are any activities going on at Artcor. Keep your eyes open in this part of the city for some of the most typical Soviet-era architecture.

Done with your art and music fix, then it’s time to head down the beautiful Cascadelor Stairs to Valea Morilor Lake. Go for a walk along the lake and take the Granite Stairs back up. Eventually you’ll end up at the old water tower that now houses the Chisinau City History Museum. The museum has a great observation deck for some grand views.

Afternoon – Cathedral Park and bus ride to Soviet-era Chisinau State Circus

For lunch have a sit down at Little Napoli for the best pizza in the city. After lunch have a coffee at Coffee Monkey, before continuing to one of the two museums here. Take your pick from the Natural History Museum, or the National Museum of Fine Arts.

All done in the art department, then walk it off in Stephen the Great Central Park, named after Moldova’s national hero. From there it’s a short stumble and you’ve made it to the very heart of the city, Cathedral Park.

Here, take a look at the Government House of Moldova and the Triumphal Arch. This arch commemorates the Russian victory over the Ottoman Empire. But certainly don’t forget to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity either.

Finish your first day of sightseeing of this Moldova itinerary by taking the bus to the Chisinau State Circus. The building has really fallen in disrepair, but EU-funding is helping to restore this masterpiece of Soviet-era architecture.

25 Best Things To Do in Chisinau in One Day + 5 Day Trip Ideas

Evening – dinner with local dishes & time to hit some wine bars.

After your visit to the State Circus you have probably worked up an appetite. For dinner head La Placinte at Cathedral Park. The Romanian with a Moldovan twist restaurant is perfect to sample some of the region’s specialties.

And speaking of specialties, wine is what Moldova is specialised in. So, when you’re done for dinner hit one of the city’s many wine bars. Close to La Placinte you can visit Plincuvin Wine Shop and Carpe Diem Wine Bar.

On day 2 of this Moldova travel guide your itinerary takes you to the mysterious Transnistria. If you take an early marshrutka from Autogara Centrala bus station in Chisinau you can fit in Tiraspol, the Noul Neamt Monastery and the Bendery Fortress.

A trip to Transnistria requires some extra preparation in comparison to the rest of this Moldova itinerary. Transnistria is a self-proclaimed country and has its own borders and currency. Check out my How To Visit Transnistria Travel Guide for more in depth information.

Tip: You won’t have any internet connection in Tiraspol, except for some public wifi in the parks. So, to make the most of your day and not to get lost, download the Transnistria map on Google Maps to your phone.

If visiting Transnistria independently sounds a little too exciting for you, then consider joining a tour. I recommend to book this tour through viator , for a similar experience as in my Moldova itinerary.

Morning – Start your Transnistria adventure in capital Tiraspol

Get off the marshrutka at the Kvint Factory and from there walk (for 35 minutes) to the Monument of the Aviators. You can take a shortcut through Victory Park where you can find an eery looking ferris wheel.

On your way back to the city and the Tiraspol City Hall pass by the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God. Around the corner from the City Hall you can find a large billboard of Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space.

Continue your exploration of Tiraspol with a walk along the Dniester river to Wollant Park where you can find the I heart Tiraspol sign. Take some pictures with the Tank Monument aftwerwards and then cross the street to the Supreme Council building. But apart from the building the highlight is the giant Lenin Statue in front of it.

Finish your visit to Tiraspol at bustling Suvorov Square to check out the Transnistria Coat of Arms, the Suvorov Monument, the Green Market and the Christmas Cathedral.

From the Green Market you can grab some items for a picnic lunch at the Noul Neamt Monastery. Or plan some time for a sit down at a restaurant. Tiraspol is not really a foodie walhalla, so no need to linger in some restaurant.

Afternoon – Visit the Noul Neamt Monastery and the Bendery Fortress

After all that walking and exploring Soviet influenced monuments in Tiraspol it’s time to head to the Noul Neamt Monastery in Chitcani. To reach it you have to take the marshrutka that leaves every 20-30 minutes from the other side of the bridge.

This peaceful monastic complex is a spiritual haven with beautifully restored churches and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s perfect for a picnic on the benches in the gardens.

Check out the interiors of both churches and try to head up into the bell tower. I tried to get up there, but was unfortunately stopped by the shop lady that gave me a very resounding ‘NJET’. There’s some awesome murals to be found next to the fruit and vegetable gardens on the complex.

Take the marshrutka back about an hour after you got to the Noul Neamt Monastery. When you’re back in Tiraspol, then take the line 20 marshrutka to Bender and get out close to the Bendery Fortress. It should take about 10 minutes on foot to reach the fort.

The Bendery Fortress is a beautifully restored fort that has been overlooking the banks of the Dniester river for centuries. You should plan about an hour to walk the grounds and go up the walls. Entrance fee is 50 rubles.

After your visit to the Bendery Fortress conclude your trip to Transnistria with a walk to the Bender Bus Station. Along the way pass the Alexander Lebed Monument with another tank monument in front of it.

How To Visit Transnistria – Travel Guide and Day Trip Itinerary

Evening – back to chisinau for dinner smash burgers and craft beer.

Don’t take a marshrutka back to Chisinau later than 6pm, because otherwise you might be overstaying your permit. And I don’t think you want to find out what happens when you do overstay your welcome.

Back in Chisinau it’s time for dinner. And because it’s probably quite late already dive into a delicious smash burger at Taproom by Litra & Friends . Here they service a delicious smash burger with plenty of local beers on tap. I had the Intra Pop Art IPA which happened to be a perfect match with that burger.

Start your third day of this Moldova itinerary by picking up a rental car that you reserved through rentalcars.com . After the formalities set your satnav for the Curchi Monastery and start driving.

I found Moldovans to be very careful and patient drivers, so you’ll have no problems navigating the roads. Although I have to say that there are quite a few roads in dire need of renovations. You shouldn’t have any problems in the itinerary of this Moldova travel guide though.

No car? No problem, because you can also book this tour through viator and not miss out on anything.

Morning – Visit the Curchi Monastery

Your first stop today is the Curchi Monastery, which is renowned for its stunning architecture and surroundings. The complex includes several churches, a picturesque lake, and well-maintained gardens.

It’s lovely to look around here for an hour or so. Walk the grounds, but don’t forget to take a picture of the monastery and the green hills from across the lake.

All done at the monastery, then continue your drive to Old Orhei which should take about 30-40 minutes.

Afternoon – Continue to Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi)

Old Orhei is a rather larger area, so understanding what you’re going to visit will help a lot. Entering the grounds you can make a first stop at the Belvedere viewpoint. Continue driving to the parking lot next to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, passing the Old Orhei Fort.

When you park the car walk along the Raut river, cross the bridge and take the foot path on your left going up the hill. When you follow the path you will pass the Butuceni cemetery, the landmark stone cross with the cave church next to it and at the end the stone church.

From the stone church you can take the stairs down into the Butuceni village for a deeper dive into local traditions. The traditional houses in the town are beautiful and the encounters with the locals I had were very friendly. When visiting on Monday like I did pretty much everything was closed though.

Walk back to the car and drive to the bridge over the Raut river that’s just before Trebujeni. Here you find the Tatar Bath ruins and also a foot path leading to a bunch of caves inside the limestone an easy short walk away.

Late afternoon – Discover the Cricova Winery underground cellars

On your way back to Chisinau, stop at Cricova Winery . This underground marvel is one of the largest wine cellars in the world, with extensive tunnels and impressive wine collections. Take a guided tour to learn about Moldova’s wine-making heritage and enjoy a tasting session.

There are many tour starting times every day in different languages. Call ahead to check when the next English tour is, or just show up like I did. I joined the 4pm English 2 hour tour that cost 700 lei.

Evening – Dinner at Divus and cocktails at Marlene

After such an awesome day finishing at Cricova Winery, I’m sure you are in for an evening with culinary highlights. My recommendation is to reserve a table at Divus Restaurant . This restaurant in the basement of the Thomas Albert Hotel is one of the best in the city. You’ll find excellent food here, paired with Moldovan or international wines.

Finish the day by hopping to a few more wine bars, or indulge in a cocktail at the best cocktail bar in town, Marlene. The Marlene Sour comes highly recommended and is a delicious variation on the Peruvian classic.

Start your final day of this Moldova 4-day itinerary with coffee at Yoco Coffee & Drinks on your way out of the city. All fueled up drive about 1.5 hours south to the small village of Besalma. On the way there you will enjoy the landscape with its rolling hills and farmland. Include a stop to at the Gagauzia Flags.

No car? No problem, because you can have a very similar experience to my itinerary below if you book this tour through viator .

Morning – Start your day in Gagauzia in Besalma

On arrival in the sleepy town of Besalma, park your car next to the Saint George Church and go for a short walk. Aim for the historical windmill that kinda fell into disrepair and enjoy the scenery on the walk.

Think of horse and carriage, wine ranks, cackling chickens, rose bushes and a rooster you can hear in the distance that obviously lost track of time. Then again, time has seemingly stood still here anyway.

It should take 20-30 minutes one way to reach the windmill, depending on how many photo stops you make.

Back at the church you can take a peek inside, but also check out the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum right behind it. Inside this museum you can learn about the Gagauz history and culture. And in the spirit of Soviet-era monuments, take a look at the Afghanistan and WW2 monuments.

Continue your road trip to the next town, Congaz. You can visit the cute green Saint Trinity Church here. If you’re pressed for time you can skip it though. Next, head to Gagauz Sofrasi for a traditional lunch in a beautiful complex with wooden elements.

Afternoon – Comrat, another winery or Manuc Bey Mansion

After lunch in Congaz drive back towards Chisinau again, but stop in the city of Comrat. Just south of the centre you can visit the Eliberarii Park with a couple of Soviet style monuments.

Back in the car drive towards the city centre and easily park the car at the Linella supermarket. The city centre of Comrat when I visited was very lively and bustling. Totally not what I expected if I’m being honest. There are quite a few places here for al fresco drinks, the parks are full of people and the vibe welcoming.

Sights to see in the centre are definitely Central Park with the Saint John Cathedral taking centre stage and the I heart Comrat sign. But also check out the flags and Lenin statue in front of the Gagauzian People’s Assembly building.

If you didn’t have lunch yet in Congaz, perhaps check out Chateau Comrat. This winery on the edge of town serves delicious lunch and offers wine tastings.

Alternatively, on your way back to Chisinau stop at Asconi Winery for another wine tour. But if your visit to Cricova yesterday was enough for you then you can also visit the Manuc Bey Mansion. Exploring the Manuc Bey Mansion offers a glimpse into Moldova’s historical and cultural heritage.

Evening – Final dinner and time to say goodbye

Back in Chisinau it’s time for dinner and the end of the itinerary in this Moldova Travel Guide. There are so many good restaurants to choose from, but if you want another traditional meal go to La Crasma, which is just north of the city. If you prefer to dine in a more modern European restaurant however, then consider Atypic.

Less than 4 days – With less than 4 days in Moldova you can drop any of the days in this travel itinerary. Just know that it’s easiest to base yourself in Chisinau and then pick and mix days to your liking.

More than 4 days – Add a night in Tiraspol so you can explore Transnistria over two days. With 6 days drive north after your visit to Old Orhei for an overnight stay in Soroca. Here you can visit the Soroca Fortress and the Candle of Gratitude. With a week or longer, explore more of Gagauzia by heading to Cahul. Alternatively, stay a night in Balti or add extra days to Chisinau. Or go on a wine tour across the country.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end of my Moldova Travel Guide. I hope you have an amazing trip planned now with the help of my Moldova travel itinerary. Let me know in the comments section below if you have any remarks or unanswered questions.

If you liked this article, and I guess you do because you’re still here, then please sign up to my newsletter right here . And to follow my whereabouts as I travel the world, please also follow me on instagram . Thanks!

Part-time traveler. Full-time banker. Wine lover. Coffee aficionado. Comic book geek.

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THE ULTIMATE MOLDOVA TRAVEL GUIDE: Where to Go, What to See, and What to Know + 4 Day Moldova Itinerary

Salut dragii mei! (Hello, my dears!)

Before I traveled to Moldova this summer, I had no idea what was waiting for me. Ironically, I was born in a country that borders Moldova (Ukraine), but didn’t know anything about my southern neighbor! 

I had no idea that it was one of the best undiscovered wine destinations in Europe. It didn’t occur to me that it was full of green nature, beautiful landscapes, lavender fields, and waterfalls. And I definitely didn’t know that it was home to a “country within a country” — or rather, a country that doesn’t technically exist!   

Even though Moldova is the least-visited country in Europe, it won’t be for long — once you visit Moldova, you’ll want to tell everybody about it. ;)

Let’s check it out!  

🇲🇩 Moldova is perfect for … 🇲🇩

Budget travel – Soviet architecture – Wine tasting – Unique churches – A Hidden gem in Europe

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO MOLDOVA

When to go to moldova.

The best time to visit Moldova is in the spring, especially during April or May. Temperatures are moderately warm, there are fewer tourists, and the countryside is full of green hills and color. 

Spring : Pleasant temperatures hovering around 15 to 18 C.  

Summer : Also a good time to visit, especially if you are planning to make your way to Odessa to enjoy the beaches. 

Fall : August to October – Starting to get chilly but still a nice time to visit, especially if you can come during the wine festival in November. 

Winter : November to mid-February. Temperatures fall – and so does snow. Many places in smaller towns are closed for the winter. 

HOW MUCH TO BUDGET FOR MOLDOVA

Moldova is a very budget-friendly country. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest countries in Europe!

I would recommend budgeting around $25 to $35 per day as a starting point, which includes accommodation, food, and entrance to tourist attractions. 

Here are the averages prices you can expect to pay for accommodations, food, and transportation in Moldova. 

Hostels: Less than $10/night for a bed in a dorm room Hotels : $30 to 35 per night

Food : about 120 MDL( $7 per lunch, including entree and drink) Coffee : around 20 MDL ($1.15 USD)

Bus from Chisinau to Old Orhei , about an hour drive: 26 MDL ($1.50 USD) Taxi in Chisinau : Around 40 MDL ($2.50 USD) for a taxi from the airport to the center Bus ticket in Chisinau : 2 MDL ($0.12 USD) 

Tourist attractions : Less than $5 per attraction – most tickets usually cost $1 or $2 USD

GETTING HERE // HOW TO GET TO MOLDOVA

The easiest way to get to Moldova is by taking a flight. There are dozens of airlines that fly directly to the capital airport, Chisinau (KIV), including budget airlines like WIZZ. The national airline, Air Moldova, flies from 30+ destinations in Europe.  

Compare prices and buy airline tickets to Moldova here 

You can easily get here by taking a bus to Chisinau from neighboring countries. 

I took the bus from Chernivtsi (Ukraine) to Chisinau and it took about 7 hours. There are busses to other major cities in Moldova, such as Balti, Tiraspol, and more. 

For people who want to explore and travel around Eastern Europe, there is a popular overnight train that goes from Kyiv to Chisinau. Other popular routes include Odessa – Tiraspol – Chisinau. 

HOTELS // WHERE TO STAY IN MOLDOVA

Hotels in Moldova can be hit or miss, so it’s really important to pay close attention before booking. Since tourism in Moldova isn’t as popular as in other countries (it’s one of Europe’s least visited countries!), you might encounter hotels that haven’t been updated since the USSR, staff that don’t speak English, or amenities that are common in typical hotels. However, don’t let this scare you! There are also plenty of hotels that are quickly being updated to accommodate tourists, which means that you can score an amazing hotel at a great price. 

One unique thing to do in Moldova is stay at a Pensiunea (sometimes called a Resedinta or a Pensiunea agroturistică ). This is a sort of agricultural-style guesthouse/bed and breakfast where everything is decorated in a traditional style, the food is made fresh every day from the nearby garden, and it feels like you’re staying at your Moldovian grandmother’s summerhouse. :) 

I had the chance to stay at one of these accommodations in Orhei and loved it – in fact, it was one of the highlights of my trip! If you’re interested in learning more, I’ve written about it below. 

TRANSPORTATION // HOW TO GET AROUND MOLDOVA

Since Moldova is a compact country, it’s easy to get around – both inside a city and between cities. 

BUSSES : There are plenty of busses that go between cities. This is your best option if you are planning to go beyond the capital – for example, if you’re planning to do a day trip from Chisinau or travel between different cities in Moldova. Busses are cheap, plenty, and you might have interesting company on the ride. ;) 

TRAINS : Trains in Moldova exist, but they’re very slow and infrequent. Your best bet is either taking an intercity bus or renting a car. 

TAXI : If you want to quickly get between Point A and Point B, taking a taxi is a great idea. I used a taxi in Chisinau since they were cheap and readily available – Yandex Taxi was the best, but iTaxi is great too if you like to have options. 

CAR RENTAL : I rented a car to get from Chisinau to Orhei and was extremely surprised at how well the whole experience turned out. The roads were in excellent condition, cities were clearly marked, and if you get hungry, you can pull over and buy a snack from the grandmas selling fruit on the side of the road. ;P 

WHAT TO PACK FOR MOLDOVA

Moldova is pretty standard when it comes to packing, since it has well-defined seasons and the clothing associated with it (dresses in the summer, jackets and jeans in the fall, etc.) 

However, there are a few special items that I recommend packing for your trip to Moldova:

✔ Pickpocket-proof Purse : Although Moldova is a safe country, it still has a problem that’s common in many places: pickpockets. I recommend a small purse, like this one , that is slash-resistant and has zippers.

✔ A Large Scarf : For ladies planning to visit any of the churches or monasteries in Moldova, don’t forget your scarf ! It’s a requirement to wrap a scarf around your head before entering a church. Some churches offer free scarves to tourists, but it’s a good idea to have one with you just in case there aren’t any available.

✔ “Nice” Clothing : If you’re planning to go on a winery tour (more on that later!), you’ll want to wear nice clothing to really stand out in photos. This means a cute dress for ladies and a nice shirt/slacks combo for gentlemen .

