last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Ukraine
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Location Map of Ukraine
Ukraine
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Beyond the "Struve Geodetic Arc" shared with several Eastern European countries, Ukraine has 7 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv (1990)
Alongside the "Kyiv Pechersk Lavra" (both an Orthodox monastery and museum), Kyiv Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural quality and historical value.
Alongside the "Kyiv Pechersk Lavra" (both an Orthodox monastery and museum), Kyiv Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural quality and historical value.
Historic Centre of Lviv (1998)
The old town of what was once the capital of Galicia contains a remarkable collection of buildings representing various architectural styles, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
The old town of what was once the capital of Galicia contains a remarkable collection of buildings representing various architectural styles, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Ancient City of Chersonesus (2013)
Just outside Sevastopol, by the sea, these are the UNESCO-listed ruins of an ancient Greek colony.
Just outside Sevastopol, by the sea, these are the UNESCO-listed ruins of an ancient Greek colony.
Carpathian Forest
This UNESCO-listed mountain range, known for its forests, stretches across the far west of Ukraine. It’s a great region for hiking, outdoor sports, skiing (resorts at Dragobrat and especially Bukovel), or observing wildlife (bears, wolves, birds...) and flora.
This UNESCO-listed mountain range, known for its forests, stretches across the far west of Ukraine. It’s a great region for hiking, outdoor sports, skiing (resorts at Dragobrat and especially Bukovel), or observing wildlife (bears, wolves, birds...) and flora.
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (1990)
It is both an impressive Orthodox monastery and one of the country's largest museums. Along with the city's cathedral, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is both an impressive Orthodox monastery and one of the country's largest museums. Along with the city's cathedral, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tserkvas of the Carpathians (2013)
Under this name are grouped 8 traditional Orthodox churches in the south/southeast of Poland and an equal number in Ukraine. The collection is part of the World Heritage Site as a "complement" to the wooden churches of southern Lesser Poland, which are also UNESCO-listed.
Under this name are grouped 8 traditional Orthodox churches in the south/southeast of Poland and an equal number in Ukraine. The collection is part of the World Heritage Site as a "complement" to the wooden churches of southern Lesser Poland, which are also UNESCO-listed.
Chernivtsi National University (2011)
This beautiful university, built in the late 19th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural value, which gives it a somewhat British feel.
This beautiful university, built in the late 19th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural value, which gives it a somewhat British feel.
Western and Central Regions
Olesko Castle
Built in the 14th century in the village of the same name, this castle-museum is one of the country’s best-known.
Built in the 14th century in the village of the same name, this castle-museum is one of the country’s best-known.
Dnipro
Ukraine’s third-largest urban area, known until 2016 as Dnipropetrovsk, is a prime example of Stalinist architecture.
Ukraine’s third-largest urban area, known until 2016 as Dnipropetrovsk, is a prime example of Stalinist architecture.
Izmail
A city on the Danube, facing Romania, from which you can explore the Danube Delta and its birds.
A city on the Danube, facing Romania, from which you can explore the Danube Delta and its birds.
Kamianets-Podilskyi
A large city near Moldova with a charming center and an impressive fortress. Nearby, the Smotrych River gorges can be seen from a hot-air balloon.
A large city near Moldova with a charming center and an impressive fortress. Nearby, the Smotrych River gorges can be seen from a hot-air balloon.
Kharkiv
Also known as Kharkiv, this is Ukraine's second-largest city, located near the Russian border. It boasts numerous parks, several museums, and a 17th-century cathedral.
Also known as Kharkiv, this is Ukraine's second-largest city, located near the Russian border. It boasts numerous parks, several museums, and a 17th-century cathedral.
Kyiv
Ukraine's charming capital boasts beautiful Baroque architecture, including numerous religious buildings, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites like Saint Sophia Cathedral.
Ukraine's charming capital boasts beautiful Baroque architecture, including numerous religious buildings, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites like Saint Sophia Cathedral.
Lviv
The largest city in the west of the country, both economically and culturally. Lviv boasts a stunning historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it the most beautiful city in Ukraine.
The largest city in the west of the country, both economically and culturally. Lviv boasts a stunning historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it the most beautiful city in Ukraine.
Mariupol
This is the major port between Crimea and Russia, with just a small old quarter for tourist appeal. There are a few seaside resorts or holiday spots nearby... but also the still-conflicted Donbass region.
This is the major port between Crimea and Russia, with just a small old quarter for tourist appeal. There are a few seaside resorts or holiday spots nearby... but also the still-conflicted Donbass region.
Pochayiv Lavra
It is the second-largest Orthodox monastery in Ukraine. Located in western Ukraine, in the town of Pochayiv.
