Moldova is one of the last truly undiscovered countries in Europe. You can look forward to excellent gastronomy, world-famous wines, the largest wine cellars in the world, an authentic atmosphere, and prices that will pleasantly surprise you. Forget about tourist crowds; here you will discover the Europe of the past.
And then comes the highlight of the entire trip. You will cross the border into Transnistria - a territory with its own currency, its own symbols, and an atmosphere you won't experience anywhere else in Europe. You will discover Tiraspol, one of the most underrated cities in Europe, where a monumental Lenin statue, wide boulevards, and Soviet architecture create the feeling that time has stood still for a moment. One weekend, two completely different realities, and an experience you won't forget.
Arrival in a country forgotten by time, where a strong sense of socialism can still be felt. Soak up the atmosphere of the Moldovan capital, Chișinău. You might be surprised that it's not quite what you expected. Today's program depends on your arrival time.
Arrival in a forgotten land:
Arrival at the airport in Chisinau (the airport is small, but surprisingly modern and clean, yet everywhere you look, you feel like you've stepped back in time 30 years).
Interesting fact:
Passport control took a bit longer; at first, we didn't understand where all those people were heading or why a full plane was traveling to Chisinau. We only realized later that Chisinau is actually a transit hub for Ukrainians heading to the port city of Odessa. Dozens of buses leave near the airport every day; it's one of the main air hubs for Ukraine.
Money:
I recommend exchanging a small amount of money right at the airport (the currency is the "Moldovan leu", in June 2026, 1 EUR = 20 lei) so you have enough for the trolleybus from the airport (there are exchange offices in the city near the bus station where we exchanged the rest).
Internet (data):
For us Slovaks in the group, the internet in Moldova was covered under EU data roaming, so we had the same conditions as in Slovakia. No SIM card purchases were necessary, but I recommend checking with your operator so you aren't unpleasantly surprised by your bill.
Transfer to the city:
Trolleybus/bus no. 30/33 stops right in front of the airport (there is no sign, so don't get scared); they run on average every 12-20 minutes, just hop on and the adventure begins (if you prefer more comfort, call a Bolt).
If you have exchanged money, you'll feel better, because a ticket costs only 7 lei (which, based on the June 2026 exchange rate, is 0.35 EUR). If you don't have lei, the price will be 1 EUR per ticket (the ride takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic).
Ideally, get off at: Ștefan cel Mare.
If you arrive early and have some time to explore the city, I recommend visiting La Izvor Park on the edge of the center (it reportedly has nice beaches, a pleasant atmosphere, and is popular with locals); we arrived quite late, so unfortunately we didn't make it and just wandered around the city.
For getting around, I recommend using a taxi—Bolt works great and transport is very cheap.
Bolt
For cheap dinners or lunches, I recommend a great restaurant La placinte; we went there to try different dishes.
Fun fact: It's a Romanian restaurant, and did you know that the national language of Moldova is Romanian? I didn't!
Food prices there range from 3-7 euros and there's really a lot to choose from. Try the Moldovan crepes, they're great :) and have a glass of Moldovan wine with them.🍷
A trip to a land that time forgot - TRANSNISTRIA, discover the forgotten cities of Bendery and Tiraspol, admire the monuments, and soak up the atmosphere of socialism.
If you decide to take this trip, I recommend heading to the central bus station early in the morning (grabbing a quick bite to go) and catching a marshrutka to Transnistria - Tiraspol.
Marshrutkas are small minibuses, which unfortunately are usually not air-conditioned, so if you're traveling in the summer, it's best to arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid the heat and also to grab a seat—you definitely don't want to stand the whole way :). The driver will let you on the bus once you show your ticket, which you buy at the window at the station (everyone in Moldova is really nice, so there's nothing to worry about; you'll get by with hand gestures). The price for a one-way trip in June 2026 was around 3.50 euros (paid in lei, of course).
If you want to make an extra stop (as we did), ask the drivers for a marshrutka that also stops just across the border in the city of Bendery, where you can see the beautiful, well-preserved Bender Fortress. Note that there aren't that many marshrutkas going in that direction—as far as I know, about 2-3 per hour, unless they've increased the frequency since then :), so don't dawdle.
If you only want to go to Tiraspol, most marshrutkas end their route there, but be sure to ask (they have their terminus where you'll catch the bus back).
Interesting Fact:
We had grabbed our seats, but one less-than-slim lady decided that even though she arrived late, she wanted my friend's seat (since my friend is smaller and could just squeeze in the back with others). She was already trying to kick my friend out, but the driver explained that we were customers just like her :D and so she was out of luck.
Border Control:
About 10 minutes before your destination, you will stop at the "state border," where everyone must get off and go to the window for passport control (it's important to note that you will not be allowed into Transnistria without a passport; a national ID card is not enough!!!). No stamp is put into your passport (after all, what can they stamp when they aren't an officially recognized country? :D). You will just get a white slip of paper with your details, generated by their system (something like a one-day migration visa; they will likely ask you how long you're staying). Please keep this paper safe and don't lose it; you'll need it for the trip back unless you want to stay in Transnistria involuntarily. Don't worry, the bus will cross the border and wait for you on the other side.
Safety in Transnistria:
Is Transnistria safe? Generally, yes. Despite its reputation, it is a destination visited by thousands of tourists every year without any issues (we also met other tourists there). Street crime is low, and if you follow local rules, your visit should be hassle-free. It is recommended not to photograph military facilities or armed personnel (i.e., don't provoke the locals), keep your passport with you, and follow the instructions at the border crossing. Before leaving, it's a good idea to check online to make sure the security situation in Transnistria hasn't worsened (based on my information, it has been stable for years).
Exchanging money in Transnistria:
If you get off at the bus station in Bendery, which is located in the heart of the city, you can exchange money (it's best to have euros or dollars with you) for their local currency, which isn't accepted anywhere else in the world: the "Transnistrian ruble" (the rate as of June 2026 is 1 EUR - 18 rubles, wow, that's a stronger currency than the Moldovan leu :D, which is 1 EUR - 20 lei). Exchange at least 20-30 euros for the day, because no other form of payment is accepted and your debit and credit cards unfortunately don't work in this state :D.
Take a walk through the square/pedestrian zone and soak up the atmosphere.
Then head over to the Bender fortress and at least enjoy its beautiful grounds.
