Cultural capitals of Ukraine: from ancient settlements to large cities

Ukraine is a country with unique cultural capitals, where history and modernity are combined in architecture, art and traditions. Find out which ancient settlements are worth visiting, which medieval cities have preserved their grandeur, which modern cultural centers shape the image of the country

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Ukraine is not only about picturesque landscapes and delicious food. It is a country with a deep history, a unique cultural heritage and cities that amaze with their authenticity. From ancient settlements to modern metropolises, the cultural capitals of Ukraine shape the face of the state and demonstrate new horizons for travelers.

If you are planning a trip to Ukraine or are thinking about what to see in Ukraine as a tourist, in this article you will find unique places in Ukraine and tips for planning.

Discovering cultural routes in Ukraine is convenient through ready-made tours of Ukraine from Visit Ukraine - we combine history, modernity and comfort in every trip.

Ancient settlements: the heritage of the Black Sea coast

Unique ancient settlements in Ukraine have been preserved on the territory of Ukraine, which were part of the Greek civilization more than two thousand years ago. They attract tourists as open-air museums and create a feeling of touching the depths of history.

- Olbia (Mykolaiv region) – an ancient Greek polis, founded in the 6th century BC. Here you can see the remains of temples, defensive walls, quarters and city streets. The atmosphere of the place allows you to feel how the Greeks lived on the northern borders of the ancient world. Nearby is a museum-reserve with archaeological exhibits.

Olbia Reserve is located in the Mykolaiv region, near the village of Parutyne. In 2025, this place is close to the combat zone, so visiting by tourists is limited.

- Chersonesos Tavrii (Sevastopol, temporarily occupied Crimea) – one of the most important ancient colonial cities, where Greek and Roman cultures were combined. The city had its own theater, a system of streets and unique Christian monuments. Unfortunately, now this cultural pearl, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is inaccessible to visitors, as it is under occupation. Previously, a museum, archaeological park and tourist routes with audio guides in several languages ​​operated here.

- Thira (Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Odesa region) is a fortress city that has existed for over a thousand years. The ruins of fortifications and buildings are located on the high bank of the Dniester estuary, opening up amazing views. Observation platforms are equipped for tourists, and routes also combine a visit to Thira with an excursion to the medieval Akkerman Fortress.

These places are a real treasure for those interested in history and archeology. They illustrate and are ideal points for the development of cultural tourism in Ukraine.

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Medieval and Baroque cities

Ukraine has preserved a number of cities that are dominated by the spirit of the Middle Ages and Baroque architecture. These historical cities of Ukraine have become important cultural capitals and today offer tourists a unique experience.

- Lviv is a true cultural capital of Western Ukraine, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its narrow streets, tenement houses and squares create a unique atmosphere. The city has preserved objects of the city's Austrian heritage, Jewish culture and many other interesting places. Dozens of festivals are also held here: from musical to gastronomic.

Lviv's coffee houses are a separate cultural tradition that attracts tourists from all over the world.

- Kamianets-Podilskyi is a medieval pearl of Podillia, the main attraction of which is a majestic fortress above the canyon of the Smotrych River. Historical reconstructions, knightly tournaments and balloon festivals are regularly held here, which make the city lively and festive.

During a trip to Kamianets-Podilskyi, tourists will be able to stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, peek into the Dominican Monastery, climb to the Cathedral Church with a minaret, cross the Turkish Bridge, and immerse themselves in the legends of the Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress.

- Chernivtsi is a “little Vienna” with a rich cultural heritage. Chernivtsi University is an architectural masterpiece, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the avenues with 19th-century buildings, visiting theaters and literary festivals turn your visit into a real cultural event.

Want to feel the atmosphere of medieval cities? Choose ready-made tours of Ukraine from Visit Ukraine: from the romantic streets of Lviv to the Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress and the exquisite architecture of Chernivtsi. This is a safe and convenient way for those who value comfort when traveling in Ukraine.

Large cultural centers of modern Ukraine

Today, Ukraine has powerful cities where modern culture, art and history are combined into vibrant cultural centers.

Kyiv is the heart of Ukraine, a city where the ancient heritage of Kyivan Rus and modern cultural spaces are combined. The main museums of the country are concentrated here - from the National Museum of the History of Ukraine to modern art galleries. Kyiv is famous for its theatrical productions, music festivals and events that attract not only Ukrainians, but also foreigners looking for what to see in Ukraine as a tourist.

TOP 7 mysterious facts and locations in Kyiv in this article.

Kharkiv is a city of students and art. The second largest city in Ukraine has long become an intellectual and artistic center. Kharkiv is known for its theaters, modern art spaces, street art festivals. Tourists interested in cultural tourism in Ukraine often come here.

Odesa is not only sea beaches, but also a unique combination of 19th century architecture, multicultural heritage and modern atmosphere. The Odessa Opera House, courtyards of the old city and museum routes make Odessa one of the most popular centers for traveling in Ukraine. Odessa humor and delicious Odesa cuisine certainly add a special flavor to the trip.

