Ten places you should see in Moldova (Romania)

Explore Moldova with enthusiasm in 2021: ten incredible places that you should not miss in Moldova!

The trip’s siren call is so soothing in Moldova. Yes! You can discover an amazing region, filled with surprises and kind people. It seems that European tourists are starting to warm up to the idea of travelling again. The vaccines helped a lot in setting the basis of a fruitful touristic summer. We hope that tourism will get a dose of energy and excitement in the coming months. Many people cannot wait to leave their countries and discover new and exciting places.

Moldova can be a welcoming surprise, distinct from the standard European vibe. It comes as no surprise to see a growing interest in East European regions, where mystery and beauty go hand in hand.

If you are planning to visit Moldova, you came to the right place. We decided to help tourists that are currently contemplating the idea of coming to Romania. How? Well, it is quite simple actually: we created a top ten places to visit in Moldova.

Stop and see. Moldova is a wonderful Romanian region!

In this particular region of the country, friendly people will greet you and amazing places will amaze your senses. It is a sublime sensation to land in Iasi airport, rent a car and then start to explore the whole region. As more and more people get accustomed to Romanian life, it is not surprising to see them return from time to time. Are you ready for an amazing adventure? If you are, then take a moment to browse through our top, and maybe, you will find one or two places to visit.

We visited all the places mentioned in the top, at one point or another in our lives. You can visit each location with friends and even family members. If you prefer a singular visit, then consider renting a small car and go at it. How are the roads in this part in Romania? Well, some are good, while others present problems.

Romanian drivers recommend caution and attention on the road. Respect the traffic rules and enjoy the trip. The Carpathian Mountains are impressive! Just remember to have enough battery on your DSLR camera or smartphone. This is a good way to make sure that you immortalize what you see in amazing photos and electrifying videos.

Photo credit: Dusmanu Ionut

Palace Culture in Iasi

The symbol building of Iasi, Palace Culture is a must-see. It is a wonderful building, with a captivating story. War, love, courage, intelligence and uniqueness seem to be the elements present in each hall of the Palace. Built between 1906 and 1925, on the foundation of the former medieval ruling construction, the Palace was supposed to reflect the country’s regional importance. Today’ you will find near the Palace one of the most important shopping centers outside Bucharest: Palas Mall.

This shopping mall is very popular. People from Moldova Republic, Ukraine, Russia and obviously other Romanian counties, come here to shop and socialize. Do not forget to visit the Palace interior. This is where you will find the following hall, in their Romanian names: Voievozilor, Henri Coanda, Gotica. We recommend that you take your time. Use every minute to enjoy your stay in the Palace. The building’s interior is amazing.

Photo Credit: Dusmanu Ionut

Suceava Former Ruling Fortress of Moldavia

In the far North of Romania, you will not find Winterfell but the former ruling fortress of Moldavia. Invaders did not conquer this fortress, even though Polish and Ottoman armies have tried to breach it. Suceava Fortress is amazing. It is one of the most visited touristic landmarks in this part of the country. What should you know about this fortress? Well, the building had two important phases:

  • 1. Petru I Musat building
  • 2. Stephen the Great construction

Today, tourists can admire Stephen the Great’s legacy. The fortress is impressing, with its tall and thick walls, built as reliable defense mechanisms against foreign invaders. The inside and outside walls, were constructed to keep safe the ruling family and Moldavian army. Do your best to visit every inch of the fortress. This is the best way to explore it with pleasure. Take photos! Share your work with friends and family members.

Photo credit: Dusmanu Ionut

Neamt Fortress

Last year, despite the pandemic, we had the pleasure of visiting an amazing Fortress in Neamt. It was our first experience in this medieval fortress and boy you are in for a treat. This medieval citadel is absolutely a delight. We love the construction and its unique integration with nature and Plesului hill. Leave your car in the parking lot, located the foothills of the hill. From the parking lot, you will begin a long but a beautiful walk towards the citadel. The climb up can be a challenge, but in the end, a beautiful sight will greet you: a gorgeous and imposing fortress. Resist the urge to pull up your phone to take photos. Take in the moment and observe the construction without a filter.

