Travel Around Ukraine: the Best Tourist Places

Tourist Places in Ukraine — a Complete Guide for Travelers

Welcome to the “Tourist Places in Ukraine” section — your guide to the country’s best locations. Here you’ll find interesting places in Ukraine, natural gems, historical landmarks, national parks, fortresses and cities, tried-and-tested weekend routes, travel tips on when to go and how to get there. Save to favorites, share with friends, and suggest a new location if you know your own hidden gem.

Why Travel Around Ukraine

Ukraine is about contrasts and a sense of scale: from the wild ridges of the Carpathians to steppe expanses, from medieval castles to modern districts, from seaside resorts to cozy towns of Podillia and Polissia. Everyone will find something here: active recreation, family routes, ecotourism, food and wine trips, as well as plenty of “must see” spots for a first acquaintance with the country.

Ukraine’s Best Tourist Places: What to See

We’ve gathered top tourist locations that are often searched for and requested: Carpathians, Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa, Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khotyn Fortress, Castles of Lviv Region, Aktovsky Canyon, Tustan, Shatsk Lakes, Dniester Canyon, Podilski Tovtry, Bakota, Oleshkivski Sands, Sofiyivka and dozens more.

Cities with Character

• Kyiv — the golden domes of the Lavra and Saint Sophia, Andriivskyi Descent, Podil, and modern art spaces. Convenient for a weekend in Ukraine.
• Lviv — UNESCO historic center, coffeehouses, underground passages, panoramas from High Castle; ideal for walking routes.
• Odesa — the sea, Primorsky Boulevard, Potemkin Stairs, courtyards, and the South’s gastronomy.
• Chernivtsi — Residence of Bukovynian Metropolitans (UNESCO), Austro-Hungarian charm, and intimate strolls.
• Kharkiv — Freedom Square, constructivism, parks, and art venues.

Fortresses, Castles, and Historical Landmarks

Ukraine is known for its numerous fortifications. Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress, Khotyn, Zolochiv Castle, Olesko, Pidhirtsi, Lutsk Castle, Sudak Fortress (historical mention), Tustan — not just scenery but real portals to the past. A must see for those seeking historical places in Ukraine.

Natural Gems and National Parks

• Carpathians — trails to the lakes Synevyr and Brebeneskul, alpine meadows (polonynas), waterfalls, 🔎 Carpathians vacation.
• Shatsk Lakes — crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, cycling paths.
• Aktovsky Canyon — Ukraine’s “Grand Canyon” in Mykolaiv region: cliffs, river, and camping.
• Podilski Tovtry and Dniester Canyon — panoramic spots for photos and walks.
• Oleshkivski Sands — the largest desert in Europe (by area), unique landscapes, and photo sessions.

Where to Go in Ukraine for a Weekend

For short trips, choose weekend routes in Ukraine with good logistics: Lviv and the castles of Lviv region, Kamianets-Podilskyi + Bakota, Kyiv + Mezhyhirya, Odesa + Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Chernivtsi + Khotyn. These combos let you see the most in 2–3 days.

Curated Picks: Top Places in Ukraine

• For families: zoos, dendrological parks (Sofiyivka, Oleksandriya), gentle walking routes without sharp elevation changes.
• For active travelers: mountain treks, rafting, cycling routes, viewpoints, and rock towns.
• For aesthetes: castles, fortresses, palaces, historic city centers, and intimate museums.
• For insta-travelers: canyons, sands, lakes, panoramic spots, blooming fields (lavender, tulips, sakura — by season).

When to Go: Seasonality and Weather

Ukraine is temperate yet climatically diverse. Spring — for cities and the first mountain trails, summer — for seaside resorts and lakes, autumn — the golden season of castles and wine events, winter — mountains, skiing, and colorful Christmas markets. On each location card we mark the best time to visit and share tips on what to pack.

How to Get There: Car, Train, Plane

We provide practical tips on how to get to popular locations: routes for cars, train connections, buses, local transfers, and navigation landmarks. For long journeys, look for our tips on convenient hub cities from which it’s easy to plan road trips around Ukraine or combine transport.

Traveler Tips: How to Plan Your Trip

• Plan your route at a comfortable pace: it’s better to see less but well. Build “loops” and “radial outings” in advance.
• Check seasonality: waterfalls, blooms, fairs, museum schedules — everything affects impressions.
• Backup plans: have alternatives in case of weather or schedule changes.
• Ecotourism: leave no trash, stay on marked trails, support local businesses.
• Safety: follow official guidance, check current conditions and access restrictions to certain areas.

Location Map and Filters

The category offers filters by region, type of location, route difficulty, and seasonality. Each article is tagged: nature, castles and fortresses, national parks, lakes of Ukraine, waterfalls, caves, canyons, cities, viewpoints, family trips, active recreation. This makes it easier to choose what suits you.

Join the Traveler Community

Have an idea or your own “secret spot”? Add it to our guide — we’ll review and publish it with photos and tips. Click “Suggest a Tourist Place”, describe the location, the best way to get there, the best season, and what exactly to see on site. Together we create a useful map for everyone.

FAQ: Popular Questions

What are the best places in Ukraine for a first trip?

For starters, choose classic destinations: Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kamianets-Podilskyi + Khotyn, the Carpathians (Yaremche, Vorokhta, Bukovel — also interesting in the shoulder season).

Where to go for a weekend in Ukraine?

Top ideas: Lviv + castles, Kyiv + Mezhyhirya, Chernivtsi + Khotyn, Odesa + Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Khmelnytskyi + Bakota, Podilski Tovtry, Shatsk Lakes.

When to go to the Carpathians?

In spring — waterfalls and easy treks; in summer — peaks and lakes; in autumn — alpine meadows in golden colors; in winter — skiing, Christmas ambiance, and spa.

How to find hidden gems and lesser-known locations?

Use our tags and the “less popular places” section, as well as community reviews. Add your own discoveries — it will help other travelers.

How to Use This Category

1. Choose a region or theme (nature, castles, cities, lakes, canyons, caves, parks).
2. Match the season in the article and plan dates — this way you’ll see the location “at its best.”
3. Read the “how to get there” block — it has routes, transport, parking and navigation tips.
4. Save to favorites and build your own route with several nearby locations.
5. Leave a review and share photos — this helps us improve the guide and assist other travelers.

Start Planning Right Now

Browse the latest selections, use the filters, and craft the perfect plan. If you know a place that isn’t in our catalog yet, click “Suggest a Tourist Place” — and we’ll gladly add it to the map of discoveries.

Note: some locations may have temporary access restrictions. Before your trip, check current recommendations, transport schedules, and opening hours. Travel responsibly and protect nature — it’s Ukraine’s most precious treasure.