It's kitschy and a bit contrived but I have to say I had one of the funniest, craziest, and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life here. When you get to the door a guard says “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) and you have to say “Heroyam slava” (Glory to its heroes) back. Then and onlyIt's kitschy and a bit contrived but I have to say I had one of the funniest, craziest, and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life here. When you get to the door a guard says “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) and you have to say “Heroyam slava” (Glory to its heroes) back. Then and only then do you get to descend the stairs into the restaurant. You also get a free shot of vodka at that point so you're a tad buzzed by the time you order. The theme here is the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the wait staff have this shtick where they argue with customers, each other, etc. All in all, it's a lot of fun and if don't go there while you're in town, you're really missing something.… see moresee less

It's kitschy and a bit contrived but I have to say I had one of the funniest, craziest, and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life here. When you get to the door a guard says “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) and you have to say “Heroyam slava” (Glory to its heroes) back. Then and onlyIt's kitschy and a bit contrived but I have to say I had one of the funniest, craziest, and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life here. When you get to the door a guard says “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) and you have to say “Heroyam slava” (Glory to its heroes) back. Then and only then do you get to descend the stairs into the restaurant. You also get a free shot of vodka at that point so you're a tad buzzed by the time you order. The theme here is the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the wait staff have this shtick where they argue with customers, each other, etc. All in all, it's a lot of fun and if don't go there while you're in town, you're really missing something… see moresee less

One of the things that amazed me most about L'viv were how many things seemed to be underground and this tour is no exception. In a nutshell, its a series of tunnels that wind through what was ancient L'viv. Amazingly, some of the areas here are closed off as it's actually possible to catch One of the things that amazed me most about L'viv were how many things seemed to be underground and this tour is no exception. In a nutshell, its a series of tunnels that wind through what was ancient L'viv. Amazingly, some of the areas here are closed off as it's actually possible to catch centuries-old diseases (who knew?). There are some incredible artifacts here and some even more incredible stories about how they came to be.… see moresee less

Like just about everything else in L'viv, this church has been built and burned down over and over again in its lifetime. The current incarnation was built in 1591.

I think the thing that fascinated me more than anything else in L'viv was the markets. Whether book, meat, or memorabilia, I just couldn't stay away. I believe that when I was there the markets were a bit displaced due to construction, so be sure to ask your hotel where to find the best ones. I I think the thing that fascinated me more than anything else in L'viv was the markets. Whether book, meat, or memorabilia, I just couldn't stay away. I believe that when I was there the markets were a bit displaced due to construction, so be sure to ask your hotel where to find the best ones. I still regret not getting an oil painting I saw at one of them.… see moresee less

This is the palace in which the town's famous Italian courtyard is and is one of the few Renaissance buildings in the Ukraine. While it's changed hands and been re-built since the 16th century, parts of the original structure still remain.

While I found L'viv's City Hall to be absolutely stunning any time of day, it was particularly gorgeous at night (as is Rynok Square in general). Whatever you do, don't miss it.

In a square filled with incredible buildings, this one really stands out. While legends abound about how this building, which was originally built in the 1500s got its name, it's generally agreed that the white lead with which it was colored turned black when exposed to air.

This is actually a brewery as well as a restaurant and a great one for choosy eaters as there are a lot of sort of "sampler" dishes that allow you to try a bunch of different things.

Well, the prices on the menu of this Freemason-themed restaurant are incredibly exorbitant, but luckily, the waitstaff gives every customer a discount card that cuts the prices by 90%. The restaurant, which has caused some controversy by turning a Mason's throne into a working toilet.

If you're really, really into multi-tasking and don't want to waste time both sight-seeing and drinking, just take the beer bike! An invention from L'viv's Kumpel restaurant, this roaming bar leaves from the town square and tours the city as patrons sit on bar stools, enjoying both the view and If you're really, really into multi-tasking and don't want to waste time both sight-seeing and drinking, just take the beer bike! An invention from L'viv's Kumpel restaurant, this roaming bar leaves from the town square and tours the city as patrons sit on bar stools, enjoying both the view and their beer.… see moresee less

This place gets as many raves for the food as for the view. Keep in mind that as it's also a cigar club, smoking is allowed here.

