Experience in Chisinau, Moldova by Catalina

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

If you have a good income, after European Standards, you can live extremely well, because the food is very good, very cheap, fruits and veggies are amazingly tasty. You can find ingredients from other countries as well.
Regarding medical assistance, there are very good doctors, and some private hospitals.

What is the student lifestyle like in Chisinau?

Depends on the type of student. If you like partying, there are lots of clubs and bars where you can spend a great time.
If you're more of the "chill" type students, that likes walks, hikes, reading etc. you'll find many parks, with beautiful views on the city, libraries that have books in multiple languages (English, French, German etc.)

How much does it cost to live in Chisinau?

I'm not able to give a specific number, but it's very cheap. VERY CHEAP !

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

I don't really know, but from what I heard, it's not that difficult.
And again, the price are not expensive.

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

The food is very good. It's a lot of veggies, a lot of meat.
Some traditional dishes are: Placinte (some kind of pastry filled up with cottage cheese, potatoes, or even pickled cabbage), mamaliga (it's made out of polenta flour, but it is harder, almost of a bread-like consistency. We eat it with cheese, fish, meant, melted butter and many other things), ciorba (traditional soup from moldova typically made from chicken broth, but can also be made from beef broth or just simply veggie broth). There are many other traditional dishes, that you'll have to discover on your own.

What places would you recommend visiting in Chisinau?

Definitely go to the National History Museum, where you'll get to know a lot about my people, their traditions and customs, and where we started from.
A must are the Milestii Mici and the Cricova wine cave, that are the biggest in the world, registered in the Guinness Book of Records.
Also, you need to go to Orheiul Vechi, which is a historical site, located in a natural amphitheater rock formation, with a church built on the top if the hill. Amazing view on the Raut river form up there.

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

If you want traditional food, go to La Placinte. It's a local chain of restaurants that serves typical food from Moldova.
There are Sushi restaurants in the city as well, but I cannot recommend any of them simply because I do not like sushi, so I have no idea which ones are good.
Go to Andy's Pizza, for....Pizza obviously and other western food.

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

Yes, it is good. Although there are some parts in town where you shouldn't stay until very late. I'm not saying it's dangerous, just not safe.
As I said before, there a lots of bars and clubs in the city Center, as well as in the Botanica neighborhood.

What advice would you give future students heading to Chisinau?

Pack your bags, you will discover a country like no other, with people you will love and never forget !