Last Updated on 18/09/2024 by kami
With the current situation in Ukraine, with a heavy heart, I strongly advise not visiting the country. This is the older, pre-war article and you can use it for future inspiration and information to plan a trip when it’s safe to visit Ukraine again.
Ukraine is probably the most misunderstood country in Europe.
The crisis that hit it not so much time ago is still very vivid in our minds – I bet we all remember from the news the tragic events at Maidan in Kyiv or a war zone in Donetsk.
Sadly the situation in the East is still very unstable and affected tourism in the whole country.
But I will tell you a secret – Ukraine is a safe place, a huge country and you can easily travel in most of it, exploring the best places to visit in Ukraine!
Why you should visit Ukraine now?
I’ve always thought Ukraine is one of the most overlooked countries in Europe. The majority of people don’t really know what to expect from it but in reality, this is a true gem!
From incredible cities with golden domes or magnificent Central European architecture and charm to sandy beaches of the Black Sea or lush hills of Carpathian mountains – Ukraine has it all. And now is the best time to go.
Due to the economic crisis and unstable situation in the east of the country the local currency – hryvnia – dropped a lot, losing around 3 times of its value in comparison to 2013 (pre-Maidan events).
Visiting Ukraine is crazy cheap these days.
I, for the first time ever, felt guilty for spending that little for such good quality (accommodation, transportation, and eating/drinking out).
For example, a train ticket from Kyiv to Odessa in 4 people sleeping compartment was around 13€ or a really good hotel in the very center of Ivano-Frankivsk, with big breakfast cost 20€ for a double room.
You can’t beat these prices anywhere! It’s a win-win for everyone: you have a wonderful time for the best possible prices and local people and economy are happy to host you there!
Is Ukraine safe?
I’ve already discussed this issue in another post of mine (click here to read about safety in Ukraine) but I will repeat it again: yes, it is safe!
As long as you stay away from the east part of the country, especially areas around cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, you will be fine!
I’ve traveled to Ukraine numerous times, solo or with friends, also after the revolution and each time I felt very safe there. Even walking alone and tipsy in the evening in Kyiv was fine.
Actually I feel much safer in Ukraine (as well as in other countries in Eastern Europe, the Balkans or Caucasus) than in Western Europe…
And I’m not the only one – everyone I was talking to shares my opinion and I haven’t heard of any bad accident that happened to people visiting Ukraine.
Best places to visit in Ukraine
I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Ukraine by now and I still have a long list of best places to visit in Ukraine.
Those places listed below are just my favorite there, I’ve been to some of them a couple of times.
It’s just such a pleasure to return there and spend some more time getting to know them.
And I can recommend you with my whole heart to visit these places too!
So, without further ado let me show you my personal list of best places to visit in Ukraine!
Quick Ukraine cheat sheet
Looking for the accommodation in Ukraine? Click here to find the best deals on Booking!
You can find the best day trips in Ukraine at Get Your Guide. Click here to find the ones for you!
Kyiv – the incredible capital
For me, Kyiv is the most underrated capital in Europe as it offers so much yet still not so many tourists tend to visit and discover it.
Kyiv is a perfect getaway to grand Eastern Europe that we always picture, with golden domes and mighty Soviet architecture.
Monasteries – St.Sophia and Pecherska Lavra – are listed on UNESCO World Heritage List and they surely deserve this title as they are stunning and look like from a fairy tale, especially in the sunny day when the sun shines in the rich ornaments.
Khreschatyk street and Maidan Nezalezhnosti might feel overwhelming with their powerful architecture but these are still nothing in comparison with Mother Motherland statue with its total high of 102 meters!
Once you’re tired of sightseeing (and you need at least 3 solid days to get to know the city) there are numerous parks, bars, and cafes where you can relax!
Read more on Kyiv:
- Is Kyiv worth visiting?
- 15 reasons to visit Kyiv – the amazing capital of Ukraine
- Top 5 places to see in Kyiv, Ukraine
In Kyiv I recommend you stay in the center, somewhere near Khreschatyk. You will be close to all the attractions and with very good public transport connections just about everywhere!
Click here to check out to best deals on accommodation in Kyiv!