✔ A Warm Jacket : Speaking of wineries… If you’re planning on visiting an underground winery, I highly recommend taking a warm jacket or cardigan . The temperature down there is always a stable 50 F (10 C) and it can get pretty chilly! Throw over a warm cardigan and beat the cold. :)

✔ Wine Bottle Protector : Ok ok, last part about wineries, I promise! There’s probably a high chance you’ll want to buy a few bottles of wine after your wine tour – make sure they arrive in once piece by packing them in these useful pouches . 

✔ Comfortable Shoes : The terrain in Moldova can be hard on your shoes (and feet). Make sure you pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes, especially if you plan to visit Old Orhei or do some hiking. I wear these Adidas Superstar shoes and love them.

✔ Plug Adapter : Moldova has C and F outlets – Make sure your electronics can be charged by bringing these plug adapters along. I’ve been personally using this set for 4 years and highly recommend them!

Start Your Trip to Moldova in the Capital That’s Frozen in Time

Since most travelers usually start their trip to Moldova by taking an airplane or train into the country’s capital, Chisinau, this is where our itinerary will also start.

For first-time travelers, I recommend one to two days in Chisinau . If you’re in a rush, it’s compact enough to see in one day, but I recommend two to get a taste of authentic Moldova. 

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Chisinau that will fill up your day, including parks, museums, cafes, and more. Since it’s not a huge city like Paris or Moscow, you can really take your time and explore: grab a pastry from a bakery, sit in the Stefan Cel Mare park, and do some people watching. :) 

On another note, Chisinau is perfect for fans of Soviet architecture and history, especially since most of the city was rebuilt after being bombed in World War II. You can find classical Stalinist buildings almost anywhere you look, such as the Parliament, and other remnants of the Soviet Union at the Victory Memorial and the Eternal Flame. 

If you’re really interested in diving deep into the country’s history, I recommend going on a guided tour: most tours are budget-friendly, the tour guides speak excellent English, and you’ll finally know what the heck is going on in that huge mural near that one church. 

I recommend this Chisinau Walking City tour , which is a perfect introduction to Moldova and its capital.

If you want an in-depth look into Chisinau, I also recommend booking a specialized tour (Cold War, Jewish history, bike tour, etc) – in that case, I highly recommend Nicolai as a guide . :) 

WHAT TO DO IN CHISINAU

Start at the Triumphal Arch & Cathedral Park Arcul de Triumf & Parcul Catedralei 

Get to know Chisinau by starting your day at the Triumphal Arch , which is also coincidentally where locals meet each other — hey, it’s a convenient spot in the center and hard to miss! The Arch was built in 1840 to commemorate the overthrow of the Ottoman Turks by the Russian Empire in 1828 and remains a national symbol to this day. 

From here, you can also walk to Cathedral Park , which is behind the arch. It’s a lovely little square where you can sit and people watch (or wait for Google Maps to load so you can go to the next point 😉). 

Ștefan cel Mare Central Park

Located diagonally across Cathedral Park, Stefan cel Mare Park is the oldest park in Moldova and a nice spot to hang out. In the front of the park, you’ll see a large statue of Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare as the locals call him), which is one of the most important figures in Moldova’s history.

Get to Know The Country at the National Museum of History of Moldova Muzeul Național de Istorie a Moldovei

The National Museum is, in my opinion, one of the best places in Chisinau and the perfect place to get acquainted with the history of Moldova. It has more than 250,000 exhibits detailing the history of the country, from ancient times to the royal family, to the USSR and finally to today. 

If you’re into architecture, you’ll love the gorgeous rooms and the ornate decorations. I think I spent a half hour just staring at the ceiling (in a good way!) and the beautiful details.

Budget 10 MDL ($1 USD) for a ticket and about 2 hours to walk through the entire museum. As a bonus, all of the signs are in English, and the employees also give you a little piece of paper with extra details when you walk into a room. 

National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History Muzeul Naţional de Etnografie şi Istorie Naturală

if not for the exhibits inside, go just to see the gorgeous building, which looks like it could have been transported from Morocco or Oman. There’s also a lovely garden.  

Admire the Architecture at St. Teodora de la Sihla Church Biserica Sfânta Teodora de la Sihla

Sure, Chisinau has plenty of interesting churches, but the St. Teodora de la Sihla Church is my favorite thanks to its gorgeous Byzantine architecture and blue roofs. 

Walk on the City’s Main Pedestrian Street, Yevgeniy Doga Street Strada Eugen Doga

Like any good Eastern European city, Chisinau has its own pedestrian street called Eugen Doga (named after a famous composer). Although it’s a fairly small street, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and breweries here. Don’t forget to take a photo of the “Sculpture of Lovers” statue.  

Central Market Piata Centrala

The central farmers market in Chisinau. It’s similar to what you would see in bazaars in other Eastern European countries and there are plenty of kiosks selling fresh fruit, vegetables, local types of cheese, and more. If you plan to visit this market, bring lei with you, since not many Moldovan grandmas accept credit cards here. ;) 

 Stroll along the Waterfront at Valea Morilor Park Lacul “Valea Morilor”

Just a little outside the center of Chisinau is the Valea Morilor Park. This huge complex is loved by locals and is an especially great place to visit during the summer, when the weather is nice and the activities are in full swing. Kids will love the theme park (Aventura Park). There’s also the gorgeous winding staircase, Scara Cascadelor, and the smallest monument in Moldova that features the Little Prince. 

FUN FACT: Moldavian archaeologists recently discovered the fragments of a mammoth skeleton at the bottom of the lake in Valea Morilor Park. 

Chisinau Railway Station Gara feroviară din Chișinău

Normally I don’t put stations on my itinerary, but how could you pass up this cheerful pink station? Just take a look at the Google photos – isn’t it so cute? 😊

If you’re planning to travel from Chisinau onward, there’s a high chance you’ll go through this station. It has daily and/or weekly departures from Chisinau to Bucharest, Kiev, Moscow, Minsk, Warsaw, Saint Petersburg, and Odessa. There are also many trains each week to neighboring Romania (Bucharest, Iasi, and so on), as well as daily service to Tiraspol. 

If you’re planning on visiting other countries after Moldova, I have a section on that as well – scroll to the very bottom or Ctrl + F “ Where Should I Travel After Moldova? ” to find it. :) 

WHERE TO EAT IN CHISINAU

As with most capital cities, there are so many places to eat in Chisinau no matter your budget, location, and taste. From hipster cafes to traditional Moldovan restaurants and everything in between, here are some of the places that I’ve personally eaten or have asked locals about. 

Propaganda Cafe – This is a can’t-miss in Chisinau! The cafe can be a little hard to find if you’re not familiar with the street, but once you’re inside, you’ll be glad you found it. The entire cafe is decorated like a Soviet house, complete with vintage Lenin posters and old USSR knickknacks. 

Besides being very aesthetic and fun to look at, the food here is phenomenal. I had the syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes), Napoleon cake, and a smoothie. The Napoleon was my favorite dish because it tasted exactly the way my grandma bakes it. Likewise, the service was friendly and helpful.  

La Placinte – La Placinte serves traditional Moldovan food, such as meat, dumplings, mamaliga, desserts, etc. in a cute ethno-style restaurant. There are half a dozen locations in Chisinau, all conveniently located near the center. 

Tucano Coffee – If you’ve been missing your daily dose of Starbucks, check out its Eastern European counterpart ;) This colorful and cheeky cafe chain can be found all around Chisinau with cute names like Brazil, Jamaica, and Costa Rica – a nod to coffee-producing countries where they source from.  

Creme de la Creme – If you’re walking along the pedestrian street (Strada Eugen Doga), you’ll come across this cute French-style cafe. There’s a nice selection of cakes and coffee, as well as outdoor seating.  

Gastrobar – Like the name says, this gastronomic-style restaurant has trendy dishes and a lovely atmosphere to boot. As a bonus, they’re open late. 

Zaxi – Upscale sushi and cocktail restaurant with stunning views from the terrace. 

Carpe Diem – All of the locals that I met recommended this as the palace to go for wine, and they’re right: Carpe Diem is a hybrid wine store and wine bar with excellent service. The employees there helped me pick out a wine and even gave a small degustation so I knew how it tasted before I bought it. If you don’t have time to go to a winery, definitely go here! 

WHERE TO STAY IN CHISINAU

MY TOP PICK

For my trip, I stayed at Wine Hotel, which, personally, I think is one of the best accommodations in Chisinau. Where else do you get one glass of wine for free per day? ;) 

The rooms are large and spacious with modern amenities, plus they have a lovely panoramic view of the city from the balcony. 

The hotel also has a wine bar / restaurant where breakfast (included in the rate) is served daily. This is perfect for traveling Moldova on a budget, since you get a delicious meal and won’t need to waste time finding a breakfast cafe. 

There are only a few rooms at Wine Hotel, so the service is personalized for each traveler. When I was checking out and going to Old Orhei, the manager even sent a security guard to load my luggage into the rental car. 

Finally, with a hotel being called Wine Hotel, they need to live up to their expectations, right? And they did exactly that: every day, guests can choose one of three different wines and receive a complimentary glass. The staff were also extremely knowledgeable and advised me which wines to buy when I went shopping for souvenirs. 

Reserve Wine Hotel on Booking.com

MID-RANGE HOTELS IN CHISINAU

Tulip Residence & Spa

This Thai-style hotel has charming decor, a delicious breakfast buffet, and clean rooms. As a bonus, there’s also a spa, massage, and hammam compex on-site. 

Reserve Tulip Residence on Booking.com

Hotel Chisinau

If you ever wondered how it felt like to be a tourist back in the USSR, here’s your chance. 

I stayed at the Hotel Chisinau on my way back from Old Orhei because I needed something budget-friendly and close-ish to the center. The rooms aren’t the most modern, but if you’re looking for the total Soviet experience, stay here. ;)

Reserve Hotel Chisinau on Booking.com

Casa Daca Boutique Hotel

A cute boutique hotel (there are only 18 rooms!) decorated in a minimalistic style with hints of traditional Moldovan elements. Centrally located and near plenty of museums, restaurants, and cafes.

Reserve Casa Daca Boutique Hotel on Booking.com

Zentrum Hotel

Centrally located, with friendly staff and spacious rooms. Zentrum was one of the most-liked hotels from the tourists that I talked to while I was in Chisinau.

Reserve Zentrum Hotel on Booking.com 

Mon Ami Villa

A sweet little hotel, Mon Ami is a perfect option because of two things: the cozily-decorated rooms, and the delicious and complimentary homemade breakfast (fresh fruit and crepes? Mmm).

Reserve Mon Ami Villa on Booking.com

LUXURY HOTELS IN CHISINAU

The Bristol Central Park Hotel

The creme de la creme of hotels in Chisinau, The Bristol is one of the best options in terms of luxury hotels. Each room has an enormous bed (seriously, take a look at the photos!) and a panoramic view of the city. Guests also loved the breakfast and the attentiveness of the staff members.

Reserve Bristol Central Park Hotel on Booking.com

Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel

Chic, sophisticated, and modern, the Radisson Blu in Chisinau will make you feel like a jetsetter. Definitely don’t miss the rooftop restaurant (Zaxi) or the spa. 

Reserve Radisson Blu Leogrand on Booking.com

Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel

Located in the center of Chisinau (it’s one block away from Cathedral Park), Nobil Hotel is a 5-star hotel and one of the premier luxury hotels in Chisinau. It’s decorated in old-school luxury and offers amenities such as 24/7 room service, a spa, and a gym. 

Reserve Nobil Luxury on Booking.com

Roxen Hotel&Spa

A simple, luxurious, and clean hotel with spacious rooms. As a bonus, Roxen guests get a discount at the restaurant next to the hotel.

Reserve Roxen Hotel & Spa on Booking.com

HOSTELS IN CHISINAU

Retro Moldova Hostel

If you want to go back to the USSR and do it in style, then book a room at Retro Moldova. This hostel is decorated with vintage Soviet posters as well as a cool mural. It’s fairly small (there’s room for only 12 people), but the atmosphere is friendly and the beds are comfortable. 

Reserve Retro Moldova Hostel on Booking.com

Amazing Ionika Hostel 

This *amazing* hostel (get it?) is consistently rated as one of the best hostels in Chisinau, and it shows. Although it’s not a party hostel, there’s still an upstairs area to hang out and get to know your hostelmates, as well as group tours to Transnistria and around the city. Plus, the decor is cute and homely! 

Reserve Amazing Ionika Hostel on Booking.com

Hostel City Center

Located right in the heart of the city, Hostel City Center is one of the most popular hostels in Chisinau. There are plenty of options for both male- and female-only rooms, as well as private rooms. There’s even an ATM and luggage storage. :) 

Reserve Hostel City Center on Booking.com

APARTMENTS IN CHISINAU

 Tree House

Located 5 miles from Chisinau, Tree House is an “eco resort” situated in the middle of a forest. The apartments here are gorgeously decorated with amazing views of the trees. Included on the property is an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and even a private beach area. If you’re visiting Moldova in the summer and want to escape the busy city life, check out Tree House. 

Reserve Tree House on Booking.com

Great penthouse with a view  

Ever wanted to live the #baller life and stay in a penthouse? In Moldova, anything is possible. ;) This aptly-named apartment has a lovely view of the city skyline, as well as a sweeping terrace and two bedrooms. Likewise, it’s located close to the center but in a quiet area. 

Reserve this penthouse apartment on Booking.com

WHAT TO DO IN TRANSNISTRIA

Transnistria is made up of 10 cities and many little towns and villages, but we’ll be focusing on the big two today: Tiraspol and Bender (sometimes called Bendery). Tiraspol is the second largest city in Moldova and the capital of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, while Bendery is a city with important historical significance. 

No matter where you go in Transnistria, this country is like an open-air USSR museum. Statues of Lenin, socialist murals, and flags with the hammer and sickle will really make you feel like you hopped into a time machine went back to the USSR.

WHAT TO DO IN TIRASPOL

🔴 October 25th Street – Named after an important date in Soviet history (the day the October Revolution started), this street is also important, as its the main street that runs through Tiraspol. One thing that really surprised me was how wide this street is – even the pospekti in Minsk couldn’t compare to this street! 

🔴 House of Soviets – Near the beginning of the October 25th street is the House of the Soviets (photo above). This grand building was originally where important Soviet figures, such as deputies, met and discussed governmental things. Nowadays it’s home to the city hall. 

🔴 Suvorov Square – The grand park of Tiraspol, Suvorov Square is a huge plot of land with statues, benches, and mementos of Transnistria. In the summer, it turns into a colorful square from all of the blooming flowers. 

🔴   T-34 tank and Saint George Chapel – Just across Suvorov Square is another Soviet memento commemorating the USSR’s victory in World War II. A little further is St. George Chapel, which feature gold domes and Orthodox murals on the side. 

🔴 Presidential Palace – This unassuming brown and white building is where the President of Transnistria, as well as the parliament, meet to do very important things. There’s also a (you guessed it) Lenin statue. 

🔴 I Heart Tiraspol Sign – If you want to show your love for your new favorite city, there’s an “I Heart Tiraspol” sign in front of De Wollant Park.  

🔴 Hang out near the Dniester – Transnistria literally translates to “beyond the Dniester,” and a little piece of Tiraspol gives you the opportunity to see this magnificent river. Towards the end of De Wollant Park is a little bridge and some small kiosks selling ice cream and drinks in the summer. If you have some free time, grab a snack and watch the boats float by. 

🔴 Dom Knigi – If you’ve been wandering around Tiraspol looking for a souvenir shop, this is the best place. Half of the store sells books (that’s what the name translates to :)) and the other half has all sorts of Transnistria-related souvenirs like hats, pins, postcards, magnets, and more. 

🔴 City Library – One of my favorite places in Tiraspol. It might seem a little hipster, but I really liked the second floor, where you can find a colorful mural and a library that’s still in the 1970’s. The address is Strada Sverdlov 78.

WHAT TO DO IN BENDER

🔴 Bender Fortress – The most famous landmark in Bender, this fortress had humble beginnings as a wooden fort before being redeveloped into a strong fortification by a sultan during the Ottoman period. You can also go inside and walk around the area or go to the top for a nice view of the river. 

🔴 Noul Neamt Monastery – An all-male Moldovan Orthodox monastery located just outside of Bender and Tiraspol, this building was used asa hospital during the USSR before being restored into a church.

🔴 Bendery Bus Station – One of the most colorful bus stations that I saw in my life. The teal interior was so stylish that there was even a photoshoot going on when I walked by. If you’re hungry, check out the themed CCCP canteen on the second floor. 

🔴 Memorial Park in Bendery – A small square that contains interesting monuments and statues from the USSR. 

TRAVEL TIP : Psst, wanna play a game? Count how many Lenin statues you find in Transnistria and send me your final number on Instagram . ;)

WHERE TO EAT IN TRANSNISTRIA

  Kumanek – This was the Ukrainian restaurant where I ate during my little trip to Transnistria and one of the highlights of my time in Tiraspol. It has a large menu, delicious food, and outdoor seating with cute ethnic decor. 

7 Pyatnits Cafe (7 Fridays Cafe) – Nice cafe with both Western and local-style food, WiFi, and friendly workers. 

Love Cafe – A sweet cafe with decor that makes it look like it was taken from a street in Paris. There’s also an English menu. 

Kvint – Did you know Transnistria has its own distillery? Kvint produces more than 20 million bottles a year of its famous spirits and brandies. If you want to try a real taste of Tiraspol, there are daily tours at the Kvint factory. 

FUN FACT: A bottle of Kvint once made its way into space along with Yuri Gagarin. 

TRANSNISTRIA TOURS

If you prefer to have a set itinerary and a guide (or just don’t want to get lost in an unrecognized country, no big deal 😅), there are plenty of Transnistria tours. 

I recommend this Private Soviet Era History Tour of Transnistria from Chisinau , which picks you up from the capital, takes you around Transnistria, and brings you back to your hotel room.

WINE TASTING

Underground tunnels, 2 million bottles, and delicious wine… experience moldova’s top tourist attraction here.

France, Napa valley, Italy, Chile… These countries are all associated with delicious wine, but what if I told you there was another little-known region that will knock your socks off? And that you can visit it in Moldova? 

