Chisinau offers a surprisingly diverse selection of tours that reveal everything from its Soviet past to its rich wine culture. While many travelers focus on the city itself, the real gems lie in exploring nearby regions like Transnistria or tasting world-class wines at Cricova and Mileștii Mici. For those interested in history, the Soviet Era Tour of Transnistria provides a fascinating look at a region frozen in time, complete with statues of Lenin and Soviet architecture. If wine is your thing, the Cricova Wine Tour and the Mileștii Mici cellar experience offer tastings of some of the world’s largest collections of wine. And if you’d rather explore the city on foot, the Best of Chisinau City Tour or the Chisinau Walking Tour with a local guide make it easy to see the highlights without the hassle.
Chisinau’s tours stand out because they are practical, well-organized, and tailored to different interests—whether you’re a history enthusiast, a wine lover, or just want to get to know the city better. Many tours include hotel pickup, which simplifies logistics in this somewhat sprawling city. Whatever your travel style, these experiences promise authentic insights and memorable moments.
Quick Overview
The list below features 13 of the best tours in Chisinau, ranging from full-day excursions to short city walks. You’ll find Soviet history trips, wine tastings at legendary cellars, city highlights tours, and adventures into the breakaway region of Transnistria. Whether you’re after in-depth cultural experiences or quick immersions into Moldovan life, these tours deliver excellent value and memorable encounters. Check out each one to see which suits your schedule and interests best.
1. Soviet Era Tour of Transnistria from Chisinau Moldova
At number 1, this private tour takes you into Transnistria, a breakaway territory that still looks like the USSR never left. The tour includes visits to Tiraspol and Bender, where massive Lenin statues and Soviet-style buildings dominate the landscape. The guide explains the complex history and ongoing conflicts, making this more than just sightseeing—it’s an insight into a region that’s still trying to define itself. The highlight is walking among Soviet monuments and visiting the Palacio Presidencial and Tank Monument. It’s rated 5/5 by 125 reviews and offers a full day of immersion for about $113.79 per person. The tour includes hotel pickup and border crossing, which makes the experience smooth.
Bottom line: Perfect for history buffs, political enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the legacy of communism in Moldova. Just remember, border control is straightforward but bring your passport.
2. One day tour in Transnistria
For a comprehensive look at Transnistria, this tour offers a mix of historical sights, including Bendery Fortress and the Tighina Fortress, along with visits to local memorials and the city of Tiraspol. The route is designed to give a full picture of the region’s past and present, with stops at the abandoned amusement park, the Ottoman-built castle, and a local food market. It’s rated 5/5 with many reviewers praising the knowledgeable guides, especially those with personal ties to the area. The trip lasts about 7-8 hours, priced at $139.33, and is excellent for travelers interested in a deep dive into Moldova’s disputed territory.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a balanced mix of history, culture, and local life, though it involves some walking and sightseeing.
3. Best of Chisinau City Tour
If city exploration is your goal, this private 3-hour tour is a great choice. It covers Stefan cel Mare Park, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, and the Piata Centrala. The guide customizes the experience based on your interests, making it flexible and relaxed. The tour includes visits to government buildings and the National History Museum, providing a well-rounded introduction to Moldova’s capital. Rated 5/5 by 53 reviews, it’s a good option for a quick yet thorough overview without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: Perfect for first-time visitors who want a manageable, personalized experience of Chisinau’s key sights.
4. Transnistria Tour from Chisinau Explore Soviet Time Capsule
At number 4, this shorter 7-hour tour offers a concentrated look into Transnistria’s Soviet past. It includes visits to Bender Fortress and Tiraspol, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore local markets. This tour’s value lies in its focus on the essence of the Soviet era, making it appealing to those limited on time but eager for an authentic experience. The reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide Ana and the lively, informative commentary.
Bottom line: Great for travelers with a day to spare who want an immersive Soviet history experience without the full-day commitment.
5. Chisinau: Cricova Wine tour & Old Orhei Archaeological Complex
For about a day dedicated to wine and history, this tour combines a visit to the famous Cricova underground cellar with an exploration of Old Orhei, a picturesque village area. The highlight is the wine tasting at Cricova, which Guinness records as the largest collection of wines in the world. The tour also includes a visit to the Bodie Cave Monastery and a walk through local villages. Rated 5/5, guests mention the excellent wine tasting and charming guides.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a full day of cultural discovery in Moldova’s countryside.
