When visiting the best places to visit in Ukraine before you die, it is vital that you keep up to date with local travel information and news in Ukraine; it has been involved in recent unrest, and while most of the country remains completely safe for tourists, isolated pockets may become troubled. For this reason, you should always check before you travel to see if the places you are likely to visit remain safe for tourists. The unrest is concentrated in the south and east. As always, check local weather information before traveling as well, since Ukraine is subject to harsh winters. Use your common sense, stay clear of any area that looks as if it might be experiencing trouble, and you’ll have a wonderful time in this beautiful country.
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Ukraine is a country with a vast agricultural history, and remains one of the world’s largest exporters of grain. It is the largest country solely within Europe, and has been a key place when it comes to eastern European and Slavic culture. Historically, Ukraine had been split and controlled by many different powers, including Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, but was consolidated under the Soviet Union and gained independence when the Union collapsed. Now, Ukraine is a cultural melting pot, influenced heavily by Christianity – the country’s dominant religion – and its eastern and western neighbors.
Ukraine borders Russia in the east, and you can find a list of the best places to visit in Russia before you die on this site too. But for now, let’s take a look at the top 7 best places to visit in Ukraine before you die.
7. Lviv
Coming from the Latin meaning ‘city of the lion’, this city used to be part of Poland until after the second world war. Lviv is regarded as one of the main cultural hubs of Ukraine; it has a historic old quarter and world-famous ballet, opera and orchestra. A beautiful city in the west of Ukraine, with cobbled streets and fabulous architecture, Lviv is not to be missed.
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6. Nikitsky Botanical Garden
Located by the shores of the Black Sea in the Crimea, Nikitsky Botanical Garden is one of the oldest gardens of its kind. It contains over 50,000 types of flora and is responsible for the introduction and reintroduction of plants in Russia and Ukraine. It is beautiful to walk around, with statues and plants aplenty.
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5. Olesko Castle
This castle lies within the borders of Busk Raion, and was gifted by the Pope to a Catholic bishop in the 1300s, although the castle predates even that. It is oval in shape, surrounded by swampland, and has been owned at different points in history by Ukraine, Hungary, and Poland. It has an inner courtyard where you can walk in the sun, and hundreds of rooms to explore.
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4. Khortytsia
A national cultural site, this island is located in the Dnieper River and has played an important part in Ukraine’s history. Now it is peaceful, tranquil, and perfect for taking long walks in during both the summer and winter. It also houses the Zaporizhian Cossack Museum.
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3. Sofiyivsky Park
Part of the Umam city, this arboretum and scientific research suite contains over 2000 types of trees. Different parts of the park depict parts of the Homeric poems Iliad and Odyssey. This park is perfect for spending a lazy afternoon, with plenty of walking routes and relaxing water features to stop by.
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2. Pyrohiv
Pyrohiv used to be a small town on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital city, but is now a museum of folk life in Ukraine. Settled since the Bronze Age, this hamlet has plenty to offer in the form of folk architecture; traditional wooden buildings and windmills that are a beauty to behold.
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And the best places to visit in Ukraine before you die is: Kiev
The capital city, and largest city, of Ukraine is the 8th largest city in Europe. Full of world-famous landmarks, historical sites and museums, fortresses, and art museums. Its center is Independence Square, where large outdoor parties are held during the summer months. In the winter, Kiev’s skyline is coated with snow.
This top 7 list of best places to visit in Ukraine before you die is by no means exhaustive, and if you cannot travel the whole country in one visit it is advised to research the local area before you travel to find out all the region has to offer. As always, check the local news and travel information, especially important ones due to the recent unrest in isolated areas of Ukraine, before you travel. Do not be afraid to change your plans if they seem to coincide with unrestful areas, or if you are traveling in the winter and the weather makes accessing something difficult or unsuitable. Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to have a wonderful time in this beautiful country.
