Lviv (also spelled L'viv; Ukrainian: Львів; Polish: Lwów, German: Lemberg, Russian: Львов), formerly known as Lvov after its Russian name, is in Western Ukraine and used to be the capital of East Galicia. It's the biggest city of the region and a major Ukrainian cultural centre on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is useful website for tourists visiting Lviv: lviv.travel.
Understand
[edit]The city has a multicultural history but little of the evidence of this has survived until today. It was founded in 1256 by King Daniel of Galicia (Ukrainian: Король Данило Галицький - Korol' Danylo Galyckyy) and fell under Polish control in the 14th century. Poles, Jews, Ukrainians, Germans and others lived there together for centuries. This multicultural experience virtually came to an end during and after WWII. Germans, with the help of Ukrainian collaborators, killed most of the Jews (about one third of Lviv's population at that time) and Poles. At the end and in the direct aftermath of the war, the remaining Polish population (about 65% of the population) was then "repatriated" to Poland in its new borders by the Soviet government. The Polish and Jewish heritage is hardly preserved, but one can find some inscriptions on former shops in Polish, Yiddish and German.
Because of Lviv's proximity to the EU and its openness to foreigners, the city's multicultural feel has experienced a resurgence. Even today, walking through the city centre, a traveller can hear Poles laughing and taking pictures of the beautiful old buildings, Germans walking through the city on guided tours, Ukrainian or Russian tourists and students joking about this or that, and American or British businessmen chatting in cafes. There is even a small Jewish community in the city. The many universities in Lviv attract students from every continent on the globe, and its old architecture draws tourists from various parts of the world, including Ukraine.
The Polish king John II Casimir founded the Lviv University in the 17th century and Lviv (known as Lwów) was by that time one of the most important cities in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, along with Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk and Vilnius.
In 1772 the city was taken by the Habsburgs, and in Austrian times it was known as Lemberg, the capital of Galicia. After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, it was returned to Poland.
As a result of World War II, Stalin moved the Soviet frontier westward so Lviv became part of the USSR under its Russian name Lvov (still widely used by supporters of Russia, but very offensive to most locals). After Ukrainian independence in 1991, the Ukrainian name of Lviv was gradually adopted in English.
Lviv is the region of Ukraine with the strongest sense of Ukrainian identity. Even when it was part of the Soviet Union, most signs were only in Ukrainian, and only a few also in Russian. Because of its history as part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Lviv has a Central European flair in its architecture that makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe, and also has a Catholic majority, unlike most of majority-Eastern-Orthodox Ukraine. Lviv has even been called "the capital of Ukrainian culture". The people there are very warm, although somewhat direct (which is very common in eastern Slavic cultures).
Since slightly before the Euro 2012 soccer tournament, the city has become more and more tourist-friendly. All downtown street signs are now in both Ukrainian and English, and the staff of the Information Center on Rynok Square speak many different languages. Maps, schedules of local events, and tourist guides can be obtained there for free in English, German, Polish, and Russian. There are even small information kiosks beside some monuments (small touch-screen TVs that offer maps and information about the city). Visiting Lviv is very rewarding for the pioneer traveller, as living is extremely cheap here and the place has a truly authentic feeling, unlike places like Kraków or Prague, which are swamped with tourists.
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Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]
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Note: Due to the state of war, Ukraine's airspace has been closed to civil aviation. |
| (Information last updated 19 Sep 2023) |
The closest operating airport is in Rzeszów:
- 1 Jasionka International Airport (RZE IATA), Jasionka 942, 36-002 Jasionka (about 8 km from the city centre.), ☏ +48 17 852 00 81, [email protected].
By train
[edit]
There are multiple daily trains, including several overnight options, from Kyiv, Odesa and many other Ukrainian cities with Ukrzaliznytsia[dead link]. International trains arrive from Polish cities such as Gdansk, Kraków, Przemyśl and Warsaw. There are also trains from Chop, at the border with Hungary. For more information see here.
- 1 Klepariv Railway station (Залізнична станція Клепарів), Shevchenka T. Str, 158 (north-west), ☏ +380 32 226-2464, 2460.
- 2 Lviv Central Railway station (Центральний залізничний вокзал Львів), Dvirtseva Sq, 1 (NW of the centre, take a westbound tram), ☏ +380 32 226-2068.
- 3 Lviv Suburban Railway station (Залізнична станція Львів), Vul. Horodots'ka str., 110 (west of the centre, take a westbound tram), ☏ +380 32 226-2200.
- 4 Railway ticket office (Залізнична каса), Hnatiuka V. akad. str., 20/22 (Centre), ☏ +380 32 226-3733. For train tickets.
- 5 Railway ticket office (Квиткові каси приміського сполучення), Horodotska str.,112 (west of the centre, take a westbound tram), ☏ +380 32 226-1194. For suburban tickets.
By bus
[edit]- 6 Bus station No.1 (Автостанция №1), Vul. Stryiskyi, (ул. Стрыйская,) 109 (South 6 km). Buses from Warsaw, Przemyśl, Lublin, Wrocław and Prague. For more information on international buses see Western_Ukraine#By_bus.
- 7 Bus station No.2 (Автостанція 2), Khmelnytskogo, (л. Б. Хмельницкого,) 225 (N 3 km from centre), ☏ +380 32 238-8308.
- 8 Bus station No.8 (Автостанція 8), Dvirtseva Sq, 1 (NW-W, at the R.S.), ☏ +380 32 238-8308.
By car
[edit]For more information see Western_Ukraine#By_car
From Poland: take the 
, this will end at the city centre. Formalities at the border take at least one hour. There will be a long line for trucks, which you can pass if you travel by car. Don't expect the border police to treat you respectfully, or speak any language other than Ukrainian, Polish or Russian. In fact, expect the very opposite regarding both.
It is also illegal to drive in the city centre (including Prospekt Svobody) on Sundays and holidays. This is signposted in Cyrillic only, and there are always police present to catch some unsuspecting foreigner.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Lviv
By public transport
[edit]
Lviv has a convenient public transport system:
- 8 tram routes
- 10 trolleybus routes
- 18 bus routes
- 31 marshrutka routes
Single ride tickets in trams, trolleybuses, buses and marshrutki cost 20 грн if paying by cash, 15 грн if paying with an NFC-enabled credit card or smartphone, or 13 грн if paying with a public transport card.
Monthly travel passes are available for 420 грн.
Passes can be used in trams and trolleybuses.
Schedules are available on the map and on rozklad.in.ua (in Ukrainian).
You can also check information about public transport on DozoR (in Ukrainian), EasyWay and Google Maps.
By taxi
[edit]Taxi is the easiest way of getting around the city. Some popular taxi companies include:
By scooter
[edit]Kick scooter is a funny way to shorten your time while getting around the city.
By bike
[edit]There are more than 100 km of infrastructure for bicycles in Lviv. While you can use your own bike, you can also rent one using one of the following companies:
See
[edit]
Churches in the Old Town
[edit]- 1 Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Tserkva Preobrazhennia Hospoda Nashoho Isusa Khrysta, Церковь Преображения Господа Нашего Иисуса Христа), Krakivs'ka str, 21. On the site of the former church of the Holy Trinity which was part of The Trinitarian fathers monastery (1703). In 1783, the monastery was closed. Inside the church is a library and assembly hall. Burned out. The Church of Transfiguration was consecrated on 29 April 1906.
- 2 Armenian Cathedral (Вірменський собор), Virmenska str, 7-13. An architectural complex of the centre around which other buildings are grouped to form three small enclosed courtyards. Constructed between 1363 and 1370, later remodelled a few times. Very interesting interior.
- 3 Dominican Roman-Catholic Church (Домініканський костьол (Церква Пресвятої Євхаристії)), Muzeina sq, 1. Built in the Gothic style in the years 1370–1375. Impressive Baroque temple rebuilt for Dominicans in 18th century. Resembles the church of St. Charles Borromeus in Vienna with its concave façade and huge elliptical dome. After World War II, the building served as a warehouse and later Museum of Religion and Atheism. Now it is a Greek Catholic parish church.
- 4 Assumption Church (Успенскої церкви, or Dormition Church), Pidvalna str, 9. In the 1550s the Dormition brotherhood emerged in which the school operated and printing. The 65-m-high church has a two-headed Russian eagle image as the memory of the significant donation of funds to build a church, made by Tsar Feodor I of Russia in 1592. Here is also Chapel of the Three Holy Bishops (Каплиця Трьох святителів) a Renaissance architecture, built by architect Peter Krasovsky in 1578–1591, it is adjacent to one side of the northern wall of the Assumption Church. Also here is the Tower of Korniakt (Вежа Корнякта), built as the belfry of the Assumption Church, served as defence towers in the siege and fire guards patrol the item, built in 1572–1578.
- 5 Jesuit Roman-Catholic Church (Костьол єзуїтів), Teatral'na str, 11. It is based on Rome's Il Gesu church. Could accommodate up to 5,000 faithful. Built in baroque style in 1610–1630, finishing work continued into 1660. In 1775–1848, the church building took place in meetings of the birth of the Diet Galicia, the first provincial parliament.
- 6 Cathedral (Latin) (Кафедральний (Латинський) собор), Katedralna sq., 1 (southwestern corner of Market Square, next to the Latin Cathedral). Founded in the 1360s, built over a long time—up to 1481, in typical European Gothic style. In the walls, high windows, covered with stained glass. Parts: Kampianiv Chapel (Каплиця Кампіанів)—built near the northern wall of the Latin Cathedral in 1619—and the Boimiv Chapel (Каплиця Боїмів) which built as a tomb in 1610s for the merchant Boim family. A mannerist architecture marvel all made of black stone.
- 7 Bernardynskyi monastyr (Бернардинський монастир), Square Soborna, (Соборна пл.,) 1-3. The monastery occupies a triangular plot, which was the basis for the shaft between the Galician city gates and Royal bastion, and the top—a strong bastion of what was called Bernardine. It was surrounded by strong stone walls with battlements and a tower with Hlynyanskymy gate. There were adjacent farm buildings—smithy, stable, and others. The monastery main part is the Bernardyns'kyi Roman-Catholic Church (Бернардинський костьол). First built in wood, in 1600, finishing work continued into 1630. In 1738–1740 rebuilt in hewn stone.
- 8 Remains of the former Golden Rose Synagogue (Руїни синагоги Золота Роза), Staroievreiska str (Old Town). This was the oldest synagogue in Ukraine. In 1941 the Nazi invaders destroyed this building together with other synagogues. Today you can visit the foundations and one remaining wall; also, there is a commemorative plaque.
Other churches and synagogues
[edit]- 9 Saint George (Jura) Cathedral (Собор св. Юра), Sviatoho Yura sq (Святого Юра пл.,), 5 (SW). Built in 1363–1437 as a stone church in the Byzantine basilica style. The present Greek Catholic Cathedral was built in 1744–1770: it is a classic example of Baroque architecture of the period.
