Moldova 2 Day Itinerary
Moldova 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Chisinau Exploration
Morning
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Moldovan breakfast at Café veranda (Strada Columna 74) or Patisserie Francesca (Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt 134).
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History (Strada Mihail Kogălniceanu 82) to learn about Moldova’s history, culture, and natural heritage.
Afternoon
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Take a stroll through the picturesque Ștefan cel Mare Central Park, located in the heart of Chisinau.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore the Chisinau Cathedral (Catedrala Mitropolitană din Chișinău), a beautiful Orthodox cathedral built in the 19th century.
Evening
- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Enjoy traditional Moldovan cuisine and wine at Carpe Diem (Strada Columna 115) or Vatra (Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt 134).
- 10:00 PM - late: Experience Chisinau’s nightlife at The London Pub (Strada Mihail Kogălniceanu 73) or Kraft (Strada Pușkin 24).
Day 2: Wine and Countryside
Morning
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the famous Cricova Winery (Orhei, Strada Cricova), one of the largest wine cellars in the world. Take a guided tour and taste some of Moldova’s finest wines.
Afternoon
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Head to the scenic Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei) monastery complex, located about 45 km northeast of Chisinau.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Explore the charming town of Orhei, with its historic center and picturesque surroundings.
Evening
- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Return to Chisinau and enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants, such as La Taifas (Strada Columna 115) or Bucuria Moldovei (Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt 134).
Things to Know
- Visa Requirements: Citizens of over 100 countries, including the EU, US, and Canada, can enter Moldova visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Language: Romanian (official) and Russian are widely spoken. English is not as common, but many young people and those in the tourism industry speak some English.
- Currency: Moldovan leu (MDL). You can exchange currency at banks or use ATMs.
- Weather: Moldova has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Be prepared for variable weather conditions.
Transportation
- Airport: Chisinau International Airport (KIV) is located about 13 km southeast of the city center. Taxi fare to the city center is around 100-150 MDL (~5-7 EUR).
- Public Transport: Minibuses (rutierele) and trolleybuses operate in Chisinau. You can pay with cash or use a rechargeable card.
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available, but be sure to agree on the fare beforehand.
Other Tips
- Safety: Moldova is generally a safe country, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly when visiting monasteries or churches, and remove your hat as a sign of respect.
- Try Local Cuisine: Moldovan food is delicious and diverse. Be sure to try traditional dishes like mămăligă (polenta), sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), and placinta (pie).