Ukraine

Ukraine: general info for travelers

Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to the west, and Romania and Moldova to the south. It is the second-largest country in Europe by land area after Russia and has a diverse cultural heritage due to its complex history.
The capital of Ukraine is Kiev (Kyiv in Ukrainian), which is located in the northern region of the country along the Dnieper River. Ukrainian is the official language, but Russian is also widely spoken. The currency is the Ukrainian hryvnia.
Ukraine has a rich history and cultural heritage, with many historic sites, castles, museums, and art galleries to explore. The country is also known for its natural beauty, including the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea coast.
Ukraine is a popular destination for tourists, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as hiking, skiing, enjoying urban life, and exploring historic and cultural sites.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Ukraine, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Ukraine: places to visit

1. Kiev - Kiev is the capital city of Ukraine and is its cultural, political, and economic center. It is known for its stunning architecture, including the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Kiev Pechersk Lavra monastery, which are both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
2. Lviv - Lviv is a city located in western Ukraine, known for its stunning architecture, including charming old town and castles. It also features numerous museums, galleries, and theaters that showcase the city's rich culture and history.
3. Odessa - Odessa is a port city located on the Black Sea and is famous for its beaches, Mediterranean architecture, and lively nightlife. The city's elegant boulevards, charming cobblestone streets, and grand neoclassical buildings make it a popular destination for both history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.
4. Chernobyl - Chernobyl is a city that became well known worldwide after the nuclear plant accident. However, it's a great place to visit also from the historical point of view to learn more about Soviet industrialization and architecture.
5. Carpathian Mountains - Located in western Ukraine, the Carpathian Mountains offer some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Eastern Europe. The mountains are popular for hiking and skiing, and are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
6. Kamyanets-Podilsky - Kamyanets-Podilsky is a medieval city located in western Ukraine, known for its well-preserved old town and ancient fortress. The fortress is situated atop a steep rock cliff and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
7. Vinnytsia - Vinnytsia is a city located in central Ukraine, known for its picturesque parks and gardens. The city is also home to a remarkable example of Soviet-era engineering - the Vinnytsia underground bunker, which was designed for use by government officials in the event of a nuclear attack.
There is more to see and do in Ukraine: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Ukraine: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Ukraine, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
In Ukraine, summer months (June - August) are usually warm with an average temperature of around 25°C. Spring (March - May) and Autumn (September - November) are mild with an average temperature around 15-20°C. Winter months (December-February) can be quite cold with temperatures reaching below freezing point.
If you are planning a holiday to enjoy outdoor activities, such as exploring the cities or countryside, the best time to go is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and pleasant. If you are interested in winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding, then winter is the best time to visit. However, the country offers something interesting and unique to experience in every season, so it really depends on your personal preferences.

Ukraine: activities and what to do

There are plenty of activities and sports to enjoy on holiday in Ukraine, depending on your preferences and the time of year you're visiting. Here are some ideas: 1. Skiing and snowboarding - You can find several ski resorts in the Carpathian Mountains, such as Bukovel and Dragobrat.
2. Hiking and trekking - Ukraine has numerous hiking and trekking trails that take you through stunning mountain ranges, national parks, and forests.
3. Water sports - If you're visiting during the warmer months, you can enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting on Ukraine's rivers and lakes.
4. Cycling - Ukraine offers many scenic cycling routes that meander through picturesque landscapes and past historic landmarks.
5. Horseback riding - Explore the countryside on horseback and take in the stunning scenery.
6. Cultural activities - Ukraine has a rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of museums, art galleries, and historic sites to visit, such as the Pechersk Lavra monastery and the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
7. Food and drink tours - Ukraine is famous for its traditional cuisine and delicious vodka. Join a food and drink tour to taste the best of Ukraine's culinary delights.

Ukraine: few words on history and culture

Ukraine has a rich and complex history, dating back to ancient times with the early Slavic tribes. In the Middle Ages, it was under the rule of various powerful empires, including the Mongols and the Ottoman Turks. In the late 18th century, Ukraine briefly became an independent state before being annexed by Russia. Throughout the 20th century, Ukraine experienced tumultuous political and economic changes, including two world wars, a devastating famine, and Soviet rule.
The culture of Ukraine is diverse and influenced by its history and geography. Traditional Ukrainian folk music and dance are integral parts of the culture, as are the distinctive regional costumes and embroidery. Ukrainian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes such as borscht and varenyky (dumplings), often made with local ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, and beets. Ukrainian art, literature, and architecture reflect the country's rich history and its many influences, including Byzantine, Ottoman, and Soviet styles.

