Ukraine has been a major part of history that has endured through several different empires. As an expansive, landlocked Eastern European country, it has many different types of cities and landscapes to explore.
It’s also a wonderful country that currently epitomises the tenacity of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
We’ll have a look at some of the best places to visit in Ukraine at moment and why you should visit them, despite what the media says. We’ll also address some misconceptions about this amazing country and answer these questions –
⭐ Is it safe to visit Ukraine now?
⭐ What language is spoken in Ukraine?
⭐ Where is the most beautiful city in Ukraine?
⭐ Where is Lviv Ukraine?
⭐ Where is Kyiv Ukraine?
⭐ Where is Chernivtsi Ukraine?
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Is it Safe to Visit Ukraine Now?
I’m sure you’re aware by now of the ongoing issues in Ukraine.
When I told people that I was visiting Ukraine, the reactions were mostly shock. Followed by the inevitable question, “Isn’t it dangerous?”
Of course, my answer would be totally subjective, so let’s think about it this way..
There are millions of people living in Ukraine that aren’t dying every day, so if it’s safe enough for them, it must be safe enough for visitors.
Also, I’m here writing this now, so maybe it’s a bit safer than people have been led to believe.
Plus I wanted to find out what was really happening because I believe about 10% of what the media says 90% of the time.
3 Beautiful Places to Visit in Ukraine – Lviv, Kyiv and Chernivtsi
If you ask Uncle Google ‘where is the most beautiful city in Ukraine?’, you are guaranteed to see Kyiv, Lviv and Chernivtsi in the results. And rightfully so.
They are all beautiful places to visit in Ukraine that are easily accessible via the country’s extensive and cheap transport network.
Let’s have a look at what makes these places so unique and what each of them has to offer visitors.
An Introduction to Lviv – Places to Visit in Ukraine
If you’re coming by road from Poland, (you can find cheap fares with Flixbus), then Lviv will be the first major city you’ll encounter. So you might want to know –
→→ Where is Lviv Ukraine?
→→ What is the population of Lviv Ukraine?
→→ What are some Lviv Ukraine points of interest?
→→ How can I get around in Lviv Ukraine?
→→ Why should I visit Lviv Ukraine?
Where is Lviv Ukraine?
You may be wondering, where is Lviv located in Ukraine?
It’s in the northwestern region of Ukraine about 60 kilometres from the Polish border.
Lviv Ukraine is considered to be a centre for Ukrainian culture.
What is the Population of Lviv Ukraine
The population of Lviv Ukraine is around 720,000, making it the largest city in Western Ukraine and the sixth largest in the country.
That’s pretty small by international standards, which gives it a bit of a homely feel.
That also means that you’re very unlikely to encounter crowds there.
Exploring Lviv Ukraine Points of Interest
Lviv feels very safe and welcoming. It’s also fairly walkable. Some Lviv Ukraine points of interest include –
⭐ Lviv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre
⭐ High Castle Park
⭐ Churches
Lively and Lovely Lviv
It’s lovely and lively, with a lot to see and signposts everywhere to lead you to those things.
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever come across such a well signposted city in any of the hundreds I’ve visited so far.
It would be pretty hard to get lost there!
The Ensemble of the Historic Centre of Lviv Ukraine
The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Lviv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre.
It has been recognised for its well-preserved medieval urban topography, even where more modern buildings have been added.
High Castle Park
This park deserves at least a day of your time. It stretches over several city blocks and has so many things to see and do.
Within the park, there are ruins of the historic High Castle, restaurants, walking trails, lookouts, statues and monuments.
As High Castle Park is over 400 metres above the city, it also offers a great view.
Churches in the City
The city of Lviv Ukraine has many different types of churches for you to discover.
They come in a range of sizes and architectural styles including, amongst others, medieval, baroque and orthodox.
How Can I Get Around in Lviv Ukraine?
Seeing as the city is so well signposted, it’s easily walkable, if you’re the energetic type.
If you’re not so energetic, there’s a comprehensive network of buses, trams and trolley buses running through the city. You can ride one for 15 UAH.
Information on trams and trolley buses in the city can be found at Lviv Electro Trans.
Why Should I Visit Lviv Ukraine?
It’s small. It’s beautiful. Food is cheap and delicious.
It has a comprehensive and cheap transport network including buses, trolley buses and trams.
Locals are approachable and generally speak decent English.
An Introduction to Kyiv – Places to Visit in Ukraine
Even if you’ve never been to Kyiv before, you’ve almost definitely heard the name and probably know that it is one of the most popular places to visit in Ukraine.
→→ Where is Kyiv Ukraine?
→→ Is it Kiev or Kyiv?
→→ How many people live in Kyiv Ukraine?
