Shopping
Overview
Popular souvenirs are colorful traditional costumes, handmade carpets, embroidery work and Moldovan wine or brandy, especially cognac. There are numerous handicraft centers where wood carvers, enamel painters, weavers and instrument makers offer their wares. There is a wide range of locally produced fruits and vegetables in this agricultural country. Moldovans like to shop very often at the market (tolchok), which takes place regularly in all larger towns. As well as fresh groceries, you can get just about anything else here, from haberdashery to household items to cars, and you can often find a bargain or two. The largest market takes place on Calea Mosilor in the city center of Chisinau, Baidukowa market on the outskirts of Balti is also well known. You won’t find any big department stores in the inner cities, but there are shopping centers where you can mainly buy clothes in small boutiques. The most famous shopping center is the elegant MallDova in Chisinau, where international retail chains offer luxurious fashion at reasonable prices. In addition to an extensive gastronomic offer, there are also some entertainment options such as a bowling alley.
- Top-engineering-schools: Provides detailed population data for major cities of Moldova. Also covers geography information including rivers, mountains, lakes, and national borders.
Opening hours
The larger shops are usually open Mon-Sat from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., all other shops are open Mon-Sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grocery stores are generally open seven days a week.
Nightlife
Introduction
In the country’s major cities there is a varied range of entertainment with numerous nightclubs, discotheques, bars and pubs. German beer is even served in the Carlsberg Pena Pub in Chisinau. At a number of open-air concerts, including internationally renowned musicians, you can experience the joie de vivre and warmth of the Moldovans. Things are much quieter in rural areas. The country is famous for its folk traditions and there are numerous upbeat music groups (tarafs) playing several of the sometimes rare folk instruments such as the tsamsbal (a type of cymbal), the bagpipe-like tsimpoi, the fluier (a type of flute) and the Playing the nai (a type of pan flute). The capital Chisinau in particular has a varied nightlife to offer. Here you will also find a wide range of cultural activities with theatres, concert halls and an opera house. The opera and youth theater Luceafarul (»poetic star«) offer interesting evening entertainment. The Pushkin Theater mainly stages productions in the Moldovan language, while the Chekhov Theater stages only plays in the Russian language. The Philharmonic Concert Hall is the seat of the Moldavian Symphony Orchestra. The Doinachor (folklore) and the internationally renowned state dance ensemble Dschok are also at home here. Russian and Moldavian plays can be seen in the Licurici (“Fireflies”) Marionette Theater. Moldovans love dancing; in Chisinau, in addition to fantastic ballet performances, there are regularly large,
Culinary
Overview
There are numerous small restaurants and cafes. Although the service is often a bit slow, the food is delicious and offers a wide range of national and European dishes. Herbs are often used in Moldovan cuisine. Especially in the summer months there is a lavish supply of fresh fruit and vegetables. The local cuisine mainly uses melon pumpkins, aubergines, peppers and tomatoes, but also legumes such as lentils and beans. Dairy products such as quark or cheese, especially sheep’s cheese, are also popular. Corn is prepared in a variety of ways, for example as a porridge, soup or dessert. poultry, pork,
Regional specialities
Mititeji (small sausages with onions and peppers) Mamaliga (a hearty corn pie) served with feta cheese. Tocana (pork stew) is eaten with watermelon and apples. Cabbage à la Babette (braised pork with white cabbage) Placinte (dumplings filled with herbs and sheep’s cheese, mushrooms or meat) Brynsa (cream cheese made from sheep’s milk)
Tip
5-10% is common.
Regional drinks
More than 100 different excellent wines are produced in Moldova. Riesling, Gligote and Semilion are the best known local white wines. The best red wines include Moldavian Cabernet, Merlot and Bordeaux. brandy, e.g. B. Nistriju and Doina, is served for dessert.
Minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages
In Moldova, you can drink alcohol from the age of 18.
Culture
Religion
Predominantly Russian Orthodox (98%), Jewish minority (1.5%), Baptists and others.
Social Rules of Conduct
General: Moldova is known for its folklore, which is lovingly maintained. Moldovans like to party. A typical Moldovan wedding celebration often lasts more than 24 hours and the wedding party often consists of more than 250 invited guests. Customs: On March 1st, a red and white string, the so-called Marțișor (little march) is typically given away. The colors red and white stand for snow and sun and are intended to symbolize spring. The Marțișor is attached to clothing and worn until you see a blooming tree, into which you then throw the ribbon and make a wish. Attire: Attire should not be overly casual, more elegant attire is worn for social occasions. Manners: The usual forms of politeness should be observed. They shake hands to greet each other. One should behave rather cautiously, since Moldova is only visited by a few tourists and one already attracts attention as such. Invitations to private homes are common, so always have a few favors on hand. Small gifts such as cigarettes, perfume or coffee are gladly accepted. Culinary or alcoholic specialties from the home country and illustrated books are also popular. The children are happy about a few small sweets. Photographing: Military facilities/facilities and industrial zones may not be photographed. People should be asked before being photographed. Tipping: It is customary to give 5-10% of the bill.
Climate
Best travel time
Temperate continental climate. Overall pleasantly mild. Lovely warm summers, clear sunny autumn days and cold, sometimes snowy winters. The best travel time starts in May and ends in September.
Country data
Phone prefix
+373
Area (sq km)
33800
Population
3,545,883 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
105
Population statistics year
2018
Member of the EU
No
Main emergency number
112
