Things to do in Lviv: must-sees and where to stay

In short: Lviv’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is explored on foot, among cafés, churches and Market Square. Climb the town hall tower, admire the opera house, step into churches of every denomination, head up to High Castle, and taste the coffee and chocolate, two local traditions. Close to Poland, the city is reached by train from Przemyśl.

Market Square and the town hall

The heart of the old town, Market Square (Rynok) is lined with colourful houses with Renaissance façades. In the middle, the town hall and its tower offer the best view over the rooftops.

The Lviv Opera

At the end of Freedom Avenue, the opera house, a sumptuous early 20th-century building, stages operas and ballets; the auditorium alone is worth the visit.

The churches

Catholic, Orthodox, Greek Catholic and Armenian: Lviv has churches of every denomination, including the Armenian Cathedral with its striking frescoes and the Latin Cathedral.

High Castle

High Castle hill, above the old town, offers a panoramic view over Lviv, especially at sunset.

Cafés and chocolate

Lviv is known for its cafés, its coffee culture and its artisan chocolate shops. Take time for a break: it’s a local tradition.

Day trips from Lviv

• Lychakiv Cemetery, a large historic cemetery with carved tombs.
• Kyiv, the capital, by train.

Getting around

• On foot in the old town; trams and taxis for the rest.
• From Poland, trains link Przemyśl to Lviv; there are no civilian flights.
• Air-raid alerts: install the official alert app, find the shelter nearest your accommodation, and ask about any curfew.

All our tips for the country: Travel in Ukraine.

Where to stay in Lviv?

• Old town (Market Square). The historic centre, a World Heritage site, best explored on foot. Ideal for: first visit, couples.
• Around the station. Handy for train journeys, a few tram stops from the centre. Ideal for: arriving by train, budget.

The areas and useful services are on our Lviv page.