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24 Jan. 2024

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Best places to visit in Ukraine: what to see for first-time travelers

Travel
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For foreigners in UA
Ukraine
Best places to visit in Ukraine: what to see for first-time travelers

Ukraine is a European country, but many people don't know what exactly is attractive and unusual to find here. Find out about the best places to visit if you are planning a trip to Ukraine

The largest database of safe tours in Ukraine with English-speaking guides
The largest database of safe tours in Ukraine with English-speaking guides
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Ukraine is a country with a very long history and rich culture, but for most people in the world it remains mysterious and unexplored, because unfortunately, before the tragic events on its territory, people might not even have known that Ukraine existed as an independent and in some ways unique state.


However, despite the war, a considerable number of foreigners come to Ukraine to see the country with their own eyes and get to know its culture and history personally. Here are the top places to go and things to see if you are planning to visit Ukraine in the near future.


Kyiv


Kyiv is not only the capital of Ukraine, but also an ancient city that hides an unknown number of secrets. And it can rightfully be called the most underrated capital of Europe.


Here you will find both incredible monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as St. Sophia Cathedral and the Pechersk Lavra, and unique places that will help you better understand the history of Ukraine, such as the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II and the Motherland Monument.




In Kyiv, you should also visit the city center - Independence Square - and walk along Khreshchatyk, the shortest and widest main street in Europe. And for those who want to see Kyiv from a different angle, we recommend visiting St. Andrew's Descent, Trukhaniv Island, and Podil. 




You can see these and many other cultural sights by booking an individual tour of ancient Kyiv with a professional guide who will not only take you to all the sights, but also help you understand Ukrainian history.


Lviv


Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe and at the same time one of the most important cultural centers of Ukraine. It is also the Ukrainian capital of coffee with a unique atmosphere that is literally in the air as soon as you step onto the streets. The uniqueness of Lviv is hard to convey in a text, and it will be difficult to describe all the places worth visiting here, because it is a multifaceted city that hides an incredible number of interesting things and secrets.


Among the most prominent places: Opera House, Potocki Palace, Rynok Square, Town Hall, Black House, Assumption Church, House of Scientists, and High Castle. However, this is only a small part of what is worth seeing in Lviv, because a lot of secrets are hidden not among the city's cultural attractions, but in places like the legendary Pid Synyi Blykoyi Plykoyi (Under the Blue Bottle) coffee shop.



Photo: The Washington Post


You can see Lviv from all sides and enjoy its unique atmosphere as part of an individual city tour, which includes a transfer from Warsaw.


Odesa


Odesa is, of course, the sea pearl of Ukraine, which is worth every minute spent here. This city has a unique history and character, and to understand it, you often need to look not at the main attractions, but at what the streets and courtyards of Odesa hide.


Of course, if you come to Odesa, you should visit the Opera House - the second largest in the world after La Scala in Milan - Deribasovskaya Street, the Passage, and the Potemkin Stairs. However, you will feel no less delighted if you visit MoldovankaPrivoz, or the Odesa catacombs.




If you want to truly fall in love with Odesa and its architecture, don't hesitate to go on a tour with Architectural Odesa with our professional guides. And let us tell you a secret that the description of this tour is unlikely to leave you indifferent.




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Chernivtsi


This city will definitely surprise you, because it is here that the European atmosphere and Ukrainian culture are harmoniously intertwined. At the same time, it is a multicultural city, as representatives of different nationalities have lived here at different times. Chernivtsi is often called a small Vienna, and for good reason, because the unique architecture of the city can fascinate everyone.



Photo: sergiystepanenko


So, if you visit Chernivtsi, here are the top places that you should definitely see with your own eyes: Chernivtsi National University, Theater Square, Olga Kobylianska Street, Turkish Well Square, and the House of the Ship.


Carpathians


The Ukrainian Carpathians are, without exaggeration, the soul of Ukraine, and not only because you can see and feel the power and majesty of Ukrainian nature, but also because the largest number of ancient Ukrainian traditions have been preserved in this area. So, if you want to see the original Ukraine, you should go to the Carpathians. 




Yaremche, Verkhovyna, Bukovel, Vorokhta, Kosiv, Rakhiv, Dragobrat, Slavske, as well as Polonyny, Synevyr, Hoverla, Shipit, and Nesamovyte are locations that are unlikely to leave you indifferent. We are convinced that you will want to come back here again and again. The peculiarity of this area is that you can go on both an active vacation with mountain climbing and a relaxation tour with bathing in thermal springs and tastings.




And you can complement your trip with interesting excursions that will reveal the uniqueness of the Ukrainian people and local traditions. You can choose locations for your vacation in the Carpathians here.


And if you want to see as many locations as possible in one trip and learn more fascinating facts about Ukraine, we recommend that you choose an individual tour across Ukraine. Together with a professional guide, you will be able to see Lviv, Kyiv and the de-occupied cities of the Kyiv region, Odesa, Mykolaiv, and many other interesting places. At the same time, you can personally coordinate your trip plan with the manager, changing any part of it or adding the desired locations to the route.


Is it safe to travel to Ukraine now?


The fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, but the rest of the country is still under the threat of missile attacks. Therefore, when planning a trip to Ukraine, tourists should definitely familiarize themselves with the safety rules that will help them prepare for the trip and be prepared for unforeseen situations.


In order to make visiting Ukraine safe, tourists should consciously approach the risks and strictly follow all travel recommendations. Among the most important tips we can give you are:


1. Always respond to air raid alerts! If the danger is declared in the region where you are staying, immediately go to the nearest shelter and stay there until the threat is over.

2. Take care of reliable insurance for traveling in Ukraine. On our website, you can take out an insurance policy covering military risks.

3. Observe the restrictions imposed in connection with the introduction of martial law in the country: curfews, a ban on photographing military personnel and military facilities, rules of conduct at checkpoints, etc.


Read more about safety rules while traveling in Ukraine here.


Responsible attitude to prohibitions and restrictions is the key to your safety. Therefore, in order to make your trip to Ukraine comfortable and leave only positive impressions, strictly follow all the recommendations and do not expose yourself to unjustified risks.


If you have any questions about traveling to Ukraine during the war, please contact the Visit Ukraine hotline.


We wish you a safe trip!


We remind you! Ukraine is always happy to welcome foreign visitors and its borders remain open to tourists despite the war. Read more about how to come to Ukraine and what you need to do in our previous article.


Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.




We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 


Visit Ukraine Insurance – safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);

Visit Ukraine Legal advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.




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