Das ist nicht London: Ein Tourist besuchte die Ukraine und erzählte, was ihn am meisten beeindruckte

Ein europäischer Journalist erfüllte sich seinen lang gehegten Traum, während des Krieges die Ukraine zu besuchen. Er war erstaunt über den Kontrast zwischen der militärischen Realität und dem friedlichen Leben in Lwiw, wo es seiner Meinung nach sicherer ist als in manchen Teilen Londons. Erfahren Sie mehr über die Eindrücke des Ausländers von der Reise in die Löwenstadt und seine unerwarteten Entdeckungen über das Leben in der Ukraine während des Krieges

Kriegskostenversicherung ist eine Garantie für Ihren geschützten Aufenthalt in der Ukraine

KAUFEN

Vinicius Costa, a European journalist and author of a popular travel portal, planned to visit Ukraine in early 2022. Tickets to Lviv were bought, but three days before the planned trip, Russia launched a full-scale invasion. Two and a half years later, the journalist finally decided to make his dream come true and travelled through Ukraine during the war.

What impressed the foreigner the most and why he considers a walk in the evening in London to be more dangerous than a stay in Lviv - read more in the article.

Tourist Lviv through the eyes of a foreigner: it's calmer here than in London's boroughs

Vinicius started his trip to Ukraine in Lviv, a city often called ‘little Paris’. The choice was not accidental: in addition to its rich cultural heritage and UNESCO-protected architecture, the city is the furthest from the active war zone. The journalist admits that he had carefully analysed the risks before the trip and concluded that Lviv was a relatively safe destination.

Greetings from the Middle Ages: what impressed the traveller in the old city

In the ancient centre of Lviv, the journalist was amazed by the number of churches and cathedrals - there are more than a hundred of them. He was especially fascinated by the Latin Cathedral with its pastel-coloured painted ceiling and the Armenian Cathedral.

‘If you have a weekend, be sure to climb the Town Hall tower - it offers a stunning panorama of the city with its domes and ancient roofs,’ Vinicius shares his impressions.

Coffee, kisses, and war: how the city lives on the home front

What surprised the foreigner the most was the routine of life during the war. In public transport, he watched noisy children and their calm parents, on the streets he saw teenage girls with cups of coffee, lively discussing something while walking along the pavement, and in parks - couples in love on snow-covered benches. According to Vinicius, if it weren't for the uniformed soldiers and patriotic posters on the buildings, one would forget that the country is fighting a difficult defensive war.

No panic: how Lviv residents react to air raid alerts

The first reminder of reality came with the air raid sirens. However, the reaction of the locals again surprised the journalist - people went about their business as if nothing had happened. A girl at a bus stop was calmly browsing social media, while other passers-by were slowly carrying home their purchases or leaving restaurants.

‘This is their new reality,’ the traveller says.

Where is it safer: in Lviv or London?

Costa made an interesting observation about safety in the city. According to him, if we do not take into account the military threat, Lviv is much safer than many European capitals. The level of street crime here is half that of London, Paris or Barcelona.

‘The likelihood of becoming a victim of robbery in the criminal districts of London is higher than coming under fire in Lviv,’ the journalist notes.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

$145 for two days: how to relax in Lviv without going broke

The traveller was also pleasantly surprised by the prices. For two days in Lviv, including accommodation, meals and transport, he spent only $145. He also noted the colourful local restaurants, especially Kryivka, a place in the style of an insurgent bunker where you can taste traditional Ukrainian dishes, talk to the English-speaking friendly staff and plunge into the history of Ukraine.

‘And for dessert, I visited the famous Lviv Chocolate Workshop, a five-storey medieval-style building where you can drink hot chocolate on the top floor overlooking the city's spires,’ says the traveller.

Individual approach to everyone: how Visit Ukraine organises tours to Ukraine

If you are also planning to visit Ukraine, the Visit Ukraine team is ready to take care of all the organisational issues of your trip. Experienced specialists will develop an individual itinerary based on your wishes and the security situation, organise transfers, book hotels and excursions, and provide round-the-clock support during your stay in Ukraine.

The Visit Ukraine portal offers a large number of interesting tours around Ukraine that will definitely not leave anyone indifferent. Book a tour right now and immerse yourself in the extraordinary culture of Ukraine!

To book or find out more about the tours, please contact our managers: WhatsApp/Telegram.

Insurance with war risk coverage: why is it a must-have for every tourist in Ukraine?

When planning a trip to Ukraine, it is important to take care of your safety in advance. Visit Ukraine offers reliable health insurance with war risk coverage for foreign tourists. The policy provides medical assistance in the event of any unforeseen situations, including injuries caused by war risks. 

Remember, insurance is not only a guarantee of your safety, but also a prerequisite for entering the country.

Take care of your safety while travelling to Ukraine - take out insurance covering military risks on the Visit Ukraine portal!

Just a reminder. Despite the full-scale war, Ukraine continues to attract tourists from all over the world with its incredible history, culture and indomitable spirit. Foreign visitors share their fascinating impressions of Ukrainian cities, note the high level of security and professional tourist infrastructure, and plan to return again. Read more about how Ukraine and Visit Ukraine, in particular, ensure comfortable and safe travel to Ukraine for foreign tourists during the war here.

Photo: Depositphotos

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.