Chișinău, Moldova 2025 — Things to Do, Hotels, How to Get

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City Centre

sightseeing

Central area with Stefan cel Mare Boulevard and parks.

Botanica

nature

Green district with botanical garden and residential areas.

Rîșcani

local

Residential area with markets and local life.

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faq.subtitle Chișinău

World-famous wine cellars near Chișinău! Mileștii Mici is Guinness World Record largest - 200 km underground tunnels with 2 million bottles! Cricova equally impressive. Tours with tasting essential Moldova experience.

Yes! Fascinating Soviet time-capsule - unrecognized breakaway state. Easy day trip from Chișinău by marshrutka (2 hours). Get free visa at border. See Lenin statues, Soviet symbols, own currency. Safe for tourists.

Not yet, but EU candidate since 2022. Visa-free for EU citizens. Very pro-European orientation. One of Europe's poorest countries but rapidly developing. Joining EU is national priority.

For adventurous travelers - absolutely! Wine tourism is world-class. Soviet architecture unique. Transnistria day trip unforgettable. Very cheap. No crowds. Real off-the-beaten-path Europe. 2-3 days ideal.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Chișinău

Book wine tour to Mileștii Mici or Cricova - world's largest underground wine cellars! Drive through tunnels in car. Tasting included. ~€30-50 for incredible experience. Book ahead.

Day trip to Transnistria - last Soviet country. See Tiraspol, Lenin statues, Soviet symbols. Marshrutka from Chișinău 2 hours, ~50 MDL. Free visa at border. Surreal experience.

Visit Central Market for authentic Moldova - buy local cheese (brânză), wine, fruits. Very cheap, very local. Great for people-watching and understanding real Moldovan life.

Moldovan wine is excellent and incredibly cheap. Try local varieties: Fetească Neagră, Rară Neagră. Restaurant wine ~50-100 MDL (~€3-5) per bottle. Stock up!

Weather

Average temperature by month

Now

-6°

75%8 м/с

Today

-2°-7°

Tomorrow

-1°-8°

Thu

4°-3°

Fri

2°0°

Sat

1°-8°

Sun

-8°-12°

Mon

-6°-13°

1°

-4°Jan

3°

-3°Feb

9°

1°Mar

16°

6°Apr

22°

12°May

26°

15°Jun

28°

17°Jul

28°

16°Aug

23°

12°Sep

16°

7°Oct

9°

2°Nov

3°

-2°Dec

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Prices

Cost of food, accommodation and services

Cafes & Restaurants

Budget meal

80 - 150 L

~115 $

Mid-range

200 - 400 L

~300 $

Fine dining

600 - 1,200 L

~900 $

Street Food

Local dish

40 - 100 L

~70.0 $

Drinks

Coffee

30 - 60 L

~45.0 $

Local beer

30 - 60 L

~45.0 $

Groceries

Water 1.5L

10 - 20 L

~15.0 $

Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.

Accommodation

Hotels and rental prices

Hostel dorm

200 - 350 L / night

~275 $

Guesthouse

600 - 1,000 L / night

~800 $

Hotel 3★

1,200 - 2,000 L / night

~1,600 $

Hotel 5★

2,500 - 5,000 L / night

~3,750 $

Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.

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common

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Cards increasingly accepted. Cash still common for markets, small shops. Leu (MDL) local currency. Budget-friendly Eastern European capital.

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Banks: Maib, Moldova-Agroindbank, Victoriabank - ATMs available in Stefan cel Mare Boulevard area. Many exchange offices on main streets with competitive rates. Central Market (Piata Centrala) cash-based. Romanian Leu (RON) sometimes accepted near border. Very affordable destination - wine country! Cards accepted in central Chisinau, cash still common elsewhere.

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10%

10% appreciated in restaurants. Not mandatory. Round up for taxis. Hotel staff 20-50 MDL.

Safety

High safety level

Tourist area with low crime rate

Chișinău is generally safe. Standard precautions at night. Avoid Transnistria border issues (unrecognized breakaway region). Locals are welcoming. Very affordable destination.