FUN FACT:  Did you know Moldova is the 11th largest wine-producing country in Europe and the 20th largest wine producing country in the world? 

Thanks to its fertile land and location, Moldova’s history of winemaking spans thousands of years. In fact, one of the chief exports of Moldova in medieval times was — you guessed it — wine! 

Moldova became the main supplier of wine to other countries in the Soviet Union in the 1940s (supplying nearly 70 percent of all wine!) all the way up until the mid-1980s, when the then-president Mikhail Gotbachev launched an anti-alcohol campaign. Thanks to these “dry laws,” more than 35% of vineyards across Moldova were shut down almost overnight and the economy suffered greatly. Some wineries were smart enough to hide their most important wines — some spanning back to 1901! — such as Milestii Mici. They constructed a huge wall on wheels that would roll to the side to reveal the hidden room full of rare and valuable wines.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the vineyards in Moldova were back to making wine in full swing, but not for long. Two huge Russian embargoes on Moldovan wine in 2006 and 2013 (Russia didn’t take too kindly to Moldova wanting to join the EU)  forced winemakers to diversify. Nowadays, Moldovan wineries are perfecting their craft and targeting foodies from the European Union, Japan, and China. 

Will you be charmed by the delicious and fresh taste of Moldovan wine? There’s only one way to find out!

How to Choose a Moldovan Winery

If you want to go on a Moldova wine tour, there are a few things to consider: 

Do you want to go by yourself or with a tour? For the underground wineries, such as Milestii Mici and Cricova, you’ll need a car. You can either go with a tour company or hire a taxi in Chisinau to take you to the winery, since, obviously, the winery won’t let you wander the tunnels without supervision (unless you want to get lost – my driver regaled me with a lot of stories about lost tourists 😅). 

Do you want to visit one winery or multiple wineries in one day? If you have the whole day, I recommend going on a multi-winery tour to see the best of Moldovan wines. If you only have a few hours (for example, 3 or 4 hours), you can still fit in a wine tasting tour at one winery. 

What type of wine do you prefer? Although Moldova primarily makes white wine (70% of all production is white wine!), red and table wines are also popular and readily available at most wineries. If you’re like me and have no idea what you like, there are wine tasting tours in Moldova that give you 3 to 5 different wines to taste.  

TRAVEL TIP! If you’re planning to do a wine tour at one of the underground wineries, such as Milestii Mici or Cricova, it’s best to br ing a lightweight jacket or cardigan ( like this one ) . The temperature stays a constant 50 F (10 C) all year round, which means it can get pretty chilly! 

MILESTII MICI

I chose Mistii Mici (also known as Mileștii Mici) as the winery to go wine tasting on this trip for three main reasons: 1. It has the biggest wine collection in the world (!!) and is one of the most famous and well-known wineries in Moldova (the others being Cricova and MIMI) 2. It’s only a 20 minute drive (14 km) from Chisinau to Milestii Mici, making it perfect for a quick stop or a full day tour 3. The wine fountain — but more on that later ;) 

Milestii Mici winery. If you ask any Moldovan local what they think of Milestii Mici, they’ll probably reply that it’s one of the best wineries in Moldova. Spoiler alert: I asked my driver the same exact question, and got the same exact reply – as we were heading to Milestii Mici, no less. ;)

With more than 200 kilometers of underground tunnels and more than 2 million bottles of wine, Milestii Mici is home to the biggest wine collection in the world. 

Milestii Mici’s history began when an old limestone mine was “refurbished” in the late 1960s and turned into the state-owned winery that we know today. One of the unique things about Milestii are the two “wine fountains” near the entrance.  PSA – Unfortunately it’s not real wine that comes out of the fountain, but it makes for a cool photo nonetheless. :) 

FUN FACT: Celebrities such as Obama store their own wine at Milestii Mici – prices start at 500 Euro a year if you want to have your own storage “cellar”! 

I absolutely loved my tour at Milestii Mici and would highly recommend this winery as a starting point in your Moldovan wine tasting journey. 

The way it works is simple: you book a tour, the driver comes to your accommodation in Chisinau, and you make your way to the Milestii Mici winery. From there, you check in at the front desk and wait in line until it’s your turn to go underground (go check out the fountain while you wait!) You’ll have a few other cars in your “tour group” as you drive from point to point in the underground tunnels and stop to listen to the guide before moving on. At the end, depending on your tour package, you’ll be treated to a wine degustation and a delicious and authentic Moldovan lunch. Sounds great, right? 

P.S. – if you have the chance, definitely try the Mărgăritar wine. It instantly became my favorite wine, and *ahem* I might have bought 5 bottles to take home with me… 

BOOK A WINE TOUR TO MILESTII MICI HERE 

Cricova is the second largest wine cellar in Moldova, boasting over 120 kilometers of underground tunnels. It’s especially known for its sparkling wine, which can be found on the table of almost every Moldovan during New Years Eve festivities. 

FUN FACT:   In 1966, famous Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin visited Cricova for a wine tasting and emerged two days later (with some assistance). 

BOOK A WINE TOUR TO CRICOVA WINERY HERE 

CASTEL MIMI WINERY

Castel Mimi Winery is a gorgeous chateau that looks like it was transported directly from France. The only “wine castle” in Moldova, Mimi winery brands itself as a wine resort where guests can relax and enjoy wine. This sprawling complex includes a restaurant (The White Owl), an outdoor pool, a wine bar, and a hotel ( Seven Stone Chalets Hotel ).

FUN FACT: Founder Constantin Mimi supplied the Russian army with his wines during World War I. 

BOOK A WINE TOUR TO CASTEL MIMI HERE // BOOK A ROOM AT CASTEL MIMI BOUTIQUE HOTEL HERE  

CHATEAU VARTELY

Although Chateau Vartely is one of the youngest wineries on this list (It was founded in 2008!) it’s already well-known in Moldova for its premium wine. Located near Orheiul Vechi, Vartely is a bit further out but well worth it! 

You can even stay overnight and explore Old Orhei the following day — check out the section below for more information. 

BOOK A WINE TOUR TO CHATEAU VARTELY HERE // BOOK A ROOM AT CHATEAU VARTELY’S HOTEL HERE

Found in 1827, Pucari is the oldest winery in Moldova and remains relatively unchanged to this day. In fact, the underground cellars kept their cross-shaped tunnels, as a reminder of the time when the production of wine in the country was controlled by the church. 

If you have extra time and prefer to stop and savor everything the winery has to offer, Pucari recently launched a boutique hotel with ten rooms. There’s also a tennis court, two lakes, a restaurant and wine bar, and even a children’s playground.

BOOK A WINE TOUR TO PUCARI HERE // BOOK A ROOM AT PUCARI’S HOTEL HERE

Stunning green landscapes, cheerful Moldovan “bunicile”, and a monastery built into a cave

Old Orhei (known as Orheiul Vechi in Moldovan) is an area 35 miles (60 km) north of Chisinau that is comprised of three villages: Butuceni, Morovaia and Trebujeni. 

It is one of the most popular day trips from Chisinau and is famous for its rolling green hills, cozy bread and breakfasts (perfect for travelers looking to relax in nature!), and its most famous site: a monastery built into a cave. 

After it was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, Old Orhei came into prominence and is now one of the best places to visit in Moldova— and you’ll see why when you arrive! 

Take a small hike up to Orhei Vechi Monastery, taste homemade mamaliga at a bed and breakfast, revel in the beautiful nature, and enjoy this hidden gem of Moldova. 

The best part about traveling to Old Orhei is the flexibility: you can do a half-day tour from Chisinau (about 3 – 4 hours) or stay overnight to get a real feel of the Moldovan countryside. Besides the activities mentioned below, there isn’t much else to do – which is a plus if you’re interested in exploring nature and a minus if you’re into the bustle of city life. Hopefully that gives you a little insight so that you can pick the duration of your stay in Old Orhei. Let’s check it out. :) 

  How to Get to Old Orhei

You can get to Old Orhei via public transportation (a large van known as a marshrutka ) or via rental car (which is what I did). 

Marshrutka to Old Orhei 

You’ll want to go towards the back of Chisinau’s Piata Centrala (Central Plaza), where all of the busses and marshrutkas depart. There should be plenty of busses leaving daily – you’ll want to look for the one that has a sign with “Trebujeni” or “Butaceni” on it. Don’t worry, they’re close to each other, so it doesn’t really matter which one you take.

The ticket costs about 26 MDL (about $1.50 USD) and the journey takes about one hour. From Trebujeni it’s a 30 minute walk to the main sites, and from Butuceni it’s only about 15 minutes. Be sure to preload Google Maps beforehand because it can be a little confusing where to go— you’ll want to set “Orhei Vechi Monastery” as your destination, and you’ll know you’re close if you see the Orheiul Vechi Complex wooden sign at the entrance. 

To get back to Chisinau, you can just head back to where you were dropped off. Be sure to ask beforehand what time the marshrutka comes so that you can plan your day. 

Driving/Taxi to Old Orhei

For the trip from Chisinau to Old Orhei, I rented a car because it was convenient and I didn’t have to stick to the bus schedule. As a bonus, it’s easier to drive on the dirt roads over to your accommodation and to get between places (such as the monastery and a restaurant). 

The drive is about 55 km long and takes approximately 1 hour. The roads are really nice, but be sure to keep an eye on the speed limit so you won’t need to bribe the police. (*ahem* 😅)

What to Do in Old Orhei

Orhei Vechi Monastery

Orhei Vechi Monastery is the biggest tourist attraction in Old Orhei for two reasons. First of all, a monastery built into a cave?! How cool is that? And second of all, the (somewhat) hidden view from the back. But before we visit the monastery, let’s dive into a bit of history.

There’s a historical legend that said the leaders of the Golden Horde (a Tatar group that lived in the area) hid their gold and treasures in the walls of the cave’s rocks when they found out that their city was under attack. Is there still gold in the walls? Nobody knows — and I didn’t want to anger the monks and find out 😅 — so the legend is still out there. 

Besides gold, the monastery was also a popular place to hide Orthodox Christians during the USSR times, when religion was banned in the country. Even after the fall of the Soviet Union, the cave is still used today by Orthodox monks, who live and pray inside.  

The cave is a popular spot for tourists who visit it to see the colorful altar and icons inside. It is also one of the most important religious sites for Moldovan pilgrims who visit every year to pray. 

While I was there, the friendly monk mentioned that there is also a lovely view of the surrounding area. When you arrive, go straight ahead and there’s a small back “door” (AKA it’s really just a hole in the wall), and you’re there. 

You can also go into the little side room, which is where the monks used to sleep back in the day. Don’t worry, now they have much more comfortable rooms that are outside of the cave. :)

After the 1990s, the church services were moved to the new church nearby. It’s a short 5 minute walk between the two spots and the next thing on our list.

TRAVEL TIP! Since this is a religious site, please remember to wear conservative clothing. For men this includes a shirt and pants, and for women it should be a long dress and a scarf wrapped around the head. Although it’s not strictly enforced (i.e. there’s nobody at the entrance), also consider donating a few lei to help the monks with the upkeep. 

New Ascension Of St. Mary Orthodox Church

This is the church I was talking about :)

To the right of the cave monastery is the Orthodox church that was built in 1905. It’s a lovely compound that has a garden and a small church that you can go inside. On the side is a gift shop where you can buy small laminated icons, souvenirs, and other church-related things.  

The Stone Cross

The final part of the Orheiul Vechi Complex, this stone cross is a few steps away from the cave monastery. When I was exploring the area, there was a small queue to get a photo with this cross. After asking one of the men in line, I learned that if you put your hand over the flower on top, your wishes will come true. 

Visit the neighboring town of Orhei 

If you’ve finished visiting all of the tourist attractions in Old Orhei and have some spare time, you can also explore the nearby town with (almost) the same name. 

The drive from Old Orhei to Orhei is about 35 minutes and takes about 30 km. There you’ll find different stores, restaurants, parks, and more. There’s even an amusement park called Orheiland. :) 

A little further you can also find the Curchi Monastery , one of the most beautiful buildings in Moldova. If you want to learn more, I’ve written about it in-depth at the “Other Places to Visit in Moldova” section below. 

Where to Stay in Old Orhei

Since the town is small, there are only a few hotels in Old Orhei — but, like the old saying goes: quality over quantity! In fact, some of my favorite memories from Moldova were at the bed and breakfast that I stayed near Old Orhei. 

RESEDINTA ROTUNDU

Located in Butuceni, Resedinta Rotundu is one of the best accommodations near Old Orhei, and this was where I stayed overnight during my mini-trip here. 

One of the first things that jump out at you at Resedinta Rotundu is the cute, colorful, and kitschy decor, which makes it feel like a cheerful Moldovan grandma lives here. 

The second thing that jumps out is the extremely friendly staff. While waiting for the food, I went over to the garden out front and and talked with the two ladies. They were more than happy to give me a small tour of the fruits and veggies that they grow after I mentioned that my grandma also had a small garden. Later in the day, the credit card terminal wasn’t working and the older gentleman working as an electrician graciously gave me a lift to the nearby city of Orhei.

Speaking of the garden, I want to make a special note of the food here. I dined at Resedinta Rotundu twice, once for lunch and once for breakfast the day after. All of the dishes cooked at the restaurant are taken from the garden, eco-friendly, and fresh. The menu has a variety of options that include both Moldovan dishes and international ones. If you have time in the morning, definitely don’t skip breakfast: it’s absolutely amazing! The soft homemade bread, the chocolate-covered pancakes, the fresh-pressed juices, and the fluffy yogurt. If I could have one breakfast for the rest of my life, I would dine at Rotundu.

Finally, the rooms are large, comfortable, and have everything you need – in the traditional Moldovan decor, of course. ;) 

On a trip, it’s the little things that count — and my entire experience at Resedinta Rotundu made my trip to Moldova even better. 

Book Resedinta Rotundu on Booking.com 

Just a stone’s throw away in Trebujeni, Vila Roz is another picturesque pensiunea surrounded with hills and nature. The owner, Luba, is a native of the area and loves to delight her guests with traditional dishes at the on-site restaurant. 

The name, “rose villa” comes from both the cheerful rose-colored building as well as the lovely rose garden on the property. During the spring and summer seasons, don’t forget to smell the roses (literally) – they’re delicious! 

There are also complimentary bikes, hammocks, and an outdoor pool (!!) to make the most of your stay. 

Book Vila Roz on Booking.com

Where to Eat in Old Orhei

Again, since the town is small, there are a limited amount of options. 

If you’re only visiting Old Orhei on a day tour, I recommend buying some snacks in the city and bringing them with you (such as sandwiches, trail mix, bottled water, etc.)

If you’re staying overnight, most of the hotels and accommodations in Old Orhei will have at least one restaurant on-site, and many will even have breakfast included in the rate. 

For travelers who have a rental car, there are way more options in the nearby city of Orhei (the regular Orhei, not Old Orhei ;)). 

In case you’re limited to Orheiul Vechi, here are some restaurants in Old Orhei that you can try: 

Butuceni Restaurant: One of the best restaurants in Old Orhei, Butuceni is known for its delicious dumplings (seriously, try them) and traditional food. If you have time, definitely sign up for their cooking class – you won’t regret it!

Casa din Lunca Restaurant: A popular restaurant among locals that has a beautiful dining room and fresh food. 

Resedinta Rotundu: I’ve written above my stay above, but even if you’re not a guest, I recommend eating at Resedinta Rotundu. Everything is homegrown, organic, and yummy – especially the desserts. 

Epoca de Piatră/Pivnițele Brănești: Translated to “Stone Age,” this restaurant/brewery is built into a cave — you can’t miss it, as it has huge Hollywood-style letters announcing the entrance. The specialties here include delicious grilled meat and local craft beer. 

Old Orhei Tours

If you don’t have a rental car, prefer not to drive, and hate the thought of waiting for a bus in the hot sun, there are plenty of Old Orhei tours from Chisinau. The way it works is your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Chisinau, drive you to Old Orhei, and have your guide walk you through the main attractions before driving back to the capital. 

I recommend this Orhei Vechi Monastery Complex Tour from Chisinau , which includes a visit to all of the main sites in Old Orhei, the open-air museum, and even a traditional dinner. 

If you want to see all of the tours going to Old Orhei, you can check them out here . 

BACK TO CHISINAU

That’s it for our trip to Moldova! The final day is a “free day,” which means you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like in Chisinau. 

If you still have free time, feel free to check out some of the sites listed in “Other Places to Visit in Moldova” below. 

If you want to travel onward, I have also put together a small list of other places you can visit across the border — since Moldova is sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, you’ll find plenty of options for those two countries. :) 

WHAT OTHER PLACES SHOULD I VISIT IN MOLDOVA?

Besides the top three places to visit — Chisinau, Transnistria, and Old Orhei — there are plenty of hidden gems in Moldova. Here are a few that were recommended to me by locals or that I’ve read about in guide books.

Soroca – Soroca is the “unofficial” Roma capital of Moldova due to the large population of Roma people living there. The biggest attraction in Soroca are the huge and over the top mansions – there’s even an area, Gypsy Hill, where you can see the best ones. Other attractions include Soroca Fortress and the Candle of Gratitude. 

Saharna Monastery – Located in a small village called (*drumroll*) Saharna, this monastery is surrounded by a lush forest and nature. After walking around the complex, visit the other main tourist attraction of Saharna: the 22 waterfalls that are sprinkled around the area! There’s also a full day tour that takes you around Saharna, Tipova, and the surrounding areas. BOOK YOUR TOUR TO SAHARNA HERE .

Codru Reserve – Codru is the oldest forest reserve in Moldova. Located about 50 km north of the capital, it makes for a perfect day trip from Chisinau.

Curchi Monastery (Manastirea Curchi) : The red and white colored monastery was built more than 250 years ago and has a history as colorful as its exterior: it started as a small wooden church, then rebuilt into the current style, bombed during the USSR, and then served as a psychiatric hospital until 2002. Finally, the government allocated money to restore the building to its former self, and now locals and tourists from around the world visit it. 

Cobusca Nouă – You don’t have to fly all the way to France to get those Instagram-worthy photos of yourself in a lavender field – just go to Moldova! Located in a small village, the best time to visit these fields are in June, when the lavender is in full bloom.  

