The Best Things to do in Tiraspol and Transnistria

This post is a travelguide about the best things to to do in Tiraspol and why you should travel to Transnistria.

I decided to travel to Transnistria during independence day in September in 2018 and had a great experience. Let me explain why you should travel to Transnistria too before I delve into the best things to do in Tiraspol, its quirky capital.

Where is Transnistria?

I don’t blame you if you never heard of Tiraspol or Transnistria before. The tiny piece of land between Moldova and Ukraine is one of those forgotten conflicts in Eastern Europe. A country that does not exist and is sometimes called the North Korea of Europe.

A nostalgic place that still embraces its Soviet past, but with an uncertain future. It was only in February 2022 when the war broke out in neighbouring Ukraine that Transnistria once more attracted attention. Will things finally change in this small piece of land that Europe forgot and that lingers in an unrecognized state of the unknown? The answers remain as obscure as ever.

Why travel to Transnistria?

With my love for strange places I was of course keen to travel to Transnistria and learn more about some of Europe’s least known independence struggles.

Transnistria declared itself independent from Moldova in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. But nobody recognized the break away republic. Officially it is still part of Moldova. In practice though, it is a seperate state with its own government, currency and army.

Most countries in the region quickly moved away from communism, but Transnistria was reluctant to let go of the Sociaist Soviet ideals. While Moldova is keen to join the European Union, Transnistria has no desire to do so and remains in favour of the East.

In fact, they would love to become part of Russia again. But with politics in between, Putin prefers a more covert support in the form of a Russian peacekeeping mission that is maintaining the current status quo. So far, even Putin did not recognize the independence of Transnistria. That was the situation when I visited in 2018. Of course, with the war in Ukraine, there is now speculation if Putin is willing to go further.

Transnistria’s independence comes along with the country being shunned by the rest of the world. And despite a longing to return to communism, the current reality is one of wild west capitalism with democracy being of secondary importance.

What to do in Transnistria

Transnistria celebrates their independence day every year on the second of September. Only two days after Moldova’s Limba Noastra that I witnessed in Chisinau. I decided that this was the best time to travel to Transnistria.

I found out that Transnistria is not only worth visiting because of its politics. There are plenty of things to do in Tiraspol for a day or two. This area is a unique destination for any adventurous traveller that prefers to go off the beaten path.

What about visiting a cognac factory or the largest sturgeon facility producing excellent caviar. These are just some of the things to do in Tiraspol. Despite the political tensions, things stay relatively quiet in Transnistria at the moment.

The best things to do in Tiraspol

1. Independence day

Independence day is probably the best day to travel to Transnistria. We arrived in Tiraspol the day before, when preparations were already in full swing. In the evening families strolled through the park near the river where there was an exhibition of tanks on display. Obviously Transnistria is proud of its army and independence day is partly about showing off its military strength.

The next morning started straight away with a military parade. There were a lot of important officials around, but the people of Tiraspol couldn’t be too bothered. There were few visitors, most of them tourists, and it was actually a rather dull affair with various sections of the army marching and chanting.

It was only after the military parade that more people showed up for the fair with local food and traditional dance performances. Most popular of all were the stalls selling shaslyck. Even though it was only 10 in the morning, beer and vodka were already consumed in large quantities.

The fair lasted throughout the day and at night there was a big concert with fireworks. Unlike the military parade, it seemed that now everyone in Tiraspol had come to party the night away.

2. Soviet Architecture

For those that have an interest in the Soviet Union there are plenty of things to do in Tiraspol. Tiraspol is a time capsule and at times it feels like an open air museum of Soviet times. Along the main boulevard you find the House of the Soviets and the presidential palace. Both are still guarded by a stern looking Lenin.

It is definetly worth it to stay the night and take the time to simply wander around. Some urban exploring away from the main street brings you eerily quiet neighbourhoods with Soviet flats and abandoned factories where you are likely to be the only tourist around.

3. Memorial of Glory

No Soviet city is complete without a war memorial and a visit is among the top things to do in Tiraspol. The memorial of Glory at Suvorov square remembers those who died in the Great Patriotic War (WW2), the Soviet-Afghan war and the Transnistria war.

The Transnistria war in 1992 was short, but lives were lost on both sides. It resulted in the current set-up in which Russian peacekeepers support its independence that is not recognized by any country. 

4. Park Pobeda

Like the war memorial, every Soviet city has a park of victory. Strolling around in the evening together with families and young couples is one of the fun things to do in Tiraspol.