Transport to Tiraspol:
After a quick tour of the fortress, head back to the Memorial of Commemoration and Sorrow, which is truly unique, along with the tank (memorial 1992). Behind this park is the trolleybus stop for line 19 (as we were approaching, we saw the bus already starting to move, but you wouldn't believe it—we were waving our arms and legs at him, and he stopped in the middle of the road and picked us up; gotta love Moldova :D)
Since the bus didn't have anyone to buy tickets from and you could only pay by card (which was totally useless for us :D, I tapped my watch a few times in front of people to show we were willing to pay, it just didn't accept our cards :D), we rode a bit "for free." The trip to the center of Tiraspol took about 20 minutes.
Get off in the center near the cafe marked on the map - Mi mi (stops on the bus were by request) and walk along the clean carpet of socialism, a place where time has stood still, where it looks like the era "when you were still pulling ducks around the yard", a place that evokes as many memories and nostalgia as no other, welcome to Tiraspol.
There are plenty of interesting monuments on every corner, the top ones are marked, just enjoy the atmosphere of this city at your own pace.
Fun fact: I've never seen so many flea markets on every hill, they were on every corner.
Parliament and Lenin Monument
Memorials (military, Chernobyl, etc.)
Monument to the Afghan soldiers, a memorial of glory
Suvorov monument
The singing Tiraspol fountain, songs were blasting in the middle of the square, we didn't understand much of the Russian tunes :)
The Christmas/Nativity Cathedral - women need a headscarf to enter, but they will lend you one.
Weird car next to the Bunker shawarma place (hopefully they haven't moved it by now :D)
If you get hungry, I recommend visiting a restaurant called: "Back in USSR".
It's kept very authentic to the Soviet Union era.
They make great food, I recommend the borscht (I don't know if I've ever had better) and, of course, a shot of vodka to go with it :)
They bring the bill in a matryoshka doll - awesome.
Return to Chisinau:
To get back to Chisinau (to the bus station where you started), you need to head to the bus station in Tiraspol (just to be safe, keep some rubles worth at least 4-5 euros per person, in case you can't pay with Moldovan lei). On the way to the bus station, you'll pass the famous KVINT distillery on the right side of the road, in case you need to stock up on some spirits; unfortunately, they were on their lunch break when we passed through :D
Note that marshrutkas back to Chisinau only run until a certain hour—17:00-18:00 max—so don't drag out your visit to this city too much. :) And if possible, try to head out earlier.
At the border:
At the border, the police officer asked for our passports along with the "white slips," took them off the bus, and when he brought them back, he just handed them to the first person on the bus, the doors closed, and the bus drove off... and people started passing them back like some kind of children's game until everyone found their own and passed the rest along :D. Pure socialism :)
Exploring the beauty and hidden corners of Chișinău. It's a city full of greenery, little cafés, and fountains, so don't be afraid to enjoy it to the fullest. You'll be surprised at what a beautiful and clean city it is.
We had a lovely breakfast in a very stylish café Granier, the price for a coffee and a cherry pastry (delicious!) was around 2 euros (in June 2026), and off we went to explore the city!
The triumphal arch symbolizes the entrance to the park. The park also houses the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ's Nativity (they were holding a service during our visit) and on the right side is the Light fountain.
In a lovely part of the park, where artists frame the path with their works, you'll find a beautiful French-style cafe Bonjour cafe, perfectly arranged (there's another restaurant from the La placinte chain behind the park, in case you get hungry).
After a walk in the park, we headed to another one that was just as lovely with a French café. We passed by the Stephen the Great Monument, and from there, we continued up a very gentle slope through a neighborhood full of neat streets, consulates, and museums to the last lake we planned to see, Valea Morilor Lake.
A walk around Marilor Lake will surely pleasantly surprise you, with lots of playgrounds and workout areas, perfectly developed surroundings, a beautiful environment, lots of greenery, and in the distance on the other side, we saw beaches built for children to swim and water slides. The cascades Staircases were just the icing on the cake.
On the way back, we stopped by the Government House of Moldova.
Central market, a place where we ran off to buy some souvenirs every free hour.
A place where you can smell fresh fruit and vegetables, local food, and the people are really very nice and welcoming, just wander around there.
Bolt
Visit to the Milestii Mici wine cellar. You can get there from Chișinău by Bolt taxi (we found one almost immediately, and we had booked our tasting for 3:00 PM).
Fun fact:
Anyone who knows a little bit about wine knows that Moldova is the land of wine. The wine here is truly excellent and very cheap. Two wine cellars are particularly famous: Cricova and Milestii Mici. Since my goal is authenticity, I chose to visit the less flashy cellar, Milestii Mici, which boasts a Guinness World Record (the largest wine collection in the world by number of bottles in 2005; we were told they have long since surpassed it) and contains over 200 km of underground tunnels; it is essentially an underground town.
Which tasting should you book?
Through their winery website, we chose the “Hai, Noroc!” menu (it included a train ride through the tunnels and a presentation about the cellar and its treasures by a guide, followed by the tasting itself—a tasting platter and 3 types of wine; the wines were truly amazing—white, red, and a variety of sweet cognac-style wine).
The tour lasted half an hour (it's cold in the cellar, a stable temperature around 10°C; don't underestimate it, at least long pants and a hoodie are necessary, the train goes fast and you can feel the chill), followed by another half-hour wine tasting. Since we had trouble calling a Bolt (all taxis were booked—it was likely a busy time after 4:00 PM), we tasted more wines at the wine bar located outside by the gate for about 1.8 euros per 2 deciliters.
We managed to get a Bolt after 30 minutes.
Included with the tasting package, we each received a bottle of wine of our choice from those we tasted. I think it’s a great experience, and I definitely recommend this place!
Translation of the text on the wine bottle from the photo we received:
"You and I,
we created our own universe.
I want time
to stand still,
for the sun itself
to stop wandering its path,
for the moment,
when we made love."
Beautiful, isn't it?
Bolt
Hard to say goodbye to Chișinău, some last-minute shopping at the market, and then heading home. Maybe we'll start appreciating home a bit more, and maybe we'll realize we're feeling a little nostalgic for what's behind us.
Getting to the airport:
Take the bus from the other side of Stefan cel Mare street (bus or trolleybus no. 30/33) or a taxi via Bolt. Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight. Head to your gate, and have a safe trip home.
Tip for your last day:
If you have enough time before your flight and want to squeeze something else in, I recommend checking out: The Center of Military History & Culture, followed by the Republican Stadium Ruins and the Eternity Memorial—they're all right next to each other. I'm not including photos because I didn't get a chance to go myself, but it was on my list.
