The highlights of Moldova in one week
Moldova itinerary
Created by:
itinerary-hub
Published on:
Oct. 28, 2020
7 days
455 km
4 steps
This one week itinerary will pass through the highlights of Moldova, one of the least visited countries of Europe.
Step 1: Chișinău
2 days recommended
Chișinău
Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, is one of Eastern Europe's least visited capitals, which makes it a great spot for travelers looking to explore somewhere off the typical tourist path.
The city has a fascinating blend of Soviet architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and beautiful Orthodox churches. Stefan cel Mare Central Park serves as the city's green heart, where locals gather especially during summer evenings. The city's main boulevard named after the same national hero (Stefan cel Mare) connects many of the important landmarks including the Triumphal Arch and the National Museum of History.
Moldova is famous for its wine production, and Chișinău is the perfect base to explore this aspect of the country's culture. The massive wine cellars at Cricova and Mileștii Mici, both near the capital, hold Guinness World Records. Mileștii Mici actually has the world's largest wine collection with over 1.5 million bottles stored in tunnels stretching for about 200 kilometers.
The city has a complex history, having been part of the Russian Empire, Romania, the Soviet Union, and finally becoming the capital of independent Moldova in 1991. This diverse past has created a unique cultural mix with both Romanian and Russian influences evident in the language, cuisine, and daily life of Chișinău's residents.
Best hotels in Chișinău:
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Jumbo Hotel (budget hotel)
Jumbo Hotel in Chișinău offers a comfortable experience in the city center. The modern building is located on Decebal Boulevard, just a short walk from the scenic Rose Valley Park. The spacious rooms provide city views and come equipped with all the essential amenities, making it a great option for both business and leisure travelers.
The hotel features a restaurant serving delicious Moldovan dishes as well as international favorites, with an extensive breakfast buffet to start your day. For relaxation, you can enjoy a massage or unwind with a drink at the stylish bar. The friendly staff are always ready to help with local recommendations or assist with organizing tours around Chișinău. Its prime location puts you close to Jumbo Mall and the train station, and with free parking and airport shuttle services, getting around is easy.
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Leogrand Hotel (luxury hotel)
The Leogrand Hotel is located right in the center of Chișinău, just a short walk from the main cathedral and parliament building. This large, modern hotel offers all the standard high-end features, including comfortable rooms, multiple restaurants, a spa, and a gym.
The rooms provide great views of the city, and there are several dining options, including a restaurant on the 8th floor that boasts panoramic views. The breakfast buffet is highly praised as well. Its central location makes it easy to explore the city on foot, with many attractions, shops, and museums within walking distance. The friendly staff are always ready to assist, making it a top choice for a luxurious stay in Chișinău.
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Weekend Boutique Hotel (medium range hotel)
Weekend Boutique Hotel in Chișinău is a great choice right in the center of the city. Its prime location makes it easy to access the main street and is just a short drive from the airport. A large mall is also just a few steps away if you’re looking to do some shopping.
The rooms are comfortable and include all the essentials like air conditioning, TV, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a fun, artsy atmosphere with unique decor that adds to the vibe. The breakfast buffet is a highlight, offering a variety of delicious options to start the day. The staff is friendly and always willing to help with recommendations or anything you need, making it a reliable option for a stylish and convenient stay in Chișinău.
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Best hostels in Chișinău:
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Hostel Amazing Ionika (hostel)
Hostel Amazing in Chișinău is a great spot right in the center of the city, with Moldova State University and other major attractions within walking distance. The hostel has a relaxed atmosphere, featuring a shared lounge and kitchen where guests can unwind and meet fellow travelers.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, with both dormitory-style and private room options available. The staff are welcoming and always ready to offer helpful suggestions on what to see and do in Chișinău. Free WiFi is available throughout, which is always convenient when traveling. Its central location makes it a fantastic base for exploring nearby parks, museums, and restaurants.
