Weekend in Chișinău

The city’s main park, right next to the Government House. It has wide avenues shaded by old plane trees, a few statues and a fountain. Lively in the evenings with families and grou

Tip: The free-to-use fountains are a good spot to cool off in summer. Avoid the restaurant here — mediocre food, steep prices.

The main Orthodox cathedral in Chișinău, built in 1830 in a Neoclassical style. The exterior is plain white stone; inside, the iconostasis is gilded and the domes are painted. Free

Tip: Arrive before 9am on Sunday to see the liturgy — it is more atmospheric and less crowded than later in the day. Women should bring a headscarf to cover their hair.

The main art museum of Moldova, housed in a former boys’ gymnasium. It holds a modest collection of Orthodox icons, 19th-century portraits and Soviet-era works. The permanent exhibition is free; only

Tip: The free entry applies only to the permanent collection, which is on the first floor. Visit Wednesday morning to dodge school groups. You can get a printed English map at reception for no charge.

A bustling open-air and covered market where locals buy meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables. Also good for dried herbs, nuts and artisan bread. Not a tourist attraction — just real daily life in Chișin

Tip: Try the smoked cheese (telemea afumată) from the wooden stalls on the left side — 150 lei per kilo. Go before 11am for the freshest produce. Haggling is not expected but rounding down by 10 lei is fine.

A large urban park with a lake, walking paths and a beach. Locals come here to jog, cycle or just sit and watch the water. The views from the observation deck across the lake grab most visitors’ atten

Tip: Go on a weekday morning when it is quiet. The small beach cafe sells drinks for 20 lei, half the price of places near the centre.