Moldova 2026 Travel Guide: Underrated Cities to Visit, City by City, with Voye Global eSIM

Travel in 2026 is no longer about rushing from one famous landmark to another. It is about slowing down, feeling connected to places, and moving with confidence through destinations that still feel real. Moldova fits this new way of traveling perfectly.

Starting your journey with Voye Global eSIM makes exploring Moldova’s underrated cities far easier. Moldova is charmingly low key, but that also means limited signage, fewer English speakers outside major areas, and transport that works best when you can navigate it yourself. Reliable mobile data gives you freedom without changing the soul of the experience.

This in depth 2026 Moldova travel guide explores lesser known cities one by one, with detailed insights into what to do, what to eat, how to move around, how much cash to carry, local markets, fun experiences, and how to truly enjoy each destination.

Why Voye Global eSIM Is Ideal for Moldova in 2026?

Moldova is not built around tourism convenience, and that is part of its appeal. However, this also means travelers benefit greatly from simple, reliable connectivity.

With Voye Global eSIM, you can arrive fully prepared. Navigation becomes effortless even in smaller towns. Translation apps help bridge language gaps in markets and cafés. Taxi apps and maps make transport smoother. You stay connected without hunting for SIM cards or worrying about roaming costs.

Most importantly, Voye Global eSIM works quietly in the background. It supports your journey without pulling you away from it.

Orhei in 2026: Where Nature and History Breathe Together

Orhei is one of Moldova’s most emotionally powerful places. In 2026, it remains peaceful, deeply rooted in history, and largely untouched by mass tourism. The town itself is modest, but the surrounding landscape tells stories that span centuries.

Just outside Orhei lies Orheiul Vechi, a dramatic archaeological and spiritual site carved into limestone cliffs above the Răut River. Standing here feels timeless. The silence is profound, broken only by wind and distant village sounds.

What to Do in Orhei?

Walking is the best way to experience Orheiul Vechi. Follow cliffside paths, explore cave monasteries still used by monks, and pause often to take in the views. Nearby villages offer insight into rural Moldovan life, where farming, baking, and hospitality remain central to daily routines.

Food and Local Flavors

Meals here feel homemade rather than curated. Expect placinte filled with cheese, potatoes, or cherries, zeama soup served hot and comforting, and bread baked locally. Food is simple, filling, and deeply satisfying.

Getting Around and Cash Tips

Marshrutkas from Chișinău run frequently, but once you arrive, walking and local taxis are best. Cash is essential, especially in villages. Carry small notes.

Orhei is a place to slow down, unplug emotionally, and let the landscape lead.

Soroca in 2026: Stories, Strength, and Cultural Depth

Soroca feels bold compared to other Moldovan towns. Located in the north near the Dniester River, it has a stronger sense of drama, history, and cultural contrast.

The city’s defining landmark is Soroca Fortress, a perfectly circular medieval stronghold overlooking the river. In 2026, it remains one of the most impressive historical sites in the country, yet still uncrowded.

What to Do in Soroca

Walk the fortress walls and take in sweeping views of the river and surrounding countryside. Stroll along the waterfront in the evening, when locals gather to talk and relax. Visit the Roma hilltop neighborhood with respect and curiosity. Its ornate architecture reflects identity, pride, and tradition.

Food and Daily Life

Soroca’s food is hearty. Grilled meats, mamaliga, pickled vegetables, and homemade cheese dominate local menus. Guesthouses often serve homemade wine, poured generously and shared proudly.

Transport and Practical Tips

Soroca is reachable by marshrutka and train. Inside the city, taxis are affordable and easy to use with mobile data. Cash is preferred almost everywhere.

Soroca rewards travelers who listen more than they rush.

Soroca feels bold compared to other Moldovan towns. Located in the north near the Dniester River, it has a stronger sense of drama, history, and cultural contrast.

The city’s defining landmark is Soroca Fortress, a perfectly circular medieval stronghold overlooking the river. In 2026, it remains one of the most impressive historical sites in the country, yet still uncrowded.