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Hostel City Center (party hostel)
Hostel City Center is a great option in the center of Chișinău, with Cathedral Park and other key attractions just a short walk away. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with air conditioning to keep things cool. The hostel offers both dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, allowing guests to choose what suits their needs.
The shared spaces are well-equipped, with a kitchen for cooking and a common area to socialize with other travelers. The bathrooms are consistently kept clean, which is always a plus. The friendly staff are ready to offer helpful advice on things to do around the city. It's a reliable choice for anyone looking to stay in a central location in Chișinău with all the essentials for a pleasant experience. Just be aware that it can be busy, especially during peak times.
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Step 2: Tiraspol
1 days recommended
Tiraspol
Tiraspol is the capital of Transnistria, a breakaway region that declared independence from Moldova but isn't recognized by most countries. It's like stepping into a Soviet time capsule with Lenin statues still standing proud in the city squares and Soviet symbols visible throughout town.
The city sits on the eastern bank of the Dniester River and has around 130,000 residents. Walking down October 25th Street, the main boulevard, you'll see the imposing House of Soviets building and the striking War Memorial complex that honors those who fell during World War II and other conflicts.
What makes Tiraspol fascinating is its unique political situation. The region uses its own currency (the Transnistrian ruble), has its own government, police force, and even issues its own passports—though they're not valid for international travel. Despite this political limbo, visitors can cross into Tiraspol quite easily for day trips.
For history buffs, the city's KVINT brandy distillery has been producing renowned spirits since 1897 and represents one of the region's few internationally recognized brands. The local soccer team, Sheriff Tiraspol, made headlines when they qualified for the Champions League group stage, putting this little-known place on the map for sports fans worldwide.
Best hotels in Tiraspol:
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Park Hotel (budget hotel)
Park Hotel in Tiraspol offers a fantastic location right on the riverfront, just a short distance from the city center and major attractions. Many of the rooms offer lovely views of the river, and they are modern and comfortable.
The staff are welcoming and go out of their way to assist guests. The hotel has a great restaurant, and there's also a Georgian restaurant next door. Breakfast is included and consistently receives positive feedback. While not an extravagant luxury hotel, Park Hotel provides all the necessary amenities, with clean, well-equipped rooms, free WiFi, and easy access to the city's sights. It offers excellent value in a prime location for exploring Tiraspol.
Best hostels in Tiraspol:
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Old Tiraspol Hostel (hostel)
Old Tiraspol Hostel is a welcoming spot located right in the center of Tiraspol, with all the major attractions within walking distance. The hostel has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to feel comfortable right from the start.
The rooms are simple but comfortable, equipped with free WiFi and shared bathrooms. There’s also a common kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals. One of the highlights of the hostel is Elena, the owner, who is extremely friendly and always eager to offer helpful advice on things to see and do in the city. With its prime location near the main street and Tiraspol’s distinctive Soviet-era architecture, this hostel makes for a perfect starting point to explore this fascinating part of Eastern Europe. Just be aware that it operates on a cash-only basis, so make sure to come prepared.
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Like Home Hostel (party hostel)
Like Home Hostel in Tiraspol is a welcoming spot located right in the city center, with all the main attractions just a short walk away. The rooms are tidy and comfortable, offering both private rooms and dorm-style beds. There's a spacious shared kitchen for those who prefer to cook, and a pleasant outdoor area with a barbecue for relaxing and socializing.
The staff are friendly, always ready to help arrange tours to explore Tiraspol and its surroundings. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel, making it easy to stay connected. It’s an excellent base for discovering the city and surrounding area.
Step 3: Orhei
2 days recommended
Orhei
Orhei, a charming town in Moldova, offers a unique glimpse into Eastern European history without the crowds of more popular destinations. The real star here is Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei), an open-air archaeological complex where nature and human history have created something truly special.
