Do you know that Chisinau was chosen as the capital of Moldova quite recently, just about 200 years ago? Before that, it was an ordinary village whose geographical position was decisive in its becoming a capital. About 3 thousand people, small clay houses, a lot of fields and a big number of sheep, horses, and chicken -- this is what Chisinau was about.
Many years have passed since that time, and Chisinau drastically changed. There are some districts that make Chisinau a modern European capital, some parts that make it a typically grey soviet city, and some that made it a big settlement of the Russian Empire. Chisinau can be everything you consider it to be.
But there is an area, so different from other areas, and I like it the most! It is the oldest part of Chisinau, where time didn't change anything one bit. This area survived the Second World War just because no important buildings were there.
It is quiet, with hundreds of narrow streets, with small houses and a very relaxing atmosphere.
You can easily find this area between Alexandru cel Bun street and Albisoara Street. Most of the tour guides will never take you there because it has never been attractive, but if you really want to see the real Chisinau, and feel the authentic spirit of the old town - then you definitely have to check it out!
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Find your way with 87 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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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"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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"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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"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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"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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"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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"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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87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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