We recently spent 3 days in Moldova while living in the Netherlands and working through a goal of visiting every European country. Moldova was next on our list and is among the least visited in Europe.
We arrived via an overnight train from Bucharest to Chișinău, the capital. The city didn’t feel touristy at all, and we definitely stood out as visitors. It’s not packed with major attractions, but it has a local, lived-in feel that grows on you.
In Chișinău, we visited the central market, which was large and very local, offering everything from fresh food to household goods. We also explored landmarks like the cathedral, parks, the Triumphal Arch, and a water tower museum with a climbable viewing point.
Food was a highlight and very affordable, with meals often costing around €10–15 including wine. We tried local dishes like plăcintă, mici, and polenta.
We then rented a car to explore the countryside, which featured quiet villages, vineyards, and monasteries like Căpriana Monastery, which was very peaceful with few visitors.
A highlight was a visit to a massive wine barrel in a village, followed by Mileștii Mici Winery, known for its huge underground wine tunnels and Guinness World Record collection. The wine tour through the underground cellars was the standout experience of the trip.
We ended with a traditional meal featuring Moldovan wine, local dishes, and excellent chicken noodle soup.
Overall, Moldova felt less polished than many European destinations, but that made it more authentic and interesting. It was a refreshing, off-the-beaten-path experience.
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