Guide to Traveling in Ukraine

Ukraine is becoming increasingly popular travel destination for tourists all over the world. Ancient history, variety of architectural styles, beautiful nature, cosy and tourist-friendly cities, rich cuisine and, of course, hospitable people make the country so attractive for tourism.

Below you can find the overview of popular travel destinations and key tourist cities in Ukraine.

Kiev

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Kiev is a capital of Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. It was founded around V century and became the capital of powerful state Kyivan Rus – center of Slavic culture. Modern Kiev is a bright, green and cozy city with lots of historical buildings and picturesque landscapes. It is located on 7 hills that is very suitable for city observations. You can enjoy the beautiful views of banks of the Dnipro river and numerous bridges. The city is decorated with hundreds of chestnuts that are considered as the city symbol.
If you are planning your trip to Kiev, do not miss Top Must-visit Places:

  • Khreshchatyk – the main street in Kiev 1.3 km. in length where Kiev City Council, Kiev State Administration and Ukrainian house are located.During weekends and public holidays Khreshchatyk is closed for road traffic and is good place to walk and participate in various entertainments. There are a lot of stores, cafés, and restaurants where you can try Ukrainian and foreign cuisine down the street.

  • Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) is the central square, located on Khreshchatyk Street. At the heart of the square there are two monuments of city protectors: Kyiv Michael Archangel and a column with a monument to Berehynia on the top (Independence monument). Maidan is the symbol of political life in Ukraine and the place for protest campaigns.

  • The Golden Gates of Kiev was one of the three entrances to the city and the main gate in the XI-th-century fortifications of Kiev.

  • Being in Kiev you can often see the golden domes of Ukraine’s churches. The Saint Sophia Cathedral, Cyril’s Monastery and Kiev Pechersk Lavra are the most famous historical architectural complexes of Kyivan Rus’ inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew’s Descent) is the favorite place for the majority of Kiev tourists where you can buy handmade souvenirs in the great variety of shops, visit art galleries, cafés and Ukrainian restaurants. The street is moving downward between two hills and is quite steep, so wear comfortable shoes while going there. There is the Saint Andrew’s Church (XIII century) on the top of Andriyivsky Descent performed in royal Baroque style.

  • Mariyinsky Park is one of the best places for walking, located in the heart of the city on the bank of the Dnipro River. The pearl of the park is Mariyinsky Palace, built in Baroque style. It has a political purpose of hosting meetings, official ceremonies and is open for visitors.

  • Kiev Glory Park with a huge monumental statue of Mother Motherland as a part of the Museum of The History of Ukraine in World War II.

    • Evening Kiev can offer you numerous cultural events. Theaters, opera houses and concert halls amuse visitors with interesting repertoire and exciting programs. Kiev nightlife is represented by a great variety of clubs (work till 6 a.m) and 24-hour open restaurants and bars that attract more and more tourists throughout the year. So Kiev never sleeps!

    Being in the capital of Ukraine, try traditional Kiev dishes (Kiev chicken cutlets and Kiev cake), have an evening boat trip along the Dnipro river with glass of champagne (start point: near Poshtova square), walk in spacious and elegant central streets and you will fall in love with Kiev forever!

    Lviv

    Lviv is a city in the Western part of Ukraine founded in the 13th century and named in honor of Leo, the eldest son of Rus’ King Daniel of Galicia. There are more than four thousand lion sculptures in Lviv and therefore the city is also called the city of Lions. Each lion sculpture has its own history and symbolism.

    In the Middle Ages, Lviv was the capital of Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia and a famous trading center. During the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries, the city was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the Dissolution treaties in 1919-1920, it became a capital of the West Ukrainian People’s Republic. Lviv’s rich history is reflected in the rich architecture and authentic spirit of the city.

    Lviv is a truly European city with winding cozy streets and a lot of places to visit. Get acquainted with the most interesting places in Lviv:

  • Vysokyi Zamok (High Castle) is a popular place to observe the sunset, see ruins of the old castle, walk in old shady High Castle Park or just take pictures with the view of all the city. In ancient times there was the Prince Castle here situated on the highest hill of Lviv (about 400 meters above sea level).