- The route is here: extra trip
Enjoy Moldova, I think this country has a lot to offer :)
Moldova is one of the last truly undiscovered countries in Europe. You can look forward to excellent gastronomy, world-famous wines, the largest wine cellars in the world, an authentic atmosphere, and prices that will pleasantly surprise you. Forget about tourist crowds; here you will discover the Europe of the past.
And then comes the highlight of the entire trip. You will cross the border into Transnistria - a territory with its own currency, its own symbols, and an atmosphere you won't experience anywhere else in Europe. You will discover Tiraspol, one of the most underrated cities in Europe, where a monumental Lenin statue, wide boulevards, and Soviet architecture create the feeling that time has stood still for a moment. One weekend, two completely different realities, and an experience you won't forget.
Arrival in a country forgotten by time, where a strong sense of socialism can still be felt. Soak up the atmosphere of the Moldovan capital, Chișinău. You might be surprised that it's not quite what you expected. Today's program depends on your arrival time.
Arrival in a forgotten land:
Arrival at the airport in Chisinau (the airport is small, but surprisingly modern and clean, yet everywhere you look, you feel like you've stepped back in time 30 years).
Interesting fact:
Passport control took a bit longer; at first, we didn't understand where all those people were heading or why a full plane was traveling to Chisinau. We only realized later that Chisinau is actually a transit hub for Ukrainians heading to the port city of Odessa. Dozens of buses leave near the airport every day; it's one of the main air hubs for Ukraine.
Money:
I recommend exchanging a small amount of money right at the airport (the currency is the "Moldovan leu", in June 2026, 1 EUR = 20 lei) so you have enough for the trolleybus from the airport (there are exchange offices in the city near the bus station where we exchanged the rest).
Internet (data):
For us Slovaks in the group, the internet in Moldova was covered under EU data roaming, so we had the same conditions as in Slovakia. No SIM card purchases were necessary, but I recommend checking with your operator so you aren't unpleasantly surprised by your bill.
Transfer to the city:
Trolleybus/bus no. 30/33 stops right in front of the airport (there is no sign, so don't get scared); they run on average every 12-20 minutes, just hop on and the adventure begins (if you prefer more comfort, call a Bolt).
If you have exchanged money, you'll feel better, because a ticket costs only 7 lei (which, based on the June 2026 exchange rate, is 0.35 EUR). If you don't have lei, the price will be 1 EUR per ticket (the ride takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic).
Ideally, get off at: Ștefan cel Mare.
If you arrive early and have some time to explore the city, I recommend visiting La Izvor Park on the edge of the center (it reportedly has nice beaches, a pleasant atmosphere, and is popular with locals); we arrived quite late, so unfortunately we didn't make it and just wandered around the city.
For getting around, I recommend using a taxi—Bolt works great and transport is very cheap.
Bolt
For cheap dinners or lunches, I recommend a great restaurant La placinte; we went there to try different dishes.
Fun fact: It's a Romanian restaurant, and did you know that the national language of Moldova is Romanian? I didn't!
Food prices there range from 3-7 euros and there's really a lot to choose from. Try the Moldovan crepes, they're great :) and have a glass of Moldovan wine with them.🍷
A trip to a land that time forgot - TRANSNISTRIA, discover the forgotten cities of Bendery and Tiraspol, admire the monuments, and soak up the atmosphere of socialism.
If you decide to take this trip, I recommend heading to the central bus station early in the morning (grabbing a quick bite to go) and catching a marshrutka to Transnistria - Tiraspol.
Marshrutkas are small minibuses, which unfortunately are usually not air-conditioned, so if you're traveling in the summer, it's best to arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid the heat and also to grab a seat—you definitely don't want to stand the whole way :). The driver will let you on the bus once you show your ticket, which you buy at the window at the station (everyone in Moldova is really nice, so there's nothing to worry about; you'll get by with hand gestures). The price for a one-way trip in June 2026 was around 3.50 euros (paid in lei, of course).
If you want to make an extra stop (as we did), ask the drivers for a marshrutka that also stops just across the border in the city of Bendery, where you can see the beautiful, well-preserved Bender Fortress. Note that there aren't that many marshrutkas going in that direction—as far as I know, about 2-3 per hour, unless they've increased the frequency since then :), so don't dawdle.
If you only want to go to Tiraspol, most marshrutkas end their route there, but be sure to ask (they have their terminus where you'll catch the bus back).
Interesting Fact:
We had grabbed our seats, but one less-than-slim lady decided that even though she arrived late, she wanted my friend's seat (since my friend is smaller and could just squeeze in the back with others). She was already trying to kick my friend out, but the driver explained that we were customers just like her :D and so she was out of luck.
Border Control:
About 10 minutes before your destination, you will stop at the "state border," where everyone must get off and go to the window for passport control (it's important to note that you will not be allowed into Transnistria without a passport; a national ID card is not enough!!!). No stamp is put into your passport (after all, what can they stamp when they aren't an officially recognized country? :D). You will just get a white slip of paper with your details, generated by their system (something like a one-day migration visa; they will likely ask you how long you're staying). Please keep this paper safe and don't lose it; you'll need it for the trip back unless you want to stay in Transnistria involuntarily. Don't worry, the bus will cross the border and wait for you on the other side.
Safety in Transnistria:
Is Transnistria safe? Generally, yes. Despite its reputation, it is a destination visited by thousands of tourists every year without any issues (we also met other tourists there). Street crime is low, and if you follow local rules, your visit should be hassle-free. It is recommended not to photograph military facilities or armed personnel (i.e., don't provoke the locals), keep your passport with you, and follow the instructions at the border crossing. Before leaving, it's a good idea to check online to make sure the security situation in Transnistria hasn't worsened (based on my information, it has been stable for years).
Exchanging money in Transnistria:
If you get off at the bus station in Bendery, which is located in the heart of the city, you can exchange money (it's best to have euros or dollars with you) for their local currency, which isn't accepted anywhere else in the world: the "Transnistrian ruble" (the rate as of June 2026 is 1 EUR - 18 rubles, wow, that's a stronger currency than the Moldovan leu :D, which is 1 EUR - 20 lei). Exchange at least 20-30 euros for the day, because no other form of payment is accepted and your debit and credit cards unfortunately don't work in this state :D.
Take a walk through the square/pedestrian zone and soak up the atmosphere.
Then head over to the Bender fortress and at least enjoy its beautiful grounds.
