Chișinău in 2 days: what to see and how to get around

Chișinău can be seen well in two days: one day for the city, on foot, and one day for the surroundings — underground wineries and the landscapes of Old Orhei. Here is an itinerary that works.

Day 1: the city centre, on foot

The centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Start on Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt Boulevard, the city’s main artery.

• Cathedral Park and the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Nativity — the heart of the city, with the Triumphal Arch right in front.
• Ștefan cel Mare Park — with the statue of the ruler and the Alley of Classics.
• National Museum of History of Moldova and National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History — two museums worth an hour or two each.
• Central Market — fruit, vegetables, cheeses and local atmosphere, in the morning.
• Evening: Valea Morilor Park, with its lake and cascading stairs, then dinner at one of the restaurants in the centre.

For longer distances in the city, a car with a driver by the hour lets you make several stops without worrying about parking.

Day 2: wine and history outside the city

On the second day, head out of the city. The easiest way is with a driver: you don’t have to think about the road, and you are not the one driving after the tastings.

• Morning: an underground winery. Cricova is about 15 km north of Chișinău (around 20 minutes), and Mileștii Mici about 17 km south (around 30 minutes). Both require advance booking for tours. Details in the guide Cricova, Mileștii Mici and Purcari wineries.
• Afternoon: Old Orhei. The complex with the cave monastery and the village of Butuceni is about 50–60 km from Chișinău, roughly an hour’s drive. See also the day trip with the nearby monasteries.

How to get around

• In the centre: on foot.
• Around the city: trolleybuses and buses (7 lei per ride) or a private transfer.
• Outside the city: a car with a driver — for a full day with several stops, choose hourly booking.