Ukraine travel guide
Ukraine Tourism | Ukraine Guide
You're Going to Love Ukraine
Travelers who like off-the-beaten-track experiences will love Ukraine, a country where people are warm-hearted and rich in traditions.
What to do in Ukraine
1. Explore Kiev
A visit to Ukraine must start at the capital Kiev where you can visit numerous churches, such as Saint Sophia's cathedral, or hang out at Independence Square.
2. Admire the Architecture of Lviv
Walk around this pebbled city, visit St George's cathedral, watch a show at the Lviv National Academic Opera and Ballet theater, and go to Mountain High Castle for a nice panoramic view.
3. Get Romantic in the Tunnel of Love
Visit this old railway, which has been transformed and surrounded with green arches and goes for a few miles. It's a great place for a romantic walk or a photo session.
4. Go on a Guided Tour of Chernobyl
Known for the nuclear disaster that struck in 1986, Chernobyl is now a fascinating ghost city that you can visit by taking a 1-day or a 2-day tour.
5. Go for a Walk in the Carpathian Mountains
Hiking and nature lovers will love the beautiful scenery of the national park. Make sure you visit Synevyr Lake, which was formed because of an earthquake.
When to visit Ukraine
Ukraine gets very cold in winter, and the most pleasant months for a visit weather-wise are May to September. If you prefer being away from tourists, avoid July and August.
How to Get to Ukraine
Entry Requirements
A number of countries, including the EU countries and the USA, can enter Ukraine without a visa for a period of 90 days. Citizens of most countries need a visa, some of which can get one on arrival, while others need to apply for it prior to leaving their respective countries.
Plane
The most convenient way to get to Ukraine by plane is by flying to one of the Kiev airports, Boryspil and Zhuliany. Nonstop flights are offered from a large number of countries.
Train
Direct trains are available from a number of European cities to Kiev and Lviv, including Berlin, Vienna, Belgrade, Warsaw, Budapest, Sofia and Bucharest.
Car
You can enter Ukraine by car from Poland passing by Przemysl, and from Slovakia through Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke and Malyj Bereznyj-Ubla crossings. Long lines are expected when crossing the border.
Bus
Direct buses are available from Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Moldova. Buses are available on a daily basis with services such as Flixbus.
Boat
A limited number of ferries are available from Istanbul in Turkey, Varna in Bulgaria and from Georgia.
Where to stay in Ukraine
The best options for accommodation in Ukraine are either mid-range to 5-star hotels or furnished apartments, which can be rented online prior to arriving. Both options are available in all the main touristy areas.
Where to stay in popular areas of Ukraine
Most booked hotels in Ukraine
How to Get Around Ukraine
Public Transportation
A metropolitan system is available in 3 cities, including the capital Kiev, while most cities operate on trams, buses or trolleybuses.
Trains
Train travel is available throughout the country with local rail company Ukrainian Railways. A lot of trains are not equipped with air conditioning, so if you're traveling during the summer, a trip by train can get hot. You may be required to show an ID document prior to boarding the train.
Bus
Bus travel is available throughout the country via bus companies Avtolux and Gunsel. Buses run to and from Kyiv, with prices for further trips going up to about 220 UAH (9 USD).
Car
It is easy to rent a car and drive in Ukraine. However, please beware that a lot of the road signs are not available in the Latin alphabet.
Plane
Getting around the country by plane is not a very common method; however, it is convenient and saves time, with cheap flights available from Ukraine International Airlines if you book in advance.
The Cost of Living in Ukraine
The average price for a cheap meal in Ukraine is about 120 UAH (5 USD), while a sit down meal will be about 250 UAH (10 USD) per person. Local public transport costs about 7 UAH (0.30 USD) for a one-way trip, while a week of groceries will cost around 1000 UAH (40 USD). If you plan to use a credit card, Mastercard, Visa, Maestro and Circus are the most widely accepted cards.