It is the second-largest Orthodox monastery in Ukraine. Located in western Ukraine, in the town of Pochayiv.
Odesa
This major Black Sea port is famous for its historic center and, above all, its endless stairs from the film *Battleship Potemkin*. With its beaches and lively atmosphere, the city is one of Ukraine’s top tourist destinations.
This major Black Sea port is famous for its historic center and, above all, its endless stairs from the film *Battleship Potemkin*. With its beaches and lively atmosphere, the city is one of Ukraine’s top tourist destinations.
Ochakiv
A fairly popular small seaside resort east of Odessa. Not far away, you can visit the ruins of the Greek city of Olvia.
A fairly popular small seaside resort east of Odessa. Not far away, you can visit the ruins of the Greek city of Olvia.
Uman
This city boasts beautiful churches, some historic buildings, and a renowned arboretum (Sofiyivsky). It is also an important pilgrimage site for the Hasidic Jewish community, who come to pay their respects at the tomb of the founder of this religious movement.
This city boasts beautiful churches, some historic buildings, and a renowned arboretum (Sofiyivsky). It is also an important pilgrimage site for the Hasidic Jewish community, who come to pay their respects at the tomb of the founder of this religious movement.
Poltava
A large city east of Kyiv with an old centre, beautiful religious buildings, plenty of green spaces, and several museums.
A large city east of Kyiv with an old centre, beautiful religious buildings, plenty of green spaces, and several museums.
Sumy
A town near the Russian border with a beautiful cathedral and many other religious buildings, plus a few museums.
A town near the Russian border with a beautiful cathedral and many other religious buildings, plus a few museums.
Chernihiv
A charming "historic" city among the oldest in the country, with numerous parks, churches, and monasteries.
A charming "historic" city among the oldest in the country, with numerous parks, churches, and monasteries.
Chernivtsi
A large city in western Ukraine, near Romania, with a charming historic center, museums, and a UNESCO-listed university for its late 19th-century architecture.
A large city in western Ukraine, near Romania, with a charming historic center, museums, and a UNESCO-listed university for its late 19th-century architecture.
Chernobyl
Organised tours are available, particularly from Kyiv, to visit part of the site where the 1986 disaster took place. There is also a Chernobyl museum in Kyiv.
Organised tours are available, particularly from Kyiv, to visit part of the site where the 1986 disaster took place. There is also a Chernobyl museum in Kyiv.
Tserkvas of the Carpathians
Under this name are grouped 8 traditional Orthodox churches in the south/southeast of Poland and an equal number in Ukraine. The collection is part of the World Heritage Site as a "complement" to the wooden churches of southern Lesser Poland, which are also UNESCO-listed.
Under this name are grouped 8 traditional Orthodox churches in the south/southeast of Poland and an equal number in Ukraine. The collection is part of the World Heritage Site as a "complement" to the wooden churches of southern Lesser Poland, which are also UNESCO-listed.
Natural Heritage
Carpathians
This UNESCO-listed mountain range, known for its forests, stretches across the far west of Ukraine. It’s a great region for hiking, outdoor sports, skiing (resorts at Dragobrat and especially Bukovel), or observing wildlife (bears, wolves, birds...) and flora.
This UNESCO-listed mountain range, known for its forests, stretches across the far west of Ukraine. It’s a great region for hiking, outdoor sports, skiing (resorts at Dragobrat and especially Bukovel), or observing wildlife (bears, wolves, birds...) and flora.
Danube Delta
Three-quarters of the reserve is in Romania and one-quarter in Ukraine. It is a major ornithological site in Europe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Romanian side. You can enjoy beautiful boat trips along its many channels.
Three-quarters of the reserve is in Romania and one-quarter in Ukraine. It is a major ornithological site in Europe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Romanian side. You can enjoy beautiful boat trips along its many channels.
Dnieper
This long river (not to be confused with the Dniester), flowing from Russia to the Black Sea, offers opportunities for tourist cruises between Kyiv and the Odesa region.
This long river (not to be confused with the Dniester), flowing from Russia to the Black Sea, offers opportunities for tourist cruises between Kyiv and the Odesa region.
Lower Dniester National Park
This natural area along the Dniester River, on the border with Moldova, offers hiking and kayaking.
This natural area along the Dniester River, on the border with Moldova, offers hiking and kayaking.
Podilski Tovtry National Park
This is a natural park in western Ukraine, surrounding the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, and it’s the largest in the country. You can enjoy various outdoor activities and explore several hundred small, locally significant historic sites and monuments.
