Ukraine Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local customs of Ukraine in this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Ukraine
- List of Places to Visit in Ukraine
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Ukraine
- Best Things to Do in Ukraine: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Ukraine
- Food and Drink Scene of Ukraine
- Where to Stay in Ukraine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Ukraine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Ukraine
- Best Time to Visit Ukraine
- Do’s and Don’ts of Ukraine
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Ukraine: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Ukraine
- Where to Go Next from Ukraine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Ukraine
Nestled in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is a beautiful country with an abundance of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its charming cities to its stunning landscapes, Ukraine offers a unique experience for travelers looking to explore off the beaten path.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Ukraine, including the best places to visit, things to do, and local customs.
List of Places to Visit in Ukraine
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
One of the main draws of Ukraine is its rich history and cultural heritage. Here are some of the must-visit museums and historical places:
- Kiev Pechersk Lavra
- National Museum of Ukrainian History
- Lviv National Museum
- Chernobyl Museum
- Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater
Natural Attractions of Ukraine: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Ukraine is home to breathtaking natural landscapes ideal for outdoor adventurers. Here are some of Ukraine’s top natural attractions:
- Carpathian Mountains
- Crimea Peninsula
- Dniester Canyon
- Synevyr National Park
- Sofiyivsky Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Ukraine
For outdoor enthusiasts, Ukraine offers a wealth of hiking and biking opportunities. Here are some popular routes:
- Polonyna Runa hiking trail
- Crimean Mountains biking route
- Dniester Canyon hiking trail
- Hoverla mountain trek
Best Things to Do in Ukraine: Activities and Tours
There’s no shortage of activities to keep travelers entertained in Ukraine. Here are some of the best things to do:
- Visit a traditional Ukrainian banya (sauna)
- Take a boat tour of Kiev’s Dnieper River
- Attend a folk music festival
- Learn how to cook borscht
- Take a Chernobyl tour
Week-Long Itinerary for Ukraine
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Ukraine, here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Explore Kiev’s historical sites and museums.
- Day 4-5: Hike in the Carpathian Mountains.
- Day 6-7: Visit Lviv’s charming cafés and historic landmarks.
Food and Drink Scene of Ukraine
Ukrainian cuisine is rich and hearty, with influences from neighboring countries like Poland and Russia. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Borscht
- Varenyky (dumplings)
- Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage)
- Deruny (potato pancakes)
- Salo (cured pork fat)
Local Beverages
- Horilka (vodka)
- Kvas (fermented beverage made from bread)
- Kompot (fruit drink)
Where to Stay in Ukraine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of accommodation options for travelers in Ukraine. Here are some popular choices:
- Hilton Kyiv
- Lviv Central Jam Hostel
- Premier Palace Hotel in Kiev
- Senator Apartments Maidan in Kiev
- Generator Hostel Kiev
What to Buy in Ukraine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or gifts to bring home, here are some popular options:
- Ukrainian embroidery (vyshyvanka)
- Ceramics from Lviv
- Handmade dolls (motanka)
- Honey and bee products (propolis, royal jelly)
- Carpathian tea
Local Culture and Customs of Ukraine
Ukrainians pride themselves on their hospitality and family values. Here are some local customs to keep in mind when visiting Ukraine:
- Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
- Bring a small gift for your host (flowers, chocolates).
- Toasts and drinking are an important part of Ukrainian hospitality.
- Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic holidays are widely celebrated.
Best Time to Visit Ukraine
The best time to visit Ukraine is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and most tourist attractions are open. However, Ukraine’s winters are also magical, especially in the snowy Carpathian Mountains.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ukraine
Do:
- Learn a few basic Ukrainian phrases.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Try traditional Ukrainian dishes and beverages.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
Don’t:
- Wear shoes inside someone’s home.
- Express political opinions publicly.
- Ignore toasting traditions during meals.
Safety and Health
Safety in Ukraine
Ukraine is generally a safe country to visit. However, travelers should be aware of the following:
- Petty theft can occur in tourist areas.
- Political demonstrations can sometimes turn violent.
- The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine should be avoided.
Health in Ukraine
No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Ukraine. However, travelers should take the usual precautions when it comes to food and water safety.
Getting to Ukraine: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Ukraine
- Kiev Boryspil International Airport
- Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport
- Odessa International Airport
Bus Stations Near Ukraine
- Central Bus Station in Kiev
- Lviv Bus Station
- Odessa Bus Station
Other Options
- Train travel is a popular and convenient way to get around Ukraine.
- Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available in major cities.
