In this Moldova travel guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Moldova through a carefully crafted 4-day travel itinerary. From the bustling capital of Chisinau to the mysterious regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia. And from the beautiful monasteries of Old Orhei and Curchi to the world’s largest underground wine cellars.
Moldova may not be on everyone’s travel radar, but its diverse attractions make it a rewarding destination for those willing to explore. Despite its small size, this Eastern European country has a very diverse set of attractions and experiences. And because Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe you’ll have most of these places completely to yourself.
So come along with me and discover the best things to do in Moldova with this travel guide. First you will find all of the practical information you need, followed by a suggested 4 days in Moldova travel itinerary. So plan your trip now and uncover the treasures of this fascinating country.
Moldova Travel Guide | 4-day Itinerary
Let’s dive right into the best part of this Moldova travel guide: exploring Moldova! I’ve created the below 4 day Moldova itinerary based on my own experience. That means it all worked out for me.
If you have more or less than 4 days available to discover Moldova you can of course also use my Moldova itinerary. At the end of this section I give you some options to shorten or extend this itinerary.
Tip: After this itinerary you’ll find a lot of practical information on visiting Moldova.
Day 1 | Explore Chisinau on a self-guided walking tour
Your Moldova itinerary begins in Chisinau, the vibrant capital of Moldova, which is known for its Soviet-era architecture and lush parks.
Morning – EcoLocal Farmers’ Market, a walk in the park and Artcor
Start your day with a visit to the Ciuflea Monastery, a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture. From there head to the Piata Centrala (Central Market), or if it’s Saturday take the bus to the EcoLocal Farmers’ Market instead.
Continue with a stroll through Dendrariu Park from where you can walk or take the bus to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. If you love art and music then check out if there are any activities going on at Artcor. Keep your eyes open in this part of the city for some of the most typical Soviet-era architecture.
Done with your art and music fix, then it’s time to head down the beautiful Cascadelor Stairs to Valea Morilor Lake. Go for a walk along the lake and take the Granite Stairs back up. Eventually you’ll end up at the old water tower that now houses the Chisinau City History Museum. The museum has a great observation deck for some grand views.
Afternoon – Cathedral Park and bus ride to Soviet-era Chisinau State Circus
For lunch have a sit down at Little Napoli for the best pizza in the city. After lunch have a coffee at Coffee Monkey, before continuing to one of the two museums here. Take your pick from the Natural History Museum, or the National Museum of Fine Arts.
All done in the art department, then walk it off in Stephen the Great Central Park, named after Moldova’s national hero. From there it’s a short stumble and you’ve made it to the very heart of the city, Cathedral Park.
Here, take a look at the Government House of Moldova and the Triumphal Arch. This arch commemorates the Russian victory over the Ottoman Empire. But certainly don’t forget to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity either.
Finish your first day of sightseeing of this Moldova itinerary by taking the bus to the Chisinau State Circus. The building has really fallen in disrepair, but EU-funding is helping to restore this masterpiece of Soviet-era architecture.
Evening – Dinner with local dishes & time to hit some wine bars
After your visit to the State Circus you have probably worked up an appetite. For dinner head La Placinte at Cathedral Park. The Romanian with a Moldovan twist restaurant is perfect to sample some of the region’s specialties.
And speaking of specialties, wine is what Moldova is specialised in. So, when you’re done for dinner hit one of the city’s many wine bars. Close to La Placinte you can visit Plincuvin Wine Shop and Carpe Diem Wine Bar.
Also read: 25 Best Things To Do In Chisinau In One Day
Day 2 | Transnistria Adventure
On day 2 of this Moldova travel guide your itinerary takes you to the mysterious Transnistria. If you take an early marshrutka from Autogara Centrala bus station in Chisinau you can fit in Tiraspol, the Noul Neamt Monastery and the Bendery Fortress.
A trip to Transnistria requires some extra preparation in comparison to the rest of this Moldova itinerary. Transnistria is a self-proclaimed country and has its own borders and currency. Check out my guide on How To Visit Transnistria for more in-depth information.
If visiting Transnistria independently sounds a little too exciting for you, then consider joining a tour. I recommend to book this tour through viator, for a similar experience as in my Moldova itinerary.
Tip: You won’t have any internet connection in Tiraspol, except for some public wifi in the parks. So, to make the most of your day and not to get lost, download the Transnistria map on Google Maps to your phone.
