About this guide
I was born and raised in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. After living for nearly a decade in India, China, USA, and Ukraine, I returned to my hometown in 2022. Since I’ve been away, the post-Soviet city I once knew has blossomed into a charming European capital.
This inspired me to rediscover my beloved city, and I started exploring hundreds of places and handpicked the ones that truly showcase the best of Chisinau. What started as a private Google Maps list for friends soon turned into this travel guide — I didn’t want to keep all the cool spots and insider tips to myself!
Trust me, Chisinau Travel Guide: 100 Things To Do in Chisinau is perfect for those who want to explore beyond the touristy spots! It's the ultimate travel companion to discovering Moldova's charming capital: from peaceful parks to stunning Soviet mosaics, stylish cafes, hole-in-the-wall eateries and so much more.
With this guide, you're going to have a blast in Chisinau!
See you soon,
Elena
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 out of 5 on
Amazon
“Highly recommended! Experience the city more like a local than a tourist” - EV
“This book was exactly what I needed to plan a short but meaningful trip” - Chris
“I had an absolute blast and can't wait to come back to Chișinău” - Mark C
Planning your trip to Chisinau
After arriving, you’ll want to start exploring right away, but let’s be honest—those first few days in a new city can be overwhelming. With these practical tips, you’ll have everything you need to settle in smoothly and focus on enjoying your adventure, stress-free.
Here are a couple of things to know before traveling to Chisinau:
- How safe is Chisinau?
- When to visit Chisinau?
- What to pack for a trip to Chisinau?
- Where to stay in Chisinau?
- Arriving to Chisinau
- Getting around Chisinau
- How to get a SIM card?
- Where to exchange the local currency?
- How much to tip in Chisinau?
- What is the local language in Moldova?
How safe is Chisinau?
Chisinau, and Moldova overall, are safe for travelers. Most visits are trouble-free, and violent crime is rare. That said, like in any city, a little street smarts can go a long way.
Petty Crime
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occasionally occur in Chisinau, particularly in crowded places like: public transportation and bus stations, markets and pedestrian zones, outdoor cafes and restaurants. To stay safe:
- Keep your passport and valuables in a secure place.
- Avoid flashing expensive jewelry or electronics.
- Use caution when withdrawing money from ATMs.
- Choose accommodation with good security (e.g., lockable doors, safes, front desk presence).
Violent Crime
Violent crime is rare and tourists are not typically targeted. Still, it's smart to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Use common sense, just as you would anywhere else.
The War in Ukraine
Moldova borders Ukraine, which is currently under Russian invasion. While tensions have increased and there have been a few incidents of debris landing near Moldova’s eastern border, the vast majority of the country—including Chisinau—remains peaceful and unaffected. Life in the capital continues as normal.
What About Transnistria?
Transnistria is a breakaway region in eastern Moldova near the Ukrainian border. It’s not under the control of the Moldovan government, and the security situation there is unpredictable—especially in the current geopolitical climate.
It’s best to avoid traveling to Transnistria altogether.
What is the best season to visit Chisinau?
- Apr & May: The weather is mild, with blooming flowers and greenery. It’s perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's parks and gardens.
- Jul & Aug: Summer can get quite hot, with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F). However, it’s also a lively time, with numerous cultural events, outdoor markets, and festivals.
- Sep & mid-Oct: Autumn is grape harvest season, making it a wonderful time to attend the National Wine Day, explore local wineries, and taste fresh produce.
What to pack for a trip to Chisinau?
In Moldova, there's a saying: "You are welcomed by the way you dress." While your clothing can be casual or even well-worn, it should always be clean and pressed. Wearing dirty or ripped clothing may earn you a few disapproving glances.
Comfortable shoes are perfect for exploring the city, especially for Chisinau’s parks and old sidewalks. However, in more upscale places, like wine bars or restaurants, you may want to dress a bit smarter. A pair of good sneakers or leather boots/shoes will get both jobs done.