Set along the Răut River, this historical site features limestone cliffs with caves that monks transformed into underground monasteries centuries ago. The Orthodox cave monastery, still active today, allows visitors to see how monks lived in these rocky chambers. The views from the cliffs overlooking the winding river are absolutely stunning and perfect for photos.
The region around Orhei has been inhabited for thousands of years, with traces of various civilizations including Dacian fortresses, Tatar-Mongol settlements, and medieval Moldavian structures. This cultural layering makes it fascinating for anyone interested in European history.
The nearby modern town of Orhei gives visitors a taste of everyday Moldovan life, with local markets selling homemade wine and traditional foods. Moldova's famous wine culture is evident here too, with several small producers in the surrounding countryside.
Visiting Orhei provides a window into Moldova's soul - a country at the crossroads of cultures that somehow maintained its own unique identity despite centuries of outside influences.
Best hotels in Orhei:
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STARK HOTEL (budget hotel)
STARK HOTEL in Orhei offers a relaxing escape with comfortable, well-equipped rooms that include air conditioning and flat-screen TVs, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Some rooms even feature balconies, ideal for enjoying your morning coffee with a view.
The staff are friendly and dedicated to ensuring guests have a pleasant stay. There’s a shared lounge area to relax in, and an on-site bar where you can enjoy evening drinks. Breakfast is highly rated, providing a great start to the day. The hotel is located in a peaceful area, yet it's close enough to walk to the center of Orhei. Free parking is available for guests driving, making it a convenient base for discovering the region.
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Chateau Vartely (resort)
Chateau Vartely is a beautiful wine resort located in the tranquil Moldovan countryside near Orhei. The expansive resort offers spacious rooms and apartments, many with balconies that provide stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. The on-site restaurant serves a delicious mix of Moldovan and European dishes, perfectly paired with wines from their extensive cellar.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including a tour of the winery, relaxing in the sauna, or playing table tennis and billiards. The staff are welcoming and attentive, often greeting visitors with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. With its peaceful location and excellent amenities, Chateau Vartely offers the ideal combination of relaxation and wine country exploration, just a short drive from Chisinau.
Best hostels in Orhei:
Step 4: Soroca
2 days recommended
Soroca
Soroca is a charming town in northern Moldova, sitting right on the Dniester River which forms the border with Ukraine. The town's most famous landmark is its impressive 16th-century fortress, built by Moldavian Prince Petru Rareș. The fort stands as a perfect circle with five towers and has been remarkably preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into Moldova's medieval past.
What makes Soroca particularly unique is its reputation as the unofficial Romani capital of Moldova. The hill overlooking the town features elaborate mansions built by wealthy Roma families, many designed to resemble famous buildings like the Bolshoi Theater or St. Peter's Basilica. This area, known as 'Gypsy Hill,' showcases an interesting blend of architectural styles and cultural influences.
The town comes alive during summer when locals gather along the riverfront promenade. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views across to Ukraine while sipping a Moldovan wine. Soroca has a rich history that spans centuries, having been an important defense point against Ottoman invasions and later serving as a significant trade route.
Just outside town stands the 'Candle of Gratitude,' a memorial carved into limestone that honors Moldovan cultural heritage. The monument rises 29.5 meters and has become another popular spot for visitors to this lesser-known corner of Eastern Europe.
Best hotels in Soroca:
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Central Hotel (budget hotel)
Central Hotel in Soroca is a great option right in the middle of town. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with essential amenities like free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. Some rooms even feature kitchenettes, perfect for preparing a quick meal.
The staff is friendly and multilingual, always eager to share local recommendations and tips for exploring Soroca. The hotel offers several amenities, including an indoor pool, a restaurant serving delicious local dishes, and a bar where you can unwind after a day of sightseeing. The location is ideal, just a short walk from major attractions like Soroca Castle, with plenty of nearby restaurants and shops. Central Hotel is a welcoming choice for those looking to explore this lovely Moldovan town.