Chișinău does not overwhelm you at first — and that is exactly where its charm comes from. It is a green city, with parks in the centre, Soviet blocks and Art Nouveau buildings on the same street, and a café and wine bar scene that has grown noticeably in recent years. Two days are enough to get a feel for it.
Day 1: the centre and the market
Start on Ștefan cel Mare boulevard, the main artery, lined with trees. At one end, Cathedral Park with the Cathedral of the Nativity and the Triumphal Arch; all around, good speciality cafés for breakfast. Nearby is the Ștefan cel Mare Public Garden, the oldest in the city, with its alley of literary classics.
At lunchtime, do not miss the Central Market: it is chaotic, authentic and the best place to taste cheeses, pickles and seasonal fruit. In the afternoon, pick a museum — the National Art Museum or the Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, with its Moorish-style building. In the evening, the centre has wine bars where you can compare Moldovan wines without leaving town.
Day 2: a winery and the city's greenery
Fifteen kilometres to the north lies Cricova, one of the largest underground wineries in the world. With a booking, you take a tour of the galleries and a tasting in the caverns; book ahead, especially at weekends. Back in town, walk through the Botanical Garden, one of the largest in the region, or through Valea Morilor park, with its lake and its steps down to the water.
A day trip, if you have the time
Chișinău is a good base for short escapes. An hour away is Orheiul Vechi, with its cave monastery and traditional villages; to the south, other large wineries such as Mileștii Mici or Castel Mimi. Any of them can be done comfortably in half a day.
Getting around
The centre is easy to cover on foot. For longer distances, taxis are cheap through the apps, and public transport — buses and trolleybuses — costs under 20 cents. It is around 15 km from the airport to the centre, roughly 20 minutes by car.
What it costs
Good accommodation starts at 30-50 euros a night, eating out is affordable — a traditional lunch 5-10 euros — and a two-night city break, winery included, fits into 150-250 euros. The most pleasant period runs from late spring to late autumn. More in the full Chișinău guide and in the practical guide.
A few quick tips
The centre is safe and easy to walk. Use the taxi apps for longer journeys. Take cash for the market and small cafés. Book winery tours ahead, especially at weekends. And keep one evening for a wine bar — it is the most enjoyable way to end a day in the capital of wine.
