Chisinau Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Chisinau

Moldova experiences a temperate-continental climate, with distinct seasons. The Best Time to Visit Chisinau with your family, depends on your preferences and interests.

• Spring is a delightful time to visit Moldova. The weather is mild and the countryside comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery. This season is ideal if you want to explore Moldova's vineyards, hike some trails or enjoy an outdoor picnics.

  Top activities in Chisinau during the spring months:

  • Martisor Music Festival
    Date: 1st March 2024
    Location: Chisinau and other major cities and towns of Moldova
  • Night of Museums
    Date: 17th May 2024
    Location: Chisinau, Moldova
  • Cronograf Festival
    Date: Mid-may
    Location: Odeon Cinema, Chisinau

• Summer brings warm temperatures, making it an excellent time for outdoor festivals, events or for exploring the countryside.

  Top activities in Chisinau held during the summer months:

  • Summer Fest Moldova
    Date: 24th & 25th August 2024
    Location: Botanical Garden, Chisinau, Moldova

• In autumn, Moldova's vineyards come alive as grapes are harvested for winemaking. The weather stays pleasant, giving your family a chance to enjoy the beautiful landscape.

  Top activities in Chisinau held during the autumn months:

  • Chisinau City Day
    Date: 14th October 2024, annually
    Location: The Great National Assembly Square

• If you plan a trip to Moldova during the winter season, you will enjoy Chisinau's winter markets, where you can try traditional Moldovan treats and warm up with mulled wine or tea.

How to Get to Chisinau

The closest major airport in Chisinau, Moldova is Chisinau International Airport (KIV). This airport is located at 13 km from the center of Chisinau, Moldova.

Alternatively, you can also access Chisinau by car, from its neighboring country, Romania. The road network between Moldova and Romania is well-developed, with multiple border crossing points. One of the most commonly used border is the Sculeni–Tecuci crossing, connecting the Moldavian town of Sculeni with the Romanian town of Tecuci. This crossing is situated on the E581 road, providing convenient access for travelers coming from Romania, or going to Romania.

Best Family Hotels in Chisinau

If you plan a trip to Moldova with your family, you will want to stay in Chisinau, due to its variety of choices. The city is close enough to all the other regions and has numerous parks, malls, restaurants and shops.

Additionally, if you will visit Moldova during the summer months, you'll find plenty of events and festivals.

Chisinau offers a variety of hotels. I have compiled for you a list with 5 Best Family Friendly hotels in Chisinau, that we liked and that also have great reviews on Booking.com.

1. Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel
   
   • This hotel offers family-friendly accommodations with spacious rooms and suites, including extra beds for children.
   • Being located near Valea Morilor Park, you will be able to enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics, paddle boating and playgrounds.
   • The hotel features multiple on-site restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including kid-friendly options and offers facilities like a swimming pool and fitness center.
2. VisPas Hotel
   
   • Situated at 4.2 km from the city center, VisPas Hotel has room service, a restaurant, laundry services and a kid-friendly buffet.
   • The hotel has free breakfast, pet-friendly rooms, free parking, laundry facilities and a multi-lingual staff.
3. Thomas Albert Hotel
   
   • Situated in the heart of Chisinau, Thomas Albert Hotel offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere ideal for families.
   • The hotel has various room types suitable for families, including spacious suites and connected rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests of all ages.
   • If you choose this hotel, you can enjoy the convenience of having several parks nearby: Valea Morilor Park and Stefan cel Mare Central Park.
   • The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving a diverse menu of local and international dishes.
4. Tulip Residence & Spa Hotel
   
   • Situated at 2.5 km from the city center, Tulip Residence & Spa Hotel has room service, a restaurant and a kid-friendly buffet.
   • The hotel has various room types suitable for families, including rooms with kitchens, kitchenettes and pet-friendly rooms.
   • The Thai-style hotel offers a spa area, a mini swimming pool, hammam and a restaurant that serves Thai and European dishes.
5. Club Royal Park Hotel
   
   • Situated at 1 km from the city center, Club Royal Park Hotel has room service, a restaurant and a kid-friendly buffet.
   • You will really like this hotel which offers breakfast, child care, laundry services, pet-friendly rooms and a hot tub.

