Moldova Itinerary: Stephen the Great Central Park cafe, Chisinau

25 Best Things To Do in Chisinau in One Day + 5 Day Trip Ideas

Sometimes one day is all you have to explore a city. But luckily in Chisinau one day is pretty much all you need to see most of the things to do in Moldova’s capital. With more time in Chisinau however, you can use the city as a base to discover more of Moldova on day trips.

In this article I’ll show you all of the best things to do in Chisinau. You’ll visit the city’s lovely green parks and the Soviet-era architecture. And I’ll direct you to fresh food markets and the best coffee spots in town.

With more time in Chisinau you can use the city as a base to discover even more things to do in Chisinau and Moldova. Go on a day trip to Transnisitria, a country that is not recognised by any UN-member. Or head south for a day trip to the region of Gagauzia.

Staying longer not only allows you to go on these day trips, but also gives you ample time to dive deeper in Chisinau’s food and drinks scene. And trust me when I say you will not be disappointed!

Read more: Check out my Moldova Travel Guide, for more about this little known country.

Practical Information For Your Visit to Chisinau

Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe, so there aren’t many guide books on Moldova or Chisinau out there. So let me take you through some practical information before we get to the best things to do in Chisinau.

Find out what the best time to visit Chisinau is, but also whether or not you need a visa. Find out how to get to Chisinau, and how to get around. And not least of all where to stay and how to stay connected with an eSIM.

Moldova Travel Guide: Chisinau State Circus

Best Time To Visit Chisinau

The best time to visit Chisinau is during 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 events, as well as the wine harvest season.

Visa Formalities for Moldova

Citizens from most western countries can visit Chisinau and Moldova visa free for up to 90 days, such as all EU-countries, United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

And all those that can visit Chisinau can also visit the self-proclaimed country of Transnistria for up to 45 days.

Check the Moldova Visa Policy to learn more about what applies to your visit to Chisinau. If you also plan to visit Tiraspol on a day trip, then check Transnistria’s Visa Policy too.

Getting to Chisinau

Most people visiting Chisinau will arrive through the airport, or enter from Romania via Iasi or Bucharest on a long distance bus. Of course if you are driving you have total freedom as well.

Arriving at 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).

How to get from Chisinau (RMO) airport to the city centre?

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 Chisinau are 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 you think of visiting Ukraine right now.

Use omio.com to search and book international bus connections. Omio compares trains, buses and flights and lets you store purchased tickets in the same app. Sign up to Omio with this link to try it out and receive €10 to use on your first booking.

Train from Bucharest

If you’re in Bucharest you can also take the train to Chisinau. 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.

Getting Around in Chisinau

If you follow the list of things to do in Chisinau in this article you will mainly walk, but to get around Chisinau you can additionally use the great bus system.

If you plan add a day trip to Transnistria you will also use the marshrutka, which is a kind of mini-van shuttle service.

Chisinau Autogara Centrala mosaic, Moldova

Use the city bus in Chisinau

Use the city bus 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.

Inside every bus there is 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 only).

Tip: Download the Easyway app for route maps of city buses and marshrutkas in Chisinau and other cities in Moldova and Transnistria.

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.

Transnistria Travel Guide: ticket desk for marshrutka to Noul Neamt Monastery

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.

Money Matters in Chisinau, Moldova

Chisinau is the capital of Moldova where they use the Moldovan Lei (MDL). The exchange rate is 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 as you walk around visiting all of the things to do in Chisinau.

Where To Stay in Chisinau

You can visit most of Chisinau in one day, but to dive a little deeper stay for a couple of nights. Use Chisinau as a base for day trips further into Moldova. 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.

Staying Connected on Your Chisinau Trip

Before you travel to Chisinau 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 in Chisinau and Moldova. However, if you travel to Transnistria it won’t work, especially not in Tiraspol.