  • Lviv town hall (19th century) where town administration is located. There is a great sightseeing platform on the top of the town hall where all tourists can see Lviv in full panoramic view.

  • Rynok Square (13th century) is the central square of the city and has been the main hub for public and cultural commercial life since ancient times.

  • Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet (19th century) was built in Renaissance and Baroque architecture style. You can see various ballet and opera shows there for the incredibly low price (ticket costs up to 12 US Dollars). Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet is the host venue for the recently revived Vienna Balls.

  • The set of religious monuments: The Dominican church, St. George’s Cathedral (8th century), The Church of Sts. Olha and Elizabeth, The Jesuit Church (17th century) dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul.

  • Lychakiv Cemetery is a State History and Culture Museum-Preserve. Many outstanding Ukrainian and Polish personalities are buried here.

    • Due to numerous changes in regulations and borders in the Western part of Ukraine, local Ukrainian cuisine was flavored by classic Viennese, Polish and Hungarian (spices) cooking traditions. One of the most outstanding dishes is Banosh, prepared with corn flour and sour cream seasoned with bacon, mushrooms and farmer’s white cheese. It is worth trying local Borsch, Deruny, Kruchenyky, Golubtsi, Nalysnyky and many other Ukrainian dishes. There are many local breweries where you can try famous local beer. You will be pleasantly impressed by the great variety of choice and low prices in Lviv restaurants.

    Lviv is the city of coffee. Numerous coffee shops and cafes offer this delicious beverage with hand-made chocolates and local sweets.

    The touristic infrastructure is well-organized here: there are many hotels, cafes, restaurants, and free WI-Fi zones in the city center. Frequent festivals and cultural events, ancient architecture and unique atmosphere attract numerous Ukrainian and foreign tourists to Lviv every year.

    Odessa

    Odessa is known as a city of humor and is in the list of top Ukrainian travel destinations. Located on the Black Sea coast, it combines dynamic city life, seaside resort, international business and trade point.

    Odessa was founded in the fifth–third centuries BC as a large Greek settlement called Odyssos. In the middle of the nineteenth century, Odessa became a free port. Now it is a modern city and also a huge transportation hub on the northwest coast of the Black Sea with its own seaport.

    Odessa is the city of Humor and Jokes. April 1st, April Fool’s Day is traditionally a day-off for citizens of Odessa. It is accompanied by carnivals that gather thousands of tourists here year after year. The humor of Odessa is famous all over Ukraine and probably most Ukrainian humorists come from Odessa! Many comedy shows are organized in the city throughout the year, the most famous of them is the Quartal 95.

    Here are Odessa’s top 5 attractions:

  • Potemkin Stairs, a great stone staircase with 192 stairs arranged in ten flights, represents the formal entrance into the city from the seashore. On the top of Potemkin Stairs resides Boulevard Primorsky, a wonderful walking area which leads to Odessa city center.

  • Deribasivska Street, Odessa’s main street, is a beautiful pedestrian walkway with unique architecture, many cafes and restaurants. Here, you can find famous twelfth chair monument dedicated to the satirical novel “The Twelve Chairs” written by Ilf and Petrov.

  • Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater (1887) a pearl of the city built in neo-baroque style.

  • Privoz, one of the most famous bazaars in Ukraine, is a real attraction for tourists! You can buy and sell absolutely everything here, bargaining will make you feel Odessa’s splendor to the full extent!

  • Arcadia is one of the most famous beaches and club complexes in Odessa. During the day you can enjoy the sun on one of the best private beaches and in the evening it turns to boisterous disco clubs and restaurants. Located just near the sea, Arcadia organizes great shows and concerts every day during the summer.

