10 BEST Things to Do in Lviv, Ukraine
10 BEST Things to Do in Lviv, Ukraine - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Lviv

10 BEST Things to Do in Lviv, Ukraine

A Complete Guide to Backpacking Lviv
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
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Did you know that the iconic yellow and blue flag of Ukraine actually flew high and proud here in Lviv way before Kyiv, the capital city of the country? Also, did you know that the Ukrainian language is spoken more widely here than in any other city in Ukraine?

There is no mistake that Lviv is the cultural capital of Ukraine, with an atmosphere that resembles that of Central European cities, rather than the Soviet Brutalism vibe you often get when visiting a previous Soviet city like Kyiv.

Lviv, in Ukraine, is similar to Saint Petersburg in Russia, Prague in Czechia, and Krakow in Poland. It is filled with history, incredible architecture, and countless things to do.

If you are looking for a hidden gem in Europe with a lot to offer, yet still extremely cheap, Lviv is a city you shouldn't miss. Here's a complete backpacking guide on things to do in Lviv, Ukraine. Let's begin with our recommended itinerary map.

One Month Itinerary For UkraineOne Month Itinerary For Ukraine

Lviv Things to Do Itinerary Map

Lviv Things to Do Itinerary Map

❤️ Must Visit: Lviv Town Hall
🥘 Place to Eat: Puzata Hata
🏛️ Best Museum: Museum of Folk Architecture
☀️ Great Day Trip: Castle-hopping around Lviv

Quick Summary: Things to do in Lviv

A crowded Rynok Squarein the evening in Lviv, Ukraine.
1. Check out all the Old Architecture in Lviv Old Town
I could have expanded this travel guide forever by listing all the cool architectures to see in Lviv, but I think it is best to list them all in one since there are so many of them waiting for you to explore in Lviv.
Read More
A panoramic view of a Catholic church from an Observation Deck atop Lviv Town Hall in Lviv, Ukraine
❤️ Must Visit
2. Climb up Lviv Town Hall Observation Deck
You know you are in a European-style city when there is a tower you can climb in the middle of an Old Town to see the view from above. The Lviv Town Hall Observation Deck is a great place to go up and absorb the view of Lviv and all its beautiful architecture, churches, and cathedrals from above.
Read More
Yoga Music Fest concert at Rynok Square on June 2019 in Lviv, Ukraine
3. Enjoy Summer Events at Rynok Square
One of the highlights of visiting Lviv on weekends during the summer months is participating in countless events that often take place at Rynok Square.
Read More
Medieval Pharmacy Museum (Apteka-Muzey) old wooden interior in Lviv, Ukraine
4. Explore the Medieval Pharmacy Museum (Apteka-Muzey)
If you ever wonder what a medieval alchemist lab looks like or if you want to walk around in one, a visit to the Medieval Pharmacy Museum (Apteka-Muzey) in Lviv is a must.
Read More
The House of Scientists stairway and interior in Lviv, Ukraine
5. Marvel at the House of Scientists
I'm always on the lookout for a great spot for photos, and one of them that I found in Lviv is the wooden stairway of the House of Scientists. The House of Scientists is one of Lviv's most photogenic interior structures.
Read More
People buying and selling books at the book flea market in Lviv, Ukraine
💎 Hidden Gem
6. Discover Rare Books at Lviv Book Market
Right along Pidvalna Street, almost every day, but mostly on the weekends, you will find a nice cozy flea market where they sell vintage books, vinyl discs, and ornaments that you can buy as a souvenir.
Read More
The High Castle on top of Castle Hill in Lviv, Ukraine
7. Climb up the High Castle during Sunset
One of the best sunset spots in Lviv is from the Lviv High Castle, a historic castle located on top of Castle Hill. Do not expect to see a renovated castle up top, as it has long since been destroyed and a TV Tower was built in its place.
Read More
TNa Bambetli cafe tucked away in a hidden alleyway in Lviv, Ukraine
8. Go Cafe-Hopping
As you know by now, I am a coffee addict, and Lviv is the worst (BEST) place to be if I were to recover from my addiction. But since I am not doing that (thankfully), I spent almost a week cafe-hopping from one place to another, discovering the best place for you to try when you are in Lviv.
Read More
One of the many wooden church at the Folk Village in Lviv, Ukraine.
🏛️ Best Museum
9. Visit a Folk Village at Museum of Folk Architecture and Lebensunterhalt
If you are interested in the history of the people who lived around this area near the foothill of the Ukrainian Carpathian mountain in medieval times, the best place to immerse yourself in the folklore of the region is at the Museum of Folk Architecture and Lebensunterhalt.
Read More
The stunning exterior of Pidhirtsi Castle near Lviv, Ukraine
☀️ Great Day Trip
10. Visit all the Ancient Castles Around Lviv
Last but not least, now that we have seen most of Lviv Old Town, it's time to go out of the city and see the beautiful medieval castles in the area and the surrounding beautiful landscape with a day trip to Oleskiy Castle, Pidhirtsi Castle, and Zolochivsʹkyy Castle.
Read More

