Lviv where to go in the evening. See everything: Lviv in one day. Funny monuments to Picasso and a backpack
Coming to this city feels like coming home: hiding under a blanket on a cozy terrace, drinking a cup of that same coffee, trying a new type of liqueur, kicking your feet on the paving stones and deeply inhaling the aroma of hoary antiquity and freedom. Lviv may evoke different emotions, but it will definitely not leave you indifferent. In this great guide we will go through the main attractions of the most beautiful city in Ukraine.
Beautiful places in Lviv: main observation decks
High Castle
You haven't seen the Lions unless you look at them from above. The old city looks amazing from this observation deck. The only thing that can scare you is the rather long climb up the mountain. But you will definitely be rewarded with incredible panoramas of this city. Note that currently there is a relay tower and a television center on the mountain, which are visible from absolutely anywhere in Lviv, so finding the High Castle will not be difficult.
Where: Vysokyi Zamok Street, 1 (coordinates: 49°50"53.5""N, 24°2"20.82""E)
Tower of the Church of Olga and Elizabeth
This church, which is located very close to the central station, is worth visiting if only to admire its fantastic Gothic architecture. The panorama of the city from its towers is also beautiful, and if you’re lucky, you can enjoy it completely alone, because the church is a little distant from the noisy center and many tourists simply don’t get to it.. But in vain: the Church of Olga and Elizabeth is the highest building in Lviv (more than 85 meters). Yes, and the towers make for cool photos.
Where: pl. Kropyvnytskyi, 1
Mount Leva or Bald Mountain
If you still decide to climb the High Castle, you will definitely see another mountain. It has a very steep sandy cliff, and at the top there is a cross. Tourists also rarely get to this place, but you can talk endlessly about the legends associated with it. If you are interested in unusual places in Lviv, then Lysaya Gora is what you need. Once upon a time there was a castle here; after its destruction, gypsies lived on the mountain, and then witches began to come here to conduct rituals and Sabbaths. There is still a belief that women who are unable to conceive a child must climb to the cross on the mountain.
Where: near the High Castle
Town Hall observation deck
To see the heart of Lviv from above, you will need to walk more than four hundred steps. The observation deck of the Town Hall is the most central and popular place among tourists, so keep in mind that you will have to fight for beautiful shots at the top. But the view from the Town Hall is truly cosmic: all these old houses, streets, cafes... The city literally lies in the palm of your hand. Please note that the entrance ticket is paid: a ticket for adults costs about hryvnia.
Where: Market Square, 1
Summer terraces of the House of Legends and Kryivka cafes
The sights of Lviv are not only castles, churches, cathedrals and other buildings with unique ancient architecture. Many come here to visit dozens of conceptual cafes, which have no analogues in Europe. These are the two we are talking about. Be sure to order a cup of specialty coffee and go up to the summer terraces of the “House of Legends” and “Kryivka”. You will be treated to a view that is irresistible! Moreover, our offer is relevant even if you don’t know where to go in Lviv in winter: such roof terraces are open all year round.
Where: “House of Legends” (Staroevreiska, 48) and “Kryivka” (Rynok Square, 14)
Sights of Lviv with photos and descriptions: cathedrals
Armenian Cathedral
Once upon a time there was an Armenian quarter here, and the cathedral was its heart. The building is very unusual; its main characteristic feature is three courtyards, which are interconnected and connect the cathedral buildings. This place has some inexplicable, magical power. It is impossible to take your eyes off the mosaic vault, ancient Armenian paintings and the perfectly preserved bell tower.
Where: Virmenska, 7
Latin Cathedral
This cathedral was destined to go through a lot in its lifetime. It began to be built in the Gothic style, and was eventually completed with obvious Baroque elements. It’s worth coming here if only to immerse yourself in this world of stunning icons that fascinate. There are fantastic stained glass windows and sculptures, and be sure to listen to the organ. Read more about other historical places in Lviv.
Where: pl. Catedralna, 1
The main attractions of Lviv: parks
Stryisky Park
You should definitely take a look at this park, because it is quite rightly the most beautiful not only in Lviv, but throughout Western Ukraine. You won't be bored here: feed the swans and squirrels, ride bicycles, admiring the numerous fountains and ponds. This is also a place where you can easily get lost, so take note: for fresh air, come here.
Where: Striyska street
Shevchenkovsky district
This is an open air museum. Very colorful, beautiful, detailed. It is noticeable that both the interior and exterior of the huts here were created with special pedantry. In addition to the living quarters, you can look into the stables, tyn, see wells and wooden bridges. And all this is in harmony with the landscape of the Carpathians. The museum is not static, it is actively living. Sheep graze here, exhibitions are updated, and thematic performances are constantly held. Moreover, entrance to the museum is very cheap: a couple of hryvnias.