Odessa – the Black Sea gem
The major port on the Black Sea and the main summer getaway for most Ukrainians (getting a train ticket in the summer season might be a challenge, I’m speaking from my experience) – that’s how Odessa is.
Not only it has sandy beaches where you can relax all days long (renting a sunbed with an umbrella was 3€ in summer 2016!), the sea is warm and inviting too.
But Odessa isn’t only about the seaside!
The city has always been an important place, being the main trade center for the Russian Empire.
The old town of Odessa is really splendid, with parallel streets, hidden in the shadow of the rows of trees.
The stunning Opera House, second biggest in the world after La Scala in Milan, will take your breath away – it did the trick for me every time!
But the key to really get to know Odessa and fall for it is to peek into the yards – that’s a completely different and unique universe!
Read more on Odessa:
When it comes to the accommodation in Odessa, it depends on what you’re interested in.
If you’re after relaxing at the beach then part of the town called Arkadia would be the best for you but if you’re into sightseeing then the center – the area between the train station and the harbor – is where you should stay!
Click here to check out the best deals on accommodation in Odessa!
Kamianets Podilskyi – more than just a grand castle
The reason why most people come to visit Kamianets Podilskyi is the incredible fortress, a silent witness of many wars, guarding the city. And it is truly spectacular and will be the highlight of everyone’s time in the city.
But, to my great surprise, the city was so much more than just the fortress.
The old town is compact but really lovely, with beautiful houses and cobbled lanes.
What I liked the most, however, was a really good street art scene with numerous murals showing the history of the city. Such a pleasant place to spend at least a day at!
Read more on Kamianets Podilskyi: Kamianets Podilskyi – an underrated gem of Ukraine
In Kamianets Podilskyi try to stay in the part close to the fortress, in kind of the peninsula surrounded by Smotrych river. The majority of the attractions are there!
Click here to check out the best deals on accommodation in Kamianets Podilskyi!
Chernivtsi was my biggest travel discovery in 2015 and until now it’s very high on my list.
The city is such a gem, with stunning architecture, multicultural history, amazing cafes and this indescribable Central European vibe that makes you fall for the city right away.
The university building, listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site, could easily play in one of the Harry Potter movies.
Chernivtsi is often referred to as Little Vienna or Little Paris and I can see why – it’s simply amazing and just the prettiest!
If I had to choose a city to go for a week or so just to relax and catch up on writing Chernivtsi would be one of my top choices!
Being there is a pure pleasure!
Read more on Chernivtsi: Stunning Chernivtsi, Ukraine – my best discovery in 2015
If you decide to go to Chernivtsi (highly recommended!!) stay in the center – you will be within walking distance to all the attractions!
Click here to check the best deals on accommodation in Chernivtsi!
Carpathian mountains
Ukraine has only a rather small part of Carpathian mountains that cross Central Europe, from Serbia all the way to Austria.
Still, this area looks the prettiest and so idyllic with lush forests and hills and small villages where the time has stopped.
The Carpathians might be an interesting place to visit for any railways lovers like myself – the railway line that goes through the mountains back in the times when it was built (19th century) was the most modern one and engineers working on the rail lines in the Alps pattern their projects on Carpathian solutions.
These days, unfortunately, parts of the line are gone but you can still admire the viaducts and tunnels used to the present time.
The best place to do so starts in Yaremche and travel south from there, towards the border with Romania.
In Yaremche itself you can walk on the railway viaduct above the Prut river – the views from up there are really wonderful!
Lviv – one of the most beautiful cities in Europe
Ah, Lviv is just too beautiful to be true!
It is the best example of what Central Europe has to offer (and why I love it so much).
Every time when I’m there I feel like I’m stepping on some kind of the movie set because it feels impossible for the city to be that incredible.
Lviv is one of the most important cultural centers in Ukraine (when you’re there go to the opera, you’re in for a treat!) but for me, the best thing about Lviv is a spectacular cafe culture, one of the best I’ve ever experienced!
In the summertime, the whole old town fills up with outdoor tables and the buzz of conversations or live music hover around the beautiful houses until late night hours.
Still it is worth to go inside most of these cafes – in Lviv I’ve found some of the most unusual places: sadomasochism cafe, a place where you get your drinks in a measuring cylinder and when you get the bill the case explodes or a pub with a car on the rooftop.
