Chişinău Guide for Budget Travelers
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The capital, Chişinău, is Moldova's largest city by a long shot. The city first started in 1420, but with WWll and a devastating earthquake in 1940, the city has been rebuilt many times. After the city was destroyed, the Soviet Union ruling built the city in a 1950's Soviet Union architectural style. Chişinău doesn't have the same charm as other European cities, but it does have a great nightlife, restaurants and delicious wineries. Don't be fooled by the minimalistic buildings in the downtown area. The capital has plenty of lushes parks and streets.
Most activities, restaurants and bars are a 10-15 minute walk from anywhere in the city. There's no need for any kind of transportation. Walking the streets of Chişinău is the best way to get around. |
Price of Services in Chişinău
Hostels - Hostels in Chişinău can range from super cheap to moderately expensive. The starting price is 166 MDL ($9USD or 7€) of the weekday in the non-peak season. You'll get a 10-20 dorm room at this price. Anything under 10 beds will usually cost more. Expect to pay 187 MDL ($10USD or 8€) or more for an 5 person dorm room during the non-peak season during the week. Private dorm rooms will start around 235 MDL ($12USD or 10€). During the peak season, prices will increase because of demand. Weekend prices will always increase because of availability and demand.
Food Costs - Food in Chişinău is cheap. Expect to pay 40 MDL ($2USD or 1.50€) for a budget breakfast, 60 MDL ($3USD or 2.50€) for a budget lunch and 100 MDL ($5USD or 4€) for a budget dinner. Upper scale restaurants will a bit more. Expect to pay 160 MDL ($8USD or 7€). Beer (.5L) in a restaurant will cost 12 MDL ($.60USD or .50€).
Transportation - Transportation in Chişinău is extremely cheap compared to other European countries. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost 80 MDL ($4USD or 3.50€). A taxi will charge 3 MDL ($.20USD or .14€) per 1km of travel. Minibus 165 brings you to the city center for 3 MDL ($.15USD or .10€). If you are leaving the arrival hall turn to the right and walk about 100 meters. The bus will be waiting there. A metro bus is the best option for city travel at 1 MDL ($.05USD or .05€) for any stop in the city.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 50 MDL ($2.50USD or 2€) for the popular exhibitions. Guided walking tours around the city are run on a tip base system. You pay what you feel like the guide deserves. Cricova Winery will cost 300 MDL ($15USD or 12€) for a tour and wine tasting.
Food Costs - Food in Chişinău is cheap. Expect to pay 40 MDL ($2USD or 1.50€) for a budget breakfast, 60 MDL ($3USD or 2.50€) for a budget lunch and 100 MDL ($5USD or 4€) for a budget dinner. Upper scale restaurants will a bit more. Expect to pay 160 MDL ($8USD or 7€). Beer (.5L) in a restaurant will cost 12 MDL ($.60USD or .50€).
Transportation - Transportation in Chişinău is extremely cheap compared to other European countries. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost 80 MDL ($4USD or 3.50€). A taxi will charge 3 MDL ($.20USD or .14€) per 1km of travel. Minibus 165 brings you to the city center for 3 MDL ($.15USD or .10€). If you are leaving the arrival hall turn to the right and walk about 100 meters. The bus will be waiting there. A metro bus is the best option for city travel at 1 MDL ($.05USD or .05€) for any stop in the city.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 50 MDL ($2.50USD or 2€) for the popular exhibitions. Guided walking tours around the city are run on a tip base system. You pay what you feel like the guide deserves. Cricova Winery will cost 300 MDL ($15USD or 12€) for a tour and wine tasting.
Best Ways to Save Money
Book in Advance - To save some added dough, always book your transportation, hostels and tours in advance. Doing this can save upward of 40-50%.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually 12 MDL ($.60USD or .50€) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 140 MDL ($7USD or 6€) a day if you budget right.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually 12 MDL ($.60USD or .50€) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 140 MDL ($7USD or 6€) a day if you budget right.
Hidden Gems
Cricova Winery - Cricova Winery is one of the largest in Europe. The wine is stored in its 180km underground wine cellars. The wine types range from Pinot Noir to a dry Sauvignon Blanc. To get there, take bus no. 2 from the center of Chisinau to the center of Cricova, for 5 MDL ($.25USD or .20€). From the bus station in Cricova, it's about a 1 km (15 minutes) walk to the entrance of Cricova winery (don't confuse it with the "Combinatul de vinuri Cricova", which is the wine-factory). Correct address: Chisinaului 124, GPS: 47° 8'54.81"N 28°51'37.58"E.
Red Flags
Random Taxi Cabs - Some taxi cabs that are picked up off the street can lead to muggings or assault. If you are looking to take a cab, have the restaurant, bar or hostel arrange one for you. Stick to the large taxi cab companies to avoid any hassle. For solo female and male travelers, always travel with someone in a cab. The more people, the harder it is to get mugged.
The Police - The police in Chişinău are corrupt. The likelihood of being robbed by a local is less common than being robbed by a police officer. Just use common sense and travel in groups late at night.
Keep a Low Profile - I walked everywhere in town, any time of the day or night, and didn't feel vulnerable. Just keep a low profile and don't flash valuables or cash, or wear expensive jewelry. This will give off unwanted attention.
10 Lei vs. 100 Lei - The 10 Lei note and the 100 Lei note look almost identical. Make sure you aren't giving away 100 Lei for a 10 Lei beer. Most of the time the employee won't correct you.
The Police - The police in Chişinău are corrupt. The likelihood of being robbed by a local is less common than being robbed by a police officer. Just use common sense and travel in groups late at night.
Keep a Low Profile - I walked everywhere in town, any time of the day or night, and didn't feel vulnerable. Just keep a low profile and don't flash valuables or cash, or wear expensive jewelry. This will give off unwanted attention.
10 Lei vs. 100 Lei - The 10 Lei note and the 100 Lei note look almost identical. Make sure you aren't giving away 100 Lei for a 10 Lei beer. Most of the time the employee won't correct you.
Top 3 Things To Do in Chişinău While on a Budget
#1 Cricova WineryCricova is one of the best and cheapest winiers in Europe. Take a tour and wine tasting as you explore the 180km underground cellars of this 60-year-old winery. Take a look at the private selections of Vladmir Putin (President of Russia), John Kerry (former presidential candidate of the U.S.A) and former Moldovian presidents.
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#2 Free Walking ToursTake a walking tour the best up to date information on this former Soviet Union city. There's plenty to see on these tours. Even some locals haven't heard of the places you will see!
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#3 NightlifeChişinău has a great nightlife on the weekends. Once the weather subsided and gets cold, the parties move inside. It's extremely cheap to party here. So, take advantage of this and have a grand ole' time!
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