10 Must Visit Places In Ukraine

Eastern Europe has a lot to offer to its visitors, in some aspects even more than Western Europe.

Ukraine is the biggest country in Europe with unbelievable hospitality, more than a century old culture, not an easy history but one very positive spirit.

Some of you may think that it’s not safe in Ukraine because of annexation of Crimea and current war conflict with Russia in the Eastern territories. You will be surprised to find out that it didn’t really effect tourism.

If you are a history buff, love great food, stunning architecture, plenty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mountains and seas – Ukraine’s got it all!

1. Lviv

Lviv (city of Leo) is the unformal capital of Western Ukraine and is more than 750 years old. A city with poetic spirit, narrow medieval streets paved with stones, architectural decoration in different styles all preserved in its original form. In ancient times Lviv was the capital of a mighty Slavic state called the Galicia-Volyn Principality. Being a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later Poland contributing to the formation of the city’s unique image. You have to see Lviv Opera House and High Castle which is an area from where you can see the entire city. Do not leave Lviv without visiting famous Lviv’s Brewery that is successfully brewing beer since 1715.

2. Chernivtsy

Chernivtsy is a city close to the Romanian and Moldavian border in Western Ukraine and is more than 600 years old. Most of the architectural contributions were made by the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and back in the day Chernivtsy was often called Little Vienna. Brick roads of the city center were swiped daily with rose bouquets and only the rich were allowed onto the Kobilianska street. Now this street is pedestrians only and has numerous cafes and restaurants with a very modern vibe. The highlight of this city is Chernivtsy National University which is the former Residence of the Metropolitans, and has a status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. And don’t forget to stop by the Drama Theater as it is one of a kind, there are only 3 equivalents to this building in entire Europe.

3. Kyiv

Kyiv is the nation’s capital and is the largest city of Ukraine, which is located on Dnipro River and filled with beautiful churches and cathedrals like St. Sophia’s Cathedral and Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves). The history of Kiev is going back for at least 1400 years. According to the legend, Kiev was founded by three brothers, Kyi, Shchek and Khoryv, and their sister Lybid. Kyiv’s prosperity was directly related to Kievan Rus – country that existed from late 9th to the mid 13th century and from which both Belarus and Russia later deriving their names. The highlight of Kievan Rus was introducing Christianity by King Vladimir the Great in 988. Kyiv is also home to a lot of monuments of World War II and the deepest subway station in the world – Arsenalna station. If you’re in town, be sure to visit Andriyivskyy Descent filled with artists and arts. Take a stroll on the beautiful Maidan square and Khreshchatyk Street, feel its rebel spirit as that’s where fatal fights between protesters and government took place in 2014. And if that didn’t give you goose bumps – visit ghost city of Chernobyl which is only a 2 hour drive north from Kyiv.

4. Crimea

Crimea Peninsula is located in Southern Ukraine and is surrounded by the Black Sea. It is known for the Crimean Mountains filled with artifacts and lost treasures of previous civilization – Skif’s tribes. Subtropical climate of Yalta city attracts thousands of tourists to visit every year. My favourite spot in Crimea is Swallows Nest which is a stunning castle on top of a giant cliff and is now converted into a high end restaurant. Just imagine sipping your cocktail here and watch the sun setting into the sea on a summer afternoon.

5. Odesa

Odesa is a southern city of Ukraine located on the Black Sea and is a marine port for navy, cruises and cargo ships. It is famous for its Festival of Fun of the 1st of April – April Fool’s Day. Odesa history starts as early as in 1440. A Unique opera house and maritime station, the famous Privoz outdoor market, Potiomkin’s Steps with funicular ride and most importantly its humorous people will not leave you indifferent.

6. Carpathian Mountains

Carpathian Mountains are in Western Ukraine, with the highest mountain of Hoverla being 2061 metres high. Enjoy Carpathian Mountains all year round and go hiking, biking, hunting, discovering remote villages and feeling the shade of ancient trees. There is something particularly special about the mountain nation of Hutsuly. They know all the herbs and all the secrets of these mountains. I would suggest you visit Bukovel ski resort, National Park Hutsulshina and wooden arts and crafts outdoor bazar in the town of Yaremche where you can find beautiful national clothing, wooden toys and sheep wool carpets.

7. Sofiyivka Park

Sofiyivka Park in Uman is the real world landscape architecture masterpiece of the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th. The park was established in 1796 by a rich polish magnate, Stanislav Schensny Pototsky, in honour of his beautiful Greek wife Sophia and was presented to her on her birthday in May of 1802. The park is spread out over the territory of 155 hectares and is situated at the outskirts of the ancient town Uman, Vinnytska oblast. It is considered to be the standard of the landscape combination of water, land, architecture and sculptures. This masterpiece was created in the shortest period of time, it still astounds the imagination of visitors. Walk its exotic gardens, discover unique scenery and cozy spots. Feel the love that is still in the air.

8. Khotyn Fortress

Khotyn Fortress is located on the bank of the Dnister River in Khotyn, Bukovina region. The fortress was built in 1325. Hotyn Fortrees was the center of numerous wars and fights. In 2007, the fortress was named one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine. It is also a National Ukrainian Architectural Preserve as of 2000. Swim in the Dnister River with the fortress view, visit the church on the hill next to the fortress, pretend to shoot from a very old cannon and breathe the history of these thick walls.

9. Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress

Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress was first built to watch over the River Smotrych. There’s even evidence to suggest that a settlement has existed on this rock outcropping for close to 2,000 years. Kamyanets-Podilskyi, one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, is considered a phenomenon of great cultural importance. Kamyanets-Podilskyi town has the fortification system that is unique all over the Europe. Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress and Khotyn fortress are within 45 minute drive from each other. Brilliantly convenient, isn’t it?

10. Pysanka museum

Pysanka museum (Ukrainian Easter egg museum) is a one of a kind museum in the world and it is located in the town of Kolomiya, Ivano-Frankivska Oblast. The Museum, built in 2000 is famous for the fact that you can spend all day wondering about different traditional styles of Easter eggs paintings. The museum is not only shaped like an egg (14 m in height and 10 m in diameter), but parts of the exterior and interior of the dome are painted to resemble a pysanka. Embrace yourself in a friendly atmosphere and local vibe, very hospitable people and tons of souvenirs. Do eat the pierogis, kebabs, bacon potatoes and cabbage rolls in Korchma which is a traditional Ukrainian café with a real wooden stove in the middle of the restaurant.