{"id":17790,"date":"2018-10-09T18:22:46","date_gmt":"2018-10-09T18:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/?p=17790"},"modified":"2018-10-09T18:22:46","modified_gmt":"2018-10-09T18:22:46","slug":"ukraine-11-best-places-to-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/?p=17790","title":{"rendered":"Ukraine: 11 best places to visit"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Recent political, territorial and economic difficulties have done little to burnish the image of a former Soviet nation struggling to find its identity between Russian and western European influences. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Ukraine is home to a host of beautiful places with a great range of tourist activities. And while some regions are advised as off-limits due to separatist clashes, most of this vast country is open for business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vibrant cities, ancient castles, stunning countryside, diversity of landscapes and a welcoming attitude all help make it a special destination, regardless of its troubles. <\/span><\/p>\n

The lack of mass tourism lends Ukraine a charm and authenticity often missing elsewhere. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here are 11 places that will make you fall in love with this eastern European country.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lviv<\/h3>\n

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\"The<\/div>\n

The Black Stone House, built in 1588, is one of Lviv’s most famous buildings.<\/p>\n

Richard Heathcote\/Getty Images Europe\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Seen as Ukraine’s cultural capital, Lviv has the most western architecture of all the country’s cities. <\/span><\/p>\n

It boasts a splendid UNESCO-protected Old Town renowned for beautiful narrow streets, magnificent churches, fascinating museums and charming atmosphere. <\/span><\/p>\n

It’s cozy and welcoming, offering a wide range of themed restaurants, cool bars and great nightlife. <\/span><\/p>\n

No matter the season, it’s popular with Ukrainians who come here for a weekend to feel the Old Town vibes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra:<\/strong> Lviv is famous for its knaipas — local pubs that serve drinks and food. One of the most curious ones is Gasova Lampa (Gas Lamp) — a museum-restaurant with one of the biggest collection of gas lamps in Europe. (<\/em>Gasova Lampa<\/em><\/a><\/em>, 20 Virmenska St, Lviv; Ukraine; +380 50 371 0908).<\/span><\/div>\n

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Chernivtsi<\/h3>\n

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Nicknamed Little Vienna for the rich Austro-Hungarian architectural heritage, Chernivtsi is one of the gems of western Ukraine. <\/span><\/p>\n

There’s the stunning UNESCO-protected building of Chernivtsi University<\/a>, romantic walks and charming Vienna-style cafes. <\/span><\/div>\n

Lovers of Art Nouveau architecture can explore the elegant frescoes and beautiful interiors of the Chernivtsi Museum of Art (Teatralna Square, 10, Chernivtsi; +380 3722 26071).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

With a history of multiculturalism and constantly changing jurisdictions, the city is one of the most interesting destinations in the country. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra: <\/strong>One of the best coffee shops in the city is the charming Chashka<\/em><\/a> (Stepana Bandery St, 9, Chernivtsi, Ukraine; +380 50 972 8888).<\/span><\/div>\n

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Sofiyivsky Park in Uman<\/h3>\n

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One of the most prominent examples of European gardening design dating back to the early 19th century, Sofiyivsky Park <\/a>is a unique Ukrainian natural attraction. <\/span><\/div>\n

It was founded by Polish noble Stanis?aw Potocki as a birthday gift to his wife Sofia. <\/span><\/p>\n

The extensive park is home to waterfalls, lakes, statues, fountains, antique grottoes and artificial ruins, and is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing walk surrounded by natural beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra: <\/strong>Another picturesque example of 18th-century landscape design is Olexandriya Park in Bila Tserkva, a small town near Kiev. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Kiev<\/h3>\n

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\"Ukraine<\/div>\n

Kiev, Ukraine’s capital, is a vibrant destination filled with golden-domed churches.<\/p>\n

SERGEI SUPINSKY\/AFP\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Golden domes of superb churches, a long and rich history, eclectic architecture and nonstop city life make Kiev a go-to spot for all travelers visiting Ukraine. <\/span><\/p>\n

Kiev is one of the most prominent cities in eastern Europe and its sights include two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kiev Pechersk Lavra<\/a> (Monastery of the Caves) and St. Sophia Cathedral. <\/span><\/div>\n

There’s also the Andriyivskyy Descent — a steep and historic street paved with cobblestones — and the awe-inspiring and gargoyle-smothered Art Nouveau-style House with chimaeras.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra: <\/strong>A good authentic local street snack is perepichka — a fried bun with sausage inside. It’s served from the window on Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street, easily recognized by the long line (Kyivska Perepichka, Bohdana Khmelnytskoho St, 3, Kiev).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Mukacheve<\/h3>\n

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This charming little destination in the western Zakarpattia region has a compact old town full of Austro-Hungarian architecture overlooked by the impressive castle that stands on a nearby hill. <\/span><\/p>\n

Once one of the most important fortresses in the kingdom of Hungary, Palanok Castle is now a highlight of Ukrainian tourism. <\/span><\/p>\n

Mukacheve is also a great starting point for exploring the natural wonders of the Carpathian mountains, including Synevir Lake and picturesque Shypit waterfall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra: <\/strong>Dessert with a coffee at Bondarenko Confectionery House will complete any Mukacheve experience. (Dostoyevskoho St, 11, Mukacheve)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi<\/h3>\n