Morning – Start your Transnistria adventure in capital Tiraspol
Get off the marshrutka at the Kvint Factory and from there walk (for 35 minutes) to the Monument of the Aviators. You can take a shortcut through Victory Park where you can find an eery looking ferris wheel.
On your way back to the city and the Tiraspol City Hall pass by the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God. Around the corner from the City Hall you can find a large billboard of Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space.
Continue your exploration of Tiraspol with a walk along the Dniester river to Wollant Park where you can find the I heart Tiraspol sign. Take some pictures with the Tank Monument aftwerwards and then cross the street to the Supreme Council building. But apart from the building the highlight is the giant Lenin Statue in front of it.
Finish your visit to Tiraspol at bustling Suvorov Square to check out the Transnistria Coat of Arms, the Suvorov Monument, the Green Market and the Christmas Cathedral.
From the Green Market you can grab some items for a picnic lunch at the Noul Neamt Monastery. Or plan some time for a sit down at a restaurant. Tiraspol is not really a foodie walhalla, so no need to linger in some restaurant.
Afternoon – Visit the Noul Neamt Monastery and the Bendery Fortress
After all that walking and exploring Soviet influenced monuments in Tiraspol it’s time to head to the Noul Neamt Monastery in Chitcani. To reach it you have to take the marshrutka that leaves every 20-30 minutes from the other side of the bridge.
This peaceful monastic complex is a spiritual haven with beautifully restored churches and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s perfect for a picnic on the benches in the gardens.
Check out the interiors of both churches and try to head up into the bell tower. I tried to get up there, but was unfortunately stopped by the shop lady that gave me a very resounding ‘NJET’. There’s some awesome murals to be found next to the fruit and vegetable gardens on the complex.
Take the marshrutka back about an hour after you got to the Noul Neamt Monastery. When you’re back in Tiraspol, then take the line 20 marshrutka to Bender and get out close to the Bendery Fortress. It should take about 10 minutes on foot to reach the fort.
The Bendery Fortress is a beautifully restored fort that has been overlooking the banks of the Dniester river for centuries. You should plan about an hour to walk the grounds and go up the walls. Entrance fee is 50 rubles.
After your visit to the Bendery Fortress conclude your trip to Transnistria with a walk to the Bender Bus Station. Along the way pass the Alexander Lebed Monument with another tank monument in front of it.
Evening – Back to Chisinau for dinner smash burgers and craft beer
Don’t take a marshrutka back to Chisinau later than 6pm, because otherwise you might be overstaying your permit. And I don’t think you want to find out what happens when you do overstay your welcome.
Back in Chisinau it’s time for dinner. And because it’s probably quite late already dive into a delicious smash burger at Taproom by Litra & Friends. Here they service a delicious smash burger with plenty of local beers on tap. I had the Intra Pop Art IPA which happened to be a perfect match with that burger.
Day 3 | Monasteries, Heritage Sites and Wine
Start your third day of this Moldova itinerary by picking up a rental car that you reserved through rentalcars.com. After the formalities set your satnav for the Curchi Monastery and start driving.
I found Moldovans to be very careful and patient drivers, so you’ll have no problems navigating the roads. Although I have to say that there are quite a few roads in dire need of renovations. You shouldn’t have any problems in the itinerary of this Moldova travel guide though.
No car? No problem, because you can also book this tour through viator and not miss out on anything.
Morning – Visit the Curchi Monastery
Your first stop today is the Curchi Monastery, which is renowned for its stunning architecture and surroundings. The complex includes several churches, a picturesque lake, and well-maintained gardens.
It’s lovely to look around here for an hour or so. Walk the grounds, but don’t forget to take a picture of the monastery and the green hills from across the lake.
All done at the monastery, then continue your drive to Old Orhei which should take about 30-40 minutes.
Afternoon – Continue to Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi)
Old Orhei is a rather larger area, so understanding what you’re going to visit will help a lot. Entering the grounds you can make a first stop at the Belvedere viewpoint. Continue driving to the parking lot next to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, passing the Old Orhei Fort.
When you park the car walk along the Raut river, cross the bridge and take the foot path on your left going up the hill. When you follow the path you will pass the Butuceni cemetery, the landmark stone cross with the cave church next to it and at the end the stone church.
From the stone church you can take the stairs down into the Butuceni village for a deeper dive into local traditions. The traditional houses in the town are beautiful and the encounters with the locals I had were very friendly. When visiting on Monday like I did pretty much everything was closed though.
