Travel to Ukraine — everything you need to know
When to go to Ukraine?
- May – June — Mild spring : Pleasant temperatures, blossoms, ideal for exploring Lviv and the Carpathians.
- Sep – Oct — Colourful autumn : Carpathian forests in autumn colours, smaller crowds, cool temperatures.
Weather in Ukraine
Check the weather city by city, starting with Kyiv.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 2 to 28 °C depending on the season, 52 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 3 to 26 °C depending on the season, 64 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Ukraine?
Ukraine is an Eastern European country rich in history, culture and varied landscapes, from fertile plains to the Carpathian mountains. Before the war broke out in 2022, its cities blended baroque architecture, Soviet heritage and vibrant cultural life. ⚠️ Due to the armed conflict ongoing since February 2022, all travel to Ukraine is strongly discouraged, with the exception of certain western areas considered less exposed.
Lviv
Lviv is the cultural capital of western Ukraine, whose UNESCO-listed historic centre blends Polish, Austrian and Ukrainian architecture. The city is known for its unique coffee culture and numerous museums. It is one of the more accessible destinations in Ukraine during the conflict, though all travel remains discouraged.
Highlights : Historic centre — UNESCO-listed baroque old town, Lviv Opera House — 19th-century neo-baroque masterpiece, Lychakiv Cemetery — historic necropolis with romantic charm, Rynok Square — central market square surrounded by Renaissance houses.
Ukrainian Carpathians
The Ukrainian Carpathians offer wild mountain landscapes with Hutsul villages preserving traditional crafts. Mount Hoverla rises to 2,061 m, the country's highest point. The region is ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
Highlights : Mount Hoverla — Ukraine's highest peak, Kryvorivnia village — heart of Hutsul culture, Synevyr National Park — glacial lake amid conifer forests, Yaremche — mountain resort on the Prut River.
Odesa
Odesa is a cosmopolitan port city on the Black Sea, known for its famous Potemkin Stairs and neoclassical architecture. The city has a unique Mediterranean soul with its beaches, catacombs and legendary nightlife. It remains highly exposed to the conflict and travel there is strongly advised against.
Highlights : Potemkin Stairs — 192 monumental steps immortalised on film, Odesa Opera House — one of the finest opera houses in Eastern Europe, Odesa catacombs — 2,500 km of underground tunnels, Derybasivska Street — lively main artery of the city centre.
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, made famous by the 1986 nuclear disaster, hosted guided tours from Kyiv before the war. The ghost town of Pripyat, with its abandoned buildings, offered an extraordinary experience. These visits are no longer possible due to the armed conflict.
Highlights : Pripyat — ghost town abandoned after the 1986 accident, Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant — site of reactor No. 4 under its sarcophagus, Pripyat Ferris wheel — iconic symbol of abandonment, Duga-1 — giant Soviet radar known as the "Woodpecker".
Travel budget for Ukraine
Ukraine was one of the cheapest destinations in Europe before 2022. Prices remain low in hryvnia, but access to the country is very limited due to the ongoing conflict.
- Backpacker : 25–40 €/j — Hostel, local food, public transport.
- Comfort : 50–90 €/j — 3★ hotel, restaurants, some activities.
Practical tips for travelling to Ukraine
- Flight from Paris : Direct flight to Lviv or Kyiv, 2h30–3h. Connections very limited due to the conflict.
- Visa : No visa required for EU citizens (90 days). Land border crossings possible via Poland.
- Currency : Hryvnia (UAH). Card payment widely accepted in major cities.
- Language : Ukrainian. Russian is understood but less used officially since 2022. English in tourist areas.
- Electricity : Type C/F, 230V. No universal adapter needed for European devices.
- Health : No mandatory vaccines. Repatriation insurance essential. Well-stocked pharmacies in major cities.
- Safety : ADVISED AGAINST by most Western governments due to the ongoing armed conflict (since Feb. 2022). Only the far-western regions (Lviv, Carpathians) may be considered with extreme caution.
- Connectivity : Decent 4G coverage. Local SIM available (Kyivstar, Vodafone UA). EU roaming possible but costly.
Compare Ukraine with other destinations