Experience in Chisinau, Moldova by Alexandra

What is it like to live in Chisinau? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Chisinau is a small but nice city. It is the capital of Moldova. You cannot find many attractions, however the city is quite beautiful and pleasant. It is situated at the very heart of Moldova, right in its middle. According to some research it is one of the greenest towns in Europe, and that is definitely visible. There is no street in Chisinau where you won’t find a line of high trees or well-groomed bushes.

Its nickname for centuries was "White City" because of the color of the stones the buildings are constructed of. In general, Chisinau is grassy and full of leafy areas of different kinds. You can get acquainted with the architecture of the city by strolling down the central street of Chisinau – The Boulevard of Stefan the Great and Saint, where the most important buildings of government are located.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Chisinau?

Unfortunately, we don´t have many exchange students in Chisinau, since there is a limited number of programmes taught in English. However, the student lifestyle is the same as in any other country. Most of the universities are located in the city center, so after studies you can meet your friends, have a drink or just sit in the central park (by the way, there is free Wi-Fi in all the local parks).

How much does it cost to live in Chisinau?

By comparison with the cost of living in Europe, prices in Chisinau are really cheap. 400-500 euros per month will be more than enough! You can rent an apartment in the city-center for 150-200 euros. The average bill for a person in a restaurant is from 6 to 8 euros.

The bus costs 17 cents and a taxi from the airport to a city-center - 8 euros! Taking into account the cost of living, Chisinau is a very attractive place for foreign students.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Chisinau? Is there any advice you can give?

There are many apartments and rooms for rent in Chisinau. Depending on your preferences you can find whatever you want on web-sites, like, for example makler. Unfortunately, everything is in Russian or in Romanian.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Moldovan cuisine has had a considerable influence on the traditional food of other nationalities in this region, while drawing in the past centuries various elements from the Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Gagauz, Jewish, Russian, as well as Turkish and Greek cuisines. It consists mainly of traditional European ingredients, such as beef, pork, potatoes, cabbage, and a variety of cereals. A well-know moldovan dish is the Mamaliga (corn porridge served with meat). You can order it in most of the restaurants in Chisinau.

Plăcintă is a Moldavian traditional pastry resembling a thin, small round or square-shaped cake, usually filled with a soft cheese such as Urdă or apples. The word plăcintă comes from Latin placenta which means cake.

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The restaurant La Placinte is one of the most famous traditional places in Moldova where you can eat good traditional Moldavian food. I definitely recommend it!

What places would you recommend visiting in Chisinau?

It's well worth booking yourselves on a tour of the Cricova wine cellars. 120 km of underground cellars, you get to be driven around in a car and see the stores of red and white wine and above all, champagne, which is still made by the traditional champenoise method.

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They also have an interesting wine collection of wines from all over the world.

Is it good to eat out in Chisinau? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

• For cheap and nice Moldovan food - La Placinte.
• A good Italian restaurant - Mi piace.
• For coffee, desserts and nice atmosphere - Tucano.

Is the nightlife good in Chisinau? Where is it fun to go?

• For underground parties - Tipografia 5.
• Other popular places are - Barbarella, Cocos Prive, Krysha.