If you plan to visit churches or monasteries, modest clothing is a must. For women, this means covering one’s head and shoulders, and wearing long skirts or trousers. For men, it means uncovering one’s head but covering the shoulders and wearing long trousers.
Spring (Mar-May) & Autumn (Sep-Nov):
- Mornings and evenings are cooler 5°C (41°F), while afternoons can be warmer 20°C (68°F). Bring layers like light sweaters, jackets, and cardigans and at least one very warm sweater/fleece
- Pack an umbrella or a raincoat, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Summer (Jun-Aug):
- Summers can get quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Opt for light fabrics like cotton or linen.
- To protect yourself from the sun, bring sunglasses, hats and a good SPF cream.
- Pack a light cardigan or jacket as evenings may cool down slightly.
Winter (Dec-Feb):
- Temperatures can drop to -10°C (20°F), so bring a heavy coat, sweaters/fleece, and thermal layers.
- Waterproof and warm fur boots are recommended if you’re visiting during snow or cold snaps.
- Wool hats, gloves, and scarves are essential for staying cozy.
Where to stay in Chisinau?
If you're visiting Chisinau, the best area to stay is the City Center. It's within walking distance of most major attractions and boasts some of the city's best restaurants and cafes.
Budget
Hostels are a great way to save money and meet fellow travellers. A dorm bed typically costs $10-15 per night, while a double room is under $25. Hostels in Chisinau are not the most stylish, but they sure are affordable.
Mid-range
For about $50-100 per night, these hotels typically offer more comfort, including buffet breakfasts and facilities like gyms and pools.
Luxury
For $100+ per night, these top-tier hotels provide amenities like fitness centers, spa services, and airport shuttles.
Arriving to Chisinau
By plane
The most common way to arrive in Chisinau is by flying into Chisinau International Airport (RMO). Don’t worry, there's only one airport and navigating it is quite simple.
Public Transport: After exiting the airport, turn left and walk downhill toward the airplane statue. Cross the highway at the pedestrian crosswalk, where you can take bus 165 or trolleybus 30. Both take about 40 minutes to reach the city center.
- Price: 6 lei per person, plus 6 lei for each large piece of luggage.
- Operating Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM, with buses every 15 minutes on weekdays.
Taxi: The most convenient way to reach your accommodation, with reasonable rates. Connect to the airport's free WiFi and order a taxi using a mobile app like Yandex or Hip. Once confirmed, head outside the arrivals area and wait for your ride. Avoid the taxi drivers parked directly in front of the airport, as they tend to charge inflated prices.
- Price: 100-130 lei for a trip to the city center, though rates may be higher during rush hours or peak times.
- Operating Hours: 24/7, depending on the supply of cars
By train
You’ll be at the Central Railway Station (Gara Feroviara), located between the Botanica and city center districts.
Public Transport: After exiting the station, walk straight through the alley until you see the monument dedicated to the deportees, then turn left to reach the bus stop. From here, you can take trolleybus 1 or 4 to get to the city center, which takes about 15 minutes.
- Price: 6 lei per person, plus 6 lei for each large piece of luggage.
- Operating Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM, with departures every 5 minutes on weekdays.
Taxi: Taxis can be ordered from the front of the station, but be sure to avoid the drivers stationed near the railway station who tend to overcharge. Use a taxi app for fair pricing.
- Price: 50-80 lei for a trip to the city center, with potential increases during rush hours or peak demand.
- Operating Hours: 24/7, depending on the supply of cars
How to get around Chisinau?
If you're staying in the city center, walking is by far the best way to get around. Chisinau is a compact city, and most walks won’t take more than 40 minutes in one direction. Plus, walking is the perfect way to stumble across beautiful spots and get a real feel for the city.
Public transportation is another good option. Chisinau’s network of trolleybuses and buses covers much of the city. The fare is 6 MDL, which you pay in cash to the conductor on board (taxator). You can use Google Maps to plan your trip, although arrival times might differ. While minibuses (marshrutka) are also available, I don’t recommend riding them unless absolutely necessary—they're quite cramped.