- 10 Tsori Gilod Synagogue, Brativ Mikhnovs'kykh St, 4 (west: Tram 6 to 'Kropyvnytskoho Square'), ☏ +380 322 383 804. Built in 1925, used as a warehouse during the German occupation, returned to the Jewish community in 1989, then renovated.
- 11 Temple of Svaty Apostola Andriia (Храм св. Апостола Андрія), Varshavska str., 38 (NW: Bus 12 or 28 to 'Strumok St').
- 12 St. Parasceva Pyatnitsy Church (Церква св. Параскеви П'ятниці), Khmelnytskoho B. str, 63 (NW. Near to Beer Museum). In 1645 the church built of stone whoop (in bottom) and brick.
- 13 Armenian Roman-Catholic Church (Церква Святого Хреста), Zamarstynivska str., 9 (NW). A half-round apse temple built in the 1630s. Gothic architecture.
- 14 Church and monastery of Saint Onufrii (Церква та монастир свОнуфрія), Khmelnytskoho B.str, 36 (NW: Bus 700 richia Square 1A, 8, 22, 26, 35, 37, 39, 46, 50, 53 to 700 Richia Square). Here was a wooden church, where monks settled in the early 15th century. Around 1550, Prince Constantine Ostrozhsky built a brick church. In the 18th century, there were two churches: a primary—the so-called "big church" and the Trinity Chapel on the south side—the "small church," built in 1680. In 1776 the "high (big) church" and the chapel were connected. In 1821—1824, the eastern area of the altar was expanded, and the sacristy and porch were constructed. Finally in 1902, the north aisle was built, repeating the shape of the southern chapel. As a result the church now has three naves.
- 15 Church of St. Nicholas (Церква Св. Миколая), Khmelnytskoho B. str.,(ulica Bogdana Chmielnickiego,) 28 (Tram 4, 5, 6 to 'Staryi Rynok Square'). From the primary structures of the 8th century, only the lower part of the foundation and walls composed of blocks of white limestone have survived. In the 18th century, the church was covered with shingles. The condition of the church's interior is extremely poor.
- 16 Museum of ancient monuments of Lviv (Музей найдавниших пам'яток Львова), Uzhhorodska str (Ужгородська ул),1 (NW), ☏ +380 32 272-2886. In the Church of St. John the Baptist. The exhibits contains archaeological findings, antiquities, works of art, and historical information about the oldest period of the city.
- 17 Church of the Saint Family of Reformat Order (Костьол Св. Родини ордену реформатів or Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Церква святого Андрія Первозваного), Shevchenka T. str, 66 (NW - Tram 7 to 'Turyanskoho St'). Orthodox church, former Roman-Catholic Church.
- 18 Saint Anna Temple (Храм св. Анни), Shevchenka T. str, 1 (NW). First a wooden church was built in 1507. In 1599, it was restored. A stone church was then constructed here in the 1760s.
- 19 St. George's Church (Церква святого великомученика Георгія), Korolenka V. str., 3 (on the hill). Neo-Byzantine Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate).
- 20 Church of the Holy Spirit (Церква Святого Духа), Kopernyka M. str.(Коперника М. ул.), 40 (Tram). During World War II, the church was destroyed. Preserved only bell-tower—stone, square in plan, three-storey, with baroque completion. In 1786 it set the clock. In 1957 the monument was restored. Now here is open Mermaids Dnistrova Museum.
Monuments in the Old Town
[edit]- 21 Griffon House (гриффонів будинок), Krakivs'ka str., 34. Original staircase, decorated with fine reliefs in the Empire style with motifs Griffon, vases and playful sense. Relief, that contain trade mark.
- 22 City Theatre (M. Zankovetska Ukrainian Drama Theatre) (Міський театр (Український драматичний театр ім. М. Заньковецької)), Lesi Ukrainky str, 1, ☏ +38 32 235-5583, [email protected]. Built in the style of Viennese classicism. Length is about 96 m, width 76 m, area of 7,000 m². One of Europe's largest theatre buildings after Milan's La Scala and the court theatre in Dresden. Since 1944 home of the Zankovetska theatre troupe.
- 23 Lviv Opera and Ballet National Academic Theatre (Театр опери і балету ім. І. Франка (С. Крушельницької),Lvivskyi Derzhavnyi akademichnyi teatr Opery ta baletu imeni Solomyiyi Krushelnytskoii), 28 Svobody ave (Centre western limit). Founded in June 1897. Lavishly decorated outside and inside.
- 24 Korniakt Tower (Вежа Корнякта), Pidval'na str (Old Town). This is 65 m high built in the Renaissance period as a bell tower and opened in 1578.
- 25 Narodnyi Dim (Nation Home) (Народний Дім), Teatralna str., 22. One of the oldest and richest cultural and educational institutions in Galicia, in 1849—1939. At the People's House, there were a library and museum. It was some time Russian Casino, Academic Club, a place for the "Russian society ladies". In 1862 the first Ukrainian academic high school moved here. Here opened the Seminary. In addition to schools, it houses the Archaeological, Art and Natural History Museum.
- 26 Poleyovskiy house (будинок Полейовський), Krakivska str., (Краківська вул.) 24. Corner house longer side face (north) out on the street Ukrainian Lesya. Building dates from 1780s. (Architect P. Poleyovskiy), restructured in 1783 and 1894. Architecture stone shows stylistic features Baroque and Historicism. This mansion is a three-storey, brick building. At the level of the ground floor façades laid ashlar. Centre accented balcony on stone consoles, 18th century. Today the building is used as a dwelling house. Also there are more monument buildings on Krakivska str at numbers 4, 13, 15, 17 and 22.
- 27 Patio's house (будинок із дворик), Lesi Ukrainky str. (Лесі Українки вул.) 10. Three-storey, brick, rectangular in plan building with patio. Rebuilt in the 19th century. Smooth plastered facade diversify flat pilasters. Also monument houses on Lesi Ukrainky street: No. 12, 14, 16 and 26.
- 28 Royal Arsenal (Королівський арсенал), Pidvalna str., 13. Built by order of Polish King Wladyslaw IV. Because it was the Main Royal Arsenal, built between the city walls. Completed in 1646. The façade of the building was decorated bronze sculptures, cast in 1639, now is in History Museum. The building is made of stone, rectangular plan, with two L-shaped wings connected by a wall, these walls to protect the east side of the patio. The façade decorated with balcony and pediment in baroque style. On the side façade of the east wing preserved carved stone portal in the Renaissance style.
- 29 Fedorova house (будинок Федорова), Fedorova I. str. (Федорова І. вул.) 1. This four-storey building has an invalid quadrilateral plan with patio. Three open fronts—in Armenian Street, Fedorova Street and Stavropihyyskoy square, plastered, painted lower floors. Built in the 17th century. This house has kept features of different eras and style.
- 30 Seasons house (Кам'яниця Пори року), Virmenska str., (Вірменська вул.) 23. A plastered, elongated, four-storey house made of brick. The last renovation was in the 19th century, it holds its shape today. Façade design style of late classicism: the second and third floors are connected by Ionic pilasters, between them at the second floor is a depiction of Chronos and at the sides—four reliefs with scenes from people's everyday lives, symbolizing seasons. Above, in front stretched the entire length of frieze depicting the zodiac signs. Painted in 1860s. Also there monument houses on Virmenska street: No. 17, 27 and 33.
- 31 Domazhyrs'ka house (Кам'яниця Домажирська), Virmens'ka str., 15. The house top floor made in the 18th century. A brick, plastered, three storey invalid rectangle form building with a narrow courtyard. The main architectural accent of the main facade is a big portal, keystone is the stone along with two symmetrically positioned consoles supporting a balcony with openwork metal grille.
- 32 Ratusa (Town Hall) (Ратуша), Market Square, Ploshcha Rynok, Площа Ринок. You can climb the tower of the town hall: go in via the main entrance, wander about until you see a sign 'вхид на вежу', then follow those signs up 103 steps to a ticket-office and up 305 more steps to the top of the tower. There's a great view of the Old Town, and this is clearly one of the romantic spots of the city. The City Hall is made of brick, four-square plan, with patio, in 1830—1835, in the Viennese classicism style. Added the town hall a clock tower. Around the building on the square are three fountains in 1900s: first the Fountain Adonis (to Northeast) has a cup, which stands on the pavement, in the centre of a star, outlined in red and black stone. In the centre of the bowl—a statue of the hero character of ancient mythology Adonis with a dog and boar killed him; Fountain Neptune (to Southwest) In the centre of the bowl—a statue of ancient mythology character Neptune—the Roman god of freshwater and the sea—which is situated at the feet of dolphin; and also on the square is the Fountain Amphitrite (to Northwest) with a statue of ancient mythology character Amfitryta, consort of Neptune with a dolphin.
Landmarks
[edit]- 33 Public casino (Casino of Herkhard) or House of Scholars (Народне казино (Казино Герхарда) - Будинок вчених), Lystopadovoho Chynu str., 6 (west: next to Ivan Franko National University of Lviv). Monument of architecture.
- 34 Lychakivsky Tsvyntar (Lychakiv Cemetery, Ukrainian: Личаківський цвинтар, translit. Lychakivs’kyi tsvyntar; Polish: Cmentarz Łyczakowski we Lwowie), Vul. Mechnikhova (вул. І. Мечнікова), 33 (east 5 kilometres (3.1 mi): Tram 7 to 'Pekarska St'). There are about 400,000 people buried here, including Ukrainian heroes such as Ivan Franko. Cemetery is an enormous 42 hectares (100 acres), and very pleasant to wander around on a network of variously-maintained paths. At the back there are series of war memorials. The cemetery is considered a museum - hence the entry fee. There's also supposedly a further fee charged for permission to take pictures (it might be for professional shoots, there's no way they can enforce such fee for simple tourist). 30 грн.
- 35 High Castle (Union of Lublin mound,Vysokyi zamok), Vysokyi Zamok street (East). The place where a historic castle used to stand and now stands a mound built in 1869 to commemorate 300th anniversary of Lublin Union. On the mound there is an observation platform with nice views of the city and another sandy mound, which you can also climb, and which has a cross devoted to the dead of the war in Afghanistan. From the mound you can walk around the whole central hill-park of the town. very recommendable. easy to find and free of carge.
- 36 Shevchenko Monument, Svobody Ave, (Tram 1, 2, 10, Bus 48,114,138 all to 'Petra Doroshenka St'). Donated by members of the Argentine Ukrainian diaspora, and absolutely unmistakable in the centre of town; a sculpture of the writer, and a wave-shaped monument with Ukrainian folk-art motifs rising to his side. Sometimes seems to be used by locals as a climbing-wall.
