Moldova, nestled between Romania and Ukraine, is one of Europe's lesser-known gems. However, is described often on YouTube as Europe's least visited country/ poorest country. The capital city, Chișinău is a combination of rich history, vibrant culture, and an emerging modern city (although it still has some work to be done). Whether you're a history buff, a lover of trying new foods, or simply in search of an off-the-beaten-path destination, Chișinău has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will explore the top questions travellers often ask before visiting Chișinău and Moldova, giving you a look at what to expect and how to make the most of your visit.
Photos courtesy of a 50 year old Zorki 4 camera
Quick Tip
Download a Taxi app
The Yandex Taxi app and Bolt are the most simple ways to order a taxi, they are cheap with a fixed price, you can pay with cash or card and it works just like UBER. FYI - Yandex is a Russian owned company
Is it Safe to Go to Moldova Right Now? (2025)
Safety is a concern for any traveler, and it's important to be informed about the current situation before you make travel plans. As of 2024, Moldova is considered a relatively safe destination for tourists. The country does not have high crime rates, and Chișinău, in particular, is a peaceful city where most visitors feel comfortable walking around day or night.
The biggest concern for travelers coming from outside the region is the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has affected neighboring countries. While Moldova shares a border with Ukraine, the country has not been directly involved in the conflict, and the safety of tourists in Chișinău is not significantly impacted by this situation.
Before traveling, it’s always a good idea to check with your government’s travel advisory and stay updated on current events. For now, Chișinău remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists.
How Many Days Do You Need in Chișinău?
Chișinău is a compact city. The ideal length of stay depends on your interests, but most visitors will find that 2 to 3 days is sufficient to explore the major attractions (there aren't many attractions to be honest).
what are the Main Attractions?
National Museum of History of Moldova
Stefan Cel Mare Park
Parcul Dendrariu
Moldova State Circus
Bendery Fortress
Do I Need a Visa for Moldova?
Probably not, Visa requirements for Moldova depend on your nationality. Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, UK, and many other countries can stay up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa.
If you happen to be from non of the counties above it's worth checking to see if your country has visa-free travel to Moldova, below is a link to the official government website
https://www.evisa.gov.md/Info/CetateniStrainiNevoie
Is Moldova Cheap to Visit?
Moldova is one of the most affordable travel destinations in Europe, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers. The cost of living in Chișinău is significantly lower than in many Western European cities, so you can expect to stretch your money much further here.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in Chișinău are quite affordable, with budget options starting as low as €20/$20/£16 per night for a basic room. Mid-range hotels range from €40/$41/£31 per night, and more upscale accommodations will typically cost €80/$83/£66 per night. Airbnbs are also popular, and prices can be quite reasonable. The Hotel I stayed at was the Roxen Hotel and Spa overall I liked this hotel, and if you're looking for a bit of well-valued luxury it is a good option. One negative though, which I imagine was a one-off. When I arrived to check in at the ridiculous time of 3 am (I had pre-confirmed with the hotel of my arrival time) the person who should have been working the front desk was asleep.
Food
Dining in Chișinău is affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will typically cost between €15/$15/£12, depending on the restaurant. Street food, such as plăcinte or kebabs, is an excellent and budget-friendly option, with prices starting around €2/$2/£1.50. If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of local markets where you can grab snacks for even cheaper.
Transportation
Public transportation in Chișinău is inexpensive, with buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses costing just a few Moldovan Leu (MDL), equivalent to about €0.20 per ride. Taxis are also affordable, with typical rides around the city costing aroubd €3 depending on distance.
Attractions
Many of Chișinău’s museums and attractions are low-cost or even free. Entrance fees for most museums are generally around €1-3
How to Get Around Chișinău?
Chișinău has a variety of transportation options, and getting around the city is easy and affordable:
Public Transport: Chișinău has an extensive bus, trolleybus, and tram network that covers most parts of the city. Tickets for public transport cost around 3MDL $0.15. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver or use contactless cards that work on some public transportation.
Marshrutkas (Minibuses): These small, shared minibuses follow set routes, and are often quicker and more convenient than larger buses. They can be a great way to navigate the city’s less accessible areas.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
In addition to taxis, ride-hailing services like Bolt and Yandex.Taxis are widely used in Chișinău. As mentioned above my favourite app/method of getting around the city was with the Yandex taxi app. However I would now choose Bolt over Yandex.
How to Get from the Airport?
Chișinău International Airport (KIV) is located about 13 kilometers (8 miles) south of the city centre.
Express Bus 30 and the Minibus No. 165. Both take 40 minutes to reach the city centre. A one-way bus ticket for either bus costs €0.15 (MDL 3). Tickets can only be purchased directly on the bus. While some routes accept card payments, most only accept cash.
Travel Diary entry/My experience
What is your reason for travelling to Moldova”, was this a security question or perhaps a deeper statement about my life choices? Either way, it was said with a smile from the airport police. Winter, covid and being the only English person on the plane may have made me seem an oddity and it certainly set the theme of the trip. Landing at 3 am I was welcomed by snow and the prepaid transfer that quickly shuttled me into the heart of Chisinau, sleepy and blurry-eyed with my tiredness only being matched by the sleeping hotel porter. Wanting to join him (in the act of sleeping that is). I was forced to make a series of polite but firm noises to bring the young man to enough consciousness to process my arrival.
It has to be said Chisinau, isn’t a tourist destination. Many start their description of Moldova as Europe's poorest or least visited country. Not to break that trend I am doing the same. However, For what it lacks in tourism, it makes up with in obscurity. Being a country born out of Russian expansion, the city is littered with state-issued grey apartment buildings some well-kept and some not-so, relics of its communist past. Not much has changed since 1991. Certainly, this could be due to financial difficulties rather than by choice from the now European-leaning government. This in itself is reason enough to visit. If you squint your eyes slightly and lean your head to the side you could almost believe you were back 30 years.
With there being little to do in terms of attractions. I followed a self-made list of soviet highlights. An itinerary of mosaics and abandoned buildings. Ranging from a once grand circus to an observatory right in the centre just off the main street. Crammed between what appeared to be offices or residential buildings. Either way, there were plenty of Moldovans around to see me slide my way through the metal fencing and make my way to the top of the observatory. Each step of my ascension visible to bemused onlookers due to the lack of walls. All that remained of the structure were a few supporting concrete beams, a staircase and a rusty metal dome at the summit. Once I reached the apex I was treated with a slightly more elevated view back at my Moldovan friends and on the other side. Bare trees, swayed gently in the breeze parting their branches to expose more apartment buildings in the distance, each a concrete copy of its neighbour.
To finish the tour for the day, I wanted to head towards two iconic apartment buildings casually known as The Chișinău City gates. Not knowing for sure the name of these buildings, I searched for a nearby landmark with a name I could pronounce and flagged down a taxi. Hopping inside, I confidently asked the driver to drop me off at Dixons (not that one) roofing supply shop. Which turned out to be a 20 minutes walk away. Chisinau is despicably expansive, and not having any need for roofing supplies. I quickly regretted my choice of drop-off. Pushing on I followed the single road heading towards the main boulevard where the buildings were set one on each side framing and welcoming anyone travelling into the city. To get a better view and to fit the two buildings into one photograph, I walked away from the city. Out following the main road I came in on last night from the airport. At this moment, stood in the middle of a dual carriageway, dirty cars passing by both ways and the sun finally retiring into the monochrome sky. I finally had the answer to the question "What is your reason for travelling to Moldova?"