Where: Chernecha Gora street, 1
Lychakiv Cemetery
It's not that this place is romantic, and certainly not a park. But, following the European culture, people really come here to stroll and enjoy the architecture of ancient sculptures and ancient chapels. Many famous people and nobility are buried at the Lychakiv cemetery. A great place to think, get inspired, collect your thoughts. See photos of Lviv sights below.
Where: Mechnikova, 33
Where to go in Lviv: curious streets and courtyards
Italian courtyard
If you want to temporarily plunge into the atmosphere of a harmonious, small Italy, then this is the place for you. The courtyard is located in the very heart of the old city, so spending half an hour on it will not be a shame if you are limited in time. Here you can listen to live jazz with a cup of good coffee.
Where: pl. Market, 6.
Directions Crooked Linden
This street is very short. but incredibly colorful. To get to this passage, you need to go for a walk on Svobody Avenue, and then turn into one of the many courtyards. You will immediately notice the old linden tree, which is no less than one hundred and fifty years old. The bench near the linden tree is intended for couples in love. Stop for a cup of coffee in one of the conceptual cafes or coffee shops located here.
Where: Crooked Linden passage
Yard of Lost Toys
There is so much to see here: car wheels, antique radios, paintings, and a portrait of Bandera. But this is just a background for dozens, even hundreds of toys. Old, shabby, sad, abandoned, forgotten. There are a lot of them here, and the courtyard looks, in our opinion, creepy: all these dolls with empty eyes... The place evokes nostalgia, because almost all the toys come from the USSR.
Where: Prince Leva Street, 3
Since we’re talking about the Soviet Union, being in the area of Prince Leva Street, you can’t help but look into another nice place. At the entrance to the courtyard you will meet a sad Putin, who will clearly explain who the real Maskal is. And here is Comrade Stalin, looking gloomily from under his thick eyebrows. In general, for a complete picture of emotions and impressions about Lviv, take a look!
Where: Prince Lev, 2
Courtyard on Rynok Square, 13
You will definitely be on Market Square, as this is the central place of the city. As we have already said, here it is worth looking into the Italian courtyard, going up to the summer terrace of the Kryivka concept restaurant, and also seeing Lviv from the height of the City Hall tower. And you can’t help but look into the courtyard at 13 Rynok Square. In the creative space “Shchos Tsikave” they sell amazing handmade items. Contemporary Polish and Ukrainian artists also exhibit here. Concerts, exhibitions, meetings, theme nights... It's all here.
City Arsenal
An incredibly large collection of firearms and bladed weapons from completely different periods of time is stored here. Here you will find cannons, two-handed European swords, Arab sabers, and armor. The arsenal building, as expected, is surrounded by a moat and equipped with special loophole windows. Very atmospheric. And it’s delicious: after all, on the lower level of this place there is a food market where you can have a snack. The food here is authentic and always fresh. Amazing grilled ribs are prepared on the summer terrace.
Where: Pidvalna street, 5
Addresses of Lviv attractions: theaters
Courtyard of the Theater for Young Spectators
This place will impress not only young but also adult visitors. If you like a riot of colors and arthouse, then be sure to check it out. At one time, the employees of this theater decided to collect a small collection of props here. They dressed up the dolls and arranged them in a unique way. This psychedelic composition was complemented by drawings by artists from Bulgaria. In general, it all looks cooler than some museums of modern art.
Where: Gnatyuka, 11
Lviv Opera House
Certainly one of the main attractions of the city. World famous opera singers have appeared on the stage of this theater. In order to enjoy the theater’s interiors, you don’t have to buy a ticket for the production: you can simply book a tour. True, such pleasure is not cheap: from ten dollars per person. When you are near the theater, be sure to check out the fair: this is one of the best options for what to see in Lviv in winter. After all, they sell delicious Christmas mulled wine, gingerbread, baked apples and other delights of any similar European fair. Yes, and if it gets cold: return to the theater: on the right side in its basement there is an unreal cafe “Left Bank”. There, an underground river flows for you, and you can try on theatrical costumes. And of course, warm up with hot beer with honey and spices.
Where: Svobody Ave., 28
Gastronomic attractions of Lviv
Coffee shops
"Under the blue dance." A place with an atmosphere that cannot be expressed in words: you just have to look here. For a minute it will seem to you that time has stopped. You will be walking in the area of Rynok Square and accidentally turn into an inconspicuous courtyard. And silence... Only drops are dripping from the roofs, and a blue light is burning in the slightly open door of this small Austrian kneipp. We won't be wrong if we say that this place has some of the best coffee in the city. The recipes are already decades old, they have all been tested by different generations. Feel free to order spectacular coffee with fire. This is not a place where you can eat: there is practically no kitchen here, so you come here specifically for coffee and liqueurs. Keep in mind that there are very few tables in Kneipp, and at some times it is impossible to get here.
