Ukraine 3 Day Itinerary

Ukraine 3-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Kiev (Київ)

  • Morning:

    • Arrival at Boryspil International Airport (Київський Міжнародний Аеропорт «Борисполь»). Complete any necessary visa formalities if needed. (Visa requirements: Check here)
    • Transfer to the city center. (Transportation: Taxis or airport shuttle services are available, but a more budget-friendly option would be the Aeroport Express train.)

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Майдан Незалежності), the central and most famous square of Kiev, steeped in history.
    • Explore the nearby Independence Square (Площа Середняakh Волі) and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine (Національний музей історії України).
    • Lunch at a local restaurant to try traditional Ukrainian cuisine. (Recommended dishes: Borsch, Varenyky, and Holubtsi.)

  • Evening:

    • Climb the 102.5-meter bell tower of Saint Sophia Cathedral (Софія Київська) for a panoramic view of Kiev.
    • Take a stroll along Andriivs’kyi Uzviz (Андріївський узвіз), one of the city’s oldest streets, featuring unique souvenir shops and art galleries.
    • Dinner at a restaurant in the area or at one of the many options around the Pechersk Lavra (Печерська лавра).

Day 2: Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

  • Morning:

    • Early departure to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. (Transportation: Organized tours are recommended for safety and logistics, which can be booked online or through local tour agencies.)
    • Arrival at the zone, where you’ll receive a radiation badge and briefing about the area.
    • Explore abandoned villages like Pripyat, the power plant, and various other locations within the exclusion zone.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch inside the exclusion zone (prepared by your tour guide).
    • Continue exploring the area before departing back to Kiev in the late afternoon.

  • Evening:

    • Relax and reflect on the day’s experiences at a local pub or restaurant, possibly discussing the events that occurred during the Chernobyl disaster.

Day 3: Lviv (Львів)

  • Morning:

    • Depart for Lviv by train (Travel time: approximately 4 hours). (Transportation: Train tickets can be purchased online or at the station.)

  • Afternoon:

    • Arrive in Lviv and start exploring the city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Visit the Lviv High Castle (Висока Литовська вежа), the Lviv City Hall, and the Church of St. Elizabeth (Церква Святої Єлизавети).
    • Lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Ukrainian food, such as Kolachky or Galician Borsch.

  • Evening:

    • Explore the bohemian quarter of Lviv known as Lvivska Ploshcha (Львівська площа) and the nearby Rynok Square (Ринок).
    • Enjoy a coffee at one of the numerous cafes in the area, many of which have an outdoor terrace for people-watching.
    • Dinner at a restaurant in the Old Town or near Kopernyka Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary offerings.

Additional Tips:

  • Ukrainian currency: Hryvnia (UAH). Credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities, but it’s good to have cash on hand for smaller shops and street vendors.
  • Language: Ukrainian is the official language, but Russian is also commonly spoken. English is less common outside of major cities.
  • Safety: Exercise caution when traveling at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
  • Electricity: Ukraine uses type C (Europlug) and F sockets. Travel adapters are needed for electronic devices that do not support these types.