Get 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 you peace of mind, because if something happens you get help and 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? | Check out Heymondo Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance which 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 travel insurance.
  • 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. Of course World Nomads is also an option if you’re under 50.
  • 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.

Best Things To Do in Chisinau in One Day

So, with all of the practicalities of visiting Chisinau out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff. Find the 25 best things to do in Chisinau in one day below. You can do them all in one day if you start early, but keep in mind that you won’t have time for in-depth visits to the listed museums.

Continue reading after the initial 25 things to do in Chisinau in one day and you’ll find another section with 5 more things to do. You can use Chisinau as a base to visit those places as day trips.

1. Ciuflea Monastery

Start your day in Chisinau by visiting the Ciuflea Monastery that was founded in the mid-19th century. This monastery is an Orthodox Christian monastery renowned for its stunning blue and white exterior and shiny golden cupolas.

The monastery remains an active place of worship, so with a bit of luck you can witness a ceremony here. When I arrived, the Saturday morning ceremony was coming to an end as the priest was blessing the food and the attendees.

2. Piata Centrala Market

A short walk away, the Piata Centrala Market awaits. This bustling marketplace, dating back to the Soviet era, is the largest in Chisinau. Here, you’ll find an infinite amount of fresh produce, local delicacies, clothing, and household items.

The Central Market is one of those markets where you can really experience local culture with people dressed in traditional countryside attire. The market is big though, very big, so if you prefer a smaller scale market and it’s Saturday, then head to the EcoLocal Farmers’ Market.

3. EcoLocal Farmers’ Market organic shopping

One of my favourite things to do in Chisinau is to visit the weekly (on Saturday) Farmers’ Market on the western side Chisinau’s city centre. This market focuses on organic and eco-friendly products, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and artisanal goods.

The market is quite small compared to Piata Centrala, and it’s also a lot less hectic. But, the EcoLocal Farmers’ Market is a great place to support local farmers and enjoy healthy, sustainably produced food.

My favourite stands are the Gradina Doinei artisinal bread stand and close to it the stand with home made spreads such as hummus and pesto. Perfect to bring for lunch later on, or to take back to your hotel room or apartment so you can have a snack later on during your visit to Chisinau.

4. Dendrariu Park

Continue your journey in Chisinau heading to Dendrariu Park which is just a few minutes walk away from the EcoLocal Farmers’ Market. This botanical garden and recreational area is home to a diverse array of plant species and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Follow some of the walking paths around the park, but make sure to visit the water area with some tacky looking fountains. The vegetation here is beautiful, especially in spring when there’s plenty of colourful flowers.

Dendrariu Park in Chisinau

5. Head to the Jewish Cemetery

Continuing your exploration, history buffs should not miss the Jewish Cemetery which is one of the largest and oldest in Moldova. This site (closed on Saturdays) offers a glimpse into the once thriving Jewish community in Chisinau.

Around the 1930s Chisinau had about 150,000 Jewish citizens, but by 1941 the nazis transported many of them to concentration camps. The majority never returned from those camps…

6. Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour

Next up on this list of things to do in Chisinau is a visit to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. Fun fact is that this historic church played a role during the Cold War’s space race. It was built in the late 19th century as part of a gymnasium for boys but was transformed into a planetarium during the Cold War.

Unfortunately in 1990 a fire destroyed the instruments of the planetarium. Because there weren’t enough funds to replace the instruments the building was eventually handed back over to the Orthodox Church.

7. Artcor Creative Industries Center

As I was walking from the Transfiguration Church to the next things to do in Chisinau I heard music in the distance. The sound was ever so slight, but then I noticed the music coming from the air ventilation grills. As I turned the corner I noticed some modern structure with Artcor on it.

Artcor is a creative hub and cultural centre that hosts various artistic events, exhibitions, and workshops. So the sound I heard was coming from a guitar workshop that was pretty cool to witness. Peeking around I also noticed an artist’s new work that was hung out to dry.

