Ukraine
The most popular tourist attractions in Ukraine combine historic cities, golden-domed churches, and scenic landscapes. The capital Kyiv is known for its ancient monasteries and Saint Sophia's Cathedral, Lviv charms with its old town cafes and architecture, and the Carpathian Mountains offer hiking and mountain resorts.
General information
Ukraine is the largest country lying entirely within Europe, in the east of the continent, with the Carpathian Mountains in the west and the Black Sea along its southern shore. The capital is Kyiv, the language is Ukrainian, and the currency is the Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH). The country has a deep heritage — the medieval state of Kyivan Rus, Cossack history, Orthodox monasteries and lively cities such as Lviv and Odesa — and it is a candidate for European Union membership.
Important safety note: Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has been at war. Martial law is in force, civilian airspace is closed so there are no commercial flights, and air-raid alerts and curfews occur across the country. Many governments advise against all or all-but-essential travel. The description below reflects Ukraine in peacetime; anyone considering a trip must check their government's current travel advisories and the security situation first.
Transport and how to get there
With the airspace closed to civilian aviation, Ukraine is currently reached overland — by long-distance train or bus from neighbouring EU countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, as well as Moldova. In peacetime the main airports were Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) and Zhuliany (IEV), Lviv (LWO) and Odesa (ODS). The national railway is extensive, affordable and the backbone of travel within the country.
Prices
The currency is the Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH), and Ukraine is inexpensive by European standards, though wartime conditions affect availability and opening hours. A budget hotel or guesthouse costs roughly UAH 800–1500 a night, mid-range hotels about UAH 1500–3000. An inexpensive meal is around UAH 200–350, a three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant about UAH 900–1500, and a coffee near UAH 70. A single city transport ticket is about UAH 8–15 and most museums UAH 50–150. Prices are approximate.
Main attractions
Kyiv is crowned by the golden domes of Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the Monastery of the Caves — both UNESCO World Heritage sites — along with the towering Motherland Monument and the artsy Andriivsky Descent. Lviv's UNESCO-listed old town is a treasure of Central European architecture and café culture, Odesa charms with its Potemkin Stairs and seaside boulevards, the Carpathians offer hiking and skiing, and Kamianets-Podilskyi guards a dramatic clifftop castle. Some sites have suffered war damage, so check their current status.