No worries, you didn't mix up Chisinau with Istanbul :)
You know, I think Chisinau is not influenced by Oriental culture as much as other Balkan countries of Europe, even if Turkey is very close to Moldova, and the Moldovan kingdom was part of the Ottoman Empire for 300 years.
Anyway, several years ago, a nice shop with the big name ”Istanbul Bazaar” was opened on Tighina Street! For those who have never been to Istanbul before, this shop is a great opportunity to get closer to Turkish cuisine, especially the sweet lokum, baklava, and others.
If suddenly you get the impression that Chisinau is a typical European city and you are in the mood for some diversity, then Istanbul Bazaar can be the best option to feel that, without necessary flying to Turkey. The shop is full of a big number of colorful things that smell and look from a fairy tale. Don't hesitate to ask the nice lady there to make you a Turkish coffee -- it is one of the best in the city! Definitely a nice spot.
Strada Tighina 26
MDL
no-price
Find your way with 87 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Valea Morilor Park" in the heart of Chisinau is a great recreational spot for a hot summer day. Half the city is here but you'll find your quiet spot!
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"Buiucani District" in Chisinau is the only part of the city were old village houses and churches still exist. I like it because I've lived here forever...
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"Chisinau Hotel" really has changed very little from soviet times. You don't have to stay, just ask to have a look around the rooms...
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Chisinau's main "Train Station" is a must-see spot -- I always try to pass through it with my tours. The large soviet square is also worth looking at...
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"La Izvor" in Chisinau is one of the most beautiful but still underestimated green areas in the city. You can even see people swimming in the lake here...
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The "Church of Transfiguration" in Chisinau is unique in that its depiction of hell is very modern; I can hardly believe they allowed it to be painted...
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We have plenty of Soviet mosaics in Chisinau that mean different things to different people. But this one on Negruzzi street has its own beautiful story!
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"MoldExpo" in Chisinau isn't just a green space that hosts exhibitions -- the statue of Lenin that used to stand in front of the government is here now.
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"Eminescu Square" in Chisinau is a place you can't miss as a tourist. The square itself is beautiful, old and full of real Moldavian souvenirs...
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"Chisinau Flea Market" is full of thousands of old soviet stuff. By buying things here, you help out the poor old people, so I encourage to get something!
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Chisinau's underground passages used to be scary, dark, smelly and full of tasteless graffiti. Now things have changed -- you definitely have to see them!
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"Salat" is a family restaurant in Chisinau. Most of the time, I come here for lunch. They have bistro tables & a nice big buffet, and so are pretty cheap!
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