So, if you’re an artist or a visitor interested in contemporary art and culture check out this vibrant place.

8. Find Soviet-era and Brutalist Architecture all over Chisinau

Chisinau features numerous examples of Soviet-era and Brutalist architecture, reflecting the city’s 20th-century history. Key buildings include the Government House and various residential complexes.

But there’s plenty of other buildings that stand out, either for their robustness or ugliness, or both. Around Artcor you’ll find a couple such buildings. One example looks like an abandoned parking garage.

A few other highlights are an abandoned house on the northwestern corner of Cathedral Park, and a concrete and iron monstrosity one block further north.

The absolute highlight however is the Chisinau State Circus. Scroll down to the end of this list of things to do in Chisinau in one day to find out more.

9. National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

Next on your one day tour of things to do in Chisinau is the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, established in 1889. As you step into this museum, you’ll discover exhibits showcasing Moldova’s rich natural history, ethnography, and culture.

Moreover, the museum is housed in a beautiful building with unique architectural features, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages, but especially when visiting with kids.

10. Cascadelor Stairs

Continue your journey through Chisinau by heading to Valea Morilor Park, which is a convenient 5-minute walk from the Ethnography and Natural History Museum. Upon arriving at the park, you’ll immediately see the highlight of the park, the Cascadelor Stairs. These stairs lead down to the scenic Valea Morilor Lake.

The picturesque stairs, are not only a beautiful architectural feature but also a popular spot for enjoying stunning views of the park and lake. Furthermore, with a bit of luck, you might find yourself appearing in the background of a wedding couple’s photoshoot, adding a touch of local charm to your visit.

Cascadelor Stairs in Valea Morilor Park

11. Valea Morilor Park and Lake

Adjacent to the stairs, Valea Morilor Park and Lake provides a large recreational area created in the 1950s. It’s a favorite spot for locals to relax, exercise, and enjoy outdoor activities with scenic walking paths and lake views.

Inside the park you should try to find the tiniest statue of Chisinau, that of the Little Prince. It’s so small that I completely overlooked it. Are you able to find it?

Valea Morilor Lake, Chisinau

12. Granite Stairs

Since you took the Cascadelor Stairs down to the lake, you now need to take the Granite Stairs back up to the centre again. It’s a bit of a climb, but eventually you’ll reach the monument of Doina and Ion Aldea-Teodorovici. This famous musical duo tragically died in a car accident in 1993 after which this monument was erected in 1999.

Granite Stairs in Valea Morilor Park, Chisinau

13. Chisinau City History Museum

To further explore local history, visit the Chisinau City History Museum which is housed in a historic building. This museum provides an overview of the city’s development from its founding to the present day.

Even if you don’t want to visit the displays you can take the lift up to the top floor to reach a viewing deck overlooking the city. This attraction makes a visit to the Chisinau City History Museum one of the best things to do in Chisinau.

14. Saint Theodora of Sihla’s Church

Continue your walk through Chisinau to Saint Theodora of Sihla’s Church. Go there directly after your visit to the Chisinau City History Museum, or take a lunch break at Little Napoli before continuing.

As I approached this relatively modern church newlyweds just came out of the building. Needless to say this church, built in the early 2000s and that is dedicated to Saint Theodora of Sihla, is a building of spiritual significance.

Saint Theodora Sihla's Church in Chisinau

15. Saint Pantaleon’s Church

Another notable church is Saint Pantaleon’s Church, a 19th-century Greek Orthodox sanctuary known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful religious artwork. It’s named after Saint Pantaleon who is celebrated for his healing miracles.

16. Find street art around the city

Chisinau has a growing street art scene and features some vibrant murals and graffiti that add colour and character to its urban landscape. Areas like the abandoned circus and industrial zones are popular for street art. But also in the city centre you’ll find a few spots. So do keep your eyes open when walking around.