Walk back to the car and drive to the bridge over the Raut river that’s just before Trebujeni. Here you find the Tatar Bath ruins and also a foot path leading to a bunch of caves inside the limestone an easy short walk away.
Late afternoon – Discover the Cricova Winery underground cellars
On your way back to Chisinau, stop at Cricova Winery. This underground marvel is one of the largest wine cellars in the world, with extensive tunnels and impressive wine collections. Take a guided tour to learn about Moldova’s wine-making heritage and enjoy a tasting session.
There are many tour starting times every day in different languages. Call ahead to check when the next English tour is, or just show up like I did. I joined the 4pm English 2 hour tour that cost 700 lei.
Evening – Dinner at Divus and cocktails at Marlene
After such an awesome day finishing at Cricova Winery, I’m sure you are in for an evening with culinary highlights. My recommendation is to reserve a table at Divus Restaurant. This restaurant in the basement of the Thomas Albert Hotel is one of the best in the city. You’ll find excellent food here, paired with Moldovan or international wines.
Finish the day by hopping to a few more wine bars, or indulge in a cocktail at the best cocktail bar in town, Marlene. The Marlene Sour comes highly recommended and is a delicious variation on the Peruvian classic.
Day 4 | Journey to Gagauzia
Start your final day of this Moldova 4-day itinerary with coffee at Yoco Coffee & Drinks on your way out of the city. All fueled up drive about 1.5 hours south to the small village of Besalma. On the way there you will enjoy the landscape with its rolling hills and farmland. Include a stop to at the Gagauzia Flags.
No car? No problem, because you can have a very similar experience to my itinerary below if you book this tour through viator.
Morning – Start your day in Gagauzia in Besalma
On arrival in the sleepy town of Besalma, park your car next to the Saint George Church and go for a short walk. Aim for the historical windmill that kinda fell into disrepair and enjoy the scenery on the walk.
Think of horse and carriage, wine ranks, cackling chickens, rose bushes and a rooster you can hear in the distance that obviously lost track of time. Then again, time has seemingly stood still here anyway.
It should take 20-30 minutes one way to reach the windmill, depending on how many photo stops you make.
Back at the church you can take a peek inside, but also check out the National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum right behind it. Inside this museum you can learn about the Gagauz history and culture. And in the spirit of Soviet-era monuments, take a look at the Afghanistan and WW2 monuments.
Continue your road trip to the next town, Congaz. You can visit the cute green Saint Trinity Church here. If you’re pressed for time you can skip it though. Next, head to Gagauz Sofrasi for a traditional lunch in a beautiful complex with wooden elements.
Afternoon – Comrat, another winery or Manuc Bey Mansion
After lunch in Congaz drive back towards Chisinau again, but stop in the city of Comrat. Just south of the centre you can visit the Eliberarii Park with a couple of Soviet style monuments.
Back in the car drive towards the city centre and easily park the car at the Linella supermarket. The city centre of Comrat when I visited was very lively and bustling. Totally not what I expected if I’m being honest. There are quite a few places here for al fresco drinks, the parks are full of people and the vibe welcoming.
Sights to see in the centre are definitely Central Park with the Saint John Cathedral taking centre stage and the I heart Comrat sign. But also check out the flags and Lenin statue in front of the Gagauzian People’s Assembly building.
If you didn’t have lunch yet in Congaz, perhaps check out Chateau Comrat. This winery on the edge of town serves delicious lunch and offers wine tastings.
Alternatively, on your way back to Chisinau stop at Asconi Winery for another wine tour. But if your visit to Cricova yesterday was enough for you then you can also visit the Manuc Bey Mansion. Exploring the Manuc Bey Mansion offers a glimpse into Moldova’s historical and cultural heritage.
Evening – Final dinner and time to say goodbye
Back in Chisinau it’s time for dinner and the end of the itinerary in this Moldova Travel Guide. There are so many good restaurants to choose from, but if you want another traditional meal go to La Crasma, which is just north of the city. If you prefer to dine in a more modern European restaurant however, then consider Atypic.
How to shorten or extend this 4-day Moldova itinerary
I was seriously impressed by the sights in Moldova and could’ve easily spend another couple of days. Check out some of these itinerary ideas to shorten or extend your stay:
- Less than 4 days | With less than 4 days in Moldova you can drop any of the days in this travel itinerary. Just know that it’s easiest to base yourself in Chisinau and then pick and mix days to your liking.