Bălți – Often referred to as the “Northern Capital” of Moldova, Balti is the country’s second largest city. If you’re traveling for Chisinau to Chernivtsi, Ukraine, this is a good spot to stop and break up the long journey. Attractions include the large square and the Saint Constantine and Elena Cathedral. 

Gagauzia – Similar to Transnistria, Gagauzia is another autonomous region of Moldova. The population is more related to Turkish people than Moldovans (even the language!). It’s a 4 hour bus ride to Comrat, the capital city. 

WHERE SHOULD I TRAVEL AFTER M OLDOVA?

Moldova is neatly sandwiched between two countries, Ukraine and Romania, which makes it easy to choose your next destination. Here are a few options: 

Chernivtsi – One of the most beautiful cities in Ukraine (and my hometown *cough*), Chernivtsi is teeming with intricate architecture, beautiful pedestrian streets, and one of the most famous UNESCO sites in Ukraine: Chernivtsi National University! Chernivtsi is located near the border of both Romania and Moldova, and can be reached  via a 7-hour bus ride from Chisinau or a 3-hour bus ride from Balti.  

 READ MY CITY GUIDE TO CHERNIVTSI HERE!

Odessa – Odessa is the seaside resort of Ukraine featuring over 30 km of coastline and plenty of beaches. Although it might seem like Odessa is a summer destination, it’s actually perfect all year round! This city features friendly locals, elegant palaces, and the perfect place to take a stroll along the waterfront. It takes 4 hours by train from Chisinau to Odessa. As an option, you can also do Chisinau-Tiraspol-Odessa and have a stop in Transnistria on the way there. 

Iași – Iasi is the biggest city in eastern Romania and a lovely place to spend a day wandering around on your way to Cluj-Napoca or Brașov. Don’t miss the Palace of Culture or the park in front of it. It takes 3.5 hours by bus or 5 hours by train to get from Chisinau to Iasi. 

Bucharest – From one capital to another ;) There are so many things to do in Bucharest that I could write another blog post, but some of my favorite highlights were the National Theatre, Cărturești Carusel bookstore (seriously, this is the most beautiful bookstore I’ve seen in my life), and the dozens of parks scattered around the city.  The best option is to take a night train, which takes about 13 hours from Chisinau to Bucharest. Otherwise there are daily busses as well. 

That’s all for this travel guide to Moldova! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed traveling through this undiscovered but warm and friendly country.

Let me know what you think in the comments below: Have you been to Moldova? Do you want to go? And which of the places would you love to visit the most? 

I’m off to enjoy a glass of Milestii Mici wine — but before I go, I wanted to say… 

Mulțumesc frumos ca ați citit blogul meu și va doresc bun voiaj!

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12 thoughts on “ the ultimate moldova travel guide: where to go, what to see, and what to know + 4 day moldova itinerary ”.

Moldova looks like an interesting place to visit! And that food looks delicious!! I hope I will visit one day!

I was in Moldova last fall, it was a short weekend trip from Odessa! I took a train and I was so surprised that Moldova didn’t even put any entry or exit stamp. I had so much fun there as the wine was cheap, delicious and I’d met great people in the hostel I stayed it. Moldova is definitely really affordable quick destination! Thanks for the post :)

Nice to stroll with you. Great article. Keep the inspiration going!

What an excellent and thorough post! I didn’t know much about Moldova except they have excellent wine and the main reason I’ve wanted to visit. I almost did when I was in Romania but didn’t get the chance. I’ll save this post for all the wonderful things to do there when I do get the chance to go! 😁

Wow I had never really considered Moldova before but this blog makes me want to visit. So gorgeous.

I never would have thought of visiting Moldova, although I am aiming to travel more through some of the lesser visited European countries. Moldova looks delightful, you really made me want to go. It is cheap too which is perfect for budget travel. Also… wine hotel? Why doesn’t everywhere have one of those?!

Oh my goodness, who knew Moldova had so much to offer! And the prices were so reasonable! This is definitely going on our bucket list…we’re blown away by how beautiful it looks!

Hannah | https://getlost.blog/

So true! It’s such a colorful and budget-friendly destination :) I’m so happy it went on your bucket list!

Ahhhh Moldova looks so great!! I’ve wanted to go for so long, but I don’t really know a lot about it! This has shown me so much. And I really wanna go to Transnistria too!

Wow! Moldova looks beautiful! Love the National Museum photos. Sounds like a budget friendly place to visit too. So much to see there!

Hi there! We are planning for a week long trip to Moldova next month and came across your blog. I can’t tell you how excited we are now after going through your detailed writing! It was super helpful and we could literally feel your joy as you explored this beautiful little country! Thank you and keep up the good work! Safe travels! ❤️

Heya Bismi, Thank you so much for the kind words!! I really appreciate it and it bought such a big smile to my face :) I hope you have a fantastic time in Moldova, I’m sure you’ll love it! Feel free to reach out with any questions while you’re there (and don’t forget to try the plăcinte and mamaliga, yum 😋) Safe travels as well! 🌍

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Climate
• 4.2 Terrain
• 4.3 History
• 4.4 Culture
• 4.6 Visitor information
• 5.1 Entry requirements
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.3 By train
• 5.6 By boat
• 6 Get around
• 8.1 Museums
• 8.3 Monasteries
• 10.2 Shopping
• 10.3 Tipping
• 16 Stay safe
• 17 Stay healthy
• 18.2.1 Politics

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Moldova is a small, landlocked country nestled between Romania and Ukraine .

• 47.022778 28.835278 1 Chișinău — the capital is a nice city to go and visit for some days, and to walk around in
• 47.761667 27.928889 2 Bălţi — the second largest city, features a pedestrian zone around the central square and a historic city centre
• 48.155833 28.2975 3 Soroca — known as the "Romani (Gypsy) capital of Moldova", also boasts the Soroca fort built by Stephen the Great in 1499
• 47.204167 27.795833 4 Ungheni — a border town to Romania with a bridge over the Prut river designed by architect Gustave Eiffel
• 46.300278 28.657222 5 Comrat — the capital of the territory of Gagauzia, known for wine specific to the southern part of the country
• 45.9075 28.194444 6 Cahul — historically the site of many battles, now known for its spas
• 47.383056 28.823056 7 Orhei — fortified since the 6th century BC, also famous for its monastery

Visitor information

• Experience Moldova tourism information

Entry requirements

Citizens of Canada, CIS countries, the EU, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, UK and the US do not need a visa to enter Moldova and can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period without registration . Citizens of other countries must either obtain a visa in the nearest Moldovan embassy or alternatively could obtain a visa on arrival in Chișinău airport and on some land border crossings provided that an officially endorsed invitation letter from Moldova is obtained beforehand.

By entering into Moldova via Ukraine , you may be crossing Transnistria . Some buses from Odesa go through Tiraspol , while others go around, exchanging the two border crossings with more time on the road. Transnistria is an unrecognised state in the east of Moldova bordering Ukraine, which broke off from the country after a war in 1992. There are generally few issues for Westerners in crossing Transnistrian borders by bus, although foreign travellers have experienced problems in the past. There is, however, a small chance that foreign tourists may be asked to pay bribes, although the buses which travel between Ukraine, Transnistria and the rest of Moldova usually handle negotiations at the border well, collecting passports and negotiating with Transnistrian authorities. Also, there is no Moldovan border check between Transnistria and the rest of Moldova as Moldova does not recognise Transnistria as a state, so you might have some explaining to do when you try to leave Moldova without an entrance stamp.

Airlines that serve several destinations from Chisinau are Wizz Air, HiSky and Fly One . ( updated Feb 2024 )

Nearby airports are in Iași ( IAS   IATA ) and Bacău ( BCM   IATA ).

Possibly the cheapest way to get into the country is to take the overnight train. There are daily trains from Romania.

The train from Bucharest leaves at 19:20 and arrives at about 08:10 and the train from Chișinău leaves at 17:20 arriving at 06:19 in Bucharest check the complete timetables here:

Bucharest - Chișinău [ dead link ]

Chișinău - Bucharest [ dead link ]

A ticket in a 2nd class, 4-berth sleeper is 593 Moldovan lei (~€28), or 685 Moldovan lei in a 1st class, 2-berth sleeper (2018). Since flights into Bucharest may be cheaper than those into Moldova, this may be an option if you have the time. It is now possible to buy tickets online [ dead link ] up to two weeks before departure (website in Romanian/Russian only). Just show your printout to the conductor when boarding. At the border crossing the carriages are lifted individually onto larger gauge wheels to fit Moldovan tracks. Crossing the border from Ukraine is smoother, as both countries use the same track gauge.

When coming by car use a border crossing with a (non-stop) visa issuing office. You will have to pay a small road tax at the border. A person driving a car which is not registered in their own name must carry a letter of authority from the registered owner.

There are regular buses connecting Chișinău with Bucharest, Kyiv and most major Romanian and Ukrainian cities. There are 5-6 buses per day to and from Bucharest. Due to a longer stay at the border the trip takes around 10   hours. There is a basic toilet at the border, however most coaches do not make any other stops. You will also be able to travel to most European cities by bus with Moldovan bus companies. When coming by bus one should be sure to use a frontier with a (non-stop) visa issuing office.

• Kyiv , 2 daily, 250 lei, 12   hours
• Moscow , 4 daily, 700 lei, 30   hours
• Odesa , 20 daily, 90 lei, 5   hours
• Sevastopol , daily, 430 lei, 18   hours
• Brasov , 5 daily, 200 lei, 12   hours

Although the country is landlocked, there is a ferry service between Giurgiulești in Moldova and Istanbul , Turkey , plying the river Danube to reach the Black Sea. They leave Giurgiulesti every Monday and arrive at Istanbul the following Wednesday. It's not certain if this ferry service is only limited to the high season.

Moldova is small enough to be explored very quickly. For example, a long walk to Chișinău from Bolhrad − even though that sounds highly impractical − will take you about 34 hours.

The most reliable way of getting around the country is by bus. Buses can get you to most parts of the country. You can find information about long-distance bus services in Moldova on the Autogari website, for example. This site contains information on bus stations in Moldova, timetables and routes between cities.

Chișinău is the main transportation hub for the country. The three bus stations serve every city and town in Moldova. The fastest form of transport are small minibuses which seat around 15 people. Larger buses are also used and are marginally safer, because they travel at slower speeds.

In Chișinău there is a state run trolleybus system which includes many new vehicles. Fare is 6 lei; a conductor collects fares and issues tickets. There is also a 'bus service which operates with fewer routes.

Minibuses ( rutiere in Moldovan Romanian; marshrutki in Russian) are available in most cities. They are privately operated and are called by requesting the vehicle to stop, however can often be very crowded. Drivers should be paid on boarding (3 lei in Chișinău), however some insist on sitting down first and passing the money to the person in front of them to pass to the driver, so don't be alarmed if people behind you start handing you money.

The official language of the country is Romanian . Since 2023, it has been the state language of the country.

Russian is widely spoken in the country, both as a first and second language. If you don't know any Romanian, communicating in Russian should be no problem.

Gagauz , a Turkic language, is a language of Gagauzia . It is closely related to Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Turkmen. If you know either of those three languages, you shouldn't have a problem picking up Gagauz.

Ukrainian is spoken by the Ukrainian minority and in parts of Transnistria .

English has been taught in Moldova since the 1990s, but few people speak it well enough to have a full conversation. Therefore, knowledge of Romanian and/or Russian is useful to get around the country independently.

Language can be a sensitive issue in this country, and the name of the native language is a source of endless political controversy. Some refer to Romanian as Romanian ( limba română ), while some refer to the same language as Moldovan ( limba moldovenească ), and others prefer to speak Russian.

There are several museums in central Chișinău , including the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, the Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Moldova is famous for its wines, and high-quality wines at inexpensive prices are Moldova’s main tourist attraction.

• Brănești - A smaller and reasonably priced wine cellar. It lies close to Orheiul Vechi Monastery which makes it perfect for combining a monastery tour with wine tasting.

Monasteries

• 46.833333 29.483333 5 Bender (or Tighina in Romanian) - Another fortification is The Fortress of Bender, however it is being used as a military training ground and is off limits. The best views are from the bridge going towards Tiraspol.
• 47.60311 28.98483 6 Tipova Monastery - Rock monastery situated by Nistru river in mid-eastern Moldova.
• Visit wine cellars

The leu (plural: lei ) is the currency of Moldova (ISO 4217 code MDL ) . Like the Romanian leu, the Moldovan leu is subdivided into 100 bani (singular: ban). The name of the currency originates in Romania, and means "lion".

Visit at least one piața to see the Soviet memorabilia, but be careful as sellers may charge foreigners much higher prices than locals.

Banknotes are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 lei. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 bani, 1, 2, 5 and 10 lei.

Local wine is of superb quality and cheap in comparison to other countries, but for political reasons is mostly unknown in Western Europe.

Moldovans are not accustomed to tipping.

Chișinău is a good place for gourmands. There are a lot of good places to eat all over Chișinău.

Cheap, tasty food that is very popular with the locals is served in most places. For better service and more diverse food, there are a lot of small restaurants and cafés. Good restaurants have prices comparable to those elsewhere in Europe. For a quick lunch, fast food and pizza shops are recommended; these can be found at nearly every corner. For groceries, there are small shops all over. Some are even in front of apartment blocks just a few steps away from the entrances. For harder-to-find items, go to the supermarkets. For fresh fruits and vegetables, markets are a great place to shop. Most of the products are local, but there are a lot of sellers who to sell imported stuff, mostly oranges, bananas and other tropical fruits and vegetables. Meat and meat products are best purchased from supermarkets or shops. The quality is much better than from the market, and the prices aren't much higher.

While in Moldova, make sure you try at least some of the traditional dishes: Mămăligă, plăcintă and sarmale are essential for a complete experience during your visit to Moldova. For the full experience these should be accompanied by homemade wine.

Moldova has a long tradition of local wine . The reds are especially popular throughout the country. Most Moldovan villagers grow their own grapes and press their own wine, and many standard rural households will press thousands of litres per year.

The nightlife of Chișinău is also quite spectacular compared to what could be expected. It is the host of many clubs and bars that are equal in every aspect to many other places throughout Eastern Europe.

Accommodation in Chișinău is surprisingly expensive and there is no shortage of €100 a night options. Most hotel prices are listed in euros but some are listed in US dollars.

Many smaller towns will have a Soviet relic hotel complete with service with a frown. Rates will be high for what you're getting. In many places it's possible to pay about €10 to stay in a local's house. This is an informal arrangement and can only be organized by talking to people upon arrival but it is well worth considering if you want to get out into the countryside.

Hostels . Hostelling is still in its infancy in Moldova, but there are a few nice hostels to be found in Chișinău. Amongst others Chișinău Hostel and Central Youth Hostel. Prices range from US$10–20.

Apartments . Many people in Chișinău rent out apartments. The location and quality can vary. Many are also not very modern. You may want to use a booking company as it may be hard to find people who speak English. Price €20–50.

While none are internationally accredited, there are universities in Chișinău, Bălți and Cahul.

The unemployment rate in Moldova is one of the highest in Europe. In addition, salaries are very low. Many Moldovans go to work overseas.

For foreigners, it may be interesting to work in highly qualified industries, where, nevertheless, salaries are not as high as in most of Europe, although it is easy to get a work visa or work permit. The minimum wage here is about €125, and the average salary is €250-300.

Good doctors (especially dentists), IT specialists, economists, teachers of English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, German, Polish, Turkish are especially appreciated here. To teach languages, you must know Romanian or Russian.

Visitors to Moldova for business or romance should be aware of the potential risk of scams, particularly if first contact was made on the Internet. See International financial scams [ dead link ] and Russian Internet dating schemes [ dead link ] .

Corrupt police and border guards may try to extort bribe money but 'normal' crime rates are low. Locals are generally very friendly and will go to great lengths to provide hospitality to foreigners. You can expect a lengthy, and inevitably boozy, meal to be offered to you just in your honour.

Conservative dress must be worn at religious sites. Shorts are forbidden and women must cover their heads inside monasteries and churches.

While bribery and police corruption are still problems in Moldova, the situation is improving. It is still advised that tourists have the number of their embassy and the contact information of where they are staying. Foreigners are also required to have their passports on them at all times. There is however usually no one checking this in any normal setting.

Alcohol consumption can also be a problem. Running into drunks especially at night is common. Most are friendly; they often come off as aggressive and will invade your personal space. This can be scary the first couple of times. Politely walking away normally works. People coming from a country where less alcohol is consumed can find themselves becoming the drunks.

Stay healthy

Very few healthcare facilities are on par with Western standards, and accessibility may be hindered if you're not proficient in Romanian and/or Russian.

In the event of a serious medical emergency, it is strongly recommended that you make every effort to seek medical care elsewhere. Neighbouring Romania may have better healthcare facilities than neighbouring Ukraine .

The US Embassy in Moldova maintains a list of facilities that provide services in English. Refer to for more information.

The heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater. If you are concerned, water for drinking, cooking and oral hygiene should be taken from a known safe source, as ordinary water treatment, including boiling, does not remove such chemical contamination.

Tourists are likely to attract stares from the locals. Do not be alarmed or surprised; this doesn't indicate hostility, but rather, curiosity. This may cause some to treat you as a "walking wallet" or someone who is "wealthy". If you feel like you are about to be scammed by someone, simply ignore them or tell them to go away. Don't feel the need to be polite with scammers; nobody should put up with such behavior.

Women are widely respected in Moldovan society, perhaps more so than any other country in Europe . There are many female mayors in Moldova and there are many women who have high positions in the government, including the president since 2020.

As is the case throughout the former USSR , women are traditionally treated with chivalry in Moldova. Women should not be surprised or alarmed if their male Moldovan friends take the initiative to pay the bills at a restaurant, open every door in front of them, and/or help them carry items or objects. Men should understand that these nuances will be expected by Moldovan women.

In rural areas, it is a social taboo for women to smoke or drink alcohol.

