Away With The Steiners

10 Things To Do In Chisinau, Moldova And Why To Visit. 

Sarah Steiner

I’ve got to say that I really enjoyed visiting Chisinau.  We found Moldova fascinating and blissfully off the beaten track.  Albeit it is known to be one of the least-visited capital cities in Europe. Though we all enjoyed our visit and found plenty of things to do in Chisinau that made it well worth the trip. 

About Chisinau, Moldova

Chisinau is the capital and largest city of Moldova.  

The city has a long history with evidence of wine making being part of the industry dating back to pre-BC millennia.  

In 1812 Chisinau came under Russian imperial administration.  

Then in 1918 Chisinau became the capital of an independent state, the Moldavian Democratic Republic.  It has been the capital of Moldova since 1991.

It is often described as one of Europe’s least-visited capitals, while Moldova itself is known as one of the least-visited countries in Europe. 

But it has a rich history, a unique culture to offer and interesting new foods to try. 

Central Market things to do in Chisinau Moldova
A friendly welcome to the Central Markets in Chisinau.

What is the best time of year to visit Chisinau, Moldova? 

The best time to visit Chisinau is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October).  This is the time of year when the weather is pleasant, and the countryside is lush. 

We visited Moldova in June during the summertime and had fantastic weather.  

Getting there

Chisinau International Airport is Moldova’s main international airport, located 13 km (8.1 mi) southeast of the city centre. 

There are daily flights to Istanbul, Bucharest, Warsaw, Vienna, and Tel Aviv. 

By road it is easy(ish) to connect with Chisinau from Romania.

There are two main border crossings to enter Moldova overland from Bucharest and Iasi. 

We crossed the border from Romania to Moldova at Oancea (RM) and Cahul (MD).

Albeit there is all kinds of transport on the roads to Chisinau.

How long do you need? 

Obviously the longer the better to explore any new destination.  But the good news is that most of the things to do in Chisinau are within walking distance in the city centre. 

If you have two days in the city you could take a day trip to one of the nearby wineries.  

Though with one day to explore you will be able to experience all the things to do in Chisinau below – and taste some of Moldova’s most famous dishes! 

Ready? 

Things to do in Chisinau, Moldova 

So here we go.  These are 10 of the best things to do in Chisinau, Moldova. 

1. Ciuflea Monastery – Things to do in Chisinau

Ciuflea Monastery (Moldovan: Mănăstirea Ciuflea) is a Moldovan Orthodox monastery in the heart of the city. 

Chisinau is filled with historic and beautiful buildings.  Though this is one of the most iconic places to see. 

The monastery was consecrated in 1858.

The cathedral in the monastery grounds is a white stone temple with nine gilded domes.  You will spot the shining tops of the domes from afar! 

This was the first stop on our list of things to do in Chisinau as we parked at the nearby shopping mall carpark.  We could see it right away. 

You can enter the monastery grounds and visit inside the cathedral. 

Inside the beautiful Ciuflea Monastery.

2. Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard

Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard is touted as the cultural heart of Chisinau.  

It is arguably the most prominent street of the Moldovan capital.  The boulevard is lined with numerous buildings of social and political importance, cultural institutions, shops, and restaurants.  

Some of the things to do in Chisinau listed below are on or near the boulevard and surrounding area. 

Even if you don’t go in to the museums and buildings below, the architecture is impressive enough from the street front. 

These are some of the sites to look out for: 

The main entrance to the beautiful Stephen the Great Park comes off the boulevard too. 

Walking the streets of Chisinau amidst stunning architecture.

3. Stephen the Great Central Park 

The Stephen the Great Central Park is the main park in Central Chișinău, Moldova. It is the oldest park in Moldova and spans about 7 hectares (17 acres).

It is a beautiful park for a wander.  And certainly it is one of the popular things to do in Chisinau for locals too. 

There were several sports groups meeting while we were there. Including a dance lesson in the centre of the park which looked to be for senior citizens.  It was fun to see! 

