 The region of Ukraine has been populated for a very long time, despite only recently forming itself as a nation. The main cities of Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa offer a number of interesting things to see and do. The antiquity of Kyiv’s churches and cobbled streets will surprise many first-time visitors to Ukraine. Lviv is often considered a living cultural museum with its stunning architecture and devotion to the heritage of Ukrainian people. The wine growing region of the Crimea is another lovely area and of course, there’s always the magnificent Carpathian Mountains. Ukraine receives scant publicity for its attractions, but the reality shows a country that has a long and diverse history which has been fairly well preserved in its cities, and a beautiful countryside to complement the urban environment.
 Kyiv
Kyiv, which was established in the 5th century, is the mother city of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. All three of these countries came from the Kyivian Rus, the Slavic empire that ruled the whole region from the 9th to the 11th centuries. This ancient and fascinating city has survived Mongol invasions, the destruction of WWII and communism, leaving visitors which much to explore.
The Golden Gate of Kyiv is the last remnant of the original 10th century walls which were built to defend the city. As the home of Orthodox Christianity, there are a number of important religious sites worth seeing. The Caves Monastery, an underground complex of eerie catacombs, was once the centre of the early Orthodox church. St Sofia Cathedral is a work of art in itself and is full of splendid icons and frescoes.
Other cultural attractions include Kyiv’s Opera House, the Museum of Ukrainian Art, which has the country’s best collection of regional artists from the 16th century to modern times, and the Historical Museum of Ukraine, which gives a good insight into the cultural heritage of these people. Be sure and wander up the restored cobbled street of Andreyev Hill, where artists show their work; and spend a few leisurely hours people-watching in Khreshchatik street and Independence Square, the elegant heart of Kyiv’s social scene.
 Lviv
This amazing city, which is full of striking Baroque and Renaissance architecture, is considered an open-air museum and lies at the heart of Ukrainian national culture. The highlight is certainly the Market Square, which has been the uninterrupted centre of action for the last 600 years. In the past, this square was the home of wealthy merchants and urban nobility and served as the administrative, political and economic centre of Lviv. Today, Market Square makes up the core of Lviv’s historical preservation area. It consists of 45 buildings which reflect the Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Rococo traditions of this town.
Situated in the foothills of the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, Lviv is one of the oldest and most intriguing cities in Europe. Its attractions include City Castle, the National Museum, the Antique Armoury, the Museum of History and the Museum of Ethnography and Crafts. As one of the best undiscovered gems in Europe, don’t pass up spending a few days in this town.
 Odessa
This curious town is a surreal mix of seaside holiday resort and polluted industrial wasteland, and somehow they coexist. Odessa has long been an important port for shipping and trade on the Black Sea. It gained notoriety for its role in the 1905 Revolution, when a mutinous battleship supported the rebellion. The famous 192 steps of the Potemkin Stairway are here from the classic film Battleship Potemkin.
The city also has a cultural side, with its vast Opera House (one of the world’s largest), Vorontsov Palace and Archaeological Museum, which houses exhibits from Egypt and the ancient Black Sea region. And of course, there are the beaches. They may be crowded and dirty, but Ukrainians still flock to Arkadia Beach every summer to socialise with the in-crowds.
 Pushkin Museum
If you are a history or literature buff, you may want to stop by the Pushkin Museum. The infamous writer spent some time in Odessa after being exiled from Moscow in 1823 for being a radical. Although he spent most of his 13 months here chasing women and doing petty administrative jobs, Pushkin did manage to produce some of his most important writing. The museum is quaint and charming, and full of interesting exhibits, but mainly for true fans of the author. Phone +380 0482 251 034.
 St Sophia’s Cathedral
Kyiv’s oldest standing church dates back to 1017, when it was built to celebrate Prince Yaroslav’s victory over the marauding tribal raiders who tried to invade Kyiv. The interior is absolutely stunning, with its original mosaics and frescoes from 1,000 years ago. The gold domes and enormous baroque-style bell tower were added in the 18th century. If you are a fan of churches, or grand architecture, then you must pay this church a visit. Phone: +380 044 228 6152.
 The Crimea
The Crimea was once a summer playground for Kremlin leaders, but today it is a strange part of Ukraine where wine vineyards and resort spas meet dusty, rundown cities and ex-Communist monuments. The region is a favourite spot for Westerners, thanks to its cheap lodging and mineral baths. The capital of Simferopol is dull and unremarkable, but Yalta, also known as the Pearl of the Crimea, attracts a lot of visitors. Yalta’s old Communist-era spas have been transformed into health resorts, and the surrounding countryside offers some pleasant excursions such as Nikitsky Gardens.