Best Family Restaurants in Chisinau

Moldovan cuisine is a delightful blend of Eastern European and Balkan flavors. When in Moldova, be sure to try these local delicacies:

• Mămăligă
  This traditional dish made from cornmeal is a cornerstone of Moldovan cuisine. Often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat, mămăligă is a hearty and comforting meal.
• Plăcinte:
  These savory or sweet pastries are a popular snack found in bakeries and local markets across Moldova. Filled with ingredients like cheese, potatoes, or pumpkin, plăcinte are a delicious treat that captures the essence of Moldovan culinary tradition.
• Sarmale:
  A beloved dish in Moldova, sarmale are cabbage rolls filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, onions and spices. Often served as a main course during festive occasions, sarmale offer a taste of home-cooked comfort and hospitality.
• Wines:
  Moldova has a reputation as a wine-producing region, so no visit is complete without tasting the local varieties. You will have to explore the country's wineries and immerse yourself in Moldova's rich viticultural heritage.

Here are the best family restaurants in Chisinau, focusing on different cuisines and dining experiences:

La Plăcinte

Known for its delicious traditional Moldovan cuisine, La Plăcinte is a popular and family-friendly restaurant chain with multiple locations in Chisinau. Their menu features a variety of savory and sweet pies (plăcinte), as well as other local specialties like mamaliga (cornmeal porridge) and sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls).

Andy's Pizza

A beloved pizza chain in Moldova, Andy's Pizza offers a diverse selection of pizzas with both classic and innovative toppings. With several branches across Chisinau, Andy's Pizza is a convenient choice for delicious and reasonably priced pizza.

Taifas

La Taifas in Chisinau is a family-friendly restaurant that offers an authentic taste of Moldovan hospitality and cuisine. Designed to resemble a traditional Moldovan peasant's house, complete with ethnographic elements, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for families with kids. Both parents and children can enjoy a variety of local dishes such as bors, polenta, meatballs, pork and lamb steaks and pies. With its family-friendly atmosphere and delicious food, La Taifas is the perfect place for families to experience Moldovan culture and cuisine.

Symphony Restaurant

Nestled within the Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel, Symphony Restaurant offers an amazing dining experience with stunning panoramic views of Chisinau. The menu boasts a blend of international cuisine and Moldovan dishes, all prepared with a modern twist and presented with sophistication.

Top Attractions in Chisinau

Discover some of Chisinau's wonderful attractions perfect for families exploring the city:

Central Cathedral

Take a moment to marvel at the stunning architecture and fascinating history of the main cathedral in the heart of Chisinau.

Stephen the Great Central Park

Spend a relaxing day in this beautiful park, admire colorful gardens and even have a picnic with your family. Don't forget to check out the fountains and interesting monuments scattered throughout the park.

Arc de Triomphe

Be sure to stop by this iconic landmark, which represents Moldova's journey to independence. It is also ranked among the top five triumphal arches in the world. Arc de Triomphe is a great spot for a family photo and to learn a bit about the country's history.

Valea Morilor Park

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this charming park, complete with a lovely lake where you can feed ducks or simply sit and enjoy the view. Valea Morilor Park is a perfect place for a family walk or a relaxing afternoon walk.

The best family-friendly activities in Chisinau

Selfie Museum in Chisinau

Selfie Museum in Chisinau is the first of its kind in Moldova. It is dedicated entirely to the art of capturing the perfect selfie.

• Unique Experience: You can explore 18 fun zones where you can take awesome selfies and you can play with your creativity!
• Celebrate Special Occasions: If you want to celebrate a birthday party or just to have a fun day out, the Selfie Museum offers the perfect venue to celebrate memorable moments surrounded by captivating themes.

Vara Vara Aquacity

Vara Vara Aquacity has the largest wave pool in Moldova, with artificial waves of up to 2 meters. The beach is on the size of a football field and you can relax and sunbath easily here.

In the kids' play zone, you will find one of Europe's largest children's pools, spanning nearly 1000m2. The children can have a blast with 13 slides and 7 other exciting attractions. For older kids, there's a playground with 5 slides, water cannons and a giant tipping bucket. There are also Asian, European and Greek restaurants.