Transport to Tiraspol:
After a quick tour of the fortress, head back to the Memorial of Commemoration and Sorrow, which is truly unique, along with the tank (memorial 1992). Behind this park is the trolleybus stop for line 19 (as we were approaching, we saw the bus already starting to move, but you wouldn't believe it—we were waving our arms and legs at him, and he stopped in the middle of the road and picked us up; gotta love Moldova :D)
Since the bus didn't have anyone to buy tickets from and you could only pay by card (which was totally useless for us :D, I tapped my watch a few times in front of people to show we were willing to pay, it just didn't accept our cards :D), we rode a bit "for free." The trip to the center of Tiraspol took about 20 minutes.
Get off in the center near the cafe marked on the map - Mi mi (stops on the bus were by request) and walk along the clean carpet of socialism, a place where time has stood still, where it looks like the era "when you were still pulling ducks around the yard", a place that evokes as many memories and nostalgia as no other, welcome to Tiraspol.
There are plenty of interesting monuments on every corner, the top ones are marked, just enjoy the atmosphere of this city at your own pace.
Fun fact: I've never seen so many flea markets on every hill, they were on every corner.
Parliament and Lenin Monument
Memorials (military, Chernobyl, etc.)
Monument to the Afghan soldiers, a memorial of glory
Suvorov monument
The singing Tiraspol fountain, songs were blasting in the middle of the square, we didn't understand much of the Russian tunes :)
The Christmas/Nativity Cathedral - women need a headscarf to enter, but they will lend you one.
Weird car next to the Bunker shawarma place (hopefully they haven't moved it by now :D)
If you get hungry, I recommend visiting a restaurant called: "Back in USSR".
It's kept very authentic to the Soviet Union era.
They make great food, I recommend the borscht (I don't know if I've ever had better) and, of course, a shot of vodka to go with it :)
They bring the bill in a matryoshka doll - awesome.
Return to Chisinau:
To get back to Chisinau (to the bus station where you started), you need to head to the bus station in Tiraspol (just to be safe, keep some rubles worth at least 4-5 euros per person, in case you can't pay with Moldovan lei). On the way to the bus station, you'll pass the famous KVINT distillery on the right side of the road, in case you need to stock up on some spirits; unfortunately, they were on their lunch break when we passed through :D
Note that marshrutkas back to Chisinau only run until a certain hour—17:00-18:00 max—so don't drag out your visit to this city too much. :) And if possible, try to head out earlier.
At the border:
At the border, the police officer asked for our passports along with the "white slips," took them off the bus, and when he brought them back, he just handed them to the first person on the bus, the doors closed, and the bus drove off... and people started passing them back like some kind of children's game until everyone found their own and passed the rest along :D. Pure socialism :)
Exploring the beauty and hidden corners of Chișinău. It's a city full of greenery, little cafés, and fountains, so don't be afraid to enjoy it to the fullest. You'll be surprised at what a beautiful and clean city it is.
We had a lovely breakfast in a very stylish café Granier, the price for a coffee and a cherry pastry (delicious!) was around 2 euros (in June 2026), and off we went to explore the city!
The triumphal arch symbolizes the entrance to the park. The park also houses the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ's Nativity (they were holding a service during our visit) and on the right side is the Light fountain.
In a lovely part of the park, where artists frame the path with their works, you'll find a beautiful French-style cafe Bonjour cafe, perfectly arranged (there's another restaurant from the La placinte chain behind the park, in case you get hungry).
After a walk in the park, we headed to another one that was just as lovely with a French café. We passed by the Stephen the Great Monument, and from there, we continued up a very gentle slope through a neighborhood full of neat streets, consulates, and museums to the last lake we planned to see, Valea Morilor Lake.
A walk around Marilor Lake will surely pleasantly surprise you, with lots of playgrounds and workout areas, perfectly developed surroundings, a beautiful environment, lots of greenery, and in the distance on the other side, we saw beaches built for children to swim and water slides. The cascades Staircases were just the icing on the cake.
On the way back, we stopped by the Government House of Moldova.
Central market, a place where we ran off to buy some souvenirs every free hour.
A place where you can smell fresh fruit and vegetables, local food, and the people are really very nice and welcoming, just wander around there.
Bolt
Visit to the Milestii Mici wine cellar. You can get there from Chișinău by Bolt taxi (we found one almost immediately, and we had booked our tasting for 3:00 PM).
Fun fact:
Anyone who knows a little bit about wine knows that Moldova is the land of wine. The wine here is truly excellent and very cheap. Two wine cellars are particularly famous: Cricova and Milestii Mici. Since my goal is authenticity, I chose to visit the less flashy cellar, Milestii Mici, which boasts a Guinness World Record (the largest wine collection in the world by number of bottles in 2005; we were told they have long since surpassed it) and contains over 200 km of underground tunnels; it is essentially an underground town.
Which tasting should you book?
Through their winery website, we chose the “Hai, Noroc!” menu (it included a train ride through the tunnels and a presentation about the cellar and its treasures by a guide, followed by the tasting itself—a tasting platter and 3 types of wine; the wines were truly amazing—white, red, and a variety of sweet cognac-style wine).
The tour lasted half an hour (it's cold in the cellar, a stable temperature around 10°C; don't underestimate it, at least long pants and a hoodie are necessary, the train goes fast and you can feel the chill), followed by another half-hour wine tasting. Since we had trouble calling a Bolt (all taxis were booked—it was likely a busy time after 4:00 PM), we tasted more wines at the wine bar located outside by the gate for about 1.8 euros per 2 deciliters.
We managed to get a Bolt after 30 minutes.
Included with the tasting package, we each received a bottle of wine of our choice from those we tasted. I think it’s a great experience, and I definitely recommend this place!
Translation of the text on the wine bottle from the photo we received:
"You and I,
we created our own universe.
I want time
to stand still,
for the sun itself
to stop wandering its path,
for the moment,
when we made love."
Beautiful, isn't it?
Bolt
Hard to say goodbye to Chișinău, some last-minute shopping at the market, and then heading home. Maybe we'll start appreciating home a bit more, and maybe we'll realize we're feeling a little nostalgic for what's behind us.
Getting to the airport:
Take the bus from the other side of Stefan cel Mare street (bus or trolleybus no. 30/33) or a taxi via Bolt. Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight. Head to your gate, and have a safe trip home.
Tip for your last day:
If you have enough time before your flight and want to squeeze something else in, I recommend checking out: The Center of Military History & Culture, followed by the Republican Stadium Ruins and the Eternity Memorial—they're all right next to each other. I'm not including photos because I didn't get a chance to go myself, but it was on my list.
