Ukraine
UKRAINE IS CLOSED FOR TRAVEL.
It isn’t possible to visit Ukraine at the moment but we hope this changes soon! In the mean time please help Ukraine by donating to the RED CROSS DONATE TO UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL
We still have our guides below if you wish to take a look. Thank you.
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest country in Europe, after Russia, which it borders to the east and north-east.
Vast and mysterious, Ukraine is barely known to outsiders despite being the second-largest country in Europe. Long-associated with its colossal neighbour Russia, it’s a country that stands out in its own right for its varied landscapes and surprising cultural diversity.
Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv (Kiev), founded in the eighth century, displays a heady mix of architecture befitting of a city that was once capital of Kievan Rus, the precursor of the modern Russian state. A wealth of baroque and Renaissance architecture can also be found in Lviv, one of Europe‘s oldest cities, while Odessa is probably best known for the Potemkin Stairway that featured in Sergei Eisenstein’s epic film, The Battleship Potemkin.
Below you will find comprehensive guides to the country.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Ukraine is either side of summer in May-June or September. Temperatures are comfortable, sightseeing is less crowded and there are fewer holiday makers flocking to the Black Sea beach resorts around Odessa.
Spring blossom in the Carpathians makes Apr-May an extremely attractive time of year although it can still get chilly, especially at night.
If you want the heat, humidity and thunder storms of Jul-Aug, city sightseeing can be surprisingly uncrowded as many Ukrainians head south to the coast or go to their country cottages.
Winter is cold in much of Ukraine: the average temperatures are below freezing (0 °C or 32 °F), except in the most sheltered areas of Crimea. … The coldest periods are those in which the Siberian Anticyclone settles in the country: in these situations, the temperature can drop to -30 °C (-22 °F) or even below.
For a month by month look click here
What To Expect
Capital: Kyiv
Language: The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian. ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Ukrainian: “Здравствуйте” (pronounced Zdravstvuyte) and “Дякую тобі” (pronounced Dyakuyu tobi)
Currency: The official currency of Ukraine is Ukrainian hryvnia UAH. £1 GBP is equivalent to 38.94 UAH and $1 is 28.04 UAH. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: ATMs are common in Ukraine, in or near bank branches, in shopping areas and public facilities like railway stations. Once you get out into the countryside you’ll find it a little trickier to locate an ATM, so make sure you have plenty of cash with you if you’re off to somewhere more rural. Credit cards can be used in most restaurants, shops and bars.
Plugs: In Ukraine there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Ukraine operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Overall, Ukraine is a safe country for travelers. Popular destinations in the country like the capital Kyiv and the coast town Odesa are calm and enjoyable. Troubled areas affected by the war with Russia are located in the southeast of the country, very far from the capital. Just keep an eye on all of your belongings and you should have no issues. We felt safe.
Useful tip: Eat local – By eating at restaurants serving traditional cuisine, you’ll keep your food expenses low.
Never ever: DON’T confuse Ukraine with Russia or Ukrainians with Russians.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Ukraine.
Our Favourites
Below are some of our favourite things to do in Ukraine
*Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.