10 Best Things to Do in Lviv

1. Check out all the Old Architecture in Lviv Old Town

A crowded Rynok Square in the evening in Lviv, Ukraine.

I could have expanded this travel guide forever by listing all the cool architectures to see in Lviv, but I think it is best to list them all in one since there are so many of them waiting for you to explore in Lviv.

The beautiful streets of Old Town Lviv, Ukraine

Rynok Square is the main market square in Lviv, and that is where you will begin to fall in love with Lviv. Around the square, you will find many cool, colorful European buildings, old churches, cathedrals, and chapels that date all the way back to the 14th Century.

Babuskas gossiping in the Old Town of Lviv, Ukraine.

One thing that may surprise you is that the population of Lviv is mostly Catholic, whereas Kyiv or most of Ukraine is Eastern Orthodox. Therefore, you will find a large concentration of Catholic churches and cathedrals here in the city.

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Dominican Cathedral at sunset in Lviv, Ukraine

The Lviv Latin Cathedral and the Dominican Cathedral are two of the biggest religious structures in Rynok Square and are equally beautiful. If you are lucky, you might see many wedding photoshoots happening in front of the Dominican Cathedral.

The Armenian Church of Lviv in Lviv, Ukraine.

Other beautiful churches, both from the outside and inside, include the Bernadine Church and Monastery, an art-filled Baroque-style church located south of Rynok Square, and the Armenian Cathedral of Lviv, built in the 14th century and located north of Rynok Square. Be sure to drop by them when you are exploring Lviv Old Town.

The beautiful ornate Renaissance details of the Chapel of the Boim Family in Lviv, Ukraine.

One of the most unique churches in Rynok Square that you should not miss is the Chapel of the Boim Family, a 17th-century monument of religious architecture with intricately beautiful ornate Renaissance details and carvings, unlike anything you will see in Lviv. It is located right by the side of Lviv Latin Cathedral, and you can't miss it when exploring Lviv's Old Town.

Lviv Opera House in Lviv, Ukraine

Be sure to also walk towards the Taras Shevchenko Memorial and check out the Lviv Opera House, a stunning example of Austro-Hungarian influence on the city when Lviv was the capital of Galicia in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

2. Climb up Lviv Town Hall Observation Deck

A panoramic view of a Catholic church from an Observation Deck atop Lviv Town Hall in Lviv, Ukraine

You know you are in a European-style city when there is a tower you can climb in the middle of an Old Town to see the view from above. The Lviv Town Hall Observation Deck is a great place to go up and absorb the view of Lviv and all its beautiful architecture, churches, and cathedrals from above.

The beautiful houses of Lviv from an Observation Deck atop Lviv Town Hall in Lviv, Ukraine

From up at the top, you can see the cityscape of Lviv and all its stunning churches and cathedrals as far as the eye can see. You can also see the High Castle, where you will be climbing for a beautiful sunset later on. You may also spot a hidden alleyway you may not have seen from down there, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.

The cityscape of Lviv from an Observation Deck atop Lviv Town Hall in Lviv, Ukraine

The entrance to the Town Hall is on the south side of the building, and you will have to walk up a few flights of stairs before you arrive at a ticket booth.

A bird-eye-view of a tram passing through Rynok Square in Lviv, Ukraine

The entrance fee to the Observation Deck is 40 UAH, and from there, you will have to walk up the small staircase of about 400 steps. Once you arrive at the top, you will get a panoramic view of the city.

3. Enjoy Summer Events at Rynok Square

Yoga Music Fest concert at Rynok Square on June 2019 in Lviv, Ukraine

One of the highlights of visiting Lviv on weekends during the summer months is participating in countless events that often take place at Rynok Square.

