Home › Destinations › Chernivtsi
Chernivtsi, Україна - Things to Do in Chernivtsi

Chernivtsi

Chernivtsi, Україна - Complete Travel Guide

Chernivtsi, often called the 'Little Vienna' of Ukraine, is a captivating city in the country's southwestern region that easyly blends Austro-Hungarian elegance with Ukrainian charm. The city's crown jewel is the magnificent Chernivtsi National University, a UNESCO World Heritage site formerly known as the Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans, featuring impressive Byzantine and Moorish architecture that rivals any European palace. This multicultural city has been shaped by centuries of Austrian, Romanian, and Ukrainian influences, creating a unique cultural tapestry reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The historic center showcases beautiful 19th-century buildings, cobblestone streets, and elegant squares, while the surrounding Carpathian foothills provide a picturesque backdrop. Chernivtsi serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Bukovina region, known for its painted monasteries and rural traditions.

Top Chernivtsi

Chernivtsi National University

Marvel at the impressive architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site, originally built as a metropolitan residence. The complex features impressive red-brick buildings with intricate Byzantine and Moorish details, beautiful courtyards, and ornate interiors that can be explored through guided tours.

Booking Tip: Tours are available daily except Mondays, costing around 100-150 UAH per person. Book in advance during peak season (May-September) and look for English-speaking guides. Photography permits may require additional fees.

Stroll Through the Historic City Center

Wander the charming cobblestone streets of the Bratislava, admiring Austro-Hungarian architecture along Kobylyanska Street and the central pedestrian zone. Visit the beautiful Armenian Church, the elegant City Hall, and browse local shops and cafes housed in historic buildings.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but consider joining a walking tour for 200-300 UAH to learn about the city's rich history. Best visited in late afternoon when the golden light enhances the architecture.

the Painted Monasteries of Bukovina

Take a day trip to see the famous painted monasteries of northern Bukovina, including Voronet, Humor, and Moldovita. These UNESCO sites feature extraordinary exterior frescoes dating from the 15th-16th centuries, depicting biblical scenes in vivid colors.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost 800-1200 UAH per person including transportation and guide. Book with reputable operators who provide English commentary and allow sufficient time at each monastery. Dress modestly and bring comfortable walking shoes.

Local Markets and Food Scene

Explore the busy Central Market for local produce, crafts, and regional specialties, then sample traditional Bukovinian cuisine at local restaurants. Try dishes like banosh (cornmeal with cheese), ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup), and local wines.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 400-600 UAH per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Look for tours that include market visits and multiple restaurant stops. Best scheduled for late morning to early afternoon when markets are most active.

Chernivtsi's Parks and Gardens

Relax in the beautiful Shevchenko Park with its tree-lined paths and monuments, or visit the Botanical Garden with its diverse plant collections. The Central Park offers pleasant walking trails and is perfect for evening strolls with locals.

Booking Tip: Parks are free to enter and open daily. The Botanical Garden charges a small entrance fee of 20-30 UAH. Best visited in spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) when weather is pleasant and flowers are blooming.

Getting There

Chernivtsi is accessible by train from major Ukrainian cities, with regular connections from Kyiv (8-10 hours), Lviv (4-5 hours), and Odesa (7-8 hours). The city's train station is centrally located and well-connected to the city center. By air, the small Chernivtsi Airport offers limited domestic flights, though most international travelers fly into Kyiv or Lviv and continue by train or bus. Driving is possible via well-maintained highways, and the city is about 40km from the Romanian border, making it accessible for those traveling from Romania via Suceava.

Getting Around

Chernivtsi's compact historic center is easily walkable, with most attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city has an efficient public transportation system including buses and trolleybuses that cost around 8-10 UAH per ride. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available and affordable for longer distances. For day trips to the painted monasteries, organized tours or rental cars are recommended as public transport to rural areas is limited. Bicycle rentals are becoming more popular for exploring the city center and nearby parks.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center
University District
Kobylyanska Street Area
Central Park Vicinity
Train Station Area
Shevchenko Park Neighborhood

Food & Dining

Chernivtsi's dining scene reflects its multicultural heritage, offering a delightful mix of Ukrainian, Romanian, Austrian, and Jewish influences. The city center along Kobylyanska Street features numerous restaurants serving traditional Bukovinian cuisine, including hearty soups, grilled meats, and regional specialties like mămăligă and sarmale. Cozy cafes occupy historic buildings, perfect for trying local pastries and coffee culture inherited from Austrian times. The Central Market area offers authentic local eateries frequented by residents, while upscale restaurants near the university cater to visitors seeking refined dining experiences. Don't miss trying local wines from the nearby Carpathian vineyards and traditional țuică (plum brandy).

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ukraine

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

DonVito

4.9 /5
(7216 reviews)

Trattoria Sicilia

4.7 /5
(3779 reviews) 2
cafe

Monica Pinza Pasta Bar

4.6 /5
(3821 reviews) 2

Valentino

4.7 /5
(1336 reviews) 3
Montenegro cafe meal_delivery

Casa Nori

4.6 /5
(920 reviews) 3

Nonna Macarona

4.9 /5
(809 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Chernivtsi is late spring through early fall (May to October), when weather is pleasant and all attractions are fully accessible. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring outdoor sites and taking day trips to the painted monasteries. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful blooming flowers in parks and gardens, while early fall (September-October) provides comfortable temperatures and impressive autumn colors in the surrounding Carpathian foothills. Winter can be quite cold with snow, but the city takes on a magical quality, and indoor attractions like museums and the university remain accessible year-round.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Ukrainian or Romanian phrases as English isn't widely spoken outside tourist areas, and locals appreciate the effort
Many restaurants and shops close early on Sundays, so plan accordingly and make dinner reservations in advance
Carry cash (Ukrainian hryvnia) as many smaller establishments don't accept credit cards, and ATMs are readily available in the city center

Activities in Chernivtsi