Where: Ruska street, 4
"Lviv kava pit". Another place that is simply a must visit. It’s true, you can’t come to Lviv and not look into this legendary coffee shop! In addition to the coffee shop itself, there is an original coffee mine (yes, you read that right) and a bookshop. Try the signature tincture and learn about the history of coffee, because the history of Lviv without this drink is unthinkable.
Where: Market Square, 10
“Lviv chocolate workshop.” This place attracts like a magnet: as they say, follow the smell. And the master has an amazing property: as soon as you come here, time ceases to exist. You won’t even notice how you’ll be hovering over the counters with chocolate and a cup of coffee for an hour or two. There is an incredible number of types of handmade sweets, as well as figured chocolate. Don't miss the summer terrace on the top floor of the building.
Where: Serbska, 3/ Sichovykh Striltsiv, 5
Restaurants and kneipps
"Kryivka". Can you imagine the line in a cafe with 70-100 people? In winter, with decent frost. And everyone stands, waits patiently, although the last ones will have their turn at least in a few hours. Yes, yes, all this is about the most visited establishment in Western Ukraine. About two million people vacation in “Kryivka” every year, think about this figure! The cafe is known for being stylized as a UPA dugout. The establishment has no sign, and there is a security guard on duty at the entrance, who needs to prove that you are not a maskal. In general, you can talk about this place endlessly, just take a look.
Where: Rynok Square, 14.
Mons Pius. We adore this place for the best steaks in Lviv, which you should definitely order beer from the establishment’s own brewery. Here you can’t help but notice the medieval, slightly gloomy, but at the same time very cozy interior. In summer, there is an incredibly cozy terrace: the best option for an evening in an ancient courtyard.
Where: L. Ukrainki street, 14
"Masoch." This is a place you will tell your friends about with emotion! Each waiter in the cafe also has a leather whip, the blows of which can be quite painful. But the concept of the place is simply unique: after all, Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, a famous writer, was born and raised in Lviv. The interior includes lingerie, handcuffs, provocative details and an erotic menu. And the restaurateurs managed to create all this without the expected vulgarity. The secret of success is simple: you just order a cocktail and get a show.
Where: Serbska street, 7
“Pstrug, bread and wine.” River trout is cooked impeccably here, young wine and warm baguettes are served. I would like to say simply about this place: very tasty and very cozy. And there is one table for two by the window... Glass to the floor, candles with spilled wax, twilight and a stunning view. And if it’s also in winter, when it snows. You might think for a minute that this is the best cafe table on earth.
Where: Brativ Rohatyntsiv street, 49
"Under the Golden Rose" Kneipp, which is always damn fun! And also very homely. The main feature of the establishment is that there are absolutely no prices on the menu. You will haggle with the waiter for the final amount. How did you think about paying in a Jewish cafe?
The city has something to surprise every tourist; you just have to take a closer look at its streets. Where to go for a walk in Lviv and what incredible places to see - read on.
Lviv is home to coffee shops, narrow streets, fascinating architecture and unexpected dishes and liqueurs. It’s worth going here, if only because there is no longer such an atmospheric city in Ukraine, because here every house, block, and alley breathes history. They preserve the memory of what happened many centuries ago. This creates a unique charm that tourists admire.
The city of Leo is unique, and if you come here at least once, you will definitely want to come back!
What to see in Lviv and where to go for a walk - a list of the best places
Market Square
Of course, we cannot ignore popular tourist spots in Lviv, so we’ll start with them. Market Square is the most famous square of the city, which is located in the very center. The streets diverge from it and are dotted with a variety of themed cafes and restaurants. Here you can often hear street musicians.
Market Square in Lviv
Where to find: Market Square is located in the city center.
Town Hall
A great place to explore the central part of the city from above. Lviv Town Hall is the highest in Ukraine, its height is 65 meters. Therefore, it has a good view of the city.
View of Lviv from the Town Hall during the day
View of Lviv from the Town Hall in the evening
Where to find: Market Square, 1.
Italian courtyard
A cozy place in the heart of the city of Lev. Here you can take a break from the noisy streets filled with tourists. Back in the 16th century, when the courtyard was being built, the owners tried to arrange it so that this corner would become a place of relaxation. Now the Italian courtyard often receives guests. There is a coffee shop here, and there are often jazz and classical concerts.
Italian courtyard in Lviv
You can't think of a better place for a romantic photo shoot!
Where to find: Market Square, 6.
High Castle
Being in Lviv and not going up to the High Castle is like not seeing Khreshchatyk in Kyiv. This is the highest point of the city of Lev, the height of the mountain is 413 meters. Once upon a time there was a castle on it. Construction on the mountain began back in the 13th century. When the castle was rebuilt and it became clearly visible from the surrounding areas, the mountain began to be called Zamkova, or “High Castle”.