17. National Museum of Fine Arts of Moldova

For art lovers, the National Museum of Fine Arts of Moldova, established in 1939, houses an impressive collection of Moldovan and international art. You can find everything here from classical to contemporary pieces, making it one of the country’s most important cultural institutions.

The museums’ exposition rooms are spread out over three floors with each of them containing different themes. Entrance fee is 10 MDL, however if you want to take pictures you have to pay an additional 15 MDL.

18. National History Museum of Moldova

Right next to the National Museum of Fine Arts you can find the National History Museum where you can learn all about Moldova’s history. The museum owns a collection of almost 350,000 items covering the history of Moldova from prehistoric times to the present.

National History Museum of Moldova in Chisinau

19. Stephen the Great Central Park

Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Stephen the Great Central Park, established in 1818. This green oasis in the heart of Chisinau features monuments, fountains, and recreational spaces, and is named after the revered Moldovan prince Stephen the Great.

Stephen the Great succeeded in keeping foreigners out of the country’s border during his reign in the 15th century. His most notable victory was defeating an attempted invasion of the Ottoman Empire in 1475. Later on he did have to pay fees to the Ottomans to keep them away.

There’s a nice cafe inside this leafy park, so take a break here with a cup of coffee or a soft drink.

20. Government House of Moldova

As the seat of Moldova’s government, the Government House of Moldova is an important political landmark. Its Soviet-era architecture is notable and reflects the country’s historical ties with the Soviet Union.

But as much as the building is a symbol of Moldova’s past, what it presents nowadays though is the future. Moldova really wants to be part of the European Union which they made very visible by placing huge banners of the EU and Moldova flags right next to each other.

Triumpha Arch and Government House, Chisinau

21. Triumphal Arch

On the other side of the Stefan cel Mare Boulevard you can already see the Triumphal Arch. The arch, that was built in 1840 commemorates the Russian victory in the Russo-Turkish War. It is a prominent historical landmark that also marks the entrance of Cathedral Park.

Triumphal Arch and Government House in Chisinau

22. Best things to do in Chisinau: Visit Cathedral Park

Right in the heart of Chisinau you’ll find Cathedral Park. A visit to this park is one of the best things to do on your day in Chisinau and should not be missed. The park is full of activity being a popular gathering spot for locals.

The streets alongside the park are lined with shops, cafes, flower stands and a ruined house. Enjoy a stroll through the park and chill out for a bit if you want to relax your feet for a moment.

23. Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity

Also located in Cathedral Park is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity, a neoclassical cathedral built in the early 19th century. With its striking architecture and serene interior, this cathedral is the main Orthodox church in Chisinau.

I’m well aware this is not the first church on this list of things to do in Chisinau, but it is worth your time. The cathedral has something going on all day every day, so do step inside to witness some sort of ceremony and to admire the interior paintings.

24. Holy Mother of God Armenian Apostolic Church

The final church on this list is the Holy Mother of God Armenian Apostolic Church. For me it was the least interesting of all churches in this article though.

However, as I was visiting the gardens around the church a lady came and let me into the already closed building. She spoke no English, and I spoke no Romanian, but we made it work with a bit of help from Google Translate.

She told me a whole story of Manuc Bey who had this church built in 1804. And also about riding his favourite horse from which he fell and then died of horse hair. Maybe I should look up the actual story somewhere, because it sounded fascinating. Despite half the conversation lost in translation it was an enjoyable interaction that I would not have wanted to miss.

Armenian Apostolic Church in Chisinau

25. Best things to do in Chisinau: Visit the State Circus

The final place to visit on this list of things to do is the Chisinau State Circus. It’s perhaps the highlight of your trip if you only have one day in Chisinau, so do not miss out!

This Soviet-era building is known for its distinctive architecture and historical significance. It used to host various performances, but lately has fallen into disrepair. However, the building remains a cultural icon that is now receiving EU-funding so it can be restored.

Unfortunately, because construction works are going on you currently cannot enter the building. Nonetheless it’s the perfect place to end your day in Chisinau.

