Ever heard of Moldova? No, it’s not a brand of wine or cheese. It’s an Eastern European country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine that most travelers overlook.
As a solo female traveler, I had my doubts about going to Moldova. But after spending five days in September 2023 exploring the capital, Chisinau, let me tell you, it should be at the top of every solo female traveler’s list of places to visit. The country has a lot to offer for adventuresome women traveling alone.
Arriving In Chisinau As A Solo Female Traveler
When I landed at Chisinau Airport after flying in from Warsaw, I immediately noticed how quiet it was. There were hardly any tourists around—in fact, I don’t think I saw or heard a single one. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe from the moment I stepped off the plane.
The airport itself was small and straightforward, with only a handful of people around. Customs was a breeze, and to my relief, there were no pushy taxi drivers trying to hustle me for a ride. It was such a calm and hassle-free arrival—something I’ve rarely experienced in other countries.
When I walked outside, a few taxis were waiting. I asked one driver how much it would cost to get to the city center, and he quoted me 20 euros. That seemed way too high, so I politely declined. To my surprise, the drivers were totally chill about it—no bargaining, no pressure, just a simple “okay” when I said no thanks.
A few minutes later, the bus arrived. I hopped on, found a seat, and soon enough, the fare collector came by. I paid, got my ticket, and settled in for the ride. As I looked out the window, I felt an unexpected sense of comfort, almost like I was right at home. No one stared at me or made me feel out of place, even though I was clearly a traveler with a big backpack.
What struck me most was how friendly and respectful everyone was. People minded their own business, but there was an underlying warmth that made me feel welcome. It was such a refreshing change from the usual tourist hustle—and it set the tone for the rest of my trip.
In Chisinau
Once you arrive in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, you’ll quickly notice its unique charm. The city is a fascinating blend of architectural styles, from Eastern European influences to Soviet-era concrete brutalism—a design aesthetic I’ve always found oddly captivating. There’s something about the stark, bold lines of these structures that tells a story of history and resilience.
As a solo traveler, I wandered the streets of Chisinau both day and night, and I never once felt out of place or unwelcome. In fact, the locals went out of their way to help me, even though most didn’t speak English. Chisinau sees so few tourists that when someone new arrives, people greet you with genuine smiles and curiosity. It’s a refreshing change from the tourist crowds of more popular destinations.
Moldova is an incredibly budget-friendly destination, perfectly safe for solo female travelers, and packed with culture, delicious food, and world-class wine. To any woman hesitating to travel solo, I can’t recommend Moldova enough. The kindness of its people, the richness of its history, and the beauty of its landscapes will leave you enchanted. Add Moldova to your bucket list—you’ll be so glad you did. This little-known gem has a way of opening your heart to unforgettable adventures and proving that the best travel experiences often come from the places least expected.
The Atmosphere
Chisinau had a really chill vibe. People took their time doing everyday things, like enjoying long relaxing meals with friends and family at cafes on the sidewalks. As it started getting dark, I saw little kids playing by themselves in the parks while their parents talked and hung out. Teenagers were messing around on skateboards too. It was really nice seeing everyone so comfortable and how the community looked out for each other.
Friendly Locals
The locals were incredibly warm and welcoming, and their kindness left a lasting impression on me. Even though we didn’t always share a common language, people went out of their way to help me, using gestures and the bits of English they knew. Their generosity and genuine smiles made me feel right at home.
One thing I truly appreciated about Moldova was the respect for boundaries. When I said “no,” it meant no. Street vendors would offer flowers or snacks, but a simple “no, thank you” was enough—no pressure, no persistence. There was one instance where a young man sat next to me on a bench and started flirting. But the moment I made it clear I wasn’t interested, he politely got up and left without any fuss. It was refreshing to be in a place where people listen and respect your boundaries without question.
