Eastern Ukraine Travel Guide

Explore the best attractions, places to stay, and local culture in Eastern Ukraine with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best time to visit, how to get around, and what to do during your stay.


If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel destination in Europe, Eastern Ukraine is a great option. This region is home to a variety of natural and cultural attractions, from scenic mountain ranges to historic cities and museums.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay during your trip to Eastern Ukraine. Additionally, we’ll provide information on the local culture and customs, as well as logistics such as transportation options and safety considerations.

Introduction to Eastern Ukraine

Eastern Ukraine is situated in the eastern part of Ukraine, which is located in Eastern Europe. This region is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Carpathian Mountains in the west to the steppes and plains in the east.

Eastern Ukraine has a number of important cities, including Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk. These cities are centers of industry, commerce, and education, and offer visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Ukraine

If you’re planning a trip to Eastern Ukraine, make sure to include these destinations on your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kharkiv Historical Museum: This museum features exhibits on the history of the city of Kharkiv, including its role in the Ukrainian Revolution.
  • Donetsk Regional Museum: This museum showcases the art, culture, and history of Donetsk and its surrounding area.
  • Luhansk Regional Art Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of Ukrainian and Russian art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Natural Attractions of Eastern Ukraine: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Carpathian Mountains: This stunning mountain range offers visitors the chance to hike, ski, and explore the region’s unique flora and fauna.
  • Dnipro River: The Dnipro River is the fourth-longest river in Europe, and offers visitors the chance to explore the region by boat or kayak.
  • Azov Sea: This shallow sea is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Ukraine

For outdoor enthusiasts, Eastern Ukraine has a number of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the region’s natural beauty. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Trail of Ivan Mazepa: This hiking trail follows the path of the famous Ukrainian military leader, offering visitors the chance to learn about the country’s history while enjoying the scenic views.
  • Carpathian Eco Trail: This hiking trail showcases the region’s unique flora and fauna, including rare species of plants and animals.
  • Donetsk-Kryvyi Rih Biking Route: This biking route connects two industrial cities and offers visitors the chance to explore the region’s vibrant culture and history.

Best Things to Do in Eastern Ukraine: Activities and Tours

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Eastern Ukraine offers visitors a variety of activities and tours to enjoy. Some popular options include:

  • Chernihiv Tour: This tour takes visitors to the historic city of Chernihiv, known for its churches, museums, and cultural events.
  • Lviv Chocolate Tour: This tour takes visitors to a number of artisanal chocolate shops, where they can sample some of Ukraine’s finest chocolates.
  • Kyiv Pub Crawl: This tour takes visitors to some of the best bars and pubs in the city of Kyiv, offering a fun night out on the town.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Ukraine

To make the most of your trip to Eastern Ukraine, consider following this week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kharkiv and visit the Kharkiv Historical Museum. Day 2: Explore the Carpathian Mountains and go hiking or skiing. Day 3: Take a boat tour along the Dnipro River and enjoy the scenic views. Day 4: Visit the Donetsk Regional Museum and Luhansk Regional Art Museum. Day 5: Go on a Chernihiv Tour and visit the historic churches and museums. Day 6: Take a Kyiv Pub Crawl and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. Day 7: Relax on the beaches of the Azov Sea before departing.

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Ukraine

Eastern Ukraine has a rich culinary tradition, with a variety of delicious dishes and local beverages to try. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Varenyky: A type of Ukrainian dumpling, usually filled with mashed potatoes or cottage cheese.
  • Borsch: A hearty soup made with beets, potatoes, and meat.
  • Salo: A type of cured pork fat that is often served with bread and pickles.

Local Beverages

  • Horilka: A type of Ukrainian vodka that is often flavored with herbs or spices.
  • Kvas: A fermented drink made from black or rye bread.
  • Uzvar: A sweet beverage made from dried fruits, often served cold in the summer.

