If you’re one of those wanderlusts always seeking a country that’s truly off the beaten path, consider traveling to Ukraine. Located in the heart of Europe, it remains one of the continent’s largest — and most underestimated — destinations. Despite the ongoing war, travel within many regions of Ukraine continues, though it now requires careful planning and local expertise.

👋 Meet Your Ukraine Travel Expert

WRITER | TRAVELER | REGISTERED VOLUNTEER FOR UA ARMY

My name is Inessa, I’m a travel writer, and I’ve been exploring Ukraine long before the invasion. I’m Ukrainian myself — and I still travel the country today. Not just because I love it, but because I believe in showing the world the beauty, strength, and humanity that exists here, even now.

I’m not a tour guide or a fixer. I’m your travel ally. A voice who helps you navigate wartime Ukraine with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

here's how i can help

Travel to UKRAINE: LATEST POSTS

Cities, Routes, and Lifestyle

Lviv Itinerary: 19 Memorable Things to Do on a Weekend in Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv is never boring. You can come here for a weekend, a week, or two [...]

The Ultimate Guide to Visit Uzhgorod: One of the Cutest Small Towns in Ukraine (and One of the Most Under-the-Radar)

If you’re searching for one of Ukraine’s true under-the-radar cities, Uzhhorod is the perfect find. [...]

4 Comments

Chernihiv Travel Guide: An Easy and Rewarding Day Trip from Kyiv

If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and memorable day trip from Kyiv, consider visiting [...]

4 Comments

Kyiv Old Town: Unforgettable Highlights of Andriivska Street You’ll Love

A walk through the old town and along Andriivska Street is one of the most [...]

8 Comments

Why Travel to Ukraine?

We believe there’s so much to discover in this country. From the authentic streets of Lviv and the friendly, laid-back vibe of Kyiv to the seaside buzz of Odesa and Ukraine’s stunning natural landscapes — every region has its own story. It’s a place where deep history meets modern energy, where centuries-old churches stand beside creative cafés and lively markets. We hope these posts inspire you to see Ukraine for yourself and experience its warmth, culture, and resilience firsthand.

Living Near the “Edge of the Earth”: A Journey to Kinburn, Ukraine

Written in 2020, amidst the global pandemic, and published in 2024, amidst the war in [...]

Ukrainian Maldives — The Ultimate Guide to Dzharylhach Island

Dzharylhach Island is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. It is the #1 destination for green tourism in Ukraine. In [...]

Is Ukraine Open for Travel? The Ultimate Ukraine Travel Itinerary Tips

When preparing this Ukraine travel itinerary and summing up places to visit and things to [...]

2 Comments

Guide to the 11 Best Black Sea Beaches in Ukraine

It may seem that Ukraine is mostly about towns and cities. Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and [...]

3 Comments

The Ultimate Camping Guide to Kinburn Spit National Park in Ukraine

As of 2022, the Kinburn Spit has been occupied by the Russian armed forces, making [...]

7 Comments

KYIV CITY GUIDE

Head to Kyiv, one of Europe’s most underrated capitals. This vibrant city blends centuries of history with a modern, creative spirit, offering visitors everything from grand cathedrals and riverside parks to cozy cafés and lively neighborhoods waiting to be explored

21 Inspiring Day Trips from Kyiv to See More of Authentic Ukraine

Day trips from Kyiv offer a refreshing contrast to the capital’s pace. Kyiv, while beautifully [...]

A Holiday Story About Everything Except a Holiday

Do you remember what it was like to prepare for a holiday without the internet? [...]

Is Ukraine Open for Travel? The Ultimate Ukraine Travel Itinerary Tips

When preparing this Ukraine travel itinerary and summing up places to visit and things to [...]

2 Comments

A Guide to Kyiv Apartment Rental Longterm

We've lived in Kiev for more than ten years, and out of those ten years, [...]

Kyiv Weekend Trip 2026: How to Explore Ukraine’s Resilient Capital

Even while enduring war, the Ukrainian capital continues to welcome visitors — from journalists and [...]

2 Comments

11 Bars in Kyiv You’ll Love — A Fun Local Roadmap to the City’s Buzz

One thing many visitors don’t know about Ukraine’s capital is that some of the best [...]