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Often referred to as the City of Museums, Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi, about 50 miles southwest of Kiev, is home to no fewer than 24 venues hosting a wide variety of artifacts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among them are the Museum of Bread, the Museum of Rushnyk (traditional Ukrainian ritual cloth), the Museum of Space and the Museum of Ukrainian National Dress. <\/span><\/p>\n

But the most impressive of them all is a large open-air Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life exhibiting unique objects from ancient times until the beginning of the 20th century.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra:<\/strong> Across the mighty Dnieper River that divides east and west Ukraine sits the little city of Kaniv. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here can be found the Shevchenko National Reserve, devoted to one of the greatest Ukrainian writers Taras Shevchenko. The hills of the reserve offer breathtaking views over the river.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kharkiv<\/h3>\n

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\"The<\/div>\n

The Mirror Stream is a UNESCO-protected site in Kharkiv surrounded by a picturesque park.<\/p>\n

Christopher Lee\/Getty Images Europe\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Once the capital of Ukraine and now its second city, Kharkiv is a city of students who drive the thriving restaurant and bar scene. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are enough museums and culture to make Kharkiv an interesting eastern Ukrainian destination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Freedom Square is one of the largest squares in Europe, while the Derzhprom building is one of the most famous examples of constructivist architecture. <\/span><\/p>\n

Completed in 1928, it was the most spacious single structure in the world at the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra:<\/strong> One of the coolest bars in Kharkiv is Starik Hem<\/a>. With quirky Hemingway-inspired design, great drinks and overall affordability, it is one of the best places in the city (Svobody St, 8, Kharkiv; +380 57 714 1212).<\/em><\/span><\/div>\n

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Chernihiv<\/h3>\n

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Chernihiv is one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, and was once a prospering and important center of medieval Kievan Rus, the first East Slavic state. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are unique examples of medieval Slavic ecclesiastical architecture, and one of the oldest churches in Ukraine — the Transfiguration Cathedral, which was completed in the 11th century and features stunning frescoes and ancient interiors. <\/span><\/p>\n

Chernihiv is home to a third of all the eastern European historic landmarks period before the Mongol invasion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra: <\/strong>One of the best places to try varenyky (traditional Ukrainian filled dumplings) is the Varenychna restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 18th-century Kachanivka Palace is a popular excursion from either Chernihiv or Kyiv. It’s a beautiful neoclassical mansion surrounded by well-preserved English gardens with a lake and artificial antique ruins.<\/span><\/p>\n

Varenychna, Myru Ave, 21, Chernihiv, Ukraine<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Odessa<\/h3>\n

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\"Odessa<\/div>\n

Odessa celebrates the Humorina Carnival, or festival of humor, each year on April 1.<\/p>\n

AFP\/AFP\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

As one of Ukraine’s largest seaports and trade hubs with a beautiful historic district, Odessa has plenty of treasures waiting to be discovered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The central part of the city is packed with sights, while architecture lovers can admire the splendid palaces and unique blend of building styles. <\/span><\/p>\n

For sea enthusiasts, Odessa offers kilometers of Black Sea beaches and lots of entertainment both during the day and night.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra: <\/strong>One of Odessa’s best restaurants is Bernardazzi<\/a> set in the building of the Odessa Philharmonic (Bunina St, 15, Odessa).<\/em><\/span><\/div>\n
Odessa is also home to one of the most beautiful theater buildings in Europe — the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater<\/a> built in the 19th century by Austrian architectural studio Fellner & Helmer (Tchaikovsky Lane, 1, Odessa).<\/em><\/span><\/div>\n

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Uzhhorod<\/h3>\n

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This little city right on the border with Slovakia has belonged to five different countries in the last 100 years. <\/span><\/p>\n

Its historical affiliations can be seen throughout Uzhhorod’s central district where you’ll find Czech functionalist buildings standing next to classical Hungarian mansions, or Russian Orthodox, Catholic and Greek-Catholic churches in close proximity. <\/span><\/p>\n

Uzhhorod is the vibrant hub of the Zakarpattia region and the gateway to the Carpathian mountains, easily reached from the major central European cities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kamianets-Podilskyi<\/h3>\n

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For spectacular views and cozy old-town vibes, Kamianets-Podilskyi is worth further exploration. <\/span><\/p>\n

This little town in the western part of the country has one of the most breathtaking fortresses in eastern Europe. It stands majestically on an island surrounded by a canyon and encircled by the Smotrych River. Apart from the castle, Kamianets-Podilskyi is famous for the festival of hot-air balloons that is usually held in the late spring. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ukraine extra: <\/strong>Another magnificent castle can be found in the nearby city of Khotyn. Khotyn Fortress<\/em><\/a> is considered to be one of the most picturesque and most visited castles in Ukraine (Fortechna St, 1A, Khotyn). <\/em>It has been a setting for many Soviet and Ukrainian historical movies because of its authentic atmosphere and majestic views. <\/span><\/div>\n
Pavlo Fedykovych is a creator of svitforyou.com<\/a>, a travel blog about Central Europe and Ukraine. He’s also a freelance contributing writer for Lonely Planet. He tweets at @de_weg_<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Recent political, territorial and economic difficulties have done little to burnish the image of a former Soviet nation struggling to find its identity between Russian and western European influences. Nevertheless, Ukraine is home to a host of beautiful places with a great range of tourist activities. And while some regions are advised as off-limits due…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":17791,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17790","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-world_news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17790","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17790"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17790\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17791"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17790"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17790"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17790"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}