The Best Things To Do In Chișinău, Moldova

Maria Menegaki

Moldova‘s green capital is situated on the Bic River and is ready to amaze you with its architectural, historical, and natural beauty. Add Chișinău to your destination list and prepare yourself to enter the past and start exploring this former Soviet city.

Chisinau / Kishinev, Moldova: National History Museum

Visit museums

Like most European cities, walking is the best way to explore the city. Get ready to lose yourself for a couple of hours and wander through Moldova’s fascinating past. Experience the country’s leading National Museum of History with over 265,000 exhibits, spend some time at the Alexandr Pushkin House and Museum, once home to the famous Russian poet, and pay a visit to the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History. Architecturally unique in its oriental design, this is the oldest museum in Moldova hosting some vast collections dedicated to flora and fauna, as well as to customs and traditions. Among the many thousands of exhibits, be prepared to see the complete skeleton of dinoterium gigantisimus, a gigantic mammoth-like prehistoric animal.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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National Museum of History: Strada 31 August 1989 121 A, Chișinău, +373 22 244 325

Alexandr Pushkin House and Museum: Strada Anton Pann 19, Chișinău, +373 22 292 685

National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History: Strada Mihail Kogălniceanu 82, Chișinău, +373 22 238 848

Trolleybus

Take the trolley

Although it is possible to get around the city on foot, do not miss the chance to try the trolleybus for just one leu. Since it always gets crowded, this is the perfect way to enjoy the special ambiance and mix up with the locals. The conductor walking from one end of the vehicle to another adds to the unique atmosphere that brings memories of the past.

Arc de Triomphe, Chișinău

Walk in the shadows of the Triumphal Arch

Also known as the Holy Gate, this monument marks the center of the city. Chișinău’s own Triumphal Arch dating from the 1840s was built to commemorate the victory of the Russian army over the Ottoman Empire. While you’re there, walk in its shadows before you continue to explore the nearby area.

Chisinau 019

Smell the roses

Visiting a park is always a great idea in Chișinău. Go to Stefan cel Mare, also called the Park of Lovers, in the heart of the city to read a book by the lovely fountain or take a ride to Valea Morilor, the only park with both a lake and a small beach, and lose yourself in the amazing woods and the jazz melodies of the street musicians. Finish your tour in Dendrarium Park where you can play sports, fly a kite, explore its wonderful ponds filled with water lilies, or just watch the squirrels.

Stefan cel Mare Central Park: Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt, Chișinău

Valea Morilor: Strada Grigore Alexandrescu, Chișinău

Dendrarium Park: Sectorul Buiucani, Chișinău

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Enjoy a meal

Patisserie

Enjoy a meal

With a great variety of low- to mid-priced restaurants, the city is perfect for foodies. Taste the delicious Moldovan cuisine, a mix of traditional European gastronomies at one or more of the city’s best eateries. At Popasul Dacilor, the authentic decor, the top-notch local dishes and the staff dressed in traditional costumes will take you for a journey back in time. And since the perfect meal needs the perfect dessert, do yourself a favor and enjoy a french croissant at the famous Parisian-style patisserie Crème de la Crème.

Popasul Dacilor, str. Valea Crucii, 13, Chişinău, Moldova, +373 57 3767

Creme de la Crème, str.Alexandru cel Bun 98A, Chişinău, Moldova, +373 22 22 20 11

Go to a concert

Building, Museum

Go to a concert

The city’s leading cultural and artistic institution is situated in a wonderful building in the center. One of the most beautiful concert halls in Europe, the Organ Hall gives you the perfect chance to attend one of its frequent events. Notorious soloists of the National Chamber Orchestra, organ recitals, fine art exhibitions, and concerts dedicated to famous artists will offer you an evening to remember.

Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt 81, Chișinău, +373 22 222 547

Drents Museum | © Gisella Klein/FlickrDrents Museum | © Gisella Klein/Flickr

Visit a gallery

To get a bigger picture of the local art scene, visit one of its small, lovely galleries. There you will be able to enjoy some excellent works, created mostly by Moldovan contemporary artists. Whether you are an art collector yourself or not, you will definitely be surprised by the outstanding exhibits.

Milestii Mici winery – Moldova’s largest!

Explore the kingdom of wine

Moldovans like to point out that the country has a shape that resembles a brunch of grapes. It is true that wine in this region is considered to be some of the purest in the world. While you are in the capital, you should certainly taste some of the finest and cheapest wine you can ever find. Although you may as well do it at one of Chișinău’s numerous wine shops and bars, if you want a true experience, you need to visit one of its wineries, Mileştii Mici and Cricova being the most popular. Built from limestone quarry and having more than two hundred kilometers of underground tunnels, the former has made the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest underground winery with a collection of more than two million bottles. Book a tour package and enter the infinite world of wine.

Cricova: Strada Petru Ungureanu 1, Cricova, +373 22 604 035

Milestii Mici: Milestii Mici Village, Ialoveni District, +373 22/ 382 333

whiskey, whiskey and whiskey

Grab a drink

Grab a drink

Well known for its vibrant nightlife, Chișinău has such a large number of clubs, discos, and bars that it’s easy to find one that suits your taste. Whether you want to spend some unforgettable moments with your family and friends or meet some locals, the city’s venues will be a nice surprise. In case you prefer alternative places, do not miss Tipografia 5. Grab a drink and enjoy the authentic Moldavian nightlife to the fullest.

Tipografia 5: Strada Vlaicu Pârcălab 45, Chișinău, +37379464647

Get away from the crowd

If you feel tired and need some isolation, there is no better place than the Orthodox Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity. No matter your religious beliefs, this neo-classical building right in the city center will offer you some shelter in a peaceful atmosphere.

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