→→ What are some things to do in Kyiv?
→→ How can I get around in Kyiv Ukraine?
→→ Why should I visit Kyiv?
Where is Kyiv?
So if you’re wondering, where is Kyiv located in Ukraine, it is in the Northern Central region.
It was the Kyivan Rus’ capital from the 9th to 13th centuries, which made it a major commercial stop on the road to Constantinople, or modern day Istanbul
Is it Kiev or Kyiv?
Kiev comes from the old Russian transliteration of Cyrillic into English, whereas Kyiv comes from the Ukrainian transliteration.
Of course, you can guess which one is preferred.
In fact, Ukraine started a CorrectUA campaign in 2018 that included the hashtag #KyivNotKiev.
The Campaign saw a resurgence in 2020, due to the Russian attacks on Ukraine.
How Many People Live in Kyiv?
As the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv is the most populous city in the country with a nearly 3 million people calling it home.
It is also the seventh largest city, by population, in Europe.
Over 70% of Kyiv residents identify as Eastern Orthodox Christians, which means you can expect to see a lot of churches in the city!
What Are Some Things to Do in Kyiv
Of course, there are many things to do in Kyiv. We’ve just gone with the highlights here. All of the sights mentioned here are close to each other and could keep you occupied for several days.
⭐ Independence Square
⭐ City Parks
⭐ Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve
⭐ Churches
Independence Square
Kyiv’s Independencce Square, which is also known by the Ukrainian name, Maidan Nezalezhnosti, is home to the Independence Monument.
This monument, which towers 60 metres above the square, stands on the pedestal of a Baroque Christian temple and has a statue of Berehynia standing on top it.
The Monument is certainly a sight to behold and makes the Square one of the more interesting things to do in Kyiv.
City Parks
My oh my does Kyiv have a lot of green, (or white in winter), spaces!
In fact, you could easily walk several kilometres while hopping from park to park.
If you walk toward the Dneiper River from Independence Square, you’ll find Volodymyr Hill Park.
If you keep walking from there, with the river on your left, you’ll pass through Mariinsky Park, Dante Park, Navodnitsky Park, Eternal Glory Park and Perchersk Landscape Park.
These parks are full of views, museums, churches, monuments and towers of cultural significance.
In fact, after walking through Eternal Glory Park you’ll come across the UNESCO listed Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve.
Kyiv-Perchersk Historical and Cultural Preserve
From an historical point of view, The Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve complex is a must-see.
You could easily fill a whole day exploring the complex. It’s massive and contains many architecturally significant buildings.
There are churches, cathedrals, bell towers, fortified walls and even caves in the complex.
Churches
You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the aesthetics of a good church.
Luckily, you won’t have to go far in the Ukrainian capital to find examples of beautiful churches and cathedrals.
Almost all of the above-mentioned parks have places of worship, like orthodox style cathedrals and churches, in or near them.
How Can I Get Around in Kyiv Ukraine?
The transport in Kyiv is excellent. The Kyiv Metro is reliable, but with only three lines, the network doesn’t offer wide coverage of the city.
That’s not a problem, because Kyiv also has the largest trolley bus network in the world in addition to urban bus and tram networks, operated by Kyiv Pastrans. Tickets cost around 8 UAH.
Now, all of the things to do in Kyiv that have been mentioned here are within walking distance of each other. That means that if you are staying in or near the Pecherskyi District of Kyiv, you won’t need transport, but there are also electric scooters for hire in the area.
Why Should I Visit Kyiv?
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Kyiv! Transport and food are cheap. People are friendly and helpful.
Even soldiers in the streets are willing to assist you in any way they can, before wishing you a good day.
If the above information and pictures haven’t convinced you that you need to visit this wonderful, historic city, then I don’t know what will!
An Introduction to Chernivtsi – Places to Visit in Ukraine
→→ Where is Chernivtsi Ukraine?
→→ What is the population of Chernivtsi Ukraine?
→→ What are some things to do in Chernivsti?
→→ How can I get around in Chernivtsi Ukraine?
→→ Why should I visit Chernivtsi Ukraine?
Where is Chernivtsi Ukraine?
Chernivtsi is in the southwest of Ukraine, on the Prut River.
It also forms the northern part of the Bukovina region, which is spread between Romania and Ukraine.
It has been dubbed ‘Little Vienna’ due to its distinctly European architecture.
Many Ukrainian movies based in Western Europe have been filmed there.
What is the population of Chernivtsi Ukraine?
Chernivtsi is even smaller than Lviv, with only around 240,000 people living there.
It is the former capital of the Bukovina region and has been inhabited since the neolithic age.
What are Some Things to Do in Chernivtsi?