- 37 Lviv Municipal Theatre (Львівський академічний драматичний театр імені Лесі Українки), 36 Horodotska Street (Tram 6, 7, Bus 6A, 7, 9, 17, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34, 36, 41, 49, 51 to 'Teatr im. Lesi Ukrainki'), ☏ +380 322 333 188, +380 322 33 185, +380 322 333 179, [email protected].
- 38 Lviv National Polytechnic University (Lviv University (named after Ivan Franko)? Ukrainian: Львівський університет), Vul. (вул. Степана Бандери), 12 (Tram 9, 10 or Bus 41, 42, 43 to stop 'Lvivska politekhnika').
- 39 Lviv Rail Terminal, See above. Built in 1904 Art Nouveau style.
- 40 Former "European" Hotel (Колишній Готель Європейський), Ploshchad' Mitskevicha, 4 (Tram to 'Petra Doroshenka St'). Rebuilt in 1930. From 1950 to 1980, it was the Hotel Ukraine. After 2006, this building is a branch of the Ukreximbank.
Museums in the "Old Town"
[edit]- 41 Arsenal Museum (Державний історичний музей старовинної зброї Арсенал), Pidvalna str. (вул. Підвальна), 5, ☏ +380 235-7060, +380 235-8061. Summer 10:00—17:30; winter: 10:00—16:30. It was a city fortification, built in 1554—1556, in Renaissance military architecture style. Weapons and armour from medieval times to the beginning of 20th century, from over 30 countries. The museum is located in the oldest (16th century) of three historic arsenal buildings in Lviv. Temporarily closed as of July 2022.
- 42 The Lviv National Museum (Національний музей у Львові ім. А.Шептицького), Svobody ave, (пр. Свободи,) 20, ☏ +380 32 235-8856. Tu—Su 10:00—18:00. The main building displays Ukrainian Art from the Middle Ages up to the 19th century. The Lviv Art Gallery mainly shows foreign art in its art collections so if you are more interested in Ukrainian art you should definitely visit this museum. About the buildings: former Art and Industry Museum, built in 1904, in Neo-Renaissance style. From 1950 to 1990 it housed a branch of the Central Lenin Museum. 9 грн, children 3 грн; temporary exhibitions: 3/1; permanent exhibitions: 5/1. Excursions: 15/10. Tours in (English, Polish, Russian): 50 грн.
- 43 Museum of Natural history, Vul. Teatral'na. (вул. Театральна,), 18, ☏ +380 32 235-6917, [email protected]. Tu-Th Sa Su 10:00-17:00. Collection include more than 500,000 items. The museum building is in the palace 'Dzieduszyckis - Magistrates', 18th century building, in the 19th century rebuilt in the classical style. One of the items that are most proud of the museum is Europe's first full carcass hairy rhinoceros and mammoth unearthed from Starunia village, (Ivano-Frankivska oblast) an earlier mud volcano site.
- 44 The Gallery of Ukrainian Military Uniforms (Галерея українського військового однострою), Rynok sq., 40, ☏ +380 32 297-5193. Tu—Su 11:00—18:00. The exhibition represented uniform and Ukrainian troops from the early 20th century.
- 45 "Under the Black Eagle" Pharmacy Museum (Аптека-музей "Під чорним орлом"), Drukars'ka str., 2 (st. Stavropihiis'ka, 1) (at the Market Square in the corner house, where Drukarskaya and Stavropigiyskaya streets begin.), ☏ +380 32 272-0041, [email protected]. M—F 09:00—19:00, Sa Su 10:00—18:00. The oldest pharmacy in Lviv, opened in 1735. More than three thousand items. 16 exhibition halls with a total area of 700 m². 8 грн.
- 46 Museum of the History of Religion (Львівський музей історії релігії), Museina Sq,(пл. Музейна,) 1, ☏ +380 32 272-9100, [email protected]. Tu—Su 10:00—18:00. An interesting museum documenting Jewish and Christian history of Lviv in one of Lviv's biggest and most beautiful Baroque churches of 14th—18th century. The museum has a specialized library of religious profile, which is unique in the state. Among the 150 000 copies - labours of theologians of Kyiv, Lviv, St. Petersburg and Moscow Theological Academies and their periodicals. And religious literature of Catholic institutions from Italy, Germany, Austria, France and Poland. A collection of religious books of the Crimean Khanate time, works of publishing house of Ukrainian Catholic University in Rome. A unique collection of Bibles in different languages: Greek, Latin, German, French, Chinese, English, etc. Among them—the Ostrog Bible of Ivan Fedorov, the Paris edition of 1563, and a Venetian edition of 16th century. Adults/discount 10/5 грн; Guided tour: 10/5 грн.
- 47 Dzyha GalleryA (Галерея сучасного мистецтва "Дзига"), St. Virmenska, 35, ☏ +380 32 297-56-12, +38 32 276-74-20, [email protected]. A showroom of a cultural and artistic association of the city. That supports, produces and promotes multi-genre contemporary arts: art, music, literature, theater, cinema, multimedia and more.
- 48 Museum of Post (Музей пошти, Палац Бандінеллі), 2 Rynok Sq, ☏ +380 32 2720671. Th—Tu 10:00—17:30. In the beautiful Palace of Bandinelli, built in the late renaissance, in the late 16th century. At the beginning of the 17th century, the building became the property of the Florentine merchant R. Bandinelli who known that he perfected the Lvov-mail. Since 1629, it housed the first post office in Ukraine. In the 19th century there was a bookstore, and a club for intellectuals. Check whether the museum is open. Adults/discount 10/5 грн, Excursions: 40/20 грн.
- 49 Hotyk-Khol (Gothic Hall) Art Gallery (Арт-галерея Готик-Хол), Rynok sq., 6, ☏ +380 32 2356990, [email protected]. An 'antique shop-salon' in Kornyak Palace, has more than 300 years of history and is one of the masterpieces of Lviv and, simultaneously, the European architecture of the Middle Ages. Its first description refers to the 17th century. The building was designed by architect Peter Barbone. Paintings and drawings, icons, furniture, interior decor items, tableware, household items, sculptures, jewelry, vintage, watches and coins. Adults/discount 5/2 грн.
- 50 Museum of furniture and porcelain (Музей меблів та порцеляни), Rynok sq.,(пл. Ринок,) 10, ☏ +380 32 2743388. Tu—Su: 11AM—5:30PM. There a remarkable collection of almost 700 examples of Ukrainian and European furniture, and textiles as well as 17th– to 19th-century metalwork. The museum also owns a collection of porcelain, art glass and pottery from the 16th to 20th centuries that includes over 11,000 artifacts.
- 51 Herdan gallery (Галерея Гердан), Rus'ka str., 4, ☏ +380 32 2725046, +380 32 2971001. M–F 14.00–17.00. Exhibition and sale of contemporary art: painting, graphics, ceramics.
- 52 Lviv Historical Museum, Department of “Ancient History of Ukraine and Archaeology Department (Львівський історичний музей), Rynok sq., 24, ☏ +380 32 235-6874. Th–Tu 10.00–17.30. About the building: the Massarivs'ka Palace (Кам'яниця Массарівська) rebuilt in Renaissance style after a fire in 1527. The last realignment was in 1920. Attica parapet was replaced with a bas-relief work Kurchynskoho, this time to include balcony and sculpture over the portal. Brick, plastered, elongated in the bottom plot, four-storey building. There are remains of Gothic windows of the ground floor. Divided into many departments most of which are in the old town displaying archeology, history from medieval times up to the Ukrainian struggle for nationalism, as well as jewellery and armoury. Adult/children 10/5 грн, tours 40/20 грн.
More museums
[edit]- 53 The L'viv Art Gallery (Tovarystvo Prykhylnykiv Fortets I Palatsiv), Stefanyka st (ул. Стефаника), 3 (Tram 1, 2, 10 Bus 21, 48 to stop 'Holovna Poshta'), ☏ +380 322 744 047. Divided into several departments the central of which is on display at Potoskiy Palace showing mainly Renaissance and Baroque European art (for Ukrainian art see National Museum). Nearby is the Palace of Arts where changing contemporary art exhibitions take place. Other interesting branches of the Lviv Gallery are the Museum of Ancient Books, Museum of Relics and Pinsel Museum (dedicated to the local Baroque wood carver).
- 54 Museum of Ethnography and Arts and Crafts (Музей етнографії та художнього промислу Інституту народознавства Н.А.Н. України), 15 Svobody Avenue (West - Tram 1, 2, 10 to 'Petra Doroshenka St'), ☏ +380 32 272-7808. The museum has a unique and extensive collections of monuments of culture and traditional ukrainian folk art, and examples of decorative art. 5 грн normal, 2 грн discount.
- 55 Museum of National Folk Architecture and Rural Life «Shevchenkivsky Hay» (Музей НАРОДНОЇ АРХІТЕКТУРИ І ПОБУТУ), 1 Chernecha Gora str.(вулиця Чернеча Гора) (east: Tram 2, 10 to 'Pasichna St'), ☏ +380 322 471 882. 10:00–18:00. On the central hill about a half-hour walk from the Lychakivskiy Cemetery. This is a collection of wooden buildings from all over Western Ukraine, dismantled and reassembled here; the multi-tiered churches are the most spectacular buildings, and are all still working churches. Tickets: 10 грн normal, 5 грн discount. 15 грн.
- 56 Beer Brewing Museum (Музей пива во Львове), Kleparivska str, 18 (NW 2 kilometres (1.2 mi): Tram to 'Pid Dubom St' 400 metres (1,300 ft)). The museum has a tasting room, where you can try all sorts of beautiful beer in a cosy atmosphere. 15 грн normal, 10 грн discount.
- 57 The History of Printing Museum (Музей книги та друкарства України), Ivana Fedorova, 11, ☏ +380 322 613 012.
- 58 Museum of Metrology (Музей метрології та вимірювальної техніки), Kniazia Romana str., 38 (south), ☏ +380 32 2616030. The museum collection has more than 500 exhibits.
- 59 Panchyshyn Museum of the History of Medicine (Музей історії медицини Галичини ім. Мар'яна Панчишина), Karmeliuka U. str., 3 (east), ☏ +380 32 2769798, fax: +380 32 2767835.
- 60 Center for Urban History of East Central Europe (Центр міської історії Центрально-східної Європи), Bohomol'tsia O. akad. str., 6 (south), ☏ +380 32 2751734. The center produces various exhibitions, seminars and conferences. There are films, sound recordings from private collections and official collections which represent life of large and small towns of Central and Eastern Europe.
