Explore Chisinau through the contrast between its art and literature collections and its expansive green spaces. The city also offers historic sites with their own stories, as well as specific activities such as a one-hour ride or guided wine tours. When exploring the city, you can focus on collections, squares, plants or a particular activity.
Museums: Art, Ethnography and Literature
The National Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Moldova houses more than 40,000 works from various artistic fields. Permanent exhibitions and interactive activities complement the collection. The museum highlights both the breadth of its collection and the range of experiences it offers.
The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History was founded in autumn 1889 as the first public museum in Bessarabia. Its history therefore reaches back to an early period in the region’s public museum culture. Art, ethnography and natural history represent distinct thematic focuses among Chisinau’s museums.
The collection at the National Museum of Romanian Literature “Mihail Kogălniceanu” comprises more than 100,000 exhibits, including books, works of art and documents. The museum’s manuscript collection contains 28,000 items. Literature enthusiasts will find not only books here, but also a large number of manuscripts and other collection items.
Historic Sites in the City
Scuarul Catedralei, with the Metropolitan Cathedral, the bell tower and the Triumphal Arch, forms part of an important historic ensemble in the capital. The square was established between 1830 and 1840. Another point of reference is Ștefan cel Mare Public Garden: laid out in 1818, it is the oldest surviving city park. Together, these two places represent different aspects of the city’s history—a historic ensemble and the long history of a park.
Parks and Plant Diversity
The Botanical Garden lies on the outskirts of Chisinau, in the Botanica district, near the area known as the City Gates. It was established on 1 September 1951. The section for tropical and subtropical plants features around 2,550 species collected from around the world. The garden offers a dedicated attraction for anyone with a particular interest in plants.
Parcul Valea Morilor is situated on the shore of the lake of the same name. The park covers 114 hectares, while the lake itself covers 34 hectares. The park has a beach and a boat rental station; check before your visit whether both facilities are currently available.
For comparison, Parcul Dendrariu in the Buiucani district covers 83 hectares. It has been under state protection since 16 July 1998. The area figures make it possible to compare its size directly with that of Parcul Valea Morilor, while Dendrariu’s protected status adds another historical aspect.
A Ride and Wine
Troleibuzul Turistic Chișinău Sightseeing offers a one-hour ride. Audio guides are available in Romanian, Russian and English. The duration provides a clear timeframe for this experience; check the latest information on schedules and languages in advance, as operating details and language availability may change.
Another activity focuses on wine: Vinăria ATU offers guided tours and wine tastings in Chisinau and cultivates approximately 17 hectares of vineyards. This gives you a choice between a sightseeing ride with an audio guide and a guided wine experience, depending on your interests. If you’re planning a tour, check the booking details in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kishinev, Vadul Lui Vodă, Tohatin, Vatra, Trușeni, Ghidighici, Codru, Durlești.
For the broader travel overview: Moldova.