Sensitive issues

Moldovan political discourse tends to be polarizing. Moldovans are divided into three opposing camps − those who favor closer ties with the European Union , those who favor closer ties with Russia , and those who want Moldova to be committed to neutrality.

You should be mindful of discussing the following political subjects:

• The possibility of Romania and Moldova unifying is a sensitive issue in certain circles, especially among pro-Russian Moldovans.
• Avoid bringing up the Transnistria conflict ; it can be a very sensitive topic of discussion and many Moldovans are opposed to Transnistrian independence.
• Moldova's relationship with Russia is a complex topic of conversation; while some in Gagauzia and Transnistria have favorable opinions of Russia, some pro-European Moldovans, especially supporters of the Sandu administration, do not have positive opinions of the Russian government. Some Moldovans feel that Russia hasn't done enough to acknowledge the role the Soviets played in causing a mass famine in the country during the mid-1940s.
• The possibility of Moldova joining the European Union is a highly sensitive issue among pro-Russian Moldovans. Avoid bringing it up in front of people in Gagauzia and Transnistria .
• Identity can be a highly sensitive issue in Moldova; most identify as "Moldovan", while some identify as "Romanian" (common among pro-European and unionist Moldovans). This also applies to language as well; even though Romanian is the official language of Moldova, some refer to it as "Moldovan". The foolproof method is to ask someone what they identify as, if they're comfortable discussing it, that is.

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MOLDOVA TRAVEL GUIDE

Moldova, an Eastern European country and former Soviet republic, has varied terrain including forests, rocky hills and vineyards. Its wine regions include Nistreana, known for reds, and Codru, home to some of the world’s largest cellars. Capital Chișinău has Soviet-style architecture and the National Museum of History, exhibiting art and ethnographic collections that reflect cultural links with neighbouring Romania.

Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is as ‘off the beaten track’ as you can get in Europe. Attracting just a fraction of the number of visitors of neighbouring countries, it’s a natural destination for travellers who like to plant the flag and visit lands few others have gone to.

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⬇️ REGIONAL GUIDES ⬇️

Travel guide.

⬇️ COUNTRY GUIDE ⬇️

• Capital : Chişinău
• Currency : Moldovan leu (MDL)
• Area : 33,843 km²
• Population : 3,546 million (2018)
• Language : Romanian (official), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)
• Religion :Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5%
• Electricity : 230V/50Hz (European plug)
• 7 January, Orthodox Christmas
• 8 March, International Women’s Day
• 1 May, International Solidarity Day of Workers
• 9 May, Victory Day
• 27 August, Independence Day
• 31 August, National Language Day
• 25 December, Western Christmas

Also, Orthodox Easter Monday and Memory/Parents’ Day (the Monday after Orthodox Easter Monday)

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SEASONS AT A GLANCE

Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists. 

Peak Season

Shoulder Season

Off Peak Season

BEST TIME TO VISIT MOLDOVA

The best time to visit Moldova is April or May as it's not too hot and the countryside is abound with colour, perfect for walkers and bird watchers. It's not quite as hot as in the height of summer and the countryside is positively booming.

Winters in Moldova tend to be dry which makes ideal weather for wrapping up on city sightseeing tours and seeking out warming bowls of ciorba (soup). The Black Sea has a big part to play in Moldova’s climate helping to create milder winters and longer summers, perfect for grape growing and rich agriculture. The best time to visit Moldova for walking with wildflowers or bird watching is May to June but remember a raincoat as heavy showers can be frequent. Independence Day at the end of August is also worth experiencing, and October finds the countryside alive with colour but, again, don’t forget your mac and brolly.

June - Parks and restaurant terraces fill with students, and the weather is warm.

July - High season hits its peak with hiking, wine tours, and camping in full operation.

October - The 'National Wine Day' festival takes place during the first weekend in October.

BEST TIME FOR:

The snow sports season in Moldova is from December to February.

The best time for outdoor activities in Moldova is from May to September when the weather is moderate.

Moldova has no beaches, but you enjoy a swim with the locals at Lacul 'Valea Morilor' on the Chisinau Lake or at the public beach Plaja Centrala Ghidighici.

Kitesurfing: Spot Maps, Wind Season

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MOLDOVA TRAVEL COSTS

Moldova is considered the poorest country in Europe and it has one of the lowest cost of living indexes in the world, which although a sad truth, makes it very cheap for long-term, budget travellers. Prices, even in the capital, are extremely reasonable.

On a backpacker budget of $30 USD per day, you’ll get a hostel dorm, cheap local meals, some cooked meals, a few attractions, and public transportation to get around. If you wild camp, you can lower this even more.

On a mid-range budget of about $65 USD per day, you can stay in a budget hotel or Airbnb, eat out for all your meals at budget-friendly restaurants, drink a lot more, take some vineyard tours, and visit more museums and attractions.

VALUE RANK:

Find discount flights to moldova, travel tips for moldova.

Moldova is a relatively cheap country, to begin with but, if you’re looking to save some money, here are some added ways to cut your costs:

Take a free walking tour – Chisinau offers a couple of free walking tours led by local guides.

Camp – If you really want to save money in Moldova, wild camping is perfectly legal and safe on public land.

Cook your own meals – Book accommodation that has a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.

Walk everywhere – All of the major cities in Moldova are quite walkable, so skip public transportation.

Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country.

REGIONS & HIGHLIGHTS OF MOLDOVA

Stroll the surprisingly pleasant streets and parks of the friendly capital Chişinău .

Designate a driver for tours of the world-famous wine cellars at Mileştii Mici and Cricova .

Detox at the fantastic cave monastery, burrowed by 13th-century monks, at Orheiul Vech i.

Go way off the beaten path in the self-styled 'republic' of Transdniestr , a surreal, living homage to the Soviet Union.

Gorge on the many excellent dining options found in Chişinău .

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Use the capital Chişinău as your base and get to know this friendly and fast-changing town. Make day trips out to the stunning cave monastery at Orheiul Vechi and to one of the local big-name vineyards for a tour and tasting. Spend a night or two in surreal Transdniestr before returning to Chişinău.

Follow the one-week itinerary at a leisurely pace before tacking on a few smaller vineyard tours around Chişinău, purchasing your customs limit, and taking an overnight trip to Soroca to see the impressive fortress on the mighty Dniestr River.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MOLDOVA

The capital Chişinău is by far Moldova’s largest and liveliest city and its main transport hub. While the city’s origins date back six centuries to 1420, much of Chişinău (pronounced kish-i-now) was levelled in WWII and by a tragic earthquake that struck in 1940. The city was rebuilt in Soviet style from the 1950s onwards, and both the centre and outskirts are dominated by utilitarian high-rise buildings. That said, the centre is surprisingly green and peaceful. There are two large parks, and main avenues cut through groves of old-growth trees that lend a serene element.

Of Moldova's many vineyards, Cricova is arguably the best known. Its underground wine kingdom, 15km north of Chişinău, is one of Europe's biggest. Some 60km of the 120km-long underground limestone tunnels – dating from the 15th century – are lined wall-to-wall with bottles. Legend has it that in 1966 Soviet cosmonaut Yury Gagarin entered the cellars, re-emerging two days later. Russian president Vladimir Putin even celebrated his 50th birthday here.

Similar to Cricova but bigger and possibly more impressive, the wine cellars at Mileştii Mici ( 20km south of Chişinău near the town of Ialoveni), stretch for 200km. The cellars here hold more than 2 million bottles, which makes this the world's largest wine collection, according to the Guinness World Records.

Occupying a remote, rocky ridge over the Răut River, the open-air Orheiul Vechi Monastery complex includes ruins, fortifications, baths, caves and monasteries, ranging from the earliest days of the Dacian tribes more than 2000 years ago through the Mongol and Tatar invasions of the early Middle Ages and the time of Ştefan cel Mare, and all the way to the modern period. he most impressive sight is arguably the Cave Monastery built inside a cliff overlooking the gently meandering river.

The northern city of Soroca occupies a prominent position on the Dniestr River and as such has played an outsized role in the defence of the Moldavian principality through the ages. The main attraction is the Soroca Fortress, part of a chain of medieval military bastions built by Moldavian princes from the 14th to the 16th centuries to defend the principality's boundaries.

TRANSDNIESTR

The self-declared republic of Transdniestr (sometimes called Transnistria), a narrow strip of land on the eastern bank of the Dniestr River, might just be one of the strangest places in Eastern Europe. It's a ministate that doesn't officially exist in anyone's eyes but its own. It maintains its functional autonomy with military and economic support from Russia and is recognized only by the three UN non-member states of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Republic of Artsakh.

From the Moldovan perspective, Transdniestr is still officially part of its sovereign territory that was illegally grabbed in the early 1990s - with Russian support. Officials in Transdniestr see it differently and proudly point to the territory having won its 'independence' in a bloody civil war in 1992. A bitter truce has ensued ever since.

These days, a trip to Transdniestr from Moldova is relatively easy and completely safe. Visitors will be stunned by this idiosyncratic region that still fully embraces the iconography of the Soviet period (lots of photo-worthy busts of Lenin are scattered about) as well as having its own currency, police force, army and borders.

Tiraspol is the 'capital' of Transdniestr and also, officially at least, the second-largest city in Moldova. Just don't expect it to be anything like the chaotic Moldovan capital: here time seems to have stood still since the end of the Soviet Union. Eerily quiet streets, flower beds tended with military precision and old-school Soviet everything from street signs to litter-free parks named after communist grandees.

WHAT TO EAT IN MOLDOVA

Moldovan cooking bears a strong resemblance to Romanian food across the border. The emphasis is on traditional recipes and farm-fresh ingredients rather than sophisticated preparation techniques.

Muşchi de vacă/porc/miel - A cutlet of beef/pork/lamb.

Piept de pui - The ubiquitous chicken breast.

Mămăligă - Cornmeal mush with a consistency between porridge and bread that accompanies many dishes.

Brânză  - Moldova's most common cheese is a slightly salty-sour sheep's milk product that often comes grated. Put it on mămăligă.

Sarma - Cabbage-wrapped minced meat or pilau rice packages, similar to Turkish dolma or Russian goluptsy.

If you're into wine, look for bottles from quality local wineries like Cricova, Château Vartely, and Purcari, among many others.

LGBTQ IN MOLDOVA

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WHERE TO STAY IN MOLDOVA

For a first-time visit to Moldova, Chisinau, the capital city, serves as the primary hub for travelers, offering a blend of cultural attractions, historical sites, and modern amenities. Here's a breakdown of accommodation options in Chisinau:

Where To Stay In Chisinau:

Chisinau is the largest city in Moldova and provides a central base for exploring the country's attractions. Choose Chisinau for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse dining options, and proximity to key landmarks.

Budget : Tapok Hostel offers affordable dormitory beds and private rooms, along with a communal kitchen and social events, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Mid-range : Art Rustic Boutique Hotel provides comfortable rooms with unique decor, a cozy ambiance, and personalized service, ensuring a pleasant stay without breaking the bank.

Luxury : Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel offers luxurious accommodations, upscale dining options, and premium amenities such as a spa, fitness center, and rooftop pool, perfect for travelers seeking indulgence.

Tip : Consider visiting Chisinau during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for milder weather and fewer crowds, which often results in better value accommodation rates.

Additionally, for those interested in exploring Moldova's wine region, a stay in the countryside near Cricova or Milestii Mici offers a chance to experience the country's winemaking traditions:

Where To Stay In Cricova or Milestii Mici:

Cricova and Milestii Mici are renowned for their underground wine cellars and picturesque vineyards, making them ideal destinations for wine enthusiasts. Choose these areas for their tranquil surroundings, wine tasting experiences, and scenic countryside.

Budget : Consider booking guesthouses or rural accommodations in nearby villages for an authentic experience at an affordable price.

Mid-range : Wine resorts like Purcari Winery or Chateau Vartely offer comfortable accommodations, wine tastings, and vineyard tours, providing a balance of affordability and luxury in a scenic setting.

Luxury : Castel Mimi is a historic winery transformed into a luxury resort, offering elegant rooms, fine dining experiences, and exclusive wine tastings amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Tip : Plan your visit during the grape harvest season (September to October) for a chance to participate in grape stomping and other wine-related activities, and book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak tourist periods.

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First timer’s guide to Moldova: info from a local

First timer’s travel guide to Moldova from a local.

Moldova is a small country in Eastern Europe, and, frankly, we can’t boast about a huge number of tourists coming here. We don’t have huge palaces and castles, or museums of international significance, but we have something else: nice and cosy places in nature, old monasteries and fortresses, soviet architecture, all kinds of wine and delicious food.

So here is a short travel guide to Moldova for those who will visit it for the first time with useful information on many travel aspects.

If you have any other questions, comment please and I will add them to this guide.

Guide to Moldova: before you come

Visa policy of moldova.

If you are a citizen of European countries, former Soviet republics (excluding Turkmenistan), the USA, Canada, Australia, some Latin American and Asian countries, you don’t need a visa to travel to Moldova.

Citizens of all countries on the African continent and the majority of Asian states are required to have a valid visa to enter Moldova. You can see here the list of countries exempt from obtaining a visa and the countries whose citizens need one.

I have to add that we don’t have many diplomatic missions outside Europe, you can see the list here , but we have an e-visa service available. More about it here .

To Moldova by train and plane. And bus 🙂

Moldova is a landlocked country, and there are several ways to get here.

Of course, the most convenient way is by plane. We have our local airline called AirMoldova and it operates direct flights to many European countries. Italy is the most popular destination here, they fly to 5 cities there. Istanbul with Moscow and St Petersburg are other popular destinations. You can easily see the list of cities they fly to on the main page when you select the flight, and the list isn’t very long. Fly One is another local airline, but AirMoldova is my personal preference.

In addition to AirMoldova, many European airlines fly to Chisinau, like Austrian Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines, TAROM, LOT Polish Airlines, etc. Wizz Air operates some routes between Chisinau and some European destinations.

If you are in Romania, Ukraine, Russia or Belarus, you can travel to Moldova by train, as we have routes from specific cities. Just keep in mind that it will take quite a lot of time. Check the routes here . Keep in mind, because of the current situation some routes were suspended.

The same is for travel by bus. It is long but much cheaper. We have many routes to the nearby Romania and Ukraine, some routes to Bulgaria, Russia, Czech Republic, Germany, Turkey, etc. Just check this link to see the available routes.

The websites of the bus and railway stations allow buying tickets online.

Languages spoken in Moldova

The official language of Moldova is Moldovan/Romanian . Why two? Because language issues are quite important here, and, while Moldovan and Romanian are almost identical, if you ask people around, the answer will depend on the person. A bit of history to try to explain the situation.

Many centuries ago modern Moldova was a part of the larger Principality of Moldova. In 1812 after a war between the Ottoman and Russian empires the territory between the Prut and Dniester Rivers was ceded to Russia and got the name of Bessarabia. Some parts of Bessarabia became part of Ukraine, and the remaining part became modern-day Moldova. What remained of the Principality of Moldova – after Bessarabia was ceded to Russia – became part of modern Romania.

It means that in both Romania and Moldova people speak pretty much the same language, so the issue whether it is Romanian or Moldovan is more a political one.

Another language spoken in Moldova is Russian , which is quite understandable considering that Moldova was under the Russian Empire and later Soviet rule for a couple of centuries. Many speak it or understand to some level, but some people may frown when they hear Russian.

It is a bit hard for me to judge whether there are many people speaking English. I am sure you can meet some young people in the center of Chisinau, but I wouldn’t expect much. Still, I know that foreigners usually manage anyway.

Moldovan money

Our currency is Moldovan leu or MDL (the abbreviation of Moldovan leu). Roughly, 1 EUR is 19,3-19,4 MDL, and 1 dollar is about the same, 19,3-19,4 MDL.

Only our currency is accepted in the country, so you can exchange your money at dozens of exchange bureaus around the city. Just be careful as some of them may charge commission. One of the best exchange bureaus in Chisinau is Deghest on 43 Banulescu Bodoni Street .

If you don’t trust exchange bureaus, go to banks, of which we have plenty. Usually they have different rates, so you will have to walk around a bit to find the best ones. I would say that in this aspect all the banks are reliable, just take the usual precaution measures.

Cash or cards?

I would say, both. There are plenty of places accepting cards like restaurants, shops, supermarkets, but you will need cash to pay for bus tickets, food from markets and kiosks, in some shopping centers and, maybe, museum tickets, as the entrance fees are quite low, around 1 EUR.

When you travel outside Chisinau and any other bigger cities, I would advise to have cash mostly.

Guide to Moldova: when you are in the country

Tourist information center.

Whether I want it or not, I have to admit that we still have a lot of work to do to create a proper tourist infrastructure. From time to time I hear news about our officials creating maps of tourist landmarks or offering buses to specific places, or some other initiatives, but I don’t see a lot of progress.

You can read countless blog posts by other travellers to get an idea about what Moldova offers, but when in the country, go to the tourist information center on 83 Stefan Cel Mare Boulevard in Chisinau. The center is in the same building as the town hall, so you won’t miss it. You can get maps here and learn about the tourist landmarks of Moldova, and, from what I hear, they can help you with organising tours to wineries. From time to time they offer free walking tours of Chisinau. Just peek in for some useful information.

Places and cities to visit in Moldova

Though we lack many usual tourist attractions, we have plenty of places to visit and things to do. Below is a short list of interesting places in Moldova.

Cities to visit in Moldova

• Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova. I have a comprehensive guide on local public transportation including ways to get to the city from the airport and things to do in Chisinau .

• Balti, the Northern capital of Moldova.
• Orhei with the famous Orheiland amusement park.
• Soroca with its fortress and gypsy town.
• Transnistria with Tiraspol and Bender for a fortress and Soviet architecture.
• Gagauzia with Comrat and Ciadir-Lunga with their own culture, food and wine.

