Ukraine has an incredibly long and rich history. It was the heartland of several powerful empires in the past, such as the Ruthenian Kingdom and the Kievan Rus'. Ukrainians have also left deep marks in world culture - from art to music, to literature.
The country's two largest cities are Kyiv, the capital city, and Odesa. Kyiv is a major cultural centre, with many historic monuments and churches. In addition to sightseeing touristic attractions like Kyiv’s historic old town district, its numerous museums and art galleries, Orthodox monasteries, and panoramic viewing points on the right bank of the Dnieper River offer great cultural experiences. Other popular tourist cities include Lviv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia.
Ukraine has many exciting outdoor activities for tourists. A favourite activity among locals is hiking in the Carpathian Mountains to visit natural springs or sample local cuisine along mountain trails. Exploring various national parks and reserves also provides breathtaking views of Ukraine's lush landscape. In addition to outdoor activities, tourists can visit interesting historical sites like Chornobyl or various nature reserves or famous rock formations.
Ukraine also has its own unique bar scene. Popular drinks like horilka (vodka) or medovuha (honey mead) are often served with traditional Ukrainian dishes like borshtch or varenyky (pierogi). Tourists can find a diversity of these classic Ukrainian foods in restaurants across the country, while more eclectic dining can be found in cities like Lviv where international cuisines make up part of the mix.
Overall, travelling around Ukraine isn't too expensive compared to other European countries. While there are more expensive places around large cities, there are also a lot of options for budget travellers looking for accommodation in smaller towns and villages away from the tourist crowds. With so much culture and history to enjoy at lower expenses than other European destinations, Ukraine is definitely worth exploring!