- 61 Pinsel Museum of Sacred Baroque Sculpture (Музей сакральної барокової скульптури Пінзеля), Mytna sq ( Мытна пл.), 2. Former Roman-Catholic Church of Klarysok (Saint Clare; 1607). The collection include 32 exhibits, which are representing the work of the famous Lviv sculptor John George Pinsel, from the 1790s.
- 62 Museum of the Prison on Lontskogo (Музей-меморіал жертв окупаційних режимів "Тюрма на Лонцького"), Bandery S. str., 1 (West - Tram 2 to 'Stepana Bandery St'), ☏ +380 32 2474220.
- 63 Museum of ancient Ukrainian book (Музей мистецтва давньої української книги), Ulica Kopernika, 15 (SW: Tram 1, 2, 10 to 'Petra Doroshenka St'), ☏ +380 32 272-2536. Museum and research centre. Collections of the museum include 12,000 exhibits, including manuscripts and Early Printed Books. Book plates and book illustrations, pedagogical literature. The exposition consists of four rooms.
- 64 Historical complex of Sheptytsky National Museum, Drahomanova M. str., 42 (South - Tram 3, 5, 9 to 'Ivana Franka Square'), ☏ +380 32 2613594. There is a fine arts collections, which includes almost 117 000 items (icons from the 14th to 18th centuries).
- 65 Palace of Art (Львівський Палац мистецтв), Kopernyka M. str., 17 (In the centre), ☏ +380 32 272-7573, fax: +380 32 261-4733, [email protected]. Exhibition centre.
Further afield
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- 66 Belz (Ukrainian: Белз, Polish: Bełz, Yiddish/Hebrew: בעלז) (3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from the Ukrainian-Polish border, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Chervonograd and 25 kilometres (16 mi) from the district centre - Sokal). day trip. Sights: Arian Tower (1606) only survived part of a medieval fort; the Dominican Sisters Monastery, (1647, rebuilt 1743, 1861); St. Paraskeva Church, with a bell tower, built in 18th century; Ancient Settlement Archeological Site of Belz (old city, probably founded in 1088); Nicholas Cathedral (1926), Church of St. Valentine, (built in 1907–11, neo-gothic style); Jewish cemetery; Bandery villa.
- 67 Chervonograd (Червоноград), Lviv Oblast (73 kilometres (45 mi) North from Lviv). Good day trip. Sights: a branch of the Lviv Museum of the History of Religion (Potocki Palace), the St. Dukha Church (the St. Vladimir church), the St. Yury Basilian monastery (1771–76); Bernardines monastery (1692–1767) 21 B.Khmel'nyts'kogo st.; Potocki's palace (1736–57), 10 Shashkevycha st. built in baroque and classicism style
- 68 Brody (Ukrainian: Броди, Polish: Brody, Yiddish: בראָד), Brody Raion, Lviv Oblast (North-East about 90 kilometres (56 mi) from Lviv - Take a train to here). Good day trip. St. Yuriya Church (Церковь св. Юрия), built at the beginning of the 17th century, restored in 1867; Palace of Pototskyi Count (1630–1635), History Museum, Ruined Big Synagogue (1742), Palace of Tyshkevich is built in 1909, in English style.
- 69 Drohobych (Ukrainian: Дрогóбич; Polish: Drohobycz), Lviv Oblast. Good day trip. St. Apostles Peter and Paul Monastery), Vultsa Stryiska, 1; St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with the former defence tower now the bell tower of the St. Bartholomew church; Palace of Arts Local Museum, Bruno Shults (Polish Writer) Museum, Vultsa I. Franka, 24; Picture gallery, Sichovykh Striltsiv, 16; Church of Holy Exaltation Cross (Церква Воздвиження Чесного Хреста), 1661, Vulitsa Zvarits'ka, 9
- 70 Horodok (Gorodok, Ukrainian: Городок, Polish: Gródek Jagielloński,), Horodok Raion, Lviv Oblast (west 25 kilometres (16 mi)). A good day trip. Visit: John the Baptist Church (1755)
- 71 Krekhiv monastery (Ukrainian: Крехів, Polish: Krechów), Kozulka settlement, Lviv Oblast (25 kilometres (16 mi) NW: at northern rim of the Yavorivskyi National Park). day trip.
- 72 Olesko (Ukrainian: Олесько; Polish: Olesko; Yiddish: אלעסק Alesk), Lviv Oblast (E ~60 kilometres (37 mi) - take bus toward Brody or Dubno). Good day trip. See here: St. Joseph Church and monastic cells of the monastery of capuchins (1838); the Castle, Vulitsa Zamkova, 34 (14-17th centuries); take a walk in the Castle Park (13 ha); right the next is the Capuchin Monastery (1700s); visit the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Vulitsa T. Shevchenka, 59
- 73 Pidhirtsi (Ukrainian: Підгірці; Polish: Podhorce), Lviv Oblast (80 kilometres (50 mi) east of Lviv, ~2 hours by bus). A good day trip to see the Konietspolskikh Castle (замок Конецпольських), 1635–1640; Pidhoretskyi Landscape Park (17 ha); St. Joseph Catholic Church (Костел св. Иосифа), 1765; Plisnesk Archeological Site, 7th–13th centuries; Cells of monastery (Келії Підгорецького монастиря) 18th century, Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos? (Церковь Рождества Богородицы), part of the former Vasylyi Monastery (1180)
- 74 Rava-Rus'ka (Ukrainian: Рава-Руська, translit. Rava-Rus'ka; Russian: Рава-Русская, translit. Rava-Russkaya; Polish: Rawa Ruska; Yiddish: ראווע, Rave), Lviv Oblast (~50 kilometres (31 mi) NW). St. Michael Church and monastic cells of the Franciscan Abbey (Костел Св. Михайла та монастирські келії монастиря ордену Реформаторів), the first wooden chapel, built here in 1725. St. Joseph Catholic Church from 1843 with the miraculous icon of Mother of God (1670s). French Second World War soldiers' cemetery.
- 75 Sambir (Ukrainian: Самбір, Polish: Sambor), Sambir Raion, Lviv Oblast (75 kilometres (47 mi) SW from Lviv - train connection). Good day trip. - Sights: Town hall (Самбірська ратуша), Square Rynok, 1; St. Ivan Church, Street Pushkina, 7; Bernardine monastery (Монастир бернардинців), Street A. Mitskevycha, 5-A; Nativity Church (Церква Різдва Пресвятої Богородиці), built in 1738;
- 76 Slavske (Ukrainian: Славське, Polish: Sławsko), Skolivskyi Raion (120 kilometres (75 mi) S/SW of Lviv, take a train to here). Good day trip. Take a chair lift on Trostyan mountain for a good walk; Visit the Cave of Painted Draw-well. Cheap accommodations: Al'piis'kyi dvir Guesthouse (Пансионат "Альпийский двор") Tel +380 67 6727230; Rozhanka Resting house (База відпочинку "Рожанка") north-east 2 kilometres (1.2 mi). Tel. +380 32 298-5331; - Lys Mykyta Cottages Resting house (Котеджі "Лис Микита"), Franka str., 59А Tel. +380 50 334-8295; - U Lili ta Yaroslava B&B (Приватна садиба "У Лілі та Ярослава") Tel. +380 67 977-3598; Cottage Zyhva (Котедж "Зигва"), +380 32 514-2578; U Tetiany Hotel (Мини-отель "У Татьяны") Tel.+380 32 514-2332. - Sights: Carpathian Museum of the liberation struggle (Карпатський музей визвольної боротьби), Sichovykh Striltsiv Street, 2. Tel.+380 97 333-4630; Assumption of the Virgin Mary church Church (Церква Успіння Пресвятої Богородиці), T. Shevchenka street., built in 1901.
- 77 Stare Selo (Ukrainian: Старе Село; Polish: Stare Sioło; literally, "old village"), Pustomyty Raion, Lviv Oblast (25 kilometres (16 mi) SE). Castle (Старе Село замок), 1584–1654
- 78 Svirzh (Ukrainian: Свірж), Peremyshliany Raion (40 kilometres (25 mi) SW: direct public transport almost nonexistent; take any minibus or bus toward Rohatyn and get off at Bibrka on H09 hwy or at Peremyshlyany on T1414 further 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from both). Sights: Assumption of the Virgin Mary church (костел Успіння Богородиці), 1546, early 17th century., 1770s; Defense tower (ruins), grotto (оборонна башта, грот), 1484, Svirzh castle (Свірж замок), 1484–1660s.
- 79 Zhovkva (Жовква), Zhovkva Raion (25 kilometres (16 mi) north). A good day trip. Visit the Monastery
- 80 Zolochiv (Золочів) (70 kilometres (43 mi) East, Zolochiv Raion, Lviv Oblast - train station 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) south from the town). Good day trip for visiting: Ascension of Virgin Mary church + cells (костел Вознесіння Діви Марії + келії), 1731–1763; Castle (Золочів замок), 1634–1686; Arsenal (арсенал), 15th century.; Polish cemetery (польський цвинтар).
- 81 Trukhaniv (Труханів), Skolivskyi Raion (108 kilometres (67 mi) S of Lviv). Good day trip. Rocks and Cave of Dovbush (6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from here), The bottom edge of the village is a picturesque waterfalls cascade, the Sukilski waterfalls, also in the village is a St. Michael Church built in 1840
- 82 Truskavets (Трускавець), Lviv Oblast (70 kilometres (43 mi) SW: take a train to here). Good for a day trip
- 83 Univ monastery (Унів, Міжгір’я?), Peremyshlians'kyi Raion, (40 kilometres (25 mi) east: take a bus or minibus to here). Founded in 1390s. It consists of church, partly saved fortress walls with two north and south-west towers (15th century), building of monastic cells (17th–19th centuries) and house of metropolitan (19 century). Good for a day trip.
Do
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- Attend a concert or festival. L'viv has been called the "Queen of Festivals" as a city, because there is often a different festival every other week. Some festivals with many free activities are the Chocolate Festival, the Coffee Festival, and the Alpha Jazz Festival. Stop by the Tourist Information Center on Rynok Square to find out more about what festivals are happening during your stay in L'viv.
- 1 S. Krushelnytska Opera House, Svobody Ave, 28 (Tram). In the very heart of L'viv the historic opera house offers regular performances of various operas and ballets. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre cashier ("Kaca") ranging in price from 50 грн to 80 грн. Even if opera and ballet is not your cup of tea, a night at the theatre is worthwhile, at the very least, to enjoy this spectacular venue.
- 2 Lviv philharmonic Society Concert hall (Львівська обласна філармонія), Chaikovs'koho P. str.,7 (South - Bus 3А, 4А, 48, 53 to 'Knyazya Romana St'), ☏ +380 32 2721042, fax: +380 32 2358122, [email protected]. Cash Desk 11:00-19:00. 40, 60, 80, 100 грн.