Fortresses in Moldova

• Soroca Fortress
• Bender Fortress

Monasteries to visit in Moldova

• Rock Monastery in Old Orhei

Natural wonders

• Codru Reserve
• Duruitoarea
• Padurea Domneasca Reserve
• Plaiul Fagului Reserve
• Old Orhei (Orheul Vechi) where the Raut River creates a stunning bend

• Limestone hills in Edinet District
• Any place at the Prut and Dniester Rivers

Other places of interest in Moldova

• Manuc Bey Mansion in Hincesti
• Soldanesti nuclear shelter

How to move around Moldova

There are some things to consider when it comes to travelling in Moldova. If you plan to visit major cities only (the ones I mention above) you can use our interurban buses. We have plenty of them and they drive to almost all towns in the country. For routes, schedules and prices check this website . You can buy tickets online here as well.

I assume you will have Chisinau as a base, and what you have to consider is that we have many bus stations in the city. For example, as a rule (but not always), buses depart from Gara de Nord , or Northern station, to the destinations in the north of the country. Gara Centrala or central station is for places in the center of Moldova, and Gara Sud-Vest or South-Western station is for the south of the country. So when you book your tickets click the blue i button to see the route. As a rule, the buses stop in the villages on the way to their final destination, but you will have to notify the driver.

If you want to see some other places I mentioned above, like some monasteries and natural wonders, I guess a car would be better. So, if you can, better rent one. Thus you won’t have to search for buses going there, as in many cases there won’t be any. And it is much more comfortable 🙂

Another way would be to find a local tourist agency, usually they organise 1-day tours, to monasteries and wineries mostly.

Hitchhiking works as well, just take general precautions. Sometimes drivers even wait at the bus stations looking for passengers.

Of course, you can book a taxi as well, but, despite them being cheaper in Moldova than, say, in Europe, you may end up paying quite some money. Anyway, it is worth calling them and asking.

Moldovan wine

Did you know that Moldova is one of the twenty biggest wine producers in the world? I think that considering the size of our territory we have quite many wine-producing centers 🙂 They are mostly located in the center and south of the country, but the most famous ones, like Milestii Mici and Cricova , are relatively close to Chisinau.

In Moldova you can taste any kinds of wine possible: red, white, rose, sparkling (champagne), young and old. And brandy, it is called divin in Moldovan/Romanian. We have Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Aligote, Saperavi, Pinot Noir, Rkatsiteli and less known to international visitors local varieties like Fetească Neagră, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală and Rară Neagră. There is wine to satisfy any taste 🙂

As we are proud of our wine, every year we celebrate it during the so-called Wine Day . In Chisinau it takes place in the beginning of October, and, a bit later, in Gagauzia as well.

You can buy wine in any supermarket, prices vary greatly, so just walk around. Keep in mind that it is illegal to sell alcoholic drinks after 10 PM in Moldova.

Wineries to visit

• Castel Mimi
• Chateau Vartely
• Milestii Mici
• Vinuri de Comrat

Moldovan cuisine

Our cuisine is quite hearty: we have a lot of meat dishes, roasted and fried, as, for example, sausages like mici and mititei, frigarui (barbecue), friptura (a kind of stew).

We love soups, I think our preference goes to borscht (though it’s not a Moldovan invention) and zeama (soup with home-made noodles and chicken stock). We add a liquid to soups that makes them sour and more delicious, in my opinion 🙂

Placintas and invirtitas are popular foods. It is pastry with different fillings like cottage, cow or sheep cheese, pumpkin, cabbages, potatoes, meat sometimes, but my favorite ones are with sour cherry.

We are proud of our sarmale: it is rice with meat wrapped in cabbage or grape leaves. Quite often the same filling goes to stuff bell peppers as well.

Mamaliga is another specialty. It is a kind of porridge made of corn flour and is usually served with cheese and tocana (roasted or fried meat).

And we love pickles! The vegetables we pickle depend on the region of the country, usually it is tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, eggplants. In some places people pickle apples and watermelon.

We adopted many Slavic and, naturally, Soviet dishes, in addition to the borscht above, like meat jelly (racituri), smetannik cake, vinegret, olivier and herring salads, etc.

For dessert have our cake Cusma lui Guguta, baba neagra and baba alba, or plums stuffed with walnuts.

That’s all for now 🙂 Do you have any questions?

More on Chisinau, Moldova:

• 10 good reasons to visit Moldova
• Is there vegan and vegetarian food in Moldova?
• Top cities to visit in Moldova

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Home » Travel Guides » 15 Best Places to Visit in Moldova

15 Best Places to Visit in Moldova

This small landlocked European country is found between Romania to the west and the Ukraine to the east. Up until World War II, it was a part of Romania and if you visit both countries, you’ll see a lot of cultural similarities. Then it was part of the Soviet Union until 1991, so you’ll also see a number of similarities there.

But Moldova has a lot to offer in its own right.  First, it’s remote and rarely visited – making it perfect for adventurers who want to blaze a trail. Second, it has a growing wine-tourism industry and those who know wines know that some of the best in Europe come from Moldova. You’ll find traditions are still alive and hospitality in the villages is genuine.

Consider these top attractions while you’re planning your trip.

1. Chisinau

This is modern and friendly place is Moldova’s biggest city and serves as its capital. Chisinau has loads of green space, parks, and historical buildings. It feels like a city with space.

There’s also no shortage of restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs, spas, and casinos!  You’ll want to visit Pushkin Park and the orange pyramid at the World War II memorial.

You’ll find marvellous frescoes in the Nativity Cathedral, and if that’s not for you, check out the stalls of the local modern artists in the art market.

2. Orheiul Vechi

Just an hour outside of Chisinau is Orheiul, or Old Orhei, Moldova’s most incredible sight. It’s an archaeological complex with rich cultural and historical significance.  It’s also a place of stunning natural beauty.

Overlooking the Raut River, this open-air complex features fortifications, baths, caves, ruins, and monasteries – all which date back as late as the Dacian tribes of 2000 years ago. The ancient monuments date from various periods including the Tatar and Mongol invasions, the 10th century BC, and more recently the occupation of the Golden Horde in the 14th century.

Because of the unusualness of the area, a museum has been built that offer exhibits and provide information and context for such a unique place.

3. Cricova Winery

A quick 30 minutes from Chisinau is Cricova Winery.  The second largest underground winery in the world; it is definitely something to experience.

You’ll find 120 kilometres of complex roadways above ground and an elaborate tunnel system underground which has been in place since the 15th century when the limestone was dug out to build Chisinau. This wonderful “wine city” includes warehouses, underground tasting rooms, and guided tours. You’ll travel 100 metres below ground and have a look at what 1.25 million bottles of wine looks like.

The wine industry is growing in Moldova, which means that it’s worth bringing a bottle or two home.

4. Tipova Monastery

Located in a remote but beautiful part of Moldova, Tipova Monastery comprises three main complexes that have been dug out of the rocks along the banks of the Dniestr River.

The oldest complex is the Church of the Feast of the Holy Cross (11th century).  The remaining two are the Church of St Nicholas (14th century) and Horodiste (16th century). If you follow the path past the caves you’ll enjoy a nice nature hike that ends in a lovely waterfall.

Within each cave are monk’s cells, enough for up to 700, though there are less than 20 monks living there now.

5. Manastirea Curchi

This monastery wins the award for the most beautiful in all of Moldova.  The complex is made up of five churches, a refectory, several abbeys, and monk cells.

Its beauty comes from the Bessarabia architectural style. The centrepiece for the complex is the Mother of God Church, built at the end of the 19th century.

After you’ve explored the grounds and learnt about the unique history of the monastery (it was once a psychiatric hospital during the Soviet era) enjoy a nice stroll through the orchards.

This small village is the one that visitors most often say they’d love to return to.  The Holy Trinity Monastery is there, but it’s also a place of breathtaking natural beauty.  There is a silence and calmness that permeates the place – and you, after just a short time.

Saharna is a pilgrimage place for many Moldavians because of a footprint on a rock which is believed to be the Virgin Mary’s. Nature lovers will for sure love Saharna. The River Saharna has 22 waterfalls – the most famous being “Gipsy Hole” (as it’s known by the locals).

Enjoy hiking that offers incredible views of the surround area and the monastery below.

7. Transdniestr

This narrow strip of land on the Dniestr River is definitely one of the oddest places in Eastern Europe.  The government there has declared Transdniestr an independent republic.

Though it’s a republic that doesn’t officially exist anywhere else but there.  Officially still a part of Moldova; the locals here believe they won their independence during a civil war in 1992. Transdniestr has its own currency, police force, and borders while still clinging to a Soviet era aesthetic throughout the region.

You’ll see plenty of Lenin busts as you’re exploring. The unofficial capital city at Tiraspol will be one of the strangest looking places you’ll see in Moldova.

One of Transdniestr’s three cities, Bendery is the greener and more aesthetically pleasing counterpart to Tiraspol.

Though you can still see the bullet holes that remain from the civil war with Moldova, the city itself is friendly and fun.

Be sure to check out the fortress, built in the 16th century.  It’s changed hands a number of times and is a great reflection of the history of the city.

9. Gagauzia

The Gagauzia region is an autonomous non-contiguous stretch of land made up of three towns and 27 villages.

The culture and heritage here is primarily influenced by Turkey and although the people are largely Christians, their ancestors were Muslim refugees fleeing from war and looking for a place to lay roots.  They were permitted to stay in this region only if they converted.

With such a distinct history, you can image that the area is intriguing. Visit the Comrat Regional History Museum to get a glimpse of what daily life is like here.

Soroca has played a large and important role throughout Moldova’s history due to its location on the Dniestr River. During wars and sieges, armies were able to defend the country well from this vantage point.

The highlight is Soroca Fortress, one in a chain of military strongholds built as early as the 14th century by princes looking to fortify their position against invaders.

Because of the large Roma community here, Soroca is the unofficial Roma capital.  For fun, walk by the mansions of the Roma elite that line the streets of the city centre.

11. Padurea Domneasca (Princely Forest) Natural Reservation

Founded in 1993, this is the largest natural reserve in Moldova and is located in Glodeni. Here you’ll find the country’s oldest stand of old-growth oak tree where the oldest oak is estimated to be about 450 years old.

Nature lovers will enjoy the many bird species with the most notable being the herons that nest near the river.  Discover the area known as “One Hundred Hills,” a landscape of rolling knolls – that no one understands how they were formed.

Padurea Domneasca is a great way to spend a day outdoors with Mother Nature.

12. Capriana

Sitting in a lush green forest in Capriana is one of the oldest monasteries in Moldova.  Founded in the 15th century by Alexander the Good, it was once the home of the Moldavian bishop as well as Chiprian, one of the first Moldavian poets.

It houses the largest convent library in the country and after years of neglect, was reopened in 1989 as a symbol of national revival.

While you’re there, you can make some stops nearby to visit the oak tree of Stefan the Great and Codru, the oldest nature reserve in the country.

13. Codru Natural Reservation

The most popular (as well as oldest!) reserve in the country, Codru lies in the centre of Moldova and is made up of a series of magnificent ravines and valleys. You’ll find over 1000 species of protected plants, 145 bird species, 43 mammal species, seven reptile species, and more.

There is a natural history museum on the reserve worth checking out in between solo or guided hikes.

You’ll love the wide open feeling of this popular reserve.

You can purchase a bottle of some of Europe’s best cognac at the entrance gate to the Kvint factory.  They’ve been making top-quality cognac here since 1897 and even buying from the street vendors here will give you value for your money.

Located in quirky Tiraspol, the locals consider Kvint to be a national symbol and its image is even on the Transnistrian five ruble banknote.

They produce about ten million litres a year and you can sign up for a daily tasting tour.

• 15.Taul Park and Pommer Mansion

Located in Taul Village, Taul Park is the largest in the country.  Inside the park is the stately mansion house of Ivan Pommer, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century.  It’s a testament to landscape architecture and was highly revered in its time.

The park itself is comprised of two parts.  The upper part is where you’ll find the mansion house with tons of footpaths being swallowed by amazing flower beds.  The lower park feels more like a forest.  Various tree groups have been planted and each group is characteristic of a different geographical area.

Discover 150 varieties of trees and bushes – many exotic – when you walk the 12.5k of trails.

15 Best Places to Visit in Moldova:

• Orheiul Vechi
• Cricova Winery
• Tipova Monastery
• Manastirea Curchi
• Transdniestr
• Padurea Domneasca (Princely Forest) Natural Reservation
• Codru Natural Reservation

Moldova Travel Guide

What's unique, moldova travel blogs.

8 reasons to travel to Moldova, one of Europe’s least-visited countries

I’m going to make an embarrassing confession. Until recently I couldn’t point to Moldova on a map, let alone give fellow adventurers a single reason why it deserves a visit.

But after spending nearly a week in the country on Intrepid’s Moldova, Ukraine and Romania Explorer trip, I discovered so much more than its location (it’s wedged between Romania and Ukraine). One of Europe’s least visited countries, it’s slowly revealing itself to be packed full of worthwhile attractions and showing why you should travel to Moldova.

When there, my group and I walked, dined and danced alongside locals in modern cities and rural villages. I sampled food and drink much, much better than anticipated. I learned about the complicated history and the compelling culture. All this, and so much more.

Church in Comrat

With these experiences in mind, I’ve compiled a list of reasons to visit Moldova. Here are some must-dos, some spots the group loved, and an inside perspective into a region few travelers have yet to discover.

Reasons to visit Moldova

Make new friends.

It may take a little effort before locals warm to you, but they will. Consider this a quirk of history. The area, formerly known as Bessarabia, was ruled by multiple empires throughout history including the Ottomans and Russians. At one point it was a region of Romania, and later a territory in the Soviet Socialist Republic. After declaring independence in 1991, it has faced delicate relations with Russia, and has a breakaway region, Transnistria, within its borders.

New friends on my Intrepid tour

That is to say, Moldovans may be wary of visitors at first, but after a conversation (the younger generation speaks English) over a cup of strong coffee or a shot of local brandy, you’ll have a friend for life. This tour, packed with a mix of planned activities and free time, provides ample opportunity to meet locals perched on bar stools or lingering in outdoor cafes.

Sample wine in the world’s biggest cellar

From full-bodied reds to sweet white Rieslings, visitors will find plenty of wine in Moldova. While the wine is only now starting to be widely exported outside of Eastern Europe and Russia, it’s one of the best value in Europe. Diners can easily find a high-quality bottle for under $10 on restaurant menus or grab a bottle in a grocery store for half that.

Moldovan wine

One of the best spots to sample the spirits is the Mileștii Mici winery , whose 120 miles of underground tunnels hold the world’s largest collection of wine. It’s a must-see in Moldova, and our group made the pilgrimage to sample red, whites and sparkling wines from local vineyards in a tasting room dating back centuries.

The winery is so large that tour guides zipped us across a small portion of the tunnels in a car, as opposed to on foot.

Mileștii Mici winery

READ MORE ABOUT MOLDOVA’S WINE SCENE, AND WHAT IT’S LIKE EXPERIENCING IT WITH INTREPID TRAVEL

Sing and dance alongside a Eurovision finalist

Don’t discount the culture in this diminutive country. In 2005 Moldova’s favorite percussion-playing grandmother, Lidia Bejenaru, took the Eurovision stage with rock/funk group, Zdob şi Zdub.

Everyone’s new favorite grandma

They placed sixth – the country’s highest placement ever in Europe’s annual music showcase. The reason judges cite grandma’s energetic performance pounding the drums in traditional garb – a sort of sexagenarian version of Sheila E.

Today, she still performs typical Moldovan folk songs alongside her husband at ceremonies including cultural feasts and weddings. We had the chance to sing and dance with the duo at a home lunch overflowing with food and local wine. What an experience!

Experience Eastern European cafe culture

In Moldova’s capital, Chişinău, cafes, restaurants, and shops dot the roads surrounding Cathedral Park, as well as the Boulevard August 31 1989 (a lively street named for Moldova’s independence day). Sip a strong cup of coffee, similar to Turkish coffee, while nibbling on flaky pastries or cake-style sweets.

Alternatively, opt to relax al fresco with the locals lazing on benches in Cathedral Park while enjoying a takeout cup of espresso from one of the many snack stands offering beverages, ice cream and sweets.

One of Chișinău’s many parks

You’ll spot plenty of young entrepreneurs in warmer months taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi available throughout the green grounds.

THE FIRST WOMAN TO TRAVEL TO EVERY COUNTRY RECOMMENDS VISITING MOLDOVA. HERE’S WHY.

Explore Chişinău like a local

While smaller than Europe’s other capital cities, Chişinău still packs enough for a long weekend. In addition to lounging in the park, stroll the Piata Centrala. This is the city’s main outdoor market and boasts vendors selling fruits, meat, clothing and just about anything else available in a mega-mart back home.

Ask your guide for primer on Moldovan shopping etiquette, then hone your haggling skills at the Souvenir Bazaar, which carries far more than trinkets. Here you’ll find antiques, souvenirs, artisanal goods, and plenty of Communist-era relics. If you ask nicely, you may even get a free kaval (traditional flute) lesson from a local musician.

Man with kaval (flute)

Leave time to explore the Nativity of Christ Metropolitan Cathedral, the city’s main Orthodox church boasting impressive frescoes and a reconstructed bell tower (the original was destroyed in WWII).

Don’t be afraid to take the trolley buses. The routes are extensive, and a one-way fare is about $0.15. Download an interactive map before arrival for easy navigation.

Trolley bus in Moldova

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Run through fields of sunflowers

No visit during summer is complete without stopping to smell the (sun) flowers. Most car trips through the countryside wind across small roads and large highways where you’ll pass fields of the bright yellow blossoms that stretch for miles across the horizon.

Stop to snap an Instagram, but know that the flowers are much more than decorative. Moldova depends on the hearty helianthus annuus as a major export crop, processing the seed for food products and cooking oil.

CHECK OUT THE INTREPID TRIP TO MOLDOVA, UKRAINE AND ROMANIA THIS WRITER VENTURED ON

Feast on a budget

Where can you indulge in a three-course meal, with local wine, for under $10? Moldova. From casual spots in Comrat to restaurants offering traditional or international style cuisine in Chişinău, meals will hardly make a dent in the wallet.

Traditional meat and veggie dishes

The country is known for meat-heavy dishes, however there’s plenty of lighter options and vegetarian dishes. Be sure to sample Moldovan-style borscht which can be ordered with or without meat.