A group of people dancing salsa at night outside in Rynok Square in Lviv, Ukraine

Jazz Festivals in Lviv are among the top 10 Jazz festivals in Europe, and the Leopolis Jazz Fest, which happens at the end of June every year for 4 days, is the perfect reason to travel to Lviv during that time.

Atmasfera performing at Yoga Music Fest concert at Rynok Square on June 2019 in Lviv, Ukraine

There aren't just Jazz Festivals happening in Lviv during the summer months. When I was there, a week before the Jazz Festival, there was an open-air Yoga Music Fest concert at Rynok Square organized by Lviv Yoga Day where they brought many Ukrainian indie bands like Atmasfera and Yoga Brothers and made you fall in love with them.

A couple swinging and dancing salsa at night in Lviv, Ukraine

If you have the flexibility, I would highly recommend that you align your travel to one of these events in Lviv. To check the event schedule, check out Lviv Official Event Page and see what is happening during the weekend you will be in the city.

Tours & Tickets You Might Like

4. Explore the Medieval Pharmacy Museum (Apteka-Muzey)

Medieval Pharmacy Museum (Apteka-Muzey) old wooden interior in Lviv, Ukraine

If you ever wonder what a medieval alchemist lab looks like or if you want to walk around in one, a visit to the Medieval Pharmacy Museum (Apteka-Muzey) in Lviv is a must.

Old medical apparatus at the Medieval Pharmacy Museum (Apteka-Muzey) in Lviv, Ukraine

Located right at the northeast corner of Rynok Square, you will find a drugstore turned museum. When you walk in, you might think it looks like a regular pharmacy. However, if you tell the pharmacist that you want to see the museum, she will let you in behind the counter for 30 UAH. Then, you can roam freely around this medieval pharmacy lab.

A shelf full of pharmaceutical storage at the Medieval Pharmacy Museum (Apteka-Muzey) in Lviv, Ukraine

This medieval pharmacy museum was initially opened as a drugstore in the 18th century. It was known under the name "Under the Black Eagle" back then, and the place was filled with antique pharmaceutical apparatus, pill-processing machines, and old medicines that you can still see today.

5. Marvel at the House of Scientists

The House of Scientists stairway and interior in Lviv, Ukraine

I'm always on the lookout for a great spot for photos, and one of them that I found in Lviv is the wooden stairway of the House of Scientists. The House of Scientists is one of Lviv's most photogenic interior structures.

A couple shooting pre-wedding photos at the House of Scientists in Lviv, Ukraine

There is virtually nothing in the rooms in the House of Scientists, but the main attraction here is not the rooms but its unique oak staircase with perfectly carved railings located at the center of the hall.

The backstage of the couple shooting pre-wedding photos at the House of Scientists surrounded by wedding photographers in Lviv, Ukraine

You could almost imagine what pre-WW2 life of the high class was like when you walk into the hall and see the stunning staircase. The staircase is so beautiful that many locals choose to have their pre-wedding photoshoots here on the stairs.

The empty rooms of the House of Scientists in Lviv, Ukraine

The House of Scientists is a little bit outside the Old Town area, but it's only a 15-minute walk. Once you arrive, you will have to walk straight into the building's entrance on the right and turn left through a door where the security guy will come and ask you to pay 15 UAH to get into the main hallway where the stairway is located.

6. Discover Rare Books at Lviv Book Market

People buying and selling books at the book flea market in Lviv, Ukraine

Right along Pidvalna Street, almost every day, but mostly on the weekends, you will find a nice cozy flea market where they sell vintage books, vinyl discs, and ornaments that you can buy as a souvenir.

Piles of Russian books at the book flea market in Lviv, Ukraine

Unfortunately, they are mostly books in Russian, but every now and then, you might find some rare English books and vinyl discs in the mix, so keep an eye out.

Russian books at the book flea market in Lviv, Ukraine

Even if you don't plan to buy anything, it is still quite nice to walk around the market, find a bench under a tree somewhere, and read your favorite book or watch locals excitedly browsing these vintage collections.

7. Climb up the High Castle during Sunset

The High Castle on top of Castle Hill in Lviv, Ukraine

One of the best sunset spots in Lviv is from the Lviv High Castle, a historic castle located on top of Castle Hill. Do not expect to see a renovated castle up top, as it has long since been destroyed and a TV Tower was built in its place.