Ukraine: how to move around on holiday

The most common means of transportation to reach Ukraine are by air and by train. Many international airlines operate flights to Kyiv, Ukraine's capital city, such as Ukraine International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Ryanair.
Once you’re in Ukraine, you can also travel by bus, train, taxi or car rental to explore the country. The rail network is extensive, connecting most major cities and regions in Ukraine, while buses and minibuses offer an inexpensive and flexible way to travel between cities.
Taxis, on the other hand, are more suitable for short distances or getting around in cities, especially at night when public transport services may be limited. Car rentals are also available at most airports and major cities if you prefer to drive yourself. To hire a car to visit Ukraine, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Ukraine: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Ukraine with a full stomach:D
Sure, here are some typical foods of Ukraine and their descriptions: 1. Borscht: This is a classic Ukrainian beetroot soup. It's made with beetroots, cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, potatoes, and sometimes meat. It has a sweet-sour taste and is usually served with sour cream and garlic bread.
2. Varenyky: These are Ukrainian dumplings, similar to pierogi in Poland. They are boiled and usually filled with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat. They are served with sour cream and sometimes fried onions.
3. Holubtsi: This is a traditional Ukrainian dish made of cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and veggies. It's usually served with tomato sauce or sour cream.
4. Kasha: This is a type of porridge made from wheat, buckwheat, or other grains. It's either sweet or savory, depending on the recipe. It's often served with milk, butter, and sugar.
5. Chicken Kiev: This is a famous Ukrainian dish made with chicken breasts. The chicken is flattened, stuffed with garlic butter, rolled up and then breaded before frying. It's usually served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
6. Salo: This is a traditional dish of cured pork fat. It's often served thinly sliced as a snack or appetizer, sometimes with bread and garlic.
7. Deruny: These are potato pancakes made from grated potatoes mixed with flour and eggs. They can be served as a side dish or as a main course with sour cream.
Ukrainian cuisine is rich in flavors and traditions, so there are many more dishes worth exploring!

Ukraine: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Ukraine is generally an affordable country for tourists. The cost of living in Ukraine is lower than in many European countries, which means that you can get good value for your money when it comes to accommodation, dining, and entertainment. However, the cost of traveling around Ukraine can vary depending on the distance and mode of transportation. It is also worth noting that some popular tourist destinations may be more expensive than other parts of the country. Generally speaking, Ukraine is considered to be a budget-friendly destination for travelers.

Ukraine: where to find accodation

There are several online platforms to search for accommodation in Ukraine, such as: 1. Booking.com - This website is very popular and offers a wide range of options, including hotels, apartments, and hostels.
2. Airbnb - This website is great for finding unique and affordable apartments, houses, and other types of accommodation.
3. Agoda - This is a good platform for finding budget-friendly accommodation options in Ukraine.
4. Hostelworld - If you're looking for cheap, laid-back accommodation, Hostelworld is a great option. 5. Expedia - This website offers a mix of hotels, apartments, and other types of accommodation in Ukraine.
It's always a good idea to compare prices and read reviews before booking any accommodation. Also, keep in mind the location and transportation options when choosing your accommodation.
You can check hotel prices in Ukraine here:
Booking.com

Ukraine: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the country received 14.5 million visitors in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourist numbers have decreased significantly. As for crowded periods, generally, the peak tourist season in Ukraine is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm and many seasonal attractions are open. During this time, there may be more crowds in popular cities and tourist destinations such as Lviv, Kyiv, and Odessa. However, compared to other European destinations, Ukraine is still relatively less crowded. So, outside of the peak season, you can typically expect less crowded cities and attractions.
Overall, Ukraine is a relatively safe country for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, there are certain areas where caution is advised. In general, it is recommended to avoid the conflict zones in eastern Ukraine, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The crime rate is relatively low in the major cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa, but petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. It is always a good idea to exercise caution when using public transportation or walking alone at night.
It is also important to be mindful of scams and tourist traps, particularly in popular tourist destinations. Tourists should be cautious of unsolicited offers for services such as taxi rides or tours, and should only use registered taxi services and tour operators.
Overall, if visitors take reasonable precautions and stay informed about the local environment, they should be able to enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to Ukraine.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Ukraine on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Ukraine: events for tourists

