Things to Do in Ukraine

About Ukraine

Where golden wheat fields stretch endlessly beneath vast skies and centuries-old traditions pulse through modern cities, Ukraine reveals itself as Europe's soulful heartland—a nation of fierce resilience and unexpected beauty. This is a land where Orthodox domes glitter above cobblestone streets, where the rhythms of folk songs echo through Carpathian valleys, and where a proud people have shaped one of the continent's most captivating yet underexplored destinations. Ukraine doesn't just invite you to visit; it challenges you to see beyond the headlines and discover a culture as deep and stirring as the Dnipro River itself.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: While credit cards are accepted in major cities like Kyiv and Lviv, many smaller businesses, markets, and rural areas operate on a cash-only basis, so withdraw Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH) from ATMs in larger cities where rates are better.

• Transportation: Download the Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) app for booking affordable overnight trains between cities—these sleeper trains are a comfortable and authentic way to travel long distances, with prices significantly lower than Western Europe.

• Language Basics: Learning a few phrases in Ukrainian (or Russian, though Ukrainian is preferred) will be greatly appreciated, as English proficiency drops significantly outside major tourist areas and younger demographics; download an offline translation app before arriving.

• Current Safety Considerations: Always check your government's current travel advisories and register with your embassy, as the security situation requires staying informed about which regions are safe to visit and being prepared for air raid alerts, particularly when traveling outside western regions.

When to Visit

Ukraine is best visited from late April through early June (15-25°C) and September through early October (12-20°C), when the weather is mild and you'll avoid both the sweltering July-August heat (often exceeding 30°C with high humidity, especially in Kyiv and Odesa) and the brutally cold winters where temperatures plummet to -10°C or lower from December through February. Late spring brings the stunning chestnut blossoms that line Kyiv's boulevards and the Odesa International Film Festival (typically mid-July, though worth braving summer heat), while autumn offers the spectacular golden hues of the Carpathian Mountains and cheaper accommodation rates after the summer tourist peak. Late July through August sees the highest prices and crowds at Black Sea resorts like Odesa and Crimea's alternatives, with beach towns packed with domestic tourists, while November through March brings gray skies, occasional heavy snowfall (particularly in Lviv and western regions), and limited daylight hours (as few as 8 hours in December), though this period offers rock-bottom prices and a chance to experience authentic Christmas markets in Lviv's Old Town (early January, following the Orthodox calendar). Budget travelers should target May or September when you'll get moderate weather, fewer tourists than peak summer, and reasonable hotel rates, though be prepared for occasional spring rain showers or early autumn drizzle—pack layers regardless of when you visit, as Ukrainian weather can shift dramatically within a single day.