That said, Castle Hill is still a great place to climb since it is considered to be the highest point in the entire city. And what better way to see a place than to get a panoramic view from the top of the highest point in the city?

8. Go Cafe-Hopping

TNa Bambetli cafe tucked away in a hidden alleyway in Lviv, Ukraine

As you know by now, I am a coffee addict, and Lviv is the worst (BEST) place to be if I were to recover from my addiction. But since I am not doing that (thankfully), I spent almost a week cafe-hopping from one place to another, discovering the best place for you to try when you are in Lviv.

The garden seating area of Lviv Coffee Mining Manufacture cafe.

One of my favorite cafes is Lviv Coffee Mining Manufacture, where they dig out the ingredients right from up the Rynok Square. They name their coffees like Lviv Rainy Day Coffee and For Lovers, etc., and they even set your coffee on fire with their most popular beverage, the Flaming Coffee.

The authentic decor and interior of Na Bambetli cafe in Lviv, Ukraine.

Another great cafe I would recommend you to drop by if you like an authentic-looking interior, centrally located but hidden away in a quiet alleyway in Rynok Square, you can't go wrong with Na Bambetli (На Бамбетлі).

10 Best Cozy Cafes In Lviv, Ukraine10 Best Cozy Cafes In Lviv, Ukraine

9. Visit a Folk Village at Museum of Folk Architecture and Lebensunterhalt

One of the many wooden church at the Folk Village in Lviv, Ukraine.

If you are interested in the history of the people who lived around this area near the foothill of the Ukrainian Carpathian mountain in medieval times, the best place to immerse yourself in the folklore of the region is at the Museum of Folk Architecture and Lebensunterhalt.

The beautiful wooden interior of the wooden church at the Folk Village in Lviv, Ukraine.

They brought all the old wooden houses and religious structures from around this region and placed them into this open-air museum in the middle of a forest for people to learn about them.

The iconic wooden church of St. Nicholaus at the Folk Village in Lviv, Ukraine.

One of the most iconic structures in the Folk Village is the wooden Church of St. Nicholas that was built in 1763 in the village of Kryvky in the Carpathians. A fun fact about this church is that the length of the church is equal to its height 😉.

Another beautiful new wooden church at the Folk Village in Lviv, Ukraine.

There are several other structures that are worth visiting, all scattered over the hills and forests of Znesinnya Park, located a few kilometers east from Lviv, so take your time. You can easily spend half a day here just walking around and reading up on the history of each house.

Lush green forest at the Folk Village in Lviv, Ukraine.

To reach the Folk Village with public transport, you can get on tram #1 or #2 (5 UAH per trip) from the tram stop at Rynok Square, ride for about 5 stops, and get off at Mechnykova Street where you will have to walk for about 18 minutes to reach the Folk Village.

The entrance to the Folk Village in Lviv, Ukraine.

You can also walk to the Folk Village from Rynok Square, which should take around 40 minutes in total. What I did was, I simply took the tram on my way there and then walked downhill back.

A wooden church in the middle of a forest at the Folk Village in Lviv, Ukraine.

Be sure to bring insect repellent if you are visiting the museum during the summer months, as there were quite a few mosquitoes when I was there, especially in a more remote area of the village.

10. Visit all the Ancient Castles Around Lviv

The stunning exterior of Pidhirtsi Castle near Lviv, Ukraine

Last but not least, now that we have seen most of Lviv Old Town, it's time to go out of the city and see the beautiful medieval castles in the area and the surrounding beautiful landscape with a day trip to Oleskiy Castle, Pidhirtsi Castle, and Zolochivsʹkyy Castle.

Me walking towards Oleskiy Castle near Lviv, Ukraine

You can visit all these castles in one day with the Castle Tours that you can purchase from Lviv Tourist Information Center near the Town Hall in Rynok Square. They operate every day except Monday, and the tour will last from 9 AM to 6 PM. The cost for one person is 350 UAH for the tour and an additional 200 UAH for the entrance tickets to three of these castles.

The beautiful garden of Zolochivsʹkyy Castle near Lviv, Ukraine

Unfortunately, the tour doesn't come with an English-speaking guide. However, when you book a tour at the Tourist Information Center, you will receive an itinerary with a brief rundown of the history of all the castles you are going to visit in English. This should give you an idea of what to expect.

