Although one of the biggest, Ukraine is less touristy and visited less often compared to many other countries in Europe. However, even when it is not hosting the soccer finals for the European Cup or conducting the Eurovision Song Contest, this nation is still proud and vibrant. Positioned near the Black Sea, the country is known for its wild forest, rugged beaches, and mountain plains. It also boasts a diverse culture and rich history of folk traditions. The region features several ski resorts, traditional villages, and modern bustling cities. Many of its villages have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join us on this scintillating tour of the best places to visit in Ukraine so that you can enjoy a memorable vacation.
1. Zhovkva
Zhovkva was founded in the 16th century. Located in Ukraine’s western end, the city offers choices for history buffs. It has many historical gems, such as Church of Saint Lawrence, an exemplary building characterized by a domed roof. Holy Trinity Church dates back to the 17th century and is made of wood. It was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another prominent attraction in the city is Zhovkva Castle that is now a cultural center.
Zhovkva
Address: Lviv Oblast, Ukraine
Website: Zhovkva
2. Ivano-Frankivsk (from USD 102.09)
Ivano-Frankivsk is a scenic town you must visit when you are in Ukraine. The tour lasts seven hours and will get you familiar with the complicated history of the place and will make you discover its present charm. You can climb City Hall’s panoramic tower and marvel at the beauty of your surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll on Independence Street and look at the masterpieces of blacksmiths. There are numerous cafes and eateries that serve mouthwatering local dishes. Visit designer and craftsmen stores to buy gifts for loved ones.
From Lviv: 1-Day Tour of Ivano-Frankivsk (Stanislaviv)
Duration: 7 hour
3. Uzhhorod
A tiny city in Ukraine, Uzhhorod lies close to the border of Slovakia and has been part of five different nations in the last century. You can have a feel of how its past looked like by exploring the central district, where classical Hungarian mansions along with Greek Catholic, Russian Catholic, and Orthodox churches co-exist. A vibrant hub in the Zakarpattia region, Uzhhorod can be easily accessed from some important cities in central Europe and is regarded as the gateway to the Carpathian Mountains.
Uzhhorod
Address: Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine
Website: Uzhhorod
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4. Zatoka
If you love the summer heat, visiting a Ukranian seaside can be great fun. Zatoka is a popular destination in the country although it is not much publicized. Around 60 km (37.28 mi) from Odessa, it is a great place to be in especially in summer, when the Black Sea is deliciously warm and temperatures soar. The place is a modern vacation spot yet still exemplifies a typical resort of a former Soviet nation.
Zatoka
Address: Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine
Website: Zatoka
5. Kharkiv (from USD 113.43)
Welcome to this charming sightseeing tour, which lasts for three hours and includes a professional guide’s service. You will get a chance to visit some of the top monuments of Kharkiv and know its history. You will get to see Annunciation Cathedral, Assumption Cathedral, and more. While visiting Mirror Stream Fountain, make a secret wish. The tour also includes a stopover at the city’s big Freedom Square.
Kharkiv: 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour with a Private Guide
Duration: 3 hour
6. Zolochiv
Located a 1.5-hour ride from Lviv, Zolochiv is best visited with a scheduled bus tour. The place is widely popular for Zolochiv Castle. It is a tribute to Queen Marie Casimiera who was married to King Jan Sobieski. The castle was a favorite of the king and his sweetheart. Surprisingly, the castle does not have even a single portrait of the queen.
Zolochiv
Address: Lviv Oblast, Ukraine
Website: Zolochiv
7. Lutsk
An old Slavic town in the country’s northwestern end, Lutsk has served as the capital of quite a few prominent kingdoms in the past—Lithuanian KIngdom, Halych-Volynia, Kingdom of Russian, Tatars, and Poland Empire—before it became capital of independent Ukraine. All these make this little town an interesting place to explore. Here you will find a mix of diverse architecture courtesy of its complex history. Lubart’s Castle is an important tourist attraction in this city.
Lutsk
Address: Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Website: Lutsk
8. Mukachevo
There are so many things for travelers to do in Mukachevo. The picturesque city features beautiful ancient mansions and a huge castle situated on a hilltop. Accessing the Carpathian Mountains from the city is so easy. The lovely Latorica River runs through Mukachevo, where the residents wash their clothes, swim, and even go fishing. People here are known for their warmth and welcoming nature. It is a nice city to visit while in Ukraine if you are looking for adventure.
Mukachevo
Address: Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine
Website: Mukachevo
9. Chernivtsi
A truly unique city in Ukraine, Chernivtsi is known for its mesmerizing architecture, among other attractions. This could be because the city belonged to the Habsburg & Moldova Empire in the past, imbuing it with multicultural elements, with minorities hailing from Germany, Armenia, Romania, and Moldova. There are several museums in the area, explaining the cultural diversity and the history of the place. However, National University is the main highlight of Chernivtsi. The structure is so enormous, it resemblances a castle. As the school happens to be huge, you will find that the local students form a significant portion of the population. There are several traditional and beautiful hostels and hotels catering to the needs of different kinds of travelers.
Chernivtsi
Address: Chernivtsi Oblast, Ukraine
Website: Chernivtsi
10. Odessa (from USD 90.58)
The “Pearl of the Black Sea,” Odessa is truly a gorgeous city. This guided tour will offer you an opportunity to explore the Ukrainian city, including Catharine II Square, the lovely Primorskiy Boulevard, and more. You will also be taken to Odessa Opera House and Potemkin steps that became famous after getting featured in the Eisenstein movie titled “Battleship Potemkin.” Take a stroll along Deribasovskaya Street and get acquainted with its rich history.
Odessa City Tour: Full-Day Explore
Duration: 6 hour
Enjoy a beautiful vacation in Ukraine
Not only is Ukraine a big country, but it also happens to be a safe place. As such, you can cover most of it very easily without any kind of fear or apprehension. We have handpicked some of the best places to see in Ukraine so that you know what should be on your bucket list and can plan your vacation well.
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