Ukraine Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions
As Europe's largest country, Ukraine offers numerous attractions for visitors like a beautiful assortment of historical architecture and colorful festivals glorifying its rich culture. From the cobblestone streets zigzagging all over old city centers to the rolling countryside teeming with wildlife, Ukraine's citizens are just as colorfully diverse as its geography, and they are perhaps the most hospitable people in all Europe.
The term "Ukraina" really means borderland, and as such, that nation has been a focal invasion target from its earliest beginnings. At various eras, different parts of its land have been shared by Romania, Russia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Poland.
Today, you can still tour through an undiscovered Eastern European ruby searching for its own identity and also making a distinct impression in the tourist world. When you come here, be certain to talk with a local at any of the several markets or delectable restaurants. Old recipes are getting reinterpreted with modern finesse. Since everyone these days wants to improve their English, when conversations spark, jump on the opportunity to get a local's perspective in learning what is the best that Ukraine can offer you.
To gain ideas for dramatically enhancing your sightseeing experiences, review our Ukraine travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Ukraine.
1) Chernobyl. Do you know about the phrase Dark Tourism? It refers to visit sites connected with death and horrible events. Popular examples include the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, Pearl Harbor, Alcatraz in San Francisco, and Pompeii. Tourists to Ukraine could add the memorable Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to their list.
The life-changing explosion, happening in 1989, is situated in the town of Pripyat, in Northern Ukraine. Though the site has recently thrown open its doors to the public, you must see it only with an authorized tour company. If you are concerned about radiation, thorough testing has proven that tourists receive more exposure during a transatlantic airline flight than they may get visiting Chernobyl.
Nearly sixty miles from Kiev, it's just a comfortable but full-day travel from the capital using a Chernobyl Tour. Tour operators could pick you up from a hotel and even return you there after the tour. While being transported, you'll see a video educating about the disaster. Detailed narration and real footage cause the event to vividly materialize and prepare tourists for what await them.
The actual tour leads visitors through several buildings, a few resembling more of a stage set. It's a remarkably moving experience, one which you will continue to remember long after you have left.
2) St. Sophia's Cathedral. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, St. Sophia's Cathedral is a tourist's favorite. With an extensive Baroque exterior boasting 13 golden domes, the cathedral sparkles among other historical buildings. Its sheer enchanting beauty lures you into the incredible interior.
Once inside, you'll see the space packed with centuries-old frescoes, ancient mosaics, and beautiful murals. Either take a tour or relax by sitting through a service and enjoy the full experience.
Given the name for Hagia Sophia, St. Sophia has become Kiev's notable landmark since being built in 1037. The bell tower, which offers the better views of Kiev, is really worth climbing up all the way to the top.
3) L'viv's Historic Center. The city of L'viv is a most charming and well-preserved destination for tourists. The whole historic center got awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, and visitors shall love strolling along the cobbled streets while admiring the highlights.
Frequently regarded "the Paris of Ukraine," the old city exudes a traditional European feel, plus the availability of excellent restaurants and modern conveniences. Coffee lovers shall find the cafe's difficult to resist. This is a place where people take their caffeine in all types quite seriously.
For an exceptional outlook of the town, be sure to climb bell tower's lengthy staircase. The landscape from every direction is stunning.
4) Sample Borscht. As gastronomical tourism explodes recently, numerous visitors feel there's no other manner to explore a new culture except through their food. Today tourists can find traditional Ukrainian borscht in many restaurants spread throughout the country. Available cold or hot, it's a nice treat and an ideal example of the common people trying to survive the tough times by stretching ingredients. Plus, if you're fortunate, the most superb versions will motivate you enough to seek a genuine recipe to prepare it when you return home; it may take 3 or 4 times of error and trial to get it right.
5) Kamenets Podolsky Castle. Standing in Kamianets-Podilskyi, only a quick walk from the ancient town, this castle is a fine landmark. This fortress, existing since prior to the 14th century, is a great site in the canyon for taking pictures and exploring. It has a fairy-tale vibe.
When you tour around this castle, you'll marvel at all the passageways and manicured grounds. Despite being centuries old, the castle has been modernized with functioning bathrooms and even a cafe' to enhance your visit. The castle is particularly beautiful at night with all the electric-producing illumination brightening it from all directions.
After one day worth of exploration, take a brief stroll to the old town and try their delicious food from any of the several diverse restaurants.