Discover the Best Time of the Year to Visit Kyiv, Ukraine

Not sure when to plan your trip to Kyiv? This quick guide breaks down what [...]

12 Comments

Kyiv Old Town: Unforgettable Highlights of Andriivska Street You’ll Love

A walk through the old town and along Andriivska Street is one of the most [...]

8 Comments

Lviv Itinerary: 19 Memorable Things to Do on a Weekend in Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv is never boring. You can come here for a weekend, a week, or two [...]

Is Ukraine Open for Travel? The Ultimate Ukraine Travel Itinerary Tips

When preparing this Ukraine travel itinerary and summing up places to visit and things to [...]

2 Comments

Hiking in Ukraine:9 Incredible Hiking Trails in Ukraine You’ll Love

This guide focuses on safer regions of Ukraine, far from the active frontlines. Here, every [...]

4 Comments

Ukraine is still somewhat raw…

…and that’s part of its charm. You may notice that many locals don’t speak English, train schedules are written only in Ukrainian, and smaller towns can be tricky to reach by public transport. But beyond these practical challenges lies a country that feels authentic and alive in ways few others do.

Travelers often tell us that once they let go of expectations and embraced the differences, Ukraine revealed its modern, confident spirit. The new generation blends deep-rooted traditions with creativity, resilience, and pride.

You’ll find cozy cafés filled with artists and freelancers, tech startups thriving beside centuries-old churches, and a community that welcomes you not with polish, but with sincerity. Ukraine’s rawness is a sign of a country in motion, rebuilding, and inviting the world to see its true self.

ROAD TRIPS AROUND UKRAINE

Discover unique circular routes that let you experience the country beyond the usual stops, or choose from a variety of easy day trips from major hubs like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa.

Is Ukraine Open for Travel? The Ultimate Ukraine Travel Itinerary Tips

When preparing this Ukraine travel itinerary and summing up places to visit and things to [...]

2 Comments

How to Explore Ukraine by Car — The Best Road Trips from Its Major Cities

Discover Ukraine by Car — check the best road trips from Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa.

6 Comments

Is Ukraine Open for Travel? The Ultimate Ukraine Travel Itinerary Tips

When preparing this Ukraine travel itinerary and summing up places to visit and things to [...]

2 Comments

How to Visit Olesko Castle – A Historic Gem in Western Ukraine

If you’ve ever wondered whether Ukraine has castles worth visiting, Olesko Castle is the perfect [...]

5 Comments

Is Ukraine’s Zolochiv Castle the Hidden Reward for Curious Travelers?

There are three castles in the famous Golden Horseshoe of the Lviv area. Today we [...]

5 Comments

Ready to Uncover the Magic of Pidhirtsi Castle in Ukraine?

Pidhirtsi isn’t about glossy perfection — it’s about resilience. For travelers who value history, imagination, [...]

2 Comments

Things to Know Before You Travel to Ukraine

Official language: Ukrainian.

Official Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia. The exchange rate for the winter of 2020 is 1 USD = 28 UAH.

Official currency: Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH). As of 2025, the exchange rate averages around 1 USD = 40 UAH, though it may fluctuate. Credit cards are accepted in most places, and ATMs are common in cities.

Best time to visit:

  • Winter – Head to Bukovel or the Carpathians for skiing and snow-covered landscapes.

  • Spring – See Kyiv’s chestnut trees in bloom and city parks awakening after winter.

  • Summer – Enjoy the beaches of the Black Sea.

  • Autumn – Experience mild weather and vibrant colors in western Ukraine.

Getting Around:

At the moment, commercial flights within and into Ukraine are suspended due to the ongoing war. Travelers can enter the country by train, bus, or car from neighboring European nations.

Once in Ukraine, trains, intercity buses, and shared car services like BlaBlaCar are the main ways to travel between cities. Renting a car is ideal for exploring smaller towns or rural routes at your own pace.

Average daily budget:
Travel in Ukraine remains affordable compared to much of Europe. Expect to spend around $55–60 USD per person per day, including accommodation, meals, and local transport — a bit more if you prefer mid-range hotels or dining out.