- 3 Mini "People and Dolls" Theatre (Львівський театр естрадних мініатюр "І люди, і ляльки"), Fredra O. str.(вул. Фредра), 6, ☏ +380 32 2613125, +380 32 2612127.
- 4 Les Kurbas youth theatre (Львівський молодіжний театр ім. Леся Курбаса), Kurbasa L. str., 3 (Tram 2, 9, 10 to 'Petra Doroshenka St'), ☏ +380 32 2724914, +380 32 2729204.
- 5 The first Ukrainian theatre for children & young people (Перший український театр для дітей та юнацтва), Hnatiuka V. akad. str., 11 (Tram 2, 9, 10 to 'Petra Doroshenka St'), ☏ +380 32 2726841, +380 32 2727810.
- 6 Lviv State Circus (Львівський державний цирк), Horodots'ka str., 83, ☏ +380 32 2385327, +380 32 2385330.
- Visit the Bania, a Russian-style sauna for men and women (non-communal). There are a few in L'viv and well worth the trip. The experience can be mildly confronting for the prudish Westerner, as all activities are conducted in the nude but don't worry, it is a highly civilized environment.
- 7 Stadiumn Torpedo (Стадион "Торпедо"), Vul. Gorbenka (вулиця Горбенка) (Take tram 7 to stop Turyanskoho St).
- 8 SKA Stadium (Стадион СКА), Kleparivska St (вул. Клепарівська), 39, ☏ +380 322 332379.
Parks and gardens
[edit]- 9 Pliazh Aquapark (Аквапарк Пляж), str. Princess Olga 114 (Kniahyni Ol'hy str., 114) (South 5km), ☏ +380 32 2638297, +380 32 2636055. Escape from summer heat. Area 1.4 ha. Enjoy Greek-Roman steam room and jacuzzi, bars “Tropic” and “Hawaii” in the wet area. Tariff 100 грн per day (2014).
- 10 Lviv hippodrome (Львівський іподром), Stryis'ka str., 117 (7 km south), ☏ +380 322 649727, +380 322 649729. Race courses.
- 11 Ivan Franko Park (Парк ім. Івана Франка (колишній парк Костюшко)), str. Universytetska (вул. Університетська) (1 km west from centre - Tram 1, 2, 10 or bus 21, 48 to stop 'Holovna Poshta'). is oldest park in the city. Traces of that time may be found in three- hundred-year-old oak and maple trees. Upon the abrogation of the Jesuit order in 1773 the territory became the town property. A well-known gardener Bager arranged the territory in the landscape style, and most of trees were planted within 1885-1890.
- 12 Bohdan Khmelnytsky Culture and Recreation Park (Парк культури та відпочинку імені Богдана Хмельницького, Парк ім. Богдана Хмельницького), streets Striyskeyu (ulitsa Zaritskikh) (SW 1.5 km from old town - Tram 3, 5, 9, 11 to 'Kultury Park'), ☏ +380 32 2727877, +380 32 2727931. in the Halych district of the city , interesting garden art local value (1984). It's one of the best organized and modern green zones containing a concert and dance hall, stadium, the town of attractions, central stage, numerous cafes and restaurants. In the park there are Ferris wheel. Between the streets Striyske , Guardyisko , Vitovskogo and Zaritsky. At the top of the park is culture Glory Monument. The area of the park is 26 hectares.
- 13 Stryiskyi Park (Стрийський парк), Between Str. Stryis'ka and Str. Ivana Frank, 156 (1.5 km south from old town, Take bus No.30. or trolley No.25 to 'Park Kultury' stop). It is considered one of the most picturesque parks in the city. The park has over 200 species of trees and plants. It is well known for a vast collection of rare and valuable trees and bushes. At the main entrance gate you will find a pond with swans.
- 14 Regional Landscape Park Znesinnya (Регіональний ландшафтний парк «Знесіння»), Street Novoznesens'ka, (вулиця Новознесенська) (1.5 km northeast,). Ideal site for cycling, skiing sports, and hiking. It's on green hilly parts of the historical village Znesinnya. Area: 312.1 ha. The park includes rare specimens of plants, as well as sandstones, limestones containing fossils, hills covered by forests and picturesque valleys with ponds and streams.
- 15 Shevchenkivskyi Hay (Шевченківський гай), Vul. Chernecha hora. (вул. Чернеча гора) (nearby (west) is a park "High Castle"), ☏ +380 32 2437823. 10:00-18:00. In the park is a unique open-air museum that has gathered the best collection of Ukrainian wooden architecture. Museum successfully combines hilly terrain, vegetation Carpathians restored and carefully moved historic buildings from different regions of Western Ukraine. The park is approx. 84 ha. 15 грн.
- 16 High Castle Park (Високий Замок парк) (1 km NE). It is on the highest city hill (413 m) and occupies the territory of 36 hectares consisting of the lower terrace once called Knyazha Hora (Prince Mount), and the upper terrace with a television tower and artificial embankment.
- 17 Zalizni Vody Park (Залізна Вода), Located between the streets Stusa, Myshugy, Ternopylska and Yaroslavenka (2 km S). It began from the former garden Zalizna Voda (Iron water) combining Snopkivska street with Novyi Lviv district. The park owes its name to the springs with high iron concentration. This beautiful park with ancient beech trees and numerous paths is a favorite place of many locals. The total area of 19.5 hectares the park. Here, among the western slopes of the plateau of Lviv, near the park originates Poltva. In the park you can see the outputs of marl, which is the reason for the existence of multiple sources. The name of the park comes from the high iron content in the springs that flow here. - Vegetation: beech, pine, oak, birch, poplar, willow, ornamental trees and shrubs. It also grows old apple orchard.
- 18 Lychakivskyi Park (Личаківський парк), Between Street Tsetnerivka, Street Lychakivska & Street Pasichna. Founded in 1892 and named after the surrounding suburbs. A botanic garden is on the park territory, founded in 1911 and occupying the territory of 18.5 hectares. At the park is a sportcomplex of the Lviv State University of Physical Culture, the "Stadium Skiff".
- 19 Zamarstynivs'kyi forest park (Замарстинівський лісопарк), Ulitsa Filippa Orlika (N 3km-Trolley 13 to 'Pylypa Orlyka St' and head north 0.5 km).
- 20 Park the name of the 700year of Lviv (Парк ім. 700-річчя Львова), prospekt Vyacheslava Chernovola, 91 (N 2 km: Trolley 13 to 'Torfiana St').
- 21 Park Na Valakh (Парк "На Валах"), Pidval'na str. (east). There is a 84 Fire Tower.
- 22 Sviatoiurs'kyi park (Святоюрський парк, Сад собору святого Юра, Схил Святоюрської гори,), Lystopadovoho Chynu street, (west).
- 23 Student park (Студентський парк), Sakharova A. akademika str. (2km SW).
- 24 Botanical Garden of L’viv Ivan Franko National University (Ботанічний сад Львівського національного університету ім. І.Франка (стара частина)), Cheremshyny str, (вул. Черемшини), 44 (E 4 km: Tram 2, 10 to 'Pasichna St' walk 600 m south or bus 15, 19, 23, 27, 40, 47A, 50, 117, 138 to 'Tadzhykska St' 200 m), ☏ +380 322 768369, [email protected]. There are 1025 tree and shrub species; 720 natural herbaceous species; 1095 cultural herbaceous species and sorts; 1630 tropical and subtropical species.
- 25 Botanical garden of the Lviv Forestry Engineering Institute (Ботанічний сад Львівського лісотехнічного інституту), Chuprynky T. henerala str (west 4 km: between the streets of Chuprinky (former Pushkina) and Pryrodnoiu - Tram 2 to stop 'Hordynskyh St'). The land area 10.8 ha. There is a flower collection, educational area and a small research farm. Also the collection include about 200 species of trees and shrubs.
- 26 Park Piskovi Ozera (Park Pischani ozera, Парк "Піщані озера"), Hordynskykh str. (west 5 km - Tram 2 to 'Konovaltsia St').
- 27 Kulparkivskyi park (Кульпарківський сквер), ulitsa Evgeniya Konovaltsa, ~111 (west 5.3 km: Tram 2 to 'Konovaltsia St').
- 28 Horikhovyi hai Park (Парк "Горіховий Гай"), Boikivs'ka str. (SW 5 km: Tram 3, 5 to 'Boychuka St').
- 29 Bear Sanctuary Domazhyr, 1 Vedmezhy Krai St, Zhornyska, Yavoriv District (in the Unesco Roztochya Biosphere Reserve), ☏ +380 67 5093058, [email protected]. The sanctuary was built by the animal welfare organisation Four Paws in 2016. The whole area comprises 20 ha and offers guided tours and exhibitions for environmental education.
Buy
[edit]Market
[edit]
- 1 Staryi Lytsar ? Rynok (Ринок Старий лицар), Chornovola V. ave., 67 (north: Trolley 13 to 'Shevchenkivska administratsiya'), ☏ +380 32 2247136.
- 2 Krakivs'kyi (Ринок Краківський), Bazarna str., 11 (west: Tram 6, 7 to stop 'Tserkva Anny' & 0.4 km to north), ☏ +380 32 2338054.
- 3 Pryvokzal'nyi (Ринок "Привокзальний"), Hors'koi A. str., 2 (west: Tram 11 to 'Pryvokzalnyi rynok'), ☏ +380 32 2372134.
- 4 Novyi rynok (Новий ринок), Petliury S. str., 11B (Wwest: Tram 2 to stop 'Konovaltsia St'), ☏ +380 32 2922328.
- 5 Halytskyi market (Галицький базар), Vulitsa Serbska (вулиця Сербська) (Bus 1A, 5А, 6A, 24, 45, 47A to 'Halytska Square').
- 6 Shuvar (Ринок Шувар), Khutorivka str. (вул. Хуторівка), 4A (south ~7 km: Bus 7, 11, 14, 23, 32, 38, 40, 41, 116, 117, 287 to 'Demianska St'), ☏ +380 32 2951919, [email protected].
- 7 Vynnykivs'kyi Market (Ринок Винниківський), Solodova str., 4 (east: Tram 2, 7, 10 or Bus 5А, 15, 18, 29, 36, 39, 47A, 50, 102, 105, 110, 138, 147, 217A to stop 'Oblasna Klinichna Likarnia'), ☏ +380 32 2753457.
- 8 Pidzamche Market (Ринок Підзамче), Khmel'nyts'koho B. str., 120 (Bus 9, 20 to stop 'Novoznesenska St'), ☏ +380 322 522184.
Other stores
[edit]- 9 Foxtrot Electronics Supermarket, Chornovola V. Ave. (просп. В'ячеслава Чорновола), 57 (Bus 1A, 7, 8, 17, 22, 25, 26, 28, 31, 34, 35, 37, 39, 41, 46 to stop 'Shevchenkivska administratsiya'), ☏ +380 322 422 507.