How to Get Around in Ukraine
Public transportation in Ukraine is affordable and efficient. Here are some options for getting around:
- Metro (subway) in Kiev and Kharkiv
- Trams and trolleybuses in major cities
- Buses are faster and more comfortable than minibuses (marshrutky)
Where to Go Next from Ukraine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have extra time in Ukraine, here are some nearby destinations to consider:
- Romania’s painted monasteries
- Poland’s cities and castles
- Moldova’s wineries and monasteries
- Turkey’s Black Sea coast
Conclusion
Ukraine is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring its charming cities or breathtaking natural landscapes, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Ukraine. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your next adventure in this fascinating country.
Ukraine Image Gallery
![The northern part of Czarnohora (Eastern Carpathians), the highest mountains in Ukraine. The highest peak on the picture is Howerla (2061 m)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Czarnohora.jpg/100px-Czarnohora.jpg)
![Khotyn Fortress in the town of Khotyn, Ukraine](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/Chocim_stronghold_front.jpg/100px-Chocim_stronghold_front.jpg)
![Visa policy of Ukraine](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Visa_policy_of_Ukraine.png/100px-Visa_policy_of_Ukraine.png)
![Potemkin Stairs in Odesa which extend for 142 m. They were so well-designed that they create an optical illusion. A person looking down the stairs sees only the landings, and the steps are invisible, but a person looking up sees only steps, and the landings are invisible.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/Potemkinsche_treppe.jpg/100px-Potemkinsche_treppe.jpg)
![Borispol airport serves Kyiv](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Kiev_borispol_airport_terminal_f_-_panoramio_%283%29.jpg/100px-Kiev_borispol_airport_terminal_f_-_panoramio_%283%29.jpg)
![Intercity+ train Przemyśl-Kyiv at train station Przemyśl](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/2019-07-10_Intercity%2B_train_Przemy%C5%9Bl-Kyiv_at_train_station_Przemy%C5%9Bl_1.jpg/100px-2019-07-10_Intercity%2B_train_Przemy%C5%9Bl-Kyiv_at_train_station_Przemy%C5%9Bl_1.jpg)
![Entering Ukraine from Poland by car](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Krakivets_border_crossing.jpg/100px-Krakivets_border_crossing.jpg)
![View from a passenger train near Lozove, Western Ukraine](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%97%D0%B7%D0%B4_%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%B2%D1%96%D0%B2_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%96%D0%B6%D0%B6%D1%8F.jpg/100px-%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%97%D0%B7%D0%B4_%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%B2%D1%96%D0%B2_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%96%D0%B6%D0%B6%D1%8F.jpg)
![Marshrutka in Lviv](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/BAZ_2215_Delfin_in_Lviv%2C_Ukraine.jpg/100px-BAZ_2215_Delfin_in_Lviv%2C_Ukraine.jpg)
![Highway in the Carpatians](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Torunskiy_Pass_2012_01.jpg/100px-Torunskiy_Pass_2012_01.jpg)
![Stations on lines in the Kyiv metro; also transcribed into Roman letters](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Passenger_information%2C_Kiev_Metro_02.jpg/100px-Passenger_information%2C_Kiev_Metro_02.jpg)
![The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine, built in 1051.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/2005-08-15_Pechersk_Lavra_seen_from_river_Dnepr_Kiev_311_cropped.jpeg/100px-2005-08-15_Pechersk_Lavra_seen_from_river_Dnepr_Kiev_311_cropped.jpeg)
![Pelicans in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Pelicans.jpg/100px-Pelicans.jpg)
![Freedom Square, in Kharkiv. The third largest city-centre square in Europe.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Kharkov_Freedom_Square.jpg/100px-Kharkov_Freedom_Square.jpg)
![100 hryvnia note](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/100_Ukrainian_hryvnia_in_2014_Obverse.jpg/100px-100_Ukrainian_hryvnia_in_2014_Obverse.jpg)
![Holubtsi](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Holubtsi.jpg/100px-Holubtsi.jpg)
![Medovyk](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Medovik.jpg/100px-Medovik.jpg)
![Different Ukrainian horilkas](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Regal_mit_Wodka.jpg/100px-Regal_mit_Wodka.jpg)
![Ukrainian police in Kyiv](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Kyiv_Patrol_Police_Oath_Ceremony%2C_July_4%2C_2015_%2819220664689%29.jpg/100px-Kyiv_Patrol_Police_Oath_Ceremony%2C_July_4%2C_2015_%2819220664689%29.jpg)
![Pripyat next to the Chernobyl plant can actually be visited by tour](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/%D0%A6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%80_%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B0_%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BF%D1%8F%D1%82%D1%8C_%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B5_4_%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B0_%D0%A7%D0%90%D0%AD%D0%A1.jpg/100px-%D0%A6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%80_%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B0_%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BF%D1%8F%D1%82%D1%8C_%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B5_4_%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B0_%D0%A7%D0%90%D0%AD%D0%A1.jpg)