Table of Contents
Parks in Chisinau
Valia Morilor Park (Valley of the Mills)
Chisinau’s largest park—114 hectares with a 34-hectare lake. Wide paths, shady trees, picnic areas, and the lakefront. In the spring, cherry blossoms and fruit trees bloom. In the fall, the landscape is ablaze with vibrant yellow. It’s one of the best places for a morning jog or an evening stroll.
Admission: free
Location: Kuză-Vodă Blvd., west of downtown
Stefan cel Mare Park (Central)
The most convenient park for tourists—right in the center, next to the Triumphal Arch. It’s small (4 hectares), but features nice walking paths, benches, a statue of Pushkin, and flower beds. Perfect for morning coffee and reading.
Ryshkanovka Park
A park on the left bank with a lake—less well-known but beautiful. A large green space with playgrounds and a lake where locals fish and relax.
Arboretum
A dendrological park in the Buiucani district—home to 104 species of trees and shrubs. It’s a scientific institution but open to visitors. It’s quieter than the Botanical Garden and less well-known among tourists.
The Lakes of Chisinau
There are more than 23 urban lakes in Chisinau, scattered throughout all districts. Most are small, nestled among residential neighborhoods, where local retirees sit with their fishing rods.
The largest and most beautiful is Lake Valia-Morilor (34 hectares) in the park of the same name. A beach is open here in the summer, and you can go stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or rent a catamaran.
There is also a lake in Ryshkanovka Park and several smaller bodies of water in Botanical Park.
Botanical Garden and Arboretum
Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova
More than 10,000 plant species on a large plot in the southern part of the city. Collections of ornamental plants, a tropical greenhouse, an alpine garden, a lotus pond (in summer), and cherry blossom-lined paths (in spring).
Address: 18 Padurii St.
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., daily
Admission: nominal fee
Best time to visit: spring (April–May) and summer
Water Activities
SUP and kayaking on Lake Valya-Morilor —during the summer (May–September), you can rent SUPs and kayaks here. A great spot for beginners.
Catamarans —a family-friendly option on the same lake. Starting at ~100–150 MDL / 30 min.
Swimming: The beach at Valea Morilor is open in the summer. The water warms up to 22–25°C in July and August. There are lounge chairs and food stands.
Fishing: Chisinau is surrounded by numerous ponds and fishing spots. Fishing is free on the city’s lakes. With a permit, you can fish in several ponds in the suburbs.
Nature Outside the City
Codru Nature Reserve (70 km)
Moldova’s only nature reserve—oak and hornbeam forests set in a hilly landscape. The trees are up to 300 years old. There is a marked hiking trail and a visitor center. Access is permitted only with a permit or through the “Living Nature” visitor center.
Sakharn Gorge (110 km)
A narrow gorge with a waterfall and a monastery nestled between steep cliffs. One of Moldova’s best “natural” trails. Along the way through the gorge, there are several kilometers of hiking trails.
Dniester Canyon (100–200 km)
Along the Dniester, there are several spots where the river flows through limestone cliffs. It’s especially beautiful near Soroc and close to Naslavchi.
Hiking Trails
Chisinau is flat—hiking trails within the city limits with no hills. The best ones:
- Valia Morilor Park: a loop around the lake—4–5 km; you can extend it to 8–10 km deeper into the park
- Stefan Boulevard + Central Park + public squares: 3–6 km
- The entire Botanical Garden: 4–6 km along the paths
Outside the city—Old Orhei (hiking trail to the cliffs and monastery, 2–4 km from the parking lot), Saharna (gorge—2 to 8 km), Codru (marked trail ~5 km).
FAQ
Where can you swim in Chisinau in the summer?
Lake Valia-Morilor. An outdoor water park near Sochiten (~10 km). Orhei-Land (45 km).
Is it possible to go running in Chisinau?
Yes—Valia-Morilor Park is the most convenient. Running clubs usually meet at Valia-Morilor on Saturday mornings.
Where can you go for a day trip to the countryside?
Codru (70 km), Old Orhei (50 km), Saharna (110 km).
Are there any mountains in Chisinau?
No. Moldova is a flat country with gentle hills.