14 Cool & Quirky Things to Do in Lviv

Lviv is the most charming city I have visited in Ukraine. It’s not like any other post-Soviet cities you have seen. It’s colorful, lively, and simply gorgeous. With a century-old history, there are many things to do in Lviv, so this travel guide will help you identify some of the most iconic attractions of Lviv.

Lviv is a unique combination of Eastern and Western cultures. Here you can experience Austrian, German, Jewish, Polish, Ukrainian, and even Armenian cultures. Lviv is a hidden gem of Europe slowly discovered by the rest of the world.

Named after Leo, the first son of Daniel of Galicia, the ruler of the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia, the city’s historic center with its old buildings and cobblestone streets survived German and Soviet occupations during WWII.

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HOW TO GET TO LVIV

Lviv city is well connected with the rest of the world, so getting there shouldn’t be a problem. Danylo Halytskyi International Airport Lviv serves big and budget-friendly airlines like Wizzair, Ryanair, Ernest Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines.

If you are located somewhere in Eastern Europe, you can easily travel to Lviv by bus. We traveled from Kyiv to Lviv by overnight train and bought tickets online before our travels to Ukraine. The trains are a bit old but in good condition. From here, we continued our way to Odesa, the pearl of the Black Sea.

TOP 14 THINGS TO DO IN LVIV

Even though the city is quite big, two days here was enough to see all the important landmarks. The best way to experience Lviv is to wander through its streets. Most of the sights are easily reachable by foot and the only time I used public transport was to see the famous cemetery.

Feel the local vibe at Rynok Square

Rynok or Market Square is the very center of the city. According to archeologists, it dates back to the second half of the 13th century. It was initially built by Leo I of Galicia, but the Polish king later took part in its development in later years.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site used to be the place for many cultural, political, and social events for more than 500 years. Lviv Town Hall or City Hall, located in the center, is a jewel of the area. This 19th-century building is of Viennese Classical style.

There are 44 apartment houses around the square, and many of them represent different architectural styles, starting from Renaissance to Modernism. You can also find fountains on its four corners and various sculptures representing four Greek mythological figures – Diana, Neptune, Adonis, and Amphitrite.

See the oldest drugstore

Visiting Pharmacy Museum is one of the unique things to do in Lviv. It opened in 1966 in an old drugstore building at one of the corners of Market Square. A military pharmacist, Wilhelm Natorp, opened the original drugstore in 1735 and called it Under the Black Eagle.

You can visit 16 rooms of the museum displaying antique pharmaceutical devices, medicines, prescriptions, dishes, related books, and an alchemy workshop area.

Admire the beauty of the Opera House

I have heard so many things about Lviv’s opera house from my mom that I had to see it. I’m not too fond of opera, but I’m a huge fan of ballet. Built at the beginning of the 20th century in the neo-Renaissance style, the Opera house is the city’s architectural gem.

The facade is simply mesmerizing. Allegorical sculptures adorn its columns, niches, and railings, while statues of muses rise above the prominent cornice.

The interior is as impressive as the exterior. Here, different-colored marble adorns gilded decorations, sculptures, and decorative paintings. The four-circled hall can accommodate more than a thousand people.

There are tours available in the Opera House for those who want to see its interior and learn the history of the building.

Entrance Fee: Adults – 40 UAH

Look at the Chapel of the Boim Family

One of the things to do in Lviv is to visit this charming chapel. A unique Renaissance monument has no analogies in Ukraine or Europe. A Lviv merchant of Hungarian origin, Georgiy Boim, who got rich by trading wine, decided to build a family chapel of unparalleled beauty.

One of its exteriors is covered in stone carvings featuring religious scenes, while another has glassed-in portraits of the merchant and his wife.

Unfortunately, the chapel isn’t open all year round. It opens its door to visitors only in summer.

Look at stunning frescoes at Armenian Cathedral of Lviv

You’ll find this cathedral in the old town, not far from the market square. It’s a bit hard to recognize its beauty from the outside. It looks nothing special, but once you go inside, you’ll be amazed by colorful, gorgeous frescos dominating every inch of its walls.

