Visitors to Moldova can't go wrong with gifts of the superb local wines or the unusual brandies. The more adventurous should pick up some of the colourful local costumes which work well for theme evenings and are a great way to relive your trip once you're home. The finely handcrafted carpets which are woven locally are also a good, though more expensive, buy.
The capital city of Chişinău will soon see the opening of Moldova's first-ever mall, ‘Shopping Malldova'.
Shopping in Moldova is a truly unique experience. Read on through our Moldova Shopping Guide to learn about the best deals and places to shop in Moldova. If you get hungry during your shopping spree, stop for some finger food or local cuisine in one of the Moldovan restaurants along the cities shopping streets.
For local shopping information in our Moldova destinations follow the links to:
- Chisinau
Moldova Shopping Guide
Shops in Moldova stay open between 9 am and 5 pm; the larger ones sometimes open earlier and stay open longer - usually between 8 am and 8 pm and banks work a 5-day week from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, with Saturdays and Sundays off.
The capital city of Chişinău will soon see the opening of Moldova's first-ever mall, ‘Shopping Malldova'. Expected to open in the autumn of 2008, this will be a 100-store centre with a supermarket, multiplex cinema with six screens, a gaming zone and plenty of entertainment options. The 70-plus stores expected to open here will sell clothes, accessories, services and groceries. The mall is slated to become the retail hub for the capital and a premier shopping destination.
Street stalls are a popular sight here and you can buy everything from essentials like toilet paper to drinks and chocolate or even shoes, music and clothes from these vendors. Prices at these roadside Moldovan shops are easy on the wallet and wandering through the lanes looking at their wares is a great way to spend a day. Beer, Vodka and the local wine retailing from smaller shops are all worth picking up too.
Calea Mosilor Market
A short ten-minute drive from the city centre of Chişinău is the Calea Mosilor market (or tolchok as it is called by Moldovans). This noisy, bustling open air market is where locals go to pick up things for their homes. Fresh produce jostles for space with local trinkets, and it is a good place to strike a bargain. Be prepared for the crowds, though, because everyone loves a good bargain! This is a good spot to get some home grown wines and brandies or pick up some local sweets or handicrafts.
Green Hills Market
The Green Hills Market, located in the Botanica area of Chişinău, was the city's first supermarket. Retailing both domestic as well as imported goods, the store has its own meat counter, deli and baker. The Green Hills chain has expanded its operations over the past decade to cover most areas in Chisinau, so if you can't make it to the Botanica one, try and find one near where you're staying. Another chain is Fidesco, with branches in Center, Ciocana and Ryshkanovka.
Tourists love the open-air Arts Square where local artists exhibit their works. Another hot favourite is the Fantezia store. With lovely artefacts you can display at home, fine artwork and great souvenirs, these are the places to go for precious Moldovan style designs.
