Where to go in Lviv? A guide for first-time visitors

Lviv in 2025 is one of the most comfortable travel destinations in Ukraine. Here you can relax in a cafe, wander along the cobblestone streets, listen to live music in the square and just breathe in the city. Find out where to go in Lviv and how to plan the perfect trip

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Lviv – a charming Ukrainian city combines centuries of history, unique architecture, rich cultural traditions, and world-famous coffee into one unforgettable travel experience. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or simply looking for hidden gems in Eastern Europe, Lviv has something for everyone. With cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and vibrant local life – it’s no wonder Lviv is often called the soul of Ukraine.

From breathtaking cathedrals and mysterious undergrounds to delicious chocolate and iconic walking tours, this Lviv city guide will help you plan the perfect trip. 

Read here how to get to Lviv from abroad in 2025.

This article discusses whether Lviv is safe for tourists now.

What makes Lviv so special?

There are many Ukrainian cities to visit, but none are quite like Lviv. It’s a place where time slows down, and every street has a story to tell. The city's Austro-Hungarian heritage shines through its elegant architecture, romantic courtyards, and old-fashioned trams. You’ll discover historical places in Lviv, like Rynok Square and the Opera House, while sipping fresh-roasted coffee brewed the traditional Lviv way.

What makes Lviv even more magical is the way locals preserve its traditions – from underground legends to baroque churches and quirky themed cafes. And the best part? You can explore it all with experienced guides on a Lviv walking tour that brings history to life.

Want to dive into the city's rich past? Join one of these unforgettable Lviv tours:

- Discover Austrian-era architecture: Austrian Lviv Tour.

- Explore hidden tunnels and legends: Dungeons of Lviv Tour.

- Experience the magic after dark: Evening Lviv Tour. 

Best things to do in Lviv for first-time visitors

Whether you have one day or a few, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences waiting for you. Here are the best places in Lviv every first-time visitor should see:

Explore Lviv Old Town

The heart of the city is the UNESCO-listed Old Town, filled with colorful buildings, open-air cafes, and centuries of history. Start your journey at Rynok Square, where each building tells a different story. Don’t miss the Lviv Opera House, one of Europe’s most beautiful theatres, or the Armenian Quarter, a hidden gem with medieval charm.

To feel the full atmosphere of Lviv at sunset, join a Evening Lviv Tour – a perfect introduction to the city’s romantic side and intriguing legends.

Visit the iconic Lviv churches and cathedrals

Lviv is known for its spiritual heritage and stunning religious architecture. The Dominican Cathedral impresses with its baroque design, while the Bernardine Monastery offers quiet beauty just steps from the bustling center. Don’t miss the intricate Boim Chapel, a true masterpiece of 17th-century art.

For those interested in sacred history, the Temples of Lviv Tour offers a guided walk through the city’s most significant religious sites.

Go underground

Curious about what to see in Lviv beyond the surface? Head underground! Beneath the city lies a network of tunnels filled with legends and mysteries. Explore the crypts under the Dominican Cathedral and secret chambers beneath Rynok Square.

Dive into this lesser-known side of the city with the Dungeons of Lviv Tour – one of the most exciting things to do in Lviv.

Enjoy the local food scene

Lviv is a paradise for food lovers. Try rich chocolate made right in front of you, sip coffee and visit themed restaurants that tell stories with every dish. From underground cafes to rooftop views, the city blends taste with tradition like no other.

If you want to not just eat, but also understand Lviv through taste – choose a gastro tour. It can be a walk through coffee workshops, tasting liqueurs in secret restaurants, a trip to a cheese shop with a tour, or a full-fledged route through the most interesting gastro spots.

A selection of the most interesting tours in Lviv is in this article.

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Must-have travel tips for visiting Lviv

Planning your Lviv itinerary is not just about sights – it’s also about where to stay, how to get around, and staying safe. Here are essential travel tips Lviv first-timers should know:

Where to stay in Lviv?

