14 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Ukraine

As the largest country in Europe, Ukraine offers numerous attractions for tourists, consisting of festivals commemorating its rich culture as well as a good-looking option of centuries-old style. From the rolling countryside to the cobblestone roads of the old town hall, Ukraine's people are just as varied as its landscape, and also they are several of the most welcoming individuals in Europe.

Words "Ukraina" literally suggest borderland, and also the country has actually been prime invasion territory since its earliest beginnings. At different durations, the land has actually been shared by Russia, Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and also Romania.

Today, you'll find an obscure Eastern European treasure searching for its own identification and also making a one-of-a-kind mark in the world of tourism. Make certain to chat with a local at one of the numerous savory eateries or markets when you visit. Old dishes are being reinterpreted with a modern style. Every person wants to exercise their English, so when conversations occur, utilize the possibility to gain a local's point of view on the best Ukraine has to offer.

For taking in the sights concepts, see our list of the top attractions and things to do in Ukraine.

 READ MORE: 14 Top Attractions and Things to Do in Kiev, Ukraine

1. Chernobyl

Are you accustomed to the term Dark Tourist? It refers to travel to places associated with fatality and also unfortunate occurrences. The 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York City City, Alcatraz in San Francisco, Pearl Harbor, Pompeii, and The Killing Fields of Cambodia are all prominent instances. Visitors to Ukraine can add the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, ground zero for the disaster, to the list.

The explosion, which occurred in 1989, is located in the town of Pripyat in Northern Ukraine. The view has actually just recently been open to the general public-- however, you must visit with an authorized tour business. If you are worried about radiation, examinations conducted divulge that vacationers get more exposure on a transatlantic flight than they get during a visit to Chernobyl.

Close to 65 miles from Kiev, it's a simple, full-day trip from the capital with a Chernobyl Excursion. Scenic tour operators can pick up visitors at their hotel and drop them off after the tour.

The trip takes visitors through lots of buildings, some resembling a stage set. It is an incredibly relocating experience, one that will certainly stick with you long after you leave.

 

2. St. Sophia's Cathedral

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the 1980s, St. Sophia's Cathedral (also called Saint Sophia Cathedral) is a fave of visitors. With an elaborate Baroque exterior including 13 golden domes, this cathedral sticks out among the other historical buildings. Its elegance draws you into a jaw-dropping interior.

Inside, you'll find the space loaded with beautiful murals, ancient mosaics, and frescoes that are centuries old. Take a trip or sit through service to obtain the full experience.

Named for Hagia Sophia, St. Sophia's is one of Kiev's the majority of kept in mind sites since its building and construction in 1037. Among the most effective sights in Kiev is from the belfry-- it's well worth the walk to the top!

 

3. Visit L'viv's Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site

One of the most well-preserved and enchanting Ukrainian destinations for visitors is the city of L'viv. The entire historic facility has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, as well as tourists will certainly like strolling the patched roads taking in the views.

Frequently called "the Paris of Ukraine," the old city has a really standard European feeling, with the enhancement of modern comforts as well as outstanding restaurants. Coffee enthusiasts will certainly find the café scene hard to defeat. This is a location that takes its caffeine in all kinds extremely seriously.

For a bird's- eye view of the town, climb the 1,000-plus stairways of the bell tower. The landscape in all directions is breathtaking.

 

4. Eat Borscht

With the surge of gastronomic tourism of late, many feel there's no far better method to dig deep into a brand-new culture than through their food. Conventional Ukrainian borscht can be discovered in restaurants throughout the nation. Offered either hot or cold, it's an excellent instance of the people stretching ingredients when times were difficult, as well as if you're fortunate, the best variations will certainly inspire you to find a dish to make when you're back home.

 

5. Visit a Sunflower Field

Sunflower oil is just one of Ukraine's biggest exports; actually, the country is the 2nd biggest manufacturer of oil on the planet. Tourists will find massive fields of flowers around the nation. With tones ranging from buttercup to golden orange, these platter-size elegances grow in the area's soil and also climate.

While setting up an excellent place for that Instagram selfie, simply see to it to stay near the edge of the area. The blossoms are huge, and those that obtain carried away straying could find themselves soon lost in a sea of yellow as well as eco-friendly.

 

6. Take a Cooking Class and Eat Dumplings

Do a bit of research before your trip and also find a restaurant that additionally offers cooking lessons of the famous Ukrainian dumplings, vareniki. They are offered in many varieties, both full-flavored and also wonderful, and also foodies can find meat, potatoes, and cabbage, in addition to wonderful cherry as well as various other local fruit tastes.

It's great fun to discover to carefully pinch the dough closed, have the dining establishment prepare them for you, and after that indulge in a feast of traditional recipes nevertheless the effort you have actually performed.

 

7. Kamenets Podolsky Castle

Located in Kamianets-Podilskyi, a brief walk from the old town, Kamenets Podolsky Castle is a striking site. This citadel, which has been in existence since before the 14th century, is an excellent place in the canyon to explore as well as take pictures. It's reminiscent of a fanciful castle.

Take a tour around the inside with all of its passageways as well as marvel at the polished premises. Despite the fact that this castle is centuries old, it has modern facilities like bathrooms and also a café to make certain you enjoy your visit. The castle is particularly beautiful during the night when it's lit up.