Where to Stay in Eastern Ukraine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Ukraine has a variety of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some top options include:

  • Kharkiv Palace Hotel: This five-star hotel is located in the heart of Kharkiv and offers guests luxurious rooms and amenities.
  • Podillya Hotel: This hotel is located in the historic city of Chernihiv and offers guests comfortable rooms and a central location.
  • Ukraine Hotel: This hotel is located in the city of Donetsk and offers guests a variety of amenities, including a restaurant and bar.

What to Buy in Eastern Ukraine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to bring home a piece of Eastern Ukraine, consider purchasing some of these local products and souvenirs:

  • Embroidered clothes: Ukraine is known for its brightly colored embroidered clothing, which makes a great souvenir or gift.
  • Ukrainian ceramics: Ukraine has a rich tradition of pottery, with many unique styles and designs available for purchase.
  • Petrykivka painting: A type of decorative painting from the Dnipropetrovsk region, often featuring bright colors and flower motifs.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Ukraine

Eastern Ukraine has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of unique traditions and customs. Some important things to keep in mind while visiting include:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or attending formal events.
  • Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home.
  • Be respectful of elderly people and those in positions of authority.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Ukraine

The best time to visit Eastern Ukraine depends on your preferences and interests. The summer months (June-August) are the most popular and offer warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. However, if you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting in the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October).

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Ukraine

While visiting Eastern Ukraine, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

  • Learn some basic Ukrainian phrases before traveling to the region.
  • Try local cuisine and products.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Take pictures of people or objects without permission.
  • Discuss sensitive political topics or events.
  • Engage in any illegal activities.

Safety and Health

While visiting Eastern Ukraine, it’s important to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and health.

Safety in Eastern Ukraine

The region has dealt with some political instability in recent years, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on any developments and avoid any areas that are considered unsafe. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings and avoid flashing expensive items or cash.

Health in Eastern Ukraine

Make sure you have up-to-date vaccinations before visiting Eastern Ukraine. Additionally, keep in mind that the tap water may not be safe to drink and should be avoided.

Getting to Eastern Ukraine: Transportation Options and Logistics

Eastern Ukraine is easily accessible by air, train, or bus. Some top options for getting to the region include:

Airports Near Eastern Ukraine

  • Kharkiv International Airport
  • Donetsk International Airport
  • Dnipropetrovsk International Airport

Bus Stations Near Eastern Ukraine

  • Kyiv Bus Station
  • Lviv Bus Station
  • Odesa Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: Ukraine has an extensive rail network, which can be a cost-effective and convenient option for getting around the country.
  • Car rental: Renting a car can be a good option for exploring Eastern Ukraine, but be aware that driving can be challenging in some areas.

How to Get Around in Eastern Ukraine

Eastern Ukraine has a variety of transportation options for travelers, including buses, trains, and taxis. Additionally, if you want to explore the region at your own pace, consider renting a car.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Ukraine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to continue your travels after exploring Eastern Ukraine, consider visiting some of these nearby destinations:

  • Belarus: This neighboring country has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its beautiful countryside and historic cities.
  • Russia: Just a short distance from Eastern Ukraine, Russia offers visitors a chance to explore some of the world’s most famous landmarks and attractions.
  • Moldova: This small country is known for its wine production, as well as its rich cultural heritage and friendly people.

Conclusion

Eastern Ukraine is a unique and incredible destination, with a rich cultural history, stunning natural beauty, and plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in hiking, museums, or local cuisine, Eastern Ukraine has something for everyone. So pack your bags, learn a few Ukrainian phrases, and get ready to explore this fascinating region.

Holy Mountains Monastery (complex of the architecture monuments of national significance). Sviatohirsk, Donetsk Oblast Holy Mountains Monastery (complex of the architecture monuments of national significance). Sviatohirsk, Donetsk Oblast


    Berdyansk
    Dnipro
    Donetsk Oblast
    Henichesk
    Kharkiv
    Luhansk Oblast
    Melitopol
    Zaporizhzhia