- The route is here: extra trip
Enjoy Moldova, I think this country has a lot to offer :)
itinerary by Eva Mares
Moldova is one of the last truly undiscovered countries in Europe. You can look forward to excellent gastronomy, world-famous wines, the largest wine cellars in the world, an authentic atmosphere, and prices that will pleasantly surprise you. Forget about tourist crowds; here you will discover the Europe of the past.
And then comes the highlight of the entire trip. You will cross the border into Transnistria - a territory with its own currency, its own symbols, and an atmosphere you won't experience anywhere else in Europe. You will discover Tiraspol, one of the most underrated cities in Europe, where a monumental Lenin statue, wide boulevards, and Soviet architecture create the feeling that time has stood still for a moment. One weekend, two completely different realities, and an experience you won't forget.
Arrival in a country forgotten by time, where a strong sense of socialism can still be felt. Soak up the atmosphere of the Moldovan capital, Chișinău. You might be surprised that it's not quite what you expected. Today's program depends on your arrival time.
Arrival in a forgotten land:
Arrival at the airport in Chisinau (the airport is small, but surprisingly modern and clean, yet everywhere you look, you feel like you've stepped back in time 30 years).
Interesting fact:
Passport control took a bit longer; at first, we didn't understand where all those people were heading or why a full plane was traveling to Chisinau. We only realized later that Chisinau is actually a transit hub for Ukrainians heading to the port city of Odessa. Dozens of buses leave near the airport every day; it's one of the main air hubs for Ukraine.
Money:
I recommend exchanging a small amount of money right at the airport (the currency is the "Moldovan leu", in June 2026, 1 EUR = 20 lei) so you have enough for the trolleybus from the airport (there are exchange offices in the city near the bus station where we exchanged the rest).
Internet (data):
For us Slovaks in the group, the internet in Moldova was covered under EU data roaming, so we had the same conditions as in Slovakia. No SIM card purchases were necessary, but I recommend checking with your operator so you aren't unpleasantly surprised by your bill.
Transfer to the city:
Trolleybus/bus no. 30/33 stops right in front of the airport (there is no sign, so don't get scared); they run on average every 12-20 minutes, just hop on and the adventure begins (if you prefer more comfort, call a Bolt).
If you have exchanged money, you'll feel better, because a ticket costs only 7 lei (which, based on the June 2026 exchange rate, is 0.35 EUR). If you don't have lei, the price will be 1 EUR per ticket (the ride takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic).
Ideally, get off at: Ștefan cel Mare.
If you arrive early and have some time to explore the city, I recommend visiting La Izvor Park on the edge of the center (it reportedly has nice beaches, a pleasant atmosphere, and is popular with locals); we arrived quite late, so unfortunately we didn't make it and just wandered around the city.
For getting around, I recommend using a taxi—Bolt works great and transport is very cheap.
Bolt
For cheap dinners or lunches, I recommend a great restaurant La placinte; we went there to try different dishes.
Fun fact: It's a Romanian restaurant, and did you know that the national language of Moldova is Romanian? I didn't!
Food prices there range from 3-7 euros and there's really a lot to choose from. Try the Moldovan crepes, they're great :) and have a glass of Moldovan wine with them.🍷
A trip to a land that time forgot - TRANSNISTRIA, discover the forgotten cities of Bendery and Tiraspol, admire the monuments, and soak up the atmosphere of socialism.
If you decide to take this trip, I recommend heading to the central bus station early in the morning (grabbing a quick bite to go) and catching a marshrutka to Transnistria - Tiraspol.
Marshrutkas are small minibuses, which unfortunately are usually not air-conditioned, so if you're traveling in the summer, it's best to arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid the heat and also to grab a seat—you definitely don't want to stand the whole way :). The driver will let you on the bus once you show your ticket, which you buy at the window at the station (everyone in Moldova is really nice, so there's nothing to worry about; you'll get by with hand gestures). The price for a one-way trip in June 2026 was around 3.50 euros (paid in lei, of course).
If you want to make an extra stop (as we did), ask the drivers for a marshrutka that also stops just across the border in the city of Bendery, where you can see the beautiful, well-preserved Bender Fortress. Note that there aren't that many marshrutkas going in that direction—as far as I know, about 2-3 per hour, unless they've increased the frequency since then :), so don't dawdle.
If you only want to go to Tiraspol, most marshrutkas end their route there, but be sure to ask (they have their terminus where you'll catch the bus back).
Interesting Fact:
We had grabbed our seats, but one less-than-slim lady decided that even though she arrived late, she wanted my friend's seat (since my friend is smaller and could just squeeze in the back with others). She was already trying to kick my friend out, but the driver explained that we were customers just like her :D and so she was out of luck.
Border Control:
About 10 minutes before your destination, you will stop at the "state border," where everyone must get off and go to the window for passport control (it's important to note that you will not be allowed into Transnistria without a passport; a national ID card is not enough!!!). No stamp is put into your passport (after all, what can they stamp when they aren't an officially recognized country? :D). You will just get a white slip of paper with your details, generated by their system (something like a one-day migration visa; they will likely ask you how long you're staying). Please keep this paper safe and don't lose it; you'll need it for the trip back unless you want to stay in Transnistria involuntarily. Don't worry, the bus will cross the border and wait for you on the other side.
Safety in Transnistria:
Is Transnistria safe? Generally, yes. Despite its reputation, it is a destination visited by thousands of tourists every year without any issues (we also met other tourists there). Street crime is low, and if you follow local rules, your visit should be hassle-free. It is recommended not to photograph military facilities or armed personnel (i.e., don't provoke the locals), keep your passport with you, and follow the instructions at the border crossing. Before leaving, it's a good idea to check online to make sure the security situation in Transnistria hasn't worsened (based on my information, it has been stable for years).
Exchanging money in Transnistria:
If you get off at the bus station in Bendery, which is located in the heart of the city, you can exchange money (it's best to have euros or dollars with you) for their local currency, which isn't accepted anywhere else in the world: the "Transnistrian ruble" (the rate as of June 2026 is 1 EUR - 18 rubles, wow, that's a stronger currency than the Moldovan leu :D, which is 1 EUR - 20 lei). Exchange at least 20-30 euros for the day, because no other form of payment is accepted and your debit and credit cards unfortunately don't work in this state :D.
Take a walk through the square/pedestrian zone and soak up the atmosphere.
Then head over to the Bender fortress and at least enjoy its beautiful grounds.