Zip Line

The Chisinau Zip Line in the Valley of Roses is the first zip line in Moldova, located in The Valley of Roses. Having about 220m in length, the Zip Line is an important attraction point in Chisinau.

The Zoological Garden

Established on May 9, 1978, in the Botanica sector, the municipal Zoological Garden began with a modest collection of 60 animal species.

• Over the years, the zoo has expanded its collection to include approximately 1000 birds and animals.
• The institution actively participates in international conservation programs, with 10 animal species under its care.
• Many of the animals housed in the zoo are listed in prestigious conservation lists such as the International Red Book and the Red Book of Moldova.
• Visitors can enjoy guided excursions to learn more about the diverse array of species.
• There's a Young Biologists' Club for aspiring wildlife enthusiasts.
• A rural courtyard offers children the chance to interact with domestic animals and birds.
• The young visitors can enjoy playgrounds, for a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Butterfly garden

Butterfly Garden Chisinau is opened from May 25 until late autumn and had many exotic butterflies.

Butterfly Garden is an interactive, fun and educational space where you can only watch live tropical butterflies, hold them in your hands. You can also take beautiful photos and learn many amazing things about them.

Andersen

Andersen family restaurant & activity park is a project that combines a restaurant and a club with playgrounds for children of all ages.

Andersen complex includes a three-storey playground, creative activity locations and a cosy restaurant with a beautiful terrace.

Paintball/Lasertag

The roots of paintball trace back to the 1980s in the United States, evolving into a beloved activity enjoyed by millions worldwide across more than 100 countries. From children to seniors, paintball enthusiasts share a common passion for adventure and competition.

In Chisinau, the Sector Paintball Sports Center offers not only traditional paintball but also thrilling lasertag experiences. Additionally, just 16 kilometers outside the city, nestled in the scenic countryside, lies the Commondos Paintball Club, providing another exciting venue for paintball enthusiasts.

Dendrarium Park

Nestled in the heart of Chisinau's Buiucani district, the Dendrarium Park spans 83 hectares, serving as a vital green lung for the city. Established in the 1950s, it boasts a diverse collection of over 1,820 plant species, including rare and decorative varieties.

Protected since 1998, the park is home to nine of the thirteen woody plant species listed in Moldova's Red Book. Among its treasures is the Ginkgo biloba, a living relic from the Triassic period, found nowhere else in the country.

Visitors to Dendrarium Park can escape the city's urban noise, immersing themselves in a quiet oasis. Its ambiance offers a welcome respite, inviting visitors to reconnect with nature amidst the city center.

Botanical Garden

The Chisinau Botanical Garden offers families with kids a delightful escape into nature. Founded in 1951, the garden boasts diverse plant collections organized into various sectors. Kids can explore sectors like the Alpinarium and Tropical Plants, learning about different species from around the world. Despite challenges like heavy snowfall in 2017, the garden continues to charm visitors with its lush greenery and vibrant blooms, making it an ideal outing for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Q & A

Is it worth to visit Chisinau?

Yes, Chisinau is definitely worth visiting! From its charming parks and vibrant cultural scene to its rich history and delicious cuisine, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Moldova's capital city.

Is Chisinau safe?

Yes, Chisinau is generally considered safe for travelers. However, it's essential to exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night.

What language is spoken in Chisinau?

The majority of Chisinau's residents are bilingual, proficient in both Russian and Romanian. It's common to hear Russian spoken among locals, particularly in commercial settings and interactions with visitors.

English is not commonly spoken by the older generation in Chisinau, but the younger population tends to have a better command of the language.

Is Chisinau family friendly?

Yes, Chisinau is family-friendly, offering various attractions and activities suitable for families with children. There are parks, playgrounds, museums and family-friendly restaurants to enjoy.

How many days do you need in Chisinau?

Normally, you can discover Chisinau in 3 days. This duration allows visitors to experience the city's highlights, visit key landmarks, explore museums, enjoy local cuisine and take day trips to nearby attractions.

Hidden Gems in Chisinau ^Moldova