After investing the day discovering, take the short trip right into the old town and get hold of a snack at one of the many varied restaurants.

 

8. Mezhyhirya: Former Presidential Palace, Kiev

Mezhyhirya is positioned on the banks of the beautiful Dnieper River and also is the previous home of the ex-president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych. There is no shortage of things to do here, as well as it may be one of the most intriguing and also outrageous place you have ever gone to.

Today, in all its magnificence, the lavish building is a sign as well as the tip of institutional greed as well as corruption. Within its gated walls, there are tennis courts, a shooting variety, an equestrian club, helicopter pad, ostrich ranch, pet kennel, golf course, as well as searching grounds.

Make certain to have a look at the car museum that houses Yanukovich's former unique vehicles; head to the major estate, nicknamed "Honka;", or explore the premises with warmed lakes. Excess is the style below, as well as some attractions, are extra absurd than others, from the exotic pets at the president's ranch to the restaurant in the form of a Spanish galleon.

 

9. Odessa Opera and Ballet

The Odessa Opera and Ballet is located in a historical structure in the facility of community and also is the oldest cinema in Odessa, opening up in 1810. Visitors can absorb shows like Swan Lake or Madame Butterfly, all for concerning the rate of a cup of coffee here in the USA. The unique horseshoe hall enables superb acoustics and gives the audience a full sight of the entertainers on the stage.

This is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes appearance at this magnificent item of the design if you are here when they are supplying tours. Also much better if you are lucky enough to be in town during the holidays. The Christmas Event is not to be missed out on.

 

10. Visit a Local Outdoor Market

Although there is much debate about the beginning of the well-known nesting "Russian" dolls, there's no denying the skilled ability of the craftspeople making them. Visit a market as well as find a wide array of inventions highlighting traditional arts in the nation. Textiles are several, specifically the generally stitched blouses, called vyshyvanka, as well as hand towels used in numerous residences around the country.

Another favorite of visitors are the many vintage battle items discovered at these flea market areas together with enjoyable floral headpieces utilized for event celebrations.

 

11. Tarakaniv Fort, Dubno

Order your flashlight or headlamp as well as head to the Tarakaniv Fort, located simply outside the village of Dubno and also concerning two hours from Lviv, near the Ikva River in the west of Ukraine. It was originally developed to protect the Lviv-Kiev railroad route, and also visiting it is a distinctive experience.

This spoil has a tunnel entrance and also is not for those with claustrophobia. Going back to Imperial Russia, there are centuries-old tunnels as well as passages to explore.

Visitors will certainly want to obtain below early to access the attraction before the groups. It's a great place for professional photographers, history aficionados, as well as adventurers, yet make certain to see as well as wear great footwear out for the sometimes treacherous terrain.

Obtaining below is simple-- take a taxicab from Dubno. There are many tours available also.

 

12. Tunnel of Love, Klevlan

Simply beyond the community of Klevan, the Tunnel of Love is another popular area to visit in Ukraine. For singles as well as fans alike, the Tunnel of Love is a two-mile stretch of a personal trainer that provides the illusion of a never-ending tunnel. A cover of trees over the tracks is actually what makes the "tunnel.".

Wedding celebrations and also romantics head here to make a desire or take an enchanting stroll. Legend says that for pairs who make a dream together here if the love is genuine, the desire will certainly come true. It's additionally one of the most photographed spots in Ukraine.

 

13. Odessa Catacombs

Be sure to check out the Catacombs if you want to see the city of Odessa in one more light. These subterranean tunnels initially created from the mining of a rock called coquina, a soft off-white sedimentary rock, are reported to be larger than the below ground paths of both Rome as well as Paris.

Providing tourists access to Odessa's abyss, there's a network of basements, shelters, tornado drains pipes, and water drainage passages, developing what seems like the damages of an underground city. It is just one of the world's largest metropolitan mazes, with over 1,600 miles of tunnels.

The history of the passages is just as interesting as the tunnels themselves. During the intrusions of World War II, the people of Odessa required to the catacombs for planning and also executing their counter attacks.

 

14. Visit an Experience Dining Establishment.

Proof positive that Ukraine does not take itself as well seriously are the numerous Experience Restaurants discovered in the bigger cities. All offer a little bit of wit with a modern take on some piece of the nation's historic past.

There's a spot where you can sing for your dinner as well as obtain a decreased bill. One more, buried deep in the underground, offers the chance to posture on vintage motorbikes and also experience the life of a solider.

Coffee fans will certainly appreciate the cavern that fires up a sugar crust on their cappuccinos with a blowtorch in L'viv. It's done in excellent enjoyable as well as part of the experience of a culture in the midst of developing its own independent identity.

 

The surge, which took place in 1989, is situated in the town of Pripyat in Northern Ukraine. Commonly called "the Paris of Ukraine," the old city has a very typical European feel, with the addition of modern conveniences and also superb restaurants. Sunflower oil is one of Ukraine's biggest exports; as a matter of reality, the nation is the 2nd biggest producer of oil in the world. Just outside of the community of Klevan, the Tunnel of Love is another prominent place to visit in Ukraine. Evidence positive that Ukraine does not take itself also seriously is the lots of Experience Restaurants found in the larger cities.