Soroca – main guide

Introduction

Hi, my dear readers!

I’m excited to begin my journey of sharing travel experiences with you, and I couldn’t think of a better place to start than Soroca, a historical city in the north of the Republic of Moldova.

If you’re wondering where Moldova is (hi-hi 😊) — it’s a small Eastern European country, beautifully tucked between Romania and Ukraine.

Why Soroca? It’s simple: Soroca is where I was born, where I grew up, and where I know every street, every hidden corner, and every little gem most tourists miss. But don’t think I’m writing about it only because it’s my hometown. Soroca is genuinely a fascinating place, rich in history and culture — home to the iconic Soroca Fortress, the History Museum, the Candle of Gratitude, the famous Gypsy Hill, and much more.

Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Soroca has plenty to offer. Let’s explore it step by step.

General Overview

Soroca is located in the north of Moldova, about 153 km from Chișinău, the capital.

Languages: Romanian (Moldovan) is the official language, but Russian and Ukrainian are also widely spoken. Many young and middle-aged locals understand basic English, though older generations may not.
Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2), Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3).
Currency: Moldovan Leu (MDL). Some places do not accept cards, so I recommend exchanging at least 50–100 EUR into lei.
Safety: Soroca is considered safe, but just like in many European cities, avoid dark alleys at night. Stick to the main streets and you’ll be fine.
Atmosphere: Relaxed, traditional, and authentic — take your time and enjoy the slow pace.

Best Time to Visit

The best moments to visit Soroca are spring and autumn.

Spring: The city comes alive with fresh greenery. Soroca is full of trees and vegetation, making it feel like nature accompanies you everywhere. The temperatures are comfortable for walking and sightseeing.
Autumn: Even more magical! The city transforms into a sea of golden yellow, amber, crimson, and rusty orange. The highlight is the Chestnut Alley — Soroca’s main boulevard lined with majestic old chestnut trees, forming a natural tunnel. It’s breathtaking to walk through in September–October.

Autumn also brings unique local festivals:

National Apple Festival (Festivalul Național al Mărului) – usually held around September 29, celebrating Soroca’s famous apple growers. Expect countless apple varieties, tastings, local dishes (sarmale, plăcinte, baba neagră), wine, and live music.
Soroca Fortress Festival – for those interested in medieval culture and atmosphere.
Gypsy Festival – a vibrant celebration of Roma culture with music, dance, and food.

So… what would you choose: the fresh greens of spring or the golden charm of autumn?

How to Get There

If you’re traveling from abroad, you’ll likely arrive at Chișinău International Airport (Eugen Doga Airport). From there:

By Car:
- You can rent a car in Chișinău. My tip: avoid rentals directly at the airport, as they are usually more expensive. Take a bus or taxi into the city and rent from there.
- The drive to Soroca is around 154 km (2 hours). Roads are in good condition. Use Google Maps, Waze, or Maps.me for navigation.
By Bus/Minibus:
- Head to the North Bus Station (Gara de Nord) in Chișinău.
- Minibuses to Soroca run almost hourly, costing around 6 EUR.
- Tickets can also be purchased online: autogara.md.

Where to Stay

Soroca has a few hotels and motels. I recommend:

Soroca Central Hotel – centrally located, near the park, and just a 15-minute walk from the fortress. Rooms are around 30–40 EUR per night. Book in advance on Booking.com to secure availability.

Getting Around

The city is small and walkable — you can cross it in just over an hour.
Public transport: 5 minibus routes cover the city. Tickets cost 5 MDL (~0.3 EUR), paid directly to the driver. Buses stop running after 7–8 PM.
Taxis: A reliable and inexpensive option in the evenings.

What to See & Do

In Soroca:

Soroca Fortress (Cetatea Soroca) – A 15th-century fortress built by Stephen the Great, later reinforced with stone by Petru Rareș. Recently restored, it’s Soroca’s main attraction. Open Wed–Sun, 10:00–17:30. Tickets: 30 MDL (1.5 EUR) adults, 10 MDL (0.5 EUR) kids. Closed in winter.

Gypsy Hill (Cartierul Romilor / Dealul Romilor) – Known for its extravagant “palaces,” some inspired by famous landmarks like the Bolshoi or the Vatican. Safe to walk, but locals may invite you inside their homes and expect a tip (~100–200 MDL).
Candle of Gratitude (Lumânarea Recunoștinței) – A 30m tall monument honoring anonymous heroes. Best reached by climbing 657 steps at the city’s entrance. From the top, the panoramic view over the Dniester River is breathtaking.

History and Ethnography Museum (“Nicolae Bulat” Museum) – Over 30,000 artifacts, including archaeological discoveries from the fortress area. Open Mon–Fri, 8:30–16:30. Tickets: 20 MDL (~1 EUR).

Maramureș-style Wooden Church – Dedicated to the Brâncoveanu Saints, a unique spiritual and architectural site.

Bechir’s Cave (Peștera Bechir) – A legendary cave-chapel carved into chalk rock, said to be over a millennium old.
Dniester River Promenade – Perfect for an evening walk by the water.

Nearby Attractions:

Cosăuți Monastery – Known for its natural stone and peaceful atmosphere.
Rudi Monastery – One of Moldova’s most beautiful monasteries, hidden in a forested valley.
Struve Geodetic Arc – A UNESCO World Heritage site, part of the historic surveying chain across Europe.

Food & Drink

Briz Restaurant (map link) – The best pizza in town, delicious salads, steaks, and local wine.
CoffeeIn kiosks – Small coffee points around the city with aromatic coffee (about 25 MDL / 1.2 EUR).

Expect to pay around 30 EUR per person for a full meal with wine.

Budget & Money Tips

Mid-range daily budget: ~1500 MDL (75 EUR) including hotel, meals, tickets, and extras.
Low-budget option: ~800 MDL (40 EUR) if staying in cheaper lodging and eating in local canteens.
Credit cards are accepted in most places, but always keep cash.

Safety & Practical Tips

The city is generally safe, but avoid dark alleys at night.
Beware of scams near the central market, especially people selling perfumes, jewelry, or gadgets at low prices — they are usually fake.
Roma locals on Gypsy Hill may ask for tips if you take photos of their houses — carry small bills.

Final Thoughts

Soroca is more than just my hometown — it’s a city full of history, culture, and unique charm. From the medieval fortress to the Candle of Gratitude, from the colorful festivals to the chestnut-lined streets, Soroca offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Moldova.

Whether you come in spring for the greenery or in autumn for the golden colors and festivals, Soroca will leave you with warm memories, unique experiences, and a piece of Moldova’s authentic spirit.

So — will you choose spring’s freshness or autumn’s golden magic for your Soroca trip? 🌿🍂