Ukraine tours & travel

As the political and geographical cornerstone between Eastern Europe and Russia (gaining independence after the USSR collapsed in 1991) and doubling as a gateway to Asia, Ukraine has withstood a strong push and pull of conflict for decades. Travelling throughout you will notice the lasting resilience of the people and preserved culture across both Russian and Ukrainian speakers, from the cities to the mountains. Traditional dance and music unify pockets of the country with the nation sharing a celebrated passion for the arts. Although more than 70 per cent of the population identify as Ukrainian Orthodox Christian, you will find many people maintain deep pagan beliefs. Age-old traditions such as the custom of painting Easter eggs (pysanky) continue after nearly a century. Ukrainians are very proud of their heritage, evident in the popularity of events such as Sorochinsky Yarmarok (a large folk festival) and contemporary arts and music festivals such as Gogol Fest and Kraina Mriy Festival.

Ukraine, the second largest country in Europe, shares its border with Poland, Russia, Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and Slovakia, as well as the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. The capital of Kiev is located on the Dnieper River in north-central Ukraine. The surrounding terrain boasts a variety of landscapes, from grassy plains in the central region, dense forests in the north and mountain ranges running through the west and south. The Carpathian Mountains – a popular destination for skiing during the winter and hiking during the summer – are located near the western border to Romania. The Crimean Mountains span parallel to the southern Crimean Peninsula.

In Ukraine’s cities, such as Kiev, Odessa and Lviv, shopping malls and bustling markets are open every day from 10 am to 10 pm – meaning you can shop all weekend unlike some other parts of Europe. Mondays are the quietest day with some businesses closed. It’s advisable to use cash when shopping in markets or when making purchases from smaller vendors, using the local currency called hryvnia (UAH). Major credit cards are accepted by most larger stores. 

In Kiev, Andriyvsky Uzviz (also called Andrew’s Descent) is a popular shopping destination for souvenirs where the rule of thumb is to negotiate on price for a bargain. Meander through Lesnoy Flea Market (one of the largest flea markets in Europe), a drawcard for its selection of vintage fashion that attracts visitors from surrounding countries. Khreshchatyk Street becomes a pedestrian-only strip on Sundays and fills with artists and vendors selling their wares. Other notable shopping destinations include the souvenir market on Deribasovskaya Street in Odessa and the Vernisazh Souvenir Market in Lviv, a well-known spot for traditional crafts.

Sorochinsky Fair: Traditional Ukrainian culture performs a full display at this famous, colourful country fair. More than one million people attend each August to shop traditional handicrafts, learn the secrets to cooking the best borscht, feast on traditional foods and dance to lively folk performances. 

Kraina Mriy Festival: A bi-annual event (summer and winter) bring together the best of Ukrainian and world music, crafts, folk art exhibitions and cuisine. The festival is attended by performers, artists, and guests from more than 30 countries. It’s traditionally held in Kiev with the location shifting from year to year. 

Lutsk Salo Festival: Ukrainians love their salo (cured pig fat) and this festival proves it. Each October, Lutsk celebrates this fatty treat by eating copious amounts of it (while drinking copious amounts of wine) and by attempting to break salo-related records, such as the world’s biggest salo sandwich.

City Day: Each city has its day (or days) celebrating with food, music, parades and performances. Lviv Day is held in early May, Kamyanets-Podilsky Days are mid-May and Kyiv Day occurs at the end of the month.

Victory Day: Held on May 9 as Ukraine’s national public holiday. Victory Day commemorates the end of WWII in 1945 –  celebrated in the streets with military parades.

You can nearly guarantee that when eating a meal in Ukraine it will be made with locally sourced ingredients. As a country that has been self-sufficient in growing their own produce for a long time, Ukraine is renowned for some of the most fertile soils in Europe. You will find an abundance of grains, potatoes, beets, mushrooms, poultry and fish with many of these staple ingredients making up the dishes on offer, matching in hearty taste and exuding in warmth for the soul – the main aim for many Ukrainians when sharing a meal.  

Dishes to try in Ukraine 

Borscht: If there’s one ingredient that can be agreed on for this Eastern European dish its beetroot, which gives the soup a rich red colour. Locals pride themselves on their home cooked recipes and it can be eaten hot or cold. While the origination of borscht does point to being Ukrainian, it’s a loved traditional dish for Russians and Polish too. 

Chicken Kiev: It sounds like the much-loved chicken Kiev originates from Ukraine’s capital, but the answer is that nobody really knows. Some argue it has Russian or French origins – nonetheless the tasty dish made with pounded chicken and stuffed with garlic butter is iconic and delicious. In Kiev you will often find this dish served on the bone. 

Varenyky: Made with boiled dough, these satisfying dumplings can be found filled with either meat, mushrooms, vegetables and cheese – or a combination of these ingredients. 

Salo: You can’t find a dish that’s heartier than the nation’s much beloved serving of cured pork fat, either smoked or lightly seasoned with garlic, paprika or black pepper. Thin slices of salo on rye bread are typically served when drinking vodka.   

Golubsti: Indisputably Ukrainian, these cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice braised in a tomato soup take hours of careful preparation to perfect. Often topped with sour cream for dinner. 

Sviata Vechera: This is the name given to Ukraine’s traditional Christmas menu, and the only way to experience it is in someone’s home. It consists of twelve dishes that have been laboured over including meatless borscht, stuffed salmon, mashed beans, varenky and an assortment of fruits.

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