- More than 4 days | Add a night in Tiraspol so you can explore Transnistria over two days. With 6 days drive north after your visit to Old Orhei for an overnight stay in Soroca. Here you can visit the Soroca Fortress and the Candle of Gratitude.
- One week | With a week or longer, explore more of Gagauzia by heading to Cahul. Alternatively, stay a night in Balti or add extra days to Chisinau. Or go on a wine tour across the country.
Moldova Travel Guide | Practical Information
Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe, so there aren’t many guide books on Moldova out there. So let me take you through some of the practical information.
In this section you can find out what the best time to visit Moldova is, but also if you need a visa. Find out how to get to Moldova, but also how to get around. And not least of all where to stay and how to stay connected to the internet.
Moldova Travel Guide – Best Time To Visit
Moldova experiences a moderate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers (June to August) typically see temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. And while travelling in winter can be more challenging it can also be very rewarding in rural areas that can offer snowy scenery.
The best time to visit Moldova however is during the late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild, with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). These seasons also coincide with various cultural festivals and wine harvests.
Moldova Travel Guide – Where To Stay
This Moldova travel guide shows you how to make the most of your trip. By using capital Chisinau as your base you can easily visit all of the destinations in this Moldova travel itinerary. Find my suggestions on where to stay in Chisinau below.
- Radisson Blue Leogrand | If you’re looking for luxury from a large international chain then this hotel is your pick. Unbeatable central location next to Cathedral Park.
- Thomas Albert | Right in the centre of town close to wine bars and excellent restaurants. And Divus, the city’s best restaurant on-site.
- Hostel City Center | Looking for the best location in town, but don’t want to pay too much? This hostel has dorms and private rooms right opposite the Radisson.
- Panoramic Views Airbnb | Stay on the 15th floor of a brand new apartment complex, just off the main street and next to the central bus station.
Moldova Travel Guide – Visa Formalities
Most western countries can visit Moldova visa free for up to 90 days, such as all EU-countries, United Stated, United Kingdom and Australia.
And all those that can visit Moldova can also visit the self-proclaimed country of Transnistria for up to 45 days.
Check right here if you want to learn more about all the visa policy details for Moldova. And for more details on Transnistria here.
Moldova Travel Guide – Getting There
Most people visiting Moldova will arrive through the airport, or enter the country from Romania via Iasi or Bucharest on a long distance bus. Of course if you are driving you have total freedom as well. Either way, if you follow the itinerary in this travel guide it’s best to head to Chisinau.
Chisinau International Airport (RMO)
If you live further away from Moldova flying into the country is your best choice. Chisinau has an international airport that is serviced by quite a few airlines such as Austrian, Tarom and Wizz. Check Google Flights to find your connection to Chisinau and book directly with the airlines or through booking.com.
Wizz also flies to Iasi in Romania from where you can take a long distance bus to Chisinau (see below).
Every 20-30 minutes city bus line 30 stops in front of the terminal building. This bus takes you close to Cathedral Park in the centre of Chisinau. You can buy your ticket on the bus for 6 lei, either in cash, or with Visa or Mastercard. Alternatively, get in a taxi, or use the Yandex Go app to get a ride which should cost around 100 lei.
Long Distance Bus
The most common bus routes to Moldova are those to Chisinau from Iasi and Bucharest in Romania. From Iasi the bus trip takes about 3 hours. And from Bucharest 8 hours.
Chisinau is also well connected to Odessa in Ukraine. But since Russia is often throwing bombs on Odessa please consider your safety when visiting Ukraine.
I always use omio.com to search and book international bus connections. I like Omio because their app lets you keep all your bus tickets in one place. And the app let’s you compare trains, buses and flights in the same app. Sign up to Omio with this link to try it out. You’ll get €10 credit to use on your first booking.
Train from Bucharest
If you’re in Bucharest you can also take the train. The sleeper train takes about 14 hours and departs daily at 7pm (from ‘Bucuresti Nord’ station). You can book your ticket on the website of Romanian Railways.
Moldova Travel Guide – Getting Around
If you follow the itinerary in this Moldova travel guide you will use a variety of transportation options. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, but to get around Chisinau you can use the great bus system as well.
On your day trip to Transnistria you will use the marshrutka, which is a kind of shuttle service. On the final two days of this Moldova itinerary it’s best and easiest to travel around in a rental car.