The High Castle is actually a mountain, not a castle
In the 17th century, Swedish troops passed through Lviv and stormed the stronghold. Since then the castle began to collapse. And, unfortunately, century after century no one cared about its safety. They paved the streets with stones from the mountain, dismantled defensive structures in order to build houses in the city. Now a small wall remains of the castle fortifications. And Castle Hill has become one of the most favorite viewing platforms for Lviv residents and city guests. And this is not surprising, because the view from the mountain is truly incredible.
View of Lviv from the High Castle
Lviv Opera
The opera is one of the most architecturally expressive monuments of Lviv. Its elegant building surprises residents and guests of the city with incredible luxury and perfection. Operettas, operas and other premieres are often held here.
Opera House in Lviv
Where to find: Svobody Avenue, 1.
Lychakiv Cemetery
Usually, cemeteries are not a place for tourists, but this is not about Lviv. Lychakiv Cemetery is not just a burial place, but a historical and cultural museum-reserve. Tombstone sculptures are real works of art.
The oldest burials at the Lychakiv cemetery date back to the end of the 18th century. Mostly famous people were buried here. Polish writer Arthur Grott and his beloved Baroness Wanda Monnet are buried here. Ivan Franko, Solomiya Krushelnytska, and Markiyan Shashkevich also found their rest at the Lviv cemetery.
Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv
Already in our time, Euromaidan activist Yuri Verbitsky and Major General Sergei Kulchytsky, who died in the ATO zone, were buried in the cemetery.
Where to find: Mechnikova, 33.
Potocki Palace
A beautiful building in the classicist style, built in the 19th century. The Potocki family became known as the initiators of the creation of the palace. Previously, on the site of the Potocki Palace there was a small hunting house.
Where to find: st. Copernicus, 16
Non-tourist places in Lviv
The real Lviv will be revealed only if you break out of the vicious circle of buildings adjacent to Rynok Square, get lost among the crooked streets of the Old Town, without being afraid to look into the courtyards and courtyards.
Take a walk near luxury villas
Tram number 2 will take you away from the bustling center into the quiet of the ancient surroundings, where, among the luxurious villas, you will have an epiphany: the city can be quiet.
General Chuprinka Street
General Chuprinka Street stretches from the Church of St. Mary Magdalene (now the House of Organ and Chamber Music) to Academician Rudnitsky. There are no tourists walking along it, which is probably why it has still retained the spirit of the times and has not acquired dozens of restaurants and cafes. This area was once called Kastelivka, and its proximity to the center prompted the construction of new houses at the end of the 19th century.
General Chuprinka Street
The irrepressible imagination of the architects generously spilled onto this street in the form of many villas and mansions built for the then Lviv elite and intelligentsia.
One of the most notable buildings is the castle house on General Chuprinka at number 50-52. It is interesting that the mansion is still used for its intended purpose - ordinary people live in its apartments.
Castle house on General Chuprinka Street, 50-52
Plasticine house
The creation of modern designers - "Plasticine House" is reminiscent of the creations of Gaudi. The house is located on Tsetnerovka Street, 16, which is not far from Lychakivsky Park. The owner inherited a completely inconspicuous mansion, which he gave to local architect Nikolai Senik for renovation. And now the building looks absolutely unrealistic compared to ordinary Polish mansions, and it’s a pity that few people know about it.
Plasticine house in Lviv
Where to find: Tsetnerovka, 16.
Life Safety University
Lviv universities in general are undeservedly deprived of tourist attention. The majestic building of the Lviv University of Life Safety looks like a castle, and it is in no way inferior to the Chernivtsi University, which is the main tourist attraction of the capital of Bukovina.
Lviv University of Life Safety
The building was built in the mid-19th century by the same architect as the building of the Austrian Parliament and the Vienna Arsenal. The Home for the Invalids of Galicia, maimed in wars, was located here. The main disadvantage of the university as an object for tourists is that it operates behind closed doors, since it is subordinate to the State Service for Emergency Situations.
University Chapel
But you can get here! On Sunday it is possible to go to the university territory, because there is a chapel where services are held. And if you say that you are coming for this very purpose, they will definitely let you in.
Where to find: Kleparovskaya, 35.
Lviv parks
Parks in Lviv are the real pride of the city, because there are a lot of them and they are all incredibly beautiful. Stryisky Park can surprise you with its garden architecture; the Znesinnya Park (formerly the Imperial Forest or Kaiserwald) starts from Lion Mountain and ends at the famous Shevchenko Gai - an open-air ethnic complex where various holidays and celebrations are held.
Striysky Park
In winter, it’s a good place to wander through the snow-covered alleys, and in the summer, have a picnic on the hills, which offer a magnificent view of the tin and tiled roofs of the Old Town.
Zniesinnia Park
A park completely unknown to tourists is Pogulyanka. Steep ravines covered with massive beech trees descend from the hills along Pasechnaya Street. You can't think of a better place to take a break from the bustling city.
Pogulyanka Park
Observation platforms
Without seeing the city from above, it is impossible to truly appreciate its scale. In Lviv, you just need to climb as high as possible and enjoy the beauty of weather vanes and roofs.
