Built in the 1980s, Chisinau’s Circus is familiar to any citizen, because all of us born in the 70s-80s enjoyed its wonderful performances in a great arena. But younger ones have been less lucky, because the Circus has been closed because of a lack of funds and financing, and now it is just an architectural masterpiece slowly falling to ruin.
When talking about architecture, it is really a remarkable example of the Soviet modernist style, and unlike the majority of buildings from that era, it was built under a unique project. It became a symbol of a fast-growing modern capital city, and rightly so. And it is still worth seeing.
A few years ago, despite the government’s indifference and corruption, enthusiasts and circus artists opened a second, smaller arena used for training and for the audience and now children and adults can again enjoy the circus art.
Find your way with 87 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Raw Cafe" is probably Chisinau's only raw vegan cafe. They have amazing desserts - my favorite one is made with peanuts and dried figs!
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"Belgian Mussels" in Chisinau is all about seafood and mussels, and their specialty is the boiled mussels. It's ideal for a casual dinner with friends!
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"Valea Morilor Panorama Point" in Chisinau makes for an excellent hiking trail, especially in summer! Not many people know about it, so it's secluded...
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"Pegas Restaurant" in Chisinau is a chain of restaurants. Their chicken soup is famous, but I recommend the shakshouka...
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"Sincer - Gastro Market" in Chisinau means 'honest' - it's a great place to enjoy tea, coffee or juice & I love their brunch. Try the chicken with peach!
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"CoffeeMolka" is a classic hidden gem. I've lived more than 20 years in Chișinău and I only discovered this coffee place set up like a museum last year!
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"Hidden Bar" is the best place in Chisinau to dive in for a few hours and lay back with a shisha or a great cocktail!
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"Il Forno" makes the best pizza in Chișinău and I can attest to that. It embodies well the special relationship between our countries...
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"Vegan Phi Restaurant" in Chisinau is a vegan restaurant with amazing main dishes, even if you're not vegan! Try the cauliflower steak...
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"Smokehouse" in Chisinau is a community place with lots of locals and internationals. It's a beer haven with pub quizes on Tuesdays and great food!
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"Cehov Square" is a green, renovated square in Chisinau in front of the theater. It was the first crowdfunding project of its kind. It's so relaxing!
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"Marlene Bar" in Chisinau might not even have the best cocktails in town (although I like them), but the atmosphere of this European-style bar is worth it!
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87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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✓ 87 Insider Tips