Use the city bus in Chisinau
The city bus is the way to go if you want to cover somewhat larger distances within Chisinau. All available buses are visible in Google Maps to make it even easier for you. Most buses run very often so you never have to wait long.
Inside every bus there will always be a person walking up and down selling tickets. A single trip is just 6 lei (about €0.35). No cash? No problem! All of the buses are equipped with machines where you can tap your credit card (Visa and Mastercard).
Take the marshrutka between cities
The marshrutka is the way to go when you want to travel between cities in Moldova. Autogara Centrala is the hub in Chisinau connecting you to Tiraspol, Comrat and Orhei for example.
The marshrutka is perfect if you just want to visit another city from Chisinau and then go back. However, if you want to travel between smaller sights in this itinerary it can be time consuming and confusing to use marshrutkas.
Bus stops outside of Chisinau typically don’t have any information. Not for the marshrutka that stops there, let alone at what time. So do keep that in mind if you want to rely on marshrutkas.
Take a taxi
Taking a taxi is also a handy way to get around Chisinau. There is no Uber in Moldova, but you can install the Yandex Go app that works very similar.
Tip: Many visitors to Moldova use the Yandex Go app to get a ride from Chisinau to the Cricova Winery. For the way back they have the reception of Cricova arrange them a taxi, if Yandex Go doesn’t have any cars around.
Rent a car for a few days
I highly recommend to rent a car for the final two days of the itinerary in this Moldova travel guide. It’s just so much more convenient to get around to explore Gagauzia and the monasteries around Orhei.
To avoid having to go back to the airport you can rent a car from one of the rental companies’ city locations. I booked my car with Sixt through rentalcars.com. They allowed me to pick it up in their city centre location and return it at the airport. For peace of mind take their insurance as well to avoid any hassle when picking up and returning the car.
Moldova Travel Guide – Money Matters
Moldova uses the Moldovan Lei (MDL) at a rate of about 20 MDL to €1. You won’t be needing a lot of cash though, because pretty much everywhere you can pay with your bank card or credit card. If you need cash you can simply get it from most ATM’s around the country.
In Transnistria they use their own currency, the Transnistrian Ruble (PRB). You cannot get it anywhere, other than in Transnistria. And you cannot change it back to anything anywhere other than in Transnistria. The exchange rate is similar to the MDL
There are plenty of exchange office and banks in Tiraspol, so you shouldn’t have trouble to exchange to local currency. Most common currencies they all take are euros, US dollars, Russian rubles and Moldovan lei.
Moldova Travel Guide – Staying Connected
Before you travel to Moldova check whether your phone and data provider also got you covered in Moldova. If not then you can install an Airalo eSim in your phone. I use Airalo all the time when I venture outside of the EU.
I got an Airalo esim for Moldova (Orange network) and it had 4G pretty much everywhere I went. However, if you travel to Transnistria it won’t work, especially not in Tiraspol. I did have 4G sometimes in Bender. In public parks in Tiraspol there is some very slow public wifi available.
Tip: If you usually rely on Google Maps to get around, then download the map before your visit to Transnistria.
Moldova Travel Guide – Travel Insurance
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Honestly, it might sound cliché, but I firmly believe it’s true. Travel insurance gives me peace of mind, because if something happens I don’t have to worry about expensive bills.
I always have travel insurance, 365 days a year, because I travel quite a lot. And it usually turns out cheaper than taking out separate policies for each trip. Find my recommendations for travel insurance below.
Under 50 years old? – My recommendation is to check out Heymondo Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance. It covers all your trips for a year up to 60 days per trip. You can also get insurance through Heymondo for trips with specific travel dates. As a reader of Next Journey Ahead you get 5% off your Heymondo insurance through this link.
Over 50 years old? – Older than 49 and travel a lot? Then you want to check out World Nomads travel insurance. They also offer annual travel insurance, or you can insure trips with specific travel dates.
Digital Nomad? – If you’re always on the move then I recommend checking out the Nomad Insurance of SafetyWing. This insurance company – by travellers, for travellers – offers subscription based insurance. That means it renews every month until you cancel. Perfect! But you can also insure specific travel dates.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Moldova
Thanks for reading all the way to the end of my Moldova Travel Guide. I hope you have an amazing trip planned now with the help of my Moldova travel itinerary. Let me know in the comments section below if you have any remarks or unanswered questions.
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