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Lviv – a brief overview
Connoisseurs of Soviet-style brutalism won’t find much to love here: Ukraine’s second city is an eclectic mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture, much of which consists of delicate wedding cake churches. So lovely is Lviv’s city centre, it was handed a UNESCO listing in 1998 – an honour of which the locals are justifiably proud.
But the city isn’t all beautiful buildings and picturesque parks. It also boasts some of the best (and most bizarre) museums in Ukraine, among them the Salo Gallery, which is quite possibly the only establishment in the world to focus on sculptures made from pork fat.
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Top 10 sights in Lviv

Ploshcha Rynok
79000 Lviv
Ukraine
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The heart of Lviv’s UNESCO-listed city centre, Ploshcha Rynok is a beautiful old market square that throbs with life and boasts an eclectic array of architecture, including a 65m neo-Palladian tower.
Pototsky Palace
Built in the early 1800s by French architect Louis d’Overnu, the monumental Potosky Palace bears a striking resemblance to Versailles and now houses a portion of the city’s art collection.
Museum of Beer Brewing
Lviv’s oldest brewery celebrates its 300th birthday in 2015 and is still going strong – both as a purveyor of ale and as a museum. Tours leave from the reception every hour, give or take a few minutes.
Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum
Opened in 1905 by Andrey Sheptytsky, a local priest, this museum originally housed a selection of ecclesiastical artefacts but is now home to a 10,000-strong collection of icon paintings and folk art.
Dominican Cathedral
Lviv
Ukraine
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Opening times:
Various
Topped with a viridian dome, Lviv’s Dominican Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic sights. An elaborate confection of scrolled pillars and tapering towers, it is easily one of the city’s loveliest buildings.
Lychakiv Necropolis
Lviv
Ukraine
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-2100 (Apr-Sep)
Daily 0900-1800 (Oct-Mar)
Laid out in the late 18th century, Lviv’s answer to Père Lachaise is packed with gothic monuments and boasts a smattering of famous inhabitants, among them Soviet gymnast Viktor Chukarin.
Lviv Historical Museum
This fascinating (and huge) museum contains 330,000 different artefacts ranging from porcelain clocks to elaborate carved swords, all of which help piece together the story of Lviv.
Boyim Chapel
Lviv
Ukraine
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1700
Built in 1615 as a burial place for wealthy merchant Georgi Boyim and his family, this mortuary chapel is decorated with Gothic carvings and topped with a contemplative statue of Christ.
Salo Museum
Possibly the world’s only gallery dedicated to sculpture made from pig fat, the Salo Museum’s displays are bizarre to say the least, although the connected restaurant is excellent.
Vysokyi Zamok
Lviv
Ukraine
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Formerly the site of a castle, the Union of Lublin Mound was created in 1869 to mark the 300th anniversary of the eponymous treaty. The observation deck at the summit offers lovely views of the city below.
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Country information
Country overview
Vast and vaguely mysterious, Ukraine is barely known to outsiders despite being one of the largest countries in Europe.
Long associated with its colossal neighbour Russia, it’s a country of varied landscapes and surprising cultural diversity.
Geography
Ukraine is bordered by the Russian Federation to the north and east; Belarus to the north; Poland, the Slovak Republic and Hungary to the west; and Romania and Moldova to the southwest. It is a varied country with mountains in the west, plains in the centre and the Black Sea views to the south.
The north of the state is dominated by forests. Its other two main features are wooded steppe with beech and oak forests and the treeless steppe. The River Dnieper divides Ukraine roughly in half, and flows into the Black Sea.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: ca 43 million (2018)
Capital: Kiev.
Language
Ukrainian is the sole official state language.
Currency
Hryvnya (UAH) = 100 kopiyok (singular: kopiyka). Notes are in denominations of UAH500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of UAH1 and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 kopiyok.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two round pins are used.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
Note
Holidays falling on the weekend are observed the following Monday. Holidays falling on Tuesday or Thursday may be observed the preceding Monday or following Friday.
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Orthodox Christmas Day: 7 – 8 January 2019
International Women’s Day: 8 March 2019
Orthodox Easter: 28 and 29 April 2019
Victory Day: 9 May 2019
Trinitatis/Orthodox Whitsun: 16 and 17 May 2019
Constitution Day: 28 June 2019
Independence Day: 24 August 2019
Day of the defender of the nation: 14 October 2019
Catholic Christmas Day: 25 December 2019
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Orthodox Christmas Day: 7 January 2020
International Women’s Day: 8 and 9 March 2020
Orthodox Easter: 19 and 20 April 2020
Victory Day: 9 and 11 May 2020
Trinitatis/Orthodox Whitsun: 7 and 8 July 2020
Constitution Day: 28 and June 2020
Independence Day: 24 August 2020
Day of the defender of the nation: 14 October 2020
Catholic Christmas Day: 25 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Lviv
There’s no shortage of things to do when night falls in Lviv. From vibrant clubs to cosy bars, the city has a wealth of nightspots, most of which are thronged with friendly locals come weekends.
