Moldova is a much maligned overlook country in New Europe. 

It has at times the dubious dishonor of being Europe’s poorest and least visited country.

However, for me it’s a hidden gem for partying with beautiful women and enjoying the raucous wine-fueled nightlife in the country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine.

I’ve been a frequent visitor to Moldova and its capital, Chișinău, over the years. Here’s the Crazy Chișinău vlog that I put together from summer 2022:

1. Wine Country

Moldova is known for its wine, and it has a rich wine-making history dating back thousands of years. The country boasts over 140 wineries, and many offer tours and tastings. Visitors can explore underground wine cellars, sample local wines, and learn about the wine-making process.

It’s also a multilingual country and a great location to practice your Romanian and/or Russian, as did in this earlier vlog from my YouTube channel: 

2. Cultural Heritage

Moldova is a melting pot of different cultures, and visitors can see this in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The country has a rich history, and its museums and historical sites showcase this. Some must-see cultural sites include the Orhei Vechi Archeological Complex, the Cricova Winery, and the National Museum of History of Moldova.

In spite of some other vloggers giving Moldova a bad rep by highlights the corruption and poverty (both are sadly omnipresent nonetheless), the country is not as bad as they would have you believe:

3. Natural Beauty

Moldova is home to stunning landscapes and natural attractions. Visitors can explore the Codrii Forest, a lush woodland area, or visit the Dniester River, which offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Additionally, the country is dotted with picturesque villages and towns that offer a glimpse into rural life in Moldova.

Like the rest of Eastern Europe, the local women are also famed for being easy on the eye as the expression goes. Moldova certainly does not disappoint in the female beauty department. 

The mentality and the vibe of the nightlife is much more akin to that of its neighbors further east in Ukraine than that of Romania. This is in spite of sharing their national language with Romanians. Here’s a reaction video vodkast that I made a few years ago:

4. Local Cuisine

Moldovan cuisine is a fusion of Eastern European, Balkan and Mediterranean flavors, and it is known for its hearty, filling dishes. Some must-try foods include mămăligă (a type of cornmeal porridge), plăcintă (a savory pastry), and sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice).

5. Value for Money

Moldova is an affordable travel destination, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities and experiences without breaking the bank. Additionally, the country is easily accessible from neighboring Romania and Ukraine, making it a great addition to any European itinerary.

To give you a much more visual representation for the reasons to visit Moldova, I’ve put together this summary from the country itself: