Search hotels in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Kharkiv or Kharkov can best be reached by the fast modern express train from Kiev but also by bus. In the 20s until 1933, it was the capital of the Soviet Republic of Ukraine. It is a really well-laid out city with broad, often tree-lined avenues and lots of open spaces and parks. Friends of mine who have explored Ukraine and know most of its cities rate it highly. For me, too, Kharkiv certainly ranks among the top two or three. It has a more relaxed feel to it than Kiev despite harbouring many tens of thousands of refugees from the war which hit the neighbouring Donbas and Donets basin. Ukrainians now live all over the world, but those who remain are hardy people, used to shaking off one economic or political crisis after the other, often a crisis that is not of their own making like Stalin's Holodomor. Having thrown off Soviet lethargy, people now feel more free to practise religion, express their political views or explore the real town history behind the stereotypes. There are beautiful cathedrals, there is great and often stunning architecture, i.e.constructivism, Jugendstil, Bauhaus, Stalin-era giants with many large markets, restaurants and coffee-places, inspired modern theatres, art, literature, rock groups and classical music. If you have never been to Eastern Europe, take the tram or Metro and you'll feel like you've just gone back to another time and place. It is easy to get around but reading Cyrillic letters certainly helps (easy to learn). During my recent January stay, the city of was packed with snow which turned walking or driving into an adventure; I found the glittering white surface very peaceful. For restaurants, it is good to ask local people; cheap buffet type restaurants that served Ukrainian food of reasonable quality were easily available, also top-notch establishments four times as expensive. There is still a preponderance of meat dishes, but vegetarian soups or Varennyki were served in lots of places.

I noticed much public transport in the general area of the hotel even though I took taxis to different places. My hotel was within close proximity to shops, markets, street vendors, restaurants and banks. I also visited the Sun Mall which was a nice walk and it allowed me to see this part of the city on foot, the weather was warm and sunny for most of my stay in Kharkiv. Even the airport was not too far by taxi.

Kharkiv is a beautiful city with so many things to see and do, too numerous to even list or try to do in only 8 day's. The people were friendly and helpful and I encountered many people who spoke English which was helpful and made my trip a bit easier and more enjoyable. So many really good restaurants, the food was fantastic!

Anyone traveling to Kharkiv must be aware that there is very little Ukrainian influence there. It is mostly Russian influenced and even Russian is spoken there. It is very different than Western Ukraine where everything is Ukrainian influenced and the language spoken is Ukrainian. It takes a little getting used to hearing Russian spoken in Ukraine I guess. There are certainly things to see in Kharkiv though. The Annunciation Church being one of the most famous landmarks of Kharkiv. Don't miss seeing this church. You will never see another church like it. The downtown has many shopping opportunities and the park on the downtown circle is a nice walk. There is also a great Irish Pub on the downtown circle, for anybody who might like that. It is called Patrick Irish Pub. I know, it should be Patrick's, but it isn't. However, they have good food and they brew their own beer. It is actually very good. I have been to 42 different Ukrainian cities and I would rate Kharkiv as a city, of being number 7 on the list of 42. So, it is well worth seeing. It is the 2nd most populated city in all of Ukraine. There are over 1.5 million people in it. There are also great outdoor markets there too. This is something you don't see nearly as much in the USA. Overall, it is a city worth seeing and spending some time in. This was my 4th time in Kharkiv. Sincerely, Bill

The freedom courts:)) Dinner at hotel plaza Kharkiv! The use of the gym was great at hotel plaza!! Is good and easy with taxi !!! Not expensive at all !! Good areas to see historical areas!!

Kharkov is the city with much more of interesting things than I expected! Wonderful stadium that looks very impressive, very clean and wide streets, fusion of modern architecture with old buildings, beautiful churches - all of this is Kharkiv! Even railway station square is full of light figures! And, probably, the best family park in Ukraine - Gorky Central Park. Neither Kiev, nor Lviv or Odessa has something like that. Wonderful amusement park, biggest ferris wheel in Ukraine, ponds, lots of places for children to play (from simple playgrounds to Children Entertainment Center). Whatever you think about Kharkiv - it worth to spend your weekend there! You will be impressed with the things you can discover there for youself!

almost everthing was perfect. Kharkiv is a very nice cit. although you feel like old soviet union but the thing are muc more european now.

Very friendly city with great atmosphere. You always can find something that interests you in Kharkiv and spend your time in the best possible ways. Bars and restaurants are worth visiting as well as big shopping malls. Dedicate several days to see the city center with its fascinating architecture. Visit Feldman Zoo! It's a must! Enjoy your stay in Kharkiv.

Smaller than Kiev but cleaner!! I was only here for a day, I had a local show me around. It felt like a college town. Overall Kharkiv is a nice place for families and for a weekend trip.

City is quite a young. With a lot of universities. Wide street and also biggest square in Europe. Was impressed to know that Kharkiv was the capital of Ukraine for 15 years. There are 2 zoo's there.