Ukraine
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Ukraine for pleasant weather and mellow crowds. In April-June, Kyiv's signature chestnut trees are in bloom, and September-October bring beautiful fall foliage. Another popular time to visit is during the Christmas season when festivals and Christmas markets take place throughout the country. If you're looking for hot, sunny days, stick to the summer months—especially if you plan on swimming in the Black Sea off Ukraine's southern coast.
Where should you go?
Three major Ukranian cities should be at the top of your list. Kyiv is the bustling capital, with golden-domed churches and urban charm. Odesa is a beautiful port town on the Black Sea which for centuries has served as a cultural meeting point, while the well-preserved architecture of Lviv is reminiscent of other beloved European cities like Prague and Vienna. Tours to the Chernobyl Nuclear Exclusion Zone operate from Kyiv.
Other interesting cities include university town Kharkiv, Kamyanets-Podilslkiy and its historic castle, and Uman—small but incredibly picturesque, with a national park and an important Jewish heritage. If you have more time or prefer the outdoors, head to the Carpathian Mountains or Black Sea coast.
How many days do you need?
In 5 days, you should stick to Kyiv or pair it with either Lviv or Odessa for a tour of the highlights. Ten days gives you time to visit all three, plus stops in one or two smaller historical towns. With 2 weeks, you can pair the major cities with a week in the countryside, spending time in the Carpathian Mountains or the shores of the Black Sea.
