"For many the first step into Ukraine" Lviv by lotharlerch

Lviv Travel Guide: 758 reviews and 2,453 photos

Central Europe in Ukraine

For almost all coming to Ukraine over land from outside the former Soviet Union the first stop is Lviv. It is only an hour drive from the Polish border. No, I do not encourage anybody to visit Lviv by car, not only because of the extremely rough cobble stone streets or the rough driving style of the locals. If the car is not the last crap it probably even would not reach Ukrainian territory because some of its neighbours are famous for car thefts (I lost one car this way near Bratislava and the other one in Budapest - see my pages). And probably it is not much safer here if you should succeed to bring the car until Ukraine.

All visitors are impressed by the wealth of great architecture from the Middle Ages until late 19 th century. After a long neglect this great cultural heritage is now carefully restored and it gets evident that Lviv is one of the great Central European cities to be named together with cities like Prague or Krakow but still not really detected by tourism. Most tourists who stroll around here since the last 3 or 4 years are from Poland, many of them have their roots here, were expelled by the Soviets and are living today in areas from where the Germans have been expelled.

But the daily life here in this Central European city makes you feeling that central Europe nevertheless is far away. Far more than the few kilomters to the Polish border would suggest.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Full of great sights and hidden gems
Cons:still in need of repair
In a nutshell:Central Europe in Ukraine

Last visit to Lviv: Sep 2007
Intro Updated Oct 1, 2007
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Reviews (19)

The National Museum Things to Do (8)

more travel advice

A place Austrians unavoidably visit - Lviv

A place Austrians unavoidably visit Restaurants (3)

It was just a question of time until a sorts Viennese style Cafe was opened here in the authentic Austrian architectonic... more travel advice

The "Latin Cathedral" Things to Do (8)

This church in Gothic style and often rebuilt is the main Roman Catholic church of L'viv. It is between the Town Hall... more travel advice

The Armenian Church Things to Do (8)

Armenians were living in L'viv since the Middle Ages. They were quite an important part of the society and acted as... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Half -ruined palaces of Polish Magnates
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Travelogues (2)

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Comments (10)

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Andraf Feb 15, 2010 at 2:28 AM

Good tips, I saved most of them to my Trip Planner as I might go to Lviv with the occasion of the VT Euromeet.
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hunterV Oct 14, 2009 at 12:34 PM

Hello, Lothar! I enjoy visiting Lviv too....
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om_212 Sep 8, 2007 at 10:27 AM

a good tip and Kulchytsky story in your tip. it was very nice of you to refer to my tips.
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Anjutka Aug 13, 2005 at 10:56 AM

So it is this famous city!!!!
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diocletianvs Jul 22, 2005 at 10:31 AM

Great intro about this beautiful city in Ukraine. Would love to visit one day.
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matcrazy1 Jun 25, 2005 at 2:20 AM

Very interesting historical info and suggestions, amazing wooden church. There is agreement between Poland and Ukraine: Poles don't need visa to Ukraine, Ukrainians get them (to Poland) free.
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globetrott May 16, 2005 at 4:40 AM

great infos and pics ! That wooden church looks great ! ... Lviv might be a good place to go in summer, now that EU-citizens may go there without Visa
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yumyum Jan 23, 2004 at 5:50 AM

It will definitely be on my list to visit this year!
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catnl Aug 30, 2003 at 5:27 PM

great to read ur info and tips, and i agree with u, its a very beautifull city with great architecture
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HORSCHECK Jul 5, 2003 at 7:56 AM

Great start about Lviv. I need to come back to check your page when I go there next year. Especially the accomodation tip sounds fascinating ... :-)