Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, is a compact, walkable city built around green boulevards and Soviet-era architecture. Most visitors base themselves in the centre, where Stephen the Great Central Park sits at the heart of the city. From here you can reach museums, cathedrals, markets and wine bars on foot or by a short trolleybus ride.
Start with Stephen the Great Central Park, the oldest and most central park in the city. Other favourites include Valea Morilor (a lakeside park in the south-west), the Dendrarium with its collection of trees, and Parcul La Izvor near the exhibition centre. All are free to enter and pleasant for a stroll.
The National Museum of History of Moldova sits on 31 August 1989 Street, a short walk from the park, and holds archaeology, weapons and the famous 'Pommery' cellar exhibits. The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History and the Pushkin Museum are also worth a visit.
The Nativity Cathedral and its belfry dominate the central square, while the nearby Căpriana and Hîncu monasteries make easy half-day trips outside the city for those interested in Orthodox heritage.
The Central Market (Piața Centrală) is the place to taste local produce, plăcinte (pastries), cheeses and brandy. Pair it with a walk along the pedestrianised stretch of Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard for cafés and people-watching.
Moldova is one of the world's great wine countries. Underground cellars such as Cricova and Milestii Mici can be visited on guided tours from Chișinău, and many city wine bars pour indigenous varieties like Fetească Neagră and Rară Neagră.