The Best Things To Do In Chișinău, Moldova

Like most European cities, walking is the best way to explore the city. Get ready to lose yourself for a couple of hours and wander through Moldova’s fascinating past. Experience the country’s leading National Museum of History with over 265,000 exhibits, spend some time at the Alexandr Pushkin House and Museum, once home to the famous Russian poet, and pay a visit to the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History. Architecturally unique in its oriental design, this is the oldest museum in Moldova hosting some vast collections dedicated to flora and fauna, as well as to customs and traditions. Among the many thousands of exhibits, be prepared to see the complete skeleton of dinoterium gigantisimus, a gigantic mammoth-like prehistoric animal.

Alexandr Pushkin House and Museum: Strada Anton Pann 19, Chișinău, +373 22 292 685

National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History: Strada Mihail Kogălniceanu 82, Chișinău, +373 22 238 848

Although it is possible to get around the city on foot, do not miss the chance to try the trolleybus for just one leu. Since it always gets crowded, this is the perfect way to enjoy the special ambiance and mix up with the locals. The conductor walking from one end of the vehicle to another adds to the unique atmosphere that brings memories of the past.

Also known as the Holy Gate, this monument marks the center of the city. Chișinău’s own Triumphal Arch dating from the 1840s was built to commemorate the victory of the Russian army over the Ottoman Empire. While you’re there, walk in its shadows before you continue to explore the nearby area.

Visiting a park is always a great idea in Chișinău. Go to Stefan cel Mare, also called the Park of Lovers, in the heart of the city to read a book by the lovely fountain or take a ride to Valea Morilor, the only park with both a lake and a small beach, and lose yourself in the amazing woods and the jazz melodies of the street musicians. Finish your tour in Dendrarium Park where you can play sports, fly a kite, explore its wonderful ponds filled with water lilies, or just watch the squirrels.

Stefan cel Mare Central Park: Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt, Chișinău

Valea Morilor: Strada Grigore Alexandrescu, Chișinău

Dendrarium Park: Sectorul Buiucani, Chișinău

To get a bigger picture of the local art scene, visit one of its small, lovely galleries. There you will be able to enjoy some excellent works, created mostly by Moldovan contemporary artists. Whether you are an art collector yourself or not, you will definitely be surprised by the outstanding exhibits.

Moldovans like to point out that the country has a shape that resembles a brunch of grapes. It is true that wine in this region is considered to be some of the purest in the world. While you are in the capital, you should certainly taste some of the finest and cheapest wine you can ever find. Although you may as well do it at one of Chișinău’s numerous wine shops and bars, if you want a true experience, you need to visit one of its wineries, Mileştii Mici and Cricova being the most popular. Built from limestone quarry and having more than two hundred kilometers of underground tunnels, the former has made the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest underground winery with a collection of more than two million bottles. Book a tour package and enter the infinite world of wine.

Cricova: Strada Petru Ungureanu 1, Cricova, +373 22 604 035

Milestii Mici: Milestii Mici Village, Ialoveni District, +373 22/ 382 333

If you feel tired and need some isolation, there is no better place than the Orthodox Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity. No matter your religious beliefs, this neo-classical building right in the city center will offer you some shelter in a peaceful atmosphere.