Chisinau is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Moldova. It is historically known as Kishinev, and was a former member of the Soviet Union. It is the richest city in the country, being the economic, financial, and business center of Moldova. The city is also sometimes called the “White City” for many of its buildings and structures are painted in white. Characterized by beautiful architecture, Chisinau also boasts of a thriving and bustling nightlife.
Geography
Chisinau is located on the banks of the river Bic, and surrounded by level landscape with very fertile land. The city is situated in the central east part of the country.
How to Reach (Modes of Transportation)
By Plane – The airport that serves the city is the Chisinau International Airport. It serves an average of 1 million passengers per year, offering domestic flights and international routes to nearby countries.
By Train – The Moldovan Railway CFM runs through 1,232 km on a single track from Chisinau. The central hub is the Chisinau Central Railways Station and trips to domestic and international destinations are available. International routes include Kiev, Minsk, Bucharest, Odessa, Moscow, Samara, and St. Petersburg.
By Bus – There are 29 bus lines around Chisinau, with 330 stops across the city. There are currently over 100 buses, operating from 6am to 12 midnight everyday.
By Trolleybuses – The cheapest mode of public transport in the city, it is a wide network of 22 lines over 246 km in length, and operates from 6am to 11pm everyday. There are currently over 200 trolleybuses in the city.
By Minibuses – Minibuses are privately operated and are found in the city center and the suburbs. They follow bus and trolleybus lines, and currently, there’s an estimated 1800 units running in the city.
By Taxi – There are less than 100 taxi cabs in the city and drivers speak very little English.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Chisinau is in the summer season, where temperatures are low and the weather is dry. This season is perfect for strolling and sightseeing around the city. The months of May to August are most ideal in terms of weather, but October is the most popular time for locals and many tourists, as it coincides with the city’s famous wine festival.
Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions
Chisinau City Day – Held every October 14 of every year, the Chisinau City Day is in celebration of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin – a Russian Orthodox religious tradition. The main city street of the Stefan cel Mare Boulevard is closed to traffic, and an open-air festival is held. People don national costumes, vendors create makeshift stalls to sell traditional food and wine, and a concert is held in the evening.
Ethno Jazz Festival – This is one of the country’s most anticipated music festivals. Held every September in the capital, it’s a unique celebration and presentation of folk and jazz music, and an integral part of the cultural life of Moldova.
Moldova Wine Festival – Chisinau’s most famous yearly event, it occurs every October and lasts for several days. Many locals and tourists partake in the celebrations, where parades of winemakers gather for public wine-tasting, traditional food, and performances of local folkloric groups.
Points of Interest (Places to Visit)
Stefan cel Mare Central Park – Located right in the middle of the city, it’s a breath of fresh air among the hustle and bustle of city life. Also called “The Park of Lovers,” it is a famous meeting spot for many couples. Seven hectares of land make up this park, which is the oldest in the entire Moldova.
Nativity Cathedral – Built in the 1800’s, this Orthodox cathedral church is made of stone and brick and is considered to be the architectural centerpiece of the city.
The Holly Gates – One of the most important and historical architectural monuments in the city, it was originally built in 1846 to hold a huge bell. Today, it is a popular symbol of the city, with its distinctive white Corinthian columns and richly carved ornaments.
Chisinau Souvenir Bazaar – The place to go for all things hand-made and organic. This popular open-air artisan market is beaming with local art, produce, paintings, relics, and many handmade crafts.
Milesti Mici – Located 19km from the city center, this castle is home to over 2 million bottles of wine, which holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the biggest cellar in the world. A 115-mile cellar is found here, which is open to the public for guided tours and wine-tasting afterwards.
Accommodation
There is a wide selection of places to stay in Chisinau but midrange hotels are very few. Apartments and guesthouses are good alternatives for those looking for mid-priced accommodation. Luxury hotels are mostly found in the city center.