Visit the Italian Courtyard

Italian Courtyard is an excellent example of the civil Renaissance architecture of 16th century Ukraine. The name of the place is Korniakt House, but everyone calls it an Italian Courtyard.

Constructed by Pietro Barbon, an architect of Italian ethnicity, it included the styles of the Italian Renaissance and local, old construction methods. The complex features a lovely spacious yard with 3-floor opened arches supported by the columns.

There is a coffee shop within the territory, so you can sit down, relax for a while and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Opening Hours: Every day, except Wed. 10 a.m – 5:30 p.m

Entrance Fee: Adults – 2 UAH; Children & Students – 1 UAH; Guided tour: Adults – 15 UAH; Children & Students – 10 UAH

Pay a visit to the dead at Lychakiv Cemetery

I know you think why would I suggest visiting a cemetery. But listen, this one is unique and has been classified as a cultural and historical museum. It occupies 40 hectares of land and truly is a beautiful place to explore. Even I don’t believe my ears every time I speak about it.

Beautiful sculptures, shrines, and chapels make this graveyard one of its kind. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one out. So make sure you put it on your list of things to do in Lviv when you start planning your trip here.

Opening Hours: Every day 9 a.m – 6 p.m

Entrance Fee: Adults 30 UAH;

Admire some of the most beautiful churches

Lviv is home to beautiful churches and cathedrals worth checking out. For example, the Dominican Church is located in the old town, near Rynok Square. Initially, the church was a Roman Catholic Church, but today it’s Greek Catholic Church. It’s absolutely stunning from the inside.

St. George’s Cathedral is another one worth visiting. This baroque-rococo cathedral, built between 1744-60, sits on a hill and overlooks the city. From here, you can enjoy the incredible views of the city.

Have an alternative tour of Lviv

Lviv has a whole underground city underneath its prominent landmarks. Unfortunately, you need to take a guided tour as you are not allowed to wander there independently. This walking tour lasts for 2hrs and tells spooky stories of the city’s history.

Play with abandoned toys

One of the cool things to do in Lviv is to visit its typical urban courtyard – home to unusual exhibits – lost or forgotten toys!

It all started when one resident found two toys nearby and decided to place them under a roof in the shared courtyard if the owner came back to look for them. The owner never came, and the place turned into a ‘memorial’ of lost toys.

Over the years, the residents of the surrounding buildings have brought hundreds of plush animals to the yard, making it one of the unique places to visit in Lviv. Aside from toys, you’ll find musical instruments, bicycles, dolls, and many more.

Address: 5 Staryi Rynok Square, Lviv, Ukraine

Solve a giant crossword

Do you love crossword puzzles? If you do, there’s a giant one located at 82 Stryiska St., And even if you are not, it’s still worth visiting. The crossword has 19 squares across and 35 high, standing over 30m in height.

This place is even more remarkable because about 80 clues are hidden throughout Lviv’s significant sights. It’s like a scavenger hunt, where you need to visit various historical monuments, parks, or museums before heading to the crossword puzzle to solve it.

And to tease crossword puzzle lovers, even more, the answers are displayed inside the squares but are only visible when it’s lit up at night! Happy hunting!

Walk down the Shevchenko Avenue

One of the most beautiful streets in Lviv to explore European architectural gems and sit down at one of the branches to relax and admire the ambiance.

Ride the tram

I don’t walk everywhere. When necessary, I do take public transport; it’s part of the authentic experience. I love observing other areas of the city from the window.

Eat at WWII bunker

This one is my favorite and one of the most memorable experiences through my travels. It turns out Lviv has a unique dining scene. Restaurant Kryivka is a secret place with no signs directing you to the venue.

It is a themed restaurant designed as an underground bunker, and the food is served on metal army plates.

You need to know the place, or as I did, accidentally stumble upon it without even realizing it. And to top the experience off, you need a password to get in. How cool is that?!

Once knocked on a massive, heavy wooden door, a guy in an army costume cracks the door and shouts: “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine). You have to say “Heroyam Slava” (Glory to Heroes) and drink the shot of mead he offers.

Spread the word!