Lviv is Ukraine’s cultural capital — a literary city in the west of the country that leans closer to western European than cities elsewhere in the country. It’s gradually becoming more popular, but is still untouched compared to other regional destinations like nearby Kraków in Poland. Discover this Ukrainian gem in 48 hours with our guide.

Day 1

When you arrive in Lviv, one of the first things you will notice is the city’s charming old town. The Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and has yet to be spoiled by tourism like other centers in Eastern Europe. A ramble through the city streets will help you gain an appreciation for the vibrancy of Lviv. If you are feeling adventurous then why not climb to the top of the the City Hall tower in the main square, Ploshcha Rynok.

After all of that, you’ll have almost definitely worked up an appetite. Thankfully, Lviv is home to a bustling cafe culture and some very delicious (and budget friendly!) restaurants. A tasty lunch can be enjoyed for a very reasonable price at Museum of Ideas (Valova, 18a), while vegetarian dishes can be enjoyed at Pid Klepsydroyu (5 Armenian Street).

The refectory in the Museum of Ideas

Afterwards, a jaunt to check out the city’s famous cathedrals and churches is sure to satisfy those craving spirituality. Among the most impressive are St. George’s, the Eastern Rite Catholic cathedral (Ploshchad’ Svyatogo Yura, 5), the Dominican church and monastery (Museina Square, 1), the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption — often simply called the ‘Latin Cathedral’ (Katedralna Square), and the Armenian Cathedral (Virmens’ka St, 7).
After this we suggest you indulge in an afternoon nap in order to prepare for the city’s bustling nightlife.

St. George’s Cathedral

Upon waking from your slumber, throw on your best outfit (the people of Lviv love to dress up) and head to the super swish Baczewski restaurant (8, Shevska Street), Baczewski offers some of the finest food in the city and their fruit-infused vodka is a must try for any visitor.

Baczewski Restaurant

Afterwards, we suggest you put your dancing shoes on and check out the city’s famous nightlife scene. For an evening with a difference, we suggest you pay a visit to Cafe Masoch (7, Serbska St.), the venue is named after BDSM pioneer Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch who was born in Lviv in 1836. The seemingly normal bar allows customers to get whipped on request, although those with a lower pain tolerance can just enjoy a regular night out.

Masoch Café

Day 2

Whether you wake up licking your wounds or not, a delicious Lviv-style breakfast is a must. Svit Kavy (6, Katedralna Square) offers some of the best coffee in town alongside a selection of savoury and sweet options to start your day off the right way.

Afterwards, why not check out a traditional banya, a Russian-style bathhouse that is more steam room than sauna. Galaktika Club, a 15-minute bus ride from the Old Town is among the best in the city. There you can also indulge in a massage and other spa treatments.

The banya at Galaktika Club

For lunch, check out Dim Legend, a 5-story restaurant/bar/world of weirdness (48, Staroievreiska St). The food is tasty and the photo opportunities are many in this folklore-themed eatery. Be sure to get your hands on a Local card….but we’ll tell you more about that later.

Dim Legend

You will feel so good that your body won’t even care if you pay a visit to the city’s famous brewing museum (18, Kleparivska St) afterwards. The building houses the oldest brewery in the country and is arguably home to the best beer that Ukraine has on offer.
If you fancy a clearer head then pay a visit to the Union of Lublin Mound (Vysokyi zamok). This 29 meter high artificial mound was created in 1869-1890 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Union of Lublin. It is located on the summit of Lviv High Castle.

Beer and Brewing Museum

For dinner, why not check out the wonderfully quirky “The Most Expensive Galician Restaurant”(14 Ploshcha Rynok, 2nd Floor, Apartment 8). The restaurant offers excellent local fare with a Masonic theme. Be sure to take a Local card from sister restaurant “Dim Legend” for a discount which will make this weird and wonderful delight pretty damn affordable.

The Most Expensive Galician Restaurant

Afterwards, we suggest that you finish off your visit with a trip to the city’s famed opera house and theater. The Solomiya Krushelnytska Lviv State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet ( is undoubtedly one of the city’s greatest historic cultural centers (Svobody Ave, 28). Catching a performance in this beautiful building with certainly make your trip to Lviv an occasion which you will never forget.

Lviv State Theater