    • Kharkiv


    Kharkiv is a big city in the north-east of Ukraine and lies in a large valley of 4 rivers – the Kharkiv, the Lopan, the Udy, and the Nemyshlya. The city has a large number of green parks with flowers, and old oak trees. Kharkiv’s streets and squares are spacious and green.
    Kharkiv is also called the city of students because of its numerous universities. Lots of festivals and cultural events are organized in Kharkiv throughout the year.

    Among the most popular attractions in Kharkiv:

  • Park of Maxim Gorky is a great place for entertainment that offers lots of attractions. It is mostly known by its huge ferris wheel and aerial ropeway where you can enjoy truly amazing city view. According to TripAdvisor, a tourist website, the park was recognized as one of the best entertainment parks in all of Europe (16th place in TripAdvisor rating).

  • Freedom Square, the city’s central square, is the biggest and the widest square in Europe!

  • Old neighborhoods with charming buildings, cathedrals with bell towers, modern fountains and a small copy of Eiffel Tower are really great places to visit in Kharkiv.

  • The Annunciation Cathedral, built on October 2, 1888 by the Orthodox Church in the Neo-Byzantine style, features a distinctive 80-meter-tall bell tower designed by local architect Mikhail Lovtsov.

    • Dnipro

    Dnipro city (Formerly known as “Dnipropetrovsk” until May 19, 2016) is the fourth largest city in Ukraine with approximately one million residents. It began on the banks of the Dnipro River and as a result got such name. During the Russian Empire, the city was known as Ekaterinoslav and it was the Empire’s 3rd capital city, after Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Being one of the industrial centers of Soviet Ukraine, Dnipro was one of the key centers of the nuclear, arms and space industries for the Soviet Union. Because of its strong military industry, Dnipro was a closed city until the 1990’s.

    At present, Dnipro is a major business and political center of Ukraine. It is a native city for many of the country’s important figures, such as Leonid Kuchma, Pavlo Lazarenko and Yuliya Tymoshenko whose careers started in Dnipro.

    Old classical buildings, picturesque parks, and lots of high tech buildings represent the city nowadays. Top things to see and visit in Dnipro include:

  • Dnipro Pier is the longest in Europe with a total length of over 23 km. There is a unique atmosphere created by modern architecture, unusual sculptures, green lawns, fountains and the picturesque Dnipro River.

  • Akademik Yavornytsky Boulevard, the main downtown street, stretches from east to west through the city center.

  • The Soborna Square or central square, where you can see the majestic cathedral founded by the order of Catherine the Great in 1787, the Museum of History, Diorama “Battle for the Dnipro River (World War II),” and also the nice park where you can enjoy nature and tranquility.

  • If you go down the hill to the Dnipro River, you will arrive at the largest garden-park complex called Taras Shevchenko Park (which is on the right bank of the river) and across pedestrian bridge – to the mysterious and romantic Monastyrsky Island.

  • Menorah Cultural and Business Center is the world’s largest Jewish complex that consists of seven towers symbolizing the Temple’s Menorah. Today, cultural and business events are frequently conducted here that makes it one of the main attractions of the city.

    • Chernivtsi

    Chernivtsi is a town, located in the Western Ukraine on the upper course of the River Prut. It is considered as one of the pearls in Ukraine architecture landmarks and together with Lviv is the cultural and educational center of Western Ukraine.

    The history of Chernivtsi starts with a fortified settlement on the left shore of the Prut River which was built in the mid 1100s. For centuries the city was under the control of Moldavia, Austria, Romania, USSR and in 1991 became a part of Ukraine.

    There are a lot of places to visit here. All of them link the beauty of different cultural styles of several epochs. See the most interesting places in Chernivtsi:

  • The Residence Bukovina was declared by UNESCO as “outstanding universal value”. Now this building is used as Chernivtsi National University. For locals this building reminds of Hogwarts, the well-known school of Harry Potter.

  • Chernivtsi Music Drama Theater in the Central square – wonderful building in the style of Viennese Baroque adorned with sculptures based on Greek mythology.

  • Holy Mary area (former Turkish square) that is one of the most romantic places in Chernivtsi.

