Lviv: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Lviv

Lviv is often called the Ukrainian Petersburg because, just like the northern Russian capital, it holds the second place in terms of significance but ranks first in beauty. All the attractions of Lviv, located in the center, are under UNESCO protection. This city is a major center not only for cultural and art monuments but also for architecture. Lviv is a city where every stone is steeped in history, yet a day is not enough to explore all its attractions. The hospitality and respectful attitude with a medieval echo give the city a unique charm!

When to go?

Lviv welcomes guests at any time of the year. Each season in this city is beautiful in its own way. Since most attractions are concentrated in the central district, walking through Lviv will not be burdensome either on a hot summer day or during freezing winter weather. The most comfortable time for visiting the capital of Western Ukraine is from April to September. The city also enjoys great popularity among tourists in winter, especially during the New Year and Christmas holidays. At Christmas, the city becomes especially atmospheric and colorful. Parades, concerts, and other entertainment events take place in the streets.

What to buy?

Lviv is an ancient city with centuries of history. In souvenir shops, you can find many interesting little things that will remind you of it. Leather goods, knives with intricately carved wooden handles, statuettes, and magnets depicting the most famous sights – all this awaits you at the "Vernisage" market and in little souvenir stores.

Getting to know the traditions and customs is also possible through national costumes. In Lviv, there are stores specializing in the sale of vyshyvankas – traditional shirts hand-embroidered. For true connoisseurs, there are even exclusive vintage vyshyvankas that are over 100 years old.

Moreover, Lviv is associated with the pungent aroma of coffee. The locals love this drink very much. This is evident from the number of coffee houses, as well as the fact that Lviv has its own coffee brands. Be sure to visit one of the coffee shops and buy aromatic beans, which may even be roasted and ground in front of you.

Perhaps the most original souvenir from Lviv would be a kerosene lamp, considering this useful item was invented in this city.

What to try?

In Lviv, there's the highest number of restaurants and cafes per square meter in Europe. It's not surprising that some dining establishments are considered on par with historical landmarks. Primarily, Lviv is renowned for its Galician cuisine. Try potato pancakes with mushroom sauce, dumplings, borscht, cherry and poppy seed pastries, and much more. The city's main dessert is Lviv cheesecake with chocolate.

Since Lviv is located relatively close to the European border, European dishes have also taken root and assimilated well here. Restaurants serve Polish soup Żurek, Hungarian goulash, Czech dumplings, roasted duck with buckwheat, and pork knuckle on a spit. All these delicacies are complemented by excellent beer, as Lviv has no fewer breweries than coffee shops. Another traditional alcoholic beverage for the city is Nalyvka – with honey, horseradish, cherry, herbs, wild strawberries. The list could go on indefinitely.

Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv

When to go?

What to buy?

What to try?