Things To Do
in Moldova
Moldova, a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, is known for its picturesque landscapes, comprising rolling hills, vineyards, and lush forests. It has a rich history influenced by Romanian, Russian, and Ottoman cultures, reflected in its diverse cultural landmarks, traditional music, and cuisines.
Despite being one of Europe's poorest countries, Moldova is renowned for its winemaking traditions and boasts some of the world's largest wine cellars.
- "Bună ziua" - Good afternoon
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Te rog" - Please
- "La revedere" - Goodbye
- "Scuză-mă" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $0.70
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Stefan Cel Mare Central Park for a peaceful walk among the trees. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Stephen the Great Monument for some great photo opportunities.
Head to the National Museum of History of Moldova to learn about the country’s rich past. After that, grab lunch at a local restaurant and try traditional dishes like mămăligă.
Wrap up your day with a relaxing stroll under the lights of the city center. Choose a cozy café for dinner and try some Moldovan wine.
Travel to Cricova, home to expansive subterranean wine cellars. Join a guided tour to learn the winemaking process and explore the fascinating underground tunnels.
Enjoy a wine tasting session paired with local cheeses and snacks. Take your time savoring the unique flavors of Moldovan wines and pick your favorites.
Head back to Chisinau for dinner at a restaurant known for its excellent cuisine. Consider ordering a dish that complements the wines you’ve tasted.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and traditions
- Breathtaking natural landscapes, including vineyards and forests
- Affordable cost of living compared to Western Europe
- Strategic location between Eastern and Western Europe
- Growing wine industry with international recognition
- Friendly and hospitable population
- Limited economic opportunities and high unemployment rates
- Political instability and corruption issues
- Inadequate infrastructure, especially in rural areas
- Dependence on remittances from Moldovans working abroad
- Emigration of skilled workers seeking better opportunities
- Challenges related to the breakaway region of Transnistria
Best Activities in Moldova
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic vineyards and wineries of Moldova while enjoying wine tasting experiences.
Discover the natural beauty of Codrii Forest through various hiking trails and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Explore the historical and archaeological complex of Orheiul Vechi, featuring cave monasteries and stunning landscapes.
Engage in activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and caving in the picturesque area of Saharna.
Tours
Uncover the best of Moldova with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Moldova
Visit one of these nice places.
Orheiul Vechi offers breathtaking views of the Raut River and surrounding cliffs, as well as historical and archaeological attractions.
Cricova Winery features underground wine cellars that provide unique photo opportunities and panoramic views of the vineyards.
Soroca Fortress offers panoramic views of the Dniester River and the surrounding landscape, making it a picturesque location for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Moldova
Moldova Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional cornmeal porridge often served with sour cream and cheese. Best enjoyed at local restaurants and guesthouses across Moldova.
Must-Try!
Savory or sweet pastries filled with cheese, cabbage, potatoes, apples, or cherries. Look for them at local bakeries and street markets.
Cabbage rolls filled with rice and minced meat, often served with sour cream. Widely available in traditional restaurants and family-owned eateries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Moldova better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a wide range of local produce, meats, cheeses, and street food stalls. Don't miss the opportunity to sample grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh fruits.
On weekends, this park transforms into an open-air food market with vendors offering grilled meats, traditional pastries, and local beverages.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Moldova, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, and it is important to address them using their titles and last names as a sign of respect.
Respecting elders is highly valued in Moldovan culture, and it is customary to address older individuals with the appropriate titles and show deference in conversations.
Hospitality is a key cultural norm in Moldova, and guests are typically welcomed with warmth and generosity. It is polite to accept food and drinks when offered by a host.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Moldova with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Moldova
Ensure a smooth experience
In Moldova, tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. It is customary to leave a 10% tip at restaurants and cafes if the service was satisfactory.
Cash is still widely used in Moldova, especially in rural areas. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments in urban areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case card payment is not available.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Moldova.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Ideal time for visiting with blooming flowers and pleasant weather.
Warm weather, outdoor activities, and festival season.
Beautiful foliage and wine harvest festivals.
Cold weather, snow activities, and Christmas markets.
Moldova at Night
Hiking in Moldova
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large forest area near the capital city of Chișinău, Codrii offers a variety of hiking trails with rich fauna and flora, as well as scenic views.
Located northeast of Chișinău, this park features stunning landscapes, historical sites, and trails that explore the region's natural beauty.
Situated in the Orheiul Vechi area, these trails take hikers through picturesque villages and offer breathtaking views of the Răut River.
This region is known for its rolling hills and vineyards providing a peaceful hiking experience with opportunities to enjoy the local wine culture.
Near the Saharna Monastery, these trails wind through beautiful landscapes and are ideal for hiking enthusiasts looking to combine nature with spirituality.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Moldova through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Moldova by plane.
The main international airport serving Bucharest, Romania, located approximately 200 km south of Chișinău, Moldova.
An international airport serving Iași, Romania, located around 150 km west of Chișinău, Moldova.
The main international airport serving Odesa, Ukraine, located about 100 km northeast of Chișinău, Moldova.
The primary airport serving Chișinău, Moldova, which provides international flights as well.
International airport serving Lviv, Ukraine, located approximately 500 km northeast of Chișinău, Moldova.
The largest airport in Ukraine, located near Kyiv, approximately 600 km northeast of Chișinău, Moldova.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group, primarily speaking Romanian and forming the majority of the population.
The second largest ethnic group, primarily found in the northern region of Moldova.
A significant ethnic minority, particularly in the Transnistria region and urban areas.
A Turkic ethnic group predominantly found in the autonomous Gagauzia region.
An ethnic minority mainly residing in the southern areas of Moldova.
A small but historically significant community with roots dating back to the early 19th century.
An ethnic group traditionally engaged in various trades and crafts.
A small demographic group primarily found in urban areas.
The Soul of Moldova
Discover the essence of Moldova through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Moldova, with a strong following and local clubs competing in the national league.
Rugby has been gaining popularity in Moldova, with the national team participating in various European competitions.
Basketball is also popular in Moldova, with multiple clubs and a growing number of fans supporting local and international competitions.
Volleyball enjoys a significant level of interest and participation at both the recreational and competitive levels.
Wrestling is a traditional sport in Moldova, with a strong heritage and participation in various international events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants and cafes in urban areas offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as grilled vegetables, salads, and bean stews. Look for 'fasting' or 'post' meals, which are typically meat-free.
While gluten-free awareness is growing, it's best to communicate your dietary needs clearly. Opt for meat, fish, and dairy-based dishes, and seek out dishes made from cornmeal, known as mamaliga.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Moldova with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Moldova.