A week wouldn’t be enough to experience all that Lviv has to offer!
Read more on Lviv:
- 50 pictures that will inspire you to travel to Lviv, Ukraine (+ best photo locations)
- Lviv – one of the most beautiful cities in Europe
- A mini guide to Lviv, Ukraine – all you need to know about the city
- Flea market in Lviv
In Lviv, there is no better place to stay than Hotel George.
It’s the oldest hotel in Lviv, still having the charm of old days when most important people in the world stayed there.
The location is perfect and it’s much more affordable than you think! Since my first visit, I’m not staying anywhere else in Lviv!
Click here to check out prices and more details about Hotel George!
Lviv is often the first place travelers visit in Ukraine and that’s not surprising as the city is very accessible.
If you are planning to get from Krakow to Lviv I wrote the complete guide how to do it smoothly.
Kharkiv – an underrated second biggest city
Not many tourists make it to the second largest city in Ukraine – Kharkiv.
Huge mistake as this is such a lovely destination, well worth your time and effort!
I spent two days exploring Kharkiv, and I felt this still wasn’t enough to see all I wanted to.
Kharkiv isn’t your typical touristy place; it is not like Western Ukraine with beautiful centers. It does have few pastel buildings and impressing architecture that catches the eye, but the city is so much more than that.
You can find here one of the best examples of constructivist style – Derzhprom, an old-school cable car running through one of the parks or the most beautiful metro system in Ukraine (be careful with taking pictures there!).
Be sure to visit Kharkiv during your Ukraine trip – you won’t be disappointed!
Read more: Is it worth to visit Kharkiv, Ukraine?
Dnipro – a masterpiece of Soviet architecture
For a typical tourist who likes pretty places Dnipro (formerly known as Dnipropetrovsk) isn’t an exciting city.
There is maybe one or two attractions that are pretty in the classical style.
But if you are a fan of concrete and Soviet architecture, you will love Dnipro!
The number of quirky buildings is outstanding here; you can find something interesting around each corner.
Dnipro is like a giant concrete playground!
I spent a day in Dnipro, and it was not enough to see all the fantastic places there! I will be back for sure!
Chernobyl and Pripyat – famous ghost towns
Everyone knows the story of the Chernobyl accident in 1986.
These days it is possible to visit the excluded area that is located just north of Kyiv.
And it definitely is worth a trip, even if you need to go with the official Chernobyl tour.
To be honest I didn’t expect much, I thought it might be yet another big tourist attraction with staged remnants of the tragic events.
And it was a bit like that but I still enjoyed the tour a lot and I found Chernobyl, Pripyat and other places in the zone to be truly fascinating.
Pripyat is a real ghost town where nature took over what people have created, walking around and imagining how the life used to look like here is one of a kind experience. Definitely recommended!
Read more: Chernobyl tour – day trip to the Exclusion Zone
Uzhgorod – a laid-back gem of Western Ukraine
Located in the very south-west of the country, Uzhgorod is such a pleasant place to visit.
The city has become part of Ukraine (then the Soviet Union) only after WWII, before it used to belong to Hungary or Czechoslovakia.
You can definitely feel that you are at the crossroads, with a rich multicultural past and the diverse architecture (in some parts typical for Central Europe, in others for post-Soviet countries) is a great example of it.
The best time to visit Uzhgorod is in summer when days are warm and long and locals spend the time outside, enjoying the beautiful weather, swimming in the Uzh river and enjoying a laid-back vibe of the place.
Click here to read more about Uzhgorod.
The list has only 10 places now but I will be expanding it when I travel to Ukraine again and discover some new places there.
I already can’t wait to go again!
Travel resources
You can find the best accommodation options at Booking. They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Ukraine
I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here.
Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me.
For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:
- Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
- Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
- I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Ukraine too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!
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57 Comments
Alessandro Paiva
14/10/2016 at 01:25Can’t wait to be there :-)
Jasilyn
14/10/2016 at 06:00I’d love to visit Ukraine! Unfortunately, my Russian boyfriend doesn’t think he’ll be able to go as a single man, so I’m trying to convince myself to go alone :)
kami
17/10/2016 at 19:51Yes, I’m afraid he might have problems, unfortunately. But you definitely should go on your own! There is nothing to worry about!
