Ukraine’s most famous port city is Odesa, which is situated on the north coast of the Black Sea. It was founded in 1794 by Russian Empress Catherine the Great and today is a leading center of culture, trade and tourism. Its early successful development is attributed to Frenchman Duc de Richelieu, who served as the city’s governor between 1803 and 1814. As a free port, Odesa attracted many nationalities. By 1897 Jews made up over a third of the city’s population.

Mark Twain visited Odesa in 1867 and wrote: “I have not felt so much at home for a long time as I did when I… stood in Odessa for the first time.” When in Odesa be sure to climb the 142-meter Potemkin staircase, an entrance to the city from the direction of the sea; and take a stroll along Derybasivska Street, a lively pedestrian walkway named after the city’s first mayor. A performance of the highly-respected Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by American Hobart Earle should also be on your agenda.

If Ukraine has a city that can naturally bear the title of “Gateway to the West” it is certainly Lviv – not only due to its physical proximity to neighboring countries of the European Union (it’s only about 70 kilometers from the border with Poland) but also because it was part of the Austrian Hapsburg Empire from 1772 to 1918. Lviv also spent several centuries under Polish rule.

These Western influences have left an indelible mark on Lviv’s architecture, culture and cuisine. The central “old town” part of the city is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nearly every weekend a festival is held here. Nestled among and within these historic buildings are dozens of delightful cafes and restaurants.

Yuriy Kulchytsky, a native son of the Lviv region, is considered by many to be the progenitor of Viennese coffee culture, establishing the first coffeehouse in that city in 1683. Today Lviv is a leading center of higher education and of Ukraine’s IT industry.

“Everything Starts in Kyiv” is the Ukrainian capital’s official promotional motto and even if your exploration of Ukraine doesn’t start here it certainly is a “must see and experience” destination during your visit. Did you know that in the 11th century Kyiv was the largest city in Europe? Kyiv, of course, is known internationally as the “City of Golden Domes” for the glistening cupolas of such ancient Ukrainian Orthodox places of worship as St. Sophia’s, St. Michael’s and the Monastery of the Caves.

But Kyiv is not just a city of beautiful historic churches and other architectural treasures that dot the horizon along the banks of the mighty Dnipro River. It is the center of the country’s bustling modern-day business activity and tumultuous politics as well as its biggest metropolis, with a vibrant classical and contemporary cultural scene. Kyiv is considered one of the greenest cities in Europe with more than 100 parks and nearly 500 public gardens.

Ukraine is a young and developing country in eastern Europe. It is the largest country entirely within Europe and the 46th largest country in the world. Kiev is the capital and most populous city of Ukraine. The place is considered to be an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural center of Eastern Europe. It has a spectacular patchwork of eclectic cityscapes, long standing tradition, and unforgettable horizons.

The country have marvelously built Orthodox churches, beautiful architecture, amusement parks, forest covered mountains and magnificent Black Sea coastline. From amazing architecture to interesting history, from mesmerizing culture to delicious cuisines, there are a lot of reasons to escape your ordinary city life. Do not miss out the top most things to do in Ukraine if you ever visit Europe.

Enticing Hours At Saint Sophia Cathedral

Saint Sophia Cathedral is the first heritage site in Ukraine to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. It is one of the city’s best known landmarks and most recognised symbols of Kiev. The complex of the cathedral contains beautifully built museums and monuments of the ancient empire of Kievan Rus. The Bell Tower within the walls have a beautiful view over Kiev. Thus, it is named one of the 7 Wonders of Ukraine. So, don’t forget to add this cathedral which is one of the most amazing places to visit in Ukraine in your wish-list.

Thrilling Underwater Museum At Cape Tarkhankut

Located about a hundred meters off the coast at Cape Tarhankut, the westernmost part of Crimea. It is a unique museum of sculptures, known to travellers as the ‘Alley of Leaders’. The museum complex comprises of around 50 sculptures and busts of former Soviet leaders and replicas of some of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions. The museum has been growing ever since with new exhibits added in the collection and ideal location at an already popular scuba diving site. If you are looking for fun things to do in Ukraine, then don’t miss out on this spot as it will surely enthrall you with its unique experience.

Party In Odessa

One of the most famous things to do in Ukraine is partying at Odessa, towering as a symbol of opulence and luxury, the gorgeous audience hall within is inspired by late French Rococo architecture. Thousands of impeccably dressed Ukrainians attend parties hosted by fascinating clubs and massive bars. It is witnessed to be the only Former Sovient country to have such an idea for people to make their weekends remarkable. If you are a party lover then do plan a visit to this lively spot where you get a chance to meet people with different cultures but common interest!