Best of all, drinks cost next to nothing and measures are generous.
Bierlin Lemberg
Lviv
Ukraine
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With more than 17 types of Ukrainian beer on tap, this is a place that ale fans shouldn’t miss.
Fashion Club
Lviv
Ukraine
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Popular with Lviv’s cool crowd, Fashion Club boasts blingy patrons and good cocktails.
Picasso
Lviv
Ukraine
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Consistently popular with both locals and expats, Picasso is located in a former theatre.
Pid Synoyu Plyashkoyu
Lviv
Ukraine
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A tiny bar tucked away down a side alley, this is the place to come for good wine and political gossip.
Pozitiff
Lviv
Ukraine
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Hidden away behind an internet café, Pozitiff is the coolest lounge in Lviv.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Lviv
Eating out in Lviv is a real pleasure – both for your stomach and your wallet.
Prices are low and there’s plenty of choice, whether you’re planning to sample the local fare (recommended) or tuck into Italian, British or any other cuisine imaginable.
Amadeus
Lviv
Ukraine
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Price: Expensive
One of Lviv’s swankiest restaurants, Amadeus serves up a mix of local and European fare.
Masonic Restaurant
Lviv
Ukraine
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Price: Expensive
Esoteric décor notwithstanding, this is a fabulous place to come for a slap-up meal.
Trout, Bread and Wine
Lviv
Ukraine
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Price: Moderate
This quirky little restaurant does indeed serve trout, bread and wine, and very nice it is too.
Pid Zolotoyu Rozoyu
Lviv
Ukraine
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Price: Moderate
The traditional Jewish food is delicious, but be warned: there are no prices – the final bill is settled by haggling.
Kupol
Lviv
Ukraine
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Price: Cheap
Don’t be put off by the pre-Soviet décor (and cutlery) – the Ukrainian food is excellent and plentiful.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Doughnut Festival
January 2019
Website
Venue: Rynok Square
Lviv’s biggest Christmas event attracts around 100,000 festivalgoers, who munch their way through 50,000 doughnuts of every variety imaginable, from savoury to poppy seed to chocolate. Aside from doughnut gorging, there are nativity plays, a 4m-high Christmas star and a cutest angel contest.
Easter Fair
April 2019
Website
Venue: Prospekt Svobody
A ginormous decorated Easter egg is the centrepiece of Lviv’s Easter fair. Souvenirs, hand-made goods and local produce are piled high on stalls lining prospekt Svobody. Visitors can pick up anything from wicker baskets to beeswax candles and try their hand at painting, puppetry and carpet weaving in craft workshops.
Great Hayivka Festival
April 2019
Website
Venue: Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life
Families, usually clothed in national dress, flock to this popular festival celebrating Ukrainian Easter traditions. Hayivkas, special songs sung only at Easter, are performed on the main stage, along with folk dancing and music. Visitors can paint eggs, learn traditional dances and join in competitions.
Pysanka Festival
April 2019
Website
Venue: Throughout Lviv
Colourfully painted Easter eggs are dotted throughout Lviv in this nearly month-long art project. Famous artists, amateurs and kids all join in with the decorating before the delightful results are put on display in various public buildings and places. The eggs are eventually auctioned off for charity.
Lviv City Day
May 2019
Website
Venue: City centre
A spectacular, noisy parade kicks off Lviv’s annual City Day celebrations. Kids, stilt walkers, musicians, and locals kitted out in historical costume create a colourful carnival that’s terrific to watch. The weekend party continues with street artists, concerts and film screenings.
Leopolis Jazz
26 – 30 June 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Renowned artists from around the world land on Lviv to play at this open-air summer jazz fest. Concerts, many of them free, take place in parks and squares throughout Lviv. Keep an eye on the programme for special masterclasses and jam sessions.
Independence Day
24 August 2019
Venue: Throughout Lviv
Blue and yellow flags and balloons adorn houses and cars for the annual Independence Day festivities. Street shows, art exhibitions and special events mark the occasion, with residents donning traditional embroidered clothing. A massive rock concert usually rounds off the day.
