The average cost for backpacking in Moldova is relatively low compared to other European countries. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $20-30 per day on accommodation in hostels or budget hotels. Meals at local restaurants are affordable, …
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Backpacking Moldova in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Moldova with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Moldova
Welcome to Moldova, a hidden gem for backpackers seeking off-the-beaten-path charm. Pros? Immerse in the country's rich wine culture, explore historic monasteries, and enjoy a budget-friendly experience. Moldova offers a genuine encounter with local traditions. However, limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers may pose challenges. For backpackers craving authenticity and tranquility, Moldova's unique blend of history and hospitality makes it an appealing destination, where the unexplored landscapes and warm encounters create a distinct and memorable journey.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Moldova
Cheap
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Moldova
- Visit the Mileștii Mici Winery: Moldova is known for its wine production, and this winery holds the Guinness World Record for having the largest underground wine cellar in the world. Explore the vast underground tunnels and taste some of the finest Moldovan wines.
- Discover Orheiul Vechi: This archaeological complex is located on a high cliff and offers stunning views of the Răut River. Explore the ancient cave monasteries, walk through the picturesque landscapes, and learn about the rich history of the region.
- Explore the Cricova Winery: Another must-visit winery in Moldova, Cricova is famous for its extensive underground wine cellars. Take a guided tour through the labyrinthine tunnels and indulge in wine tasting sessions to experience the flavors of Moldovan wine.
- Visit the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History: Located in Chișinău, this museum showcases the cultural heritage and natural wonders of Moldova. Explore the diverse exhibits, including traditional costumes, folk art, archaeological artifacts, and a fascinating collection of fossils.
- Explore the Transnistrian Region: Step into a different world by visiting the breakaway region of Transnistria. Experience the unique atmosphere, Soviet-era architecture, and learn about the complex political situation in this self-proclaimed republic.
But Moldova offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Moldova
The best time to visit Moldova for backpacking is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. These months offer pleasant temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural beauty. Additionally, the countryside is vibrant with blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn, creating picturesque landscapes. It is worth mentioning that summer (July and August) can be quite hot, with temperatures exceeding 30 °C, making it less comfortable for extensive outdoor activities.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Moldova
- Exercise a high degree of caution in Moldova due to the volatile security environment and military conflict in neighbouring Ukraine.
- Large political protests can occur in Moldova. Public demonstrations and events can turn violent and attract a heavy police presence. Avoid protests and rallies. Monitor the media for information about protests.
- Bomb threats have been made against the international airport, shopping centres and other official buildings in the capital, Chisinau. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Do not travel to Transnistria due to the volatile security situation and the impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It's a region outside the control of the Moldovan authorities. If you travel to Transnistria despite our advice, our ability to provide consular assistance will be severely limited.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
MoldovaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Moldova sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Moldova. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Moldova may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Moldova. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Moldova may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Moldova, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Moldova, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 25 September 2024