Witness The Vibrant Multimedia Fountain Park

Multimedia Fountain Park has Europe’s largest floating fountain and is the one its kind, situated in Ukraine. It is a visual delight combining music, light, and fountains built in Southern Bug River in Vinnytsia City, Ukraine. It is the most populous place in the city but will provide to you a fantastic evening as promised. Many visitors even reserve tickets on the terrace as early as possible in order to get the best views of the multimedia shows. Do not miss it out while holidaying in Ukraine as this vibrant retreat will surely make your stay a lifetime experience.

Trip To Historical Lviv Arsenal

Another addition in the most famous things to do is explore its past and be aware of the interesting history behind. This place has a colorful past filled with historic clashes of power and great shows of grandeur and might. In the city of Lviv, there are three historical arsenal buildings known as Lviv Arsenal, Royal Arsenal and Sieniawaski Arsenal. It is said to be blown up by Swedes but again reconstructed in recent years. This place is a perfect escapade to dig in the past of this magnificent city. If you have a love for history and architecture then do explore this popular destination on your Ukraine trip.

Breathtaking Beauty Of Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle

It is a beautiful castle located in the historic city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine in the historic region of Podolia in the western part of the country. In the early 12th century, the city was just a defensive construction. It has become an open air museum and ranked third among the important architectural monuments after Lviv and Kiev. It is even surrounded by precious green landscapes and perfect scenery on the occasion of Hot Air Balloon Festival. Thus, it has become one of the 7 seven wonders of Ukraine. An excursion to Ukraine will surely be incomplete without visiting this magnificent castle embedded in the serene beauty of Podolia.

Embrace Your Love At The Tunnel Of Love

The tunnel of love is one of the most famous places for couples to walk through on their trip. Basically, it is a structure of industrial railway located in Kleven, the part of western Ukraine. It have spellbound interweaving of green arches and forests covered all around. According to researchers, there is a ritual that if a couple makes love in the tunnel and grants a wish, it is fulfilled. This place has the most vibrant vibes among the list of top most things to do in Ukraine. This tunnel is a perfect spot to be explored with your significant other.

Unusual Excursion To Abandoned City Of Pripyat

The abandoned city of Pripyat is gaining popularity after three decades of a terrible reactor meltdown. In 1986, Chernobyl Nuclear Station exploded which caused fire, leading to huge damages. If you are willing to explore this abandoned city then must take prior permission from the government. The passes for this unique spot can be obtained from the touring companies located in Kyiv. This is one destination then might surprise you with the remnants of the massacre. The place is also inhabited by wild creatures, giving an electrifying twirl to your vacation!

Enlightening Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum

This museum exhibits the catastrophic nuclear incident, occurred at Chernobyl. The slogan of this museum literally meant ‘there is a limit of sadness but anxiety has no limits’. The Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum houses three exhibition halls purveying information and warning that’s necessary between humans, science and technology. This museum will surely make you learn something special that mankind is missing today.

Nature’s Delight At Priest’s Grotto

Priest’s Grotto is located beneath the expansion of wheat fields in the farmland of Western Ukraine. It lies over the enormous explorable passageways, caves, and an underground lake. You can also witness the Gypsum Giant cave here which is the secret survival spot of 38 Jews who lived theirs during one of the darkest eras of history. Priest’s Grotto is amongst the best natural places to visit in Ukraine.

Visit The Darth Vader Statue

The famous black helmeted statue in Oddesa is a monument to Lenin who was supposed to enhance the socio-economic structure of the society in Ukraine. In 2015, the government of Ukraine passed an ordeal for removal of all the communist monuments, however, this monument was given a unique treatment by the famous artist Alexander Milov proposed a new titanium facade. You might sense an exclusive presence on your phone here which is due to the Wifi access point, concealed in the monument’s helmet.

Illuminating Museum of The Great Patriotic War

This is one of the largest museums in Ukraine immortalizing the story of the German-Soviet War in a unique way! The Museum of the Great Patriotic War commemorates a patriotic aspect of World War II and comprises over 3,00,000 exhibits. Spread over 25 acres on a hill showcasing the panoramic views of Dnieper River, is surely a must-visit destination for tourists in Ukraine. You must have visited numerous museums devoted to the military actions, but this museum will spellbind you with its rare and aesthetically proclaimed collections.