Transport to Tiraspol:
After a quick tour of the fortress, head back to the Memorial of Commemoration and Sorrow, which is truly unique, along with the tank (memorial 1992). Behind this park is the trolleybus stop for line 19 (as we were approaching, we saw the bus already starting to move, but you wouldn't believe it—we were waving our arms and legs at him, and he stopped in the middle of the road and picked us up; gotta love Moldova :D)
Since the bus didn't have anyone to buy tickets from and you could only pay by card (which was totally useless for us :D, I tapped my watch a few times in front of people to show we were willing to pay, it just didn't accept our cards :D), we rode a bit "for free." The trip to the center of Tiraspol took about 20 minutes.
Get off in the center near the cafe marked on the map - Mi mi (stops on the bus were by request) and walk along the clean carpet of socialism, a place where time has stood still, where it looks like the era "when you were still pulling ducks around the yard", a place that evokes as many memories and nostalgia as no other, welcome to Tiraspol.
There are plenty of interesting monuments on every corner, the top ones are marked, just enjoy the atmosphere of this city at your own pace.
Fun fact: I've never seen so many flea markets on every hill, they were on every corner.
Parliament and Lenin Monument
Memorials (military, Chernobyl, etc.)
Monument to the Afghan soldiers, a memorial of glory
Suvorov monument
The singing Tiraspol fountain, songs were blasting in the middle of the square, we didn't understand much of the Russian tunes :)
The Christmas/Nativity Cathedral - women need a headscarf to enter, but they will lend you one.
Weird car next to the Bunker shawarma place (hopefully they haven't moved it by now :D)
If you get hungry, I recommend visiting a restaurant called: "Back in USSR".
It's kept very authentic to the Soviet Union era.
They make great food, I recommend the borscht (I don't know if I've ever had better) and, of course, a shot of vodka to go with it :)
They bring the bill in a matryoshka doll - awesome.
Return to Chisinau:
To get back to Chisinau (to the bus station where you started), you need to head to the bus station in Tiraspol (just to be safe, keep some rubles worth at least 4-5 euros per person, in case you can't pay with Moldovan lei). On the way to the bus station, you'll pass the famous KVINT distillery on the right side of the road, in case you need to stock up on some spirits; unfortunately, they were on their lunch break when we passed through :D
Note that marshrutkas back to Chisinau only run until a certain hour—17:00-18:00 max—so don't drag out your visit to this city too much. :) And if possible, try to head out earlier.
At the border:
At the border, the police officer asked for our passports along with the "white slips," took them off the bus, and when he brought them back, he just handed them to the first person on the bus, the doors closed, and the bus drove off... and people started passing them back like some kind of children's game until everyone found their own and passed the rest along :D. Pure socialism :)
Exploring the beauty and hidden corners of Chișinău. It's a city full of greenery, little cafés, and fountains, so don't be afraid to enjoy it to the fullest. You'll be surprised at what a beautiful and clean city it is.
We had a lovely breakfast in a very stylish café Granier, the price for a coffee and a cherry pastry (delicious!) was around 2 euros (in June 2026), and off we went to explore the city!
The triumphal arch symbolizes the entrance to the park. The park also houses the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ's Nativity (they were holding a service during our visit) and on the right side is the Light fountain.
In a lovely part of the park, where artists frame the path with their works, you'll find a beautiful French-style cafe Bonjour cafe, perfectly arranged (there's another restaurant from the La placinte chain behind the park, in case you get hungry).
After a walk in the park, we headed to another one that was just as lovely with a French café. We passed by the Stephen the Great Monument, and from there, we continued up a very gentle slope through a neighborhood full of neat streets, consulates, and museums to the last lake we planned to see, Valea Morilor Lake.
A walk around Marilor Lake will surely pleasantly surprise you, with lots of playgrounds and workout areas, perfectly developed surroundings, a beautiful environment, lots of greenery, and in the distance on the other side, we saw beaches built for children to swim and water slides. The cascades Staircases were just the icing on the cake.
On the way back, we stopped by the Government House of Moldova.
Central market, a place where we ran off to buy some souvenirs every free hour.
A place where you can smell fresh fruit and vegetables, local food, and the people are really very nice and welcoming, just wander around there.
Bolt
Visit to the Milestii Mici wine cellar. You can get there from Chișinău by Bolt taxi (we found one almost immediately, and we had booked our tasting for 3:00 PM).
Fun fact:
Anyone who knows a little bit about wine knows that Moldova is the land of wine. The wine here is truly excellent and very cheap. Two wine cellars are particularly famous: Cricova and Milestii Mici. Since my goal is authenticity, I chose to visit the less flashy cellar, Milestii Mici, which boasts a Guinness World Record (the largest wine collection in the world by number of bottles in 2005; we were told they have long since surpassed it) and contains over 200 km of underground tunnels; it is essentially an underground town.
Which tasting should you book?
Through their winery website, we chose the “Hai, Noroc!” menu (it included a train ride through the tunnels and a presentation about the cellar and its treasures by a guide, followed by the tasting itself—a tasting platter and 3 types of wine; the wines were truly amazing—white, red, and a variety of sweet cognac-style wine).
The tour lasted half an hour (it's cold in the cellar, a stable temperature around 10°C; don't underestimate it, at least long pants and a hoodie are necessary, the train goes fast and you can feel the chill), followed by another half-hour wine tasting. Since we had trouble calling a Bolt (all taxis were booked—it was likely a busy time after 4:00 PM), we tasted more wines at the wine bar located outside by the gate for about 1.8 euros per 2 deciliters.
We managed to get a Bolt after 30 minutes.
Included with the tasting package, we each received a bottle of wine of our choice from those we tasted. I think it’s a great experience, and I definitely recommend this place!
Translation of the text on the wine bottle from the photo we received:
"You and I,
we created our own universe.
I want time
to stand still,
for the sun itself
to stop wandering its path,
for the moment,
when we made love."
Beautiful, isn't it?
Bolt
Hard to say goodbye to Chișinău, some last-minute shopping at the market, and then heading home. Maybe we'll start appreciating home a bit more, and maybe we'll realize we're feeling a little nostalgic for what's behind us.
Getting to the airport:
Take the bus from the other side of Stefan cel Mare street (bus or trolleybus no. 30/33) or a taxi via Bolt. Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight. Head to your gate, and have a safe trip home.
Tip for your last day:
If you have enough time before your flight and want to squeeze something else in, I recommend checking out: The Center of Military History & Culture, followed by the Republican Stadium Ruins and the Eternity Memorial—they're all right next to each other. I'm not including photos because I didn't get a chance to go myself, but it was on my list.
