Chișinău

This right here might just be your favourite Chisinau discovery. Carpe Diem Wine Shop & Bar boasts insanely knowledgeable staff, trained to provide comprehensive information on all things Moldovan wines and arrange tastings based on customer preferences. It's best to book a tasting in advance, but try your luck and pop in even without a prior reservations. Wines are also sold by the bottle - you might have to do a double-take to confirm prices are, indeed, that low.

This busy central market is where locals shop for all manner of produce sourced from around the country, with some cheap knick knack imports thrown into the mix. If you're lucky, you might come across a few vendors peddling original Soviet memorabilia. In the souvenir department, hand-made socks, scarves and other accessories are good purchases.

For quality artwork produced by local creators, try this shop cum gallery at the corner of Pushkin and Bucuresti Streets. Art is both exhibited (entry to the gallery comes at a micro fee) and sold.

To do all your shopping under one roof, try the MallDova shopping centre, the first one of its kind in the country, inaugurated nearly a decade ago. Expect local and international brand stores, along with a selection of dining and entertainment options.

Understated jewellery featuring ethnic patters can make for some rather unique souvenirs for female travellers or friends and family back home.