Where to take a walk in Lviv: unusual places in the city of Leo that will surprise you. Lviv from A to Z
The historical heritage of Lviv was formed under the influence of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Austrian and Russian empires, since at different times the city was part of all these states. From an architectural point of view, Lviv is a real European city, especially since they hastened to get rid of the legacy of the Soviet era already in the first years of Ukraine’s independence.
City authorities are actively working on restoration projects, restoring historical buildings and developing infrastructure to attract as many tourists as possible. Therefore, Lviv becomes more and more beautiful with each city. Its medieval churches, baroque palaces and parks delight travelers. The rich collections of Lviv museums consist of priceless works of art, as well as unique folk crafts that tell the story of the complex history of Western Ukraine.
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
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What to see and where to go in Lviv?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The central square of Lviv, the architectural ensemble of which began to take shape during the period of Casimir the Great under the influence of Polish and German urban planning trends. Here is the city hall, historical mansions of the nobility and wealthy merchant families, museums and administrative buildings. Today the square is an important tourist center of Lviv. All walking routes of the city pass through it.
The first wooden town hall appeared in Lviv in the middle of the 14th century after the city adopted the Magdeburg law system. It burned down after a few decades. The building of 1835, made in the classical style according to the design of A. Vondrashek, F. Thresher and Y. Markel, has survived to this day. The building consists of four floors, a courtyard and a town hall tower, decorated with a clock dial made near Vienna.
A palace in the style of “French” classicism, which belonged to the influential count family of Potocki. The complex was built in 1880 according to the plan of the French town planner L. de Verny with the help of the Polish architect J. Cybulski. The Lviv Pototsky Palace was considered one of the most luxurious among other possessions of this powerful family. Ceremonial receptions and meetings were held on its territory.
A unique architectural monument of the Renaissance, erected in the 16th century for a wealthy merchant of Greek origin, K. Kornyakt. After the completion of construction, it immediately became clear that the architect P. Barbon had created the most elegant building in all of Lviv. One of the most picturesque places in the palace is the Italian courtyard, modeled after the typical “patios” of Florence. Nowadays, there is a museum on the territory of the mansion.
An architectural monument of the late 19th century, the creation of Austrian town planners F. Fellner and G. Helmer. The house was built in the style of palace architecture typical of Central Europe. In the period 1918 - 1939. a casino operated in the building, and since 1948 it has become the House of Scientists. Currently, the mansion belongs to one of the educational organizations. Lviv masquerade balls are held on its territory.
Lviv began to urgently need its own opera stage at the end of the 19th century. At that time the city was part of Austria-Hungary and was known as Lemberg. The theater was built in 1900 in a classical style with Baroque and Renaissance elements. Its architecture was strongly influenced by the “Viennese pseudo-Renaissance” school. The theater building adorns the central part of the city, giving it a resemblance to classical European capitals.
Cathedral Church of the Greek Catholic Church of Ukraine - UGCC. Previously, in its place there was a wooden Orthodox church and monastery (until the 14th century) and a Byzantine-style basilica (until the end of the 18th century). The cathedral was built in the Baroque style according to the design of B. Meretin. From 1946 to 1990 it belonged to the Russian Orthodox Church, but was then returned to the UGCC. The temple complex includes a cathedral, metropolitan chambers, a terrace, a bell tower, a garden and chapter houses.
A neo-Gothic temple from the early 20th century, which, according to legend, was named in honor of Empress Elizabeth of Bavaria, better known among the people as Sisi. The architect T. Talevsky worked on the project. The master embodied in his creation the features of North German and French churches, and also added a bit of harsh Romanesque style. Since 1991, the church has been called the Church of St. Olga and Elizabeth. It belongs to the UGCC.
The Catholic cathedral, which is the only one in Ukraine that has the status of a “minor basilica”. In 2001, the temple received Pope John Paul II as an honorary guest. The Latin Cathedral was erected in 1360-1479 according to the design of P. Stecher. Restoration work was carried out in the 18th, 19th centuries and at the beginning of the 20th century. The architecture of the building is a mixture of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The chapel was erected at the beginning of the 17th century as the family crypt of the Boim family. The building is notable for the fact that its walls are decorated with sculptural groups depicting scenes from the Bible. The fact is that religious subjects were embodied mainly in painting. Depicting biblical scenes with sculpture was a rather unconventional solution for that time.
A 14th-century temple located in the historical part of Lviv. It is one of the most ancient religious buildings in the city. The cathedral was built on the site of a 12th-century Armenian church at the expense of the merchants Phanos and Yakov. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building was restored. In 2000, the church was transferred to the Armenian Apostolic Church, although it originally belonged to the Armenian Catholic branch. The fact is that by the time of the transfer there were almost no Catholic Armenians left in Lviv.
The first Dominican monastery was founded in Lviv back in the 14th century. The cathedral was erected in the middle of the 18th century according to the design of J. de Witte with money from Jozef Potocki. The building is one of the most striking monuments of European Baroque architecture with all the solemnity and pomp inherent in this style. The monastery complex was restored several times, the last work being carried out in the 1950s.
The monastery arose in the 15th century. Initially, all the buildings of the monastery were made of wood. Over the course of the 16th-17th centuries, they were gradually replaced by stone ones. At that time, the monastery was surrounded by powerful fortress walls, and the entrance inside was blocked by reliable gates. The Church of St. Andrew was built in 1600 - 1630 according to the design of monk B. Avelida; work on the interior was carried out in the 18th century. The building was restored in the 1970s.
The temple is located on the Old Market Square. According to one version, it was erected in the 13th century under Prince Lev Danilovich. However, some historical data and studies indicate that the structure appeared no earlier than the 14th century. The architecture of the building shows features of the Neo-Romanesque style. Nowadays, on the territory of the church there is a branch of the Lviv Art Gallery - the Museum of Ancient Monuments of Lviv.
The church was erected in the 17th century according to the design of the master from Italy D. Briano. However, the original plan for the construction was proposed by the monk S. Lakhmius. The church is one of the first baroque buildings erected on the territory of Lviv. In the 18th-19th centuries, the local parliament, the “regional diet,” met in the church. Since 2011, restoration work has been carried out in the temple using Polish funds.
The oldest city pharmacy, which has been operating since 1735. In the pharmacy museum you can see an interesting exhibition consisting of tablet machines, special dishes with inscriptions in Latin, ancient scales, dried herbs and other interesting things. The exhibits are stored on the shelves of massive wooden cabinets from the 18th century, which further enhances the corresponding “entourage”. The pharmacy sells both modern medicines and branded drugs created according to old recipes.
The museum occupies the semi-basement premises of the Lviv brewery. His collection is dedicated to the history and traditions of brewing. The exhibition opened its doors in 2005. Bottles and barrels, beer glasses and ancient recipes are collected here (about three hundred exhibits in total). After viewing the exhibit, visitors can head to the tasting room, gift shop, and underground restaurant, Robert Doms' Brewhouse.
An open-air ethnographic exhibition where you can look at the traditional architecture of the villages of Western Ukraine, as well as get acquainted with everyday folk life. The museum is located on the territory of the Znesenje ethno-park. “Shevchenko Guy” consists of several dozen houses, characteristic of various regions of Ukraine, churches and outbuildings.
The collection appeared as a result of the merger of the Museum of the Scientific Society named after. T. Shevchenko and the City Industrial Museum, founded in the 19th century. The exhibition is located in the historical building of the Galician Savings Bank. The museum collections contain a valuable collection of ethnographic exhibits, as well as handicrafts created by folk craftsmen.
One of the largest art museums in Ukraine, founded at the beginning of the 20th century. The collection is located in the palace building, built in the neo-Renaissance style according to the design of F. Pokutinsky. The gallery exhibits several tens of thousands of paintings by masters from different countries. There are works by I. Levitan, I. Repin, I. Aivazovsky, P. Rubens, F. Goya, Titian, J. Robert and other artists.
The museum was founded at the beginning of the 20th century with the aim of preserving and developing national Ukrainian culture. The creator was Metropolitan A. Sheptytsky, who initially maintained the exhibition at his own expense. Later the museum switched to government funding. The collection consists of icons, manuscripts, wood carvings, sculpture, engravings, paintings, textiles and ceramics.
The building of the former Austro-Hungarian gendarmerie in the neo-Renaissance style, converted into a museum. During the Soviet period, the NKVD headquarters was located on its territory, during the Second World War - the Gestapo headquarters, until 1991 - the NKVD (later - KGB) pre-trial detention center, until 2009 - the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. The museum opened in 2009 on the initiative of the SBU. Its exhibition is dedicated to the victims of the occupation regimes that existed at different times on the territory of Western Ukraine.
The first city station was built in Lviv in 1861 on the initiative of the government of the Austrian Empire. By the beginning of the 20th century, the station could no longer cope with the flow of passengers. In 1904, a modern building appeared, which provided first, second and third class waiting rooms, as well as a dining room, restaurant, post office and utility rooms. At the time of its opening, the Lviv station was considered one of the most modern in Europe.
Defensive structure of the 16th century, built of massive stone. The building is an architectural monument of the Renaissance. In 1704, the arsenal was destroyed by Swedish troops and later rebuilt. Until the 18th century, there was an armory here, after which there was a prison, a torture chamber and an executioner’s house. Since 1981, the arsenal has housed a weapons museum, which displays thousands of exhibits from all over the world.
Remains of 19th-century Austrian fortifications, which were used at various times by Russian, Polish and Soviet troops during military campaigns in Western Ukraine. One of the well-preserved towers houses the five-star Citadel Inn hotel, whose interior is decorated in the “imperial” style of the heyday of Austria-Hungary.
In the 16th century, the tower was part of the system of city defensive fortifications and guarded the approaches to Lviv from the northern side. The building is a monument of military architecture of the Renaissance. Ammunition, gunpowder and provisions were stored here in case of a siege. The thickness of the tower walls is approximately 2.5 meters, they are made of untreated stone. Restoration work was carried out in the middle of the 20th century.
The park was laid out on the territory of the former Stryi cemetery at the end of the 19th century according to the plan of the chief gardener Lvov A. Rering. It is located in the southern part of the city. Initially, about 40 thousand trees were planted, paths were laid and lawns with flower beds were decorated. During Soviet times, the park's territory was significantly expanded due to the adjacent wastelands.
The central street of the city is 350 meters long, the center of cultural and business life. On Svoboda Avenue, the outlines of the facades of mansions intertwine features of Baroque, Classicism and Neo-Renaissance. The Austrian period in the history of Lviv made a significant contribution to the formation of the architectural appearance of the street. Today, Freedom Avenue is one of the “iconic” places for tourists, as well as a favorite street for city residents to walk.
The park is located on the slopes of Princes (Castle) Mountain almost in the center of Lviv. It covers an area of 36 hectares. From the observation deck of the upper terrace there is a magnificent panorama of the city. The High Castle Park was laid out in the 19th century on the site of the fortress of the same name, which by that time had been dismantled by the Austrians. In the middle of the 20th century, a 200-meter-high television tower was built on its territory.
A 16th-century cemetery turned into a memorial museum-reserve. There is a version that back in the Middle Ages, people who died from the plague were buried at this place. The necropolis consists of several parts - the oldest graves, the cemetery of the defenders of Lvov, the rebel quarter, the graves of the victims of the NKVD, the pantheon of prominent Poles and others. There are also several memorials here, including a monument in honor of the UNA unit - the CC division "Galicia".
Why, of all the cities of the near abroad, has Lvov suddenly become so in demand among Belarusians?
There are several reasons for this:
- there is a very developed tourist infrastructure, which is constantly being updated;
- It’s cheap there (it’s more expensive to vacation in Belarus);
- This is a very beautiful old European city, atmospheric, with many attractions.
Market Square
To visit Lviv, you can contact a travel agency: probably every one now offers short tours there. It’s quite convenient for your first visit: they’ll take you there, check you in, organize a couple of excursions, and give you advice on how to spend your free time. You will pay for this from 140 rubles (one night in Lviv).
But what if you don’t want to follow the standard program? Take matters into your own hands and go on your own. And you can spend your time and money the way you want. There is nothing complicated about this. How to get to Lviv, how much it costs and what to visit – read below.
When to go
Lviv is beautiful at any time of the year. But the best times to visit it are when there are festive street fairs in the center. And this is about a month for Christmas and New Year and the same amount during Easter and the May holidays. At the fairs there is a lot of food and drinks, souvenirs, handicrafts, honey, local products such as sausages and cheeses. The Christmas market is especially charming, with gingerbread houses in garlands and appropriate music. However, New Year's Lviv generally looks like it came straight out of an old postcard.
On New Year's holidays
Evening Lviv on New Year's Day
On the other hand, during these periods there are a huge number of tourists in Lviv, it can be difficult to get through the center, there are queues in restaurants in the evening, and prices are higher. Therefore, if you want to get to know the city better, it makes sense to come at a different time. For example, in golden autumn, it is very beautiful in Lviv.
It is best to spend three to four days in the city.
There is a lot of variety of housing in Lviv and for every budget. If you want to live in the very center, in a good location and for a good price, book in advance. If you are traveling on holidays, then look for accommodation at least a month in advance, or better yet, two months in advance. On holidays, prices soar two or three times, and still all housing is sold out long before the required date. Sometimes you have to write two or three dozen emails to apartment owners to find a suitable option.
Old Jewish Street
Prices in hostels, incl. in the center, start from 5 and even 3 dollars per bed (bunk beds, dormitory room for 4-20 people). At the same time, for 15 dollars you can rent a good one-room apartment for two in the center, and for 25 you can rent a wonderful one. Good two-room apartments for four in the center start from $20. On holidays, especially New Year, a decent 1-room apartment in the very center will cost from $40. per day, 2-room – from 70 dollars.
You need to rent apartments via the Internet. There are intermediary sites that process your prepayment and guarantee the service. But they also take a decent commission from the owner, which he includes in the price, so the rental price on such sites can be higher. But you are protected from fraud and will definitely be accommodated in the chosen apartment. The most convenient are the Ukrainian site dobovo.com (when booking, an advance payment for the first day is taken) and the global airbnb.com (when booking, you immediately pay for your stay for the entire period - it is unlikely that upon check-in they will tell you a different price, there will be no conflict between you and the owner "real" money). Good sites that are not intermediaries are doba.ua and miete.com.ua. But when the owner asks you for an advance payment on a card or account, you cannot be sure that he is an honest person. In a word, the choice is yours.
Things to do
There are many interesting museums in Lviv: an art museum, a historical museum, a pharmacy museum (in the building of a pharmacy that has been operating since 1735), a weapons museum in a former gunpowder warehouse with meter-high walls, a beer museum at the Lviv brewery (tastings are held there), a museum of rural life under open air in the Shevchenkovsky Gai park, the most impressive is the museum of victims of occupation regimes in the building of a former prison, and others. And also cathedrals, palaces, parks, theaters... Many will be interested in the Lychakiv cemetery: it is more than two hundred years old, there are many unique tombs and gravestone sculptures and a corresponding atmosphere.
Cathedral Square
You should also definitely go to the High Castle Mountain. Almost nothing remains of the old castle there, but there is an excellent viewing platform on the mountain itself. And the last (and most difficult) is to climb the Lviv City Hall. It stands in the very heart of the city, on Rynok Square. Its 65-meter tower offers stunning views of the center and surrounding area. And this is difficult because there is no elevator - you have to climb 408 wooden steps on a narrow spiral staircase. But it's worth it.
View of the High Castle and St. George's Cathedral
In addition to attractions, you can visit Lviv shopping centers. A kilometer from the center there is “Forum”, on the outskirts there is “King Cross Leopolis”. In the first there are shops and a cinema using IMAX technology (super-voluminous 3D picture and a screen the size of a 5-story building), in the second - the same, only there are many more shops and brands, and there is also a huge grocery hypermarket "Auchan" and the construction "Epicenter" "
What to buy
Tea, coffee, seasonings and other groceries, chocolate in the “Chocolate Workshop”, Ukrainian cognac and wine, branded Lviv liqueurs and liqueurs. Clothes and shoes in branded stores. Handmade products in souvenir shops. Cosmetics in the chain stores “Watsons”, “Eva”, “Prostore” (they are much cheaper there than in Belarus). Imported medicines (prices can be checked on the Internet. For example, “Teraflex” 120 capsules in Lviv costs 40 rubles instead of 56 rubles here). Finishing materials, equipment, household goods.
In general, we can say that almost all products and goods in Ukraine are cheaper than in Belarus. But do not forget that there are strict restrictions on the import of goods across the border into the Republic of Belarus.
Lviv is a gastronomic paradise for little money. In fact, this is why many people go there. There is no point in even listing good restaurants - there are dozens, if not hundreds of them. And I don’t want to give advice: this is the case when it’s better to try everything yourself. Focus on reviews on the Internet; tripadvisor.com will help you make a choice.
Separately, it is worth noting the restaurant chain, which has probably become one of the main reasons for the influx of tourists to Lviv in the last decade. The “Holding of Emotions “Fest”” currently has 18 restaurants, each with its own unique concept: a coffee mine, an OUN-UPA forest cache, a beer theater... Many of them are attractions in themselves and almost museums, and they also serve delicious food and often inexpensive. If they tell you about some special restaurant in Lviv, most likely it is from this chain.
At the Christmas market
Plus, when there are street fairs in Lviv, there is a lot of incredibly mouth-watering food and drink on sale.
Lviv is famous for its coffee, which is prepared there in every possible way and is always good. And also chocolate and strong liqueurs. And, of course, Galician cuisine, all variations of which are offered by local restaurants.
You can have breakfast in Lviv for 4-8 rubles. per person, lunch up to 10 rubles. There are many establishments in the center offering inexpensive complexes. A dinner of two or three excellent dishes will cost 15-30 rubles per person, most often this is enough for drinks. Alcohol is harmful to health, but for completeness, we note that regular draft beer in good restaurants in Lviv costs 2.30 rubles. per glass, craft beer – 3-3.50 rubles.
Lifehack. The above-mentioned restaurant chain has a general Lokal loyalty card, which allows you to accumulate about 10% of the amount spent at the restaurant into a bonus account from which you can pay for future purchases in the chain. To get a card, contact the waiter. One “but” - bonuses are counted only one day after payment.
At the Christmas market
Need to take into account
There are exchangers in the city center at every turn, the rate is almost the same in all of them. Most retail and catering establishments accept bank cards. Smoking is prohibited in all restaurants in Lviv. Alcohol in Lviv is sold in stores only from 10.00 to 22.00.
Transport. Public transport in Lviv is somewhat chaotic (except for trams) and slow, but taxis are cheap. For example, driving 9 km from the center to a large shopping center on the outskirts costs 7 rubles. Uber also works. So if you are planning to go somewhere outside the center, take a taxi. But it’s not worth taking cars “off-board” here, as elsewhere.
Connection. Wherever there is a cafe, there is Wi-fi. But if you are traveling for 3 days or more, and plan to drive around the city, you will need a mobile connection. At any kiosk you can buy a local SIM card with enough traffic and minutes; you don’t need a passport. Any operator - you can ask the seller for advice. At the end of the trip, you can even throw away such a SIM card - there is no monthly fee on the tariff.
Lviv tram with Arsenal in the background
How to get there?
Airplane Minsk-Lvov
Flights are daily. From Minsk at 13.10, from Lvov at 15.20. The flight is a little over an hour. In Lviv, you can get from the airport to the center by public transport. Costs 285 rubles. both ways (cheapest ticket, non-refundable). Another minibus to Minsk is 7 rubles. and to the airport 4 rubles.
Pros. The fastest and most comfortable way is to shop at duty-free.
Market Square and Town Hall (right)
Minuses. Expensive.
Total in both directions. 307 rub.
With a transfer in Kyiv
The option is more likely for young people who are not afraid of difficulties.
Pros. Cheap, interesting, you can walk around Kyiv.
Minuses. Long, tiring, it’s better not to take large suitcases.
There is a direct bus Minsk-Kyiv via Bobruisk (daily, departure 21.05, arrival 5.20), it costs 28 rubles. But if your soul craves adventure, you can go with transfers in Zhlobin, Gomel and even Chernigov. This will save you no more than 5 rubles one way. But you can come to Kyiv later and not spend the night on the bus.
The best option. There is a fast train to Gomel (departure 8.36, arrive 10.23) with seated carriages. Costs 8 rubles. Then a bus to Kyiv at 11.30 (arrival at 17.30, costs 14 rubles).
There is no point in taking a ticket to Lviv on a morning or afternoon train - it is better to take a night train and arrive at your destination the next day. So you will have enough time to get around the entire center of Kyiv. The main thing is to first come to the train station, buy or issue at the ticket office a ticket to Lviv, which you bought online, and leave your bags in the storage room. And you can safely walk until late.
Several trains depart from Kyiv to Lviv between 9 and 11 pm. But the best option in terms of time and price is Lisichansk-Uzhgorod (departure 22.51, arrival 8.05). A coupe in it costs about 13 rubles.
There are enough trains back. The main thing is to catch the bus to Gomel, which leaves from Kyiv at 11.30 and costs 19 rubles.
Streets of Lviv
Total in both directions. About 75 rub.
Useful web addresses:
Railway tickets in Belarus: www.poezd.rw.by
Train tickets in Ukraine: www.booking.uz.gov.ua
Bus tickets in Belarus: www.ticketbus.by
By car
An option for car enthusiasts with cars with good suspension. It is recommended to travel in a group of four people: this way it will also be the most economical of all. The journey takes 10-12 hours including crossing the border.
Pros. Cheap, freedom of action, everything is under your control.
Minuses. There are very bad sections of roads; you can stay at the border for a long time; tiring. Difficulties with parking in Lviv.
Koliivshchyna Square and an old car equipped as a mini-coffee shop
Ukrainian roads are known for their deplorable condition. There are also excellent trails there, new and perfectly smooth, and most of them are routes to Lviv. But these are international highways. And the rest of the roads, as a rule, are either simply bad or terrible. So you can go on holiday to Ukraine in your own car, but, firstly, you need to carefully study online forums and traveler reviews and choose the optimal route (the lesser evil). And secondly, it is better to do this in a reliable car with a strong, energy-intensive suspension and considerable ground clearance.
I have always had special feelings for Lvov - not only in terms of travel, but also in terms of writing this blog. I don’t know if you are aware or not (I already talked about this somewhere), but articles about the capital of Western Ukraine were the first that I wrote for the project website. Do you want me to turn on Alexander Gradsky’s mode and show how young we were? Well... OK... onto one of the first articles of that series. Pay attention to the quality of the photo, the writing style and in general just look at how young we are in these photos!!! I don't remember when it was - probably 4 or 5 years ago. But I know for sure that these articles are very dear to me as a memory. I look at them to see the path that this project has taken in recent years, and to see how many steps in my development I myself have gone through. In fact, this is a very important quality, the ability to look back and remember where we once were. It allows you to better understand where you are today and see the direction in which you are moving.
Okay... I'm turning off the lyrics. Further only about Lviv. I like this city. And I have a lot that I would like to tell you. What to see in the capital of Western Ukraine? And why is it worth going on such a trip? How to have an interesting time in Lviv? And what was this trip like for me personally? Read about all this further in this article. Below are my 10 tips on what to do in Lviv.
Are you ready, children? Then let's go!
This will help you better feel the atmosphere of this city, see its underside, and with it the multi-colored sheets hung in Lviv courtyards. Housing in Lviv is cheap (about 20-25 euros per day). Therefore, even in the city center, in historical buildings, you can easily find yourself a quite budget apartment.
Here, for example, is what the entrance looked like in the house where we personally rented housing during this trip.
To get to the apartment you had to walk along the balcony. There was a very atmospheric atrium inside. And here and there on the floor there were these tiles with inscriptions in Polish.
The best place to find suitable accommodation is on the AIRBNB website. It’s cheaper here than on Booking, and there are always a lot of interesting authentic options. If you have already used this system, then you probably know this already. And if not, register on the site using this link. This way you will receive a small bonus for your first booking, and in addition to it, a small plus to your karma.
Yes, I know, the advice is banal. But I have a lot of photos from old Lvov, and I needed a reason to somehow show them to you. The atmosphere here is also complete. And I’m not just talking about cathedrals, monasteries and the famous Lviv spiers. I like to photograph little things... Cool statues on the streets.
People playing checkers in central park.
Umbrellas hanging over the streets.
This is where the mood of the city comes into play. I don’t deny that in some places Lviv looks a little shabby. But overall I still like this city. In the summer, we got really great pictures here.
Lvov (Lviv) is a city in Western Ukraine, founded in the 13th century by Prince Daniil of Galicia. Centuries ago, it was the capital of the Galician principality, and was first mentioned in chronicles in 1256. Despite its long history, Lviv managed to preserve many buildings built almost immediately after its founding; you can still find old houses and temples here, and cozy narrow streets. Some wealthy residents in the 16th and 17th centuries invited talented architects from all over Europe, who made the appearance of the city truly inimitable.
Lviv is a kind of cultural capital of Ukraine. And the Old Town is a surprisingly harmonious European corner. People come here to walk around the center, go to museums, drink coffee, listen to numerous street musicians and get acquainted with the very rich culture of Western Ukraine. Lviv residents are hospitable, intelligent people who love their city very much. And most tourists are also fascinated by it.
How to get to Lviv
There are currently no direct flights between Russia and Ukraine, but you can fly with a transfer. Planes fly from Moscow to Lviv with connections in Minsk, Warsaw or Baku. And from St. Petersburg - with a stop in Minsk, Warsaw or Vienna.
The city center is just 15 km from the airport. You can take bus number 48 from the new terminal. And trolleybus No. 9 runs from the old terminal. Travel time by public transport is 25-30 minutes, a taxi ride takes only a quarter of an hour.
Travelers from Russia have a number of questions in connection with crossing the border. You can only enter with a foreign passport. The border guard will likely ask to see your return ticket, proof of your accommodation reservation, and funds for your trip. There is a big debate about the need for an invitation. If possible, it is worth applying for it, but in practice it is almost never asked. Confirmation of the purpose of the trip can be a ticket to a concert, sporting event, etc. You must not cheat, do not fuss and behave civilly, then problems should not arise. Single following men should be prepared for more scrutiny.
You can travel directly from Moscow by train. The train takes about 24 hours from the capital and costs from 82 USD for a one-way reserved seat ticket. There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg; it is more convenient to go through Moscow or Kyiv. Tickets can be purchased at the office. Russian Railways website. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Another option is the bus. It takes 22 hours to get from the capital, the ticket costs 65-70 USD. All information can be obtained at the office. website of the carrier "Carpathline". Buses from St. Petersburg operate with transfers in Minsk, Brest or Kyiv.
Border crossing rules may change, so you need to check the requirements before traveling.
Search for flights to Lviv
Transport
Lviv has a very small center, so most tourists do not use public transport at all. However, public transport is well developed, with a network of trams, trolleybuses and minibuses.
The most charming and authentic, and often the most comfortable, is the Lviv tram. There are 11 routes in the city, three of which pass through the Central Square. The ticket must be validated upon entry.
Tourists often take photographs of ancient and modern trams running on rails laid directly on the paving stones. But you have to be careful, as the traffic in the center is quite busy.
Trolleybuses are less in demand; they practically do not operate in the center, but connect remote areas. There are many minibuses in Lviv, they are not very comfortable, but they can take you to any part of the city.
There is an association of taxi drivers in Lviv, which has uniform tariffs for moving around the city. The trip usually costs 40-50 UAH. Despite the abundance of paving stones in the center, Lviv is excellent for getting around by bicycle. There are several rentals here, as well as bike tours.
A rented car will be required for those who want to travel to the Carpathians or visit other cities in Western Ukraine. Rental services are available at the airport; all major companies are represented here: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, etc. The roads in Lviv are generally quite good, but there are traffic jams in the mornings and after work. The police require compliance with traffic rules, treat travelers very correctly and always help if necessary.
Maps of Lviv
Lviv Hotels
Lviv is a very popular city among tourists, so there are many hotels here, with different price categories and levels of service. It is better to choose a location closer to the center, then you can enjoy the European charm of the city.
In a good hostel they will ask for 240 UAH per person, a room for two in a three-star hotel is rented out for 700 UAH, 4* hotels are very popular, they offer a room for an amount starting from 1200 UAH per night, and the conditions are truly excellent. In addition, you can rent an apartment - such accommodation will be more modest, but will cost only 380-500 UAH for a company of up to 6 people.
What to bring
Lviv has a very large selection of souvenirs, different from those presented in other regions of the country. In addition, almost all of them are of very good quality and stylishly decorated, mainly various “goodies”.
First of all, it is worth noting the famous Lviv chocolate, known for more than 200 years. Now “Lvivska Chocolate Shop” has become one of the main symbols of the city; they sell different types of chocolate, as well as berries and nuts covered with it. All this is in a very beautiful, Lviv-style, discreet and strict package. The second product is coffee. Coffee shops or “kavyarni” are everywhere here, and coffee is sold mainly in freshly roasted beans. You can also buy marzipans, traditional honey gingerbreads, natural caramel, Lviv “andruty” - a special waffle cake, Galician paste “narizantsi”, beer prepared according to ancient monastery recipes, all kinds of liqueurs and liqueurs.
If you want to find a more durable gift, you should pay attention to kerosene lamps (they were invented here), ceramics, books or souvenirs; even ordinary magnets here look more “antique” and impressive.
Cuisine and restaurants of Lviv
Travelers will definitely not have any problems having lunch in Lviv. There are cafes, restaurants and coffee shops in literally every home, and the cuisine is very good. It differs from classical Ukrainian, as it has absorbed many Transcarpathian and Polish traditions; it is usually called Galician. Interestingly, in addition to special dishes, even many products and culinary techniques are called differently here.
You should definitely try flyachki (a very thick tripe soup), various porridges and cereals, which are prepared both “salty” and “sweet,” as well as Lviv cheesecakes. Meat dishes are popular, and in general the cuisine is quite greasy and heavy. And, of course, we cannot fail to mention desserts; they are usually served in coffee shops along with excellent coffee. Particularly notable are the “plyatski” - the famous Galician dessert in the form of small but tall cakes. Recently, pancakes with different fillings and gingerbreads have become popular among street food.
