Chișinău

Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, is one of Eastern Europe's least visited capitals, which makes it a great spot for travelers looking to explore somewhere off the typical tourist path.

The city has a fascinating blend of Soviet architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and beautiful Orthodox churches. Stefan cel Mare Central Park serves as the city's green heart, where locals gather especially during summer evenings. The city's main boulevard named after the same national hero (Stefan cel Mare) connects many of the important landmarks including the Triumphal Arch and the National Museum of History.

Moldova is famous for its wine production, and Chișinău is the perfect base to explore this aspect of the country's culture. The massive wine cellars at Cricova and Mileștii Mici, both near the capital, hold Guinness World Records. Mileștii Mici actually has the world's largest wine collection with over 1.5 million bottles stored in tunnels stretching for about 200 kilometers.

The city has a complex history, having been part of the Russian Empire, Romania, the Soviet Union, and finally becoming the capital of independent Moldova in 1991. This diverse past has created a unique cultural mix with both Romanian and Russian influences evident in the language, cuisine, and daily life of Chișinău's residents.

Tiraspol

Tiraspol is the capital of Transnistria, a breakaway region that declared independence from Moldova but isn't recognized by most countries. It's like stepping into a Soviet time capsule with Lenin statues still standing proud in the city squares and Soviet symbols visible throughout town.

The city sits on the eastern bank of the Dniester River and has around 130,000 residents. Walking down October 25th Street, the main boulevard, you'll see the imposing House of Soviets building and the striking War Memorial complex that honors those who fell during World War II and other conflicts.

What makes Tiraspol fascinating is its unique political situation. The region uses its own currency (the Transnistrian ruble), has its own government, police force, and even issues its own passports—though they're not valid for international travel. Despite this political limbo, visitors can cross into Tiraspol quite easily for day trips.

For history buffs, the city's KVINT brandy distillery has been producing renowned spirits since 1897 and represents one of the region's few internationally recognized brands. The local soccer team, Sheriff Tiraspol, made headlines when they qualified for the Champions League group stage, putting this little-known place on the map for sports fans worldwide.

Orhei

Orhei, a charming town in Moldova, offers a unique glimpse into Eastern European history without the crowds of more popular destinations. The real star here is Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei), an open-air archaeological complex where nature and human history have created something truly special.

Set along the Răut River, this historical site features limestone cliffs with caves that monks transformed into underground monasteries centuries ago. The Orthodox cave monastery, still active today, allows visitors to see how monks lived in these rocky chambers. The views from the cliffs overlooking the winding river are absolutely stunning and perfect for photos.

The region around Orhei has been inhabited for thousands of years, with traces of various civilizations including Dacian fortresses, Tatar-Mongol settlements, and medieval Moldavian structures. This cultural layering makes it fascinating for anyone interested in European history.

The nearby modern town of Orhei gives visitors a taste of everyday Moldovan life, with local markets selling homemade wine and traditional foods. Moldova's famous wine culture is evident here too, with several small producers in the surrounding countryside.

Visiting Orhei provides a window into Moldova's soul - a country at the crossroads of cultures that somehow maintained its own unique identity despite centuries of outside influences.

Soroca

Soroca is a charming town in northern Moldova, sitting right on the Dniester River which forms the border with Ukraine. The town's most famous landmark is its impressive 16th-century fortress, built by Moldavian Prince Petru Rareș. The fort stands as a perfect circle with five towers and has been remarkably preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into Moldova's medieval past.

What makes Soroca particularly unique is its reputation as the unofficial Romani capital of Moldova. The hill overlooking the town features elaborate mansions built by wealthy Roma families, many designed to resemble famous buildings like the Bolshoi Theater or St. Peter's Basilica. This area, known as 'Gypsy Hill,' showcases an interesting blend of architectural styles and cultural influences.

The town comes alive during summer when locals gather along the riverfront promenade. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views across to Ukraine while sipping a Moldovan wine. Soroca has a rich history that spans centuries, having been an important defense point against Ottoman invasions and later serving as a significant trade route.

Just outside town stands the 'Candle of Gratitude,' a memorial carved into limestone that honors Moldovan cultural heritage. The monument rises 29.5 meters and has become another popular spot for visitors to this lesser-known corner of Eastern Europe.