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Chișinău
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Chișinău – a brief overview
Almost entirely destroyed during WWII, much of Chișinău was built during the Soviet period and as a result, brutalist Communist architecture dominates the skyline. That said, the city has attractive pockets too, with gorgeous parks and a smattering of beautiful cathedrals helping to break up the vast swathes of concrete.
Although the city’s cultural scene is comparatively undeveloped, Chișinău boasts some excellent museums and galleries, while its shopping scene is gradually picking up speed. Chișinău might not be beautiful, but it more than makes up for it in cosmopolitan charm.
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Top 10 sights in Chișinău
© Eric Nathan / Alamy
Nativity Cathedral
Piața Marii Adunări Naționale 12
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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Opening times:
Various
An imposing neoclassical pile with a huge colonnade and a vast dome, Chişinău’s cathedral was built in 1836 by Russian architect Abraham Melnikov and remains one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.
Pushkin Museum
Str Anton Pann 19
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1600
It was during his three-year exile in Chişinău that Russian Alexander Pushkin wrote The Prisoner of the Caucasus, much of it from his study in a tiny cottage. The cottage, crammed with personal effects, is now a quaint museum.
National Parliament of Moldova
Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt 105
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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Built in the 1970s, Moldova’s imposing parliament building sits within pretty grounds in central Chişinău and is worth visiting for the architecture alone – even if, as is usual, you can’t actually go in.
Memorial Park
Strada Pantelimon Halippa 5
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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Dominated by a vast orange pyramid, Memorial Park commemorates the victory of the Red Army over the Nazis in 1945, as well as the many Moldovan soldiers who died in defence of the city.
National Art Museum of Moldova
Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt
Chişinău
Moldova
Tel: +373 22 241 303
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Chişinău
Moldova
Tel: +373 22 241 303
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800 (Apr-Oct)
Tue-Sun 1000-1630 (Nov-Mar)
Home to a motley mixture of contemporary and medieval art, Moldova’s biggest art gallery mainly displays the work of local artists, although there’s a significant Romanian contingent as well.
Grădina Botanică
A pretty botanical garden attached to the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, the garden is a little scruffy around the edges but contains beautiful vintage greenhouses as well as a huge variety of trees and plants.
Military Museum
Strada Tighina 47
Chişinău
Moldova
Tel: +373 22 272 056
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Chişinău
Moldova
Tel: +373 22 272 056
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0900-2000
Packed with Soviet antiques, including several tanks and a couple of old fighter planes, Chişinău’s unusual military museum is open-air and offers an interesting way to fill a couple of spare hours.
St Teodor Tiron Convent
Strada Ciuflea
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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A spectacular blue painted piece of ecclesiastical architecture topped with eye-catching golden onion domes, this convent was built in 1850 and was named in honour of the Moldovan martyr St Teodor Tiron.
National Ethnographic and Natural History Museum
Strada Mikhail Kogălniceanu
Chişinău
Moldova
Tel: +373 22 244 002
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Chişinău
Moldova
Tel: +373 22 244 002
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800
The centrepiece of this museum is a huge reconstruction of a dinothere, but the galleries are packed with treasures too, all of which relate to natural history, botany and zoology.
National Museum
Strada 31 August 1989 121a
2012 Chişinău
Moldova
Tel: +373 22 24 04 26
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2012 Chişinău
Moldova
Tel: +373 22 24 04 26
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Opening times:
Sat-Thu 1000-1800 (summer)
Sat-Thu 1000-1700 (winter)
Charting Moldova’s history from the Bronze Age to the present day, this museum houses a huge collection of ancient coins, plenty of Soviet memorabilia and a fascinating permanent exhibition dedicated to the Nazi occupation.
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Country information
Country overview
Rich with history and fertile soils that produce abundant vineyards, Moldova is an unjustifiably forgotten tourist destination, as yet untouched by the budget airline brigade.
Geography
Moldova is a small landlocked state in southeastern Europe – one of the most highly populated republics of the former USSR. To the north, east and south, Moldova is bound by Ukraine; to the west by Romania.
The River Prut constitutes the border with Romania. The country has rich pastures and wooded slopes, ideal for wine-growing.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 3619925
Population Density (per sq km): 107
Capital: Chișinău (Kishinev).
Language
Moldovan (official), although considered to be virtually identical to Romanian. Russian is still the most widely-spoken language.
Currency
Leu (MDL; symbol (plural) Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and Leu1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bani.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two circular pins are used.
General business opening hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1700.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 and 2 January 2020
Orthodox Christmas Day: 7 and 8 January 2020
International Women’s Day: 8 March 2020
Orthodox Easter: 19 and 20 April 2020
Labour Day: 1 May 2020
Commemoration Day: 6 May 2020
Victory Day: 9 May 2020
Independence Day: 27 and 28 August 2020
National Language Day: 31 August 2020
Christmas Day: 25 December 2020
2021
New Year’s Day: 1 and 2 January 2021
Orthodox Christmas Day: 7 and 8 January 2021
International Women’s Day: 8 March 2021
Labour Day: 1 May 2021
Orthodox Easter: 2 and 3 May 2021
Commemoration Day: 6 May 2021
Victory Day: 9 May 2021
Independence Day: 27 and 28 August 2021
National Language Day: 31 August 2021
Christmas Day: 25 December 2021
All information subject to change.
