Chișinău
Save27 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Central square with the Parliament and Government buildings
3 tips
- Good starting point for a walk
- Busy during national holidays
- Cafes nearby on the main boulevard
📷 Photos
- 2
Main Orthodox cathedral with a bell tower in a central park
- Tip: At night
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Free entry
- Lovely in the evening
📷 Photos
- 3
Monument built in 1840 to mark the Russian victory over the Ottomans
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Pairs well with the cathedral
- Photogenic at night
- Free to see
📷 Photos
- 4
Shady central park with lakes and monuments
3 tips
- Pleasant for a stroll
- Benches and cafes
- Great in spring
📷 Photos
- 5
Statue of Moldova's most famous medieval prince
3 tips
- Meeting point for locals
- Free to see
- Combine with the park
📷 Photos
- 6
Collections from prehistory to modern times
3 tips
- Allow 90 minutes
- English labels limited
- Small entry fee
📷 Photos
- 7
Underground wine city with kilometres of tunnels
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Tasting included on many tours
- Dress warmly
📷 Photos
- 8
Huge underground wine cellars listed among the world's largest
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Tours are by car or electric cart
- Bring a jacket, it is cool underground
📷 Photos
- 9
Cave monastery complex in a dramatic river landscape
3 tips
- Take a day trip from the city
- Wear good shoes for the cliffs
- Combine with a village lunch
📷 Photos
- 10
Small 18th-century church in the heart of the city
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Quiet spot
- Short visit
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Chișinău tips
Transportation
- Ride trolleybuses: Chisinau's trolleybuses are cheap and cover the city well; pay the conductor or with a contactless card where accepted.
- Use maxi-taxis: Minibuses called rutiere follow numbered routes and are fast, but can be crowded.
- Order taxis by app: Apps like Yandex Go or local services avoid fare haggling.
Security
- Watch your belongings: Keep valuables secure on crowded public transport.
- Use official currency exchanges: Exchange money at banks or licensed offices.
- Be cautious in nightclubs: Watch your drinks and the bill.
Saving
- Eat at local canteens: Traditional eateries serve affordable Moldovan dishes.
- Visit wineries smartly: Group tours to Cricova or Milestii Mici split transport costs.
- Shop at the Central Market: Buy fresh produce and snacks at local prices.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect hot summers: Pack light clothing and sunscreen for summer days.
- Prepare for cold winters: Winters can be freezing with snow; bring warm clothing.
- Pack layers for spring and autumn: Weather can change quickly.
Cultural
- Try placinte and mamaliga: These pastries and cornmeal dishes are Moldovan staples.
- Respect Orthodox traditions: Dress modestly when visiting churches.
- Learn a few phrases: Romanian is the official language, and Russian is widely understood.
Local Hacks
- Visit wine cellars: Cricova and Milestii Mici have vast underground cellars.
- Stroll Stefan cel Mare Park: The central park is a pleasant place to relax.
- Day trip to Orheiul Vechi: The cave monastery and valley are stunning.
1-day itineraries in Chișinău
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.