7 Top-Rated Places To Visit In Ukraine

Being the largest country in Europe, Ukraine has many tourist attractions to offer, including culturally rich festivals and a wide collection of centuries-old architecture. From the cobblestone streets of old city centers to the rolling countryside, Ukrainians are just as diverse as Ukraine’s landscape, and they are some of the most welcoming people in Europe. Ukraine derived its name from the word "Ukraina," which literally means borderland, and the country has been the main invasion region since its beginnings. At different times, the land has been shared by Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia, Romania, and Austria.

Today, you'll find an offbeat gem of Eastern Europe making a unique mark in the world of travel. While you are there, don’t forget to chat with a local at one of the many delectable eateries where old recipes are being reimagined and recreated with a modern flair. Everyone in Ukraine wants to improve their English, so when you actually converse with the locals, try to gain their perspective on the best Ukraine has to offer.

Top 7 Places To Visit In Ukraine

For sightseeing ideas, see our list of the best places to visit in Ukraine. Have a look!

1. Chernobyl

Have you ever heard of Dark Tourism? It refers to travel to places where numerous deaths and unfortunate events happened due to natural or unnatural activities. A few examples of Dark Tourism are Pearl Harbor, Alcatraz in San Francisco, Ground Zero in New York City, Pompeii, and The Killing Fields of Cambodia. The ground zero of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant can be on the list of visitors exploring Ukraine.

The actual site where the explosion took place in 1989 is located in the town of Pripyat in northern Ukraine. The tourism department opened the site to the public—but one can visit only with an authorized tour company. Recent test results have demonstrated that travelers absorb more radiation on a transatlantic flight than they absorb during a visit to Chernobyl. So, don’t worry about the radiation.

Only 65 miles away from Kyiv, it's an easy, full-day trip to the dark past. Tour operators provide pick and drop service during the tour. An informative video about the disaster is shown to all the visitors during the transportation.

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2. Sunflower Field

Sunflower oil is one of the most produced products in Ukraine; as a matter of fact, the country is the second-largest exporter of sunflower oil in the world. Visitors can find gigantic fields of sunflowers all over Ukraine. With shades ranging from golden orange to buttercup, these platter-size beauties thrive in Ukraine’s land and atmosphere.

While giving a perfect location for that Instagram post, just make sure you remain close to the edge of the field. The flowers are gigantic, and those that get carried away roaming around might soon get lost in a sea of yellow and green.

Also Read: 6 International Destinations And Their Indian Substitutes

3. Kamenets Podolsky Castle

A short walk away from the old town, Kamenets Podolsky Castle is a striking landmark that is located in Kamianets-Podilskyi. This fortress has been in existence since the 14th century and is the perfect place in the canyon to explore and take pictures. It seems like one of those Disney castles we used to watch on television.

Roam around the fortress with all of its passageways and marvel at the manicured grounds. The castle is centuries old but still has modern amenities like a cafe and bathrooms to make sure everyone enjoys their visit. The illuminated version of this castle is extremely beautiful that no one should miss setting their eyes upon it.

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4. Odessa Opera & Ballet

The Odessa Opera and Ballet is housed inside a historic building at the heart of Odessa and is the oldest theatre in town opened up in 1810. Visitors can watch famous shows like Madame Butterfly and Swan Lake, paying the same price as a cup of coffee in the United States of America. The unique horseshoe-shaped hall gives the audience a full view of the performers on the stage and allows for excellent acoustics.

If you visit the opera house when they are offering tours, you may get a chance to see a behind-the-scenes look at this majestic piece of architecture. And if you are in the town during the holidays, consider yourself very lucky as the Christmas Festival is not to be missed.

Also Read: 8 Must-Visit International Travel Destinations That Are Perfect For Indian Families

5. Tunnel Of Love

The Tunnel of Love is yet another famous tourist attraction to visit in Ukraine that is located just outside the town of Klevan. For singles and couples alike, the Tunnel of Love is a two-mile-long stretch of railway tracks that seems like a never-ending tunnel. A canopy of lush green trees over the tracks turns this simple railway track into a "tunnel."

Romantics' head and bridal parties are held here to take a romantic stroll or make a wish. According to legends, if the love is real, the wish made by couples will come true. And guess what, it is one of the most photographed spots in Ukraine.

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6. St. Sophia’s Cathedral 

Since the 1980s, St. Sophia's Cathedral has been a favorite of tourists and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine. The cathedral is one of the most unique historic buildings in the country, with an elaborate Baroque exterior consisting of 13 golden domes. The jaw-dropping beauty of the interior will leave you speechless.

Inside the cathedral, space is filled with ancient mosaics, frescoes, and beautiful murals that are centuries old. Stroll around or join a guided tour to get the full experience.

Constructed in 1037, St. Sophia’s cathedral was named after Hagia Sophia, which is one of Kyiv’s most acknowledged landmarks. Hike up to the bell tower to treat yourself to one of the best views of the cathedral in Kyiv.

Also Read: 10 All-Boys International Trips To Take Before You Get Married

7. Odessa Catacombs

Check out the Catacombs of Odessa to see the city in another light. Originally formed from the mining of a soft off-white limestone called coquina, these subterranean tunnels are believed to be larger than the underground passageways of both Paris and Rome combined.

There's a network of storm drains, bunkers, basements, and drainage tunnels, which seem like the remains of an underground city. With over 1,600 miles of tunnels, it's one of the world's largest urban labyrinths. 

The history of the Odessa Catacombs is just as exciting as the catacombs themselves. The people of this went into the catacombs to plan and execute their counterattacks during the invasions of World War II.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ukraine

Q 1. How long can a tourist stay in Ukraine?

A 1. A person traveling on a tourist visa can stay up to 90 days in Ukraine.

Q 2. What is prohibited in Ukraine?

A 2. Drinking alcoholic drinks and smoking in public places are prohibited in Ukraine?

Q 3. Which are the key sights to visit in Chernobyl?

A 3. Chernobyl Museum, Duga Radar System, Palace of Culture, Pripyat, Reactor Number 4, and Red Forest are some of the key sights in Chernobyl.

Q4. Where are the main fields of Sunflower in Ukraine?

A 4. Kharkiv, Kirovograd, and Dnepropetrovsk Regions are the main fields of Sunflower in Ukraine.

Hope this list of the best places to visit in Ukraine will help you plan your vacation in the country, and if it doesn’t, you can plan your trip with Adotrip and enjoy amazing deals and end-to-end travel assistance. You can also book tour packages, flight tickets, and hotels. With us, nothing is far!