  • The majestic St. Nicholas Cathedral (XX century) – the most original building of the town that is also called as “the drunken church” because of crooked cupolas “leaning” to the main dome.

    • Kamianets-Podilskyi

    Kamianets-Podilskyi is a town located in the western Ukrainian region Podillia. The city was first mentioned in XI century as a town of the Kievan Rus, which was important cultural and trade center. During different times the city was a part of Poland, the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire and Austria-Hungary. The modern town together with its architectural style reflects the history and culture of people who lived here during different times.

    As the travel destination, Kamianets-Podilskyi is also famous for the numerous architectural attractions:

  • Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle is the main attraction of the city. It was built in the early XIV century as Ruthenian-Lithuanian castle and later became a Polish fortress.

  • The cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (XIX century) that follows the Roman or Latin rite and serves as a home to the Diocese of Kamyanets-Podilsky.

  • The Holy Trinity Church (built in XVI century) with an altar at the east, a choir room at the south, and a bell tower in the western side.

  • The Town Hall ( (XV century) is a municipal government building. Nowadays it holds several exhibits – “History of Magdeburg rights and self-government”, “History of money” and medieval torture exhibit.

  • Old Waterfall in Kamianets that is especially beautiful in winter and called “frozen waterfal.”

    • Every year Kamianets-Podilskyi carries out annual festivals, Cossack Games, car racing and open ballooning championship of Ukraine.

    Chernihiv

    Chernihiv is an ancient city in northern Ukraine, where it’s also the administrative center of the Chernihiv Oblast with population around 300,000 people. The history of Chernihiv starts in the VII-IX century from Eastern-Slavic tribes’ settlement. At the time of the Kievan Rus, Chernihiv was the second city of importance and wealth.

    At present, Chernihiv’s architectural monuments reflect two the most outstanding historical periods in the city: the Kievan Rus period and the Cossack Hetmanate (late 17th and early 18th centuries). Top 5 landmarks of the city are the following:

  • Detinets of Chernihiv, which is the oldest part of the city – a hill on the high bank of the Desna River where the king’s castle and defensive fortifications were located.

  • The set of religious places: Saviour-Transfiguration Cathedral (the oldest church in the city dated 1030), Yelets-Dormition Monastery (XI century), Pyatnytska Church (the end of XII century), Cathrine Church (VIII century).

  • Chernihiv’s Collegium (founded in 1700 and located in the premises of the former Borys and Hlib Monastery; restored to its original style in 1952-54).

  • Black Grave (kurgan) – according to a legend, this is a burial place of Chernihiv’s founder – Prince Chorny. In 1872-1973 many artifacts from the 10th century were found here during excavations and in 1873 a memorial obelisk was erected on the hill.

  • House of Lyzohub (17th Century). The building was used as the chancellery of Chernihiv Cossack regiment.

    The city will surprise you with its unique atmosphere and how far your hryvnia will go here. One of the city’s evening attractions worth visiting is the Fountain with Lights and Music show, located in the city center.

    • Uzhhorod

    Uzhhorod is located on both banks of the Uzh river (hence the city name) and is an administrative, educational, commercial and scientific center of the Transcarpatian region. The main industries here are meat packing, wine production, manufacture of furniture and machine tools and tourism.

    The city has a rich history and mixed historical heritage of different nations. It was founded in the XIX century and belonged to Kievan Rus in the X-XI centuries and then to Austria-Hungary Empire and Czecho-Slovak state.

    Uzhhorod is famous for beautiful Catholic churches, old buildings, small cozy streets, bay and cafes. Below you can see the main places of interests in Uzhhorod:

  • The Uzhhorod Castle (13th and 18th centuries) is about 1000 years old, enveloped in lots of legends and mysteries. Currently it serves as Zakarpattya Lore Museum with interesting exhibits.

  • The Uzhhorod synagogue building is a unique building constructed in 1904 and designed in a flamboyant Romantic style. After the total extermination of the Jews in 1944 in Uzhgorod the Soviets transformed the synagogue into the Philharmonia. Since 1950, this concert hall is one of the best in Uzhgorod.