There are many interesting events for tourists in Ukraine. Some of the most popular ones include: 1. Lviv City Day - A festival that celebrates the founding of the city of Lviv, with parades, concerts, and other cultural events.
2. Kyiv Days - A city-wide celebration in Kyiv, with concerts, street performances, and exhibitions.
3. Odesa International Film Festival - A week-long festival that showcases the best of Ukrainian and international cinema.
4. Ukrainian Fashion Week - A bi-annual event that showcases the latest trends in Ukrainian fashion.
5. Carpathian Mountains Music Festival - An annual festival that brings together musicians from different parts of the world to perform in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains.
These events are just a few examples of the many exciting events that Ukraine has to offer.

Ukraine: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Ukraine, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Sure, here's a two-week travel itinerary for a typical tourist visiting Ukraine: Day 1-3: Start your trip in Kiev, the country's capital, to discover Ukraine's rich history, culture, and food. Visit historic landmarks like St. Sophia's Cathedral, Independence Square, and the Golden Gate, and take a stroll through the city's charming streets. Try some of the delicious Ukrainian cuisine at local restaurants and cafes.
Day 4-5: Take a day trip from Kiev to Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986. Explore the ghost town of Pripyat and witness the aftermath of the disaster. This excursion requires a licensed tour provider and advance booking.
Day 6-7: Travel to Lviv, a charming city in western Ukraine known for its quaint architecture, coffee shops, and jazz clubs. Stroll through its old town, visit the Lviv Opera House, and try some of the delicious local dishes.
Day 8-9: From Lviv, visit the Carpathian Mountains, where you can hike through the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy traditional Ukrainian hospitality in the cozy mountain villages.
Day 10-11: Take a trip to Odessa, a coastal city known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and rich culture. Enjoy the stunning views of the Black Sea and take a tour of its historic landmarks.
Day 12-13: Visit the historic city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, where you'll find a breathtaking old town and a well-preserved medieval castle.
Day 14: Spend your last day in Kiev or Lviv, make one final souvenir shopping trip, and reflect on your journey to Ukraine.
This two-week itinerary includes some of the country's top cultural and historic landmarks, natural wonders, and diverse cuisine and entertainment options. It also gives you a chance to explore some of Ukraine's lesser-known gems and hidden gems.