Shopping centre
[edit]- 10 Dobrobut Shopping centre (Торговий центр Добробут), Stara str.(вулиця Стара), 3 (NW: Tram 6, 7 or Bus 1A, 3А, 4А, 5А, 6A, 15, 26, 29, 35, 36, 37, 39, 46, 47A, 50 to stop 'Teatralna Street'), ☏ +380 32 2975614.
- 11 Hypermarket Epicentr (гіпермаркет Епіцентр-2), Vulytsya Bogdana Khmelnitskogo, 188A, (take a bus 9, 19, 20, 25, 35 to stop Bus Station #2), ☏ +380 322 351145.
- 12 Magnus Shopping centre (Торговий центр Магнус), Shpytal'na street (ulitsa Gospitalnaya), 1 (NW: Tram 6, 7 to 'Teatralna St').
- 13 King Cross Leopolis and Auchan Hypermarket (Ашан), Stryiska Str., 30 (south 7 km: Bus 116, 133 to stop 'King Cross Leopolis'), ☏ +380 32 2420580. Auchan
- 14 Sykhivskyi Shopping centre (Торговий центр Сихівський), Sykhivs'ka str., 16A (Bus 13, 16, 19, 23, 37, 38, 40, 41, 46, 47A, 117 or Trolley 25 to 'Ivana Kavaleridze St'), ☏ +380 32 2219127.
Money
[edit]For more information on currency see here
ATMs (known as "bankomats") and currency exchanges ("obmin valyuti") are ubiquitous throughout Lviv, particularly in the city center. Most ATMs will accept Visa and MasterCard. Currency exchanges will often only accept foreign currency in pristine condition. Travellers' checks are not very useful in Lviv; however, there are still a few hotels and banks that will cash them for you.
Credit cards are now widely accepted in many of the city center restaurants, cafes, hotels and some hostels. Also at the main bus station and long distance train station. Surprisingly, lots of small grocery stores now also accept plastic.
Attempting to pay for something inexpensive with a large denomination (50 грн and above) will often at the very least annoy the shopkeeper; salespeople may even refuse to sell to you if you do not have any smaller denominations. Grocery stores and other high-volume shops are an exception to this rule.
- 15 OTP Bank, Teatralne office (OTP Bank, відділення Театральне), Svobody ave.(пр. Свободи), 22 (centre: Tram 6, 7 to 'Teatralna St'), toll-free: +380 800 3000500. M-F 09:00-18:00.
- 16 OTP Bank, Naukova office (OTP Bank, відділення Наукове), Naukova Street (вулиця Наукова), 96-А (SW 3 km), toll-free: +380 800 3000500. M-F 09:00-18:00. And more two units: Str. Ivan Franko, 20; - prospect V. Chornovola, 59
- 17 Raiffeisen Bank Aval, Branch 6 (Райффайзен Банк Аваль, відділення 6), Kopernyka M. str., 14 (west: Tram 1, 2, 10 to stop 'Petra Doroshenka St').
- 18 Raiffeisen Bank Aval, Branch 1 (Райффайзен Банк Аваль, відділення 1), West - Liubins'ka str., 4.
- 19 Raiffeisen Bank Aval, Soborne (Райффайзен Банк Аваль, Соборне відділення), Halyts'ka sq., 14 (Tram 1, 2, 10 to 'Petra Doroshenka St' 400m).
- 20 UniCredit Bank (Ukrsotsbank) (Укрсоцбанк), Politekhnichna str., 2 (Tram 1, 10 to 'Lvivska politekhnika').
- 21 UniCredit Bank (Укрсоцбанк), Mitskevycha A. sq., 10 (Old Town).
Eat
[edit]Budget
[edit]Life in Lviv is very cheap. It's not difficult to find a place where you can have a full meal for 80 грн. The challenge is rather ordering if you don't speak Ukrainian.
- 1 Arsen #2 Supermarket (Супермаркет Арсен N2), Viacheslava Chornovola Ave. (пр-т Черновола), 93 (Northwestern quarter - 'Lviv 700 years old' Park), ☏ +380 32 2976070. M-F 08:00-23:00, Su 09:00-22:00. More units: west 2.5 km ul. Paton, 37, Phone +38 032 2441925, M-F 08:00-23:00, Su 09:00-22:00; southeast 1.5 km ul. Zelenaya, 147, Phone +38 032 2405258, M-F 08:00-23:00, Su 09:00-22:00; south 3 km ul. Kn. Olga, 120, Phone +38 032 2457654 M-F 08:00-23:00, Su 09:00-22:00
- 2 Potato House Fast Food Restaurant (Ресторан Картопляна хата), Chornovola V. ave., 65 (Northwestern quarter - Eldorado Shopping Center), ☏ +380 32 2521975. Restaurant chain.
- 3 McDonald's Restaurant (Ресторан Макдональдз), Chornovola V. Ave., 12 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 297-0414. Restaurant chain. Wi-Fi.
- 4 Bistro (Бістро), Panteleymona Kulisha, 13 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 272-2165.
- 5 Bistro (Бістро), Horodotska str., 11 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 240-3598. Fast Food Chain
- 6 Puzata Hata (Ресторан Пузата хата), Sichovykh Striltsiv Str., 12 (Northwestern quarter - in same building Mini Hostel/Hostel2 Lviv). This fast food chain offers hearty Ukrainian smörgåsbord. Cafeteria-style eatery has a selection of traditional Ukrainian food mixed with some other food found around the area.
- Acropolis Tavern, 44 Rynok Square, ☏ +380 97 550 3311. 09:00-23:00 daily. A Greek casual diner. The staff speak English and may well start dancing, in traditional style, given any amount of encouragement. Gyros and souvlaki for 120 грн.
- 7 Idalnia #1 Gurman (Gourmet), Petra Doroshenka 7 (Tram 2,9, 10 to 'Petra Doroshenka'). They are cooking only from Ukrainian products.
Mid-range
[edit]- 8 Cafe 1, sq. Katedralna 5 (Center- off Rynok Square). A very cosy cafe/casual dining restaurant that offers a varied range of modern cuisine. It has a warm atmosphere with non-smoking and smoking areas plus friendly and thoughtful staff.
- 9 Gutsulsky Dvir (Етно-ресторан "Гуцульський Двір"), 36 Schyretska str. (At Sknylivs'kyi park - SW 5km), ☏ +380 322 952564. One of the most picturesque ethnic restaurants in the city. Ukrainian ethnic cuisine, great atmosphere of wooden restaurant with lots of trees around is a must to visit while staying in L'viv.
- 10 Kavkaz Georgian Restaurant (Ресторан «Кавказ», ПП "КАРРО"), Zelena street (вул. Шота Руставеллі), 2 (Tram 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 to 'Zelena street'). Try harcho soup and fig salad.
- 11 Kupol, Chaikovskogo 37 (Tram 2, 9, 10 to 'Holovna Poshta' - next to L'viv Art Gallery), ☏ +380 32 261-4454. Has a touch of understated Habsburg grandeur. Homestyle quality.
- 12 Museum of Ideas (Музей Ідей), Valova 18A (located in Bernardine monastery cellars). A kind of cultural centre, with hand-made glass souvenirs gallery, exhibition space, sculptures and movie screenings. There's a good small restaurant there and in summer also a beer garden.
- 13 New York Street Pizza, 5, Sichovykh Striltsiv Street (Січових Стрільців) (W 0.5km). More units: 51, Volodymyra Velykogo Str, 37, Patona Str, 4, Stefanyka Str, 36, Generala Chuprynky Str, 5, Tershakovtciv Str, 59, Grushevskogo Str, 1, Valova Str, 51, Chervonoi Kalyny pr, 2, Sv. Teodora pl. Tasty pizza, soups, salads, cakes and beverages.
- 14 Pid Kelpsydroyu café/restaurant (Under Clepsydra), Vir’menska 35 (opp. Dzyga Cultural Centre, you'll see about 15 large tables with patio umbrellas crowding the street). You'll also see the city's sophisticated set sipping Under Clepsydra's famous forest tea. Under Clepsydra has three sections. The indoor café/restaurant inspired by the Parisian brasseries of the left bank has two sections, smoking and non-smoking, that share a soundtrack of classic French jazz and folk music. Upstairs you’ll find the more popular late-night section of the establishment. But what really sets it apart from other Lviv hangouts is the menu. Vegetarian restaurants in Lviv are, well, non-existent, but Under Clepsydra you’ll find a collection of fresh, meat-free dishes made with local ingredients. Potato and mushroom crepes are less than 80 грн, and fresh soups and salads are anywhere between 40-80 грн. Menus are in English. The carnivorous set has plenty of options as well. Few dishes run more than 200 грн, and entrees include duck, pork, grilled chicken, smoked salmon.
- 15 Tsukerna Confectionary, pr. Staroevraiski (Old Town). Viennese-style cake and coffee.
Splurge
[edit]- Amadeus. A broad European and Ukrainian menu in a 5-star environment with 4-star food and 2.5-star prices.
- Viden’ska Kavyarnia (Viennese Café), Svobody Prospect (Next to Opera House). This place has menus in English and English-speaking staff. The Wiener Schnitzel is great, so are all the soups, the breakfasts, the potato pancakes and the Apfelstrudel. A main course 120-160 грн, a three-course meal 240-280 грн.
- Veronica, on the Shevchenko Prospect is both a French style cafe (upstairs) and stylish restaurant downstairs.
Drink
[edit]Cafés
[edit]- Mapa, Halyc'ka 4. (Map), a quiet café with a special atmosphere and tasty Italian coffee. There are three large rooms for visitors: a large room on the first floor, and old-style rooms in the basement.
- Rodzinka Cafe, Lukschy street Anhelovych, 32 (phone=+380 96 274 05 38). Cheap, but very good.
- 1 Pid Synoju Flyazhkoju (Under the Blue Bottle), Ruska 4, ☏ +38 32 294-91-52. 10:00-22:00. Intimate, medieval.
Bars
[edit]- Hasova Lyampa Bar (Kerosene Lamp), Virmenska 20. You’ll most likely see a man dressed in old time regalia pacing in front of the entrance, beckoning people inside. If he’s not there another greeter awaits in the form of a metal statue sitting at a desk with a... you guessed it, lit gas lamp. Once inside you’ll find a spiral staircase ascending up three flights of dining space. Each floor is cozy, candle lit, and decorated with classic gas lamps. Gas Lamp also has one of Lviv’s best patios, in the form of their rooftop dining section. While the entrees are standard, the snacks that go with beer are real standouts. Try the seasoned croutons, chips and a variety of dipping sauces they’re the perfect accompaniment for their wide selection of cold local brews.
