One of the biggest countries in Europe, Ukraine is still overlooked by many. Those who do manage to visit, are usually astonished by a plethora of things to see here, as well as by the fact that backpacking in Ukraine is very cheap. In fact, it is cheaper here than in Southeast Asian countries (which are usually regarded as some of the most budget-friendly destinations).

Get ready to spend from $5 USD per bed in a dorm to $15 USD per private room in a hostel somewhere in the city center. Food will cost anywhere between $2 to $4 USD per lunch or dinner, and this is a normal meal, not a sandwich. Add expenses on public transportation, which are no more than $2 USD per day, and there you have it – a minimum of anywhere between $15 to $22 USD on the daily essentials. This leaves enough to spare on sightseeing and other activities…

…and the list of great things to see while backpacking Ukraine is long.

But let’s get to down to basics first.

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Backpacking Ukraine

When to Visit | Getting There | Traveling Around | Language | Wi-Fi

Ukraine Travel Itinerary

Kyiv and Central Ukraine

Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Eastern Ukraine

Odesa and Southern Ukraine

Lviv and Western Ukraine

 

Backpacking in Ukraine: The Basics

 

What is the best season to visit Ukraine?

From mid-April to mid-October is the most convenient time to travel around Ukraine. Spring is the best season for this country. Everything blooms and blossoms, and there is no exhausting summer heat (which will be the case during the summer months).

 

How to get to Ukraine?

International airlines fly to Kyiv from all continents. If you fly from Europe, you might want to check for some low-cost carriers as many airports in Kyiv and Lviv accept those, too.

 

 

How to travel around Ukraine?

All of the major cities in Ukraine (of which there are currently five) have airports that accept domestic flights. The two local carriers are Ukraine International Airlines and SkyUp. Costs of internal flights start from $27 USD one way.

Another great option to get around cities and towns is by trains. The website of Ukrzaliznytsia is available in English.

Finally, there are buses. You will most likely be able to find one to a needed destination at the local central bus station or book online in advance via agents. And, finally-finally, there is also a Bla-Bla Car app.

 

How to travel in cities?

In most cases, walking will be the best solution because usually, all the major attractions are centered in one area. Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro are the three cities with subway systems.

All of the towns also have public buses.

These are either big municipal buses or yellow marshrutkas that accept only cash that you give to the driver. A ride will cost between 0,075 to 0,30 cents. In cities, you can look for Uber taxis as well.

 

How to communicate in Ukraine?

Ukrainians speak two languages, which are Ukrainian and Russian. The younger generation in cities will also speak English, if not fluently, then at least on a level that will be enough to exchange information. In rural areas, though, if you don’t know the local languages, get ready to use the international language of gestures. The people are always friendly to foreigners, though, and do their best to help.

 

What about Wi-Fi and connection in general?

If you’re backpacking around Ukraine for a while, the best way is to get a local SIM card. The three main operators are Kyivstar, Vodafone, and Life.

A package with calls and unlimited data costs around $10 USD. In cities, finding free wi-fi in cafes is not a problem.

In rural areas, it may be harder.

 

Ukraine Travel Itinerary

The great thing about this county is that it is very diverse. Its eastern part is mostly steppes and rivers. The central cities here are Dnipro and Kharkiv. It used to also be Donetsk, but currently, the Donetsk and Lugansk regions are in the middle of a war conflict with Russia. Safety-wise, the conflict is contained within that areas only and does not affect travelers exploring the rest of the country in any way.

Central Ukraine is green, with a plethora of lakes and parks. Its heart is definitely Kyiv, with several smaller towns available within a convenient day-trip reach. The list includes, among others, the highly popular Chornobyl.

The southern part is the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and the main hub to look for is Odesa. On the west, it is all about the beauty of the Carpathian mountains, with Lviv city being the perfect starting point for the area.

 

 

Kyiv and Central Ukraine

For Kyiv, plan at least four nights, as there is so much to see and do in one of the most under-the-radar capitals in eastern Europe. The main attractions are centered around Podol area, Pechersk and its hills, Khreshatyk, Maidan Nezalezhnosti, and Leo Tolstoy’s square. The city is known for one of the best bar cultures in Europe, as well as for its developing street food scene.