After the initial amazement phase, step in the exploration one and begin your medieval adventure. You will discover a mystical location. Petru I built the citadel but Stephen the Great fortified it to withhold foreign invaders. Stephen created the citadel we know and love. The access bridge into the citadel is amazing. The interior can impress. You can visit a couple of interesting rooms inside the building:

– The Monetary, The provisions room, The Black dungeon, Sf Nicolae Paraclis, a living room, Parcalab’s room, The Ladies room, The Hall of Arms, The Council Chamber, The Judgement room, iatac, The Hidden room, Lapidarium and terrace. Fun!

manastire voronet 2019 vizita
Photo credit: Ionuț Dușmanu

Voronet Monastery

Did you really think that we would draft an article about the most popular places to see in Moldova without including Voronet? No. one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world is ready to impress. The Sistine Chapel of the East, Voronet is a delight to tourists that love spiritual places. The architecture is unique and the atmosphere can be revitalizing. After a long week of work and projects to complete, it can be refreshing to have a time out at Voronet. The village is part of Gura Humorului. You can find lodgings in Gura Humorului and then use the car to reach Voronet.

Voronet Monastery is Stephen the Great creation and probably one of his most important spiritual churches. A cool and unique thing about the monastery is its building period: 3 months and 3 weeks – 1488. The central church of the monastery has the spiritual mark of Saint George. Voronet is part of UNESCO heritage. We recommend that you spend a couple of minutes in admiration of the internal and external paintings. Use your time to analyze the beauty of the painting called Judgement Day.

Foto credit: Dusmanu Ionut

Cetatuia Monastery in Iasi

When you visit Iasi, the multitude of touristic objectives can be a sublime delight. Tourists love this city and for good reason. It is a beautiful expression of cultural, historical and spiritual mix. Cetatuia Monastery is a beautiful place to pray and admire Iasi city. Every time we have a day off, we use the opportunity to visit this spiritual location. Why? Well, located on one of the tallest hills in Iasi, the monastery offers an amazing view of the city. This is why many weeding and special events photographers come here to take pictures and record videos.

Gheorghe Duca built the monastery from 1669 to 1672. In the monastery’s complex, you will find other interesting places: Gothic hall, ruling house, bell tower and the inner wall. This place has a fascinating story. You could talk to the monks or priest and thus learn its secrets. Take your time and enjoy an amazing location.

Photo credit: Mihaela Abălăesei

The Lady Stones in Rarau Mountains

Nature can be surprising. Romanian nature, carefully nurtured by the Carpathian Mountains, is without a doubt a welcoming gift. People that love to be in nature, should consider a trip to Rarau. Why? This is where you could relax and immerse into the welcoming arms of a beautiful location. Most Romanians that live in Moldova region spend their weekends in Rarau. They also visit the Lady Stones. If you want to do the same, be ready for an unforgettable experience. You will manage to relax and see incredible sights of the surrounding Mountains.

Foto: Dusmanu Ionut

Morning Dew in Vatra Dornei

If you plan to spend a couple of days in a mountain resort, Vatra Dornei can be a great option. Considered one of the most relaxing mountain resort in Romania, Vatra Dornei is a place to remember. In such a beautiful place, you will forget about stress and depression. Why should you choose to spend a short vacation in Vatra Dornei? The answer is quite simple: you have access to a wonderful sky slope, where you can practice winter sports. In the summer, you can relax and escape the urban thermic pressure.

Photo credit: Dusmanu Ionut

Varatec and Agapia monasteries

If your plans involve a trip in Moldova, include stops to these wonderful monasteries. Last year, we had the pleasure of visiting them for the first time. Such a humbling experience. Varatec is the largest monastery inhabited by sisters (400) in Romania. This is also where you will find a bakery, where the sisters sell their amazing and delicious goods. Near the monastery you will find Veronica Micle’s tomb, the former sweetheart of Romania’s greatest poets, Mihai Eminescu.

Photo credit: Dusmanu Ionut

Varatec has a stunning inner complex, packed with flowers and green grass. Enjoy your stay! When it comes to Agapia monastery, words of wisdom: don’t rush your stay. Visit the interior of the church and admire the paintings. Built between 1641 and 1643, this monastery can be a sublime surprise.

Photo credit: Dusmanu Ionut

Sturdza Castle from Miclauseni

We have a warm-felt touristic recommendation: Sturdza Castle from Miclauseni, located near Iasi (only 68 kilometers). Is it worth the trip! Yes! Gheorghe Sturdza and his wife Maria constructed the castle from 1880 to 1904. The whole complex is impressing.

They managed to leave a legacy that survived harsh times. The communist regime almost destroyed the castle. It survived and now it thrives, bringing in tourists from all over Europe. In our opinion, Sturdza is one of the most beautiful castles in Eastern Europe.

inchirieri hyundai i20 rapid pret bun

Pick a welcoming car form us!

In this year, you can rent a car from us and discover Romania. Use our welcoming cars to explore Moldova and uncover its secrets. Do you want to rent a spacious and comfortable car? Browse through our offers and choose one that matches your needs! Contact us if you need more information about all the cars that you can rent from us!

Contact autoboca to rent a car in romania