Our Interesting 3 Day Trip To Moldova, The Least Visited Country In Europe

[u/NateandKatrina]

Originally posted this in the generic travel sub but thought it might make sense to post just in the Europetravel sub, too. If you’ve already seen this, apologies!

We recently visited Moldova, mainly because we are Americans currently living in The Netherlands and are trying to visit every country in Europe. And the least visited country of Moldova was next on our list (#36 out of the 46). 

We did a bit of research ahead of time so we kind of knew what to expect but it never really lives up to the experience of actually being there. We took an overnight train from Bucharest, Romania to the capital of Chișinău, which was an adventure in itself. We visited the first week in April (Easter weekend) but since they celebrate Orthodox Easter in Moldova, everything was open and business went on as usual.

We spent two days in Chișinău and a third day exploring the surrounding area. The first thing we noticed that this city did not feel touristy at all. We definitely stood out as Americans and we definitely got stared at just walking around, but that’s to be expected. It probably didn’t help that we had a big camera, but still.

Even though there aren’t many touristic things to do in Chișinău, we started at the central market, which was huge and very local. This place has everything from phone chargers to fresh produce to pickled EVERYTHING. Then we wandered around to some of the main spots like the cathedral and parks. It’s not one of those cities where you’re constantly like “wow,” but it kind of grows on you the longer you’re there. It’s a fairly walkable city and we checked out their Triumphal Arch and a water tower that has a small museum in it and you can climb all the way to the top for a decent view of the city. 

The food was great, though. We kept eating this tasty stuffed fried dough food called plăcintă, the traditional mici (meat sausages), tried the polenta, and somehow every meal was like €10–15 total, even with wine. Everything is SUPER affordable in Moldova. 

The day before we flew back to our home in Amsterdam, we rented a car and drove out into the countryside, and that’s where it got more interesting. Rolling hills, vineyards everywhere, even if they were still pretty bare in April, and not many people. We stopped at the Căpriana Monastery out in the forest that was super quiet. It was a Monday, but even still, we only saw three or four other people while we were there.

Then we made a completely unnecessary detour to see what’s apparently the biggest wine barrel in the world, just sitting in a random village. No real explanation. But we like weird things like this, so the detour was worth it for us. 

The main thing we wanted to see was Mileștii Mici Winery with massive underground tunnels and holds the Guinness World Record for largest wine cellar in the entire world. You can book a wine tour where they take you around these tunnels that are anywhere from 30-80km below ground. It felt like a Disneyland ride while they drive you around the cool and humid tunnels. This was definitely the highlight of our trip to Moldova. We didn’t know what a big player Moldova is in the wine world.

We ended the trip at a traditional-looking restaurant where we had more Moldovan wine, mici, and the best chicken noodle soup that we’ve had in a long time. 

Overall it’s definitely rougher around the edges than most places in Europe and tourism isn’t as built up, but that’s kind of what made it interesting. It felt much more "real" than a lot of the other countries we have visited. We enjoy exploring places that not everybody frequents.

Curious if anyone else has been because we had no idea what to expect going in and wonder what other tourists thought about visiting this country.

[u/newmvbergen]

Thanks for the report. Not numerous at all on Reddit.

[u/AbFende]

I’ve been once but only for one day, I took the train from Bucharest which was a wild but great experience. Just stepping out onto the station in Chishinau you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Lots of people outside with tables selling all kinds of different things and clothes and everything. Walked a bit past that and there was a modern up to date little shopping mall with a giant grocery store and everything you need, so it’s a good mix, then the city center was quite busy, busses come by nonstop to wherever, people everywhere, you can tell not many tourists but they seem to be happy for any tourists they do have. I ate at the same place as pictured, they had a few locations and the food was amazing! went to a few museums and just walked anywhere I could in the center.

I took the bus to the airport when I left, that was an experience in itself. Unlike so many places that has ticket machines or tap to pay, someone was on board selling tickets separately from the driver, the bus became so packed but that didn’t stop the guy from collecting money from people, somehow I was in the middle and passing money back and forth and tickets and their change to people who just got on as the guy couldn’t move nor the people. Moldova put me to work 😆

[u/Impossible_Mode_1225]

This is great! I visited last year, also for a weekend. There's not too much to do in Chișinău but it has a nice art gallery and museum.The food was delicious, the wine even better. We did a day trip to Old Orhei which was lovely. I later learnt that Moldova gets only 30,000 tourists per year. Guess we count among that number.

[u/glwillia]

i visited for a long weekend in october 2018, primarily because i wanted to see transnistria but also because i wanted to visit the least touristed country in europe. had a great time, would gladly go back.

[u/derrickcrash]

I am from Romania and know a few good people from the Republic of Moldova, I am happy to hear that you went there with an open mind and had fun exploring not only places but also gastronomically and oenologically (lol)

We hope to see you again soon!

[u/5x0uf5o]

Thank you for sharing! A Moldovan neighbour once gave me a bottle of Moldovan wine (delicious) and a box of pastry treats with jam in the middle and powdered sugar on top. Very nice.

[u/No_Consequence5894]

We took the Prietenia there last summer - best way to get to Chisinau for sure - from Bucharest with our kids to finish our SE Europe trip. Loved it - most surprising country by far. Yeah there wasn't a ton "to do" but it was just a really nice, chill place to enjoy good food, good wine, and very friendly people. Busses ran on time and the parks and train station were lovely. And Milesti Mici was a delight. If it wasn't so damn far away we'd go again and see more of the country.

[u/moneypennyrandomnumb]

Great trip report, and lovely photos!

[u/Udont_knowme00]

oooo, Moldova has been on my list of countries to visit next. thanks for sharing your trip OP!

[u/emma-thomass]

Moldova honestly looks like such an underrated gem in Europe. The local culture, wineries, and peaceful countryside make it feel way more authentic compared to crowded tourist spots. Posts like this always make me want to explore lesser-known destinations more often. It also reminds me of how unique local experiences can completely change a trip — similar to joining a Berlin beer gaden food tour where you get to experience the city through traditional food, local beer, and hidden spots most tourists miss. Great itinerary and beautiful photos!

[u/Wild_Guess858]

It is a lot of info and about a great place too will keep it in mind next time we plan something

[u/ResponsibleCamera778]

Beautiful the food, piata centrala good people

[u/JohnPoet27]

Pretty sure that title goes to Liechtenstein or belarus