Part of our Ukraine guide.
Start in Kharkiv for its blend of history and modern life, Odesa for its Black Sea port culture, Lutsk for medieval castles, and Kam'yanets'-Podil's'kyi for its fortress. Each city offers specific landmarks, cuisine, and local experiences detailed below.
Related travel guides: Drinking With Bears In Ukraine.
10 Best Things To Do In Kharkiv, Ukraine
Kharkiv, in northeastern Ukraine, has tree-lined streets, parks, and architectural gems. Visit the Derzhprom building, a constructivist skyscraper from the 1920s, and Freedom Square, one of Europe's largest city squares. Explore the Kharkiv Historical Museum for artifacts from the region's Cossack and Soviet eras. Walk through Gorky Park, which has a Ferris wheel and a cable car. Try local cuisine at a traditional Ukrainian restaurant on Sumska Street, and see a performance at the Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. The city's nightlife centers on Pushkinska Street, with bars and clubs open late. For getting around Ukraine, Kharkiv's metro system is efficient for reaching these sites.
Top 10 Things To Do In Odesa, Ukraine
Odesa sits on the Black Sea coast, founded in the late 18th century as a port city. Walk the Potemkin Steps, a monumental staircase leading to the sea, and visit the Odesa Opera and Ballet Theatre, an ornate 19th-century building. Spend time on the Arcadia Beach, a popular stretch with beach clubs and restaurants. See the Odesa Catacombs, a network of underground tunnels that extend over 2,500 km. Try local seafood at the Privoz Market, a large indoor-outdoor bazaar. The city's multicultural history—Greek, Tatar, Turkish, Ukrainian—is visible in the architecture of the Prymorsky Boulevard. For travel inspiration in Ukraine, Odesa’s seaside promenade and slow pace of life are a highlight.
8 Best Things To Do In Lutsk, Ukraine
Lutsk, in western Ukraine, dates to the 11th century. The main attraction is Lubart’s Castle, a medieval fortress with a museum inside displaying armor and icons. Walk the old town’s cobblestone streets to see the Lutheran Church and the Dominican Monastery. Visit the Lesya Ukrainka Museum, dedicated to the Ukrainian poet born in the city. Try a bowl of borscht and varenyky at a restaurant on Market Square. The city also has the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a baroque building from the 18th century. For itineraries for Ukraine, Lutsk works as a day trip from Lviv, about 150 km away.
Things To Do In Odessa, Ukraine
Odessa (the alternative spelling of Odesa) is a port city and seaside resort on the Black Sea. The Greeks, Tatars, Turks, and Ukrainians left traces on its history. Walk along the Deribasivska Street pedestrian zone, lined with cafes and shops. Visit the Odessa Fine Arts Museum, housed in a 19th-century palace. Take a boat tour of the harbor to see the port’s cargo ships and the Vorontsov Palace from the water. The city’s multicultural character is evident in the Jewish Museum of Odessa and the Armenian Church. For here's how much it costs to travel in Ukraine, note that Odessa’s beach clubs and restaurants are pricier than inland cities, but street food like shawarma remains affordable.
8 Great Things To Do In Kam'yanets'-Podil's'kyi, Ukraine
Kamianets Podilskyi, in western Ukraine, has an Old Town enclosed by a fortress. The Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle is a 14th-century stronghold with a bridge over the Smotrych River canyon. Walk the Old Town’s cobblestone streets to see the Armenian Well and the Polish Market Square. Visit the Holy Trinity Church, a wooden church from the 18th century. The city is also a base for hiking and the outdoors in Ukraine, with the Smotrych Canyon offering trails and views. Try the local honey cake at a bakery near the castle. The city’s history as a melting pot of Ukrainian, Polish, and Armenian cultures is visible in the architecture of the Town Hall and the Dominican Church.