Do not miss out on the Platforma Street Food fests held monthly.

When visiting Kyiv, many travelers also reserve time for Chornobyl.

Located within a couple-hours drive from the capital of Ukraine, it is usually very busy. So, it might be a good idea to book a tour in advance, as you can also get a better price deal.

Normally, put aside at least $100 USD in your budget to explore Chornobyl.

Here are three other great destinations not to miss out on when in central Ukraine:

• Chernihiv is one of the oldest towns in the country. Known for its majestic churches, cute wooden towns, and the bell-tower with a breathtaking panorama over the Desna river, it is located within a shorth drive from Kyiv.
• Zhytomyr region hides lots of old castles, as well as the beautiful Korostyshev quarry perfect for hiking, swimming, and rock-climbing.
• Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi has a unique open-air national folk museum, to which its founders brought old historic huts, churches, and even a fortress from many villages of eastern Ukraine.

 

 

Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Eastern Ukraine

Known as the industrial heart of the country, eastern Ukraine is a treat for everyone who wants to learn more about the Soviet heritage. Kharkiv, the second biggest city in the country, is home to some of the most impressive examples of USSR monumentalism in architecture, including Derzhprom which is on the possible UNESCO World Heritage List inclusions for its uniqueness and HATOB, the national academic opera and ballet theatre.

Kharkiv is also a city of students with lots of universities and plenty of open-minded young people from all over Ukraine, as well as from many other countries.

If in Eastern Ukraine, don’t miss out on these three places to visit, too:

• Dnipro is a hidden gem of eastern Ukraine. Be sure to stay in accommodations facing the Dnipro river. Its flow is impressively wide in this city, and the promenade will leave you speechless. If you are feeling adventurous, explore the abandoned Parus Hotel, which is a ghost-skyscraper.
• Khortytsa island in Zaporizhzhya is one of the biggest river-based islands in the country, a national reserve and a cradle of the Ukrainian cossacks.
• Crayon Mountains near Kharkiv is a unique national park with lots of hiking trails.

 

Odesa and Southern Ukraine

Relaxed and laid-back, Odesa is the perfect place to unwind after travels across eastern and central Ukraine. It is better to reserve at least four nights for this cozy town by the Black Sea.

 

 

Things to do here?

Walk the legendary Deribasivska street and stop by Kompot, a cafe styled as a communal apartment, for a great breakfast.

Explore the famous authentic courtyards of Odessa, descend the Potyomkinska stairs, or chill by the sea in Arcadia.

When in eastern Ukraine, consider exploring the following nearby attractions, too:

• Vilkovo is a village on the water, a local and very authentic analog of Venice.
• Aktove canyon in Nikolaev region is also known as the Devil’s Valley. Here, the Mertvovid river forms numerous waterfalls and rapids amidst gorgeous cliffs and forests.
• Olseshky Sands is the biggest desert in Europe. The best season to cross the desert is either in spring or in the early fall.

 

Lviv and western Ukraine

Different from all other Ukrainian cities, this one is a unique mix of majestic cathedrals, new and hip cafes and pubs, Gothic buildings, and lots of city legends. The main flow is centered around the Old Town with its cobbled streets and old buildings.

Though the very center, you will find lots of affordable accommodation here.

Ride the local tram, climb the city hall’s tower for a panorama of Lviv, haggle over the price of your lunch at Pid Rozou cafe, and descend into the coffee mines at Lviv Kopalnya Kavy.

Western Ukraine has so much to offer, so here are three other ideas for the itinerary:

• Uzhgorod is the hidden gem of western Ukraine, a hip town with unique architecture, some of the best cherry strudels in Ukraine, and the longest linden alley in Europe.
• Synevir is a beautiful mountain lake perfect for a day trip from Lviv.
• Dzembronya is the highest-based village in Ukraine. It is tricky to get to, and it is very authentic with not many locals speaking English, but the sunsets and sunrises up in the mountains are so worth the effort!

 

Want to add something that people should absolutely see while backpacking Ukraine? Let me know in the comments below.