In 1947 the park was made on the outskirts of the city for recreation. Since then Tiraspol has extended its borders. Nowadays the park is more in the centre of the city and remains popular.

5. Green market

At last every Soviet city has a market. The one in Tiraspol looks like a modern affair with its green building, but inside is a traditional farmers bazaar with fresh fruits and vegetables. This is the best place in Tiraspol to buy and try some delicious honey or homemade cottage cheese.

6. Christmas cathedral

Next to the green market is the rather new christmas cathedral. It was completed in 1999 to become the largest and most important Russian orthodox church in Transnistria.

7. Dniestr River 

In september it was still very warm in Tiraspol and nothing looked more inviting than joining the families swimming in the Dniestr river. A closer look revealed that the water isn’t all that clean.

If you are brave enough you can swim in the Dniestr, but one of the things to do in Tiraspol is a boat trip on the river. They leave near the Aist hotel.

8. Visit the Kvint Cognac Distillery

One of the things to do in Tiraspol is a visit to the Kvint liquor factory. The factory won more than 100 medals for its brandies at international competitions. A visit allows you to taste and buy the locally famous cognac.

9. Drink Kvas

Kvass is a traditional fermented beverage made from rye bread and water, sweetened with sugar or honey. It has a slightly sour and refreshing taste. It is honestly not my favourite, but it seems I am the exception. The stalls on the street selling kvas from yellow jerrycans are very popular among the locals.

10. Try Caviar

Tiraspol has the second largest sturgeon breeding facility in the world. Tours must be arranged beforehand at hotel Rossiya. Even if you can not visit the Aquatir facility, caviar is sold in Tiraspol’s shops at affordable prices.

Aquatir sturgeon complex: Sovetskaya street 1

The best things to do near Tiraspol

11. Bendery fortress

The town of Bendery is only 18 kilometers from Tiraspol and it is easy to visit. The main atraction is the 16th century Ottoman fortress that saw intense fights between the Turks and the Russians before it became part of Russia in the 19th century.

The fortress is well preserved and used to be a Russian army base. The fortress is now open to the public and has a small museum and wonderful views on the river. The army base is still there and you can see some interesting mural paintings on the walls if you leave the fortress from the south gate. 

Be aware that it is not a good idea to make pictures of the Russian army base

How to get there: trolley bus number 19 travels frequently between Tiraspol and Bender (20 minutes). You can get out at the first stop after the bridge over the river and walk to the fortress.

Keep in mind that you now have to enter through the north gate. This is quite a walk and you might consider taking a taxi. You can exit again through the south gate and catch the 19 trolley bus back to Tiraspol.

12. Bendery Alexander Nevski church

Next to the fortress is the Alexander Nevski church dedicated to the last Russian tsar and his family. The paintings inside the church show several pictures of the Romanovs including an image of the moment the Bolsheviks killed the family.

I am not sure when this church was built, but it looked pretty new to me.

13. Noul Neamt monastery

I had no time to visit the Noul Neamt monastery, but it is easy to visit from Tiraspol. Most churches in Tiraspol are new, but this all male monastery is from 1861 and is one of the most important religious sites in Transnistria.

During Soviet times the monastery was used as a tuberculosis hospital, but in 1989 it was beautifully restored and opened its door again for believers.

How to get there: The monastery lies in Kitskany village 7 kilometer south of Tiraspol. Take the car ferry over the Dniestr river at the Aist hotel and then take the bus to Kitskany (15 minutes).

Tiraspol and Transnistria Travel tips

The best hotels in Tiraspol

Budget: Like Home hostel is one of the most popular hostels in Tiraspol. It is a great hostel in the center of Tiraspol. The Old Tiraspol hostel is another hostel with great reviews.

Midrange: For more privacy and recommend the Cityclub Hotel offers clean and nice rooms in the center of Tiraspol.

What to eat in Tiraspol

My main reason to visit Tiraspol was its odd status in Europe as a country that doesn’t exist. I had zero expectations about things to do in Tiraspol for food lovers. Little did I know that there is great food on offer. Transnistria offers a unique culinary experience with a blend of traditional Moldovan, Russian, and Ukrainian dishes.

Borscht is one of my favourite soups. It is a traditional beetroot soup that is popular in many Eastern European countries, including Transnistria. It is usually made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Borscht can be served hot or cold and is often accompanied by a dollop of sour cream.

Pelmeni are dumplings filled with a mixture of minced meat (often pork or beef) and spices. They are typically served with sour cream or butter and are a popular comfort food in the region. You can find both meat-filled and vegetarian variations.