  • Museum of Folk Architecture and Life is an open-air museum located near Uzhhorod Castle. Over 30 traditional structures are collected here from village across Zakarpattia Oblast.

  • Botanical garden with its peaceful atmosphere where coniferous plants fill the air with a pleasant aroma. It is famous for different types of magnolias that come to full flowers in April.

  • Voloshin Street is the main meeting place of Uzhhorod named in honor of the former President of Carpathian Ukraine Augustin Voloshin. There is the Saint George Catholic Church with the cathedral organ, the first women gymnasium of St. Gizella, the Transcarpathian Art Institute, the monumental building of the former Vasilyan Monastery here.

  • Narodna square is located in front of house of administration, in the center of one of the best residential areas of the city, near the waterfront, close to university and public institutions.

    • Baturyn

    Baturyn is a historic town in the Chernihiv Oblast located on the banks of the Seym River with about 3,000 population. It was founded in XVII century and is unique landmark of Cossack era, the cultural layer of which impresses by informativeness and have no peers in Ukraine.

    There is a femp factory, milk plant, house of culture and two libraries in the city. In Baturyn you have a unique possibility to visit such historical places within National Historical and Cultural Museum “Hetman Capital Reserve” as:

  • Kirill Razumovsky Palace that was opened for visitors on the eve of Independence Day of Ukraine in 2009 as a part of “Hetman Capital Reserve.”

  • Voskresenska Church is a shrine of the last hetman of Ukraine Razumovsky.

  • The House of Judge-General Vasyl Kochubey (the second part of XVII century). After restoration (1973—1975) it serves as the museum of local lore.

  • Archaeological Museum that covers the history of Baturyn from ancient times to the tragic decay of the city in 1708.

  • Pokrova church is one of the temples of Hetman capital, the confessional of Ivan Mazepa. It was destroyed and renewed twice throughout its history.

    • Baturyn introduces all visitors to the historical complex of Cossack era where everyone can learn a lot about Ukrainian history and feel the spirit of courageous and freedom-loving Cossacks.

    Vylkove

    Vylkove is a small town with about 8,570 population founded in XVIII century in the Danube Delta at South-West of Ukraine on the border with Romania. Historically, Vylkove became a shelter for Lipovans, who emigrated here because of religious repressions.

    As the city is located in close proximity to various wetlands, grain farming is not possible here. Thus, the main activities in Vylkove are fishing, winegrowing and cultivation of strawberries.

    Overall, Vylkove is a city of 3 churches, 7 islands and the endless channels. That’s why boating is the most popular transport mode here. There is a list of top places of interest throughout the city:

  • Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Vylkove (1899-1902 рр.) is the first and the only Orthodox Church located in Vilkovo on the banks of the Danube River. It is a magnificent church with five cupolas and bell tower famous for the extraordinary beauty of the icon brought from Jerusalem and Kiev.

  • St. Nicholas (old rite) Church (1906-1913) and Nativity of Mary Church (XIX century) are the main churches of Old Believers of the city.

  • The monument to the first Staroviry settlers in Vylkove as the memory of the first settlers who moved to the the Danube delta in the mid-18th century.

  • The Danube Biosphere Reserve (located around the city) is a part of the bilateral Romanian-Ukrainian Biosphere Reserve “Danube Delta” and among top 4 reserves of Ukraine.

  • “Kilometer Zero” is a place where the fast river Danube flows into the Black Sea. It is widely thought that everyone who passes through the monument “Kilometer Zero” will get lifelong welfare.

    • Ski tours to Ukraine in winter are becoming more and more popular. The season starts in December and lasts till March or April depending on the weather. There are developed ski trails with different levels of difficulty, winter sports competitions, a great tourism infrastructure and ability to rent ski equipment. There is a list of top 5 ski resorts in the Carpathian Mountains:

    Visiting Vylkove you will enjoy unexplored wilderness with lots of plants and animals, try fishing, taste local wine together with the delicious kitchen of Lipovans and feel like in Ukrainian Venice.