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Nightlife in Chișinău
If you’re looking for a party, Chişinău is a good place to come. Much of the nightlife revolves around the local tipple of choice, vodka, although there are some decent beer bars to choose from as well.
Be warned: come weekends, bars and clubs are packed, so be prepared to stand.
City Club
str. 31 August 1989 115
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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It might be tucked away down an alley but the hip décor and generous drinks have made this place a local favourite.
Drive
Calea Orheiului 109
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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One of the city’s livelier nightclubs, Drive is huge and impersonal but nevertheless very popular.
Monaco
Strada Calea Mosilor 18
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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Beautifully decorated and very slick, Monaco is the best place to go for a cocktail in Chişinău.
Dublin Irish Pub
Strada Bulgară 27
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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Even Chişinău isn’t immune to the lure of Guinness, and this standard Irish pub is a good place for a pint.
Booz Time
Strada 31 August 1989 117
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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As the name suggests, this isn’t the most sophisticated of drinking dens but it’s brilliant fun.
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Restaurants in Chișinău
Eastern Europe might not be known for its cooking, but you wouldn’t know it in Chişinău.
The Moldovan capital is home to scores of restaurants, some better than others, but all relatively cheap and serving up a huge range of cuisine from traditional Moldovan to flavours from the Far East.
Marius
Eminesku St., 41/1
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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Price: Expensive
The poshest restaurant in Chişinău, this is the place to come for lunches costing €300 per person.
Grill House
Strada Armenească 24
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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Price: Moderate
Terrific meat and fish dishes served up to the accompaniment of live jazz.
Vatra Neamului
Strada Puşkin 20B
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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Price: Moderate
Delicious, traditional mainly meat-based food, in a charming, old-world dining room.
Pani Pit
Strada 31 August 1989 115
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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Price: Moderate
Moldovan classics meet the Far East in this unusual courtyard eatery.
Pizza Mania
Strada Tudor Vladimirescu 7a
Chişinău
Moldova
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Chişinău
Moldova
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Price: Cheap
Along with the eponymous pizzas, this budget chain serves up huge salads and delicious omelettes.
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Calendar of events
Martisor Music Festival
Chisinau’s finest concert venues join forces to stage 10 days of outstanding musical performances in early spring each year. Local and international artists and companies present an enthralling programme of over 40 concerts featuring classical and folk music, opera and dance.
Cronograf Festival
Moldova’s international film festival invites documentary filmmakers and fans from across the globe to this juried competition. Films are judged under three categories: documentaries from any location on any theme; films focusing on Romanian communities around the world; and locally, independently produced documentaries.
Night of Museums
May 2020
Venue: Museums throughout Chisinau and Moldova
Chisinau’s museums stay open into the small hours and offer free admission on this special evening coinciding with International Museum Day in mid-May. Interactive exhibitions, poetry readings, theatrical performances and concerts take place, along with architectural city bus tours and historical re-enactments.
Victory Day
May 9, 2020
Venue: Throughout Chișinău; main parade at Victory Memorial
Flag-waving crowds march through the streets to commemorate the Soviet Union’s WWII victory over Nazi Germany. The highlight of the day is a spectacular military parade and speeches next to the Victory Memorial. Veterans and their families lay wreaths of red carnations.
Independence Day
August 27, 2020
Venue: Great National Assembly Square and parts of Stefan cel Mare Boulevard
Rousing military band performances, folk music and dancing displays attract huge crowds of proud Moldovans to Chisinau’s Independence Day celebrations, with many participants donning traditional dress. The commemoration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 culminates in a tremendous fireworks display.
Maria Bieşu Opera and Ballet Festival
World-renowned conductors, opera singers and ballet dancers are invited to perform in Chisinau at this annual festival founded by, and now held in honour of, Maria Bieşu, a former prima donna of Moldova’s National Opera and Ballet Theatre. The programme includes an enticing mix of favourite and lesser-known productions.
National Wine Day
October 3 – 4, 2020
Venue: Great National Assembly Square
Lively folk dancing and music, traditional embroidered costumes, delicious regional dishes and plenty of fine local wine combine to create a colourful celebration of Moldovan wine-making. Visitors can pick up handicrafts, gen up on grape varieties at masterclasses, or head out of town on scenic vineyard tours.
Hramul Chisinaului (Chisinau City Day)
October 14, 2020
Venue: Stefan cel Mare Boulevard
The city’s main street closes to cars and is transformed into the venue for an important Russian Orthodox religious festival on 14 October, celebrating the Intercession of the Holy Virgin. Highlights include parades, traditional music and dance, an outdoor concert in Great National Assembly Square and a sparkling fireworks display.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
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Hotels in Chișinău
As befits a city that’s rapidly becoming an economic force to be reckoned with, Chişinău is home to an impressively large array of hotels, most of which are on a par with the rest of Europe.