Dining with my fellow travelers was a great way to sample a large variety of local foods, including Plăcintă, a savory pastry available with a variety of fillings including salty cheeses or meats. If you’re on the road and not sure what to eat, look for an Andy’s Pizza. It’s a local chain that offers pizza, Moldovan specialties, salads, and cocktails.

Andy’s Pizza

Insider tip: restaurant service is much slower than in Western Europe. They aren’t ignoring you, it’s just a different pace. Be sure to leave enough time if you have a bus or train to catch.

CHECK OUT OTHER LESSER-KNOWN CORNERS OF EUROPE YOU SHOULD DISCOVER

Discover hidden monasteries

If climbing to the top of a hill to visit an ancient cave monastery isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. The Orhei Vechi monastery is perched high atop a hill overlooking the Răut River. The structure was dug by Orthodox monks in the 13th century, abandoned in the 18th century, and is currently home to a few solitary monks once again.

Orhei Vechi monastery

Walk outside to the cliff’s ledge and place a coin in the naturally pitted limestone structure for good luck. Just don’t look down if you are afraid of heights!

And don’t wait until this country gets discovered by travelers worldwide. Now is the time to visit before tourism to Moldova increases!

Experience Moldova on a small group adventure with Intrepid Travel. Check them out.

(Hero image c/o Nir Nussbaum (repeated inline). All other images c/o Kristin Amico.)

Feeling inspired?

Kristin Amico

In early 2017 I quit my full-time job, gave up my Boston apartment, sold most of my belongings, and bought a one-way ticket overseas. I'm currently spending a year living nomadically and eating my way across Europe and Asia. My food and travel writing has appeared on Intrepid Travel, Fodor's, Paste Magazine, and The Kitchn. Follow my adventure on Instagram @Kristinamico.

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Introducing Moldova

About moldova.

• Images of Moldova
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Moldova
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

• Chisinau International Airport

Moldova travel guide

Moldova is a largely overlooked destination, as yet untouched by the budget airline brigade. But it shouldn't be. In this land-locked Eastern European country, you can wander round vast monasteries, trek through ancient forests, or sample the local wines. Rich with history and fertile soils that produce abundant vineyards, Moldova is a special country despite its lack of fame, and one well worth getting to know.

Despite remaining one of the poorest countries in Europe, the people are friendly and welcoming, and the main hubs, such as the capital Chişinău, have everything a visitor could need. Although few outsiders have heard about it as a viable city break destination, Chişinău has plenty going on. There's a buzzing cafe-bar and restaurant scene, while its cathedrals, monuments and museums have survived despite the city taking a serious pounding from aerial bombardments during World War II. One such survivor not to miss is the house where the writer Pushkin spent his days in exile penning some of his most famous works.

The most obvious selling point of Moldova is probably that it's almost the least known spot in Europe. With only a few thousand visiting the country in every year – even neighbouring Romania and Ukraine see far higher foreign footfall – it's mainly favoured by intrepid backpacking completists. But there's much more to the country than this.

A largely unspoilt, natural hinterland with plenty in the way of traditional culture and village life still going, Moldova can feel like a fragment of old Europe, at least if you get beyond the cities. Cross the Dniestr River, and you'll find yourself in the beguiling separatist Russian-speaking province of Transdniestr, all Soviet architecture and Lenin busts.

Then there's the wine. The Moldovan grape's slowly fermenting fame means that the wine tourism industry is just beginning to emerge. The upshot? You can try one of Europe's best, most unique wines in a hidden land that will surely have more than its fair of tourists in the years to come.

33,800 sq km (13,050 sq miles).

4,062,862 (UN estimate 2016).

104.9 per sq km.

Chisinau (Kishinev).

President Maia Sandu since 2020.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean since 2023.

Travel Advice

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where  FCDO  advises against travel

Transnistria.

FCDO  advises against all travel to Transnistria. There is widespread military activity in Ukraine, including close to some Moldovan borders. Transnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan government.  

FCDO ’s ability to offer support is extremely limited and will be more limited if there is military action on or near the Moldova-Ukraine border.      

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see  general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see  general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about  safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Moldova set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the  Moldovan Embassy in the UK .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Moldova, and at least one blank page.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.  Renew your passport  if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Moldova for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days in a 6-month period. You must be able to show a return or onward flight ticket.

You need a work permit or residence permit to work or for stays of more than 90 days. See  more information on work and residence permits . 

The Moldovan authorities will automatically register your arrival date. They strictly enforce penalties, including fines and expulsion, against foreign visitors who stay in Moldova longer than allowed. Contact the Moldovan authorities with any additional questions.

Land border crossings

Entering and leaving transnistria.

FCDO  advises against all travel to Transnistria.

There is no official border between Moldova and Transnistria. However, there are border control points established by the de facto Transnistria leadership between Moldova and Transnistria. Passports will be controlled but will not be stamped.

When you enter Transnistria, you need to fill in 2 copies of a migration card for the de facto authorities – keep one copy to show them when you leave. The de facto authorities may ask the purpose and length of your visit, and where you will stay. They may also deny you entry. 

All border crossings between Ukraine and Transnistria are temporarily closed.  FCDO  does not know when they will reopen.     

Entering Moldova from Romania

Check for updates on border crossings from Romania with the  Moldovan Border Police .

Entering Moldova from Ukraine

Check for updates on border crossings from Ukraine with the  Moldovan Border Police .

If you enter Moldova overland from Ukraine, go to an internationally recognised border crossing point. These are in the north and south of Moldova, excluding the Transnistria region.

If you have travelled to Moldova from Ukraine and need assistance, call (+373) 22 225 902 or  contact  FCDO  online .

If you’re near a Ukraine-Moldova border crossing point and need assistance, call +44 1908 516666 and select option 2: consular services for British nationals.       

Entering Ukraine from Moldova 

Check for updates on border crossings with Ukraine with the  Moldovan Border Police . This is particularly important around Transnistria, which is outside the control of the Moldovan authorities. Read  FCDO ’s  Ukraine travel advice .

Vaccine requirements  

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Moldova guide .

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Moldova . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Moldova 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Moldova

Terrorist attacks in Moldova cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Since autumn 2022 there have been regular political demonstrations in central Chisinau, and occasionally elsewhere. These are likely to continue. They have been small-scale and generally peaceful and well-policed. However, there have been organised attempts by certain groups to use these demonstrations as a cover for causing disturbances. Stay away from all political demonstrations.

Humanitarian support workers

The UK supports humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, including supporting Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). If you’re considering providing humanitarian support to Ukrainians in Moldova, check:

• updates on the government response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• the  Moldovan government’s information  (largely in Romanian and Russian)
• information on  bringing in humanitarian supplies  (in Romanian and Russian only)

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Be alert to:

• street crime and petty theft, particularly in Chisinau
• pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas
• credit card and ATM fraud – keep sight of the card when paying a bill

Keep your valuables and passport in a safe place, such as a hotel safe.

Streets, pavements and public paths are not well-maintained or well-lit, including in Chisinau and other cities. Consider carrying a torch.

Discrimination

Some Asian and Afro-Caribbean visitors have reported being verbally abused or assaulted. Visitors also report police harassment.

Laws and cultural differences

Police checks and personal id.

There are frequent police checks and police officers have the right to ask for ID on the street. Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport with you.

Buying and exporting art and antiques

You must get permission from the Moldovan Department of Monuments to take any artwork or antiques out of the country. If you do not, customs officials could seize the goods and you could face criminal charges.

Using cameras

Avoid taking photos of military and government facilities, including airports and power stations. You’re likely to be detained for questioning or arrested if you’re caught.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Moldova, but the Moldovan government does not formally recognise same-sex partners. There is an active social and lobbying group on gay and lesbian issues in Chisinau. Public attitudes are less tolerant and showing affection in public can receive unwanted attention.

Read more  advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Child surrogacy is strictly prohibited throughout Moldova. The British Embassy will not be able to provide support if you get involved in any way.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There is zero tolerance for possession or supply of illegal drugs. If you have even small quantities of drugs (class A, B or C) you could get a long prison term as well as heavy fines.

Paying by card is now generally widespread, however you may not always be able to pay this way, particularly outside the capital, Chisinau.

The most widely accepted foreign currencies are US dollars and euros. Carry some euros in cash.   

Notes should be in perfect condition, or they may be refused. It’s not always easy to exchange British pounds for local currency.

ATMs in Transnistrian banks will not accept cards from non-Transnistrian banks. The currency used in Transnistria is the Transnistrian ruble. Outside Transnistria, you cannot exchange Moldovan lei or other currencies into rubles, or rubles into other currencies. Attempting to pay in Transnistria in currencies other than the ruble is considered illegal by the self-declared authorities.

Transport risks

Road travel .

If you’re planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad  and check the  rules of the road in the RAC’s Moldova guide . The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Moldova. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to  update it to a photocard licence  or get the  correct version of the international driving permit ( IDP )  as well.  

You must declare your vehicle to customs if you enter Moldova by car. You can take vehicles into Moldova without paying import taxes for up to 90 days in a 365-day period. The British Embassy cannot help you with bringing vehicles into Moldova. Contact the  Moldovan Embassy in the UK .

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK .

If you’re driving a private vehicle owned by someone else, you need permission from the owner, translated and notarised.

Road conditions and driving standards

Driving standards are poor and roads are of variable quality. There are many traffic accidents, including fatal ones. Avoid driving outside urban areas when possible, particularly at night.  

Drink-driving    

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Moldova. If you are tested and found to have more than a third of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment. 

Official-looking taxis can be unlicensed. Do not share taxis with strangers or flag down unofficial taxis. If there is no meter, negotiate a price before getting into a taxi. Where possible, ask your hotel to order you a taxi or give you the number of a reputable company.

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to  extreme weather and natural hazards .

Earthquakes

Moldova has insignificant earth tremors throughout the year. The last significant earthquake occurred in 1986, causing deaths and damage to buildings.   

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about  what to do before, during and after an earthquake .

This section has safety advice for regions of Moldova. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) has specific advice.

You should also read  FCDO ’s overall travel advice  and  safety and security advice .

Transnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan government. There is widespread military activity in Ukraine, including close to some Moldovan borders. There were explosions in the region in 2022.     

All border crossings between Ukraine and Transnistria are temporarily closed.

The self-declared Transnistrian parliament has increased powers for prosecutions and pre-trial detentions against people regarded as extremists. They interpret extremism as including many activities that British nationals would consider legitimate, including moderate protest or freedom of expression.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have  appropriate travel insurance  for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Staff may only speak Russian or Romanian.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Moldova
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Moldova , including:

• biting insects and ticks
• tick-borne encephalitis

Water quality

Only drink bottled or boiled water.

The UNAIDS 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 12,000 adults aged 15 or over in Moldova were living with HIV. The prevalence was estimated at around 0.4% of the adult population compared to the UK rate of around 0.2%. Take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS.   

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read  best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

Healthcare in Moldova

State medical facilities in Moldova are generally poor. Private clinics and hospitals offer a better standard of care. If you are involved in an accident or taken ill, it is likely that you would be taken to a state hospital.

Most medical service providers in Moldova will expect cash or card payment for their services at the time of treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

FCDO  has a list of  medical facilities in Moldova  where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health

Read  FCDO  guidance on travel and mental health . There is also  mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Moldova

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about  changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from  FCDO

FCDO  has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers ,  funeral directors  and  translators and interpreters  in Moldova
• dealing with a  death in Moldova
• being  arrested or imprisoned in Moldova
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re  affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting  FCDO

Follow and contact  FCDO  travel on  Twitter ,  Facebook  and  Instagram . You can also sign up to  get email notifications .

You can also  contact  FCDO  online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Moldova and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the  British Embassy in Chisinau .

FCDO  in London

You can call  FCDO  in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Moldova on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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12 reasons to visit Moldova - Europe's least-visited country

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 09.07.2021

However well-travelled you might be, chances are, Moldova isn’t one of the countries already ticked off your list for the simple reason that it’s Europe’s least-visited country. Yet this enigmatic land tucked between  Romania  and  Ukraine  has much to offer travellers seeking unspoilt nature and intriguing culture - far from the madding selfie-stick-brandishing crowd.

1. Enjoy exceptional wine (Shh! It’s a secret)

2. meander magnificent monasteries, 3. explore archeological treasures.

• 4. Visit a country that doesn't exist

5. Quaff world-class cognac

6. absorb parisian elegance, 7. experience soviet-style ambience, 8. mooch around museums, 9. eat hearty homestyle food, 10. encounter bison in fairy-tale forests, 11. marvel at mysterious mounds, 12. be captivated by caves, moldova in brief.

Moldova’s countryside is dappled with buttercup-yellow monasteries and record-breaking wineries, while capital city Chişinău serves a tasty blend of Paris-style boulevards with a side of Soviet chic. Then there’s the breakaway nation of Transnistria to explore. One thing’s for sure, visiting Moldova makes for a refreshingly unique European break - read on for 12 reasons to shunt it up your must-visit list.

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Transylvania is known to be the land of Dracula. Are you curious to visit the places mentioned in the book and the castles that hosted the major life events of Vlad the Impaler, the cruel ruler known as Dracula? Explore mysterious places and breathtaking landscapes all over Romania.

Luxurious Highlights of Romania: From Bucharest to Transylvania

Romania offers plenty for the discerning traveller, including beautiful Boutique properties. On this trip, discover Bucharest, the Danube Delta, Bucovina and Transylvania with Dracula's castle. A private guide will accompany you throughout the trip, well-equipped with Romanian knowledge and facts.

World Heritage in Romania and Bulgaria

Discover the most important UNESCO heritage sites in Romania and Bulgaria as well as some lesser-known attractions. From the capital Sofia to Plovdiv and Nessebar, as well as Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria to Romania's capital Bucharest to Sibiu, Cluj and Dracula's castle in Brasov.

Delicacies in Romania: food & wine

Perfect for foodies with little time - spend 5 days in Romania between Bucharest and Brasov, home to the famous Dracula castle. On the way, you will pass by vineyards and wineries, with tasting arrangements available for you. A private guide will be with you all throughout the trip.

Grand Eastern-European Tour

The gems of Central and Eastern Europe within 14 days: visit the capital cities Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, and Sarajevo as well as famous Mostar in Herzegovina and Dracula's castle in Romania.

Though enjoying rising global acclaim, Moldovan wine remains under the radar of all but a few in the know oenophiles - somewhat surprising (if not criminal in wine terms) given its quality, and the fact that grapes have been cultivated in the region since at least 2800 BC.

Underground wine barrels at Milestii Mici Winery near Chisinau, Moldova © FrimuFilms/Shutterstock

To right that wrong, visit Moldova’s most impressive winery,  Milestii Mici , which is located a mere 30 minutes’ drive south of Chişinău. With 1.5 million bottles stored in a 55km subterranean labyrinth, it boasts the world’s largest wine collection, as recognised by the Guinness Book of Records. A  tour  of the winery takes in the tunnels via electric train or bicycles, with the option to eat, drink and make merry in the  opulent tasting halls  - a glamourous must-do experience for gourmands visiting Moldova.

Monastic life thrives across Moldova, meaning that church frescoes are lovingly maintained, tulip gardens immaculately manicured, and silvery domes polished to a shine, and you don’t have to be especially religious-minded to appreciate their beauty and history either.

Capriana Monastery , for example, is among the country’s finest architectural sights. Located 40km northeast of Chişinău, and often called the cradle of Moldovan culture, this complex of three churches surrounded by rolling hills and forests really is a top reason to visit Moldova. Established in 1429, the site’s Church of the Dormition is the country’s oldest church. To sample Moldova’s monastic culture (and wine) in convenient, comfortable style, you could look to book a multi-site tour  that combines exploring Capriana Monastery with a visit to  Cricova Winery and some of Chişinău’s highlights.

Another must-visit Moldovan marvel comes courtesy of  Saharna Monastery . Given its stunning location - encircled by rocky hills and thick forests in a corner of north-eastern Moldova - it’s little wonder that this a popular place of pilgrimage (though we’re not talking Lourdes level visitor numbers). It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful woodland walk with waterfalls tinkling in the background. Oh, and history buffs will be keen to explore the Iron Age fortress remains.

After traversing Moldova's tapestry of wildflower meadows and cornfields, the archaeological and ecclesiastical complex of Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei) is a riveting contrast - a monastery resplendent with golden domes and white bell-towers backed by ashen cliffs. Situated 50km north of Chişinău, Orheiul Vechi is most known for its Cave Monastery - a complex of rooms and tunnels cut into a rocky ridge above the Răut River. But there’s more to this UNESCO World Heritage site than the monastery alone - traces of human life dating back to Paleolithic times have been unearthed here, and it’s been inhabited by hermit monks seeking solitude in its caves since the fourteenth-century.

Old Orhei monastery © Calin Stan/Shutterstock

To experience the fullness of Orheiul Vechi’s history and natural beauty, a ramble around the area comes highly recommended. Walkers will be rewarded with the picturesque sight of powder-blue farmhouses and splendid views over the cliff-top monastery, with villages like quiet Ivancea and folksy Brăneşti connected by fairly level terrain.

4. Visit a country that doesn't exist

That may sound strange, but it’s entirely true. Unrecognised by other countries, yet fiercely distinct from the rest of Moldova, the breakaway nation of Transnistria (officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR) is an unforgettable day-trip to take from Chişinău, and certainly an essential experience when you visit Moldova. Tucked between Moldova and Ukraine, this contested strip of land has its own border control and currency, though the overwhelmingly pro-independence (and pro-Russian) results of its 2006 referendum have left it in political limbo.

House of Soviets - Soviet architecture in Tiraspol, Transnistria (Moldova) © Yury24/Shutterstock

A 12-hour stay in Transnistria requires no advance paperwork: simply bring your passport and register at the border offices. In a single day, you can visit the imposing fifteenth-century fortress at Bender, stroll among Lenin statues and grand war memorials in capital Tiraspol, and buy a jar of honey from gorgeous Noul Neamţ (a working all-male monastery).