There are a couple of small playgrounds and areas for kids.  

Through the middle of the park the Alley of Classics contains busts of Moldovan writers and a 1928 monument to Stephen The Great. 

School groups and families inside Stephen The Great Central Park.

4. Triumphal Arch – Things to do in Chisinau

The Triumphal Arch is a monument next to the Nativity Cathedral and directly opposite Government House.  

If you are coming off the main boulevard to the cathedral, you can’t miss it. 

It is 13 metres tall and designed in a similar stature to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris!  Though (sorry, Moldova) it isn’t quite as grand as the original Parisian model.  

The Chisinau Triumphal Arch was built in 1840 by the architect Zauschevic to commemorate the victory of the Russian Empire over the Ottoman Empire. 

It is a popular place for locals and marks the centre of the city. 

5. Nativity Cathedral – Things to do in Chisinau 

The Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity is the main cathedral of the Moldovan Orthodox Church in Chisinau, Moldova.

It is a stunning building!  You can go inside the cathedral.  Though even if you don’t, this is one of the must-see things to do in Chisinau on your visit. 

The cathedral was built in Neoclassical style, commissioned by the governor of New Russia in 1830.  At the front, the facade is very simple and clear with six Doric columns marking the entrance.

The New Bell tower was constructed in 1997.  

Inside the cathedral interior is painted in typically orthodox style with colourful and gilded murals over the walls and ceilings. 

The very grand front and side pillars of the Nativity Cathedral.
The bell tower and cathedral in the background.

6. Cathedral Park – Things to do in Chisinau

Right in the centre of city and containing the Nativity Cathedral and Triumphal Arch is the large Cathedral Park.  

It is a huge open space with park benches, shady trees and flower gardens. 

The Cathedral Park is a popular place to be in the city.

7. Alexander Pushkin House Museum

Alexander Pushkin was a Russian poet, playwright, and novelist of the Romantic era.  He is considered by many to be the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature. 

Though I have to be honest.  We didn’t know anything about Alexander Pushkin before visiting! 

However I would now recommend a visit to the Alexander Pushkin House as one of the interesting things to do in Chisinau.  

Certainly, it is a small museum. Though the staff were so lovely and did all they could to translate their tour via their phones to show us around. 

It is only a tiny house set up as a museum with one room where Alexander Pushkin lived for a short period in 1820.    

It is quiet and out of the main bustle of the marketplace and central city.  Though I’m pretty sure for us it was the lovely staff that made it a standout – albeit random – one of the sites in Chisinau we enjoyed! 

The quaint small museum at the House of Alexander Pushkin.

8. Central Market – Things to do in Chisinau

Hands down this was my favourite of our day exploring the things to do in Chisinau!  

I always love the markets and bazars of anywhere we travel.  But the market in Chisinau is classically bustling in Eastern European style.  

There are rows and rows of tables stacked with berries, fruits and vegetables.  Behind the main fresh produce building there are narrow laneways with small shops and kiosks selling stationery and clothing, shoes, homewares – pretty much anything you can think of. 

We loved the fresh fruits and of course got some (more) pastries and breads to try. 

Entering the arcade to the main produce section at the Central Market.
Strawberries for the picking at Chisinau Central Market.

9. Valea Morilor Park – Things to do in Chisinau

Well I’m guessing that like us, you didn’t expect to see a beach on the list of things to do in Chisinau? 

Haha. We certainly didn’t! 

But we found a great parking spot near one of the old amusement parks in Valea Morilor Park.  Where it turns out, there is an inner city lake complete with lakeshore beaches for swimming, playgrounds, walking paths and restaurants and kiosks open for ice cream and dinner. 

It was a cool spot in Chisinau to explore! 

Playgrounds with the lake and circular lake walking track in the background.

10. Chisinau State Circus Building

The Chisinau State Circus was once the largest and most modern in the USSR.  It doesn’t exist as an operational circus today.  But the building itself is one of the notable landmarks in Chisinau – and Moldova. 