The interior of the Zolochivsʹkyy Castle near Lviv, Ukraine

The castles around Lviv may not have the same grandeur as what you would find in Western Europe, but they do have their charm. If you want to experience Lviv beyond just the Old Town area, the Castles Tour makes for a great one-day trip out of the city.

You can also go for a private tour to these medieval castles instead if you prefer to explore at your own leisure and you want a good English-speaking guide. You will have to pay a bit more for it, but it is probably going to be more interesting than listening to Ukrainian guides talking about castles in Ukrainian. You can book a private tour of castles around Lviv here.

My friends Iryna and Oksana from Lviv Tourist Information Center in Lviv, Ukraine

Also, if you meet these lovely ladies at the Tourist Information Center, tell them I said hi 😉. They are as friendly and helpful as they come.

What to Eat and Drink in Lviv?

1. Try the Flaming Coffee at Lʹvivsʹka Kopalʹnya Kavy

The cozy interior of Lviv Coffee Mining Manufacture cafe.

As mentioned previously, if you are looking for a cool, unique experience in Lviv, go down the cave at Lʹvivsʹka Kopalʹnya Kavy and try their signature Flaming Coffee. The waiter will set your coffee on fire, turning the top layer of sugar into a hard surface of pure sweetness.

2. Eat Ribs at Arsenal Ribs And Spirits

People Eating Ribs at Arsenal Ribs and Spirits

One of the best ribs you can eat in Lviv is at the Arsenal Ribs And Spirits located right by the Arsenal Museum. If you are a meat-lover, this is the place to be. Their honey-marinated pork ribs cost 139 UAH per portion, and you can order them together with appetizers and side dishes for an additional 20 - 80 UAH.

This place is very popular among tourists, and there are often long lines during rush hours. So, if you really want to try their juicy ribs, be extra patient. After waiting in line, you will also have to wait for the ribs, which can take from 30 - 60 minutes before they're ready. So, bring some friends with you!

3. Have Local Cuisine at Puzata Hata

You can find Puzata Hata in almost every major city in Ukraine. It's a restaurant franchise that is popular among the locals.

If you have been reading my articles about Ukraine, I often rave about Puzata Hata, a local chain self-service style restaurant where you can get a three-course meal for a price of 120 UAH. They are in most big cities, and you can find one in Lviv as well.

All these dishes for only 120 UAH. You can only get that at Puzata Hata in Ukraine.

You can simply go into the restaurant, grab a tray, and start pointing at what you want to eat, and then you pay at the end before you sit and eat. Easy, delicious, and doesn't require you to speak a word of Ukrainian.

4. Grab a Quick Bite at Lviv Croissants

Lviv Croissants in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Lviv Croissants is a chain of restaurants that serves only croissants but with a delicious twist. It's a perfect place to grab a quick bite or a small lunch/dinner.

The Amsterdam Croissant Sandwich from Lviv Croissants in Kyiv, Ukraine.

They have a variety of croissant sandwiches for you to choose from. The bread is soft and crispy, and they are cheap (49 - 63 UAH) and delicious. Oh, how I wish there were more restaurants that only serve croissants out there in the world.

5. Have a Drink at Drunk Cherry (П'яна вишня)

Drunk Cherry Bar in Lviv, Ukraine

If you are looking for a place to talk to your friends outside while enjoying a nice glass of hot/cold cherry wine, be sure to stop by at Drunk Cherry. They specialize in cherry drinks, and the place is well-known for being attentive and friendly. They only have standing tables, though, so it is a good place to have a pre-party with your friends before going to a proper bar.

6. Try a Drink at Themed Bars and Restaurants

5th Dungeon Restaurant in Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv is known for its many themed restaurants and bars, and if you are looking for a unique experience at night, there are several themed restaurants you should try.

5th Dungeon Cafe

Check out 5th Dungeon, an atmospheric medieval-themed restaurant where the entire place is lit by candles and the waiters are dressed in all medieval clothes, or Gas Lamp, a medieval science-themed restaurant/bar where drinks are served in colorful test tubes and flasks while the tables are decorated with old kerosene lamps.

Other Things to Do in Lviv

1. Visit the Toy Yard

The neighborhood of where the Toy Yard in Lviv, Ukraine is.

