Destination 》Europe 》Central and Eastern Europe 》Ukraine
Year Visited: 2018 – July/August
I visited Ukraine during my five plus months backpacking journey across Central and Eastern Europe. After 5 days VISA free stay in Belarus, I took a flight to Kyiv to continue with my backpacking trip across Central and Eastern European countries. Ukraine is a former Soviet Republic that lies at the northwest end of the Black Sea. Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe after Russia.
Ukraine has been in a geographical flux, with many parts of the country contested for. Mongols, Lithuanians, Poles, Cossacks, Tartars, Russians, Germans, and others all had a shot at ruling parts of Ukraine throughout history.
Despite being considered dangerous by many due to the war in the east, Ukraine is actually an incredible—and safe—country to travel! Travel in Ukraine is very convenient; Ukrainian Railways connects most of the country. There are also long-distance buses to almost any city in Ukraine. You can always take local Marshrutka to get to smaller towns throughout Ukraine. Also like many other Former Soviet Republics, Ukraine is a well-connected country, with wide 4G coverage and cheap data to go around.
My original plan was to spend 2 weeks exploring this beautiful country, ended up spending 4 weeks; most time in Lviv, my favorite town in Ukraine. Below are some places I explored during my four weeks travel around Ukraine. Click on any City to view my travel photos and stories.
After 4 weeks of exploring this beautiful and friendly country, I took a Marshrutka from Odesa to Moldova and continue my journey through the Central and Eastern European countries.
Window on the World 