The Town Hall Tower and the High Castle, which offer views of the city, are too banal, because in Lviv there are a lot of non-standard places from where the city can be seen from a fresh perspective.
Firstly, this is the Church of Saints Olga and Elizabeth, which is on the corner of the street. Gorodetskaya and Stepan Bandera. For a very small amount of money, the observation deck offers a completely non-standard view.
Church of Saints Olga and Elizabeth
Secondly, an alternative to the High Castle is Bald Mountain. From here, unlike the High Castle, popular among tourists, there is a fantastic panorama of the Old Town, but there are absolutely no trees in the way. Thirdly, you can go to the observation deck of the Citadel.
View of Lviv from Bald Mountain (or Mount Prince Leo)
Yard of Lost Toys
This unusual courtyard houses dolls, teddy bears, rattles, garden gnomes, plastic Carlsons and other toys. The surroundings create a mystical atmosphere. According to local residents, the collection on display belongs to one of the residents. Not even all Lviv residents know about the existence of this courtyard.
Yard of Lost Toys in Lviv
Where to find: st. Prince Lev, 3.
Open air gallery
One of the newest art spaces, located in the center, in the courtyard near Rynok Square. “Schos Tsikave” is the only open-air gallery in Lviv. Young artists can exhibit their works here; exhibitions change frequently. In addition to exhibitions, “Schos Tsikave” hosts master classes and acoustic concerts. There is also a shop with handicrafts and a coffee shop of the same name.
Open air gallery in Lviv
Where to find: Rynok Square, 13.
Street with several names
Since 2006, the Kinolev festival has been held in Lviv. The festival has its own tradition - the name of the person to whom the next festival is dedicated is annually added to the official name of Archive Street. Now the street, in addition to the main one, has many more names: Bergman, Fellini, Truffaut, Ilyenko and Parajanov. The corresponding signs are hung on one of the buildings on the short Archival Street.
Archive Street in Lviv
Where to find: st. Archivnaya (between Brothers Rogatyntsev and Valovaya streets)
Of course, these are not all the places in Lviv that are worth visiting and seeing. Because every street of the city of Leo contains many secrets and unexpected architectural creations - we are just trying to show you some of them.
Discover Lviv for yourself! We wish you good travels!
When coming to Lviv for a weekend walk, or planning business meetings, trainings, conferences, of course, you want to see as many sights as possible, get acquainted with them, and touch the history. And bring some baggage of new knowledge home, along with souvenirs and photographs. If you planned a trip spontaneously, which often happens among young people, students and couples in love, the information I collected will be useful and will serve as a kind of guide to interesting places in Lviv.
If you have at least two full days, I suggest you definitely visit such interesting tourist sites as:
- The first attraction that greets every tourist is the city’s beautiful railway station.
- Church of St. Elzbieta – it is located 5-10 minutes walk from the railway station, it is simply impossible not to notice it. You can visit it both upon arrival in Lviv and before departure.
Having arrived by tram to Rynok Square, first of all go to the Tourist Information Center, they will answer your questions, help you with an overnight stay, offer excursions, and also give you free maps with the indicated attractions. Here on Rynok Square, I recommend taking your first introductory tour of the city:
- Sightseeing tour on a sightseeing tram , upon arrival in the city, go on an amazing journey through the ancient streets, thus making your first acquaintance with tourist sites and the Old Town as a whole. This sightseeing tour helps the tourist determine the location of excursion objects relative to each other, and makes it clear what you would like to visit first in detail. The price will be 50 UAH;
After the end of the excursion, the tram will take you to another city attraction:
- Market Square - a historical place where life has been seething since time immemorial, bazaars were held, public gatherings were held, negotiations were held, and the houses of noble lords and ladies were located. This place can be called the starting point for all excursion routes around the city. In order not to go far, let's go to the most central attraction:
- City Hall , more than 400 steps lead to the top, and from a bird's eye view there is an amazing view of the city. It is better to plan a visit to the Town Hall in the morning or evening, when there are the least crowds of tourists. The cost of visiting will be 15 UAH.
Being at the top of the Town Hall, you can visually determine for yourself the location of the objects (cathedrals, churches, churches, theatre) offered for visiting, appreciate their beauty and grandeur from above; they look especially romantic when illuminated in the evening hours.
Having gone down from the Town Hall to Market Square, take a walk around the perimeter, buying a guide map, where for each Kamenitsa (houses along the perimeter of the square) there is a detailed description in the form of the time of construction, restoration, and its guests.
- Kamenice on Rynok Square – each house is a separate story, a masterpiece of architectural creation, and together it is a unique ensemble of Rynok Square. Now almost every Kamenitsa is either a museum, a coffee shop, a souvenir shop, a restaurant or a hostel. Pay special attention to:
- Black Kamenica – one of the oldest and most interesting architectural structures.
