The most beautiful cities in Ukraine: TOP-15 destinations for a weekend trip

Traveling is like a drug: once you try it, it's hard to stop. But we claim that it's a very pleasant and beneficial addiction! Moreover, Ukraine has many cities and towns that are definitely worth visiting. After all, unforgettable experiences don't necessarily have to be sought in other countries or require crossing oceans. Maybe the most beautiful city in the world is just a few hours away? So, pick your destination and quickly pack your bags!

1. Kyiv

There is probably no Ukrainian who wouldn't be able to answer the question "What to see in Kyiv?". Golden Gates, Motherland Monument, Khreshchatyk – even children are probably familiar with these places. Sometimes it feels like even a whole month wouldn't be enough to fully explore the capital – there are so many interesting things here! But this is not just a city with a thousand-year history; it also has a modern face. The high tourist season in the capital coincides with the famous chestnut blossom, which attracts foreigners as well.

2. Lviv

Oh, how I love Lviv, words can't even express it! Everyone imagines it filled with the aromas of coffee and chocolate. People come here for the romance, the atmosphere of the old city, and historical landmarks. Lviv is a European city where you won't need a biometric passport to visit. The incredible number of churches, temples, and castles make it truly medieval and fairy-tale-like, especially during the Christmas holidays. Every tourist must visit the atmospheric cafes of Lviv – "Kryivka" and "Mazoh".

3. Odessa

The most colorful city in Ukraine on the shores of the sea. It's worth coming here not only to visit the legendary Opera House or the numerous beaches. In Odessa, you must bargain at Privoz Market, see the Duke standing on the second manhole, and of course, count all the Potemkin Steps. And if you're lucky enough to find a guide who will tell you incredible stories about the local courtyards, you will definitely fall in love with this gem by the sea.

Read on All Tops: 10 Best Museums in Ukraine

4. Drohobych

A city of salt traditions and incredible architecture. Here you can visit the unique wooden St. George's Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's also worth walking around the Market Square, admiring the old buildings, and visiting the Drohobych Salt Works – the oldest salt production facility in Europe. Drohobych is also famous for its vibrant art scene, as it was the birthplace and creative hub of renowned primitive artist Bruno Schulz. Don't miss the St. Bartholomew's Church – one of the oldest Gothic temples in Ukraine.

5. Mukachevo

Here, European traditions blend with Ukrainian spirit. The main gem is the Palanok Castle, which towers over the city and holds centuries of history. Take a stroll through the historic center and taste the local wines, as Transcarpathia is known for its winemaking traditions. We also recommend checking out the modern-style town hall, one of the city's symbols. If you want to experience the true spirit of Transcarpathia, visit the wine festivals regularly held in Mukachevo. Additionally, be sure to visit the Shenborn Palace, located nearby.

6. Vinnytsia

Thanks to the ROSHEN Fountain, Vinnytsia is also called the city of fountains. It is the heart of an incredible nighttime show with lasers and music on the Southern Bug River. You can witness this spectacle from the end of April until mid-October. To better see the city in daylight, take a ride on the #4 sightseeing tram as part of the "Historical Stop" project.

7. Dnipro

Many people consider this city to be purely industrial and not very touristy. However, that's a mistake, as there is plenty to see here! Just take a look at the vast embankment or the picturesque Lazar Globa Park. The city's highlight is Monastic Island. According to legends, it was visited by Princess Olga, Prince Vladimir, Khan Batu, and many other historical figures. You can reach it by the pedestrian bridge, on which you should definitely hang a lock and throw the key into the Dnieper River – they say it brings good luck.

8. Chernivtsi

Whether called the "Ukrainian Paris" or the "Ukrainian Venice," this city has many names! An incredibly beautiful city with exquisite architecture and cozy, almost intimate streets. The city's landmark is the Chernivtsi National University named after Yuriy Fedkovych. Why? Because it’s the perfect film set for Harry Potter movies! The university impresses with its exterior, but what about delving into the mysteries of its history?

In the Chernivtsi region, you can also find a piece of the Netherlands: in the village of Luzhany, thousands of beautiful tulips bloom in the spring.

9. Ivano-Frankivsk

Some people call this city just a stopover between Eastern Ukraine and Transcarpathia, but it is an independent tourist and cultural center. As befits any city that received Magdeburg rights, it has a town hall – now a symbol of the city. We also recommend a walk along the famous 100-meter street, where you’ll find many interesting landmarks, street cafes, and bookstores. And if you're in a romantic mood, visit the City Lake and the Island of Love within it, which is shaped like a heart.

10. Kamianets-Podilskyi

This is one of the most atmospheric cities in Ukraine. With its numerous historical landmarks, it’s often called an open-air museum. The local fortress served as a backdrop for many historical films. By the way, the oldest bridge in Ukraine, the Turkish Bridge, leads to it. In the summer, the city hosts numerous festivals, including the musical RespublicaFEST and a hot air balloon festival.

11. Lutsk

An ancient city trying to keep up with the times. People come here primarily to see historical landmarks, such as the Lubart Castle, one of the oldest in Ukraine. There are also many unique museums in Lutsk. Notable are the only Bell Museum in Ukraine and the Pharmacy Museum, where it is said they once prepared medicines for Lesya Ukrainka.

12. Yaremche

This city was founded as a transport hub. Typically, this would condemn a city to become just a railway station, but not Yaremche! Thanks to its picturesque nature, it has become a popular tourist destination in Ukraine. If you visit, make sure to walk along the Dovbush Trail, feel the energy of the "Probiy" waterfall, and feed the animals at the local mini-zoo, which resembles a sanctuary.

13. Uzhhorod

This is the smallest regional center in Ukraine, yet behind this compactness lies a thousand-year history. Among other things, the city attracts tourists with a unique phenomenon for our region – the blooming sakura. From late April to mid-May, the Malyy Halagov area turns into a blooming garden. Also worth visiting is the longest lime alley in Europe, which stretches along two embankments – Student and Independence. And of course, if you visit this city, don’t miss the Uzhhorod Castle.

14. Chernihiv

The northern capital of Ukrainian Cossackdom is bound to be interesting for tourists. Locals recommend starting with the Chernihiv Val – a kind of "fortress" within the city. Here, all the main architectural and historical landmarks are compactly located: churches, defensive structures, and huge cast-iron cannons.

15. Baturyn

Once the residence of the Cossack hetmans of Left-Bank Ukraine. Here stands the palace of the last of them – Kyrylo Rozumovskyi. Another remarkable structure in the city is the Citadel of the Baturyn Fortress, from which you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. The city is very compact, and you can explore it in just a few hours.

Author: Yevheniya Kuzenkova