How Safe I Felt
Walking around Chisinau at night felt surprisingly safe—safer, in fact, than in many major European cities I’ve visited. I’m talking about places like Paris, Marseille, Brussels, or Naples, which, in my experience, didn’t give me the same sense of security. And trust me, I’ve been to over 40 countries and 200 cities across Europe, so I know the difference! Violent crime was virtually nonexistent, and petty theft was rare.
That said, it’s still important to stay alert, just like anywhere else. I made sure not to keep my wallet in the front pocket of my backpack and avoided flashing cash in crowded areas. But overall, I felt completely at ease exploring the city after dark.
One thing that stood out to me was the laid-back vibe of the locals. You’d see elderly women selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from their homes, but they never pressured anyone to buy. Occasionally, I’d pass someone sitting next to a cage of kittens or puppies, collecting donations, but even they didn’t actively ask for money. It was all so peaceful and unassuming—a refreshing change from the hustle and pressure you often find in bigger cities.
Stray Dogs
When you’re in countries like Eastern Europe or the Balkans, you’ll often see stray dogs just wandering around town. They’ll be laying on sidewalks or running from place to place. The dogs usually don’t bother anyone. It’s still best not to feed them or try to pet them though. Just leave the stray dogs alone and go about your business. There’s no need to worry about getting attacked, but it’s safer not to interact with animals you don’t know.
I really love animals, but you have to be careful. If you start feeding the stray dogs, you might end up with more dogs around than you planned for. And that could cause some problems. The dogs may fight each other if there’s not enough food to go around. Also, the people who live nearby probably wouldn’t be too happy about it. They didn’t sign up for a bunch of stray animals hanging around! So, as much as I like animals, it’s usually best not to feed them unless you’re prepared for what might happen.
Beautiful Scenery
Moldova’s countryside is beautiful, with rolling hills, vineyards, monasteries, and cute towns. You should rent a car or bike to leave the capital city and experience the peaceful natural scenery. Historic places like Orheiul Vechi Monastery and Tipova Monastery show Moldova’s long and complex history.
While I like driving, I wouldn’t feel comfortable driving there. As someone used to different roads and driving styles in my home country, the roads in that area would take some getting used to. However, if you want an adventure, consider renting a car to explore the region. Just know that as a visitor to those local roads, it may take time to adjust. But someone who loves trying new things could have a great time seeing new sights from behind the wheel.
Delicious Food And Wine
Moldovan food has influences from Romania and Russia. You’ll find things like big stuffed dumplings, hearty stews, and fresh salads. But Moldova is really known for its wine. Some of the oldest vineyards in the world are there, making incredible reds and whites that are way cheaper than other places.
If you want an authentic experience on a budget in a country not many people visit, Moldova should be at the top of your list. The amazing things you can do there are so worth any small problems you may run into.
Is Moldova Safe For Tourists?
Yes, Moldova is generally a safe place for tourists, both female and male. However, it’s still a good idea to trust your instincts. Don’t go somewhere if your gut says it doesn’t feel right. Also, avoid stray dogs or conflicts with people. As a woman in her 20s who has visited 40 countries alone, Moldova has felt safe to me. But being cautious can’t hurt!
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia doesn’t seem to affect people in Moldova very much. If I didn’t watch the news, I wouldn’t even know something was happening over there. You don’t see many Ukrainian flags in the capital Chisinau. And the whole country feels safe to visit, even with the fighting between Ukraine and Russia going on. Life here continues as normal.
Moldova Should Be On Every Solo Female Traveler’s Bucket List
This country has a lot of charm and offers an authentic experience. You’ll experience the local culture through food, architecture and nature without lots of crowds. The people are really friendly and the prices are super affordable.
While tourism is growing some, it’s still not super popular yet. Ladies, you shouldn’t miss out on checking this place out. Pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready for an amazing adventure in Moldova. The memories you make will definitely stick with you forever. I’m really into Moldova – my trip there isn’t even over yet. Next up is Ukraine!