A somewhat cute and creepy thing to do in Lviv is to visit the Toy Yard, a courtyard in one of Lviv's oldest neighborhoods where one of the owners in the nearby house started collecting lost toys and put them outside in case the owner comes to collect them.

A colorful collection of toys at the Toy Yard in Lviv, Ukraine.

After years passed and no one collected these lost toys, the collection expanded and became a shrine not just for lost toys but also for musical instruments, figurines, and bicycles.

2. Walk around St. George's Cathedral

St. George's Cathedral as seen from Town Hall Observation Deck in Lviv, Ukraine.

St. George's Cathedral is an 18th-century baroque-rococo cathedral located on top of a hill a few kilometers west of Lviv Old Town. The yellow exterior is what this cathedral is known for, and it's only a 20-30 minute walk from the Old Town, making it a great place to visit if you have half a day to spare.

3. Learn about Lviv Dark Past at the Lonsky Prison National Memorial Museum

Lonsky Prison National Memorial Museum is a good reminder of the dark past this area of the world had to go through during the 20th century. It's a museum memorializing the victims of occupation regimes during the Polish, Nazi, and Soviet occupation of Lviv. The museum is set in an actual building that was used as a political prison during those three regimes. It's an interesting place to go and learn the history not many know about Lviv.

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When to Visit Lviv?

Clouds above Zolochivsʹkyy Castle in Lviv, Ukraine.

If you are interested in attending all the cool and free weekend events at Rynok Square (they have them almost every week), the summer months between June - September are the best time to visit Lviv. However, keep in mind that it will be quite crowded. But that is what you can expect when there are a lot of activities happening in a city.

If your priority is to have a more peaceful experience and you don't mind cooler weather, during shoulder seasons like April-May or October-November, it is a great period to visit Lviv.

You can also enjoy a festive Lviv during wintertime (December - March) as well, with a stunning Christmas market and countless cozy cafes to indulge yourself in. However, there will be fewer events and activities happening during this period.

How to Get to Lviv?

There are 2 ways to get to Lviv: you can either fly directly to Lviv or Kyiv if you are currently outside of Europe, or you can travel by land to Lviv from Western/Eastern/Central Europe (if you do not require a Schengen Visa to enter Europe).

If you are coming from the US, there is a direct flight from New York to Kyiv via Ukrainian Airline that you can take directly to Ukraine, or you can fly via several European airlines like KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France into any of the main hubs in Europe, and then get a low-cost airline like Wizz Air or Ryanair to fly directly to Lviv.

Keep in mind that Ukraine is not part of the Schengen Zone, and the above method only works if you do not need a Schengen Visa to enter Europe. If you do, it is best that you fly directly or with a transit flight to Kyiv, Ukraine via Ukrainian Airline or other airlines that offer a route from your home country.

How To Apply For A Ukrainian E-VisaHow To Apply For A Ukrainian E-Visa

If you are in Asia, the simplest option is to fly directly from one of the hub cities like Bangkok to Kyiv via Ukrainian Airline. They are cheap and fly directly to Kyiv in 11 hours. From Kyiv, you can take an overnight train to Lviv.

Last but not least, if you are already in Europe, you have a few more options to get to Lviv. The fastest and sometimes cheaper option is to fly with a low-cost airline like Ryanair or Wizz Air. They have a few routes that fly directly to Lviv without the need to travel by land.

You can also travel by bus or train. Most buses and trains will have to go through Poland, and it can take a long time depending on where you are traveling from in Europe.

To give you an example, taking a train from Krakow will take around 5 hours or more, depending on how long it takes at the border, whereas if you take the bus, it will take 8 hours or more.

As you can see, unless you are already in Krakow or Warsaw, flying is almost always easier and sometimes even cheaper.

If you want to travel by train, you can book a train ticket online through 12Go or through Tickets.ua. You can simply pay with your credit card and you will receive an email with a QR code. All you have to do is show it to the ticket master when you are on the train.

To find a cheap flight to Ukraine, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.

How to Get Around Lviv?

Trams at Rynok Square in Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv is similar to Western European cities in that most of the tourist attractions are concentrated in one area near Rynok Square in the Old Town district, so most of the places I recommended here are all within walking distance.

There are a few places that are located a bit outside of the city center, though thankfully, they are easily accessible via trams. Lviv trams cost 5 UAH per trip, and you can buy the ticket from the conductor when you get on and stamp your ticket manually with an old machine with a lever in the middle of the tram.