- House of Legends Bar, Staroevreyska 48. A bar with small staircase connecting few floors and a roof terrace (great views!), where each room is differently designed around a theme of a Lvivian 'legend'.
- Kriyivka Bar (Hiding Place in Ukrainian). “Slava Ukrayini” - the phrase means ‘Glory to Ukraine,’ and it’s your ticket to this underground, unmarked bar called Kryivka. When you do finally find it, state the password to a man toting a prop vintage machine gun, receive your shot of medovukha, and descend into the cozy wooden dining room you’ll be glad you took the time to find. This Ukrainian Independence themed bar is decorated with artifacts from Ukraine’s valiant struggle to stay autonomous - with guns, maps and posters lining the walls. You’ll also notice the names of dishes on the English menu harken back to a military tradition stretching back to the Austrian Empire. Culinary highlights include a half-metre long sausage, pickles soaked in honey and savory vereniky. There is also a bit of theatre during a dinner at Kryivka. If you’re lucky, a “Russian spy” may have snuck in to the restaurant and the brave staff will turn off the lights, grab a flashlight, root out this spy and serve him a healthy portion of justice. Once the intruder has been detached, celebratory live music erupts in the basement venue and locals burst into traditional songs of freedom.
- Masoch Café/Bar, Serbska 7. A place where you get whipped by the bar staff. Yes, seriously.
- Robert Doms Beer House, Kleparivs'ka 18. Follow the tree lined street of Kleparivska as it winds up and down hills until you reach the easy to spot entrance of this beer hall and concert venue. It’s attached to the Lvivske Brewery. Depending on the nights festivities you may have to pay a small cover charge, but it’s well worth it, as early evening acts often include international Jazz bands, and late evening events often fall into the feverish dance music category. Descend a flight of stairs past a little merchandise stand to the cavernous first room. Sit down at a long beer garten style table and order a giant stein of the Lvivske beer. The name, Robert Doms comes from the man who founded the brewery in 1715 (also the name of their signature brew). The underground location and stone walls give Robert Doms Beer House great acoustics and an intimate feel. Or, if you’re not in the mood for music, head to the adjoining Austrian style pub room. Plush, wooden and well lit, this is a great place to watch a game of football with friends as the giant TV at the end of the room has a habit of sucking in people's attention.
- Kumpel beer restaurant, Vynnychenka 6 (on Mytna square). Mini-brewery.
- Franz Josef The twilight zone. 24-hour outdoor freak show. See the local intelligentsia acting rather unintelligent.
- Dublin Irish Pub, Kryva Lypa 5, ☏ +380 322 616171. M-Th 12:00-00:00, F Sa 12:00-02:00. In the busy courtyard just off Doroshenka St. The name is written in Cyrillic as well as Latin. Staff do not speak English but the menu is in English. Live soccer on TV.
- Korzo Irish Pub, Brativ Rohatinskiv street (off the main Rynok). Though it may sometimes seem like it, not every bar or restaurant in Lviv has some kind of theme or hook, and Korzo Pub is one of these places. - Nothing too fancy here, just an oak bar, brass taps and well worn tables that have eavesdropped on hundreds of conversations, arguments and romantic encounters. Korzo also has a great selection of international spirits, so if you’re the kind of person who needs a shot of tequila to get the night going, this is your place. As the beer flows, you might want to try the fish soup, hearty and robust, locals say it is the perfect ballast to prevent a hangover the next morning. If quenching your thirst on a sunny afternoon of exploring is your goal, Korzo has one of Lviv’s largest patios.
Clubs
[edit]The club scene in Lviv is thriving; with many options ranging from the cavernous clubs Metro and Millenium to the intimate and upmarket Zanzibar. There are usually entry charges but drink prices more than make up for this. In most clubs you are able to buy bottles of vodka for a reasonable price and simply chill at a table all evening.
- Fashion Club, Ivana Pidkovy Square, 1, ☏ +380 67 374 4491. Open 24 hours. Bizarre nouveau riche.
- Club Metro disco (Нічний клуб), Zelena 14 (outskirts of the centre), ☏ +380 32 242-0788. Metro isn’t the easiest place to spot during the day, but at night, just follow the hordes of fabulously dressed young people as they make their way there. Entrance will probably set you back about 120 грн and once inside the first thing you’ll see is a large disco. A raised platform in the centre of the dance floor features male and female go-go dancers (and any brave customers who decide to join them on stage). A bar opposite provides local beers, vodka and champagne. For a change of pace, head downstairs where you’ll find two more bars. One serves the techno and house room, the other the lounge, private rooms and the hip hop dance floor. To cool off from all of the dancing, hit the giant upstairs patio with its heat lamps during winter and umbrellas for those rainy Lviv nights.
- Pozitiff, 14 Zelena St., ☏ +380 32 294905. If you’ve been to Metro Club you may have noticed a long line of locals trying to gain access to Pozitiff. This place is not easy to get into, and there are no guarantees that your money, passport or even begging can ensure you gain entrance. It’s all the bouncers call. Your best bet is to arrive with a small group of the most attractive people you can find. At this point the door man will either let you in, or not. If he does you’ll have negotiate an entrance fee. This cover charge usually depends on how cool and attractive your group is: The better-looking, the lower the fee. Expect to pay close to 240 грн for entrance. As entrance is so difficult, some patrons make the most of their trial, floating through the bar mingling, chatting and flirting. Others, displaying the icy confidence that got them in in the first place simply recline in their booth and radiate cool. No matter how you choose to play this one you’ll find enough friendly professionals to chat with and if you need to check your email, the Internet café section remains operational even into the wee hours of a rocking party.
Sleep
[edit]Lviv has a variety of hotels, hostels and apartments to suit all budgets and needs. The best deals for budget travellers (2-3 people) are found with the lovely apartments for rent all over town. These can be found online (preferably in Russian) or on arrival at the train station. Expect to pay around 6,000-8,000 грн/month for a nice studio apartment with a kitchen, TV and a nice warm-water bathroom.
Budget
[edit]The hostel scene is quite new in L'viv so be sure to check reviews of hostels using well known booking agents and forums.
- 1 Cats' house hostel, 20 ulitsa Saksaganskogo, apt. 4 (Second Floor) - вул. Саксаганського, 20, кв. 4 (south: Tram 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 to 'Zelena St'), ☏ +380 93 483-7665, [email protected]. 24/7. Check-in: 12:00. 20 beds, 24 hour reception, English, Ukrainian, Russian speaking staff, free Wi-Fi, tea, coffee, breakfast, bed linen, towels, slippers included, washing machine, library, tourist assistance – information, maps, luggage storage. Hostel is in the old Austrian house in the middle of the city near tram and bus stop. From 240 грн.
- 2 Central Square Hostel, 5 Rynok Square (Old Town), ☏ +380 95 225 66-54, [email protected]. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 11:30. Cozy hostel in the heart of the city - 18 beds, English, Polish, Russian speaking staff, free Wi-Fi, tourist information, free maps, coffee & tea, linens & towels included, washing machine. Also will show you the city. Bed in dorm 95 грн, double room 350 грн.
- 3 Coffee Home Hostel, Ulitsa Teatral'naya, 10 (Old Town), ☏ +380 63 3419594, [email protected]. Check-out: 11:00. Next to main square. Chamber hostel — 20 beds, English, Spanish, Russian speaking staff, free Wi-Fi, touristic information, free maps, breakfast, coffee & tea, linens & towels included, laundry. Coffee interior style. From 320 грн.
- 4 The Georgehouse Hostel, Ustyjanovycha (вулиця Устияновича), 8 (West - Tram 1, 10 to 'Lvivska politekhnika'), ☏ +380 50 4306454, [email protected]. Check-out: 11:00. 4-bed and 8-bed mixed dormitories, free Wi-Fi, maps, breakfast, linens & towels included, modern colourful design. Free bed on your birthday (with minimum stay two nights). From 95 грн.
- 5 Hostel Centrum, Sichovykh Striltsiv St.,(вулиця Січових Стрільців) 12, Ap. 16 (West - Tram 1, 2, 10 to 'Petra Doroshenka St'), ☏ +380 97 9315628, [email protected]. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 11:00. Close to the Opera House and the main square. Free wi-fi, maps, coffee, tea, and free pub crawls. From 200 грн.
- Hostel TSisar Bankir (Хостел Цісар Банкір), Khmel'nyts'koho B. str., 23 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2255627, +380 67 6725076.
Mid-range
[edit]- Arho Hotel (Готель Арго), Shevchenka T. str., 186 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2333248, +380 32 2986451.
- Trial Hotel (Готель Тріал), Zamarstynivska Str., 122 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2520388.
- Gerold Hotel (Готель Герольд), Pancha P. str., 7 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2455431, +380 32 2455432. Check-in: 14:00. Stone-and-wood hotel. Restaurant on premises.
- 6 Vlasta Hotel (Готель Власта), Kleparivska str., 30 (Northwestern quarter opposite Stadium SKA), ☏ +380 32 2455432, +380 32 233-34-27.
- Kupava deluxe Hotel (Готель Купава), Komarova Str., 17 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2450345, +380 32 2450567.
- Electron Hotel (Готель Електрон), Kvitky-Osnovyanenka H., 4 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2335044.
- Prestige Hotel (Готель Престиж), Yaroslava Mudroho Str.,33 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2444179, +380 32 2444178, +380 97 8488978.
- Irena Hotel (Готель Ірена), Storozhenka O. Str.,21 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2395894.
- Hotel Lviv (Готель Львів), Chornovola V. Ave., 7 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2423270.
- TSisar Hotel (Готель Цісар), Kotliarska Str.,3 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2358228, +380 96 3723232.
- 7 Staryi Krakiv Hotel (Готель Старий Краків), Shpytalna str.,21 (In the historic center), ☏ +380 32 2971630. A comfortable mini-hotel in a renovated three-storey mansion. Single, double and triple rooms. Cosy cafe on the ground floor.
- Kyiv Hotel (Готель Київ), Horodots'ka Str.,15 (Northwestern quarter), ☏ +380 32 2728571.
- Hotel George (Жорж), Pl. Mickiewicz 1, ☏ +380 32 2725952. Only some rooms have private bathrooms (from 2,920 грн). From 1,520 грн.
- Hotel NTON (Готель НТОН), Shevchenka St., 154b (вул.Шевченка 154б) (North-West 3 km from the downtown), ☏ +380 32 233 31 23, [email protected]. Hotel NTON has been in operation since 2001. Offers more than 70 modern comfortable rooms equipped with phones, TV-sat, showers and bathrooms, air conditioning, hairdryers, refrigerators with mini-bars. Hot & cold water is around a clock, heating is autonomous. Services include restaurant, guarded parking place, 4 conference halls, business center and free wireless Internet. The hotel transfer service brings you to the hotel and any destination point in the downtown or behind the city at any time. Moreover the hotel also has fitness complex 'Pharaoh' (offering pharaonic massage, fitness gym, solarium, sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, IR-sweating). From 1,120 грн.