Finally, there’s the option of taking a taxi, which I find the fastest and most convenient. All you need is an internet connection and a taxi app. Just keep in mind that during rush hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM), fares increase, and travel times can double due to traffic.
- Transit apps: To check available public transport routes in Chisinau, try using apps like map.md (iOS, Android) or Moovit (iOS, Android). Google Maps also provides accurate information.
- Taxi apps: For a reliable taxi service with upfront pricing, use apps like Hip (iOS, Android) or Yandex Go (iOS, Android).
How to get a SIM card/internet in Chisinau?
The most stress-free way to get internet in Moldova is by getting a eSIM ($9-30 gets you 2-10GB for 30 days). You can set it up while still in your home country by following the link, no physical SIM card needed. You’ll have internet the moment you land, making it easy to find your accommodation and grab a taxi.
For the most budget-friendly option, you can purchase a local prepaid SIM card at one of the many Moldcell or Orange shops in Chisinau. Both providers offer competitive pricing and coverage, and run regular promotions.
- Moldcell: 29 MDL ($1.6, €1.5) gets you 20GB of data plus 250 call minutes, valid for 15 days. You can top up with 30-50 MDL for an additional 10-20GB, extending the validity by another 15 days.
- Orange: 49 MDL ($2.8, €2.5) gives you 20GB of data and 250 call minutes, also valid for 15 days. Top-ups cost 30-60 MDL, providing an extra 3-15GB for another 15 days.
Where to exchange the local currency?
The local currency in Moldova is the Leu (MDL). The exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR=19.15 MDL and 1 USD=17.60 MDL. You can easily exchange money at a bank or exchange office—just look for those with a '0% commission' sign on the door. For the best exchange rates in banks, check Curs.md.
In Chisinau there’s generally no need to carry a lot of cash as most stores accept foreign credit and debit cards.
That said, you might still need cash for things like tipping in restaurants, paying museum entrance fees, or using public transportation. Having 300-400 MDL in 20, 50 and 100 bills is enough to carry at a time.
How much to tip in Chisinau?
In Moldova, tipping is seen as a gesture of appreciation, not an obligation. The only situation where tipping is somewhat expected is in restaurants. Elsewhere, tipping is genuinely optional and not required.
- Restaurants: A 5-10% tip is standard for table service, but even here, it's up to you—if the service was average, feel free to skip the tip.
- Cafés, Bars, Takeaways: Tipping is not expected at all. If you’re feeling generous, you can leave some change in the tip jar.
- Hairdressers, Barbershops, Massage Parlours: No tip is necessary, though regulars who plan to return might leave a 5-10% tip.
- Taxis, Hotels: Tipping is not expected at all.
What's the local language in Moldova?
The official language in the Republic of Moldova is Romanian (same as in Romania). While many Moldovans, especially the younger crowd, speak English quite well, locals will always appreciate an effort to speak a few polite phrases in Romanian.
- Hello: Bună ziua "Boo-nuh zee-wah"
- Thank you: Mulțumesc "Mool-tsoo-mesk"
- Excuse me: Cer scuze "Cher skoo-zeh"
- Goodbye: La revedere "Lah reh-veh-deh-reh"
- Please: Vă rog "Vuh roag"
- Can I have a coffee, please: O cafea, vă rog "Oh kah-fee-ah, vuh rog"
- Can you bring the bill, please: Nota, vă rog "Noh-tah, vuh rog"
What's next?
If you’re interested in learning more about the city or are seriously considering to visit — check out the whole Chisinau Travel Guide: 100 Things To Do in Chisinau.
It's 137 pages of insanely useful and up-to-date Chisinau information for only $14.99 for paperback and $9.99 for ebook.
What’s Inside:
- 100 must-see places covering landmarks, museums, parks, restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping, and entertainment venues.
- Detailed visiting info including beautiful photos, location, visiting hours, prices and helpful tips.
- Tourist favorites and local secrets, showcasing both popular and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
- Insider tips on where to stay, how to get around, exchange money, get a SIM card, and much more.