- The route is here: extra trip
Enjoy Moldova, I think this country has a lot to offer :)
Moldova is one of the last truly undiscovered countries in Europe. You can look forward to excellent gastronomy, world-famous wines, the largest wine cellars in the world, an authentic atmosphere, and prices that will pleasantly surprise you. Forget about tourist crowds; here you will discover the Europe of the past.
And then comes the highlight of the entire trip. You will cross the border into Transnistria - a territory with its own currency, its own symbols, and an atmosphere you won't experience anywhere else in Europe. You will discover Tiraspol, one of the most underrated cities in Europe, where a monumental Lenin statue, wide boulevards, and Soviet architecture create the feeling that time has stood still for a moment. One weekend, two completely different realities, and an experience you won't forget.
Arrival in a country forgotten by time, where a strong sense of socialism can still be felt. Soak up the atmosphere of the Moldovan capital, Chișinău. You might be surprised that it's not quite what you expected. Today's program depends on your arrival time.
Arrival in a forgotten land:
Arrival at the airport in Chisinau (the airport is small, but surprisingly modern and clean, yet everywhere you look, you feel like you've stepped back in time 30 years).
Interesting fact:
Passport control took a bit longer; at first, we didn't understand where all those people were heading or why a full plane was traveling to Chisinau. We only realized later that Chisinau is actually a transit hub for Ukrainians heading to the port city of Odessa. Dozens of buses leave near the airport every day; it's one of the main air hubs for Ukraine.
Money:
I recommend exchanging a small amount of money right at the airport (the currency is the "Moldovan leu", in June 2026, 1 EUR = 20 lei) so you have enough for the trolleybus from the airport (there are exchange offices in the city near the bus station where we exchanged the rest).
Internet (data):
For us Slovaks in the group, the internet in Moldova was covered under EU data roaming, so we had the same conditions as in Slovakia. No SIM card purchases were necessary, but I recommend checking with your operator so you aren't unpleasantly surprised by your bill.
Transfer to the city:
Trolleybus/bus no. 30/33 stops right in front of the airport (there is no sign, so don't get scared); they run on average every 12-20 minutes, just hop on and the adventure begins (if you prefer more comfort, call a Bolt).
If you have exchanged money, you'll feel better, because a ticket costs only 7 lei (which, based on the June 2026 exchange rate, is 0.35 EUR). If you don't have lei, the price will be 1 EUR per ticket (the ride takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic).
Ideally, get off at: Ștefan cel Mare.
If you arrive early and have some time to explore the city, I recommend visiting La Izvor Park on the edge of the center (it reportedly has nice beaches, a pleasant atmosphere, and is popular with locals); we arrived quite late, so unfortunately we didn't make it and just wandered around the city.
For getting around, I recommend using a taxi—Bolt works great and transport is very cheap.
Bolt
For cheap dinners or lunches, I recommend a great restaurant La placinte; we went there to try different dishes.
Fun fact: It's a Romanian restaurant, and did you know that the national language of Moldova is Romanian? I didn't!
Food prices there range from 3-7 euros and there's really a lot to choose from. Try the Moldovan crepes, they're great :) and have a glass of Moldovan wine with them.🍷
A trip to a land that time forgot - TRANSNISTRIA, discover the forgotten cities of Bendery and Tiraspol, admire the monuments, and soak up the atmosphere of socialism.
If you decide to take this trip, I recommend heading to the central bus station early in the morning (grabbing a quick bite to go) and catching a marshrutka to Transnistria - Tiraspol.
Marshrutkas are small minibuses, which unfortunately are usually not air-conditioned, so if you're traveling in the summer, it's best to arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid the heat and also to grab a seat—you definitely don't want to stand the whole way :). The driver will let you on the bus once you show your ticket, which you buy at the window at the station (everyone in Moldova is really nice, so there's nothing to worry about; you'll get by with hand gestures). The price for a one-way trip in June 2026 was around 3.50 euros (paid in lei, of course).
If you want to make an extra stop (as we did), ask the drivers for a marshrutka that also stops just across the border in the city of Bendery, where you can see the beautiful, well-preserved Bender Fortress. Note that there aren't that many marshrutkas going in that direction—as far as I know, about 2-3 per hour, unless they've increased the frequency since then :), so don't dawdle.
If you only want to go to Tiraspol, most marshrutkas end their route there, but be sure to ask (they have their terminus where you'll catch the bus back).
Interesting Fact:
We had grabbed our seats, but one less-than-slim lady decided that even though she arrived late, she wanted my friend's seat (since my friend is smaller and could just squeeze in the back with others). She was already trying to kick my friend out, but the driver explained that we were customers just like her :D and so she was out of luck.
Border Control:
About 10 minutes before your destination, you will stop at the "state border," where everyone must get off and go to the window for passport control (it's important to note that you will not be allowed into Transnistria without a passport; a national ID card is not enough!!!). No stamp is put into your passport (after all, what can they stamp when they aren't an officially recognized country? :D). You will just get a white slip of paper with your details, generated by their system (something like a one-day migration visa; they will likely ask you how long you're staying). Please keep this paper safe and don't lose it; you'll need it for the trip back unless you want to stay in Transnistria involuntarily. Don't worry, the bus will cross the border and wait for you on the other side.
Safety in Transnistria:
Is Transnistria safe? Generally, yes. Despite its reputation, it is a destination visited by thousands of tourists every year without any issues (we also met other tourists there). Street crime is low, and if you follow local rules, your visit should be hassle-free. It is recommended not to photograph military facilities or armed personnel (i.e., don't provoke the locals), keep your passport with you, and follow the instructions at the border crossing. Before leaving, it's a good idea to check online to make sure the security situation in Transnistria hasn't worsened (based on my information, it has been stable for years).
Exchanging money in Transnistria:
If you get off at the bus station in Bendery, which is located in the heart of the city, you can exchange money (it's best to have euros or dollars with you) for their local currency, which isn't accepted anywhere else in the world: the "Transnistrian ruble" (the rate as of June 2026 is 1 EUR - 18 rubles, wow, that's a stronger currency than the Moldovan leu :D, which is 1 EUR - 20 lei). Exchange at least 20-30 euros for the day, because no other form of payment is accepted and your debit and credit cards unfortunately don't work in this state :D.
Take a walk through the square/pedestrian zone and soak up the atmosphere.
Then head over to the Bender fortress and at least enjoy its beautiful grounds.
