32 Affordable Alternatives to Europe's Most Expensive Cities

26. Chișinău, Moldova: Offbeat Charm & Wine Surprises

For a truly off-the-beaten-path European adventure, consider Chișinău, Moldova's capital. This green city offers wide boulevards, leafy parks like the Parcul Catedralei, and a mix of Soviet-era and modern architecture. Discover Moldova's surprisingly excellent and affordable wine culture with visits to nearby cellars like Mileștii Mici, which boasts the world's largest wine collection. While perhaps lacking blockbuster sights, Chișinău provides an authentic, uncrowded, and exceptionally inexpensive glimpse into a lesser-explored corner of Europe, perfect for the curious budget traveler.