Anita
14/10/2016 at 10:00My favorite place in Ukraine is Cerna Hora Moutains with totally virgin paths and amazing views. It used to border with Poland before so if possible to still see the signs. There are also ruins of polish astronomical abservatory on the top of the moutain. I hardly recommend!
kami
17/10/2016 at 19:54That sounds super interesting! I still need to properly explore Ukrainian mountains and I’m adding this place to my list. Thank you for letting me know!
Szymon Król
14/10/2016 at 10:18przez Czerniowce i Odessę tylko przejeżdżałem, w reszcie miejsc byłem… i tak – Kijów mnie nie zachwycił, Lwów, Kamieniec Podolski i Karpaty uwielbiam <3 fajna jest też środkowa Ukraina
Kami and the rest of the world
17/10/2016 at 20:48Kijów też daje radę, zdecydowanie powinieneś dać mu drugą szansę!
Marta Knasiecka
14/10/2016 at 10:28Przecierasz mi szlaki :) Najpierw Iran, teraz Ukraina…
Kami and the rest of the world
17/10/2016 at 20:45ciekawe co będzie następne ;)
Kornelia S-p
14/10/2016 at 14:13No to została tylko Odessa i góry ;)
Kami and the rest of the world
17/10/2016 at 20:45Odessa fantastyczna, polecam!
Marcin Wesołowski
14/10/2016 at 17:00Zimowe zdjęcie ze Lwowa! <3
Kami and the rest of the world
17/10/2016 at 20:45zima jak z bajki mi się trafiła!
Monika Zarach
14/10/2016 at 17:59Nie byliśmy, ale jesteśmy ciekawi :)
Kami and the rest of the world
17/10/2016 at 20:46zdecydowanie trzeba nadrobić
Piotrek Michalski
14/10/2016 at 19:16Jadę niedługo do Kijowa, również uważam Ukraine za bezpieczne miejsce :)
Kami and the rest of the world
17/10/2016 at 20:46Kijów to zawsze dobry pomysł!
Jak tam jest?
15/10/2016 at 18:34Jesteśmy świeżo po Ukrainie i jesteśmy zakochani!!!!
Kami and the rest of the world
17/10/2016 at 20:46rozumiem doskonale!
Kami and the rest of the world
17/10/2016 at 20:44Alessandro I’m sure you will enjoy it!
Alessandro Paiva
18/10/2016 at 01:38Thanks, Kami and the rest of the world! We were a little concerned about our trip to Ukraine, but your blog gave us very motivating informations.
Alexandra
24/10/2016 at 16:16Loved your article. I agree that Lviv is a must see. I spent three months there but wish I could go back. Kiev is possibly my favourite city of all. But Odessa did not float my boat at all. The beaches are overcrowded, the water is full of seaweed and there are way more people trying to cheat and rob you than anywhere else in Ukraine.
kami
24/10/2016 at 22:22Thank you! Lviv is incredible indeed and I adore Kiev too. I’ve been twice to Odessa and didn’t have any problems at all so I guess it all depends on your luck, like everywhere else. I kind of loved it there, especially the old part of the city
Carrick | Along for the Trip
24/10/2016 at 20:23Kami,
I have not read much on travelling to Ukraine, so this is a great overview. Thanks for putting it together. From the architecture to the beaches, it looks like such a great country. Safe travels!
-Carrick
kami
24/10/2016 at 22:22Thank you Carrick! Happy travels!
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Ele
02/11/2016 at 11:30I spent a week in Lviv and now want to come back to Zacarpaths next year for the nature and wooden churches. Ukraine is such a vast tourism pearl.
kami
04/11/2016 at 22:44You will love Carphatian Mountains for sure, it’s such a beautiful place! There’s just so much to see in Ukraine!
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Frank
05/12/2016 at 15:36Happy to come across your blog. We’re full-time slow travellers and will be in the Ukraine for the first time this spring. We’ll be starting with a month in Lviv, so I’m happy to hear you say it’s such a great place. I’ll make sure to read some of your other posts, you’ve got some good info (We’ll also be going to Poland – our first time there as well)
Frank (bbqboy)
kami
08/12/2016 at 10:03I’m sure you will love Lviv, it is amazing! I’m going there again in February so will have even more recommendations here! And if you need any help with Poland (or Eastern Europe in general) feel free to email me!
