Ukraine Travel Guide: Essential Tips

1. What are the top attractions in Kyiv?
Kyiv’s top attractions include Saint Sophia’s Cathedral, a UNESCO site with stunning mosaics, and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a historic monastery with underground caves. Stroll along Khreshchatyk Street, visit the Golden Gate, and explore Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). Don’t miss the Motherland Monument and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine.

2. Is it safe to travel to Ukraine right now?
As of March 2025, travel warnings are in place for Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Many governments, including the US, UK, and Canada, advise against all travel due to risks from active combat, airstrikes, and unstable conditions. If considering travel, check the latest travel advisories, avoid conflict zones, and consult local authorities for safety updates.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Ukraine?
Visa requirements for Ukraine vary by nationality. US, Canadian, and EU citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism. Other nationalities may need a visa, which can be obtained through Ukrainian embassies or an e-Visa system. Check the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for specific requirements, especially given the current situation.

4. What are the best things to do in Lviv?
In Lviv, explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its Rynok Square and colorful architecture. Visit the Lviv Opera House, climb the High Castle for panoramic views, and enjoy coffee at a traditional Lviv café. Stroll through the Lychakiv Cemetery, a historic site, and visit the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life to experience Ukrainian traditions.

5. Is Ukraine expensive to travel to?
Ukraine is generally affordable, with daily costs averaging $30–$80 per person for accommodation, food, and transport. A mid-range trip can cost $400–$800 for a week. Cities like Kyiv and Lviv are more expensive, but rural areas like the Carpathians offer budget-friendly options with cheap guesthouses and local meals.

6. What are traditional Ukrainian foods to try?
Try borscht, a beet soup often served with sour cream, and varenyky, dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or cherries. Savor holubtsi, cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, and deruny, potato pancakes. For dessert, enjoy pampushky, sweet doughnuts, often paired with garlic for savory dishes, and wash it down with uzvar, a traditional fruit drink.

7. What are the best natural attractions in Ukraine?
Top natural attractions include the Carpathian Mountains for hiking and skiing, especially around Bukovel. Visit the Synevyr Lake, known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians,” and the Dniester Canyon for kayaking. The Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve offers wildlife safaris, while the Oleshky Sands, a desert in southern Ukraine, provides a unique landscape.

8. What are the best historical sites in Ukraine?
Top historical sites include the ancient city of Chersonesus in Crimea (currently under Russian control), and Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle, a medieval fortress. Explore the Cossack stronghold of Zaporizhzhia’s Khortytsia Island, the historic center of Chernivtsi with its university (a UNESCO site), and the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone for a haunting look at the 1986 disaster.

9. What are the best festivals in Ukraine?
Top festivals include the Kyiv Day celebration (May) with concerts and fireworks, and the Lviv Coffee Festival (September) for coffee lovers. The Koktebel Jazz Festival (August) in Zatoka offers music by the Black Sea, while the Hutsul Festival in the Carpathians (summer) showcases traditional music, dance, and crafts of the Hutsul people.

10. How can I travel around Ukraine?
Ukraine has a decent transport network, though the current conflict may disrupt services. Trains, operated by Ukrzaliznytsia, connect major cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, with overnight options available. Buses like FlixBus serve smaller towns. Domestic flights are limited due to the war, so check for updates. Renting a car is ideal for rural areas like the Carpathians, but be cautious of road conditions and safety.