    Carpathian Mountains

    Looking for exciting adventure – welcome to the Carpathians! It is all-year-round touristic and recreational complex for exciting outdoor activities. Fresh air, the great mountains, unique landscapes, beautiful national parks, a great variety of mineral and thermal waters make the Carpathian Mountains extremely popular tourist attraction.

    Whether you are fond of horse riding, taking a spa treatment, traveling on scooters, bicycling, quadro cycling, fishing, rock climbing and hiking in mountains, the Carpathian Mountains is the right place for all of that! We would like to advise you the main ski, hiking and recreational resorts here.

    Ski tourism (the Carpathians)

    Ski tours to Ukraine in winter are becoming more and more popular. The season starts in December and lasts till March or April depending on the weather. There are developed ski trails with different levels of difficulty, winter sports competitions, a great tourism infrastructure and ability to rent ski equipment. There is a list of top 5 ski resorts in the Carpathian Mountains:

  • Bukovel (Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast) – is the second largest ski resort in Eastern Europe. It is situated on five mountains: Dovga (1372 m), Bukovel (1127 m), Bulchineha (1455 m), Babi Pohar (1180 m), Black Bite (1241 m). There are 62 slopes with total length of approximately 50 kilometers. There is a SPA-all year resort, as well as medical center with its own sources of mineral water. Keep in mind, prices are not cheap here, usually your holiday in Bukovel will cost you 20-30% higher than in less popular places.

  • Yablunytsa (Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast) that is a famous ski resort with relatively inexpensive accommodation and magnificent nature located in 14 km. from Bukovel.

  • Yaremche (Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast) resort has 2 ski lifts of 200 and 300 meters in length with a small height difference, located in 30 kilometers from Bukovel. The rest in Yaremche is suitable for beginners in skiing, for those who would like to combine sightseeing with leisure activities.

  • Dragobrat (Zakarpattia oblast) – the highest ski resort in Ukraine with amazing landscapes located in isolation from “civilization.” Such location ensures snow cover until late spring. There is a great variety of routes with the total length of 10 kilometers as well as freestyle-track of international level.

  • Slavske (Lviv oblast, ) – very popular winter sports center. The main tracks here are Trostian (for advanced skiers), Pogar, Kremen (the simplest tracks), Menchil and Warsaw ( has a high-speed lift.)

    • Hiking (the Carpathians)

    Check top 5 highest mountains in the Carpathians below:

  • Mount Hoverla (2,061 m., Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast), translated as “snow mountain,” is the highest mountain in Ukraine and, thus, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Carpathians. On the top there is a stone monument in the form of a trident and the capsules with the earth from all regions of Ukraine.

  • Brebeneskul (2,032 m., Zakarpattia Oblasts) – the second highest peak of the Carpathians. The sides of mountain are steep and stony. There is the highest altitude lake Brebeneskul situated at an altitude of 1801 meters under the mountain.

  • Pip Ivan/Chornohora (2,022 m., the border of Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia Oblasts.)

  • Petros (2,020 m., Zakarpattia Oblasts), called “storm mountain,” is one of the most dangerous and attractive for tourists mountain.

  • Hutyn Tomnatyk (2,016 m., Zakarpattia Oblasts.)
    Above mentioned lake Brebeneskul is placed not far away.

    • Recreational tourism (the Carpathians)

    Carpathian Mountains is incredibly rich in mineral waters region of the country that made it one of the most popular recreational area among tourists. Below you can see the list of the best health resorts in Ukraine:

  • Shayan spa resort (Zakarpattia Oblasts) is used for the treatment with carbonated mineral water and is often compared with worldwide famous places of recovery and relax.

  • Truskavets (Lviv oblast) is one of the most popular among Ukrainians and famous for its 14 mineral springs with their unique health properties (including well-known sulfur-scented, slightly saline “Naftusia”), reservoir of ozocerite (“mountain wax”) and Truskavets salt “Barbara.”

  • Yaremche (Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast) is a center of green tourism of Subcarpathia with more than 40 recreational facilities and health centers and about 50 sites of green tourism.

  • Morshyn (Lviv oblast) is one of the oldest spa resorts of Ukraine and a leader in the treatment of the liver, pancreas, intestine, stomach diseases and diabetes.

    • These and many other spa, hiking and skiing resorts in the Carpathians create favorable conditions for good rest as well as treatment for all visitors.

    Castles & Fortresses

    The monuments of defensive architecture are in permanent importance of the rich historical and architectural heritage of Ukraine. For centuries they played the leading role in every town living. It may be said without exaggeration that the fate of Ukrainian settlements depended a lot on the level of establishing defenses.

    Here we would like to mention the most popular castles and fortresses of Ukraine with a great historical background:

  • Akkerman fortress (Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, 80 km far from Odessa) is a unique monument of the 13th -15th centuries. It is located on the place of ancient city Tyre, and originally served as a protective shelter for the ancient Slavic tribes.The total length of its walls is over two kilometers.

  • Dubno Castle (Rivne oblast) was founded in XV century and contained a church, a two-story palace, and an impressive array of 73 cannons. During XVI century the Castle hold out against two Tatar attacks.

  • Khotyn Fortress (Сhernivtsi oblast) is famous throughout Europe for the great battles in the past (the Battle of Khotyn of 1621). Its first documentary reference dates from the 14th century. The fortress is included in the National Ukrainian Architectural Preserve as of 2000.

  • Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle (Khmelnytskyi Oblast) was built to protect the Turkish bridge, which connectі the old town and “the mainland”. It is proved that the castle has already existed in the Kiev Rus time but its foundation should be investigated.

  • Kyiv Fortress “Kosoy kaponir” was founded in the XIX century and is the largest fortress of Europe. Kyiv Fortress didn’t participate in any war and was used for a while as an arsenal and and then was turned into high security jail for political prisoners.

  • Lubart’s Castle in Lutsk (Volyn Oblast) was built in XIV century and is one of the best preserved castles in Ukraine. There were the residence of the Grand Duke of Lithuania, St. John’s Cathedral and an episcopal palace behind the Castle wall.

  • Medzhybizh Castle (Khmelnytskyi Oblast) built as a bastion against Ottoman expansion in the XVI century. Today the castle is a part of the State Historical-Cultural Preserve.

  • Pidhirtsi Castle (Lviv oblast) is a castle-fortress of XVII built in the late Renaissance and Baroque style. There are different legends and mysteries are related with this place.

  • Popov Castle (Zaporizhia Oblast) is a castle residence of XIX century built in Gothic Revival design.

    • Here is addition list of castles in Ukraine:

  • Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast – Halych Castle, Ivano-Frankivsk Castle.
  • Lviv Oblast – Lviv High Castle, Olesko Castle, Pomoriany Castle, Svirzh Castle, Zhovkva Castle, Zolochiv Castle.
  • Ternopil Oblast – Kudryntsi Castle, Sydoriv Castle, Terebovlia Castle, Ternopil Castle, Zbarazh Castle, Zolotyi Potik Castle.
  • Zakarpattia Oblast – Uzhhorod Castle, Palanok Castle in Mukacheve.
  • Khmelnytskyi Oblast – Iziaslav Castle, Letychiv Castle, Tyhoml Castle.

    • Natural Wonders of Ukraine

    Ukraine can surprise you with a wide variety of wonders that really worth seeing. Below you may the most exciting among them:

  • Oleshky Sands (30 km far from Kherson). Did you know about desert in Ukraine? Oleshky Sands is the largest expanse of sand in Ukraine 15 km in diameter and surrounded by a very dense forest planted to prevent dunes (sometimes reach the height of five meters).

  • Shypit/Whisper Waterfall (Zakarpattia Oblast) is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ukraine. Falling down from 14 meters crystal water brings fresh and cool breeze.