It's kitschy and a bit contrived but I have to say I had one of the funniest, craziest, and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life here. When you get to the door a guard says “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) and you have to say “Heroyam slava” (Glory to its heroes) back. Then and onlyIt's kitschy and a bit contrived but I have to say I had one of the funniest, craziest, and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life here. When you get to the door a guard says “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) and you have to say “Heroyam slava” (Glory to its heroes) back. Then and only then do you get to descend the stairs into the restaurant. You also get a free shot of vodka at that point so you're a tad buzzed by the time you order. The theme here is the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the wait staff have this shtick where they argue with customers, each other, etc. All in all, it's a lot of fun and if don't go there while you're in town, you're really missing something.… see moresee less

Like most people, the first thing you associate with L'viv, is a good Irish pub. Well, then, Dublin is the place for you. With lots of sports on the telly and some great traditional pub fare on the menu (as well as a dish called "Meat Mountain"), you'll feel like you're in the Irish countryside. Like most people, the first thing you associate with L'viv, is a good Irish pub. Well, then, Dublin is the place for you. With lots of sports on the telly and some great traditional pub fare on the menu (as well as a dish called "Meat Mountain"), you'll feel like you're in the Irish countryside. Interestingly, this place is famous for having hosted Don King, who I believe was in town to announce a boxing event involving a Ukrainian boxer. Whatever he was here for, the owners are extremely proud of it.… see moresee less

Well, it may be a theme restaurant but it ain't no Planet Hollywood, that's for sure. Masoch Cafe is named after Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch who was not only a L'viv native, but perhaps its most famous bondage aficionado (in fact, the word "masochism" was derived from his name). As far as I Well, it may be a theme restaurant but it ain't no Planet Hollywood, that's for sure. Masoch Cafe is named after Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch who was not only a L'viv native, but perhaps its most famous bondage aficionado (in fact, the word "masochism" was derived from his name). As far as I know it's the only restaurant where you can actually get a little...how do I say this..."abused" by a waitress if that interests you. Personally, this is a little too out there for me, although rumor has it they have the best fondue in town.… see moresee less

When I travel I try to look for things that may not be there the next time I go back and I have a feeling these charming wooden phone booths are in that category. Like London's iconic red phone booths, their days are probably numbered which is a real shame. They're all over the city and pretty easy When I travel I try to look for things that may not be there the next time I go back and I have a feeling these charming wooden phone booths are in that category. Like London's iconic red phone booths, their days are probably numbered which is a real shame. They're all over the city and pretty easy to find; occasionally you'll even find a row or two of them. See them while you can!… see moresee less

You haven't seen L'viv until you've met Nurka the Pig. Nurka and his (her?) owner walk through the main square (I think) just about every day, posing for tourists and collecting "donations". If you see a crowd gathered in Rynok Square and they're all kneeling, you can pretty much bet they're lookingYou haven't seen L'viv until you've met Nurka the Pig. Nurka and his (her?) owner walk through the main square (I think) just about every day, posing for tourists and collecting "donations". If you see a crowd gathered in Rynok Square and they're all kneeling, you can pretty much bet they're looking at Nurka.… see moresee less

I was fascinated by the goings on at this statue. The flowers you see at Mary's feet are brought here by people who come to pray. With the exception of places of worship or cemeteries I don't think I'd ever really seen mass worship in public like this so it was very interesting to witness. I was I was fascinated by the goings on at this statue. The flowers you see at Mary's feet are brought here by people who come to pray. With the exception of places of worship or cemeteries I don't think I'd ever really seen mass worship in public like this so it was very interesting to witness. I was shocked by how crowded it can actually get (maybe I was there at lunch hour or something) with people praying. The statue itself is lovely and incidentally, even though I don't speak Ukrainian, I checked out the bookstore behind it. There are actually three or four of them and they're they among the few buildings in L'viv that feel more Soviet than European. Check them out if you have time.… see moresee less

I'm not particularly enthralled by military history (too much bloodshed for me), but I do have a thing for armor so this really interested me. All kinds of interesting arms and armor here and very well displayed. I think you can actually have yourself photographed in some of it although I didn't do I'm not particularly enthralled by military history (too much bloodshed for me), but I do have a thing for armor so this really interested me. All kinds of interesting arms and armor here and very well displayed. I think you can actually have yourself photographed in some of it although I didn't do that.… see moresee less

I'm not particularly enthralled by military history (too much bloodshed for me), but I do have a thing for armor so this really interested me. All kinds of interesting arms and armor here and very well displayed. I think you can actually have yourself photographed in some of it although I didn't do I'm not particularly enthralled by military history (too much bloodshed for me), but I do have a thing for armor so this really interested me. All kinds of interesting arms and armor here and very well displayed. I think you can actually have yourself photographed in some of it although I didn't do that.… see moresee less

You couldn't pay me to go to this museum but not because it's not fantastic--just because it's all about glass and I'm one of those people who can break glass just by thinking about it. It's sort of a museum within a museum as it shares space with the Museum of Historical Valuables right on Rynok You couldn't pay me to go to this museum but not because it's not fantastic--just because it's all about glass and I'm one of those people who can break glass just by thinking about it. It's sort of a museum within a museum as it shares space with the Museum of Historical Valuables right on Rynok Square. It was renovated in 2005 and from everything I've heard it's supposed to be a total stunner. Definitely need to catch this on my next trip to L'viv.… see moresee less

This place is every frat boy's dream come true! The oldest operating brewery in Europe, there's a small museum that explores the history of brewing. Best of all, you get a full glass of really cheap beer at the end!

The Paris of Eastern Europe, Lviv in Ukraine

While they're known for their vast collection of fridge magnets, you can actually pick up a lot of interesting things here. It's sort of the Lviv equivalent of the store at MOMA. Lots of witty and even borderline sardonic goods here which isn't surprising given the country's political history. If While they're known for their vast collection of fridge magnets, you can actually pick up a lot of interesting things here. It's sort of the Lviv equivalent of the store at MOMA. Lots of witty and even borderline sardonic goods here which isn't surprising given the country's political history. If you want something really original this might be the best place.… see moresee less

It takes visitors to the Ukraine about three minutes to realize that there's nothing its residents love more than a) a really quirky restaurant, b) the history of L'viv, or c) a really quirky restaurant that revolves around the history of L'viv. The House of Legends has a different L'vivian (is thatIt takes visitors to the Ukraine about three minutes to realize that there's nothing its residents love more than a) a really quirky restaurant, b) the history of L'viv, or c) a really quirky restaurant that revolves around the history of L'viv. The House of Legends has a different L'vivian (is that a word?) theme on every floor and a great view from the roof (on which there's a car with a propeller). And in case you're wondering, yes, that dragon breathes fire every night a 9 p.m.… see moresee less

I love a good anomaly when traveling (a GOOD anomaly--not something like McDonald's at the Louvre), and so I was fascinated by this mall. When I was there Lviv was going through a lot of changes, most likely in preparation for the Eurocup which it was hosting about a year after I was there. While itI love a good anomaly when traveling (a GOOD anomaly--not something like McDonald's at the Louvre), and so I was fascinated by this mall. When I was there Lviv was going through a lot of changes, most likely in preparation for the Eurocup which it was hosting about a year after I was there. While it was clearly a city with a lot of potential, you would never, ever call it elegant which is what made coming across this almost aggressively elegant mall on the main drag of town so bizarre. There was a cosmetics store with really high end products (as well as a few things with ingredients that are actually illegal in the U.S.), a very upscale food market, and even a LUSH brand cosmetics store. While there didn't seem to be many people in it (from what I understand, the average salary in L'viv would make this place mostly cost-prohibitive), there was enough of a crowd that you could see it surviving. It will be very interesting to see if it succeeds!… see moresee less

It's truly painful to see that horrible ad and digital clock on the outside of what is an astounding building. I arrived here late at night after a long, long, tiring train ride and even then I was instantly amazed by its scale and beauty. Even if you never take a train from here try to see it, It's truly painful to see that horrible ad and digital clock on the outside of what is an astounding building. I arrived here late at night after a long, long, tiring train ride and even then I was instantly amazed by its scale and beauty. Even if you never take a train from here try to see it, especially as I did at night when it's all lit up.… see moresee less

This is the kind of thing that makes me crazy--coming home from a place and finding out I missed seeing something really great like this! I thought for sure I'd stopped in every storefront on Rynok Square but obviously I was wrong because I missed seeing this pharmacy and museum. It's the oldest This is the kind of thing that makes me crazy--coming home from a place and finding out I missed seeing something really great like this! I thought for sure I'd stopped in every storefront on Rynok Square but obviously I was wrong because I missed seeing this pharmacy and museum. It's the oldest continuously running pharmacy in the Ukraine and opened in the late 1700s. The museum is supposed to be incredible with all kinds of apothecary bottles and scales and things like that. So wished I had seen this and I'm going to make a real point to see it next time!… see moresee less

When visiting L'viv, you MUST make sure to check out the square at night. Although it's incredibly beautiful during the day as well, it really, really shines at night. It's illuminated by lights and looks like Christmas no matter what time of year you're there.

This is the heart and soul of the city and one of the prettiest public squares I've ever seen. City Hall is right in the center of it and is a lovely building. While it's rather serene and low-key (don't expect a plethora of street performers and that kind of thing), it's elegance more than makes upThis is the heart and soul of the city and one of the prettiest public squares I've ever seen. City Hall is right in the center of it and is a lovely building. While it's rather serene and low-key (don't expect a plethora of street performers and that kind of thing), it's elegance more than makes up for its simplicity.… see moresee less

This hotel recently won a "Best Hotel in Ukraine" World Travel Award which is just about one of the biggest awards in the business. For this city the rates can be a bit pricey but the amenities are pretty great--I've heard even the showers have stereo system speakers!