Lviv International Book Fair
September 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Ukraine’s biggest book fair encompasses a huge range of events for librarians, publishers, booksellers and members of the public. A packed programme of literary debates, readings, book signings and kids’ activities takes place in museums, galleries, theatres and cafés throughout the city.
Contrasts: International Contemporary Music Festival
December 2019 – January 2020
Website
Venue: Various venues
World-class composers, soloists and ensembles join forces in this highly respected contemporary music showcase, on the go for two decades and hosted by the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra. Favourite 20th-century compositions and avant-garde new music are guaranteed to feature in the eclectic programme.
Christmas Fair
December 2019 – January 2020
Website
Venue: Rynok Square and prospekt Svobody
Carol singing fills the air at Lviv’s annual Christmas market, where pretty wooden stalls are crammed with all manner of enticing goodies, from handcrafted toys to embroidered Ukrainian shirts to beautiful ceramics. Shoppers can warm up with mugs of mulled wine and varenyky, traditional Ukrainian stuffed dumplings.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Lviv
With hotel rooms available for under US$10, in Lviv you get plenty of bang for your buck when it comes to finding somewhere to stay.
What’s more, Soviet blocks are few and far between. Instead, the city boasts a convivial mix of big names and boutique hotels.
Leopolis
79008 Lviv
Ukraine
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Category: Expensive
Boasting opulent décor and a central location, Leopolis is a great base for a weekend break.
Astoria
Lviv
Ukraine
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Category: Expensive
Slick modern rooms, plenty of space and friendly staff in the middle of Lviv.
Swiss Hotel
Lviv
Ukraine
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Category: Moderate
Gorgeous from the outside and comfortable within, Lviv’s Swiss Hotel is excellent value.
On The Square
Lviv
Ukraine
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Category: Moderate
A gorgeous little boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town and which costs next to nothing.
George Hotel
Lviv
Ukraine
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Category: Cheap
Few are the cities in which you can stay in a well-appointed palace for less than US$30 a night – Lviv is one.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Sunday, 08.12.2019 00:00 UTC

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Climate & best time to visit Ukraine
Ukraine has a temperate continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Summer is generally the best time to visit (between June and September), although it can occasionally be uncomfortably hot and many hotels do not have air conditioning. July and August are peak holiday months in Crimea and its resorts can become crowded with domestic and Russian tourists. Spring and autumn are both fairly short and both tend to be reasonably mild. The best season for trekking in the Carpathian Mountains is May and October when it is driest.
The northeast of Ukraine has the coldest winters and the Crimean peninsula has the warmest temperatures. The wettest part of Ukraine is the Carpathian Mountains region of the far west.
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing code: +380
Telephone
You can buy telephone cards of UAH20, 50 or 100 for public payphones in post offices and at kiosks. Many post offices have international phone booths where calls can be made after paying a deposit. International phone cards are also available in the larger cities, but by far the cheapest connections are those found at internet cafés.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Ukraine’s mobile phone coverage is good and local SIM cards (Kyivstar or UMC) are available.
Internet
Internet cafés are available in all cities and towns. Connections are usually reasonable. Some hotels offer Wi-Fi connectivity.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Lviv
Key Areas
Like most cities that were once part of the Soviet Union, Lviv’s markets do a roaring trade in Communist antiques as well as gorgeous local crafts. Much of the action happens in and around Ploshcha Rynok, although little boutiques selling piles of interesting curios are found almost everywhere you look. The main place to go for souvenirs is the huge Vernisazh market with everything from goat-hair blankets from the Carpathians to painted eggs and traditional embroidery on offer. The city also has several shopping malls, although much of what’s inside is the same fare as you’d find elsewhere.
Markets
Vernisazh (near the opera house) is the biggest and best, although smaller markets are dotted about the city.
Shopping Centres
King’s Cross Leopolis (Stryiska) is the biggest mall in town and is home to all the usual suspects. Edwardian mall Magnus (Shpytalna) is also worth a visit.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Ukrainian people are generally warm and friendly to visitors. It is not at all uncommon for Ukrainians to invite strangers into their own homes. Shoes should be removed on entering a home. Formal attire is rarely required, though people dress smartly for the theatre.
Visitors should avoid ostentatious displays of wealth in public places. Men should not shake a woman’s hand unless it is offered to them. Women should cover their heads when entering a church or mosque.
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Health
Food & Drink
Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Street food is generally safe if it is fresh and hot. Freshwater fish and mushrooms or berries gathered in the area around Chernobyl north of Kiev are best avoided.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes advised. Tick-borne encephalitis is quite common in the Ukrainian countryside between April and August. Visitors should take precautions against ticks in forested areas by wearing long sleeves and trousers and a hat.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.