  • Sofiyivsky Park (Cherkasy oblast) is an arboretum in Uman city created by Polish noble Potoski for his wife. There are more than 2,000 kinds of trees and shrubs (local and exotic) are growing here. The park is decorated with artificial rocks, caves and sculptures. The last one illustrates different parts of Homer’s poems “The Odyssey” and “The Iliad.”

  • Lakes of Shatsk (Volyn Oblast) represent a group of 30 fresh water lakes in northern Ukraine. The biggest and the most famous lake is Svitiaz (the deepest lake in Ukraine.) It is famous for clear water enriched by silver, iodine and glycerin.

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  • Aktovskyy Canyon (Mykolaiv Oblast) that occupies the area of 250 hectares. It is a unique complex of granitic rocks and boulders, steppe and aqua ecosystems and belongs to the regional landscape park – Granite-steppe lands of Buh River. There are about 900 kinds of plants, 9,000 kinds of insects and 300 vertebrate animals. Some of them are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

  • Dniester Canyon is the national nature park in the interesting and picturesque area of the Dniester River (the second largest and the most ecologically clean river in Ukraine). It includes caves, grottoes and small waterfalls.

  • Lemuriyske Lake (Kherson oblast) is a small salty lake with unusual pink color. It contains salt, minerals, magnesium, potassium.

  • Optymistychna/optimistic cave (Ternopil oblast) is the longest gypsum cave in the world. There is a labyrinth of 238 km in length with rooms, galleries and halls. Extraordinary landscape of the cave, unique sinter and crystal formations are waiting for you under the ground.

  • Lake Synevyr is the largest lake in the Carpathians that is famous for its romantic legend and extremely crystal, clear water.

    • Ukrainian Cuisine

    Ukraine is also known for its traditional dishes that sink into hearts of many tourist. The country produces grains, meat, vegetables fruits and berries, dairy and eggs, nuts and oils. Black and Azov Sea regions supply Ukraine with fish products. So these are the key ingredients in the traditional Ukrainian food. See the list of top dishes and beverages the most popular among Ukrainians.

    Dishes:

    Borshch – beet soup with meat and vegetables.
    Kapusniak – pork soup with cabbage, served with sour cream.
    Varenyky – boiled dough with cheese, meet, cabbage or fruit.
    Golubtsi – stuffed cabbage roll.
    Mlyntsi – pancakes served with meat, cheese or fruit.
    Pampushky – fried dough, similar to doughnuts.
    Karavai – round loaf.
    Baked potato with fat

    Beverages:

    Kvas – made from bread with a sweet-sour taste.
    Uzvar – dried or fresh fruit drink.
    Mead (medovukha) – an alcohol beverage made from honey, water and yeast.

    Ukrainian-style cafeterias cook salads, soups, garnishes, meat dishes and desserts. Average bill cost – 150-200 UAH ( $6 or €5). International food becomes more and more popular nowadays. That’s why there are a lot of Japanese, Italian, Turkish, Indian and other restaurants you may find here.

    Summary

    Ukraine is becoming increasingly popular travel destination among tourists all over the world. Ancient history, rich culture, beautiful nature, tourist-friendly cities, delicious cuisine and hospitable people make it the attractive country to visit..
    Foreign tourists will be pleased with cheap prices for accommodation, food, transport and entertainment in Ukraine. Due to recent economic crisis, the national currency Hryvna has devaluated more than in 3 times when prices remained more or less at the same level. You can easily have a lunch in one of the local restaurants for $ 5-10 or take 6 journeys on the metro only for 1 US Dollar!
    Ukraine can offer travel routes for tourists with different interests: city sightseeing, green tourism, nature and historical places observations, hiking, romantic routes for couples, spa tours with health-giving effect and others. You will find a lot of wonders created by nature and developed by humans – canyons, waterfalls and even the biggest desert in all of Europe! The unique beauty of Ukraine is really impressive.
    Being just in the beginning of its economic growth, Ukraine has lots of business opportunities. Therefore, the combination of business and leisure tours is really popular among tourist here.