Ukraine is a big country. One of the biggest in Europe, in fact. And it has many interesting destinations, including cities with long history and fantastic sights. Today I want to cover 5 fascinating places to visit in Ukraine.

First of all: where is the Ukraine?

Secondly: Is is safe to travel to Ukraine?

You know, we have a conflict in the Eastern part. That’s a hotspot right now, so it is recommended not to travel to the Eastern part of Ukraine, especially to Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

But look, Kiev is 743 km away from Donetsk and Lviv is 1,278 km away. So it is absolutely safe to visit those parts. And I tell you this because I myself live in Kiev.

Let’s now get to the exciting part, – TOP 5 of places to visit in Ukraine!

1. Lviv

Known as the “Heart of Ukraine” and “Cradle of Ukrainian Culture”, Lviv is a perfect destination in Ukraine. It is situated close to the border with EU and has good transport connection with the European cities. Also it can offer narrow cobbled streets of Old Town included in UNESCO World Heritage List, beautiful mix of Western and Eastern culture and architecture, amazing atmosphere and lots of festivals.

What to see in Lviv:

• Rynok square
• Lviv Opera House
• The Chapel of the Boim Family
• Bernardine Church
• Stairs in the House of Scientist (Lystopadovogo Chynu, 6 street)

2. Kiev

The vibrant and unique capital of Ukraine. City that is full of epic sceneries and hidden wonders. Having more than thousand years of history Kyiv has a lot to impress with ranging from imposing churches, narrow streets and cosy alleys to grandiose prospects, amazing views of Dnipro river and powerful rhythm of the heart of Ukraine.

What to see in Kiev:

• Saint Sophia’s Cathedral (UNESCO)
• Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (UNESCO)
• Red building of Kyiv National University
• Art Nouveau “House with Chimaeras”
• Saint Andrew’s Church 

3. Odessa

Major Ukrainian port city, a sea resort and a cultural treasure, Odessa is definitely a city to put to your must-see list. Third biggest city in Ukraine, historical porto franco  (free port), it is full of interesting experiences, cool beaches and amazing nightlife.

What to see in Odessa:

• Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater
• Primorsky Boulevard
• Potemkin Stairs
• Langeron Beach
• Odessa Art Museum

4. Chernivtsi

Multicultural city in the Western Ukraine often labelled as “Little Vienna” and “Jerusalem upon the Prut” which is the main competitor of Lviv for the role of the heart of Western Ukraine. Visit it for Austro-Hungarian architecture and magnificent building of Chernivtsi University which is included in UNESCO World Heritage list.

What to see in Chernivtsi:

• Chernivtsi National University building (UNESCO)
• Central square
• Secession style buildings
• Art museum of Chernivtsi
• “Ship-like house” (Holovna St, 25)

5. Uzhgorod

Small, picturesque city in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine. Stands on the border with Slovakia and thus easily accessible from Central Europe. Has everything a decent historic town should have: a castle in the city centre, variety of churches and charming narrow streets. One of the most original and lesser known places to visit in Ukraine.

What to see in Uzhgorod:

• Uzhgorod Castle
• 11th-century Rotunda in Horiany
• Holy Cross Cathedral
• Uzhgorod Synagogue turned to Philarmonic
• Korzo Street

Be sure to check my Getting to Ukraine on a budget: practical guide!

Thank you for reading!

Follow me on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/de_weg_/

Like Svitforyou FACEBOOK page: https://www.facebook.com/svitforyou/

Follow me on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/de_weg_

Photo Attributions:

By Юрій Крилівець (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons