Visit Lviv: what are the best things to do and see in this beautiful city of Ukraine?
Lviv is probably one of the most charming cities in Ukraine, yet still little known to tourists. Its growing reputation still escapes the crowds of visitors, and it is no wonder that the city is considered the cultural capital of the country when one realizes that Lviv has open air museums. There is a multitude things to see and do in Lviv You will find the suggestions in this list. Besides museums (sometimes original), you will discover many curiosities and visits that are often unsuspectable at first.
1. Walk around the market square (Rynok Square)
A classic, certainly, but the heart of the city will be your first stop in Lviv. He was the place of animation for the last 500 years, and so far he has preserved all the charm of a city of old Europe, without the pretence of that of his neighbors Krakow and Prague.
Wikimedia - Lestat
The square has the traditional Hotel de Ville built in the 19th century, and it is surrounded by buildings with various architectures (16th-20th centuries). Some of these are now used as museums, cafés, or art galleries. Every day at noon, Lviv’s anthem is celebrated, and on weekends every two hours from 9am to 9pm, the trumpeters can be heard.
On the square, you will not miss the Black House and the 4 fountains.
2. Climb to the top of the City Hall (Ratusha)
The tower does not seem very high view from below, but it nevertheless offers one of the most beautiful views above the city (see below for another view). Have fun counting the walks until the beautiful view comes to you. So, how much did you count?
3. Tasteer with Ukrainian specialities
The most famous Ukrainian specialties are varenyky (from Polish Pierogi, or ravioli) and borshch (potage), but rather enjoy being in Lviv to test them Galician specialties local ( Galicia region). The meat is very appreciated here, especially the pork that is found in many dishes. You'll have a choice between kruchenyky (meat roll truffled with mushrooms or prunes), shynka (jambon smoky), kovbasa (suckles) salo (lard), and many more...
Flickr – stu_spivack
Vegetarians will find their account with kapusnyak , varenyky , or deruny (the list is long). We don't tell you any more! You will find restaurants in every corner of the street. Don’t hesitate to go inside the restaurants to see if it inspires you, because the anodine facades sometimes contain good addresses (one will return to another ticket).
4. Walk up the hill Vysoky Zamok and enjoy the view
The Haut Château de Lviv or Vysoky Zamok hill can be for you both a great disappointment or a huge surprise... Why a disappointment? Because despite its evocative name, the hill is not so high (unless than 130 m above the city is for you impressive), and has no castle. 
Wikimedia – Stanislaw Kosiedowski
Why a surprise? Because it offers a refuge away from the busy streets, and probably has the most beautiful panoramic view of Lviv. The hill used to serve a wooden fortress built in the 13th century by King Lev. Destroyed and rebuilt in stone this time, the castle served both in prison and in residence at the king’s intendant. This castle fell in ruin over the centuries, and today only fragments of it remain to witness its ancient glory.
It is an ideal place to take pictures, preferably in the morning, when it is beautiful. We can also go there at night. We access it from Pidvalna Street.
5. Impregnate from Lviv’s past to Lychakiv Cemetery
Wikimedia - Lestat
Although a cemetery is not very attractive in itself, that of Lychakiv is not conventional. Built in 1786, it is one of the oldest and most grandiose cemeteries in Europe. He serves as the last residence for more than 300,000 people, including some Ukrainian personalities (poets, artists, politicians) and is in this capacity compared to the cemetery of Father Lachaise. There are unusual tombs, multiple aisles, and different inscriptions (in Cyrillic, Latin, Polish, etc.) which testify to the rich past of the city.
6. Visit the interior of the Lviv Opera
Wikimedia – Robin & Bazylek
Another point of interest that does not necessarily attract the visitor directly, okay. A boring tourist site that appears in all lists of things to see from all cities? No. On the contrary, Lviv Opera is, seen from the outside, unoriginal. But it is inside that he hides his treasure. It is one of the most beautiful operas in Europe, with a luxurious interior. Choose how to take advantage of it: attend ballet or world-class opera (from Puccini to Tchaikovsky), or visit the inside with a guide for 1 hour.
On leaving the Opera, try to chess every Sunday to maintain your intellect and practice a little Ukrainian.
7. Admire churches and cathedrals
There are no less than 100 churches still active, representing a rich diversity of architectural styles and eras. The most famous are Saint-Georges Cathedral (St. Yuriy), la Chapelle Boyim , Armenian Cathedral , Church of the Assumption , Church Bernardine , and Dominican Republic .
Wikimedia – Robin Schuil
8. Explore underground labyrinths
If you are ready to hear some scary stories, and the legends of Lviv, it is under the paved streets of the city that it is happening! Listen to the legend of the black monk in the catacombes of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. To learn about the old medicine, head to the basement of the Museum of Pharmacy . Other mysteries await you in the underground Church of the Transfiguration . If you want to know more, go under the Dominican Cathedral to discover in particular a torture cell, and to hear other sinister legends about the history of the Lviv underground.
9. Buy homemade chocolate at the chocolate shop
Source: ukrainetrek.com
While the chocolate festival takes place the first week of February, you can enjoy chocolate at the workshop near the Rynok. At n°3 of Serbska Street, you will find a nice small café on the ground floor. But it is by taking the narrow stairs that one arrives at the attraction of the house: the chocolate shop. The famous friandise is found in several forms (triffes, bars, sculptures) and is carefully packed. A great memory of the city!
10. Walking the streets looking for curiosities
The centre of Lviv is full of unusual statues, surprising facades, but also very atypical places. As you stroll through the streets, you will find statues, architectural works, artists, and theme bars. Lviv has many surprising things to offer you.
Statue in front of the famous bar Mazoch – Flickr – Anosmia
11. Visit one or more museums
In terms of museums and cultural visits, you have a choice. And there are for all tastes: Museum of Beer, Museum of Beer (Shevchenkivskyj Hai), National Museum, Museum of Pharmacy (Apteka), Museum-Prison, Arming Museum (Arsenal), Museum of History, etc...
12. Rest around a coffee and a dessert
Lviv is full of cafes where you can rest to relax with a little softness. It’s very appreciable when it’s cold.
How to get to Lviv?
Although Lviv has an international airport, you will reach the Ukrainian city via the capital Kiev, by plane. Des flights with stopovers are available from most major French cities. Bus or train connections are also possible from Warsaw or Krakow. Lviv is the most western city of Ukraine.
Where to stay in Lviv?
To find a cheap hotel in Lviv, search our website Compare hotels .
Did you know the city of Lviv in Ukraine?
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