Best Travel Guide Chișinău | ArrivalGuides.com

ChișinăuGuide was updated: 2024-09-16

Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, may not be a typical tourist destination, but it has a charm all its own. The city is rough around the edges and lacks the tourist infrastructure of other cities, but it is precisely this uncharted quality that makes it so appealing to those who love off-the-beaten-path travel and are interested in the Soviet era. The people of Moldova are genuinely welcoming, and the cost of travel is extremely low, especially when compared to other European destinations. In addition, the country's famous wine is widely available and adds to the authentic experience.

Do & See

The city's main artery is the Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, one of many Moldovan landmarks named after the revered Stephen III of Moldavia, whose monument also marks the entry to Chisinau's central park (named, likewise, after the 16th century prince). From here, it's a manageable to walk to most of Chisinau's city centre attractions. The city is delightfully green, and its pleasant parks readily provide refuge on hot summer days.

Triumphal Arch & Nativity Cathedral

Chisinau's Cathedral Park (Parcul Catedralei) is marked by two main attractions: the Nativity Cathedral, the city's primary Moldovan Orthodox place of worship, dating to the 19th century, and Chisinau's very own Triumphal Arch, also known as the "Holy Gate".

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Stefan cel Mare Central Park

The country's oldest park spans an impressive 7 hectares, and is very popular with the local populace, especially so during the summer months. Children's playgrounds and merry-go-rounds are in operation, making the park a good choice for families. Some of the highlights include the Avenue of the Classics of Moldovan Literature, containing busts of prominent Moldovan and Romanian authors and political figures, and the Alley of Friendship, where celebrity city visitors (the likes of Yuri Gagarin) planted a tree each.

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Military Museum

One of the city's lesser-known highlights, the museum offers informative insight into the country's past, including WWII and Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe involvement, and covers a substantial period of Soviet regime, also detailing events that happened outside of present-day Moldova. Information in English is scarce, but many of the exhibits are self-explanatory. The outdoor display of Soviet military machines can be accessed free of charge.

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National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

The museum might as well be dubbed a collection of anything and everything, which in no way compromises its appeal, but rather makes it rank among the most curious Moldovan landmarks. From zoological exhibits and extinct animal reconstructions to traditional dress and folk artefacts, its expansive exhibits cover nearly everything under the Moldovan sun. Purchase an English-language booklet to help navigate exhibition rooms.

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Cricova Winery

A short 15-minute drive outside of Chisinau lies the country's arguably most sought-after attraction: the reputable Cricova Winery, whose products are held in high regard both locally and internationally. Guided tours of the winery and cellars are offered, many including tastings (call ahead).

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Pushkin House Museum

Alexander Pushkin, the father of modern Russian literature, some of whose lines any Russian speaker is guaranteed to be able to recite from memory, spent three fruitful years in this tiny house, exiled. It's a museum these days, and although scant English-language information is supplied in each room, anyone with a particular interest can benefit greatly from a guided tour.

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