This is a natural park in western Ukraine, surrounding the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, and it’s the largest in the country. You can enjoy various outdoor activities and explore several hundred small, locally significant historic sites and monuments.
Eastern Part of the Country - Conflict Zone
Warning: Due to the ongoing dispute between Russia and Ukraine, the entire eastern part of the country (Donetsk region) is strongly advised against for safety reasons by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Donetsk: A large city of one million inhabitants with a mix of Soviet, older, and more contemporary architecture and urban planning.
Crimea
Warning: Due to the ongoing dispute between Russia and Ukraine, the entire peninsula is currently advised against for safety reasons by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Alupka
This seaside resort at the southernmost tip of Crimea has always been a popular tourist destination. The town is particularly known for the stunning Vorontsov Palace Museum, which among other things served as Churchill’s residence during the Yalta Conference.
This seaside resort at the southernmost tip of Crimea has always been a popular tourist destination. The town is particularly known for the stunning Vorontsov Palace Museum, which among other things served as Churchill’s residence during the Yalta Conference.
Bakhchysarai
This small town, between Sevastopol and Simferopol, is the cultural capital of the Crimean Tatars. Visitors can explore beautiful mosques, the 16th-century Khan’s Palace, and several religious sites or cave villages in the surrounding area.
This small town, between Sevastopol and Simferopol, is the cultural capital of the Crimean Tatars. Visitors can explore beautiful mosques, the 16th-century Khan’s Palace, and several religious sites or cave villages in the surrounding area.
Balaklava
Near Sevastopol, the town is home to various historical sites from the Crimean War, World War II, and the Soviet-era submarine base.
Near Sevastopol, the town is home to various historical sites from the Crimean War, World War II, and the Soviet-era submarine base.
Ancient City of Chersonesus
Just outside Sevastopol, by the sea, these are the UNESCO-listed ruins of an ancient Greek colony.
Just outside Sevastopol, by the sea, these are the UNESCO-listed ruins of an ancient Greek colony.
Koktebel
Nestled in its bay, Koktebel is a small, fairly popular seaside resort on the southern coast of Crimea.
Nestled in its bay, Koktebel is a small, fairly popular seaside resort on the southern coast of Crimea.
Crimean Mountains
This pretty little mountain range runs along the southern coast of Crimea. You can hike here and see the country’s tallest waterfalls.
This pretty little mountain range runs along the southern coast of Crimea. You can hike here and see the country’s tallest waterfalls.
Sevastopol
This is the major port of Crimea, with its 19th-century buildings and monuments from the Soviet era. On the outskirts of the city, you can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Chersonesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013.
This is the major port of Crimea, with its 19th-century buildings and monuments from the Soviet era. On the outskirts of the city, you can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Chersonesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013.
Simferopol
The capital of the "Republic of Crimea" is usually just a stopover for those wanting to visit the peninsula's coast or mountains.
The capital of the "Republic of Crimea" is usually just a stopover for those wanting to visit the peninsula's coast or mountains.
Sudak
A charming coastal resort that’s quite touristy, with its beaches and imposing Genoese fortress overlooking the sea.
A charming coastal resort that’s quite touristy, with its beaches and imposing Genoese fortress overlooking the sea.
Yalta
World-famous for the conference held here in 1945, the city is also a seaside resort with many small palaces and beautiful buildings, particularly from the 19th century.
World-famous for the conference held here in 1945, the city is also a seaside resort with many small palaces and beautiful buildings, particularly from the 19th century.
Yevpatoria
This seaside town is best known for the world-renowned electronic dance festival KaZantip, which took place on its outskirts until 2014.
This seaside town is best known for the world-renowned electronic dance festival KaZantip, which took place on its outskirts until 2014.
Recommended
Historic Centre of Lviv
★★★ The old town of what was once the capital of Galicia contains a remarkable collection of buildings representing various architectural…
Danube Delta
★★★ Three-quarters of the reserve is in Romania and one-quarter in Ukraine. It is a major ornithological site in Europe, listed as a UNESCO…
Lviv
★★★ The largest city in the west of the country, both economically and culturally. Lviv boasts a stunning historic centre, a UNESCO World…
Odesa
★★★ This major Black Sea port is famous for its historic center and, above all, its endless stairs from the film *Battleship Potemkin*. With…
Worth a look / Other
Alupka
★★ This seaside resort at the southernmost tip of Crimea has always been a popular tourist destination. The town is particularly known for the…
Bakhchysarai
★★ This small town, between Sevastopol and Simferopol, is the cultural capital of the Crimean Tatars. Visitors can explore beautiful mosques…
Carpathians (Ukraine)
★★ This UNESCO-listed mountain range, known for its forests, stretches across the far west of Ukraine. It’s a great region for hiking…
Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv
★★ Alongside the "Kyiv Pechersk Lavra" (both an Orthodox monastery and museum), Kyiv Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its…
Dnieper
★★ This long river (not to be confused with the Dniester), flowing from Russia to the Black Sea, offers opportunities for tourist cruises…
Kamianets-Podilskyi
★★ A large city near Moldova with a charming center and an impressive fortress. Nearby, the Smotrych River gorges can be seen from a hot-air…
Kyiv
★★ Ukraine's charming capital boasts beautiful Baroque architecture, including numerous religious buildings, some of which are UNESCO World…
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
★★ It is both an impressive Orthodox monastery and one of the country's largest museums. Along with the city's cathedral, it is part of the…
Pochayiv Lavra
★★ It is the second-largest Orthodox monastery in Ukraine. Located in western Ukraine, in the town of Pochayiv.
