Baltsi (Bălți) is Moldova's second city, with a population of around 100,000 in the northern part of the country, roughly 120 km from Chisinau. It is primarily an industrial and commercial centre rather than a tourist destination, but it serves as a useful base for exploring northern Moldova — including the monasteries of Saharna and Curchi, and the fortress town of Soroca.
The city has a market, a small historic centre, and a handful of worthwhile stops for travellers who find themselves here. The Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre is one of Moldova's three national theatres and worth checking for evening performances. The Alley of Classics is a sculptural park that offers a shaded walk among busts of Moldovan literary figures. The Cathedral of Sts. Constantine and Helen anchors the southern part of the city. There is regular bus and marshrutka service to Chisinau.