About Chisinau
Chișinău is the capital and largest city of Moldova by area and population. The city is Moldova's main industrial and commercial centre. It is situated in the middle of the country, on the river Bîc, a tributary of the Dniester. According to the results of the 2024 Moldovan census, the population of the city proper stood at over 567,000 inhabitants, while the population of the Municipality of Chișinău numbered over 720,000 people. Chișinău is the most economically prosperous locality in Moldova and the country's largest transport hub. Nearly a third of Moldova's population resides in the metropolitan area.
Places to visit in Chisinau
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Cathedral of Christ's Nativity
ReligiousThe main Orthodox cathedral of Moldova, a Neoclassical church with a separate bell tower in the heart of the city. Dress modestly to go inside, and visit during a service to hear the choir.
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Stephen the Great Central Park
ParkThe oldest park in the city, with shady paths, fountains, and busts of Romanian writers along an alley. It sits right on the main boulevard, so it is an easy break while sightseeing downtown.
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Triumphal Arch
LandmarkA nineteenth-century arch on the main square, built to celebrate a Russian victory over the Ottomans. It lines up with the cathedral and bell tower, so you can see all three in one short stop.
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Stephen the Great Monument
LandmarkA bronze statue of the medieval Moldavian prince at the entrance to the central park, a common meeting point. Look for flowers left at its base, especially on national holidays.
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National History Museum of Moldova
MuseumThe main history museum, covering the region from prehistoric finds to the Soviet era. The large diorama of a World War II battle is a highlight, and some labels are in English.
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Cricova Winery
Landmark · 8 mi from centreA winery with a vast network of underground cellars, where visitors ride through the tunnels on small trains. Tours must be booked ahead, and it stays cool underground, so bring a jacket.
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Mileștii Mici Winery
LandmarkA winery known for its enormous underground cellars and huge collection of bottled wine. Visits are by guided tour, often driven in your own car through the tunnels, so reserve in advance.
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Old Orhei
Historic · 21 mi from centreA dramatic river valley north of the city with cave monasteries cut into limestone cliffs and nearby village houses. Wear sturdy shoes for the climb to the cave church and stay for lunch in the village.
Things to do in Chisinau by type
11 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 11 experiences Best Highlights of Chisinau - Private Walking Tour -
Art & culture 3 experiences Explore Chateau Purcari Winery with Marta and Maria Monastery Visit - Private Full-Day Tour
- Over 6 hours 2
- 1-3 hours 1
- 3-6 hours 1
- Private 4
Top experiences in Chisinau
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
Best Highlights of Chisinau - Private Walking Tour
From $52 per adult
Explore Milestii Mici: The World's Largest Wine Cellar - Private Half-Day Tour
From $125 per adult
Explore Chateau Purcari Winery with Marta and Maria Monastery Visit - Private Full-Day Tour
From $208 per adult
Hiking Trip to Tipova Cave Monastery and Saharna Village - Private Full-Day Tour
From $146 per adult
Best of Moldova: Cricova Winery and Old Orhei Tour including Curchi Monastery - Private tour
From $166 per adult
Chișinău Walking City Tour and Milestii Mici Winery with Wine Tasting - Private tour
From $156 per adult
Cricova Winery and Chisinau Walking City - Private Tour
From $146 per adult
Excursion to Soroca Fortress - Private Tour
From $146 per adult
Tiraspol and Bender Back in the USRR - Private Tour
From $125 per adult
Transnistria and Castle MIMI Winery - Private Tour
From $177 per adult
Gagauzia Tour and Manuc Bei Mansion - Private Tour
From $156 per adult
Where to stay in Chisinau
Popular hotels in Chisinau, out of 56 properties you can book.
