Things To Do
in Codru
Codru is a leafy suburban region just outside Chișinău, Moldova, known for its quiet streets and easy access to nearby vineyards. It blends rural charm with convenient proximity to the capital's museums, markets, and cultural sites. The area offers pleasant parks, forested trails, and welcoming local communities that make it ideal for a relaxed day trip or a short stay.
Visitors should expect warm hospitality, tasty Moldovan fare, and an approachable pace of life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Fly into Chişinău and meet your private driver for the scenic transfer to a traditional guesthouse in Codru. Enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast on the sunlit terrace overlooking rolling vineyards. Meet local hosts for a warm welcome and orientation to the week ahead.
Settle into your room before exploring the nearby village museum to learn about Codru’s rural traditions. Take a leisurely stroll through oak-shaded lanes and spot wildflowers along the way. End your walk at a family-run honey farm to taste fragrant local varieties.
Gather around a rustic table for a hearty dinner of mămăligă and stewed mushrooms. Listen to your hosts tell stories of local legends by the crackling wood stove. Drift off to sleep to the sound of crickets in the vineyard beyond your window.
Depart early for a guided hike in the heart of Codru Forest Reserve where centuries-old oak and hornbeam trees tower overhead. Learn to identify native birdcalls and trace deer tracks in the undergrowth. Sip herbal infusion brewed from forest herbs picked along the trail.
Pause at a hidden spring for a woodland picnic prepared by your guide, featuring cured meats and wild cheese. Practice nature photography as shafts of sunlight pierce the canopy above. Walk on to a moss-lined glade and experience a mindful forest-bathing session.
Return to the guesthouse for a fire-pit gathering beneath ancient chestnut trees. Enjoy live folk melodies played on a Moldovan cobza lute. Cap the night with stargazing and hot spiced wine brewed with local berries.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🫓Bread/rolls | $0.50-1 |
| 🚌One-way public transport ticket | $0.15-0.30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and welcoming hospitality
- Good value for wine and food, with traditional Moldovan dishes
- Compact size makes day trips easy and feasible from Chișinău
- Rich rural and urban experiences within a short distance
- Limited English spoken in some smaller places; some menus are only in Romanian
- Public transport between Codru and distant sights can be infrequent
- Moldovan infrastructure in rural areas may vary in accessibility
- Weather can be hot in summer and very cold in winter
- "Bună ziua" - Hello / Good day
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Vă rog" - Please
- "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Vorbiți engleză?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Codru
Visit one of these nice places.
A broad, scenic lakefront with walkways, bridges, and tree-lined paths ideal for sunset photography.
Historic any-time park in Chișinău featuring green spaces, statues, fountains, and charming city views.
Religious architecture and cobblestone surroundings provide atmospheric street and architectural shots.
Underground wine cellars with impressive architecture and lighting—great for moody, cool-tone photos.
Food in Codru
Codru Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy cornmeal mush served with brânză de burduf or feta-like cheese and sour cream.
Must-Try!
Slow-simmered cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice, often served with sour cream.
Clear chicken soup with vegetables and noodles, a popular starter in Moldovan homes.
Savory or sweet baked pies made from thin pastry, filled with cheese, potatoes, or sweet fruits.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market with fresh produce, dairy, meats, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for trying placinte and local cheeses.
Casual stalls offering quick bites, pastries, and seasonal bites perfect for a snack on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting like 'Bună ziua' (good day) is appreciated; a handshake is common among adults.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; refrain from loud behavior in public spaces and queues.
Smiles and hospitality are valued; when visiting homes, it’s nice to bring a small token or treat.
Safety
Tipping in Codru
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 5-10% for good service is appreciated; you can round up the bill. Taxis typically do not require large tips but rounding up is common.
Cash (MDL) and cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted; ATMs are common in towns. Some smaller stalls accept only cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days and long evenings; stay hydrated, seek shade in parks, and enjoy outdoor markets and wine-tasting outdoors.
Harvest season with comfortable temperatures and grape tastings; ideal for winery tours and golden-light photography.
Cold, sometimes snowy, with shorter days; indoor wine cellars and cafes are great; dress warmly and plan indoor activities.
Mild days with occasional rain; parks bloom beautifully—perfect for strolls and outdoor photography.
Codru at Night
Hiking in Codru
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested hills just outside Chișinău offering easy to moderate hiking routes and scenic viewpoints.
Rugged river gorges and historic caves with hiking paths and panoramic overlooks; combine with a village meal for a full day.
Airports
How to reach Codru by plane.
Main international gateway to Moldova; located about 13 miles (20-25 km) from central Chișinău. Regular domestic and international connections, with taxi and shuttle options to Codru and the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority group, primarily Romanian-speaking; strong cultural traditions and Orthodox heritage.
Significant minority with Russian language presence in urban areas and historical ties.
Smaller communities contributing to Moldova’s cultural variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Moldova; local matches and clubs are common across towns.
A common pastime, with local leagues and pickup games in community centers.
Courts are available in parks and club facilities; good for casual play and lessons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Codru.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Moldovan menus are meat-forward, but you can still enjoy placinte with cheese or vegetables, mamăligă with mushroom sauce, and fresh salads. In many places you can request soups or stews without meat and specify dairy-free options if needed.