The establishments are represented mainly by restaurants and “cafés”. You can have dinner with a glass of wine for 300 UAH per person, and drink coffee and cake for 60 UAH.
Guides in Lviv
Entertainment and attractions
Weather
Lviv has a temperate continental, humid climate. Winters here are quite warm and damp, often foggy, and summers are hot and sunny, although there are occasional thunderstorms and downpours. November is usually the cloudiest month, but August and September are the clearest months.
The city center lies in a lowland, so there is almost no strong wind here, but on the outskirts it almost always blows. The weather phenomenon “Lviv mzhichka” is regularly observed - light rain, similar to a spray.
How to see Lviv on your own when you have a limited budget, but at the same time fully enjoy its atmosphere and not miss out on the most important things. We will share our personal travel experience and tell you which excursion in Lviv is best to take, which route to take, where you can stay in Lviv, where to save money and what to pay attention to. So, an independent trip - a three-day tour to Lviv.
The first day
Lviv is open to the whole world. Hospitality has been brought to the municipal level, and so you can get a tour... for 0 hryvnia.
Your task is to get to the heart of Lviv - . Tram number 1 goes there directly from the railway station.
note: unlike many other Ukrainian cities, there are no conductors on Lviv trams. The ticket must be purchased from the driver and must be validated. Otherwise, you risk getting caught by an inspector and paying a fine.
In the center of Rynok Square is the famous one. The communal tourist information center is also located here. You free orientation where to go, they will tell you about festivals and events, they will give you excellent guides and a very good map of Lviv. There is free Wi-Fi in the square.
Photo source: touristclub.kiev.ua.
You can also download a virtual tour on the city’s official tourism website - here’s your free guide. We sit down on a bench or in one of the nice cafes. We take aromatic coffee and Lviv pastries: enjoy and decide on the places we want to visit.
Advice: based on experience we recommend or . “Plyatski” are delicious cheesecake pies and strudels. The underground mine extracts coffee from the ground. You'll have to wear a helmet - what would you do without it! You not only buy a cup of Lviv coffee (or a bag of ground coffee to take with you), but also get a tour.
Our route
Photo source: grodnensis.by.
High Castle Park
Every tourist should visit here. We turn from the Powder Tower onto Vinnychenko Street, then onto Krivonosa Street, Knyazhaya Street - they will lead us to the highest point of Lviv, covered in legends - . We climb the mountain through a picturesque old park.
Only fragments of walls remain from the medieval castle. But there is an amazing observation deck, from where you can clearly see both the old and new quarters of Lviv. And you can take great photos as a keepsake.
Photo source: ukraineallaboutu.com.
Advice: you can explore the entire old Lviv at once, traveling through its streets on a bicycle. This is a very popular transport in Lviv. You can rent it: there are points on Rynok Square. And since 2015, the Lviv City Hall begins to develop municipal bicycle parking: you can take a bicycle at one point in the city and leave it in another.
Second day
Let's dedicate it to the more distant corners of Lviv. We take the tram (No. 2, 7) or minibus. We get off tram number 2 at the “Lychakovskaya Street” stop. On the right side is the Church of Peter and Paul. From there, go along Mechnikov Street to. And tram number 7 will take you straight there.
Lychakiv Cemetery
This is a historical and cultural reserve where graves from the 17th century have been preserved. There are beautiful monuments here - masterpieces of sculpture and 23 tomb chapels where wealthy Lviv citizens were buried. Recently, even know-how has appeared: night excursions to the Lychakiv cemetery.
Photo source: wikimedia.org.
Price: entrance - 10 UAH, excursion - 50 UAH.
Shevchenkovsky district
Photo source: lvivforyou.com.
Behind it is the house of the famous Lviv miser - merchant Sprecher. He saved on food, spared money on a tram, but built a house higher than was required in Lvov. On Svobody Avenue you will see a house with two towers and many more beautiful buildings.
On Doroshenko Street (parallel to Copernicus) we take the tram and return to the old city, on.
Advice: We say goodbye to hospitable Lviv in the famous (Rynok Square, 14), without it the picture will be incomplete. You won’t notice the entrance, but nearby are the already familiar “Plyatski”... Knock on what looks like a boarded-up window and say “Glory to Ukraine!” At the entrance you will be served mead. Be sure to order Zenik beer, it is only available in emotional cafes in Lviv. And enjoy the color of the UPA shelter! And at the exit - another excursion...
