Tourism in Moldova

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Europe / Eastern Europe

Tourist attractions

Cricova Underground Wine Cellar

Region: Near Chișinău

Cultural heritage

Famous site where wine ages in 120km underground passages

Mileștii Mici

Region: Ialoveni District

Cultural heritage

Guinness-registered world''s largest wine collection

Orheiul Vechi Archaeological Complex

Region: Orhei County

Cultural heritage

Sacred site in gorge overlooking cave monastery and medieval structures

Soroca Fortress

Region: Soroca city

Medieval fortress

16th century circular stone fortress overlooking Dniester River

National Museum of History

Region: Chișinău

Modern architecture

Rich archaeological collection including golden Olympus statue

Tipova Monastery

Region: Rezina County

Religious heritage

Cave monastery carved in rock face and waterfall scenic beauty

Pădurea Domnească Nature Reserve

Region: Glodeni County

Nature

Wetland forest including Europe''s largest heron breeding site

Purcari Winery

Region: Ștefan Vodă County

Wine resort

Premium wine and boutique hotel founded 1827

Nativity Cathedral

Region: Chișinău

Religious architecture

Russian neoclassical style cathedral built 1830s

Transnistria (Tiraspol Old Town)

Region: Tiraspol

Historic district

Unrecognized state center preserving strong Soviet-era cityscape

Suggested itineraries

Moldova Wine Road 3 Days

Duration (days): 3

Highlights: Chișinău, Cricova, Mileștii Mici, National Wine Day (seasonal)

Short tour touring two major underground cellars and wine museum based in capital

5-Day History and Nature Route

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Orheiul Vechi, Soroca Fortress, Tipova Monastery, Dniester River cruise

Circuit combining medieval ruins and gorge beauty, traditional village experience

Gagauzia Culture & Black Sea Lowlands 7 Days

Duration (days): 7

Highlights: Comrat, Gagauz Museum, Purcari Winery, Budjak steppe

Long-term course experiencing Turkic Gagauz ethnic food and dance, heading to southern vineyards

Travel tips

  • Japanese passport visa-free for under 90 days tourism
  • Leu cash payment mainstream, cards only in urban areas
  • Basic Russian or Romanian greetings useful
  • Marshrutka (shared van) main transport, fares paid inside vehicle
  • Rough road pavement, allow time for long-distance travel
  • Beware pickpockets in capital center, avoid parks at night
  • Tap water hard, bottled water recommended
  • Restaurants without service charge, 5–10% tip customary
  • Winter drops below −10°C, winter clothing essential
  • Note Transnistria visit requires passport registration and different currency
  • Free Wi-Fi abundant but VPN use recommended
  • Negotiation common at local markets
  • Prepare for spring pollen and summer mosquito measures
  • Public smoking designated areas only
  • Confirm fares beforehand for border-crossing taxis

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