Historically the Chisinau State Circus hosted concerts and performances of both local and international artists (Belarus, China, Finland, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, etc).   It had a capacity of 1,900 seats and the ring was over 13 metres across, making it the largest auditorium in Moldova. 

We were quite fascinated to see the famous building.  Albeit it is abandoned and shut up now to any visitors. 

But as random as it was it was another of interesting ticket for our list of things to do in Chisinau! 

The infamous – and very much abandoned – Chisinau Circus Building.

Other Things To Do In Chisinau, Moldova

If you have more time there are other things to do in Chisinau.  

Or if you have a second day you could take a day trip to Orheiul Vechi Cave Monastery – or one of the famous wineries! 

Things to do in Chisinau with kids

Playgrounds are everywhere!  The parks of Chisinau are beautiful in the typical post-Soviet style of cities with plenty of green spaces. 

It was a good start to our visit to find a carpark near the lake.  There are numerous playgrounds and even a beach(!) on the lakeshore that the kids enjoyed. 

Plus I have to add that ice creams are cheap in Moldova.  Even a walk around the city – including ice cream – was a hit as far as things to do in Chisinau with kids. 

Trying freshly squeezed pomegranate juice in the Central Market.

Day trips and things to do near Chisinau, Moldova 

If you have more time in Chisinau we highly recommend taking a day trip to one of the wineries.

Asconi Winery

We loved this winery and ended up staying the night in our van.

Because seriously, a vineyard in Moldova with divine Rose wine, stewed rabbit meat, wrapped vine leaves and Moldovan dumplings? It has to be one for the bucket list! 

Milestii Mici Winery 

This is the largest winery in Moldova, and indeed the world, known for its massive underground wine cellars and extensive wine collection, holding nearly 2 million bottles and spanning over 200 kilometres!

Orheiul Vechi Cave Monastery

This is an Orthodox monastery that is built right into the Moldovan cliffside in a series of underground caves. The monastery was dug into these rocky cliffs by local monks in the 13th century.

Transnistria

Transdniestria is an unrecognised state and separatist enclave in Moldova. 

It declared independence in 1990, leading to a brief civil war, and maintains functional autonomy with Russian military and economic support. Transnistria is a fascinating place to visit on a day trip from Chisinau.

Views from the clifftop at Orheiul Vechi Cave Monastery.

Moldovan food to try in Chisinau

We enjoyed trying some new Moldovan specialities including Placinta – stuffed pies!

Though there are other foods to try in Moldova too: 

Kvass is a naturally fermented rye drink (a little like Kombucha).  

It sounds weird. But it is definitely the most popular non-alcoholic beverage we have seen in Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s quite tasty too! 

There is always reason to find Placinte in Moldova.

Restaurants, cafes and where to eat in Chisinau, Moldova

Chisinau is buzzing with cafes and restaurants, from vegetarian to fast food eateries serving traditional, national and continental dishes. 

Our delicious spread of Sarmale and rabbit stew with Rose at Asconi Winery.

Where to park with a motorhome in Chisinau

During the daytime in Chisinau we parked at the NR1 Hypermarket.

Though we found a great park for the night in Chisinau with our motorhome and ended up there for two nights of our travels in Moldova. 

CHISINAU, STRADA GHIOCEILOR

About: This is a great (free) parking spot in Chisinau just near to the beach (yes; in Moldova) and promenade around the lakeside.  

We had a quiet couple of nights stay here. Although it is worth noting not to be alarmed if when the park does get busy in the late hours of the afternoon and vehicles may double park assuming you are staying the night.  

People are friendly and we found it a good location to park. We headed into the city for a daytime carpark to explore the things to do in Chisinau.

The verdict? Is it worth visiting Chisinau and Moldova? 

We really enjoyed Moldova! It’s hard to describe the mixture of European, West Asian and post-Soviet culture in this independent small country. And hearing it is officially the ‘least visited country in Europe’ made it even more fascinating to visit.

Read more about travel in Eastern Europe 

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