Transport to Tiraspol:
After a quick tour of the fortress, head back to the Memorial of Commemoration and Sorrow, which is truly unique, along with the tank (memorial 1992). Behind this park is the trolleybus stop for line 19 (as we were approaching, we saw the bus already starting to move, but you wouldn't believe it—we were waving our arms and legs at him, and he stopped in the middle of the road and picked us up; gotta love Moldova :D)
Since the bus didn't have anyone to buy tickets from and you could only pay by card (which was totally useless for us :D, I tapped my watch a few times in front of people to show we were willing to pay, it just didn't accept our cards :D), we rode a bit "for free." The trip to the center of Tiraspol took about 20 minutes.
Get off in the center near the cafe marked on the map - Mi mi (stops on the bus were by request) and walk along the clean carpet of socialism, a place where time has stood still, where it looks like the era "when you were still pulling ducks around the yard", a place that evokes as many memories and nostalgia as no other, welcome to Tiraspol.
There are plenty of interesting monuments on every corner, the top ones are marked, just enjoy the atmosphere of this city at your own pace.
Fun fact: I've never seen so many flea markets on every hill, they were on every corner.
Parliament and Lenin Monument
Memorials (military, Chernobyl, etc.)
Monument to the Afghan soldiers, a memorial of glory
Suvorov monument
The singing Tiraspol fountain, songs were blasting in the middle of the square, we didn't understand much of the Russian tunes :)
The Christmas/Nativity Cathedral - women need a headscarf to enter, but they will lend you one.
Weird car next to the Bunker shawarma place (hopefully they haven't moved it by now :D)
If you get hungry, I recommend visiting a restaurant called: "Back in USSR".
It's kept very authentic to the Soviet Union era.
They make great food, I recommend the borscht (I don't know if I've ever had better) and, of course, a shot of vodka to go with it :)
They bring the bill in a matryoshka doll - awesome.
Return to Chisinau:
To get back to Chisinau (to the bus station where you started), you need to head to the bus station in Tiraspol (just to be safe, keep some rubles worth at least 4-5 euros per person, in case you can't pay with Moldovan lei). On the way to the bus station, you'll pass the famous KVINT distillery on the right side of the road, in case you need to stock up on some spirits; unfortunately, they were on their lunch break when we passed through :D
Note that marshrutkas back to Chisinau only run until a certain hour—17:00-18:00 max—so don't drag out your visit to this city too much. :) And if possible, try to head out earlier.
At the border:
At the border, the police officer asked for our passports along with the "white slips," took them off the bus, and when he brought them back, he just handed them to the first person on the bus, the doors closed, and the bus drove off... and people started passing them back like some kind of children's game until everyone found their own and passed the rest along :D. Pure socialism :)
Exploring the beauty and hidden corners of Chișinău. It's a city full of greenery, little cafés, and fountains, so don't be afraid to enjoy it to the fullest. You'll be surprised at what a beautiful and clean city it is.
We had a lovely breakfast in a very stylish café Granier, the price for a coffee and a cherry pastry (delicious!) was around 2 euros (in June 2026), and off we went to explore the city!
The triumphal arch symbolizes the entrance to the park. The park also houses the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ's Nativity (they were holding a service during our visit) and on the right side is the Light fountain.
In a lovely part of the park, where artists frame the path with their works, you'll find a beautiful French-style cafe Bonjour cafe, perfectly arranged (there's another restaurant from the La placinte chain behind the park, in case you get hungry).
After a walk in the park, we headed to another one that was just as lovely with a French café. We passed by the Stephen the Great Monument, and from there, we continued up a very gentle slope through a neighborhood full of neat streets, consulates, and museums to the last lake we planned to see, Valea Morilor Lake.
A walk around Marilor Lake will surely pleasantly surprise you, with lots of playgrounds and workout areas, perfectly developed surroundings, a beautiful environment, lots of greenery, and in the distance on the other side, we saw beaches built for children to swim and water slides. The cascades Staircases were just the icing on the cake.
On the way back, we stopped by the Government House of Moldova.
Central market, a place where we ran off to buy some souvenirs every free hour.
A place where you can smell fresh fruit and vegetables, local food, and the people are really very nice and welcoming, just wander around there.
Bolt
Visit to the Milestii Mici wine cellar. You can get there from Chișinău by Bolt taxi (we found one almost immediately, and we had booked our tasting for 3:00 PM).
Fun fact:
Anyone who knows a little bit about wine knows that Moldova is the land of wine. The wine here is truly excellent and very cheap. Two wine cellars are particularly famous: Cricova and Milestii Mici. Since my goal is authenticity, I chose to visit the less flashy cellar, Milestii Mici, which boasts a Guinness World Record (the largest wine collection in the world by number of bottles in 2005; we were told they have long since surpassed it) and contains over 200 km of underground tunnels; it is essentially an underground town.
Which tasting should you book?
Through their winery website, we chose the “Hai, Noroc!” menu (it included a train ride through the tunnels and a presentation about the cellar and its treasures by a guide, followed by the tasting itself—a tasting platter and 3 types of wine; the wines were truly amazing—white, red, and a variety of sweet cognac-style wine).
The tour lasted half an hour (it's cold in the cellar, a stable temperature around 10°C; don't underestimate it, at least long pants and a hoodie are necessary, the train goes fast and you can feel the chill), followed by another half-hour wine tasting. Since we had trouble calling a Bolt (all taxis were booked—it was likely a busy time after 4:00 PM), we tasted more wines at the wine bar located outside by the gate for about 1.8 euros per 2 deciliters.
We managed to get a Bolt after 30 minutes.
Included with the tasting package, we each received a bottle of wine of our choice from those we tasted. I think it’s a great experience, and I definitely recommend this place!
Translation of the text on the wine bottle from the photo we received:
"You and I,
we created our own universe.
I want time
to stand still,
for the sun itself
to stop wandering its path,
for the moment,
when we made love."
Beautiful, isn't it?
Bolt
Hard to say goodbye to Chișinău, some last-minute shopping at the market, and then heading home. Maybe we'll start appreciating home a bit more, and maybe we'll realize we're feeling a little nostalgic for what's behind us.
Getting to the airport:
Take the bus from the other side of Stefan cel Mare street (bus or trolleybus no. 30/33) or a taxi via Bolt. Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight. Head to your gate, and have a safe trip home.
Tip for your last day:
If you have enough time before your flight and want to squeeze something else in, I recommend checking out: The Center of Military History & Culture, followed by the Republican Stadium Ruins and the Eternity Memorial—they're all right next to each other. I'm not including photos because I didn't get a chance to go myself, but it was on my list.
- The route is here: extra trip
Enjoy Moldova, I think this country has a lot to offer :)
