Backpacking Ukraine | best places to go

Visit Ukraine

Embrace the charm of Ukraine, a backpacker's haven blending rich history, diverse landscapes, and budget-friendly experiences. Pros? Explore historic cities, picturesque Carpathian mountains, and enjoy an affordable cost of living. Ukraine offers a unique blend of Eastern European cultures. However, language barriers can be a challenge, and infrastructure may vary. For the intrepid traveler, Ukraine stands out as an affordable and culturally rich destination, where the warmth of locals and the blend of old-world charm and modern vitality create an off-the-beaten-path adventure waiting to be discovered.

Best known for:Known for: backpackers | uniqueness | cheap
Best time to visit: April - June, September - October

Safety warning

The current risk level for Ukraine is high. Check the advice before going.

Why to go?
Why backpacking in Ukraine

Backpackers

The backpacker scene in Ukraine is relatively small but growing in popularity. Backpackers are drawn to the country for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and affordable prices. The main backpacker hubs are in the major cities such as Kyiv, …

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Uniqueness

Exploring Ukraine offers a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. From the charming cobblestone streets and colorful architecture of Lviv to the ancient castles and churches of …

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Cheap

The average costs for backpacking in Ukraine can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. Accommodation in hostels or budget hotels can range from $5 to $20 per night, while a meal at a local restaurant can cost between $5 to …

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Food

The food in Ukraine is so good because of its rich and diverse culinary traditions. Ukrainian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s agricultural heritage, with an abundance of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The fertile soil and …

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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Ukraine

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: Visit the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster and witness the eerie abandoned city of Pripyat.
Kyiv: Explore the vibrant capital city of Ukraine, known for its stunning architecture, lively street art scene, and rich history.
Carpathian Mountains: Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, perfect for hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting.
Odesa: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal city, famous for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and stunning architecture.
Lviv: Immerse yourself in the charm of Lviv, a city with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful old town, and delicious food and coffee culture.

But Ukraine offers more...

🌆 Cities: Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa

🎎 Festivals: Atlas Weekend, Gogolfest, Holi Festival, Koktebel Jazz Festival, Odessa International Film Festival

🏔️ Hikes: Carpathian Mountains, Dovbush Rocks, Hoverla, Kamianets-Podilskyi Canyon, Sofiyivka Park

🏞️ National parks: Azov-Syvash National Nature Park, Carpathian National Nature Park, Mezynsky, Oleshky Sands National Nature Park, Shatsky National Nature Park

🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Ukraine

The best time to visit Ukraine for backpacking is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices. Additionally, the landscapes are vibrant and beautiful during these seasons, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring Ukraine's natural beauty.JANFEBMARJULAUGNOVDEC

detailed advice per month

Risk level: high (100%)
Safety advice for Ukraine

We continue to advise do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. There is a risk to life. If you're currently in Ukraine, we urge you to depart if it's safe to do so.

The U.S Embassy in Ukraine issued a security alert on 21 August, assessing that there's an increased risk of both nighttime and daytime Russian drone and missile attacks throughout Ukraine in connection with Ukraine's Independence Day on 24 August. If you hear a loud explosion or sirens are activated, seek shelter in a hardened structure away from windows. Be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Russian strikes in Ukraine pose a continued threat to civilians and civilian infrastructure. Russian actions also pose a threat to Ukraine's active nuclear power plants, with particular concern for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Several towns and cities in southern and eastern Ukraine are temporarily under Russian control. The security situation continues to be volatile. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities.

There have been civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted. Your safety is at the highest risk if you engage in active combat. For more information on what to do if you're caught in armed conflict, see our general advice: 'There's an armed conflict'.

A nationwide state of emergency is in place, and martial law has been imposed. Other local restrictions may be implemented with little warning. Check the measures in place in your location, as they may vary from region to region and follow the instructions of the local Ukrainian authorities.

If you hear a loud explosion or sirens are activated, seek shelter in a hardened structure away from windows. In some cities, subway stations may be available as shelters. Ensure you have an adequate supply of basic food, water and medications. Have a list of emergency contacts on you. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Follow the advice of Ukrainian authorities and avoid areas where military forces are gathered.

Where it's safe to do so, you should depart Ukraine. You need to carefully consider the safest departure options. Make contingency plans for how and when you're going to leave Ukraine. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or be damaged. Confirm the entry requirements of the destination to which you are travelling. Expect disruption to travel and changes at short notice. Ensure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication, and fuel. Keep your travel documents up to date, including for your immediate family. Continue to review your personal security plans. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk.

If you have significant concerns for your welfare or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

source: smartraveller.gov.au

source: www.gov.uk

Ukraine
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Ukraine sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.

Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.

Lonely Planet

Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Ukraine. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Ukraine may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.

Check visa requirements for Ukraine

Check vaccination requirement for Ukraine

Get your travel insurance

Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Ukraine, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.

Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.

Hostelworld

Expedia

My personal packing list 🎒
author

Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.

Money & Documents
Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies)
Passport photographs
Credit and debit cards (on world profile)
Cash (US$ or €)
Money belt
Vaccination proofs

Clothing
Light, quick-dry clothing
No jeans, too heavy
Ultralight rain/wind jacket
Thermo underwear
Quick-dry towel
Sunglasses

Electronics
Mobile phone + charger
Power bank
Travel adapter
Local sim card (buy it on arrival)

Health
Toothbrush
Deo
Sunscreen, lips sunburn
Anti-diarrhea
Paracetamol
Blister plasters
Anti-mosquito (DEET)
Toilet paper
Nail scissors

Others
Small number lock
Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes)
Card game(!)
Ear plugs
Travel pillow