One of the most famous Romanian dishes is Mămăligă. Mămăligă is a polenta like dish made from cornmeal. In Moldova it is often served with brânză (cheese) and smântână (sour cream). This combination creates a delicious and hearty meal.

A great lunch dish are Mici. Mici, also known as “Mititei,” are grilled minced meat rolls made from a mixture of beef, lamb, and pork. They are seasoned with garlic, thyme, and other spices, giving them a distinct flavor. Mici are usually served with mustard, bread, and a side of pickles.

For a light lunch you should try Plăcinte. Plăcinte are savory or sweet pastries that are a common snack in Moldova. They come in various fillings such as cheese, cabbage, potatoes, meat, apples, or cherries. Plăcinte can be found in bakeries and food markets throughout the city.

The best restaurants in Tiraspol

Kumanek: Kumanek is without doubt the best restaurant in Transnistria and is aming the top things to do in Tiraspol. It serves some of the best borsht, vareniki and other traditional ukrainian dishes with a transnistrian twist. 

Sverdlov street 37

La Placinte: La placinte has several branches in Tiraspol and has an extensive menu with Moldavian and Ukrainian food. The food is ok, but nothing compared to Kumanek. 

Sverdlov street 75

Café bar Volna: Travel back in time at this local cafe where Lenin and Stalin watch you eat. This is probably the cheapest and quirkiest place to eat in Tiraspol. The homemade soups and meat dishes aren’t too bad either.   

Sverdlov street 54

How to travel to Transnistria

The best way to visit Tiraspol is from Chisinau in Moldavia. From the bus station there are frequent minivans that go to Tiraspol.

In Chisinau they leave from the main bus station. There is a fixed location with minivans to Tiraspol and the journey takes 2 hours. Just ask people at the bus station where it is and ignore private taxi driver suggesting there are no vans. They leave when full and you can expect a van to leave every 30 minutes or so. 

The best time to travel to Transnistria

Overall, the best time to visit Tiraspol is typically during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild. However, if you prefer warm weather, the summer months can also be an excellent time to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

I recommend to visit Transnistria during independence day on the 2nd of September. It is great to see Tiraspol in such a festive atmosphere. Other interesting holidays to experience in Tiraspol are Victory day on the 9th of May and Maslenitsa in the beginning of march.

Transnistria Visa

EU and US citizens can travel to Transnistria without any problems. All you have to do is fill in a migration card at the border. If you arrive by bus tell the driver you need to get out for registration. When you enter by train register yourself at the immigration counter in the train station.

This will give you access to Transnistria for 10 hours. If you intend to stay longer make sure you mention this. Tell them how long you plan to stay and provide the address of your accomodation. Since 2018 visas are issued for up to 10 days without further obligation to register at the immigration office.

They will give you a piece of paper that you have to keep carefully, because you need it again when you leave the country.

Safety in Transnistria?

Transnistria is a self-proclaimed state that is not internationally recognized, and its status is a subject of dispute. While the region has maintained relative stability for many years, it’s essential to stay informed about any political developments or changes in the situation.

Transnistria used to have a negative image for corruption and the border crossings were notorious places. But this also  seems to be the past and I crossed the border without any problems.

What remains strictly forbidden is taking pictures of military facilities or the security forces. When you are in doubt it is better to ask rather than flashing your camera around. In the best case people become suspicious of you, but in the worst case you could get arrested.

Another no go is overstaying your visa. Check the date on your slip of paper. If you want to stay longer and forgot to mention this at the border just go to the immigration office in Tiraspol. It is an easy process to extend your stay.

Know before you go

Transnistria uses the Transnistrian ruble that can only be used in Transnistria itself. ATM’s are unreliable and its best to bring enough Moldovan lei, Ukrainian Hryvne, Euro’s or US dollars to exchange.

There are no embassies or consulates in Transnistria, with the exception of the break away republics of Abchazia and Ossetia. Together they form the commonwealth of unrecognized states. Their consulates are at the 25 October street number 76. 

Books about Transnistria

A great book is back to the USSR: heroic adventures in Transnistria by Rory Maclean and Nick Danzig

Teens of Transnistria is a beautiful collections of photo’s on what it means to grow up in a country shunned by the rest of the world.

My visit to Tiraspol was part of a larger trip to Iasi in Romania, Chisinau in Moldova, Lublin in Poland, Odessa and Kiev in Ukraine.

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