Looking for comfort, safety, and easy access to attractions? The best areas to stay are:

- Historic City Center – perfect for walking to all Lviv top attractions.

- Near the train station – convenient for short stays and early departures.

- Parkside neighborhoods – peaceful retreats near Stryiskyi Park or Ivan Franko Park.

How to find and book accommodation in Lviv was described in our previous article.

For stress-free booking, use Visit Ukraine to reserve your accommodation. You’ll get access to English-speaking support, exclusive deals, and verified options in the safest districts.

How to get to Lviv and move around the city? 

Lviv is well connected by:

- Trains and buses from major Ukrainian and European cities (like Krakow, Przemyśl, Budapest).

Instructions on how to buy bus tickets to Lviv can be found in our previous article.

- Private transfers, especially from border cities in Poland, Slovakia, or Hungary.

For smooth arrivals and departures, pre-book your transfer to Lviv via Visit Ukraine. It’s safe, convenient, and perfect for travelers unfamiliar with the region.

Getting around Lviv is easy: most locations are walkable, and public transport (buses, trams) is available. Taxi apps like Uklon or Bolt are also reliable.

Do you need travel insurance in Lviv?

Yes – and not just any insurance. Due to martial law in Ukraine, having travel insurance with war-risk coverage is highly recommended. Medical care in emergencies can be costly, and not all foreign policies include war-related incidents.

That’s why we suggest getting a Visit Ukraine insurance policy – it’s tailored for travelers in Ukraine, covers both medical and war-related risks, and is accepted by border and airport authorities.

All necessary services – hotels, tickets, transfers, Lviv tours in English, entry insurance – are available in English on the Visit Ukraine platform. This is convenient for those who want to organize a trip on their own, but with maximum comfort and support.

Make the most of your trip with Lviv tours

If it’s your first time in Lviv, exploring with a local guide can make all the difference. Whether you're staying for a day or a week, organized tours help you understand the city’s layers of history, culture, and charm – all without the stress of planning every detail.

Here are some of the top-rated Lviv tours to include in your itinerary:

- Austrian Lviv Tour – stroll through elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture and learn how empires shaped Lviv.

- Dungeons of Lviv Tour – uncover the city’s hidden underground tunnels and dark legends.

- Evening Lviv Tour – experience the city by night, with stories that bring the cobbled streets to life.

- Temples of Lviv Tour – explore the sacred side of Lviv with visits to its most iconic churches.

- Discover Lviv for yourself – during the tour, visitors will stroll through the narrow streets of Lviv, taste fragrant Lviv coffee, experience the taste of Lviv life, appreciate the architectural heritage of past generations, and visit churches of different denominations.

- Planning to explore more? Try the cross-country "Ukraine from West to East" tour to see how diverse and beautiful Ukraine really is.

Organized tours are the easiest way to get to know Lviv, accompanied by an English-speaking guide and with full support from Visit Ukraine.

Final thoughts: Discover Lviv with confidence

Lviv is more than just one of the most beautiful Ukrainian cities to visit – it’s a feeling. A place where baroque churches stand next to hip coffee shops, where street musicians play under 500-year-old facades, and where every traveler feels at home. Whether you're wandering through the Old Town, sipping chocolate at a hidden cafe, or listening to legends in the underground tunnels – this city will stay with you long after your trip ends.

So if you're wondering where to go in Lviv, start here. Follow this Lviv city guide, book your tours in advance, and explore with peace of mind.

Make your trip to Lviv unforgettable – plan, book, and travel confidently with Visit Ukraine. 

Let us remind you! From the picturesque Carpathians to historical cities and the warm Black Sea - Ukraine is ready to surprise you with its hospitality, nature and unique impressions. But for the trip to be truly successful, it is important to plan it correctly. We have already told you how to properly organize your trip: booking tours, medical insurance, car rental, transfers, Meet & Greet – everything you need for a comfortable and safe visit.

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