Located on the Black Sea, full of rugged coastlines, natural lakes, and untamed forests lies Ukraine. Ukraine is possibly one of the most overlooked countries in Europe. Although it might stay under the radar when it comes to Eastern European travel, this just makes visiting Ukraine even more of a hidden gem and a true travel treasure. From powerful architecture to sandy beaches and lush vegetation, Ukraine has it all.

Must-see Ukraine tourist attractions in 8 of the top places

Here are the top must-see Ukraine tourist attractions, and the charming cities you’ll find them in:

Kamianets Podilskyi

The Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 14th-century. It features 7 of its 12 original fortification towers and is one of the most spectacular fortifications in Europe. It’s a beautifully maintained piece of the past and one of the most historical places to visit in Ukraine.

An ancient city Kamianets-Podilskyi is famous because of its special atmosphere of ancient times. You might feel spirit of the Middle Age there. The city is called "flower on the stone".

Kyiv

Built in the 90s, it is a remake of the destroyed St. Michael's Cathedral, which stood on the territory of the oldest monastery of Kyivan Rus for over eight centuries. Today, the St. Michael's monastic complex includes, along with the rebuilt cathedral, a refectory with the Church of St. John the Divine and a bell tower, created in the 18th century.

The sky-blue St. Michael's Cathedral, with its fabulously shining domes, is one of the most beautiful and important Orthodox temples in Ukraine.

Chernivtsi

Chernivtsi National University is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an enchanting building in every sense of the word. The city has an indescribable Central European vibe. You could spend your whole Ukraine vacation simply wandering the streets, café hopping and admiring the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Chernivtsi Located in western Ukraine and contains all the hallmarks of an elegant European city. With striking architecture, a multicultural history, and an incredible café scene, visiting the city is pure pleasure!

Mukacheve

The Palanok Castle is a highlight of Ukrainian tourism. This 10th-century fortress is delicately preserved and divided into three buildings: the upper castle, middle castle, and lower castle. It also contains a historical museum and an art gallery. It was built on a 65-metre hill and offers astonishing panoramic views of Mukachevo city.

Mukachevo Located in the western Ukrainian province of Zakarpattia, Mukachevo is typical Ukrainian city, full of colourful churches and notable architecture.

Pink Lakes

The Lake of Sivash is a set of bays located to the west of the Sea of Azov. It is a saltwater lake known as 'the rotten sea' due to the nauseating smell of the water, a stretch of salt lagoons by still waters and marshes that cover 965 square miles of territory on the northeast coast of the Crimean Peninsula.

There are a lot of incredible bays in Ukraine including such as saltwater lakes as Syvash, Kinburn braid, Genichinsk lake, Lemurian lake and many others.

Khotyn

Khotyn fortress is one of the brightest historical and architectural monuments in Ukraine. At first, Prince Volodymyr Sviatoslavovych built a fort at this place in the 10th century and later a stone castle arose at the site due to King Danylo Halytskyi and his son Lev. Over the centuries, the stronghold changed its appearance. They made improvements, rebuilt and extended it a lot of times.

The city Khotyn figures prominently in medieval European history. Based near an important crossing in the Middle Dniester, it become one of the important defense and commercial points of the territory.

Carpathy

It’s one of the most beautiful places in Ukraine in terms of unspoiled scenery, full of lush woodlands, small villages, and pine infused open air. Bukovel is a large ski resort that contains an abundance of winter recreation activities. This extensive resort also has many accommodation options, entertainment options, and health facilities. Visit Ukraine during winter and experience this magical winter wonderland for yourself!

Carpathian Mountains Ukraine contains a small portion of the Carpathian Mountains that span Central Europe. When you visit this area it is as if time has stopped.

Lviv

The best words to describe it are colourful, quirky and quaint. This historic city centre is one of the best places to visit in Ukraine to soak in the local food culture. It offers a wide range of restaurants, cafés, all with an ultra-relaxed ambience. Travel among the cobblestone roads and Renaissance-era buildings to delight in this old world charm.

Lviv is one of the most important cultural centres in Ukraine. Travellers gravitate here to visit the city’s UNESCO-protected Old Town.