- Italian courtyard – here every tourist can appreciate not only the masterpiece of the facade, but also the interior decoration of Kamenitsa, made in the Italian style; now there is a restaurant where you can drink coffee or have dinner in a romantic atmosphere. Entrance for visitors 5 UAH.
After seeing the sights of the central part of the Old Town, we will go to get acquainted with the cathedrals, churches and cathedrals.
- Armenian Church - a beautiful and unusual oriental architectural building for Ukraine, indicates that in Lviv in the old days many nationalities coexisted peacefully.
- Jesuit Church of St. Peter and Paul - opened recently, before this there was a city archive here for a long time, the church is unusually beautiful from the inside, but requires urgent repairs, services are held on weekends.
- Dominican Church - one of the most beloved and visited sites by tourists, it is especially beautiful in the evening, when the lights are turned on, and services are held here on weekends.
- Cathedral Latin Church – located on the corner of Rynok Square, the cathedral took so long to build that none of its masters saw the church in its completed form. On the eastern side, on the wall of the Cathedral, you can see cannonballs indicating the Turkish siege of Lviv in 1672.
- Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – here lie the relics of the patron saint of all lovers - St. Valentine.
Having walked around the shrines, you can see such sights as:
- Arsenal – where the most unique collection of ancient weapons and all kinds of murder devices is collected. The museum is open daily from 10.00 to 17.30.
- Opera theatre – in beauty and uniqueness comparable to La Scala and the Vienna Opera.
- Flea book market - a paradise for literature lovers, here you can buy for symbolic money, ancient books by famous classics of world literature.
- High Castle – now this is the highest point of the city, a park has been planted here, a favorite place for young people to relax on weekends, newlyweds and tourists.
- Lychakiv Cemetery – a sacred place of the city, where the most famous and revered personalities are buried, an excursion for strong-willed tourists. You can get here by city tram in 15-20 minutes.
After reviewing cultural and historical sites, I recommend visiting:
- conceptual themed restaurants , such as “Kryivka”, “Gass Lamp”, “House of Legends”, “Masoch Cafe”, “Under the Golden Rose”, “Masons”, “Left Bank”, “Digger Kavi”, here you can not only have a delicious breakfast and lunch and have dinner, but also get acquainted with the history of the facilities provided in the cafe. For most tourists coming to Lviv for the first time, Kryivka, located near the main entrance to the Town Hall, is very popular; there is no sign, the location can be determined by the Masons cafe. In these conceptual cafes, the entire interior is akin to a museum; tourists get tremendous pleasure visiting such themed establishments.
- chocolate workshop – here they make delicious chocolate masterpieces in front of you, and if you wish, you can also take part in a master class on making personalized copies; once you get here, it’s simply impossible to leave empty-handed.
Of course, the list of attractions can be supplemented by various museums, of which there are a great many, but having visited at least all of these objects, you will definitely have a positive impression of the beautiful city of Lviv.
Lviv is a city with a long history. Here, every house and street is imbued with a special atmosphere. When you come here for the first time, you will walk around with your eyes wide open and not believe that you are in Ukraine.
In our pre-holiday article we will tell you what to see in Lviv in 3 days, what attractions and establishments are a must-see. And the first thing I would like to say to those who want to visit the city of Leo for the May holidays is to book your accommodation in advance, as it will be very “hot” here this weekend.
Day 1
We begin our walk around Lviv. First, we need to refresh ourselves and recharge our emotions, so we head to Kryivka.
Kryivka (Kriivka)
Kryivka is a unique establishment, which is more famous not so much for its cuisine (although it is good here), but rather for its atmosphere. “Kryivka” is a shelter for soldiers of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Here you will see a collection of military equipment, German grenades, grenade launchers, radio stations and encryption machines. And among all this military wealth you can try “Half a meter of sausage”, blood milk, kulesh, herring and, of course, drink vodka, tincture and kvass.
Finding Kryivka is not so easy - there is no sign. But we will give you a hint - it is located directly opposite the City Hall. There you will see a residential building and a basement with an inconspicuous door. Knock, a military guard will open the door and ask for the password. And the password is: “Glory to Ukraine!” After the guard answers: “Glory to the Heroes!”, they will pour you a drink and let you in further along the narrow corridors of the restaurant. Treat everything with humor, they love tourists here, they will always feed you delicious food and entertain you.
Another feature of Kryivka is that the restaurant is open 24 hours a day. Therefore, if you arrived in Lviv early in the morning or late in the evening and don’t know where to go, feel free to go to Kryivka.
Address: pl. Market, 14
High Castle Park
The High Castle Park is one of the most favorite places not only for tourists, but also for Lviv residents themselves. It is located on Castle Hill. From here you have a stunning view of the city. And if you go here early in the morning, you can enjoy not only the panorama, but also the silence, which will add romance.