Map of Things to do in Chisinau

To help you get your bearings take a look at the map below. The map includes all of things to do in Chisinau in the order I described. And if you follow them like I wrote it down you’ll have a great walking route.

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, an itinerary planner on iOS and Android

5 More Things To Do in Chisinau and Moldova on Day Trips

If you have more than one day in Chisinau, then you’ll have plenty of other things to do in Chisinau and Moldova. Check out my suggestions below, but also visit my Moldova Travel Guide and Transnistria Travel Guide.

The easiest way to visit the next 5 things to do is to rent a car. I ended up renting a car for 2 days and combined a visit to the Curchi Monastery and Old Olhei with the Cricova Winery on one day. The other day I went on a day trip to Gagauzia.

Compare all available cars and find the perfect car rental deal on booking.com.

Visit Cricova Winery

No visit to Moldova is complete without exploring the Cricova Winery, one of the largest and most famous in the country. Established in 1952, Cricova is known for its extensive underground wine cellars, which stretch over 100 kilometers.

The winery offers tours that include wine tasting and exploring these impressive cellars. There are quite a few starting times during the day, so either show up or call ahead. I attended a 4pm tour and tasting lasting 2 hours for 700 MDL.

Tip: Use the Yandex Go app to find a taxi to the winery. If you can’t find a taxi back to Chisinau after your tour of Cricova, then ask the receptionists at Cricova to call a taxi for you.

Cricova Winery Tour: Underground Cellars, Moldova

Go shopping at Shopping MallDova

A shopping mall in Moldova with the name Shopping MallDova is reason enough to visit right? Shopping MallDova is the largest shopping mall in Chisinau and offers a wide range of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a modern shopping destination for both locals and visitors.

The mall is situated just outside of Chisinau, but has ample parking space. You can also take bus 2, 5, 22, 23, 30 and 65 that stop in front of the mall.

Go back to the USSR on a day trip to Transnistria

A visit to the breakaway region of Transnistria provides a unique experience, as the area still retains much of its Soviet-era character. Key sites include the capital Tiraspol and the Bender Fortress.

Check out my Transnistria Travel Guide below to find out everything you need to turn your independent trip to Transnistria into a success.

If you prefer to go on an organised tour, then I highly recommend you to book this tour through viator.

Tip: If you usually rely on Google Maps to get around, then download the map of Transnistria before you leave Chisinau.

Visit Gagauzia on a day trip

Another special region in Moldova is Gagauzia. This autonomous region in southern Moldova is known for its unique cultural heritage and picturesque rural landscapes. One of the charming villages within Gagauzia that you should visit is Besalma, where you can visit a cinematic looking wooden windmill.

Just a short distance from Besalma lies the capital city of Gagauzia, Comrat. This city has a lot more hustle and bustle than I initially expected, so do plan for some extra time here if you have it. You can also visit the Comrat Winery for a lunch or wine tasting.

Check out my Moldova Travel Guide if you want to read more. Or book your trip to Gagauzia right here on viator.

Besalma windmill in Gagauzia, Moldova

Go on a day trip to the Curchi Monastery and Old Orhei

Last but not least on this list of things to do in Chisinau is another popular day trip. About an hour north of Chisinau you can visit the Curchi Monastery. Use the morning to drive there and to visit the site.

Continue your day by driving to Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi) where you can spend most of the afternoon exploring the rock church and the town of Butuceni.

If you time it right you could even combine your trip to the Curchi Monastery and Orheiul Vechi with a visit to the underground cellars of the Cricova Winery.

If you don’t want to drive yourself, then join this tour through viator for an excellent day trip from Chisinau.

Orheiul Vechi, Moldova

Where To Eat and Drink in Chisinau

Moldovan cuisine is hearty and diverse, featuring dishes like mămăligă (cornmeal porridge), plăcintă (filled pastry) and sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls). Trying local food is a must for any visitor.