Ukraine: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Ukraine described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Artemivsk, also known as Bakhmut, is a city located in the Donetsk Oblast region of Ukraine. The city has a population of approximately 78,000 people. It is situated on the banks of the Bakhmutka Rive... CONTINUE here for a trip to Artemivsk
- Bakhmach is a small town located in the Chernihiv Oblast of Ukraine. It is situated on the left bank of the Desna River and has a population of approximately 16,000 people. Bakhmach has a rich history... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bakhmach
- Berdyansk is a city located in the Zaporizhzhya Oblast region of Ukraine. It is situated on the northern coast of the Azov Sea and is known for its long sandy beaches and rejuvenating sea air. Berdyan... CONTINUE here for a trip to Berdyansk
- Berdychiv is a city located in the Zhytomyr Oblast region of Ukraine. It has a population of approximately 80,000 people. Berdychiv dates back to the 14th century and has a rich history, including bei... CONTINUE here for a trip to Berdychiv
- Bila Tserkva is a city located in central Ukraine, approximately 80 kilometers south of Kiev. It is the administrative center of the Bila Tserkva Raion (district) in the Kyiv Oblast (region). The city... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bila Tserkva
- Boryspil is a city located in the Kiev Oblast region of Ukraine. It is located approximately 30 kilometers east of the capital city of Kiev and is home to the country's largest international airport, ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Boryspil
- Brovary is a city located in the Kiev Oblast of Ukraine. It's approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the capital city Kiev. With a population of almost 100,000 people, Brovary is a significant indus... CONTINUE here for a trip to Brovary
- Cherkasy is a city located in central Ukraine, along the Dnipro River. It is the capital of Cherkasy Oblast and has a population of around 290,000 people. The city has a rich history, with evidence of... CONTINUE here for a trip to Cherkasy
- Chernihiv is a city located in northern Ukraine, near the border with Russia. It is the administrative center of the Chernihiv Oblast and has a population of around 290,000 inhabitants. The city has a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Chernihiv
- Chernivtsi is a city located in western Ukraine, near the border with Romania. It has a rich cultural and architectural heritage, including the famous Chernivtsi National University, which is a UNESCO... CONTINUE here for a trip to Chernivtsi
- Dnipro is a city located in central Ukraine, near the Dnieper River. It is the fourth-largest city in Ukraine and has a population of approximately 1 million people. Once known as Dnipropetrovsk, the ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dnipro
- Drohobych is a city located in the Lviv Oblast region of Ukraine. It has a population of approximately 80,000 people. The city is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, with numerous mus... CONTINUE here for a trip to Drohobych
- Druzhkivka is a city located in the Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine. It has a population of approximately 44,000 people and covers an area of 48 square kilometers. The city is known for its industrial and a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Druzhkivka
- Ivano-Frankivsk is a city located in western Ukraine, near the border with Poland. It is the administrative center of the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast and has a population of approximately 240,000 people. T... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ivano-Frankivsk
- Kamianets-Podilskyi is a city in western Ukraine, located in the Khmelnytskyi Oblast. It is known for its impressive and well-preserved medieval architecture, including the stunning Kamianets-Podilsky... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kamianets-Podilskyi
- Kharkiv is a city located in northeastern Ukraine, with a population of over 1.4 million people. It is the second-largest city in Ukraine after Kyiv, and is the administrative center of the Kharkiv Ob... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kharkiv
- Kherson is a city located in southern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Dnieper River and the coast of the Black Sea. It is the administrative center of the Kherson Oblast region and has a populat... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kherson
- Kiev is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country along the Dnieper River. It has a population of over 2.8 million people and is the political, economic... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kiev
- Konotop is a city located in the Sumy Oblast region of Ukraine. It has a population of approximately 85,000 people and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city is located on the b... CONTINUE here for a trip to Konotop
- Kostyantynivka is a small city located in the eastern part of Ukraine, in the Donetsk region. It has a population of around 75,000 people and covers an area of about 42 square kilometers. The city is ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kostyantynivka
- Kramatorsk is a city located in the Donetsk Oblast region of Ukraine. It has a population of approximately 160,000 people and is known for its industrial and aviation industries. The city has a rich h... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kramatorsk
- Krasnoperekopsk is a city located in the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine. It is situated in the northern part of the peninsula and straddles the border between Crimea and the Kherson Oblast. The city has... CONTINUE here for a trip to Krasnoperekopsk
- Krasnyi Luch is a city located in the Luhansk Oblast of Ukraine. It has a population of approximately 70,000 people and is situated on the banks of the River Donets. The city has a rich history, with ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Krasnyi Luch
- Krasnyi Lyman is a small city located in the eastern part of Ukraine, in the Donetsk Oblast region. It has a population of around 14,000 people and covers an area of 13.5 square kilometers. The city i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Krasnyi Lyman
- Kremenchuk is a city located in the Poltava region of Ukraine. It has a population of approximately 220,000 people and is situated on the Dnieper River. Kremenchuk is known for its industrial and tran... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kremenchuk
- Kryvyi Rih is a city in central Ukraine, located in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. It is the 8th largest city in Ukraine with a population of approximately 650,000 people. The city is an important center ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kryvyi Rih
