Chisinau: Cocktail Bar & Pub Crawl and Wine Bars

If you’re looking to experience Chisinau beyond its postcard-perfect streets and historical sites, a guided cocktail bar and wine crawl offers a fantastic way to get to know the city’s lively local scene. This 3-hour walking tour takes you through some of the most authentic and lesser-known bars, providing a perfect blend of drinks, stories, and local culture.

While we haven’t personally joined this specific tour, reviews suggest it’s a well-loved option for anyone keen to uncover the city’s nightlife with knowledgeable guides, tasty drinks, and a friendly atmosphere. What we love most is the chance to explore hidden alleyways, sample authentic Moldovan wines, and enjoy signature cocktails in unique settings. A possible consideration is that the tour is quite active, so comfortable shoes are a must, and it mainly caters to those over 18. This experience seems ideal for travelers who want a relaxed yet immersive evening in Chisinau’s vibrant core.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience with visits to lesser-known bars and pubs
• Tastings of traditional wine, signature cocktails, and craft beer
• Guided storytelling reveals fun facts and hidden city gems
• Flexible, small-group tour ensuring personalized attention
• Excellent value for a 3-hour experience with multiple drinks included
• Ideal for social travelers interested in local culture and nightlife

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Chisinau Cocktail & Wine Tour

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated route through some of the most interesting venues in Chisinau’s historic center. The journey begins at the monument of Stephen the Great in front of Grdina Public, a classic meeting point that’s easy to find and sets a friendly, welcoming tone. From there, your local guide—who is fluent in Russian, English, and Romanian—will take you on a 3-hour journey filled with stories, tastings, and lively conversations.

The First Stop: A Traditional Wine Boutique

The tour kicks off at a traditional wine boutique, where your guide will share insights into Moldova’s centuries-old wine culture. Here, you’ll sample one local wine, a perfect introduction to Moldova’s reputation as a wine-producing country. This stop is not just about tasting; it’s an opportunity to learn about the unique ingredients and methods that make Moldovan wine special. Reviewers like “GetYourGuide traveler” have praised this part as a highlight, noting that the wine tasting alone was “interesting and unusual,” making it a memorable way to start the evening.

Exploring Hidden Alleyways and Historical Buildings

As you move through the narrow, unassuming alleys and past beautiful old buildings, your guide will share stories only locals might know. Expect to see parts of the city that travelers rarely visit, giving you a real sense of Chisinau’s authentic city life. It’s this mix of history, local color, and secret spots that sets this tour apart from generic pub crawls.

The Courtyard Cocktail Bar

Next up is a courtyard cocktail bar, set in a historic mansion draped with grapevines under a pergola. This venue’s ambiance is warm and intimate, perfect for trying signature cocktails crafted with unusual combinations. The guide will explain the ingredients and the creative process behind each drink, adding a layer of insight that elevates the tasting experience. According to reviews, this is “a good place to try signature cocktails,” and the atmosphere makes it easy to relax and chat.

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Additional Cocktail & Pubs

The tour continues to another contemporary cocktail bar, opened in 2024, or popular pubs known for their craft beer. The variety ensures there’s something for every drinker—whether you prefer a well-mixed cocktail or a local brew. Reviewers consistently mention the high quality of drinks and the knowledgeable guides who help you appreciate the subtle flavors and ingredients.

Ending at a Local Club

Finally, the evening wraps up at a small local club, where you can enjoy informal parties, good music, and an energetic vibe. It’s a lively spot that fills up especially on weekends, making it a natural choice for those who want to extend the fun. The guide’s friendly approach fosters a convivial atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic, Off-the-Beaten-Path Venues

Unlike tourist-heavy bars, each stop on this tour is carefully selected to showcase hidden gems and local favorites. You’ll gain access to venues and alleyways that you might never find on your own, giving you a genuine taste of Chisinau’s vibrant night scene.

Expert Guidance & Local Insights

Your guide, whose name was not specified but is described as knowledgeable and friendly, will narrate stories, explain drink ingredients, and share fun facts. The review from “GetYourGuide traveler” mentions Maria as a “super nice tour guide,” highlighting the importance of a personable guide in making the experience enjoyable and informative.

Tasting a Variety of Drinks

With one local wine, one artist cocktail, and one craft beer included, the tour offers a satisfying variety that showcases Moldova’s beverage culture. The wine is a local specialty, the cocktails are innovative, and the beers are crafted in country—giving you a well-rounded introduction to local drink traditions.

Value for Money

Considering the combination of three drinks, traditional snacks, and guided storytelling in just three hours, many reviewers say the tour offers good value. It’s a social, relaxed way to discover the city’s nightlife without the hassle of organizing multiple venues yourself.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: Just about 3 hours, making it easy to fit into an evening plan.
• Start Location: In front of the monument of Stephen the Great, a central and recognizable spot.
• Availability: Check tour times as they vary; the experience lasts around three hours.
• Group Size: Private group, ensuring personalized attention.
• Language Options: Guides speak Russian, English, and Romanian, so language barriers are unlikely.
• Cost: The price includes the guide, three drinks, and snacks—making it a straightforward way to enjoy a night out.
• Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes for walking through historic streets and alleyways.
• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.

Final Thoughts

This guided cocktail and wine tour in Chisinau offers a fantastic way to explore the city’s hidden nightlife scenes while enjoying local drinks and stories. The combination of intimate venues, expert guides, and authentic drinks makes it a memorable experience for anyone wanting to understand Moldova’s drink culture beyond the usual tourist spots.

Whether you’re a wine lover, cocktail enthusiast, or just someone eager to meet locals and discover the city’s secret corners, this tour delivers genuine value. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy social, relaxed evenings with a bit of local flavor.

This experience works well for social travelers who want to meet new people and enjoy lively venues. It’s ideal for wine and cocktail enthusiasts eager to learn about Moldova’s beverage traditions. The tour also suits those interested in off-the-beaten-path experiences, as it reveals parts of Chisinau most visitors overlook.

Please note that walking and standing are involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and participants must be over 18 to join. If you’re craving an authentic, fun evening that combines drinks, stories, and local culture, this is a great choice.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 3 hours, providing a relaxed pace to enjoy multiple venues and tastings.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins in front of the monument of Stephen the Great at Grdina Public.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, you’ll taste one local wine, one artist cocktail, and one craft beer, along with traditional snacks.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
Guides speak Russian, English, and Romanian, so language gaps are unlikely. Check with the provider for specific language options.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
This tour is designed around alcohol tastings, so it’s not suitable for those who do not consume alcohol.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes since there’s walking through historic streets and alleyways. Bring a camera to capture the ambiance.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s organized for private groups, ensuring a personalized experience.

To sum it up, if you’re after a lively, authentic night out in Chisinau that blends drinks, stories, and local culture, this cocktail bar and pub crawl is hard to beat. It offers a genuine taste of the city’s hidden spots with the added benefit of expert guidance, making it a memorable introduction to Moldova’s vibrant nightlife scene.

You can check availability for your dates here: