Cosmos Hotel is perhaps the most impressive Soviet-time hotel in Chisinau. But there is definitely something more than just a hotel here. When Chisinau was chosen as the capital of Moldova, 200 years ago, this area became the edge of the town. All the important streets were meeting there and even nowadays, this region has the same role as back then.
I like this area because it is so contradictory somehow. Seeing all those Soviet industrial buildings - you start feeling the ”heaviness” of the grey concrete Soviet style. Then you notice huge modern shopping centers, and you admire how luxurious they are. Then you go to the stairs of Cosmos Hotel and you see a gorgeous big statue of a soviet communist and the large boulevard in front of him. When the statue was installed here in the 1950s, just a few cars a day would pass by. Today - hundreds of cars and people are moving back and forth just in front of you.
You go behind the Cosmos Hotel and you are shocked by how quiet it is there, how beautifully arranged the 5-floor apartment buildings and how slow the inhabitants of those apartment buildings are walking. Another world.
This is the main impression that Chisinau leaves our guests with. It is old and new, poor and luxurious, noisy and quiet - all this at the same time.
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Find your way with 87 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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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"Cărturești Books" in Chisinau has everything from books, posters, board games, magnets... I esp. like the reading area where you can sit with a book.
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"Fuior Restaurant" in Chișinău is all about the package. They bring you a Michelin-Star restaurant experience to Moldovan flavors. Try the black dumplings!
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"Madam Wong Restaurant" in Chișinău makes the best Asian food in town, easily! My favorites include the Tom Yum, the Spinach Soup & the Duck Spring Roll...
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If there's one place you need to check into after you arrive at Chișinău, it's "Wine Shop Pușkin St." Expect to find great prices for simply amazing wines!
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"Yoga Surya" in Chisinau is run by Igor. He speaks Romanian and a little English. He's very helpful, friendly and the prices are very reasonable!
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"Valea Morilor Park" in the heart of Chisinau is a great recreational spot for a hot summer day. Half the city is here but you'll find your quiet spot!
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"Istanbul Bazaar" in Chisinau is a Turkish market for all your baklava, lokum and Turkish coffee needs!
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"Buiucani District" in Chisinau is the only part of the city were old village houses and churches still exist. I like it because I've lived here forever...
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"Chisinau Hotel" really has changed very little from soviet times. You don't have to stay, just ask to have a look around the rooms...
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Chisinau's main "Train Station" is a must-see spot -- I always try to pass through it with my tours. The large soviet square is also worth looking at...
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"La Izvor" in Chisinau is one of the most beautiful but still underestimated green areas in the city. You can even see people swimming in the lake here...
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