BERDS Hotel
From $202 per night
Manhattan Hotel & Restaurant
From $107 per night
Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel
From $221 per night
Bernardazzi Grand Hotel
From $154 per night
The London Boutique Hotel
From $116 per night
Radisson Blu Leogrand
From $193 per night
VisPas Hotel
From $171 per night
Villa Arus
From $92 per night
Thomas Albert Hotel
From $112 per night
Zentrum Hotel
From $167 per night
Mercure Chisinau Center Jazz Hotel
From $138 per night
Bristol Central Park Hotel
From $125 per night
Best time to visit Chisinau
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chisinau is June, when average daytime highs are around 81°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Chisinau weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 62° 51° 3%
- Thu 22 Oct 62° 55° 61%
- Fri 23 Oct 59° 57° 67%
- Sat 24 Oct 58° 55° 52%
- Sun 25 Oct 59° 53° 6%
- Mon 26 Oct 57° 53° 20%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Moldovan leu (MDL)1 US dollar ≈ L17.9
- Language
- Romanian
- Calling code
- +373
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/ChisinauUTC+3
- Capital
- Chișinău
Upcoming public holidays in Moldova
- South Capital's Day Cahul
- Christmas DayCraciun pe stil Nou (Western Christmas)
- New Year's Day
- Christmas Day (Orthodox)Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas)
- Christmas Day (Orthodox)Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas)
- Day of Veterans of the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Chisinau
These are the airports closest to central Chisinau. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- IAS Iași International Airport58 mi (94 km) from the city centre
Getting around Chisinau
For those on a budget, just do as the locals do: use a trolley-bus (about 30 lines through the city), bus or maxi-taxis. A ride costs 6 lei regardless of the mode of transportation. In trolleybuses and buses, the fare is collected by a conductor who walks through the bus back and forth. Maxi-taxis are increasingly rare and unreliable. When entering one, pay the driver right away. There are few set stops for maxi-taxis.
By taxi
There are several big taxi services operating throughout the city and its suburbs, most notably Letz and Yandex Go. Call 14222 or 14444 to get a taxi. Those who do not speak Romanian or Russian should ask a local person at a hotel or a restaurant to call a taxi, because few taxi drivers speak English. The majority of taxi drivers accept payment by credit card; ask beforehand while ordering.
Chisinau travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Chisinau?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chisinau is June, when average daytime highs are around 81°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Chisinau?
July is usually the warmest month in Chisinau, with average highs of 87°F (30°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 33°F (0°C). The wettest month is typically October, with about 73 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Chisinau?
Iași International Airport (IAS) is the closest airport, about 58 miles (94 km) from the centre of Chisinau.
What currency is used in Chisinau?
Chisinau uses the Moldovan leu (MDL). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ L17.9.
What time zone is Chisinau in?
Chisinau uses the Europe/Chisinau time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Chisinau?
For those on a budget, just do as the locals do: use a trolley-bus (about 30 lines through the city), bus or maxi-taxis. A ride costs 6 lei regardless of the mode of transportation. In trolleybuses and buses, the fare is collected by a conductor who walks through the bus back and forth.
What are the best places to visit in Chisinau?
Top sights in Chisinau include Cathedral of Christ's Nativity, Stephen the Great Central Park, Triumphal Arch and Stephen the Great Monument. The main Orthodox cathedral of Moldova, a Neoclassical church with a separate bell tower in the heart of the city. Dress modestly to go inside, and visit during a service to hear the choir.
What are the top things to do in Chisinau?
Popular experiences you can book in Chisinau include Best Highlights of Chisinau - Private Walking Tour, Explore Milestii Mici: The World's Largest Wine Cellar - Private Half-Day Tour and Explore Chateau Purcari Winery with Marta and Maria Monastery Visit - Private Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Chisinau?
The most popular types of experiences in Chisinau are day trips & excursions (11), art & culture (3), gastronomy & nightlife (1) and outdoor activities & adventure (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Chisinau?
Popular areas for hotels in Chisinau include Chisinau. Well-reviewed options include BERDS Hotel and Manhattan Hotel & Restaurant.
How many hotels can I book in Chisinau?
Destina Holidays currently lists 56 properties in and around Chisinau, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
