Central Market (Piaţa Centrală), Chisinau
Just like any other capital, Chisinau has no shortage of shopping venues. The Central Market (Russian: Tsentral'nii Rinok / Romanian: Piata Centrala) is the largest and busiest agri-food market in the city, if not the whole country. It covers an area of 3.5 hectares occupying 2x2 city blocks between Armeneasca and Tighina Streets, Stefan cel Mare Blvd and Mitropolit Varlaam Street.
Originally called New Bazaar upon establishment in 1825, the market stood out for its elegant wooden architecture. Also added to the appeal, especially among vendors, the initial tax-free policy in force for almost 80 years. In 1886-1887, following the municipal order, the entire market was redone in stone. In 1941, amid the looming occupation by the Nazis, the retreating Soviet troops blasted the whole place, lest it fell into the enemy's hands. After the war, the market was restored together with the rest of the city, and was subsequently renamed Central Market.
Here you can find absolutely everything, from suitcases to electronics, clothing, jewelry, household goods and appliances, plus the famous Bucuria-made sweets, cookies and desserts sold at the outer stalls. Further inward you will be delighted by the beautiful displays of a tremendous variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meats, fish, dried fruits, grains, and the locally-made sheep and goat cheeses. Good and cheap street food and snacks are also in rich supply.
Particularly noteworthy are the traditional Moldovan items, like the woven baskets, căciuli (handmade sheepskin hats), and other curious things.
Why You Should Visit:
If asked “what can I see and do to experience local tradition?” – Piata Centrala is that place in Chisinau. The locals come here to buy their stuff, so it must be good.
For those with a taste for open-air marketplaces and keen to feel the “real life” in Chisinau, this place is a must! The atmosphere is crowded, noisy and old world.
Tips:
- English is not widely spoken. Moldovan/Romanian and Russian are the standard.
- Cash is the king, so bring your Lei.
- This is a traditional market/bazaar, so keep an eye on your valuables like at any other close quarter place with a lot of foot traffic.
Originally called New Bazaar upon establishment in 1825, the market stood out for its elegant wooden architecture. Also added to the appeal, especially among vendors, the initial tax-free policy in force for almost 80 years. In 1886-1887, following the municipal order, the entire market was redone in stone. In 1941, amid the looming occupation by the Nazis, the retreating Soviet troops blasted the whole place, lest it fell into the enemy's hands. After the war, the market was restored together with the rest of the city, and was subsequently renamed Central Market.
Here you can find absolutely everything, from suitcases to electronics, clothing, jewelry, household goods and appliances, plus the famous Bucuria-made sweets, cookies and desserts sold at the outer stalls. Further inward you will be delighted by the beautiful displays of a tremendous variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meats, fish, dried fruits, grains, and the locally-made sheep and goat cheeses. Good and cheap street food and snacks are also in rich supply.
Particularly noteworthy are the traditional Moldovan items, like the woven baskets, căciuli (handmade sheepskin hats), and other curious things.
Why You Should Visit:
If asked “what can I see and do to experience local tradition?” – Piata Centrala is that place in Chisinau. The locals come here to buy their stuff, so it must be good.
For those with a taste for open-air marketplaces and keen to feel the “real life” in Chisinau, this place is a must! The atmosphere is crowded, noisy and old world.
Tips:
- English is not widely spoken. Moldovan/Romanian and Russian are the standard.
- Cash is the king, so bring your Lei.
- This is a traditional market/bazaar, so keep an eye on your valuables like at any other close quarter place with a lot of foot traffic.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chisinau. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Central Market (Piaţa Centrală) on Map
Sight Name: Central Market (Piaţa Centrală)
Sight Location: Chisinau, Moldova (See walking tours in Chisinau)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chisinau, Moldova (See walking tours in Chisinau)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chisinau, Moldova
Create Your Own Walk in Chisinau
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chisinau is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chisinau Historical Sites
Although the history of Chisinau accounts for just over 500 years, whilst that of Moldova, as a nation, even less than that – since 1991, Moldovan culture and language are deeply rooted in the ancient Roman tradition. Just as the Eternal City, Chisinau rests on seven hills – in the valley of the River Bic, and has a replica statue of the Capitoline Wolf in the downtown area. Whereas most of... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.5 Km or 3.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.5 Km or 3.4 Miles
Bernardazzi Architecture Walking Tour
Talented people are often able to leave their mark in the hearts of the posterity long after they are gone. Centuries fly but the power of the beauty persists, especially if set in the stones of the buildings designed by distinguished architects. Moldova's capital is blessed in this respect as the place associated with Alexander Bernardazzi, a Russian architect of Swiss-Italian descent who... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Stefan cel Mare Blvd Walk
Stefan cel Mare Boulevard is arguably the most prominent streets of the Moldovan capital. The 3.8-km thoroughfare is lined with numerous buildings of social and political importance, cultural institutions, shops, and restaurants.
Historically, it is believed to have stemmed from the road that led into the city from the Russian military camp stationed to the west of Chisinau in 1789. Long before... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historically, it is believed to have stemmed from the road that led into the city from the Russian military camp stationed to the west of Chisinau in 1789. Long before... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Best Wine and Brandy Shops
Given the lack of stunning scenery – no turquoise waters or snow-clad mountains – Moldova is a country not overrun by tourists. Still, those who come here, usually do so to taste the local wines and brandies – Moldova is a seasoned grape and spirit producer. The locals are very lovable and hospitable people, genuinely ready to delight strangers with their internationally-renowned booze. Here... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Chisinau Introduction Walking Tour
Chisinau is the capital of Moldova, a small nation in Eastern Europe landlocked between Romania and Ukraine. For many years this land had been part of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union, until it finally gained independence in 1991. For this reason the city is also often referred to as Kishinev, which is the Russian version of the name.
While the true origin of the name is unclear,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
While the true origin of the name is unclear,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Chisinau Shopping Guide: 20 Moldovan Products to Take Home
Once part of the Soviet Union, now independent Moldova is a small country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, of which still very little is known. To mend this, the country has recently opened borders to the outside world. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and acquaint yourself with...