Cricova Winery

A short 15-minute drive outside of Chisinau lies the country's arguably most sought-after attraction: the reputable Cricova Winery, whose products are held in high regard both locally and internationally. Guided tours of the winery and cellars are offered, many including tastings (call ahead).

• Web:

  www.cricova.md

• Address:

  Strada Petru Ungureanu 1, Cricova

• Phone:

  +373 22 604 035

Dendrarium Park

One of the city's favourite parks offers a welcome respite on warm summer days. Its forte is the incredible diversity of plant and animal life, with carefully curated green arrangements and blooming flowers delighting visitors. There is a children's playground on site.

• Web:

  www.dendrariu.md

• Address:

  Ion Creanga 1, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 22 719 029

Milestii Mici

One of Moldova's unmissable attractions is the Milestii Mici winery, located a short drive outside the city centre. Book a guided tour of the world's largest wine cellar with a staggering 3,000,000 bottles, all contained in a former quarry spanning dozens of underground kilometres. Only a manageable part of the storage space is visited, followed by a wine tasting and pre-bookable three-course meal at the on-site restaurant 70 metres under ground.

• Web:

  www.milestii-mici.md

• Address:

  Milestii Mici Village

• Phone:

  +373 22 382 333

Military Museum

One of the city's lesser-known highlights, the museum offers informative insight into the country's past, including WWII and Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe involvement, and covers a substantial period of Soviet regime, also detailing events that happened outside of present-day Moldova. Information in English is scarce, but many of the exhibits are self-explanatory. The outdoor display of Soviet military machines can be accessed free of charge.

• Address:

  Strada Tighina 47, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 22 272 056

National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

The museum might as well be dubbed a collection of anything and everything, which in no way compromises its appeal, but rather makes it rank among the most curious Moldovan landmarks. From zoological exhibits and extinct animal reconstructions to traditional dress and folk artefacts, its expansive exhibits cover nearly everything under the Moldovan sun. Purchase an English-language booklet to help navigate exhibition rooms.

• Web:

  www.muzeu.md

• Address:

  Mihail Kogalniceanu 82, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 22 238 848

• Opening hours:

  Tue-Sun 10am-6pm

National Opera and Ballet Theatre

A classy evening out is best spent catching an opera or ballet performance at one of the best theatres of its kind in Eastern Europe. The repertoire is regularly updated, and tickets cost a fraction of the price charged at comparable institutions across Europe.

• Web:

  www.nationalopera.md

• Address:

  Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard 152, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 22 245 104