Table of Contents
Shopping Centers in Chisinau
MallDova
Moldova’s largest shopping mall. Over 100 stores, including Zara, H&M, Mango, Bershka, Pull&Bear, LC Waikiki, and Skechers. It features a movie theater, a food court, the Wonderland children’s play area, cafes, and restaurants.
Address: 23/3 Dechenbalu Blvd.
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
How to get there: minibus or Bolt (~40–60 MDL from downtown)
Atrium Mall
A shopping center in the city center. Convenient for those who live in Centru. Smaller than MallDova, but with a good selection of stores and restaurants. It features Ninja Park (a trampoline center) and a kids’ play area.
Address: 6 Stefan cel Mare St.
Elat
Another large shopping center in Cechan. A good choice for shopping for brand-name clothing and shoes. Less convenient for tourists—it’s far from the city center.
Sun City
A shopping center primarily for local shopping—clothing, home appliances, and groceries.
Markets in Chișinău
Piața Centrală (Central Market)
The most important place for a true Chisinau experience. A large indoor and outdoor market in the city center: fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses (brynza, aged Moldovan cheeses), sausages, honey, nuts, jams, and wine in jars from local grandmothers (be careful about quality—buy from trusted vendors). You’ll also find clothing, shoes, household goods, and all sorts of trinkets here.
Address: Mitropolit Banulescu-Boden Street (downtown)
Hours: Daily; busiest from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tip: Come in the morning—that’s when the selection is freshest and the atmosphere is liveliest
Artists’ Alley (near the Philharmonic)
A small street lined with artists and artisans selling paintings, prints, ceramics, woodwork, and textiles. A great option for anyone looking for a unique, handmade souvenir.
Wine and culinary souvenirs are the top purchases in Chisinau
Moldova is a wine-producing country. Bringing back wine from here is practically a must.
Where to buy wine:
Fiesta Wine (brand store) — a wide selection of Moldovan wines from leading wineries. The staff will explain the differences between the varieties. Several locations throughout the city.
Cricova Shop — the flagship store of the famous underground winery. It also carries exclusive items you won’t find in a supermarket.
Supermarkets (Green Hills, Fourchette, Nr. 1) —prices are the lowest here, and there’s a wide selection. Look for the “Vinuri Moldovenești” shelf.
What else to buy for food:
- Divin (Moldovan brandy)—starting at 150 MDL in stores
- Dried plums with walnuts (prunele cu nuci)—a classic Moldovan souvenir, sold at the market
- Honey —from local producers at the Central Market
- Jam (gem): cherry, plum, apricot—made according to homemade recipes
Moldovan Souvenirs
In addition to wine and cuisine, Moldova is known for:
- Handwoven rugs and towels (covoare) —traditional Moldovan weaving featuring geometric patterns. You can buy them at the market or in folk craft shops.
- Felt items —handmade hats, bags, and toys.
- Pottery from Chișinău and Cornești —plates, vases, and jugs with traditional patterns.
- Mărțișor —a symbolic Moldovan amulet (a red-and-white string with a charm). They’re sold everywhere in March, but you can also find them in souvenir shops the rest of the year.
Souvenir shops: in the city center (near the Triumphal Arch and on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard), at the airport (more expensive, but convenient).
Jewelry
There are several jewelry stores in Chișinău featuring Moldovan manufacturers—prices are lower than in the EU. There are also outlet stores for well-known brands. If you’re looking for jewelry, check out Moldovan silver set with semi-precious stones.
Supermarkets for everyday needs
- Nr. 1 —the most widespread chain
- Green Hills Market —the largest supermarket, with a wide selection
- Fourchette —more like a hypermarket; large and inexpensive
- Linella —convenient stores in the city center and residential areas
Prices compared to Western Europe
Clothing from international brands (Zara, H&M)—prices are comparable to those in Ukraine and the EU, though sometimes slightly higher due to the small market size. Locally produced goods — significantly cheaper. Groceries — cheaper. Wine — significantly cheaper (a quality bottle for 3–5 EUR in a store).
FAQ
Where can you buy high-quality Moldovan wine in Chișinău?
Fiesta Wine or the wineries’ own stores (Cricova, Purcari, Mileștii Mici). It’s cheaper in supermarkets, but you need to know the brands.
Are there any outlet malls or clearance stores in Chișinău?
Some shopping centers have outlet stores for international brands. There is no large outlet mall.
Where can I buy Moldovan rugs?
At the Central Market, in folk craft workshops, and in souvenir shops on Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard.
What are the store hours in Chisinau?
Shopping centers: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Market: 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Stores: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. on weekdays.