Ukraine

IMPORTANT NOTE: Ukraine is NOT safe for travel, because of Russia. Do not travel to Ukraine in 2023 for tourism, please! Ukraine was one of the first destinations we covered on this blog, so I’ve left this guide live to help share why I love Ukraine so much after three visits there. I hope someday we can all safely travel to Ukraine again.

Aerial view of Pechersk Lavra Monastery and the Dormition Cathedral
Pechersk Lavra Monastery

Why We Love Ukraine – Ukraine might be one of the most misunderstood European destinations. You’ll find much more in Ukraine than you probably expect – from the bustling energy of Kyiv, to beach-side parties in Odessa, to the cosmopolitan streets of Lviv, there’s so much to see and do in Ukraine.

Best of Ukraine

🏙️ Places to Visit

The Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet and a water fountain on the foreground
Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet

Called the “bread basket of Europe,” Ukraine is a sprawling expanse of farmland broken up by cities and towns in between. Some of the top places to visit in Ukraine include:

  • Kyiv – Ukraine’s capital city is more cosmopolitan than you might imagine. Just try not to call it “Kiev,” a Russian spelling frowned upon by the locals.
  • Lviv – Home to a big student population and much smaller in size, you’ll love strolling the cobblestone streets of Lviv.
  • Odessa – A Black Sea retreat popular for its summer party atmosphere.
  • Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second largest city, famous for its large Annunciation Cathedral.
  • Crimea – Crimea is Ukraine. And, though definitely not currently a place you should travel right now, it’s going to have some epic beach parties after its liberation.

✨ Things to Do

Ukraine may surprise you with it’s breadth of activities and things to do. Some of the most popular include:

  • Chernobyl – the site of the tragic nuclear accident is now one of Ukraine’s top attractions. Visiting is an eye opening experience (and, yes, it’s safe to do).
  • St. Sophia’s Cathedral – this 11th century Orthodox Church is an iconic landmark in Kyiv.
  • Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle – an imposing Ruthenian-Lithuanian castle in Ukraine’s west.
  • Tunnel of Love – a section of railway near Klevan that’s gained viral fame for its picture-perfect green arches.
  • Odessa Catacombs – a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels in Odessa.
View of a couple in the Tunnel of Love
A couple in Ukraine’s Tunnel of Love

Ukraine Travel Advice

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds make the months between May to June as well as September the best time to visit Ukraine. If you’re not averse to much more chilly weather, especially during nighttime, then you can opt to visit between April and May to catch the spring blossom in the Carpathians.

⚠️ Safety

Because of Russia, Ukraine is not currently safe for travel. However, it is a beautiful destination, and so we’ve left our guides live so you can plan your trips for after Ukraine wins.

🤓 Facts & Info

  • Population – 44.2 million
  • Capital – Kyiv
  • Currency – Ukrainian hryvnia ($1 = ~26.83 hryvnia)
  • Language – English and Ukrainian
  • Plugs – Type C or F, 230V / 50Hz.

💵 Budgeting & Money

Major establishments take debit/credit cards, but smaller-scale accommodations, tourist sites, and restaurants may only take cash. ATMs are widely available, except for the more rural areas.

📰 Ukraine Travel Guides

Getting planning your trip to Ukraine with all our Ukraine travel guides: