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Chișinău

Leafy boulevards, Soviet-era corners & sweet-shop stops

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Chișinău is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Bucuria Chocolate Shop, Nativity Cathedral and Triumphal Arch. Food lovers should not miss La Taifas and Vatra Neamului. Below you will find 12 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Chișinău at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: Bucuria Chocolate Shop and Nativity Cathedral
  • Where to stay: Cricova and Milestii Mici
  • Local picks: 12 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Where to stay in Chișinău

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Most people have a sweet tooth and one of the places where they go to spoil it, is at Bucuria – Moldova’s national chocolate factory shop that offers a variety of sweets…

Stefan cel Mare Blvd

The flagship shop of Bucuria, Moldova’s national chocolate maker, sweetening the country since 1946. The full range is here – chocolates, candies, marmalade and jellies – at local prices, making it a perfect souvenir stop. Locals swear by the “Meteorit” and “Do-Re-Mi” bars.
★ 4.4
$

Cricova

A vast underground wine city of 120 km of cellar streets.
★ 4.6
$$

Centre

A stylish bar showcasing Moldovas remarkable wines.
★ 4.5
$$

Centre

A peasant-house-styled restaurant of borsch, polenta and local wine.
★ 4.4
$$
MEZZO restaurant offers a fresh and modern reinterpretation of the Italian cuisine, whilst using only organic ingredients and creating the most unique and bold food combinations. MEZZO is a hit with the…

Milestii Mici

Home to the worlds largest wine collection in the Guinness records.
★ 4.6
$$

Centre

Moldovan history from antiquity to the Soviet era.
★ 4.4
$

Centre

The neoclassical cathedral and bell tower in the central park.
★ 4.5
$

Centre

A polished central luxury hotel with a spa and rooftop views.
★ 4.5
$$$

Centre

The citys oldest park, a shady central promenade of statues.
★ 4.5
$

Centre

The 1840 victory arch facing the government building.
★ 4.4
$

Centre

A large park around a lake with a grand cascade of steps.
★ 4.5
$

Centre

Upscale Moldovan and Romanian cuisine with live folk music.
★ 4.5
$$$

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Chișinău travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Chișinău?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Chișinău at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Chișinău?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Chișinău?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Chișinău guide.

What is the best time to visit Chișinău?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Chișinău is worth visiting year-round.

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