Its boutique hotels are a particularly good bet – many are family run and very cosy.
Savoy
Strada Alexei Mateevici 66
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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Category: Expensive
No relation to the London hotel, this is nevertheless an opulently decorated Chişinău insititution.
Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel
Strada Mihai Eminescu 49/1
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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Category: Expensive
Very stylish and centrally located, with fabulous four-poster antique beds.
Club Royal Park Hotel
Strada Trandafirilor 6/2
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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Category: Moderate
Next to Trandafirilor Park, the hotel is packed with quirky antiques and is close to the city centre.
Regency Hotel
Strada Sfatul Ţării 17
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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Category: Moderate
A stylish, modern and comfortable sleeping spot close to the Moldova parliament building.
Art-Rustic Boutique Hotel
Strada Alexandru Hajdeu 79/1
Chișinău
Moldova
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Chișinău
Moldova
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Category: Cheap
More family home than anything else, this is a cosy, friendly place to stay.
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Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 07:00 UTC
overcast
temperature
-2°C
wind direction
northwestwind speed
10.625 mphhumidity
75%7 days forecast
Saturday
16.01.2021
-5°C / -11°C
Sunday
17.01.2021
-8°C / -13°C
Monday
18.01.2021
-10°C / -12°C
Tuesday
19.01.2021
-9°C / -13°C
Wednesday
20.01.2021
-5°C / -10°C
Thursday
21.01.2021
-3°C / -7°C
Friday
22.01.2021
1°C / -3°C
Climate & best time to visit Moldova
Very mild and pleasant. Temperate with warm summers 20 to 23°C (68 to 73°F), crisp, sunny autumns and cold, sometimes snowy, winters.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 °C | -30 °C | -1 °C | -7 °C | 84 % | 40 mm | 6 | 2.5 h |
| Feb | 19 °C | -32 °C | 1 °C | -4 °C | 81 % | 38 mm | 7 | 2.9 h |
| Mar | 25 °C | -23 °C | 6 °C | -1 °C | 79 % | 35 mm | 6 | 4.1 h |
| Apr | 32 °C | -9 °C | 16 °C | 5 °C | 67 % | 42 mm | 7 | 6.3 h |
| May | 36 °C | -2 °C | 22 °C | 11 °C | 62 % | 51 mm | 8 | 8.2 h |
| Jun | 37 °C | 4 °C | 25 °C | 14 °C | 66 % | 75 mm | 9 | 9.5 h |
| Jul | 39 °C | 8 °C | 27 °C | 15 °C | 63 % | 69 mm | 8 | 9.7 h |
| Aug | 39 °C | 5 °C | 27 °C | 15 °C | 64 % | 45 mm | 6 | 9.5 h |
| Sep | 37 °C | -1 °C | 23 °C | 11 °C | 68 % | 48 mm | 5 | 7.6 h |
| Oct | 33 °C | -16 °C | 17 °C | 6 °C | 76 % | 27 mm | 4 | 5.6 h |
| Nov | 28 °C | -22 °C | 9 °C | 2 °C | 84 % | 39 mm | 6 | 2.5 h |
| Dec | 16 °C | -22 °C | 1 °C | -3 °C | 86 % | 38 mm | 7 | 2.0 h |
| year | 39 °C | -32 °C | 14 °C | 5 °C | 73 % | 547 mm | 79 | 5.9 h |
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Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing code: +373
Telephone
Local payphones are cheap and plentiful. They work by phonecards available at kiosks.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is generally good all over the country.
Internet
There are Internet cafes in main towns.
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Shopping in Chișinău
Key Areas
Chişinău, like the rest of Eastern Europe, is awash with Soviet antiques and quirky places in which to buy them. Nevertheless, there’s more to the Moldovan capital than historical artefacts, with stylish fashion boutiques lining the central Bulevardul Ştefan cel Mare and scores of markets selling everything from handicrafts to fresh produce. In addition to markets, there are plenty of malls, including the vast Megapolis Mall and the amusingly named MallDova.
Markets
Chişinău Souvenir Bazaar (Bulevardul Ştefan cel Mare) is the best place for Soviet memorabilia and handicrafts while the Plata Centrala (Strada Ismail) is the place to go for fresh produce.
Shopping Centres
Along with Megapolis (Strada Mihai Sadoveanu 42/6) and MallDova (Strada Arborilor 21), Unic (Strada Ismail), a Soviet-style all-purpose store, is well worth checking out.
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Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Dress should be casual but conservative.
For official engagements, men should wear a jacket and tie.
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Health
Food & Drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated but bottled water is available and advised. Local meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Other Risks
Vaccination is sometimes recommended for tick-borne encephalitis. Travellers staying longer than three months may be required to produce proof of HIV-negative status.
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Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.