- Lutsk is a city in northwestern Ukraine, located in the Volyn Oblast. It is a cultural, educational, and industrial center of the region with a population of around 220,000 people. The city has a rich... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lutsk
- Lviv is a cultural and historical city located in western Ukraine. It is the largest city in the region of Galicia and has a population of around 750,000 people. Lviv has a rich history, having been f... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lviv
- Lysychansk is a city located in the eastern part of Ukraine, in the Luhansk Oblast region. It is situated on the banks of the Siverskyi Donets river and has a population of approximately 100,000 peopl... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lysychansk
- Mariupol is a city located in the southeastern part of Ukraine, on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov. It is the largest city in the region and is an important industrial, transportation, and cultu... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mariupol
- Melitopol is a city located in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast region of Ukraine. It is situated on the Molochna River and is known for its strategic location as a transport hub between the Black Sea and the ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Melitopol
- Mykolaiv is a city located in southern Ukraine, in the region of the Black Sea. It has a population of approximately 500,000 people and is an important industrial, transportation and cultural center o... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mykolaiv
- Novohrad-Volynskyi is a historic city located in the Zhytomyr Oblast of Ukraine. It has rich history, which can be traced back to the 9th century. Novohrad-Volynskyi has a population of approximately ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Novohrad-Volynskyi
- Novomoskovsk is a city located in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast region of Ukraine, on the Samara River. It has a population of approximately 72,000 people and covers an area of 33 square kilometers. The c... CONTINUE here for a trip to Novomoskovsk
- Odessa is a city located on the Black Sea coast of Ukraine. It is the third-largest city in Ukraine. It is known for its beautiful beaches, unique architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The city ha... CONTINUE here for a trip to Odessa
- Pavlohrad is a city located in the eastern part of Ukraine, in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast region. It is situated around 170 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Kiev, and around 120 kilometers nor... CONTINUE here for a trip to Pavlohrad
- Pervomaisk is a city located in the Mykolaiv Oblast region of Ukraine. It has a population of approximately 66,000 people and is situated on the Southern Bug River. Pervomaisk is known for its industr... CONTINUE here for a trip to Pervomaisk
- Poltava is a city located in central Ukraine, with a population of approximately 292,000 people. It serves as the administrative center of the Poltava Oblast (region) and is an important cultural, edu... CONTINUE here for a trip to Poltava
- Rivne is a city located in western Ukraine, it is the administrative center of Rivne Oblast. The population of Rivne is approximately 244,000 people, making it the 20th largest city in Ukraine. The ci... CONTINUE here for a trip to Rivne
- Sevastopol is a city located in the southwestern part of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine, on the coast of the Black Sea. It is a major seaport and naval base, with a history of significant military i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sevastopol
- Sloviansk is a city located in the Donetsk Oblast of Eastern Ukraine. As of 2021, the estimated population of Sloviansk is approximately 104,000. The city is known for its industrial history, and for ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sloviansk
- Stakhanov is a small city located in the eastern region of Ukraine, specifically in the Luhansk Oblast. It has a population of approximately 73,000 people and was named after Alexei Stakhanov, a Sovie... CONTINUE here for a trip to Stakhanov
- Starobilsk is a city in the east of Ukraine, located in the Luhansk Oblast region. It has a population of approximately 18,000 people and is situated on the River Donets. The city is known for its ind... CONTINUE here for a trip to Starobilsk
- Sumy is a city located in northeastern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Psel River. It is the administrative center of the Sumy Oblast region and has a population of approximately 240,000 residen... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sumy
- Ternopil is a city in western Ukraine, located about 130 kilometers southwest of Lviv. It is the administrative center of the Ternopil Oblast (province) and has a population of roughly 220,000 people.... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ternopil
- Uman is a city in central Ukraine, located in the Cherkasy Oblast region. It is situated on the banks of the Umanka River and has a population of around 85,000 people. It is known for its beautiful pa... CONTINUE here for a trip to Uman
- Uzhgorod is a city located in western Ukraine, near the border with Slovakia. It is the administrative center of the Zakarpattia Oblast and has a population of approximately 117,000 people. The city i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Uzhgorod
- Vinnitsa is a city in central Ukraine, located on the banks of the Southern Bug River. It has a population of approximately 370,000 people and is the administrative center of the Vinnitsa Oblast. The ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Vinnitsa
- Yalta is a resort city in Crimea, a peninsula located in the southern part of Ukraine. It is situated on the northern coast of the Black Sea and known for its mild, Mediterranean-like climate, beautif... CONTINUE here for a trip to Yalta
- Zaporizhzhia is a city in southeastern Ukraine. It is situated on the Dnieper River and is the administrative center of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast (region). With a population of over 750,000 people, it i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Zaporizhzhia
- Zhmerynka is a small city located in the Vinnytsia Oblast of Ukraine, in the central-western part of the country. It has a population of around 33,000 people and is situated on the banks of the Southe... CONTINUE here for a trip to Zhmerynka
- Zhytomyr is a city in northern Ukraine, located approximately 130 kilometers west of Kiev, the country's capital. It is the administrative center of the Zhytomyr Oblast region and has a population of ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Zhytomyr


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