Chisinau, Moldova’s unexpectedly charming capital, offers more than just Soviet architecture and wide boulevards. Its hidden treasures and local stories make city tours a great way to get oriented and truly experience the city’s character. For first-timers, the Best of Chisinau City Tour provides a tailored, easy way to see highlights like Stefan cel Mare Park and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, all with a friendly guide who simplifies navigating the city. If you’re craving a deeper dive into Moldova’s history, the Chisinau: Discover City Highlights with a Walking Tour offers an immersive, 3-hour stroll through the city center. And for those interested in Moldova’s complex political fabric, tours to Transnistria—like the Back in the USSR – Tiraspol & Bender City—offer a glimpse into a region still very much echoing the Soviet era.
Whether you’re interested in urban sightseeing, wine tasting, or exploring breakaway territories, Chisinau’s diverse tours can fit your travel style. Below, we’ve gathered the best options to help you decide which experience aligns with your interests and schedule.
1. Best of Chisinau City Tour
At number 1, the Best of Chisinau City Tour stands out for its private, customizable approach. With a rating of 5.0/5 from 53 reviews, this 3-hour walk covers essential sights like Stefan cel Mare, Piata Centrala, and Orthodox churches. Your private guide ensures the experience feels tailored to your pace, with pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels. Highlights include a walk through Stefan cel Mare Park, a visit to Cathedral Park, and exploring Moldova’s main government buildings. The Military Museum, which takes you back in time, adds a historical layer to the experience, making it ideal for first-timers wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of Chisinau. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and smooth organization, with many wishing they had more time to explore beyond the main sights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a flexible, private introduction to Moldova’s capital, with a balanced mix of history, culture, and local life.
2. Back in the USSR – Tiraspol & Bender City
Number 2 on our list is the Back in the USSR – Tiraspol & Bender City, a full-day adventure into Transnistria, where Soviet symbols still dominate. Over 7-8 hours, your guide takes you to the Bender Fortress—famous for historical battles—and Tiraspol’s main sights, including Lenin’s monument and the house of Soviets. The tour’s unique charm lies in its timeless feel, as you walk through streets where Soviet-era relics sit alongside the local hustle. The reviews are glowing, with visitors appreciating how much history and oddity this region offers, and the guide’s friendly, knowledgeable style. Expect to see monuments, war memorials, and a distinctly different side of Moldova that feels like stepping into a different era.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history buffs or curious travelers eager to see a Soviet relic of Moldova that’s still very much alive.
3. Chisinau: Discover City Highlights with a Walking Tour
Number 3 is the Chisinau: Discover City Highlights with a Walking Tour, a 3-hour private exploration that emphasizes the city’s main sights and Soviet relics. The tour includes a short trolleybus ride to cover more ground efficiently. Your guide will take you past the main squares, churches, and government buildings, sharing stories that bring the city’s urban fabric to life. Guests appreciated how well-organized it was and enjoyed the chance to see parts of the city they couldn’t have reached alone. It’s a good choice if you prefer a balanced mix of walking and quick transport to maximize your sightseeing in a short time.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a compact, well-rounded introduction to Chisinau’s architecture, history, and local culture.
4. Chisinau Car City Tour and Milestii Mici Winery
Number 4 is the Chisinau Car City Tour and Milestii Mici Winery, a 5-hour combination that takes you beyond the city center. For around $124, this tour offers a great mix of urban sights and Moldova’s famous wine heritage. You’ll explore parks, memorials, and key neighborhoods with options to walk or drive. The highlight is the underground visit to Milestii Mici, where you’ll see the vast network of wine cellars, including avenues of aging wine stored in limestone tunnels. The included tasting showcases Moldovan wines—an excellent introduction for wine lovers. Reviewers note that the winery is busy, and the wine served is average, but the overall experience is still memorable.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a half-day urban and wine experience, especially if you’re interested in Moldova’s winemaking traditions.
5. 2 Excursions in One Day – Cricova Winery, Tiraspol & Bender Fortress
At number 5, the 2 Excursions in One Day makes the most of a full day, combining Cricova’s tunnels and Tiraspol’s Soviet relics. For about $227, you’ll visit the world’s largest underground wine cellar with guided tours and tastings, then explore the breakaway region of Transnistria. Highlights include the Bendery Fortress and walking through Tiraspol’s streets. The tour is praised for its efficiency and coverage, ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip with plenty of history, wine, and local flavor.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers with a full day to spare, eager to combine Moldova’s wine and political contrasts.
6. 1 DAY from Moldova: City Tour Chisinau – Transnistria Soviet Tour
Number 6 offers a full-day private experience with a focus on Moldova’s Soviet past. Starting from Chisinau, this tour (rated 5/5 from 2 reviews) visits Stefan cel Mare Park, the Moldova National Opera, and the Soviet monuments like the Tank and Suvorov statues in Tiraspol. The tour combines city sights and a walk through Transnistria, giving a vivid picture of Moldova’s divided identity. Many appreciated the personalized service and the chance to lunch in a local home with traditional food.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and culture enthusiasts wanting an intimate, in-depth day exploring Moldova’s Soviet heritage.