If you're the type who worries about hotel safety, you might want to consider the Citadel. Surrounded by a 19th-century fortress, it's one of the city's more elegant hotels, boasting a spa and exercise facilities. It's quite lovely inside in spite of its imposing facade.

Talk about remembrance of things past! This hotel, while clean, used to be wonderfully creepy, dark, and incredibly disjointed in terms of design. Now, after a re-vamp, it could pass for just about any hip boutique hotel in L.A. or any other major city. When I stayed here the service was excellent, Talk about remembrance of things past! This hotel, while clean, used to be wonderfully creepy, dark, and incredibly disjointed in terms of design. Now, after a re-vamp, it could pass for just about any hip boutique hotel in L.A. or any other major city. When I stayed here the service was excellent, the prices were reasonable, and the restaurant served the only edible food in town (but that said, I don't eat meat which was a big problem here). I'd really like to give the Vintage another go, but I have to say, I'll probably really miss the quirkiness of it.… see moresee less

What I remember most about the George is that there was interesting architecture around every corner. From staircase banisters to elevators it just seemed as if you could just spend the day at the George going around with a camera.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! From what I've heard the George has been renovated from when I was there which is a terribly shame as it was incredibly quirky and weird which is what I loved about it! I think the crazy breakfast room has been replaced by a Gloria Jean's coffee house (which will also tellOh dear, oh dear, oh dear! From what I've heard the George has been renovated from when I was there which is a terribly shame as it was incredibly quirky and weird which is what I loved about it! I think the crazy breakfast room has been replaced by a Gloria Jean's coffee house (which will also tell you a little about the pace at which L'viv is coming into the modern age). It used to be covered with fabulous Asian murals and the hotel as a whole looked completely different from the lobby to the restaurant to the rooms. The rooms were very affordable and if you don't mind sharing a bathroom (I do!), you can still get very, very cheap "tourist class" rates.… see moresee less

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! From what I've heard the George has been renovated from when I was there which is a terribly shame as it was incredibly quirky and weird which is what I loved about it! I think the crazy breakfast room has been replaced by a Gloria Jean's coffee house (which will also tellOh dear, oh dear, oh dear! From what I've heard the George has been renovated from when I was there which is a terribly shame as it was incredibly quirky and weird which is what I loved about it! I think the crazy breakfast room has been replaced by a Gloria Jean's coffee house (which will also tell you a little about the pace at which L'viv is coming into the modern age). It used to be covered with fabulous Asian murals and the hotel as a whole looked completely different from the lobby to the restaurant to the rooms. The rooms were very affordable and if you don't mind sharing a bathroom (I do!), you can still get very, very cheap "tourist class" rates.… see moresee less

What I remember most about the George is that there was interesting architecture around every corner. From staircase banisters to elevators it just seemed as if you could just spend the day at the George going around with a camera.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! From what I've heard the George has been renovated from when I was there which is a terribly shame as it was incredibly quirky and weird which is what I loved about it! I think the crazy breakfast room has been replaced by a Gloria Jean's coffee house (which will also tellOh dear, oh dear, oh dear! From what I've heard the George has been renovated from when I was there which is a terribly shame as it was incredibly quirky and weird which is what I loved about it! I think the crazy breakfast room has been replaced by a Gloria Jean's coffee house (which will also tell you a little about the pace at which L'viv is coming into the modern age). It used to be covered with fabulous Asian murals and the hotel as a whole looked completely different from the lobby to the restaurant to the rooms. The rooms were very affordable and if you don't mind sharing a bathroom (I do!), you can still get very, very cheap "tourist class" rates.… see moresee less

It's kitschy and a bit contrived but I have to say I had one of the funniest, craziest, and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life here. When you get to the door a guard says “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) and you have to say “Heroyam slava” (Glory to its heroes) back. Then and onlyIt's kitschy and a bit contrived but I have to say I had one of the funniest, craziest, and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life here. When you get to the door a guard says “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) and you have to say “Heroyam slava” (Glory to its heroes) back. Then and only then do you get to descend the stairs into the restaurant. You also get a free shot of vodka at that point so you're a tad buzzed by the time you order. The theme here is the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the wait staff have this shtick where they argue with customers, each other, etc. All in all, it's a lot of fun and if don't go there while you're in town, you're really missing something.… see moresee less

When visiting L'viv, you MUST make sure to check out the square at night. Although it's incredibly beautiful during the day as well, it really, really shines at night. It's illuminated by lights and looks like Christmas no matter what time of year you're there. And be sure to visit the Resistance When visiting L'viv, you MUST make sure to check out the square at night. Although it's incredibly beautiful during the day as well, it really, really shines at night. It's illuminated by lights and looks like Christmas no matter what time of year you're there. And be sure to visit the Resistance bar where you have to give the secret password to get in (and take a shot of vodka); it's a total blast!… see moresee less