The Ukrainian population is incredibly hospitable and warmly welcomes travellers to their country of magnificent architecture and beautiful landscapes. There are large sleepless cities, and many small villages where it seems that time has halted. You can experience Gothic and Byzantine architecture and art, and most towns seem to have centuries-old cathedrals and museums, unfolding the country's history to whomever will listen.Find your travel arrangement to Ukraine here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Ukrayina
Capital
Kiev (2.635.000)
Size
603.700 km2
Principal Languages
Ukrainian
Principal Religion
Ukrainian Orthodox
Inhabitants
50.500.000
Government
Republic
Geography
Ukraine has a varied landscape with mountains and forest regions. The mountains are situated in the west, while flat regions distinguish the central part of the country, and forests and great plains dominate the northern part. The country is split in two by the river Dnieper, which flows into the Black Sea.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
Ukraine can be visited all year around, but the winter tends to get very cold with a lot of snow. The summer is warm and rainier than the spring, but with higher temperatures.
Literature
Lonely Planet Russia, Ukraine & Belarus
Hippocrene Language and Travel Guide to Ukraine
Lets Go 2000 Eastern Europe
Hippocrene Language and Travel Guide to Ukraine
Lets Go 2000 Eastern Europe
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
The following units of measurement are used in Ukraine:
Weight: kilogram
Length: metre
Weight: kilogram
Length: metre
Photography
There are no specific rules concerning photographing, but be sensible about taking photos in religious places and always follow the instructions of the place. It's a good idea to ask the locals.
Drinking water
All water for drinking, brushing your teeth and for ice cubes, should be boiled before use.
Electricity
The following current is used in Ukraine:
220 V / 50 Hz.
220 V / 50 Hz.
Behaviour
There are no specific rules concerning behaviour, but avoid showing off wealth and valuables in public.
Business Hours
Banks are open 9.00 -16.00 (Monday to Friday)
Shops are open 10.00 - 19.00 (Monday to Friday), some shops are open during the weekend.
Offices are open 9.00 -l 18.00 (Monday to Friday).
Shops are open 10.00 - 19.00 (Monday to Friday), some shops are open during the weekend.
Offices are open 9.00 -l 18.00 (Monday to Friday).
Food and drink
Ukrainian cuisine is dominated by vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, beetroot and mushroom, all boiled together as soup. Steamed or boiled flesh is also often served, and chicken is a popular dish. Many of the more expensive restaurants serve more European orientated dishes, so the best way to experience traditional Ukrainian cuisine is to visit a local family. Fairly good wines are produced in Ukraine, as well as vodka.
Disabled travellers
Ukraine isn't well suited for disabled people, and only a few buildings have facilities for wheelchairs. Getting around is also difficult, as only a few means of transport are adapted for the disabled. The best thing to do is to contact your embassy in Ukraine or a local tourist agency before leaving home.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January
Christmas Day, 7 January
Women's Day, 8 March
Labour Day, 1-2 May
Victory Day, 9 May
Constitution Day, 28 June
Independence Day, 24 August
Christmas Day, 7 January
Women's Day, 8 March
Labour Day, 1-2 May
Victory Day, 9 May
Constitution Day, 28 June
Independence Day, 24 August
Accommodation / Hotel
Ukraine is not a country with a broad selection of overnight accommodation. There are a fair amount of hotels, but the quality is generally lower than that of Western Europe, and the prices and standards vary greatly. The country does have a number of camping sites, and also the possibility of private accommodation.
Book your Hotel in Ukraine here
Book your Hotel in Ukraine here
Camping
There are quite a number of camping sites in Ukraine, usually at the edge of the towns and with only a bare minimum of facilities.
There are a good many hotels in Ukraine, but the standard is lower than that in Western Europe, and the price and quality vary greatly from region to region. The best hotels are in Kiev, Odessa and Yalta.
Other Accommodation
Private accommodation is a good choice of accommodation, which will also provide you with insight in the inhabitants' way of life. The locals are generally friendly and hospitable, and the prices low. As there is no organisation arranging these things, the easiest way is to ask around in the relevant towns.
Local transport
Because of fuel-shortages, domestic Flights aren't very regular and it can also be difficult getting around by car. The train and bus system collectively cover the entire country. The buses are always slow and crowded, but operate between quite a few towns. The trains are a bit more comfortable, but also crowded, and it can be difficult to get a ticket.
Planes
There are occasional domestic Flights in Ukraine, but as the country has been struck by fuel-shortages, the Flights aren't very regular. At the same time, the Ukrainian winters are hard and snowy, making flying difficult and forcing many aeroplanes to stay on the ground. The situation seems to be improving, though.
Bus
There are local buses between many Ukrainian towns, but they're always crowded and unpleasant. Ask the locals about specific routes.
Trains
Trains are the best way to get around Ukraine. They're often crowded, but usually depart on time, and most trains also operate during the night. It can be difficult to get a train ticket, so reserve well in advance. The train system covers a large part of the country.
Taxi
There are taxis in the major cities. They can be hailed in the streets, but this can be difficult as many drivers only drive designated routes and often refuse to drive the way you want them to. It can take a little while to find a driver who wants to drive you to where you're going. The taxis don't have taxi-meters, so it is a good idea to agree on the price before the trip begins.
car rental
There are a few car rental companies in Kiev, but it is dangerous to drive by yourself because of the traffic and the extremely bad roads, just as it can be difficult getting fuel outside the cities.
