Travel Guide to Comrat, Moldova
Ra's Travel Guide to Comrat
A linguistically diverse city and the capital of Gagauzia; a complete travel guide to Comrat.
A city located in the south of Moldova, Comrat (Комрат) is known for its wineries and as the capital of the autonomous region of Gagauzia. When walking around the city, you will notice that the majority of the signage is written in Russian. However, you will hear up to four main languages spoken in the region: Russian, Romanian, Bulgaria, Ukrainian, Gagauz, and Turkish. Remnants of the Soviet Union’s influence can be observed throughout the city in the statues, museums, and architecture.
Getting to Comrat, Moldova: Transportation Options and Travel Tips
Since Comrat is located in the south of Moldova, there’s only one main way to get to the city by public transportation and it’s from Chișinău. That means if you’re traveling from a different city in Moldova that’s not in the south of the country, then you will have to travel to Chisinau’s South Bus Station (Gara de Sud).
From the South Bus Station, you will need to take a bus (marshrutka) that goes to Comrat. Depending on the bus schedule, the bus will either have Comrat on a piece of paper on the windshield or the name of the destination city and Comrat is on the way to the final city. Be sure to check the Autogara website for the bus schedule and to know which city name you should look for on the bus. You can always ask the drivers standing around the station and they will direct you to the bus for Comrat.
If you would prefer to take a taxi, there are different taxi companies in each city of Moldova. In Chisinau, YandexGo is the most common. A few cities in Moldova use iTaxi, which has a separate app. All of the cities have general local taxi companies, so if you Google for the taxi number of the city you’re in, the most common company will appear. However, taking taxis between cities can be expensive. If you’re ordering through one of the apps be sure to check the price on the screen before continuing. If you’re ordering a taxi by phone, ask for the price of the trip before confirming with the taxi agency to send a driver. Once the taxi arrives, you have to either take the taxi or pay them for the ride even if you don’t take it.
If you're travelign from a different country to Moldova, consider using Rome2rio, to compare travel methods and prices.
Where to Stay in Comrat, Moldova?
When I visit Comrat, I stay with a colleague or friend in their apartment.
Since Comrat is a smaller city in Moldova, there are only a few options for accommodation. Caral is the number one hotel in Comrat for price and accommodation with Medelean and Altin Palace ranking second and third. Due to the war in Ukraine, many hotels in Moldova are offering discounted prices for Ukrainian refugees so room availability may be limited.
Getting Around Comrat, Moldova
Car
If you plan to rent a car in Moldova, you'll need to pick it up in Chisinau. The roads in the country vary between regions, including asphalt, dirt, cobblestone, and concrete, with differing levels of quality. Keep in mind that driving can be bumpy at times. Also, be aware that road signs are typically in Russian or Romanian, not English.
Taxi
Please note that Uber is not available in Moldova. In Comrat, you can choose from two taxi companies, one of which has an app called "Taxi Moldova" that operates similarly to Uber. Alternatively, you can directly call the taxi companies to request a ride. The contact numbers for Comrat taxis are (+373) 0298 22 111 and (+373) 0298 31 999. Before agreeing to the trip, make sure to confirm the price, and keep in mind that Russian and/or Romanian language skills are essential for calling a taxi.
Walking
In Comrat, all major tourist attractions are conveniently located close together, within a 30-minute walk. Walking is a common mode of transportation for both locals and visitors, and it's the way I prefer to explore Comrat.
What to Do in Comrat, Moldova?
Gagauzia Tourist Information Center
Contact the tourist information center before or during your visit for assistance in creating a tourist route, recommendations of where to visit in Gagauzia, or to answer any of your questions.
Sankt Ioan Botezator
The large yellow cathedral in Comrat is one of the most visited sights in the city. Matching the bold exterior’s yellow is the beautiful interior with gold coloring and frescoes. Women must wear a headscarf when in the cathedral. If you forget to bring one, there are a few available by the door for you to borrow.
Comrat Sign
Take a photo with the Comrat sign located on the main street in the city.
Comrat Museum
A smaller museum but rich with the history of Gagauzia and the culture. There are not many foreign tourists so when they visit the staff is super excited to answer your questions and show you around the museum. However, the museum is not in English and the staff also do not speak English. If you do not know Russian or Romanian, be prepared with a translator app downloaded on your phone or work with a translator.
Monument of Lenin
One of the few remaining statues of Lenin in Moldova, with the remaining majority in Transnistria. The statue demonstrates the history and influence of the Soviet Union on Moldova.
Chateau Vinuri de Comrat
The largest winery in Comrat with a traditional Gagauzian restaurant inside. When I visited the winery with my colleagues, we opted to do the full winery tour which included a very thorough tour of the winery and its history, an opportunity to dress in traditional Gagauzian attire, dance, and eat at the traditional restaurant (separate price). Our tour was in both Romanian and Russian, but they can schedule a translator to work with the tour guide if you request one in advance when booking.
The Tank Monument
A well preserved tank from the Soviet Army during World War II.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Turkish Library
Step inside Moldova’s Turkish library and admire the unique architecture of the building. Please be quiet as this is a common work and study spot for the students.
Gagauzia Sign
Stop and take a picture of the city’s Gagauzia sign when entering or leaving Comrat. There is no parking, so you will need to carefully signal and park on the side of the road.
Memorial Park
In the city center is a park filled with different statues and memorials dedicated to soldiers of Moldova, Comrat, and Gagauzia from World War II and different events and wars in the region.
Comrat State University
See where students from Comrat, Gagauzia, and different parts of Moldova come to study for university. Walk around the building and notice the different architecture and the new modernization of some of the rooms in the building.
Gagauz Museum of History and Ethnography
The first of its kind, this museum contains a variety of photos, artifacts, and pieces that demonstrate the history of Gagauzia. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to only the preservation of Gaguazia's culture. For more information please visit the museum’s main website.
Hederlez
A Gagauzian holiday of horse racing, traditional games, food, culture, and handicrafts that occurs on May 6th in Moldova. It is also celebrated in parts of Central Asia, Russia and Turkey. In Moldova, the main celebration takes place in Ceadir-Lunga at Prolin Equestrian Farm, and signals the start of the New Year for raising cattle.
Gagauz Gergefi
Learn about the different attire and costumes people of Gagauzia wear for different holidays, festivals, and celebrations. Enjoy wine and participate in traditional craft-making with locals.
Gagauz Șarap Yortusu
Comrat’s yearly Gagauzian wine festival! Sample and drink from 50+ wines specific to Comrat and the different regions of Moldova. Learn about the traditions and customs of Gagauz with winemaking by celebrating the holiday on the first Sunday of November.
Get ready to explore the south of Moldova and experience traditional celebrations that take you off the tourist path!
Travel Tip
Moldova is primarily a cash-based economy, so you will need to always have cash available. Bus tickets are purchased in cash.
My Playlist for Comrat, Moldova
"Морячка" by Oleg Gazmanov
"Океан" by Mari Kraimbrery
"Zeu" by Spike
"Take My Love" by Plazma
"K la Meteo" by Wat's Up, Andra
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