A selection of the most interesting tours around Odessa in this article.

We tell you about all the options for traveling between Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa and Kharkiv at the link.

All these destinations are easy to discover together with Visit Ukraine. Here you will find ready-made tours around Ukraine - from historical excursions in Kyiv to gastronomic routes in Odessa.

Lesser-known but unique cultural capitals

In addition to large cities, Ukraine is rich in small cultural centers where traditions, crafts and an authentic atmosphere are preserved. By visiting them, you can feel the true soul of the country and discover unique places in Ukraine.

- Opishnya (Poltava region) is recognized as the capital of Ukrainian ceramics. The National Museum-Reserve of Pottery is located here, and there are also numerous workshops where tourists can make their own ceramic products. Every year, pottery festivals are held, and museum and workshop tours reveal the history of the craft from ancient times to the present day.

- Kosiv (Ivano-Frankivsk region) is the center of Hutsul crafts: weaving, woodcarving, embroidery and traditional costumes. The city is famous for its ethnographic festivals, fairs and master classes, where visitors can try their hand at traditional techniques. The Museum of Folk Art and Life reveals the authentic life of the Hutsul region.

- Pereyaslav (Kyiv region) is often called an “open-air museum”. There are more than 20 museums here, including archaeological, ethnographic and historical exhibitions. Tourists can not only view the exhibits, but also take part in interactive programs, for example, recreating the life of the Cossack era.

- Baturyn is the former Hetman capital of Ukraine, where the palace of Kyrylo Rozumovsky, fortifications and a cultural center have been restored. The city offers guided tours, thematic reconstructions and festivals dedicated to Cossack history.

- Zalishchyky is a picturesque town on the banks of the Dniester with Austro-Hungarian architecture and colorful courtyards. Here, tourists can stroll through ancient streets, visit local museums and enjoy panoramic views of the river.

Discovering these atypical routes with local tours from Visit Ukraine is easy and convenient. The service offers ready-made routes, guides, transport and insurance for a safe and comfortable trip around Ukraine for foreigners and Ukrainians.

How to organize a trip to the cultural capitals of Ukraine?

When planning a trip to Ukraine in 2025, it is important to take care of all the key details in advance so that the journey is safe and comfortable.

Entry documents

- Passport valid for the entire period of stay. Citizens of Turkey and Georgia can use an ID card.

- Visa, if your country is not on the visa-free list. For most countries (EU, USA, Canada, Japan, UK, Kuwait) a visa is not required for trips up to 90 days.

- Documents confirming the purpose of the trip: hotel reservation, tourist voucher, invitation to events or family ties.

- Financial support: cash, cards, bank statements or confirmation of payment for the tour and accommodation.

- Insurance policy, preferably with medical and military risk coverage. You can apply for it quickly and online through Visit Ukraine.

Rules for entering Ukraine and the list of documents in this article.

Customs regulations

You can transport personal belongings, a small amount of goods up to 500 euros, currency up to the equivalent of 10 thousand euros, alcohol and tobacco products within the specified norms, as well as medicines for personal use without declaring them.

Tickets and routes

Plan your trip through aggregators and booking systems on Visit Ukraine, where Ukrzaliznytsia trains, bus routes and transfers are collected.

For complete freedom of movement, you can rent a car through Visit Ukraine, including SUVs.

Accommodation

Hotels, apartments and hostels in major cities (Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa) offer safe accommodation, Wi-Fi and proximity to shelters. It is worth booking in advance and checking reviews.

For more details on how to plan a trip to Ukraine, read our guide for foreigners.

Safe travel

- Check the current recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities.

- Use air raid alert apps (App Store | Google Play).

- Do not take photos of military facilities and follow the guide's instructions.

Read about the current rules of stay in Ukraine and its safe cities at the link.

To make your trip as safe as possible, take out medical insurance with military risk coverage on Visit Ukraine.

Buy insurance on the Visit Ukraine website - it's convenient, fast and safe.

Ukraine is a country with unique cultural capitals, combining ancient settlements, medieval cities and modern cultural centers. Here, every tourist will find unique places in Ukraine, cultural routes and an experience that cannot be repeated anywhere else.

Discover the culture of Ukraine with Visit Ukraine - book tours, organize individual trips and take care of your safety with insurance.

Contact a personal manager who will select all services according to your wishes. Save time, travel confidently and discover Ukraine safely and comfortably.

Let us remind you! Thanks to cultural tours in Ukraine, you can not only see beautiful places, but also touch the depths of national culture, immersing yourself in its history and traditions. Visit Ukraine will help you realize these trips as comfortably and interestingly as possible, ensuring unforgettable impressions from every moment of your tour. We have already told you how to go on cultural tours in Ukraine and explore castles, cathedrals and ancient traditions.

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