Even though it’s only a small city, there are still many things to do in Chernivtsi –
⭐ Admire the Architecture
⭐ Cafe culture
⭐ Parks and green spaces
⭐ Cathedrals and Churches
Admire the Architecture of Charming Chernivtsi
Chernivtsi has some interesting architecture.
You might find that just walking around admiring the buildings and their colours is one of the most compelling things to do in Chernivtsi.
What’s fascinating about Chernivtsi is that it has several cobbled streets, which are not really something that is seen in other Ukrainian cities.
You could be forgiven for thinking that you have somehow been teleported to a western European city.
Experience the Cafe Culture
One of the most surprising things to do in Chernivtsi is experience the cafe culture.
Yes! It has a cafe culture.
So not only does the city look like a western European city, It has also taken on some western European culture as well.
Visit Some Parks
There are a few parks to explore along the main road of Chernivtsi.
The biggest one, Central Park, stretches over four city blocks and has a funfair, cafes, monuments and a botanical garden.
There are several other small green spaces that pop up near intersections, with small, manicured gardens and monuments.
Cathedrals and Churches
Near the Cathedral Plaza bus stop on Chernivtsi’s main road, Holovna Street, you’ll find one of the town’s most beautiful churches across the road from a park.
But why stop there?
It’s not hard to find different styles of churches around the charming city of Chernivtsi.
How Can I Get Around in Chernivtsi Ukraine?
As Chernivtsi is much smaller than the other Ukrainian cities mentioned here, it’s quite walkable.
Just like other Ukrainian cities, it has a comprehensive network of buses and trolley buses. They cost 8 UAH a ride.
Why should I visit Chernivtsi Ukraine?
Chernivtsi is unlike any other Ukrainian city.
There are many western European style cafes to be found around town, where you can buy food and drinks at half the price of cafes in Western Europe.
Just like in other Ukrainian cities, people are helpful and friendly.
Art in Ukraine
You might be surprised to know that art is alive and well in all Ukrainian cities.
Residential and commercial buildings are often the canvas of choice.
The best part is that you don’t even have to be actively looking for it.
How to Get Between These Beautiful Places to Visit in Ukraine
Transport within Ukraine is comprehensive and cheap. It is easy to use, even if you don’t speak Ukrainian.
Below we’ll outline –
→→ How to get to Lviv Ukraine from Poland
→→ How to get from Lviv to Kyiv
→→ How to get From Kyiv to Chernivtsi
→→ How to get From Chernivtsi to Moldova
How to Get to Lviv Ukraine from Poland
There are many services running from Polish cities to Lviv. You can have a look on Trainline if you want to see train and bus options –
I booked my bus ticket, from Bialystock to Lviv, online through Flixbus.
Lviv to Kyiv
It’s easy to get from Lviv to Kyiv on a Ukrainian Railways overnight train.
You can purchase your Lviv to Kyiv train ticket at the Lviv Train Station for 228 UAH.
It seems to be possible to purchase the ticket right up until the train leaves if there are still seats available.
Transport from Kyiv to Chernivtsi
It’s easy to get the train from Kiev to Chernivtsi. The overnight train costs 228 Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) and you can purchase tickets online or at the Kyiv Train Station.
The Kyiv Train station is a big confusing place, even if you can read Cyrillic. I bought my ticket from a window that was supposed to be for enquiries.
My enquiry was, “Where can I buy a ticket from Kyiv to Chernivtsi?”, but the lovely lady didn’t really understand English and just sold me the ticket.
Transport from Chernivtsi to Chisinau Moldova
There is currently no train from Chernivtsi to Moldova, but there are 3 bus departures each day.
Unfortunately, the Chernivsti to Chisinau buses are quite a bit more expensive than the trains because they are run by private companies. You’ll be looking at 880 UAH for a ticket.
Chernivtsi to Chisinau bus tickets can be booked online or bought at the Central Bus Station Chernivtsi (Центральний Автовокзал Чернівці).
There are also departures from Chernivtsi to Poland, but frequency has been greatly reduced since Ukrainian males under the age of 60 have been banned from leaving the country, in case they are needed to defend it.
Just a Quick Recap
⭐ Is it safe to visit Ukraine now?
Yes, it’s safe enough to travel around without fear.
⭐ What language is spoken in Ukraine?
Ukrainian officially, but many locals know at least basic English.
⭐ Where is the most beautiful city in Ukraine?
We’ve shown you three of the most beautiful places to visit in Ukraine, so you can decide :o)
⭐ Where is Lviv Ukraine?
In the northwest of the country near the polish border.
⭐ Where is Kyiv Ukraine?
In the central north of the country.
⭐ Where is Chernivtsi Ukraine?
In the southwestern region of Bukovina.
What do you think of these beautiful places to visit in Ukraine? Are you ready to start planning your trip?