6. Chisinau Walking Tour with Local Guide
This 2.5-hour private walking tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, flexible introduction to Chisinau’s central streets. It covers Stephen the Great Park, the Opera House, Parliament, and Saviour’s Transfiguration Cathedral. The guide adapts the route to your interests, with plenty of photo stops and local insights. Rated 5/5, it’s a perfect choice for those limited on time but eager to see key highlights.
Bottom line: Best suited for visitors who want an efficient and personalized city overview.
7. Chisinau: Discover City Highlights with a Walking Tour
This 3-hour private tour emphasizes Chisinau’s most iconic sights—from Eugen Doga Street to the city hall. The licensed guide shares stories about Moldova’s past and present, making it an engaging experience. The tour includes a short trolleybus ride and visits to notable landmarks. It’s rated 4.9/5, ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, casual city walk.
Bottom line: Suitable for those wanting a relaxed exploration with a knowledgeable guide.
8. Moldova: Wine tour to Mileștii Mici cellar with Tasting
This 4-hour tour visits Mileștii Mici, home to the largest wine cellar in the world as recorded by Guinness. You’ll explore 200 km of underground tunnels, then sample three types of wine with snacks. The tour is highly rated, with many reviewers praising the friendly guide Vasilii, and the spectacular cellar. It’s a fantastic choice for wine enthusiasts who want an immersive tasting experience.
Bottom line: An excellent value for wine lovers, offering an in-depth look at Moldova’s most famous wine collection.
9. From Moldova: Tour to Cricova Winery with wine tasting
The Cricova Winery tour is a shorter 3-hour experience that focuses on underground wine cellars and a tasting of local wines. The tour operator managed to secure tickets even when they were sold out online, which speaks to its popularity. The guide explains the wine production process and takes you through the impressive tunnels. Guests appreciate the friendly driver and the personalized service.
Bottom line: A must-do for wine fans wanting to see Moldova’s most famous underground cellar with a guided tasting.
10. Chisinau: City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide
This 2-hour guided walk offers a quick but comprehensive look at Chisinau’s main attractions, including Stefan cel Mare Park and the Orthodox Cathedral. Rated 5/5, it’s perfect for visitors who prefer a brief, guided overview of the city’s top sights.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers with limited time who want a guided city intro without the fuss.
11. Gagauzia: day tour in Gagauzia and Manuc Bei Mansion
This 9-hour private tour explores the Gagauz region, including the Manuc Bei Mansion and Gagauz Ethnographic Museum. Learn about this unique ethnic group and their traditions. The tour includes a traditional lunch at Gagauz Sofrasi. Rated 4.3/5, it offers a cultural experience outside of Chisinau with some logistics involved.
Bottom line: Best for those interested in ethnic culture and rural Moldova, but expect a full day on the road.
12. Chisinau: Walking City Tour
This brief 2.5-hour tour is similar to the previous city walks but with fewer reviews. It includes visits to Cathedral Park and other key spots. It’s a light, straightforward introduction suitable for travelers who want to stretch their legs and see the city’s essence.
Bottom line: Good for a quick city overview for first-timers.
13. Chisinau: City Tour and Cojusna Winery with Tasting
Combining city sights with a winery visit, this 5-hour tour explores Chisinau’s landmarks and concludes with a wine tasting at Chateau Cojusna. The guide covers Triumphal Arch, Stefan Cel Mare Park, and the Nativity Cathedral, then takes you for a wine stroll through the cellar. Rated 4.9/5, it’s perfect for travelers wanting a mix of city and countryside.
Bottom line: A well-rounded option for those combining cultural sightseeing with wine tasting.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. If you’re fascinated by Soviet history, the Soviet Era Tour of Transnistria offers an immersive experience. For wine lovers, the tours at Cricova and Mileștii Mici deliver unforgettable tastings and insight into Moldova’s world-class wine industry. If you prefer a quick city overview, the Best of Chisinau City Tour or the City Highlights Walking Tour are excellent starting points. Consider booking early, especially for popular wine tours and Transnistria excursions, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Chisinau offers a surprising variety of tours that cater to many interests—from exploring the remnants of the Soviet era in Transnistria to tasting wines that have earned international fame. For history aficionados, the Soviet Era Tour or Transnistria excursions provide unique glimpses into Moldova’s past. For those seeking relaxation and flavor, wine cellar tours are not to be missed. And if you’re here for a quick city fix, guided walks make it simple to see the highlights comfortably.
No matter your choice, booking early is advisable, especially during peak season. Each tour promises a chance to see Moldova from a new perspective—so pick what excites you most and start making plans for your Moldovan adventure.