- Hotel Volter (Готель Волтер), Lypynskoho 60a (3 km from the downtown), ☏ +380 32 294 88 88, [email protected]. Offers 56 comfortable rooms of different categories, namely, standard, superior, semi-suite, Deluxe suite, equipped according to modern norms and standards. Includes round-the-clock hot and cold water supply, installed independent heating system, satellite television, telephone, hair-drier and mini-safe in each room. The restaurant's staff is available round-the-clock. From 1,320 грн.
- Optima Dworzec Lviv (Optima Дворжец Львів), 107 Horodotska Street, ☏ +380 322425126, +380 672193863, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From 1,428 грн.
- Optima Collection Medievale Lviv (Optima Collection Медiваль Львiв), 9 Drukarska Street, ☏ +380 322425133, +380 672196255, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From 1,547 грн.
- Optima Collection Mural Lviv (Optima Collection Мурал Львів), 3 Vesela Street, ☏ +380 322421001, +380 672381629, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From 1,510 грн.
- Wien Hotel (Готель «Відень»), 12 Svobody Avenue, ☏ +380 972444314, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From 1,520 грн.
- ibis Styles Lviv Center, 3 Shukhevycha Street, ☏ +380 322546767, [email protected]. From 1,810 грн.
- ibis Lviv Center, 23A Franka Street, ☏ +380 322267900, [email protected]. From 1,564 грн.
- Hotel Chopin (Готель «Шопен»), 7 Malaniuka Square, ☏ +380 972227330, [email protected]. Four-star hotel. Knightly and romantic style architectural elements and decorations of the facade structure inherent to an eclectic style that prevailed at the 19th and 20th centuries in building cities of Austria-Hungary. From 1,025 грн.
- Swiss Hotel (Готель «Швейцарський»), 20 Knyazya Romana Street, ☏ +380 322403777, +380 962403777, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From 1,680 грн.
- Luxury Boutique Andreevskiy, 112 Levytskoho Street, ☏ +380 637707055, +380 958324061, +380 322752035, [email protected]. From 1,550 грн.
- Eney Hotel (Готель «Еней»), 2 Shimzeriv street, ☏ +380 685024120, [email protected]. From 1,800 грн.
Splurge
[edit]- Premier Hotel Dnister, 6 Mateyka Street, ☏ +380 322974305, +380 322974306, +380 322974317, +380 676736705, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. From 2,588 грн.
- Park-hotel “Drevny Grad” (Парк-готель «Древній Град»), Kyiv highway 7-th km, ☏ +380 672127144, [email protected]. From 2,200 грн.
- Leopolis Hotel (Готель «Леополіс»), 16 Teatralna Street, ☏ +380 322959500, +380 503713937, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Prestigious Leopolis Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of the city centre. From 4,900 грн.
- Grand Hotel Lviv, 13 Svobody Avenue, ☏ +380 931714855, [email protected]. From 5,600 грн.
- Citadel Inn, 11 Hrabovskoho Street, ☏ +380 507320202, +380 504311054, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel is in an ancient building of an old citadel. In the very building where the guests sleep, Germans murdered tens of thousands of Soviet prisoners of war and others during World War II. From 5,500 грн.
- Best Western Plus Market Square Lviv, 4 Shevska Street, ☏ +380 322462344. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From 2,087 грн.
- Gruner Lviv Boutique Hotel, 5 Hryhorenka Square, ☏ +380 501446060, [email protected]. Might be unavailable
- Ramada by Wyndham Lviv, 2A Yavorivska Street, ☏ +380 322430010. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From 2,400 грн.
- Lion's Castle Hotel (Готель Замок Лева), 7-9 Hlinky Street, ☏ +380 673861220, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From 3,100 грн.
Connect
[edit]The dialing code for Lviv is +380 32(2). The telephone system has been modified; thus, to dial 6-digit numbers, use the city prefix 322, but for 7-digit numbers, use only 32.
All calls to and from cell phones are treated as long distance calls. The telephone system was modified one more time, thus, you must not dial an 8 followed by the city/mobile prefix, followed by the phone number. Some frequent mobile prefixes are 050, 067, 066, 096, and 097. The main mobile operators are Kyivstar, MTS, and Life. You can buy a SIM card or a balance replenishment card at many stores throughout Lviv.
Internet cafes are plentiful. Centrally located is Chorna Medeia on Kryva Lypa.
Almost all restaurants and cafes provide free Wi-Fi, staff will typically provide a password on request.
- 9 UKRPoshta (Main Post Office) (УКРпошта (Поштамт,Головна пошта)), Str. Slovats'koho YU.(Вулиця Словацького), 1, ☏ +380 32 2615321.
- No.20 post-office (20 поштове відділення), Varshavska str., 54. (NW), ☏ +380 32 252-3441.
- No.19 post-office (19 поштове відділення), Zamarstynivska Str., 30 (NW), ☏ +380 32 2724918.
- No.7 post-office (7 поштове відділення), Hrebinky Y.E. Str., 6 (NW).
Consulates
[edit]- Consulates-General
1 Consulate-General of Czech Republic (Генеральне консульство Чехії), Antonovycha V. str., 130, ☏ +38(032)-297-68-93, fax: +38(032)-297-68-96, [email protected].
2 Consulate-General of Poland (Генеральне консульство Польщі), Franka I. str., 108, ☏ +38(032)-295-79-90, fax: +38(032)-295-79-80, [email protected]. M-F 08:30 - 16:30.
- Honorary consulates
3 Honorary consulate of Austria (Почесне консульство Австрії), Henerala Chuprynky str., 6, office 1, ☏ +38(032)-242-96-96, fax: +38(032)-242-96-95, [email protected]. M-F 09:00 - 18:00.
4 Honorary consulate of Belarus (Почесне консульство Білорусі), Heroiv UPA str., 78, ☏ +38(032)-290-15-27, fax: +38(032)-227-42-07, [email protected].
5 Honorary consulate of Belgium (Почесне консульство Бельгії), Franka I. str., 14, ☏ +38(032)-260-20-69, [email protected]. M-F 10:00 - 18:00.
6 Honorary consulate of Brazil (Почесне консульство Бразилії), Kniagyni Olhy str., 116, ☏ +38(032)-224-43-83, [email protected]. M-Th 10:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 16:00.
7 Honorary consulate of Bulgaria (Почесне консульство Болгарії), Krushelnytskoi S. str., 2, ☏ +38(032)-261-36-13, fax: +38(032)-261-36-10, [email protected]. M-F 09:00 - 18:00.
8 Honorary consulate of Canada (Почесне консульство Канади), Akademika Bohomoltsia str., 2, office 4, ☏ +38(032)-260-15-72, fax: +38(032)-260-11-54, [email protected]. M W-F 14:00 - 18:00, Tu 09:00 - 13:00.
9 Honorary consulate of France (Почесне консульство Франції), Chaikovskoho P. str., 20, ☏ +38(032)-261-55-99, fax: +38(032)-261-55-99, [email protected]. M-F 10:00 - 18:00.
10 Honorary consulate of Germany (Почесне консульство Німеччини), Vynnychenka V. str., 6, ☏ +38(032)-275-71-02, fax: +38(032)-275-71-02, [email protected].
11 Honorary consulate of Hungary (Почесне консульство Угорщини), Kniagyni Olhy str., 116, ☏ +38(032)-230-40-67, fax: +38(032)-224-44-21, [email protected].
12 Honorary consulate of Israel (Почесне консульство Ізраїлю), Hazova str., 36/3, ☏ +38(032)-253-09-43, fax: +38(032)-236-72-38, [email protected]. M-F 09:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 18:00.
13 Honorary consulate of Kazakhstan (Почесне консульство Казахстану), Zamknena str., 3/1, ☏ +38(032)-240-36-70, [email protected]. M-F 09:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00.
14 Honorary consulate of Latvia (Почесне консульство Латвії), Chornovola V. ave., 57, ☏ +38(032)-430-23-37, fax: +38(032)-294-82-23, [email protected]. M-F 09:00 - 17:00.
15 Honorary consulate of Lithuania (Почесне консульство Литви), Heroiv UPA str., 72, ☏ +38(032)-298-89-35, [email protected].
16 Honorary consulate of Moldova (Почесне консульство Молдови), Konovaltsia Ye. str., 54, ☏ +38(032)-295-34-19, [email protected]. M-F 10:00 - 17:00.
17 Honorary consulate of the Netherlands (Почесне консульство Нідерландів), Vynnychenka V. str., 12, ☏ +38(032)-297-19-06, [email protected]. M-F 10:00 - 18:00.
18 Honorary consulate of South Korea (Почесне консульство Південної Кореї), Lypynskoho str., 36, ☏ +38(032)-242-44-33, fax: +38(032)-294-89-94, [email protected]. M-F 10:00 - 18:00.
Stay safe
[edit]Ukrainian cities are not dangerous, though a bit more precaution is required. Common tricks include impersonating a police officer. In doubt ask an officer or tell him you're not following him. The first thing they try is to get you out of the tourists places in to areas where they can 'acquire' a fine.
Open robbery happens less as the risks are bigger. However, pick-pockets operate in the historical center, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Cope
[edit]It can be very helpful to learn some Ukrainian before visiting, or at least the Cyrillic alphabet. Everyone can also read, speak and write in Russian, although they'd appreciate that you learnt a few basic phrases in Ukrainian as well. German and, especially, Polish (as Lviv used to part of Poland) is spoken well among people with mature memories of the interwar era. Especially if you speak Polish surviving in Lviv shouldn't be a problem, as many people understand it since it's quite close to Ukrainian.
People selling you tickets at the train station might not speak anything other than Ukrainian or Russian and may not have any patience or sympathy for you. Queues in Ukraine tend to be a chaotic mess, especially at stations. Assert your place with an elbow and mean stare, because everyone else will, including the 15 babushki pushing you to the side. Make sure you get in the line for foreigners when you want to buy train tickets. The cashier might not speak English, but if you know the details of the train you want, just write them down!
Go next
[edit]- Kyiv
- Odesa
- The Carpathian Mountains and their accompanying ski resorts are good for a day trip
- Lutsk
- Rivne
- Transylvania, Romania: To go south, take a bus to Chernivtsi (a bumpy 6½- hour ride, or you can take one of overnight trains). Near Chernivtsi, you can visit the lovely Kamianets-Podilskyi with its ancient castle. The bus to Suceava takes around 4 hours with border formalities. The buses from Suceava to Bacau and finally to Braşov take about 4 hours apiece on very bumpy roads.