The first mentions of Lviv in the chronicles of 1256 are connected precisely with Castle Hill. And the park was built in the 19th century on the site of the High Castle fortress, which was a defensive fortress and weapons storage facility.
Address: st. Castle
Lviv coffee shop (Lviv coffee shop)
It is impossible to visit Lviv and not drink a cup of coffee in the mine. Walking around the city center, you will always find yourself next to a coffee shop, so you won’t be able to pass by. You can sit on the terrace with a transparent roof, at the window in the hall itself, or go down into the mine, putting on a helmet and drink coffee there.
Having taken a look at the menu, your eyes are simply blown away by the names of coffee - coffee mulled wine, coffee dessert with cream, liqueur and nuts, sealed coffee, which is very popular. For dessert, take Lviv cheesecake or apple strudel - it’s so delicious that you want to prolong the pleasure.
The menu also includes meat and hot dishes, snacks, salads, spirits and cocktails. Everything is very tasty and filling.
Address: pl. Market, 10
The Town Hall is located in the City Council building. To get a bird's eye view of Lviv, you will have to climb a steep staircase, covering 408 steps. But when you do, you'll be treated to stunning views of the city. When you look at this beauty, pay attention that in the old part of Lviv there are no billboards or banners that spoil the view and this is amazing!
Interesting Facts:
At the Lviv Town Hall there is a clock made in 1852 at the factory of V. Shtil. This clock is considered one of the oldest in Ukraine.
Every day at 12:00 the Lviv anthem is played from the tower.
Address: pl. Market, 1
Dominican Cathedral (church)
One of the symbols of Lviv’s decoration is the Catholic Dominican Cathedral, built in the 18th century. Majesty and solemnity - this is how you can characterize it. On the pediment are written the words “SOLI DEO HONOR ET GLORIA”, which translated means “To God alone is honor and glory.” The interior of the cathedral exudes sophistication and luxury. The dome depicts saints of the Dominican Order, and the altar contains 4 apostles. The cathedral is a prominent representative of the Baroque style.
Address: Museum Square, 1
The first grill restaurant of meat and justice (Persha grill restaurant of meat and justice)
After you've worked up an appetite, head to this establishment, which is located at st. Valovaya, 20. The only negative that we should warn you about is the huge queues, especially if you are going on holidays. But if you are willing to wait, your torment will be rewarded with juicy kebab, beef steak, sausage plate, bograch and aromatic grilled vegetables.
We will not write the legend of this establishment, but simply say that it is so tasty that the next day you will think: “Why did I eat so little meat?”
Address: st. Valovaya, 20
Gas lamp (Kerosene lamp)
If you can't wait in line at Meat and Justice, then go to Gas Lamp. Although it's worth going there anyway. This restaurant-museum is dedicated to such an invention as the kerosene lamp, which became known in 1853 thanks to the employees of the pharmacy “Under the Golden Star” - Ignatius Lukasiewicz and Jan Zeg. You will find the restaurant on Armyanska Street, 20. Nearby there will be a sculpture of Lukasiewicz at a table with a kerosene lamp (one of the inventors), and if you raise your head, you will see Jan Zeg looking out of the window.
You will be greeted at the entrance and escorted through dark corridors. The cuisine here is Ukrainian - meat board, pickled vegetables, pork sausage, lard. You can also try drinks from test tubes - tinctures, mead, horseradish and even kerosene.
Since this is not just a restaurant, but a museum-restaurant, there is an exhibition of kerosene lamps (almost the largest in Europe).
Address: st. Armenian, 20
Day 2
Having rested and gained strength for a walk, we go to an unusual place - a cemetery. And after that, many more exciting places await us.
The Lychakiv cemetery is also called an open-air museum-reserve. Since almost every crypt is a real work of art. The history of the cemetery begins in 1786, when Lviv was the capital of Galicia. And the first burial is dated 1657.
There are 23 tomb chapels belonging to wealthy families, 2,000 tombs, 500 reliefs and figures. In total, there are about 300,000 burials in the cemetery. Here lie the writer Ivan Franko and the author of “The Red Ruth” Vladimir Ivasyuk.
While here, you will be amazed by the sculptures and tombstones. Some of them were made by famous architects - Anton and Johann Schimser, Hartmann Witwer, Paris Filippi, Theodosia Brizh and others.
And if you want stronger sensations, come here for a tour at night. Illuminated paths and ringing silence will make a strong impression.
Address: st. Mechnikova, 33
Latin Cathedral
The beautiful Latin Cathedral is located in the center of Old Lviv. Its spire is 67 meters long, so you can easily find this place. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary took 100 years to build! The beginning of construction dates back to the 14th century. Throughout its existence, the appearance of the cathedral has changed; the most significant restoration took place at the end of the 18th century, when the temple acquired the features of the then popular Baroque and Rococo styles. Must see!