Moldova is also famous for its many wineries. It’s a great idea to visit wineries all over the country such as Cricova, Milestii Mici, Castel Mimi or Asconi Winery.

But, because Chisinau is blessed with many wine bars, you can also stay in the city and take your taste buds on a flavourful journey across this wine country.

Best Chisinau coffee shops that keep you going

But before we head to the restaurant and bar section, let’s start with Chisinau’s thriving coffee scene. There’s quite a few places that are just perfect to get a coffee to go. Or where you can linger a little longer if you’re a coffee aficionado, like me.

As I was exploring all of the best things to do in Chisinau in this article I found these coffee shops to be my favourites. And yes I’ve tried them all!

  • YOCO Coffee & Drinks – A bit out of the way, but the perfect place for a V60 with your choice of beans from around the world.
  • Pasio Coffee – At this coffee shop they make hands down the best flat white in the city.
  • Feeling Coffee – A rather new player in the Chisinau coffee scene. Lovely owner and great atmosphere.
  • Raccoon Coffee – Another place in Chisinau’s centre for a delicious filter coffee.
  • Coffee Monkey – Modern design interior which is the place to be for coffee and cakes.
  • Tucano Coffee Costa Rica – The Chisinau version of Starbucks, but with much better coffee, and excellent iced teas.
  • Tucano Coffee Brazil – Right next to Cathedral Park, which is just like the Costa Rica shop a great place to get some work done and meet locals.
  • DABBLS – Great stop for cake and coffee.

Read next: The Chisinau Coffee Guide | 7 Best Specialty Coffee Bars

Chisinau Restaurants not to be missed

Whether you’re looking for local food, or modern European fare I’ve got you covered with my list of favourite Chisinau restaurants.

  • La Placinte – Modern Moldovan chain restaurant that serves Romanian food with a Moldovan twist. Affordable but service can be slow.
  • La Crisma – If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience with excellent food, then reserve a table at La Crisma.
  • Divus – A hidden gem that is arguably the best restaurant in Chisinau for modern European cuisine. Excellent service, wine pairing and divine food.
  • Atypic – Another great restaurant serving modern European cuisine. Not as refined as Divus, but excellent nonetheless.
  • Little Napoli – The best Naples style pizza in Chisinau with dough that melts on your tongue.
  • Taproom by Litra & Friends – The place to be for your beer and cooked to perfection smash burger cravings.
Moldova Travel Guide: Divus Restaurant avocado dish, Chisinau

Wine Bars, Craft Beers and Cocktails

Looking for the best beer or wine in the city, or perhaps a night cap? Then this section is for you.

  • Wine Republic Bar – One of the newest kids on the bloc, this wine bar specialises in Bessarabian wines.
  • Carpe Diem Wine Bar – Excellent wine store with Moldovan only wines. Go for a wine tasting and learn something about each of them.
  • Plincuvin Wine Shop – The wine bar with the best atmosphere in Chisinau. The list of wines to try is endless so you’ll certainly find a perfect match.
  • Taproom by Litra & Friends – Also listed in the restaurant section, but the perfect destination for beer lovers with over a dozen craft beers on tap.
  • Marlene – Lovely cocktail bar with the friendliest staff. Certainly try the Marlene Sour which is the perfect twist on the Peruvian classic.

Final Thoughts on Chisinau

I truly enjoyed my time in Chisinau, despite or maybe because of its lack of world renowned sights. This ‘lack of’ makes it the perfect city to just wander around and explore.

Have you been to Chisinau, or have any questions? Let me know in the comments section below, or send me a message on Instagram. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter, to receive regular updated of new city guides and itineraries.

Planning to visit Moldova? Make sure to include at least one day in Chisinau, because as you see in this article there are plenty of things to do in Chisinau. For more inspiration visit my Moldova Travel Guide, or continue reading with one of these articles:

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