8 Hidden Gems in Lviv
This post contains affiliate links, earning me a small commission if you make a purchase. It does not cost you anything extra and it helps support this blog. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
Lviv is one of the most beautiful and underrated cities in Europe.
It’s home to a number of popular tourist attractions but after you’re finished getting lost in the old town streets, people-watching on Svobody Avenue, and hiking up to High Castle for a spectacular view of the city - you might be wondering what else this city has to offer?
Lucky for you, there is plenty more of Lviv to discover outside of the old town center! I have taken some of the lesser-known sights in Lviv and created a walking tour, which is detailed below. The walk is about 5km roundtrip. Let's get started!
Starting at the end of Svobody Avenue, near the Statue of the Virgin Mary, make your way down Mykoly Kopernyka Street until you reach -
Potocki Palace
Lviv is home to a number of architectural beauties and the Potocki Palace is considered to be one of the most interesting and majestic buildings in the city. It currently houses the Lviv Art Museum and offers great photo opportunities. Walk into the back of Potocki Palace to visit the -
Park of Miniature Fortifications
This area features miniature models of the most famous castles and fortresses in Ukraine. It will also give you some insight as to how High Castle looked when it was built in the 13th century. Continuing up Mykoly Kopernyka Street, you will reach the -
Prison at Lontskoho Street
This is a free museum that is dedicated to the Victims of Occupational Regimes. It is the first prison museum in Ukraine and should not be missed by any history lover. The museum entrance can be found on Bryullova Street. Entrance is free but donations are welcome. The museum feels very authentic due to the fact that the prison has not undergone any changes since it was occupied. The appearance and conditions look the same as they did many years ago. If you happen to be the only person there, like I was during my visit - it can feel very eerie. After leaving the prison, make your way to Stepana Bandery St., towards the -
Lviv Polytechnic University
Founded in 1816, Lviv Polytechnic University is one of the most important schools of science and technology in Central Europe. Although it can be very busy during school hours, the University grounds are beautiful to walk around. Exit the University grounds and continue walking on Stepana Bandery Street. You will pass Lviv's very-own Cat Cafe, which has mixed reviews from locals but is definitely a good place if you love cats! Walk a little further and you will reach a picturesque square with the -
Stepana Bandery Monument
This is a great place to relax, have a coffee, and people-watch. Directly beside the monument and only a short walk from the Main Train Station is the -
Church of St. Olha and Elizabeth
This church has a stunning facade and offers a great photo opportunity. But the best part of this church is the view you get from climbing the tower. For a small fee of 10UAH, visitors can climb up the winding spiral staircase inside the church tower to gawk at the panoramic view of Lviv. After climbing down from the tower, start heading back towards the old town on Mytropolyta Andreya Street.
Foodie Tip: If you're hungry, consider stopping for a bite to eat at Yerevan Restaurant, conveniently located on the route. This Armenian restaurant is reasonably priced and consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in Lviv. Once you have reached the end of Mytropolyta Andreya Street, you will come across the Baroque beauty that is the -
St. George's Cathedral
Constructed in the 1700s, this cathedral has deep roots in Lviv. It is currently home to several crypts of celebrated Ukrainian figures and Pope John Paul II slept here during his visit to Lviv in 2001. Make sure to grab a picture of the bell tower behind the cathedral, as it houses the oldest bell in Ukraine - cast in 1341! A block away from St. George's Cathedral is the -
Dnister Hotel Panorama Bar
The Dnister Hotel has a Panorama Bar on the 9th floor, which as its name suggests, provides a panoramic view of Lviv. This is a great place to chill and unwind after your walk. Although it's not necessarily a hidden gem, the Ivan Franko Park is right out front of the Dnister Hotel and this is a nice place to walk through on your way back to the old town.
Continue Reading:
Best Restaurants in Lviv