7. Chisinau: City Highlights Private Walking Tour
Number 7 is a private Chisinau: City Highlights Private Walking Tour, a quick 2-hour stroll perfect for those with limited time. It covers the main attractions, including the Presidential Palace and the Nativity Cathedral, with a local guide sharing stories and legends. This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a short but insightful overview of the city’s core.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick snapshot of Chisinau’s most iconic spots, especially if you prefer a private, personalized experience.
$437 per group up to 4
8. Soroca – Gipsy City on the river Dniester
Number 8 takes you to Soroca, often called the Gypsy Capital of Moldova. This 6-7 hour tour features the medieval Soroca Fortress, Candle of Gratitude monument, and the charming Gypsy Hill. Visitors highlight Alfredo’s engaging storytelling and the town’s scenic river setting. Soroca offers a different pace compared to Chisinau, with a romantic medieval fortress and vibrant local culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in regional culture and picturesque river views, with a focus on local traditions.
$224.77 per person
9. City Tour of Chisinau & Old Orhei Archeological complex
Number 9 combines a city tour with a visit to the Old Orhei Monastery. Over roughly 6-7 hours, you explore core sites like Mazarache Church and Stephen III Boulevard, then enjoy lunch followed by the archaeological site. This tour offers a blend of urban and rural experiences, with a focus on cultural history. Reviewers appreciate the personalized service and the opportunity to see Moldova’s ancient sites.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for history lovers who want a comprehensive day covering both city highlights and rural ruins.
10. Discovery of the city of Soroca
Number 10 emphasizes Soroca’s medieval fortress and Candle of Gratitude. A 7-9 hour day highlights the fortress’s history and the town’s Romani culture. Alfredo’s guide earns praise for being professional and humorous, making the trip both educational and fun. It’s a great option if you want a personalized day outside Chisinau.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a culture in Moldova’s north, with a flexible itinerary.
11. Chisinau Walking City Tour
Number 11 offers a 2.5-hour walk through the city’s most iconic spots. With a small group, you’ll see the City Hall, Transfiguration Church, and more, while hearing about Moldova’s history and legends. It’s a brief but enriching way to get a taste of Chisinau’s essence.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a short, guided tour of the city core.
12. 2 Excursions in One Day – Milestii Mici Winery, Tiraspol & Bender Fortress
This full-day tour combines wine and history, visiting the largest underground wine cellar and then exploring Tiraspol’s Soviet relics. For about $207, it offers value for money with guided wine tastings and a walk through the breakaway region. Reviewers highlight the astonishing wine cellar and friendly guides making this a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Great for wine enthusiasts and history buffs wanting an all-in-one Moldova experience.
13. Chisinau: Walking City Tour
A simple 2.5-hour tour, perfect for a quick city overview. It covers major sights like the National Opera and local architecture, ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a snapshot of the city’s highlights.
Bottom Line: Best for a short, guided introduction to Chisinau.
$71 per person
14. Chisinau: City Tour and Cojusna Winery with Tasting
Number 14 pairs a city tour with a visit to the Chateau Cojusna winery. Over 5 hours, you’ll see landmarks such as Stefan cel Mare Park and the Nativity Cathedral, then enjoy a wine tasting at the winery’s cellar. This combines Moldova’s urban charm with its famous wines, making it suitable for culture and wine lovers alike. Reviewers praise the mix of sightseeing and wine and the guide’s friendly manner.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a balanced experience combining urban sights and wine tasting.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which tour fits your Moldova trip, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. If you prefer a personalized, relaxed introduction, the private Best of Chisinau City Tour is ideal. For history enthusiasts eager to see Soviet relics, tours into Transnistria like Back in the USSR or Discovery of Soroca offer immersive experiences. Wine lovers should consider the Milestii Mici Winery or combined full-day trips, which provide a taste of Moldova’s world-famous vineyards.
If you’re pressed for time, quick walking tours like the Chisinau: City Highlights or Chisinau: City Highlights Private Walking Tour give a good overview in a short span. For those interested in more comprehensive exploration, full-day trips like the 2 Excursions in One Day blend Moldova’s diverse attractions.
Final Thoughts
Chisinau’s variety of tours makes it easy to find an experience that suits your schedule and interests. Whether you want a private, relaxed city stroll, a full-day adventure into Transnistria, or a wine-focused excursion, options are plentiful. The best strategy is to book early, especially for guided or private tours, and consider combining experiences if you have time — for example, pairing a city highlight walk with a wine tour to get both urban and rural flavors of Moldova.
If you’re a history lover or just curious about this quirky corner of Europe, Moldova’s capital and its surroundings won’t disappoint. From Soviet relics to ancient monasteries and underground wine cellars, you’ll find plenty to explore. Just pick a tour, and get ready for an authentic taste of Moldova’s diverse culture and landscapes.