22 Things to do in Ukraine, the Diamond of Eastern Europe

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Ahmed Samir

Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe and is considered one of the largest countries on the continent. It was part of the Soviet Union until its secession, and its capital is the city of Kyiv. Ukraine shares its borders with seven countries which are Belarus to the north, Russia to the east, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, and Romania and Moldova to the southwest.

The terrain of Ukraine includes plains and plateaus. Many rivers pass through them, including the Donets River, the Dnieper River, the Seversky River, and the Dniester River, and this water flows to the south towards the Black Sea. The mountains in the western region, which is the only place that contains mountains in the country, include the Carpathian Mountains, and its highest peak reaches 2,061 metres.

Ukraine contains many major natural resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. The country owns about 5% of the world’s mineral resources and has reserves of manganese and iron ore. The Ukrainian economy is considered one of the strongest in Europe since the Soviet Union, and currently, it produces teleports along with many types of cars and many other products.

Weather in Ukraine

One of the things that makes Ukraine such a perfect country to travel to is its pleasant weather. The country is blessed with a sufficient amount of sunshine all year long. Still, the summer months (May to August) are rainy, with June and July typically having the highest rainfall. So, pack some raincoats if you’re visiting during these wet months!

The average temperature in January is about -3 degrees, which is considered the coldest month. In July, the hottest month in Ukraine, the temperature reaches 23 degrees.

Things to do in Ukraine

Ukraine is characterized by many green spaces and vast mountains covered with trees. It also has long coastlines rich in natural scenery, and the architecture there is very distinctive.

There are many hotels and resorts that provide comfort and premium service for visitors. Now, we will explore the most important locations to visit in the country and activities to do there, enjoy!

National Art Museum of Ukraine

The National Art Museum of Ukraine is considered one of the most famous museums in the country and one of the top-visited attractions in Kyiv. It was built in 1897 by Bohdan Khanenko, who built the first museum in the country. 

The museum includes many collections of artworks, icons, and sculptures by Ukrainian artists’ whether local artists or those who moved to another country and continued their careers there. You can also see works of modern artists from Eastern Europe.

Sophia’s Cathedral

St. Sophia’s Cathedral is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine. The cathedral was built in 1037 and is a popular place for tourists and locals alike. It is one of the oldest churches constructed in Ukraine. It is no wonder such an important monument has a rich history; it represents the time when Kyiv was the capital of the massive empire of Kievan Rus’.

The perfect time to visit the cathedral is during the day to see the baroque exterior consisting of 13 golden domes. You will see beautiful murals, frescoes, and ancient mosaics inside the cathedral. When you visit, make sure to go up to the bell tower to see a magnificent view of Kyiv.

Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle

The Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle is a famous monument in Ukraine in a town of the same name. The town has retained the spirit of the Middle Ages while developing itself for tourists. The castle is part of the National Historical and Architectural Reserve ‘Kamianets’. It belongs to the Seven Wonders of Ukraine, so it’s the perfect place for history enthusiasts!

Tourists love discovering the castle and taking tons of pictures. While touring the old castle, you will see that it includes modern amenities like a café, and it is more beautiful when it is lit up at night.

Independence Square

Independence Square is a famous landmark in the capital city of Kyiv. It became more prominent in 2004 when the Orange Revolution took place there, and the people of Ukraine changed the country’s history. When you visit the square, you will see six fountains, a waterfall, and a large column representing Ukrainian Independence.

Independence Square also hosts many concerts, events, and festivals. At night there is a light show and music with the fountains performing colourful displays.

The Golden Gates

The Golden Gate is an old fortress built to protect and fortify the city. It was built in the 11th century but was dismantled in the Middle Ages, and only some remained.

It was built again during the time of the Soviet Union in 1982 and turned into a tourist complex in the 1980s. You will find a branch of the Sophia of Kyiv Museum at the gates.

Odessa Opera and Ballet

The Odessa Opera and Ballet opened in 1810 in the centre of the town inside a historic building. It is considered the oldest theatre in Odessa.

You can take tours inside to see what’s behind the scenes and discover the wonderful architecture. Moreover, you can step into the horseshoe hall, which gives you a full view of the performance on stage.

Tunnel of Love, Klevlan

It is a popular spot that is visited by couples and sometimes single people, located outside the town of Klevlan. It is two miles of private railway known as a tunnel due to the dome of trees over the tracks, making it look like one.

It is also a famous spot for brides to take romantic photography sessions. A legend says that if two couples make a wish together in the Tunnel of Love and their love is real, the wish will come true.

Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War

The museum is located on the banks of the Dnieper River. It opened in 1981, and inside you will find many collections related to the role that Ukraine played in the Second World War, such as uniforms, letters, aeroplanes, and artillery.