Crimean Mountains
★★ This pretty little mountain range runs along the southern coast of Crimea. You can hike here and see the country’s tallest waterfalls.
Podilski Tovtry National Park
★★ This is a natural park in western Ukraine, surrounding the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, and it’s the largest in the country. You can…
Poltava
★★ A large city east of Kyiv with an old centre, beautiful religious buildings, plenty of green spaces, and several museums.
Sevastopol
★★ This is the major port of Crimea, with its 19th-century buildings and monuments from the Soviet era. On the outskirts of the city, you can…
Sudak
★★ A charming coastal resort that’s quite touristy, with its beaches and imposing Genoese fortress overlooking the sea.
Chernihiv
★★ A charming "historic" city among the oldest in the country, with numerous parks, churches, and monasteries.
Chernivtsi
★★ A large city in western Ukraine, near Romania, with a charming historic center, museums, and a UNESCO-listed university for its late…
Chernobyl
★★ Organised tours are available, particularly from Kyiv, to visit part of the site where the 1986 disaster took place. There is also a…
Tserkvas of the Carpathians
★★ Under this name are grouped 8 traditional Orthodox churches in the south/southeast of Poland and an equal number in Ukraine. The collection…
Yalta
★★ World-famous for the conference held here in 1945, the city is also a seaside resort with many small palaces and beautiful buildings…
Zhovkva
★★ A large town in the west with a late 16th-century castle and an old centre.
Alushta
★ A seaside resort located northeast of Yalta.
Balaklava
★ Near Sevastopol, the town is home to various historical sites from the Crimean War, World War II, and the Soviet-era submarine base.
Olesko Castle
★ Built in the 14th century in the village of the same name, this castle-museum is one of the country’s best-known.
Khotyn Castle
★ It is a medieval fortress located on the Moldovan border in the eponymous town.
Ancient City of Chersonesus
★ Just outside Sevastopol, by the sea, these are the UNESCO-listed ruins of an ancient Greek colony.
Dnipro
★ Ukraine’s third-largest urban area, known until 2016 as Dnipropetrovsk, is a prime example of Stalinist architecture.
Feodosia
★ Also known as Theodosia, this is a seaside resort in Crimea with an old town centre.
Ivano-Frankivsk
★ This town in Galicia offers beautiful Baroque architecture.
Izmail
★ A city on the Danube, facing Romania, from which you can explore the Danube Delta and its birds.
Kharkiv
★ Also known as Kharkiv, this is Ukraine's second-largest city, located near the Russian border. It boasts numerous parks, several museums…
Koktebel
★ Nestled in its bay, Koktebel is a small, fairly popular seaside resort on the southern coast of Crimea.
Mariupol
★ This is the major port between Crimea and Russia, with just a small old quarter for tourist appeal. There are a few seaside resorts or…
Ochakiv
★ A fairly popular small seaside resort east of Odessa. Not far away, you can visit the ruins of the Greek city of Olvia.
Uman
★ This city boasts beautiful churches, some historic buildings, and a renowned arboretum (Sofiyivsky). It is also an important pilgrimage…
Lower Dniester National Park
★ This natural area along the Dniester River, on the border with Moldova, offers hiking and kayaking.
Simferopol
★ The capital of the "Republic of Crimea" is usually just a stopover for those wanting to visit the peninsula's coast or mountains.
Sumy
★ A town near the Russian border with a beautiful cathedral and many other religious buildings, plus a few museums.
Truskavets
★ A very popular small spa town located in the border region with Poland.
Chernivtsi National University
★ This beautiful university, built in the late 19th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural value, which gives it a…
Yevpatoria
★ This seaside town is best known for the world-renowned electronic dance festival KaZantip, which took place on its outskirts until 2014.