Shopping

Moldova is considered ‘inexpensive’ for an European country. According to the UN data for 2008, Chisinau was the least expensive city in Europe and therefore, very attractive for tourists and shopping fans. Advanced shopaholics who are hunting only expensive and exclusive items should go to Milan or Paris, rather than this place. Chisinau is not exactly a paradise for shopping addicts, however you can still enjoy yourselves very much, spending your shopping budget in the local shopping malls, buying souvenirs and leaving Moldova with a couple of new acquisitions.

It is recommended to start your shopping spree from downtown. Chisinau is very compact-sized but your walk through its central part will be longer and more fun due to multiple shops located in its streets. Stefan cel Mare Boulevard and Mihai Eminescu street are abundant in shops offering diverse clothing brands - Benetton, Mango, Hugo Boss, Eugen Klein, Mexx, NafNaf, Celio, Motivi, Zara, Sinequanone and other popular brands.

Moldova’s first large-scale shopping mall and entertainment center “Shopping MallDova” opened in 2008 on the viaduct bridge connecting Botanica and the central part of the city. “Shopping MallDova” ranks among Moldova’s most beautiful buildings owing to the unusual layout of its interior and modern-looking glass front. “Shopping MallDova” is a one-stop place to shop for many popular brands, including a number of brands offered in Chisinau for the first time such as: Debenhams, Rock&Roll Bowling, Diverta, Forever 18, Kotton, Lacoste, Pennyblack, Irina Schrotter, Fox, Samsonite, Mothercare, Olsen, Sacoor Brothers, Polo Garage, House of Art, Kenvelo, Otter, Bigotti, Swarovski, BSB, Nara Camicie, Calvin Klein, Pepe Jeans, Little Big, Swatch etc.

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Here you can also have a snack and a good time because the shopping mall houses a lot of cafes, restaurants, a multiplex cinema and a bowling club. But keep track of time as the working hours of “Shopping MallDova” are from 10:00 to 22:00. It means you have only 12 hours at your disposal to do everything you have planned! :)

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Chisinau has a number of other smaller-sized shopping malls, such as “Sun City” in Pushkin street, or “Jumbo” on Decebal street. New shopping malls and shops appear throughout the city every year so you will find an opportunity to buy something new no matter where you go. Shopping malls are continuously improving and expanding their infrastructure, thus making any shopping spree a true pleasure and a very enjoyable pastime. Convenient parking lots, children’s playgrounds, beauty parlors, fitness centers, dress-making shops contribute to the enjoyment of shopping.

You had too little time to buy your favorite perfume in a duty-free? Cheer up because Chisinau provides good shopping opportunities in this area. “Ovico”, “Parfum Lux” and “Capriz” networks offer leading global brands of perfumes and beauty products on the Moldovan market, so you can try a new perfume, while still on holiday in Chisinau.

If you are hungry and tired after your shopping tour, stop on your way home at any “Green Hills” or “No. 1” multiple, which can be found practically in any part of Chisinau. Those multiples are known for their gastronomy, pastry, semi-fabricated meat products and ravioli as well as a broad range of local and imported cheeses. Next to food, “Green Hills” and “No. 1” offer an extensive range of household chemicals and common products.

And - most obviously - you will need souvenirs! A souvenir is a memory anchor that will always remind you of the moments lived and experiences gained in the place where you bought it. Buying a souvenir is similar to taking a piece of another country with you. Our Arts Square (the Chisinau open-air arts market) in Stefan cel Mare street is full of small souvenir counters and stalls with lots of curios. A somewhat larger souvenir shop “Fantezia” located nearby is also extremely popular among tourists. It is the best place to shop for souvenirs. Everyone will find something to his or her taste there. All those picturesque works of art, interior decorations, hand-crafted items depicting the characters and plots of Moldavian folk fairy-tales – all that is a part of Moldova, a part of Chisinau which will always remind you of this country and this place. No matter for whom your present or souvenir is intended, its main objective is to win this person’s favors for the donor, i.e. of you. Choose an item which would be a pleasant surprise or something that makes that person happy due to its unusualness. Give items that you would like to get as a present for yourself. Think of the person for whom the present is intended. Be original!

To summarize: Going to Chisinau you should be prepared to enjoy the beauty of quiet side streets, spend some money in a few good shops and shopping malls and bring true Moldovan souvenirs to your family and friends. We wish you lots of new impressions and good like in your shopping efforts!