How many days do you need in Chișinău?

The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.

What are the top things to do in Chișinău?

Highlights: Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Triumphal Arch, Chișinău, Cathedral of Divine Providence, Chișinău, National Museum of History of Moldova and National Museum of Fine Arts. The map has 29 things to do in total.

How do you get from the airport to Chișinău city centre?

Chișinău International (RMO): Minibus or trolleybus ≈ 30 min

All cities

Chișinău Things to do and walking itinerary

Moldova

Chișinău travel guide

29 things to do in Chișinău, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.

Top things to do in Chișinău

Nativity of Christ Cathedral — cathedral in Chișinău, Moldova (visit ≈ 35 min)
Triumphal Arch, Chișinău — triumphal arch in Chișinău, Moldova (visit ≈ 15 min)
Cathedral of Divine Providence, Chișinău — architectural monument of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 35 min)
National Museum of History of Moldova — museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
National Museum of Fine Arts — art museum in Chișinău, Moldova (visit ≈ 120 min)
Water Tower of Chișinău — historical and architectural monument of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 120 min)
National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Moldova — opera and ballet theatre, former monument of art of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 20 min)
Presidential Palace in Chișinău — Residence of the President of Moldova (visit ≈ 90 min)
St. Teodora de la Sihla Church — historical monument, of art, and architectural of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 35 min)
Ciuflea Monastery — architectural monument of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 30 min)
National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History — historical and architectural monument of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 120 min)
Stephen the Great Monument — historical monument and of art of national importance, public forum monument in Moldova (visit ≈ 15 min)
Rose Valley, Chișinău — urban park in Chișinău, Moldova (visit ≈ 45 min)
Măzărache Church — architectural monument of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 30 min)
Eternity Memorial Complex, Chișinău — historical monument and of art of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 15 min)
Chișinău Zoo — zoological garden in Moldova (visit ≈ 150 min)
Memorial house of Aleksandr Pushkin, Chișinău — historical monument of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 120 min)
Armenian church "Saint Mary" of Chișinău — Armenian Church in Chișinău (Moldova) (visit ≈ 30 min)
Transfiguration Church of Chișinău — architectural monument of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 30 min)
Memorial to Victims of Stalinist Repressions — monument in Chișinău, Moldova (visit ≈ 15 min)
National Theatre "Mihai Eminescu" — building in Chișinău, Moldova (visit ≈ 20 min)
St. Pantaleon church in Chișinău — architectural monument and of art of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 30 min)
Army Museum (Moldova) — military museum in Chișinău (visit ≈ 120 min)
National Museum of Romanian Literature — Museum in Chișinău (visit ≈ 120 min)
Monument to Nizami Ganjavi in Chișinău — monument in Chișinău Municipality, Moldova (visit ≈ 15 min)
Synagogue of the Glaziers, Chișinău — historical and architectural monument of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 30 min)
St. George church in Chișinău — architectural monument of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 30 min)
All Saints Orthodox church in Chișinău — church building in Chișinău, Moldova (visit ≈ 30 min)
St. Haralambios church in Chișinău — monument of art and architectural of national importance in Moldova (visit ≈ 30 min)

2-day Chișinău walking itinerary

Starting point: Centre / Ștefan cel Mare. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.

Day 1 (≈ 3.6 km · 4,820 steps · 48 min on the way): Triumphal Arch, Chișinău → National Museum of History of Moldova → Water Tower of Chișinău → National Museum of Fine Arts → Presidential Palace in Chișinău
Day 2 (≈ 1.7 km · 2,250 steps · 22 min on the way): Cathedral of Divine Providence, Chișinău → National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Moldova → Nativity of Christ Cathedral

Where to stay in Chișinău

Centre / Ștefan cel Mare: Cathedral Park and the main boulevard; most places are walkable.
Valea Morilor: A large lakeside park; a quiet location.
Old Town / Pushkin Museum: Old houses and small streets; close to the centre.
Railway Station: Close to international trains and buses.

Getting from the airport to Chișinău

Chișinău International (RMO): Minibus or trolleybus ≈ 30 min

Getting around

The centre is small and walkable; trolleybuses and minibuses (rutieră) cover the rest of the city.

Classic places to eat

La Plăcinte: Local chain serving plăcinte pies and mămăligă.
Carpe Diem: Wine bar known for tasting Moldovan wines.
Gastrobar: Modern Moldovan cooking and local wines.
Andy’s Pizza: Local chain; Moldovan dishes as well as pizza.
Tucano Coffee: Chișinău’s popular local coffee chain.

Romantic views

Valea Morilor Park (Sunset): A walk around the lake with the sunset reflected on the water.
Ștefan cel Mare Park (Evening): The city’s oldest park, with leafy paths and benches.
Cathedral Park (Evening): A calm park around the cathedral, lit in the evening.
Dendrarium (Early morning): An arboretum with ponds and flowerbeds.

Football stadiums in Chișinău

Zimbru Stadium: Home of FC Zimbru Chișinău, FC Dacia Chișinău

Good to know before visiting Chișinău

Fine: Smoking indoors is banned.
Fine: Roads require an e-vignette; the drink-driving limit is low.
Warning: The Transnistria region isn't under Moldovan government control; check official travel advice.
The currency is the Moldovan leu; cards are common in Chișinău.
Women cover their hair in Orthodox churches.
Wine cellar tours are popular; book visits ahead.

Emergency: 112
Plugs: C/F, 230V
Tap water: Prefer bottled water.
Tipping: About 10% is customary.

Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Moldova, Wikivoyage — Moldova, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10

Chișinău travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Chișinău?: The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
What are the top things to do in Chișinău?: Highlights: Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Triumphal Arch, Chișinău, Cathedral of Divine Providence, Chișinău, National Museum of History of Moldova and National Museum of Fine Arts. The map has 29 things to do in total.
Where to stay in Chișinău?: Centre / Ștefan cel Mare: Cathedral Park and the main boulevard; most places are walkable. Other options: Valea Morilor, Old Town / Pushkin Museum and Railway Station.
How do you get from the airport to Chișinău city centre?: Chișinău International (RMO): Minibus or trolleybus ≈ 30 min
How do you get around Chișinău?: The centre is small and walkable; trolleybuses and minibuses (rutieră) cover the rest of the city.
What is the emergency number in Chișinău?: Emergency: 112.
Do you tip in Chișinău?: About 10% is customary.

Nearby cities

Bucharest · Kyiv · Sofia · Amasra · Istanbul · Belgrade · Novi Sad · Kraków

All cities