Former Presidential Palace, Mezhyhirya

The Mezhyhirya Palace is located on the banks of the Dnieper River. It is known as the former residence of the ex-president of Ukraine, Victor Yanukovych, and it is one of the top-visited places in Kyiv.

The building reminds locals of institutional greed and corruption. Inside, you will find golf courses, helicopter pads, tennis courts, a shooting range, and much more. Also, you can have a beautiful picnic in the surrounding gardens and have a great time there.

L’viv’s Historic Center

L’viv’s Historic Center was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. It is also one of the most well-preserved destinations in the city of L’viv, with its cobbled streets and fascinating buildings.

L’viv Historic Center is also called the Paris of Ukraine with its traditional European feel, modern conveniences, and restaurants. And for a spectacular view, you can climb about 1,000 bell tower stairs and see the surrounding landscape.

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Monastery

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Monastery was built by two monks, St. Anthony and St. Theodosius, over caves that the monks drilled in the 11th century.

When you visit the place, you will find that the domes are covered with gold like many other places and the baroque-style buildings. Don’t forget to visit the underground cellar, where the monks are buried under glass.

Tarakaniv Fort in Dubno

The Tarakaniv Fort is located near the village of Dubno, about two hours from Lviv and near the Ikrva River west of Ukraine. The fort was built to protect the Lviv-Kyiv road route, and you will see the ruins of the entrance there. It is also not a perfect place for those with claustrophobia.

It is a beautiful place that dates back to Imperial Russia. You can take tons of pictures and have a lovely time there but make sure to wear comfy shoes as you’re likely to do a lot of walking and exploration.

Andrew’s Church

St. Andrew’s Church is another famous church located in Kyiv. It can be found in Podil, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Kyiv.

The church was built by the famous Russian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli during the reign of Catherine the Great, and it was built on a high hill for all the people to see. Inside, you will find many collections of paintings and much more to discover and explore.

National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine

The National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine was built in 1867. It is one of the best cultural locations in Kyiv. It is an impressive building with unique architecture, modern amenities, and all that were added after it was burned in the 1980s.

It has held many concerts and events, such as Swan Lake or the Nutcracker. Before and after the performance, you can grab something delicious to eat in the restaurants just outside the opera, and there is a beautiful waterfall sculpture outside as well.

Dnipro National Historic Museum

The Dnipro National Historic Museum was established in 1848 by Andre Fayer. It contains more than 260,000 pieces from the Stone Age until World War II.

Many archaeological discoveries are displayed in the museum, including local, Egyptian, or Greek antiquities, coins, and many valuable things. For tourists, the museum is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM except for Mondays, and it is closed on the last Friday of every month.

Park of Maxim Gorky

Maxim Gorky Park is the largest park in Ukraine and is located in Kharkiv. It was built in 1931 in memory of the great writer Maxim Gorky on 130 hectares. The park contains a lot of green spaces, amusement parks, and other recreational places.

Odessa Catacombs

Another famous place to visit in the city of Odessa is the Catacombs, with over 1,600 miles of tunnels. They were formed by the mining of a rock called coquina, which is soft white limestone.

When you visit, you will feel that you are in an underground city, and some stories say that it is larger than the underground passageways of both Paris and Rome. The tunnels were also used during World War II’s invasion to plan counterattacks.

Volodymyr’s Cathedral

It looks like Ukraine is famous for churches; that’s why it is full of many churches, and St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral is one of them. Its impressive Byzantine-style architecture and artworks are fascinating to see.

You can also see beautiful gilded murals, paintings, and hand-carved accents all over the walls. Entering the chapel requires appropriate attire for both men and women, so make a note of that before heading for this beautiful historical monument.

The Motherland Monument

The Motherland Monument is a statue located in Victory Park to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Forces over the Nazi Forces. Also, from there, you can see the Dnieper River.

When you visit the monument, you will find at the base the Museum of the Great Patriotic War which was opened in 1995. The titanium statue is much taller than the Statue of Liberty, and you can reach the main platform using an elevator.

M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden

The National Botanical Garden was named after the botanist Mykola Gryshko. It is full of many beautiful kinds of flowers and plants from all over the world.

If you are a nature lover, you can have a walk through the greenhouses, where you can see many kinds of plants. If you visit in the spring, you will be lucky to see the lilacs, which are a favourite for visitors.

Massandrovsky Beach

This is the perfect place for relaxation, water activities, and a great time. This beach overlooks the Black Sea, and it is possible to enjoy many activities such as diving, swimming, and many other things. There are also many resorts and hotels around the beach for visitors to stay in.

Sunflower Fields

Ukraine is famous for sunflower oil, one of the world’s largest exporters and the 2nd largest oil producer. Tourists will love visiting places like that, which are spread in every part of Ukraine. You can take some amazing pictures in these fields as souvenirs of the wonderful times you spend in this beautiful country.