Address: Cathedral Square, 1
Church of the Jesuits (Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul)
On the same street, a stone's throw from the Latin Cathedral, there is the Church of Peter and Paul of the Jesuit Order. It was built in 1610 – 1630. Since then, practically nothing has changed in the exterior and interior of the temple. In the 18th century, a tower was added here, which is the tallest in the city.
The Jesuit Church is interesting for its dungeons, where you can see the remains of the princely walls of the 14th century, artifacts, frescoes, as well as a sarcophagus with an inscription that confirms that it was made for Archbishop Nikolai Vizhitsky.
Address: st. Teatralnaya, 11
“Masonic Lodge”, or “The most expensive restaurant in Galicia”
The Masonic Lodge restaurant is located in the same building as Kryivka and there is no sign here either. But the one who seeks will always find. After you enter, you may be handed some crumpled piece of paper or something else - don’t be alarmed and be sure to save it until you pay your bill. When you pick up the menu, you will see prices with many zeros - that’s why this is the most expensive restaurant in Galicia. But by presenting the little thing they give you at the entrance or your Local network card, your discount can reach 90%.
Address: pl. Market, 14
Market Square
Walking around Old Lviv you will always return to Rynok Square. Its architecture is typical of Central European cities of the Middle Ages. After a large-scale fire in 1527, there were no old wooden buildings left, only basements. Italians, Rusyns, Germans, Armenians, Poles and Jews living in Lviv took part in the restoration. Now we see in architecture what was formed before the 19th century. At the corners of the square there are four fountains - the Adonis Fountain, the Amphitrite Fountain, the Neptune Fountain and the Diana Fountain. Around the market square there are landmark houses: the Bandinelli House, Black Kamenica, the Venetian House, the Lubomirsky Palace, the Adreoli Passage.
Lviv Opera House named after. S. Krushelnitskaya in Lviv is one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe, along with the Vienna and Odessa operas. On the facade of the building you will see the figures “Love”, “Life”, “Glory”, “Art”, “Victory”. Inside there is a large mirrored hall decorated with paintings symbolizing the changes of the year. In the hall there is a chandelier made of precious materials. And on the second floor the mansion of Emperor Franz Joseph has been preserved. You can just go to the theater for a tour, but it is better to take a ticket to the performance. You will be impressed.
Address: Svobody Avenue, 28
Cafe Masoch
After a day full of excursions, head to the art cafe Masoch, where a spicy evening awaits you. The atmosphere of the works of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch reigns here - whips, handcuffs, leather whips, interesting “spice” chairs, hanging bras and erotic photos. When you open the menu, don’t be scared or blush – the dishes and drinks are also related to the theme of sex and masochism. If desired, the waiter will put a collar on you or whip you (in the evening).
By the way, at the entrance there is a full-length sculpture of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. You can reach into his pocket and find something interesting.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that this place is not suitable for visiting with children. But after the description, you guessed it yourself.
Address: st. Serbskaya, 7
Day 3
Usually, departure from the hotel or apartment occurs in the first half of the day. What to do if your train is only in the evening. Our advice is to leave your things at the station, and from there we go to see the most beautiful sights.
Cathedral of St. Olga and Elizabeth
The cathedral is the tallest in Lviv - its height is 85 meters. Made in the neo-Gothic style, it amazes with its beauty. The cathedral was built at the beginning of the 20th century and was called the Church of St. Elzbieta in honor of the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I - Elizabeth. In 1991, the cathedral was transferred to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and renamed.
A portal with a large rose in the center, sharp spiers, vertical space inside - elements of North German and French Gothic architecture were used in the construction.
Address: Kropyvnytskyi Square, 1
St. George's Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. George is the pearl of the Ukrainian Baroque and the main shrine of the UGCC; the residence of the Greek Catholic metropolitans was located here for a long time. The very first cathedral on Svyatoyurskaya Mountain was built during the time of the Galicia-Volyn principality. The current temple ensemble was built in 1770. The bell tower houses the oldest bell in Ukraine – 1341.
Address: St. Yura Square, 5
House of Legends
The House of Legends restaurant is located a block from Rynok Square and is located on 4 floors in an old house. Each room holds some kind of secret. For example, in the room of the legend of the Lviv pavement, samples of pavements from various eras are presented, and in the room of the Lviv era there is an exhibition of historical clocks. The cuisine here is homemade, prices are average.
Address: st. Staroevreiskaya, 48
Lviv chocolate workshop (Lviv chocolate workshop)
Despite the fact that a network of workshops is now opening in many cities of Ukraine, it is definitely worth visiting it in Lviv. An abundance of chocolate products, aromatic coffee and coffee cocktails, sweet souvenirs - it’s impossible to pass by.
Address: st. Russian, 3
We hope our small guide will help you decide what to see in Lviv in three days. Walking through the streets, you will feel absolutely happy, because there is so much beautiful and interesting here, imbued with history and secrets.
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