Discover the Rich Culture and Natural Beauty of Ukraine
The barbaric Russian invasion of Ukraine has made much of the country extremely dangerous, with attacks harming civilian and military targets indiscriminately. We advise against any travel to Ukraine, and foreign nationals living in the country should leave if possible.
Situated along the coast of the Black Sea, Ukraine is the largest country in Europe and is surrounded by Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. In recent years, it has become a more popular holiday destination for tourists from surrounding countries, but is also becoming increasingly attractive to citizens of Western Europe and North America.
One of the main attractions for visitors to Ukraine is the country’s rich history, with more than 500 of its cities dating back over 900 years and a fascinating assortment of architecture influenced by its diverse neighbours.
Most travellers begin in the historical capital city of Kyiv, arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Ancient streets, striking architecture, lovely scenery, and a wealth of historical and religious sites ensure a culturally enriching holiday. The destination is also enriched with monuments such as the grandiose St Sophia’s Cathedral, famous for its 11th-century mosaics and frescoes, and the Cave Monastery, the holy centre of the early Orthodox Church.
The other major attraction for Ukraine tourists is the natural beauty of the country, with areas such as the Carpathian and Crimean mountain ranges; the Black Sea and Sea of Asov; and the Crimean Peninsula, which is currently occupied by Russia, but was a popular tourist haven with its warm climate, famous resorts, history, and old cities such as Sevastopol and Yalta.
The Carpathian Mountains draw skiers and hikers throughout the year, and the region is also popular for its restorative spas and historic sites. The city of Lviv is a good place from which to access the mountains. It’s one of the main cultural centres of the country and a delight to explore with its medieval old town and distinctive architecture.
The harbour city of Odessa, known as the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’, is an established tourist destination that also serves as the gateway to many of the famous Black Sea resorts. It is an intriguing city with a wonderful mixture of cultures and historical architecture.
With a name that means ‘borderland’, it’s no wonder that Ukraine is constantly in a state of reinvention. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, the country experienced revolutions in 2004 and 2014 and the invasion and annexation of Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine in 2014. The country remains torn between the East and the West and many visitors find this identity crisis interesting in itself, but Ukraine is primarily a worthy tourist destination because of its history and culture, as well as its thriving resorts.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Ukrainian is the official language, but Russian is also widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
EU citizens and some other nationalities do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. All visitors must possess return/onward tickets. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH), which is divided into 100 kopiyka. US Dollars and Euros are exchanged easily at banks and currency offices and, while other currencies can also be exchanged, they are not as widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in all major towns and cities, and most shops, hotels and restaurants accept Visa, MasterCard, and EuroCard. The Ukraine is still very much a cash-based society for many locals, particularly in remote areas and smaller establishments, so it’s advisable to carry a supply of local currency outside the main cities.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are the round two-pin variety.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