What to Do in Soroca

Walk the fortress walls and take in sweeping views of the river and surrounding countryside. Stroll along the waterfront in the evening, when locals gather to talk and relax. Visit the Roma hilltop neighborhood with respect and curiosity. Its ornate architecture reflects identity, pride, and tradition.

Food and Daily Life

Soroca’s food is hearty. Grilled meats, mamaliga, pickled vegetables, and homemade cheese dominate local menus. Guesthouses often serve homemade wine, poured generously and shared proudly.

Transport and Practical Tips

Soroca is reachable by marshrutka and train. Inside the city, taxis are affordable and easy to use with mobile data. Cash is preferred almost everywhere.

Soroca rewards travelers who listen more than they rush.

Bălți in 2026: Unfiltered Urban Moldova

Bălți is Moldova’s second largest city, yet it remains largely overlooked by tourists. In 2026, it offers one of the clearest windows into everyday Moldovan urban life.

This is a city of students, workers, families, and markets. It is not designed to impress visitors, and that honesty is exactly its charm.

What to Do in Bălți

Spend time in central parks where locals gather throughout the day. Visit open air markets buzzing with activity. Walk through neighborhoods that showcase Soviet era architecture mixed with modern influences.

Food and Cafés

Bălți has an excellent café culture. Bakeries sell fresh pastries daily, cafés offer affordable lunches, and coffee shops are lively and social. Food here is budget friendly and filling.

Navigation and Money

The city is well connected by train and marshrutka. Walking works well in central areas. Cards are accepted in some places, but cash is still widely used.

Bălți is about observing real life, not chasing highlights.

Cahul in 2026: Southern Calm and Wellness

Cahul, located in southern Moldova, feels noticeably slower. In 2026, it is increasingly known for wellness and relaxation rather than sightseeing.

The town is popular with locals seeking spa treatments, fresh air, and quiet days. Travelers who visit Cahul often stay longer than planned.

What to Do in Cahul

Visit thermal spas and wellness centers for affordable treatments. Walk around Cahul Lake in the evening. Sit in parks and cafés without any agenda.

Food and Atmosphere

Southern Moldovan cuisine emphasizes fresh vegetables, lighter dishes, and desserts made with honey and nuts. Meals feel nourishing rather than heavy.

Transport and Payments

Marshrutkas connect Cahul to major towns. Walking is easy, and taxis are affordable. Cash is useful, though hotels may accept cards.

Cahul is ideal for rest, reflection, and slow travel.

Local Markets: The Soul of Every City

No matter which city you visit in Moldova, the local market is essential.

Markets offer:
• Fresh produce from nearby farms
• Homemade cheese, sour cream, and butter
• Honey, nuts, and dried fruits
• Homemade wine sold informally

Markets are social spaces. Conversations matter. Mobile data helps with translation, but smiles go even further.

Getting Around Moldova in 2026

Moldova’s transport system is simple once you understand it.

• Marshrutkas connect cities and villages
• Trains serve major routes affordably
• Taxis and ride hailing apps work in cities
• Walking is safe and pleasant in smaller towns

Navigation apps paired with Voye Global eSIM make travel stress free.

Money, Apps, and Daily Practicalities

How Much Cash to Carry

Moldova remains largely cash friendly in 2026.
• Carry small local bills
• Use cash at markets and small cafés
• Cards work mainly in larger cities
• ATMs are available but not everywhere

Must Have Apps

• Google Maps
• Maps.me for offline navigation
• Taxi apps
• Currency converter
• Translation apps

Connectivity supports independence.

Final Thoughts: Moldova City by City in 2026

Moldova’s underrated cities are not loud or polished. They are gentle, honest, and deeply human. Each city offers a different rhythm, but all share warmth, affordability, and authenticity.

With Voye Global eSIM, you remove uncertainty while keeping the experience intact. You navigate confidently, communicate easily, and stay present.

In 2026, Moldova remains one of Europe’s rare places where travel feels personal. City by city, it invites you to slow down and stay awhile.