Curious about the best places to visit in Ukraine? This large country in Eastern Europe is known for its stunning gold-domed Orthodox churches and Black Sea resorts. It’s also famously the site of the Chernobyl disaster, especially popularized by the hit HBO series.
Though Ukraine is one of the most beautiful countries in Eastern Europe, it surprisingly doesn’t attract as many tourists as the Czech Republic or Croatia. But there are plenty of interesting places to visit and amazing things to do here. To help you prepare for your trip, here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Ukraine.
Kyiv
The capital city, Kyiv, is vibrant and full of color, with numerous fantastic sites to see. When you think of Kyiv, Orthodox churches probably come to mind first, and rightly so. The city is brimming with magnificent examples. Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra, also known as the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves, is set on grassy hills above the Dnipro River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a crucial pilgrimage center and a popular tourist spot.
Similarly, Saint Sophia Cathedral, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit. Another landmark is St. Andrew’s Church, located on Volodymyrska Hill. The upper neighborhood where the church sits is connected to the city by Andriyivskyy Descent, one of Kyiv’s oldest and most charming streets, known for its art galleries and souvenir shops. This street is sometimes called the “Montmartre of Kyiv.”
For a panoramic view of the city, head to the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, located on a hill not far from the city center. As part of the museum complex, you’ll find the impressive Motherland Monument, a titanium statue that celebrates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. Also, don’t forget to visit Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the central part of the city known for the Euromaidan demonstrations in 2013-2014.
Lviv
Lviv is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe and is sometimes called the “Little Paris.” Like Kyiv, Lviv is filled with fascinating places to see. Its old town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases picturesque cobbled streets, grand old buildings, and numerous Orthodox churches and cathedrals. This makes it an excellent destination for both photography lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Lviv is known for its trendy cafes and restaurants. Some of the coolest spots include Fixage Cafe-museum, Gasova Lampa, and Atlas cafe. For unique souvenirs, you can’t miss Lviv’s flea market which even sells old books. Another quirky attraction is the Yard of Lost Toys, a Soviet-era yard filled with old toys.
Odesa
Odesa, a jewel on the Black Sea, is Ukraine’s third most populous city and a major tourist hotspot. Known for its beaches, resorts, and lively parties, Odesa is the perfect place to relax and have some fun.
Chernobyl
Not many travelers plan on visiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, but it’s easier than you might think. You’ll need to join a guided tour, which can be booked through various companies in Kyiv or online. Tours, which start at around 90 EUR, should be booked at least five days in advance. Day trips to the Exclusion Zone are the most popular. During these tours, you’ll visit the town of Chernobyl, the abandoned town of Pripyat, and see the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant from the outside. You’ll also get to enjoy lunch at a local canteen, serving typical Eastern European food.
Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle
One of Ukraine’s magnificent castles is Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle, located in the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi. Although Ukraine does not have as many castles as Germany, the ones it does have are truly beautiful. This medieval fortress features several original towers and was both a Ruthenian-Lithuanian castle and a later Polish fortress.
Chernivtsi
Chernivtsi, in western Ukraine, is a picturesque city sometimes dubbed “Little Vienna” because it became part of the Austrian Empire in 1775. With a rich history dating back to the 15th century, Chernivtsi is a multicultural city known for its beautiful architecture. The city’s university, founded in 1875, features Romanesque and Byzantine architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the cozy streets and admire the colorful buildings that give Chernivtsi its charming character.