Top Things to Do
 Climb Andreyev Hill
When you visit Kyiv, be sure and spend some time wandering around Andreyev Hill. This incredibly quaint cobblestone street in the city centre has been taken over by local artists who sell their wares. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in the area, making it a great part of Kyiv for exploration. You may also want to take a stroll down Khreshchatik street and Independence Square, both of which are major thoroughfares in the city. The elegant Independence Square, with its fountains and old chestnut trees, is a particularly pleasant site to sit and watch the people of Kyiv go about their daily lives.
Experience the atmosphere at Market Square
The highlight of the amazing historical town of Lviv is Market Square, which makes up the core of the downtown preservation area. For the past 600 years, this square has functioned as the heart and soul of Lviv. Up until the end of the 19th century, it served as the administrative centre of the town. Many members of the wealthy merchant class and urban nobility had their splendid houses here, most of which are still standing. The architectural preservation area consists of 45 buildings which have been lovingly restored. The effect is an atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Rococo architecture are all represented in Market Square, and should not be missed.
Explore Caves Monastery
Perched on the grassy hills above the Dnipro River, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a major attraction for tourists and Orthodox pilgrims alike. This tight cluster of gold-domed churches is a beautiful sight and rivals the Hermitage in St Petersburg for sheer golden splendor. But it’s what lies beneath that is really fascinating. A labyrinth network of underground catacombs is lined with mummified monks and other relics from centuries past. It’s a thrilling and somewhat eerie experience to wander among the tunnels with only a candle lantern to light your way. Phone +380 044 290 3071.
Relax on Arkadia Beach
Believe it or not people actually swim at Odessa’s dirty and crowded beaches during the summer, but that’s not really the reason to visit the coastline of the Black Sea. Beach life in Ukraine is more about seeing and being seen and Arkadia is the hub of all the action. With its English, Victorian-style sideshows and endless line of cafés, bars and nightclubs, this beach is very popular with Ukrainians and visitors alike. To get a glimpse at what Ukrainian socialites aspire to be, this is one of the most entertaining spots to do it. Don’t forget to admire the stately old sanatoriums as you make your way down the main boulevard.
 See an Opera
When you visit Lviv, which you really should if you want to experience the cultural heart and soul of Ukraine, try and catch a theatre or opera performance. Several theatre companies are based in the city and put on plays throughout the year. But if you are an opera fan, then you owe it to yourself to see the Opera House built by Ivan Franko. This building is a source of tremendous pride to the locals of Lviv, and it’s easy to see why. This remarkable structure has a richly decorated interior and facade which has put it among the ranks of Europe’s great theatres.
 Visit Carpathian National Park
Ukraine’s largest national park covers an area roughly 503 square kilometres, and encompasses some of the finest mountain terrain in Eastern Europe. The Carpathians are a splendid mountain range and offer the best alpine experience in the country. The park is the best place to see some of the local wildlife such as lynx, bison, wolves and brown bears if you get lucky. But at least you can enjoy the stunning scenery and hike to your heart’s content on the trails which come in all levels and lengths. Serious outdoor enthusiasts can climb Mount Hoverla, Ukraine’s highest peak, which towers a staggering 2061 metres above sea level.
 Visit the Chernobyl Museum
Since you’re in Ukraine, you may want to visit the site of the world’s worst nuclear accident (or at least its museum). The 1986 disaster brought the dangers of nuclear power to the centre stage of world opinion. It’s difficult to express the full horror of such an event, but this museum does a good job of it. Part shrine to the heroic workers who were killed in the aftermath of the explosion, and part reminder of the ever-present risks involved with nuclear energy, the museum uses identity cards of the killed workers, photos of the area and other exhibits to pay tribute to man’s pursuit of clean energy. Phone +380 044 470 5422.
 Visit the wine country of the Crimea
One of the more enjoyable diversions in Ukraine is a tour of Crimea’s wine country. The region produces some surprisingly good wine, since it rarely gains notice outside of the country. Small wineries are scattered around the region, most of which are open for tours and tastings. If you want to condense it all into one stop, go to the Wine Tasting Hall in Yalta, where you can sample dozens of Ukraine’s finest wines in one setting. The cost of wine is remarkably cheap, so don’t hesitate to pick up a few bottles along the way.
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