To help you navigate the tram lines, I would recommend using Google Maps to input your location. The app will then recommend which bus stop to go to and which tram line to take.

If you are in a rush, you can also use Uber or Uklon, the local alternative to Uber, to get around the city. They are quite reliable and surprisingly affordable.

How Many Days to Spend in Lviv?

People walking on a crowded street near Rynok Square in Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv is a city with tons of things to do, and if you really want to see the city and experience its vibrant culture, I would recommend spending at least 3 full days exploring Lviv and its surrounding tourist attractions.

Day 1: You can spend your first day exploring Rynok Square and all its attractions while indulging yourself in all the cafes and theme restaurants in the evening.

Day 2: Visit a Folk Village at the Museum of Folk Architecture and Lebensunterhalt in the morning. In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the tourist attractions outside of Rynok Square, such as the House of Scientists, Toy Yard, and hiking atop High Castle for sunset.

Day 3: Go on a day tour to all the medieval castles around Lviv. This is a great chance to see Lviv's surrounding landscape, which you would not be able to see if you stick only to the city center.

Unfortunately, the tour organized by Lviv Tourist Information Center does not come with an English guide. Nevertheless, the tour is cheap (350 UAH + 200 UAH for entrance tickets) and the castles are quite interesting. They run every day except Monday, as the castles and most museums are closed on Monday.

Day 4 (Extra): Lviv is best experienced on Fridays and Saturdays (especially in the summer months) when all the activities and events are happening at Rynok Square. So, if you have more time, be sure to align your trip with the weekends so that you can experience some of the best events the city has to offer.

The weekends I was there, there was a YOGA DAY concert and JAZZ festival with local bands playing on a stage in Rynok Square. The entrance is free, and the concert goes from the evening until midnight.

How Much Money Do I Need for Lviv?

There are quite a lot of things to do in Lviv, so most of your budget will go towards food, drinks, and activities most of the time. To calculate the minimum amount you would likely spend in Lviv, we first have to see how many days you are planning to stay.

Accommodation: For a dorm room, it should cost you around 7 - 11 USD per night. For the recommended hostel in this guide, let's go with 11 USD per night. For 3 nights, that will be 33 USD (831 UAH).

Food: For a one-person meal with drinks, expect to pay 100 UAH (3.9 USD) or more in the city center. If you eat out for three meals a day, it will cost you around 300 UAH (11.9 USD) per day and around 900 UAH (36 USD) for three days.

Transportation: This is probably the cheapest factor here as the tram costs only 5 UAH per trip. For this itinerary, you would only need 2 tickets, so the transportation cost would be 10 UAH (0.4 USD).

Activities: Based on this itinerary, you would be paying for the Town Hall Observation Deck (40 UAH), entry to the Folk Village (40 UAH), the Medieval Pharmacy Museum (30 UAH), the House of Scientists (15 UAH), and a day trip to the castles (550 UAH including castle tickets). In total, you would pay around 650 UAH (26 USD) for activities.

Total Budget for 3 Days in Lviv: ~2,391 UAH (95 USD).

Is it Safe in Lviv?

Lviv is very safe. The city is extremely tourist-friendly, and you would have no trouble at all walking around the Old City at night. Just be aware of your belongings when you are in a crowded area, just like in any big cities.

That said, I personally find it to be safer than most crowded Western European cities. I'm looking at you, Cologne!

Which tourist SIM card is best for Lviv?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Lviv, Ukraine without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Lviv, Ukraine:

When I was traveling in Lviv, I had no trouble finding fast and reliable WIFI at all, whether it was at restaurants, cafes, or hostels. You would also have no trouble relying on free WIFI to stay connected.

Although, if you want to be connected all the time, I would recommend that you get a local SIM card. You can either get one from Vodafone or Kyivstar. They both offer similar plans with data ranging from 2GB to unlimited, costing between 55 UAH - 220 UAH.

For more information about Ukraine local SIM card: Ukraine Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Lviv, Ukraine?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Lviv, Ukraine:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

What to Pack For Europe: The Essential Packing ListWhat to Pack For Europe: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Ukraine

Looking for more information for your trip to Ukraine? Here are some articles about Ukraine that might help you with your trip planning:

Categories DestinationsUkraineEastern EuropeEurope