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While on your Transnistria day-trip, it’s worth making time to taste Tiraspol’s best-known creation -  KVINT Divin cognac, though the distillery produces plenty of award-wining wine too. KVINT, by the way, is an acronym for “Kon'iaki, vina i napitki Tiraspol'ia”, meaning “cognacs, wines and beverages of Tiraspol”. 

KVINT — Tiraspol Wine and Brandy Factory © saikorn/Shutterstock

With spirits created on-site since 1897, when the company specialised in vodka produced from home-brewed wine, they now grow over thirty varieties of grapes on 2000 hectares, with an annual output of 20 million bottles of brandy, gin and vodka, plus a plethora of table and vintage wines. With a host of  tasting packages  to enjoy, your only problem is remembering to return to Chişinău.

Yep - you read that right. Saunter past the Arc de Triomphe. Amble along tree-lined boulevards where chic locals dunk croissants into café au lait… surprisingly, there’s more than a whiff of Paris about Chişinău. Boulevards are fringed by weeping willows, green spaces like Parcul Catedralei breathe life into the city centre, and the Arcul de Triumf is a dead ringer for France’s famous monument. To stay in style near the Arc,  Art-Rustic Boutique Hotel  is an elegant option.

What’s more, the city has wholeheartedly embraced French patisserie and coffee culture. Try  Creme de la Creme  for gorgeous gateaux and caramel lattes, and  Panna Cotta  for macarons and florentines.

Chişinău's pretty Parisian side © ungureanuvadim/Shutterstock

Fear not if you prefer gritty to Paris-style pretty - Chişinău is a city of two halves, with forbidding brutalist architecture standing strong between its grassy squares and crumbling nineteenth-century townhouses. 

The Rough Guides to Romania and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Famous Circul building in Chisinau city, Moldova © Fotokon/Shutterstock

Arguably the most interesting of these buildings is the  Circul , a striking circus building northeast of central Chişinău. This spiky circular crown of concrete couldn’t look less like a traditional big top if it really, really tried. Other brutalist-style buildings to make a beeline for include the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the Moldova National Opera Ballet building, and Dinamo Stadium.

Strolling elegant Strada 31 August in Chişinău, it’s impossible to miss the garden packed with rocket launchers and dark green tanks. Behind this graveyard of defused weapons and aeroplanes lies the city’s Military Museum, one of Chişinău’s most impressive sights. Weaponry from thirteenth-century sabres to AK-47s illustrates the turbulent history of this young nation, while blood-curdling dioramas and WWII footage give an unflinching account of the hardships that preceded the birth of the Republic of Moldova in 1990.  

But there’s more to Chişinău’s cultural scene than military-themed museums. Culture-vultures will love the  National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History  that's housed in a beautiful building not too far from the centre of town. 

National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History of Chisinau, Moldova © Kahkean.photography/Shutterstock

Meanwhile, bibliophiles will want to check out the Alexander Pushkin Museum, formerly home to the famous poet for three years, and now home to a collection of paintings, sculptures and editions of some of the works he wrote here. Then there’s the grand  National Art Museum of Moldova , featuring works by 19th and 20th-century Moldovan artists along with exhibitions of local contemporary artists. 

Chişinău is chock-a-block with welcoming restaurants serving tasty traditional fodder. Take La Taifas on Strada București, for example. This atmospheric basement restaurant serves Moldovan classics - pastries packed with cheese, mushroom, pork, or cherries; meatball soup; roast rabbit - with local musicians performing during evening service.

Stuffed pastries and bread © Shutterstock

Further afield, if you fancy bunking down in a creaky farmhouse, and waking to a chorus of cockerels, the countryside around Orhei has a smattering of agro-tourism outfits, where half-board bookings include a feast of home-cooked Moldovan food.  Casa din Lunca Pension  in Trebujeny serves up a particularly impressive spread - thick slabs of mămăligă (polenta) jostle for table space with grilled lamb, and salads sprinkled with salty sheep’s cheese. Gulping the last drop of plummy Codru wine as another horse and cart rattles past, you can truly embrace life in Moldova’s slow lane.

Spanning over 6000 hectares, the  Padurea Domneasca  (Royal Forest) Nature Reserve is the largest of its kind in Moldova. Sitting pretty on the banks of the River Prut, and bordered on one side by Romania, it’s blessed with a dense bounty of trees - willow, oak, poplar and beech - with a huge population of herons around its lake.

Mighty European bison © Shutterstock

With well-marked hiking trails, comfortable cabins overlooking the wetlands to overnight in, plus populations of red deer and European bison, this is a paradise for travellers seeking a back-to-nature break, with the chance to encounter some mightily impressive beasts.

On the edge of Padurea Domneasca Reserve, between the villages Braniste and Avrameni near the Prut River, you’ll find a haunting expanse of land known as the 100 Hills.

A hundred mounds in the north of Moldova © FrimuFilms/Shutterstock

Since this 8km stretch of undulating mounds look so perfectly attuned to the flow of the meadows that run alongside the river, you could be forgiven for thinking they’re manmade. Yet scientists are investigating the cause of this phenomenon - landslides? Ancient avalanches? The remnants of 20 million-year-old reefs? While the debate runs on, the romantics among you might prefer the legend. According to local lore, this land was the site of bloody ancient battles and these mounds are the burial places of fallen soldiers, the largest of them allocated to heroes. Either way, it’s an absorbing place to amble when you visit Moldova.

More correctly, that should probably read “be surprised”, for Moldova’s second longest cave system is endearingly known as the Cave of Surprises. 40km from the capital, and stretching for 1700m on the right bank of the river Nistru, it’s thought to have been formed around 11 million years ago. And the surprise? The network was only discovered in the 1970s. 

Today visitors can enjoy exploring the natural limestone halls and chambers, the largest of which is a whopping ten metres high. A word of warning, though - with some narrow spots to squeeze through, this isn’t for the claustrophobic (or confirmed chiroptophobics - the caves are home to a huge population of bats), but it’s sure to satisfy adventurers visiting Moldova.

Moldova's Old Orhei area in awe-inspiring autumnal livery © Jukov studio/Shutterstock

Why should I visit Moldova? Is it worth visiting Moldova?

As we said at the start, Moldova is Europe’s least-visited country. But don’t make the mistake of seeing that as a reason to not visit Moldova. In fact, this makes it the perfect place for travellers who’ve been there and done that elsewhere in Europe. In short, Moldova is well worth visiting if you want to escape well-worn, crowd-packed paths, and if you like wine. Talking of which…

Why is Moldova famous?

Mainly for its world-class wine, ancient monasteries and unspoiled open countryside - and for its distinct lack of crowds. A pretty great combo, if you ask us.

Is Moldova expensive to visit?

You can confidently add “it’s inexpensive” to your growing list of reasons to visit Moldova. Chişinău has plenty of hostels and apartments for travellers on a budget, and even the fanciest hotels offer good value. Eating out is affordable, especially so in the countryside, and the cost of wine (did we mention the wine?) represents excellent value for excellent quality.

At Rough Guides we’ve always taken pride in telling it like it is - whether we’re updating details in our guide books, or researching emerging destinations. With that in mind, we want you to know that when you click on links that lead to our affiliate partners’ sites, we can earn a small commission (at no cost to you). This is one of the ways we’re able to keep doing what we do best - provide you with travel advice and inspiration you can trust. Speaking of which, you can trust what we link to - our travel writer experts are exactly that (experts) and have highlighted them to share ideas that might make your trips all the more satisfying.

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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Explorează Moldova

Autenticitate incomparabilă a celei mai nedescoperite destinații turistice din europa.

Descoperă Moldova

Vinul Moldovei. O legendă vie.

O istorie în fiecare picătură.

L o c u r i d e v i z i t a t

Moldova este o țară mică ca suprafața, dar cu o mulțime de lucruri de vizitat în fiecare dintre regiunile noastre.

Diversitatea incredibilă a bucătăriei moldovenești

Local, sănătos, simplu și foarte gustos

Să descoperim viața rurală.

Evadează într-o altă lume

Ești gata de o aventură?

Să vezi ce ți-am pregătit!

Un amestec de culturi la răscruce de civilizații

Află despre patrimoniul nostru cultural

Evenimente și festivaluri de neuitat

Planifică-ți călătoria în jurul unui eveniment excepțional

O combinație unică de natură neatinsă, cultură seculară, bucătărie bogată și ospitalitate autentică vă așteaptă în inima Europei

Află și savurează

Planifică-ți vacanța

Informație esențială despre vize și vamă , cum ajungi, valută, cazare, transport, limbi vorbite, etc.

Află mai multe informații esențiale

pentru a vizita Moldova

leul moldovenesc (MDL), ușor veți schimba euro sau dolari și veți găsi multe ATM-uri

limbi vorbite

comunicăm în română, rusă, engleză

suntem la 1 oră de zbor din București, 2 ore din Berlin sau Moscova și 3 ore din Londra

suntem o țară mică, dar avem cele mai mari beciuri și colecții subterane de vinuri

Festivaluri și evenimente

O selecție de evenimente ce țin de folclor și tradiții , muzică , sport și vinicole .

Ziua Națională a Vinului

cea mai mare sărbătoare a tradițiilor vinicole

• 05 - 06 octombrie
• Piața Marii Adunări Naționale, Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt, Chișinău, Moldova

festival de muzică clasică în aer liber

• 21 - 23 iunie
• Butuceni, Moldova

festivalul artelor născute din tradiții

• 29 - 30 iunie
• Holercani, Moldova

Privat: Mileștii Mici Wine Run

Cursă inedită de alergare prin beciuri subterane

• 10 februarie
• Strada Chișinăului 9, Cricova, Moldova

Chișinău Marathon

cursă internațională de alergare

• 28 - 29 septembrie
• Piața Marii Adunări Naționale, Chișinău, Moldova

Sărbătoarea curselor de cai

• Ceadîr-Lunga, Moldova

Turismul de aventură

Fie că îți place adrenalina sau o meditație la natură, în Moldova ți le putem oferi pe toate, inclusiv cu un pahar de vin bun.

Vezi mai multe experiențe

Bun venit în Moldova!

Descoperă mai multe despre această țară fascinantă, tânără și în perspectivă, dar bogată în istorie și cultură.

Află mai multe

Gazde din Moldova

Viorel Garaz

Sunt Viorel Garaz, conducătorul legendarei vinării „Mileștii Mici”, care este renumita prin colectia sa de vinuri inclusă în Cartea Recordurilor Guinness. Orașul subteran dispune de cea mai mare și vastă colecție de vinuri din lume. Te invit cu drag să descoperi farmecul și unicitatea vinurilor noastre, iar pentru o experiență de neuitat îți punem la dispoziție biciclete, pentru a te plimba pe teritoriul vinăriei.

Ana Statova

Sunt Ana Statova, proprietară a unicului complex turistic tradițional din Găgăuzia. „Gagauz Sofrasi” este creația mea. Împreună cu echipa muncim în fiecare zi pentru a păstra și promova în continuare spiritul neamului meu găgăuz. Te invit la mine acasă, la „Gagauz Sofrasi”, să faci cunoștință cu atmosfera autentică găgăuză și mâncarea noastră delicioasă.

Sergiu Hanganu

Sunt Sergiu Hanganu, un gospodar din Lalova. Te invit cu drag la pensiunea noastră – „Hanul lui Hanganu”. Sunt sigur că te voi impresiona cu colecția de vinuri și țuică, pe care o păstrez la hanul nostru. Te aștept să guști celebrele sarmale de la Lalova și multe alte bucate pregătite după tainele bucătăriei moldovenești.

Cojocaru Olesea

Sunt Olesea Cojocari, administratoarea celei mai tradiționale pensiuni din inima Orheiului Vechi. Timp de un an, gospodinele și gospodarii de la „Eco Resort Butuceni” au muncit intens pentru a primi oaspeții în casa mare. Te invităm în casa nouă să îți arătăm câte am reușit să facem și să-ți spunem cât de dor ne-a fost de oaspeți.

Alexei Gutaga

Sunt Alex Guțaga, fondatorul primului club de kayaking din Moldova. Alături de echipa care a cucerit bătrânul Nistrului, am explorat și am identificat un nou traseu magic, la Orheiul Vechi, unde apa șerpuiește printre stânci. Hai să ne cunoaștem mai bine! Te invit la o aventură pe kayak, pentru a-ți povesti mai multe despre descoperirile noastre și celebrele legende ale locului.

Stanislav Balaur

Sunt Stanislav Balaur, directorul agenției de turism „Teleportravel” și vreau să-ți spun povestea mea. Pandemia ne-a afectat foarte mult, luându-ne cel mai valoros lucru – libertatea. Echipa „Teleportravel” s-a adaptat schimbărilor și a reușit. Așa că, am creat o platformă turistică, unde oricine poate împărtăși traseul său. Astfel, utilizând un ghid online automatizat, turiștii pot găsi locuri noi și neexplorate în Moldova. Împreună cu autorii, am creat peste 30 de itinerarii în Moldova, care pot fi vizitate. Te așteptăm să le explorezi pe toate!

Dumitru Petrenco

Sunt Dumitru Petrenco, bucătar șef la restaurantul A la carte „HAI”, parte a vinăriei Poiana. Restaurantul este rezultatul muncii și perseverenței mele și a întregii echipe de la Poiana. Totul este creat pentru a te putea impresiona. Te așteptăm la noi să descoperi bucatele tradiționale, prezentate într-un nou format, modern și ecologic. Ți-am pregătit și niște surprize extraordinare. Dar, pentru a afla despre ce este vorba, mă găsești la Poiana!

Arcadie Foşnea

Sunt Arcadie Foșnea, fondatorul „Cramei Mircești”, care se află chiar în inima Moldovei. Visul să am propria vinărie s-a născut încă din studenție, când învățam arta vinificației în Germania. De-a lungul anilor, am plantat câte un hectar de viță-de-vie și acum am ajuns la o suprafață de 15 hectare de vie, care se află la cea mai înaltă altitudine din Moldova. Te invit în „Mica Toscană a Moldovei”, să deguști un pahar de vin, admirând priveliști ce-ți taie respirația.

Popescu Ecaterina

Sunt Popescu Ecaterina, meșter popular, specializată în țesutul covoarelor, și fondatoarea complexului de meşteşuguri „Artă Rustică”. Iubesc nespus de mult neamul și tradițiile noastre populare. Astfel, am transformat pasiunea în ceva mai mult. Complexul „Artă Rustică“ a fost creat pentru a păstra și promova îndeletnicirile populare moldovenești. Te aștept cu mare drag să îți pot arăta valorosul tezaur popular al neamului nostru.

Mihaela Sîrbu

Sunt Mihaela Sîrbu, coproprietara vinăriei de familie „Asconi”. Aici punem preț pe tradiții și autenticitate, vinul nostru fiind făcut cu suflet și dăruire. „Asconi” nu este doar despre vin, dar și bucate tradiționale, și cele mai frumoase apusuri din țară. Te invit să le admiri împreună cu cei dragi!

Sergiu Iliescu

Sunt Sergiu Iliescu fondatorul SUP Moldova, aceasta a fost fondată în anul 2018 pentru promovarea modului activ și sănătos de viață, prin organizarea activităților turistice pe apă, vizitelor a siturilor istorice, zonelor pitorești din preajmă suprafețelor acvatice cum din țară așa și de peste hotarele țării, cu utilizarea echipamentului nautic SUP- Stand Up Paddle board.

Moldova în 360°

Aventurează-te într-un tur virtual interactiv a mai multor destinații populare din Moldova.

Deschide 360.moldova.travel

Explorează pe hartă

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Find your local guide in Moldova

On our platform you will have the chance to find out more about the people and ideas behind GuideMe.md. Even more importantly, you will have the opportunity to get to know our guides and how they can help you have a unique and memorable experience in Moldova.

Do you want to know the top 5 destinations in Chisinau according to a local? Or where you can have a unique gastronomic experience in Gagauzia? Our guides are true connoisseurs, and they will offer you the latest local recommendations and will accompany you on your great adventure, be it cultural, historical, gastronomic or outdoor activities.

The knowledge and expertise of a local tour guide in Moldova can improve your visit to Moldova in many different ways. Here are a few of the benefits of working with a local guide:

Meet local people and get insider tips from a local who is passionate about the country and its culture, cuisine and wine.

Find unique places to visit and things to do in Moldova.

Get in-depth knowledge about Moldovan wine, culture, traditions, history, cuisine, and nature from a local expert.

Republic of Moldova

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• About me: Discover the best Moldova has to offer and find hidden gems...

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• About me: Hi, my name is Elena and I am a certified tourist guide in M...

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• About me: Dear friends! Like many of us, I love to travel the world an...

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About Guides of Moldova

• Guides of Moldova is a platform that aims to inform tourists from all over the world about tourist destinations, as well as about qualified guides from the Republic of Moldova. The initiative to create the platform belongs to the National Inbound Tourism Association of Moldova, in order to promote and develop Moldova as a tourist destination abroad. We are convinced that Moldova, a new country emerging on the international tourism scene, can become a top destination through sharing our authentic culture and unique heritage with visitors.
• Moldova is a small territory that brings together many rich experiences and pleasures. It is a perfect choice for tourists who want to explore picturesque landscapes, taste the famous Moldovan wine and cuisine, and experience the diversity of Moldovan culture. We invite you to join our initiative, to develop Moldovan tourism together and highlight the true value of Moldova. If you are a qualified guide who wants to contribute directly to the promotion of the Republic of Moldova as a tourist destination, then do not hesitate to contact us.

"Casa Părintească" Guest house is a true museum of craftsmanship. We recommend you to taste organic herbal teas with marvelous cherry pie called „varzari” and sweetening your day with delicious raspberry jam.

Asconi winery was founded in 1994 and until now it is a family business. Here you’ll find one of the best pies across the country that we are calling it “Placinta”, which is perfect with their dry red wine „Sol Negru”.

The Ethno-touristic complex “Gagauz Sofrası'' is located in “the biggest village in Europe” - Congaz - and represents the culture and history of Gagauzian people.

Moldova Travel Guide

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Moldova Tourism

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• Moldova Tourist Map