Things To Do
in Moldova
Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe known for its rolling wine country and rural charm. It sits between Romania and Ukraine, with the Dniester River shaping parts of its landscape and culture. The countryside features layered vineyards, monasteries carved into cliffs, and fortified towns, while Chisinau offers a compact, approachable capital experience.
Wine tourism, rustic cuisine, and warm hospitality define a visit to this understated, inviting destination.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in the capital city, Chișinău, where you will visit the iconic Stefan Cel Mare Central Park. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Moldovan pastries. Explore the nearby Cathedral Park, soaking in the serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the National Museum of History of Moldova to gain insights into the country's rich past. After the museum, stop by the bustling Piata Centrala market to taste some local delicacies and perhaps buy some handicrafts. Relax in a wine bar and enjoy sampling Moldovan wines paired with regional cheeses.
As the sun sets, dine at a restaurant in the city center that offers traditional Moldovan cuisine. After your meal, enjoy an evening stroll around the illuminated city, or catch a performance at the Opera and Ballet Theatre. End your day with a glass of local wine while taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Set off for a short trip to Cricova, home to one of the largest and most famous wine cellars in the world. On arrival, take a guided tour through the labyrinthine tunnels and learn about the history of winemaking in Moldova. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, embracing the wine culture.
After the tour, indulge in a wine tasting event, savoring exquisite wines paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. A visit to the beautiful surroundings of Cricova, including small vineyards and picturesque landscapes, is a must during the afternoon. Capture the stunning views as you stroll through the vineyards.
Head back to Chișinău and enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring live folk music. Experience Moldova's vibrant culture through lively dances and songs while tasting the delicious local cuisines. Unwind at a cozy wine bar, reflecting on the day’s experiences with a glass of aged wine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧀Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🍺Local beer | $1-3 |
| 🚇Public transportation (1 trip) | $0.25-0.50 |
| 🏨1-night mid-range hotel | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Outstanding wine regions and cellar tours
- Compact and walkable capital with a friendly vibe
- Rich rural culture and hearty, comforting cuisine
- Low costs of living and easy country-to-country travel
- Limited English proficiency outside major cities
- Rural areas may be cash-focused and less tourist-friendly
- Some border areas require careful travel planning and up-to-date information
- Seasonal weather can be extreme in winter and summer
- "Bună ziua" - Hello / Good day
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Vă rog" - Please
- "La revedere" - Goodbye
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Vorbiți engleză?" - Do you speak English?
- "Vorbiți românește?" - Do you speak Romanian?
Places to Visit in Moldova
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively central corridor with grand architecture, domed churches, and ornamental lampposts—great for street and architectural photography.
A striking building on the city’s skyline; captures beautiful exterior shots, especially at dusk when lights glow.
Dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient cave monasteries, and the river below make for compelling landscape and cultural photography.
The world’s largest wine cellar network offers subterranean tunnels and cellar walls that create unique light and color for photography.
A hilltop fortress with river views; ideal for moody dusk shots and panoramic scenes of the bend in the river.
Food in Moldova
Moldova Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savory or sweet flaky pastry filled with cheese, potatoes, or apples. Found in bakeries and street stalls across cities and villages.
Must-Try!
Polenta served with creamy brânză (cheese) and smetana (cream). A staple accompaniment to many dishes and a comforting, fulfilling meal.
Cabbage rolls stuffed with pork, rice, and herbs; a familiar staple at family meals and traditional taverns.
A bright chicken soup often served with fresh herbs and homemade noodles; a comforting starter in many Moldovan homes and eateries.
Cheese pastries that are often served warm; a popular snack or light meal, great with tea or coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main wholesale and retail market in Chișinău where you can taste fresh cheeses, smoked meats, pickles, honey, fruit, and local baked goods.
Evening stalls and pop-up spots along major boulevards offering placintă, grilled meats, fresh fruit, and coffee—great for a quick, tasty bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common in formal settings; in informal situations, a nod or verbal greeting may suffice. Address people with polite forms and avoid overly casual language with strangers.
Warm hospitality is central; bringing a small gift is thoughtful if visiting a host. Dress modestly for religious sites and avoid topics that might be overly controversial in casual chats.
Orthodox traditions are influential; respect for religious sites and calendars is appreciated, especially during fasting periods and holidays.
Safety
Tipping in Moldova
Ensure a smooth experience
A tip of about 5–10% in restaurants is common if service is not included; for casual cafes and bars, rounding up is appreciated. Taxis may appreciate rounding up to the nearest whole amount.
Cash (MDL) is widely accepted, especially in markets and rural areas; major credit and debit cards are common in cities, and ATMs are plentiful in Chișinău. In rural spots, cash is usually required.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with plenty of sunshine; expect July highs in the 25–30°C range. It’s a great time for outdoor markets, winery visits, and riverfront strolls, but stay hydrated and pace outdoor activities during peak heat.
Harvest season with vibrant vineyards and wine festivals; comfortable temperatures in September and October, perfect for countryside drives and outdoor photography.
Cold, often below freezing, with occasional snow; advance planning for indoor activities, cozy wine bars, and festive winter markets is advised.
Milder weather with budding trees and early blossoms; great for outdoor walking tours, hiking near Orheiul Vechi, and scenic photo opportunities.
Moldova at Night
Hiking in Moldova
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hikes along limestone cliffs with views of the river and ancient cave monasteries; suitable for half-day to full-day trips.
Forest loops near the Codru region offering easy to moderate walks, wildlife viewing, and shade on hot days.
Rugged riverbank trails with panoramic views of the bend in the Dniester and historic fortifications nearby.
Airports
How to reach Moldova by plane.
The main international gateway to Moldova, located near Chișinău with connections to Europe and neighboring regions; easy taxi or shuttle transfer to the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic majority, mainly Romanian-speaking residents with a strong sense of local identity and cultural traditions.
A significant minority concentrated mainly in border regions and urban pockets, often bilingual in Romanian/Russian.
A notable minority with Russian language influence and established communities in cities.
Smaller communities including Gagauz, Bulgarians, Ukrainians, and others contributing to Moldova’s cultural mosaic.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Moldova, with local clubs and national team events drawing wide interest.
A growing sport with local leagues and community courts in cities.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Moldovan cooking centers on vegetables, dairy, and grains; look for placinta with cheese, vegetable riffs, and hearty soups. In restaurants, ask for meat-free options or bread and cheese platters, and enjoy a variety of vegetable dishes and salads.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Moldova.