Frank
14/12/2016 at 18:35Thank you Kami.
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Gregorio
20/01/2017 at 05:35Thanks for the insightful info. Is English spoken by enough folks to get by? I am a single male 54 and wondering if there would be any concerns about not taking the time to learn the language. Are seasoned travelers flying solo as well received? I wonder because going solo is an easier opportunity to meet folks but this is much easier for someone in their 20”s/30’s.
kami
28/01/2017 at 22:12It depends where you go – Kiev and Lviv should be fine but I’m not that sure about other cities, I always use mix of Polish and my basic Russian when I’m there. I did numerous solo travels in Ukraine and always was fine. If you’re not so confident with solo travels in Ukraine my friends at JC Travel offer tours – I’m sure going with them would be a good option too!
Andy
10/03/2017 at 12:18Good Article. Agree on Kiev, Lviv, Carpathian Mountains and Odessa. I would recommend one of the Chernobyl Tours too. It was a very surreal experience! Have you been to Lutsk, Dnipro or Kharkiv? These are some other places I intend to visit next time (along with Chernivtsi, which you have sold me on)
kami
23/03/2017 at 10:19I’m hoping to go to Chernobyl, Dnipro and Kharkiv in August as all of these are very high on my bucket list!
Bastan
21/07/2017 at 18:28You should see Chernihiv….
kami
21/08/2017 at 20:36it’s been on my list for years! Hopefully I will make it there soon!
bennaceur mohammed
29/08/2017 at 09:39Hello I want to visit Ukraine and I do not know what the documentary
kami
05/10/2017 at 12:52it’s the best to check with your embassy, they should have to most accurate information. Good luck!
Michael
11/01/2018 at 17:22Kiev is not only the most beautiful city in Ukraine, it is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
However, I’m surprised you did not mention Vinnytsya. That is also an incredible place to visit.
kami
29/03/2018 at 19:57I haven’t been to Vinnytsya yet but I’ve heard so many good things about it. The city is in my plan for this year – then I’ll probably include it in this list. Ukraine has so much to offer!
Laurie mateyko
27/03/2018 at 21:58Thank you so much for this! I am ukrainian and I have been dreaming of a visit there. I have an 8 year old son, is it safe to travel with children through the Ukraine? I would love for him to experience his ancestry.
kami
29/03/2018 at 19:58Hi Laurie! Yes, it is perfectly safe to travel with children in Ukraine. I think you should definitely go there with your son, you will both love it there!
FLIGHTTU
06/07/2018 at 14:24Loved your article. Ukraine has never been on my radar as a travel destination but this post has certainly seen to that…!!! Great collection of interesting looking places.
kami
09/07/2018 at 19:22Thank you! Ukraine is one of the most interesting and budget-friendly countries in Europe so you definitely should go there! So many places to see, so many things to do! :)
Yura
20/09/2018 at 18:27you know our country have realy not tolerant people, because we have many from this people who dont wanna do anything and take much, much money. It is so worth. You realy didnt see all hidden trouble of Ukraine.
kami
19/10/2018 at 08:59Every country has its issues that travellers can’t really see. I know a lot about social problems in Ukraine but that’s not what the travel blog should be about.
Eric
04/06/2019 at 23:45Hi Kami, I just wanted to say thanks for this incredible post highlighting the beauty of Ukraine! You’ve got a picture right before the section entitled “Kyiv – the incredible capital”, and I was just curious where the deep blue and white cathedral in that picture is located… it’s gorgeous!
kami
26/06/2019 at 02:02Thank you! It’s in Kamyanets-Podilskyi, a great place to visit really!
Zandra Blair
19/07/2019 at 08:20i actually wanted to travel to Europe too
kami
20/07/2019 at 12:44I hope you will!
Paul B
04/12/2019 at 12:48Just returned from my 4th visit to Ukraine – such an amazing country! So far I have been to Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and the Carpathian Mountains. On my latest trip we took a helicopter flight over Kyiv – US$60 for 15mins what an adventure! This article gives great ideas for my next trip.
kami
06/12/2019 at 09:05I’m glad you enjoy Ukraine as much as I do :) Helicopter flight sounds really cool! I must check it next time I’m in Kyiv!