Best Things to Do in Moldova

1. Capriana Monastery 

Sitting northeast of Chisinau, Capriana Monastery is one of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in the country. It was supposedly given to the wife of Alexander the Good, Princess Marena. The monastery was built in the mid-1400s during medieval times and is made up of multiple buildings.

In addition to the monastery building, there are three churches on site. There is a summer church, which is the oldest “extant” church in Moldova and a winter church, which was built in the 20th century. Another church was built and dedicated to St. Nicholas. You can easily arrive and tour the monastery, but it’s best to book ahead. 

2. Soroca Fortress

Built in Soroca, the fortress or fort was constructed like the Capriana Monastery during medieval times. It was built as the stronghold for the Moldovian Prince Stephen the Great in the late-1400s. The fortress during the 1500s was built out of stone, but the original fort that was there was made of wood and was a strategic defensive point. The fort also played a vital role in the Great Turkish War, the Pruth Campaign, and the Russo-Turkish war. This is considered a must-see in Soroca as it is a peek into the history and culture of this city. 

3. Cricova Winery

In the town of Cricova, just 9 miles away from Chisinau, is one of the most interesting and delectable destinations in Moldova. Cricova Winery has the second largest wine cellar system in Moldova (after Milestii Mici) with 75 miles of underground tunnels housing amazing wine. This massive underground town is made up of not only the storage tunnels but also tasting rooms and warehouses visitors can frequent. 

Wine lovers when visiting should expect to have their taste buds tickled as most of the wine produced here is sparkling wine. This winery is often included on guided tours of Moldova or is an easy day trip if you have a free day. 

4. Stephen the Great Central Park

When visiting Moldova’s capital of Chisinau, make sure to relax and unwind at the city’s main park, Stephen the Great Central Park. It was formerly called Pushkin Park and is near the monument for Stephen the Great. The park is one of the top free things to do in Molodova and is known for its beautiful fountain. 

For travelers visiting as couples, this may be an unique thing to do as the park is one of the main gathering places for couples and has become a top romantic spot in the city. 

5. Chisinau

For travelers looking to experience a city that was once a mecca for Soviet sympathies, but still has its own history while embracing modern times, Chisinau is the place to see. While much of the city was destroyed by an earthquake and was rebuilt with traditional Soviet architecture, you can still find some of the Neoclassical gems like the Nativity Cathedral or the serene Stephen the Great Central Park. 

Most tours of Moldova begin in Chisinau and the city is often a major stop on tours of Eastern Europe. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the diverse history of this city that dates back to the 1400s and its time underneath Soviet rule. 

6. Transnistria

Transnistria is what is called a “breakaway state.” This means that the UN and most countries consider this narrow strip of land to be considered part of Moldova and don’t recognize it as a separate country. However, there are some that consider it its own sovereign country. This small piece of land sits between the border of Ukraine and Moldova and declared its independence from Moldova after the civil war. 

What makes this one of the most interesting places is that it maintains its ties to the old Soviet Union by following the way of life and beliefs that were central to the Soviet Union. Tiraspol is the capital of this unique place and is one of the highlights for tours of Moldova. 

7. Milestii Mici

Wine lovers come forth! For those travelers that love wine and want to have a wine experience different from wine tours in Italy or France. Consider visiting Moldova to see the largest wine cellar in the world. Milestii Mici is a winery in Moldova that is more akin to an “wine city” than just a “winery.” A massive cave network underneath the winery is home to catacombs full of wine, tasting rooms, storage rooms, and granite-floored rooms with wine covering the walls from top to bottom.

If you are on a tour of Moldova, this will typically be included on your itinerary. However, if it is not, you can use a free day when you are in Chisinau or stay an extra day longer as Milestii Mici is only a short drive from the capital. 

8. Old Orhei

Old Orhei is a beautiful archaeological and historical complex in Moldova în Trebujeni. Located on the Raut River, the complex is made up of historical sites from the Trypillian civilization. Archaeologists have been able to discover occupation dating back to the Paleolithic Epoc and through the Iron Age. They have also been able to find buildings from different occupiers of this land from the first century to the Orthodox churches. 

A working monastery still sits on the hill in this river valley and some of the caves underneath the hill are used as chapels. While Chisinau may be a chance for you to learn about Moldova’s more recent history, Old Orhei will take you back to ancient times.

9. Nativity Cathedral

The Nativity Cathedral in Chisinau is the main cathedral in the city. It is a Moldovan Orthodox Church built in the early 1800s and is built in traditional Orthodox architecture with towering domes and colossal columns welcoming you into the church. It was ordered to be built by the govenor of New Russia and is a stunning reminder of the country's religious history and intertwined past to Russia. 

Visitors should dress modestly when visiting out of respect. This means covering your shoulders and legs and for women, you may want to bring a scarf to cover your head. 

10. Saharna Monastery

Saharna Monastery is located in Saharna, north of Chisinau. The monastery is called “The Holy Trinity” monastery and is one of the main pilgrimage sites in all of Moldova. This tranquil place is located near the Nistru River and can be visited by guided tours.

The monastery may not be on many Moldova tours; however, for those looking to dive a little deeper into the religious history of this country and who are willing to stay a few extra days, the monastery is worth the visit.