Ukraine：A Big and Diverse Nation of Unique Cityscapes and Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures

Ukraine is located on the eastern side of Europe. Aside from its Orthodox churches, other beautiful sightseeing attractions can be found in Ukraine such as its Vibrant cities, ancient castles, stunning countryside, diversity of landscapes and kind people that make it a vibrant destination.

As Ukraine is less flooded with tourists, it boasts an added authenticity and charm. If you are planning a trip to the Ukraine, there are some nice sightseeing spots worth a look.

1. The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra monastery (Kiev)

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From its name, A lavra represents a senior monastery.The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra monastery in Ukraine features a cluster of gold-domed churches and its underground hosts some exotic mummified monks making it intriguing.A visit will cost you about 20 UAH for entry, 200 UAH is charged if you wish to take pictures and 60 UAH charged to get to the bell tower where you get a full overview of Kiev and Dnipro river.

2. Saint Sophia Cathedral (Kiev)

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Saint Sophia Cathedral boasts as Kievs oldest church. It was also once a centre of learning and culture in Kyivian Rus, housing the first school and library.

Besides the main building, it composes of other buildings including a bell tower standing 776m high which gives a great overview of this beautiful Ukraine city.The insides of the church are made up of exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.

Unfortunate that photography is not allowed inside even with a photography permit. Entry will cost you about UAH 120 for an adult ticket. However, may vary depending on the number of buildings you want to visit.

3. Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure (Kharkiv)

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure in Ukraine, is a large park located centrally in Kharkov offering a beautiful and relaxing respite from city life.

The park features a tall Ferris wheel that has been there for years.Activities one can take part aside from sightseeing includes cycling, rollerblading, beach volleyball and even pétanque.There are several rental places around the park if you do not have your own.

The park turns into the city’s biggest ice-skating rink during the winter season as the ponds get flooded.If you do not mind heights, you have the opportunity to view the whole park via cable car.

4. Odessa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (Odesa)

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This pearly jewel is only found in Odessa, Ukraine.The building is over 150 years old but was renovated to a marvellous structure. Most tourists visit the Theater to marvel at its architecture.Both the inside and outside are worth the visit.

Aside from architecture, you might be lucky to find an ongoing show that could entertain you. Tickets to enter the theatre vary according to sitting space but you can get a seat from as low as $ 1. Those nearer to the stage require a higher price. The building is located close to some beautiful rose gardens and a big fountain.Most city tours start here.

5. Lviv Theater of Opera and Ballet (Lviv)

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The Lviv Theater of Opera and Ballet is definitely the most beautiful building in the city centre it is a marvel of Historicist architecture in an elegant setting.

Aside from the shows, you can buy souvenirs to take with you.If you wish to take photos, the best place is the entrance hall on the ground floor. It is also advisable to come early to avoid crowds.

Tickets to shows here are super cheap as low as 20 UAH. The opera is on holiday during summer but you can still enter and take a self-guided tour.

6. Multimedia Fountain Roshen (Vinnytsia)

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The Multimedia Fountain Roshen is the largest floating fountain found in Europe offering a truly amazing spectacle when it lights up the Pivdenny Buh River especially at night when the colours stand out.

The light and music show which last about an hour, start late around 9 p.m every night but is bigger and bolder on the weekends.There is no need to worry about charges for sightseeing the colourful displays as shows are free with ample seating space.

7. St. Michael's Cathedrale (Kiev)

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This place of worship is a prominent sightseeing feature which exhibits its blue exterior colour making it hard to miss. It was renovated back in 2001. Aside from its religious proceedings, there is a museum is hosted at the bell tower where once can learn more about the history of the building.

However, an entrance fee is charged for sightseeing the area. The doors to the museum are usually opened at 10 am. All female visitors should observe some rules such as covering their heads while attending a service at the church.

8. Andriyivski Uzviz (Kiev)

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Its name in English meaning Andrew’s Ascent that was derived from a beautiful and church called St. Andrew’s Church uphill at the end of the street. This road located in a hilly town in the capital of Ukraine has been regarded as the most spectacular street especially by tourists who visit to get more on the Kyivian history as the street is also full of Kyivian artisans.

Old Wehrmacht medals, dating back to the early twentieth century, are some of the more popular tourist items on display. You will be able to get some amazing souvenirs rich with Kyivian culture.

9. Kamenet's Podolsky Castle (Kamianets-Podilsky)

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The Kamenet's Podolsky Castle is an absolutely stunning example of a medieval fortress situated along the canyon of the Smotrich River in Ukraine.

It offers lots of interiors to explore such as the dungeons and the museum rooms. Entrance to the territory of the castle is charged a small fee of 50 grivnas. Some other activities around the castle include indulging in local foods from the restaurants serving national delicacies and buying some handmade souvenirs.

The Castle is a 15-minute walking distance from the Old City.

10. Tunnel of Love (Klevan)

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The tunnel of love is a leafy, 1.8-mile-long tunnel of trees along an industrial railway section located near Klevan in Ukraine. As the name suggests, it is very common with lovers globally and pictures of couples at this location continue to flood the internet.

Walking along the track and enjoying nature’s architect is the main activity of the tunnel of love. However, locals believe that when you tie ribbons and make a wish, chances are your wishes will be fulfilled that year.

Being a leafy and floral path, it is advisable to carry bug repellent as advised. Especially during summer. If you wish to get private photos of the tunnel of love morning hours are ideal for sightseeing as it is less crowded.

◎ Closing

Ukraine doesn’t sell itself much as a travel destination hence overlooked by mainstream travellers. However, Ukraine is a place bursting with beautiful nature and culture with lots of tourist sightseeing attractions to offer.

You are able to travel to Ukraine all year round, however, the best times are spring and autumn when there are blossoms on trees and the weather is most clement.Summer can be the worst as it can be very hot by the black sea which is also very crowded by the locals.

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