Where to Go and What to See for May Holidays in Ukraine. Top-5 Ideas

Sunny May weekends are a great opportunity for rest and travel. At this time of year, nature comes alive, the weather gets warmer, and in Ukraine the season of numerous celebrations and festivals begins. These days you can attend a variety of events, as well as relax in nature, enjoying the beauty of Ukrainian landscapes.

1. Sofiivka Park in Uman

If you are looking for the ideal place to relax over the May holidays, then the dendrological park Sofiivka in Uman is exactly what you need! The park impresses with its variety of plants and flowers, the beauty of its landscapes and a wide range of leisure activities. Here you can have a picnic (but no fire), ride along an underground river, or take a boat out on the lake. In addition, Sofiivka has been recognized as one of the most romantic places to visit with your significant other.

If you visit the park in May, you can see 11 varieties and 15 species of magnolia, which bloom profusely at this time. The first magnolias were planted in the established dendrological park about 30 years ago, and now there are more than 250 species in different parts of Sofiivka. They can be found in the Greek Ravine and in the Zvirynets area, where the youngest magnolia trees grow.

In addition to magnolias, in May the park also has other exotic plant species: the Uman Miracle is a tulip tree that blooms every spring in a bright yellow color in the central part of the park.

So, if you are planning to spend the May holiday weekend in nature, do not overlook the dendrological park Sofiivka in Uman. The park offers visitors a variety of leisure activities, making it ideal for relaxation both with family and with friends or a loved one.

2. Lutsk: May rest in an ancient city

Want to spend the May holidays in the western part of Ukraine? We recommend visiting the beautiful ancient city of Lutsk in Volyn. The city's main landmark is Lubart's Castle, built in 1331 on the site of earlier fortifications. It is one of the largest preserved castles in Ukraine, where you can enjoy the beauty of ancient architecture and visit a variety of museums and exhibitions. Also on the grounds of the fortress is the Book Museum, which houses old editions, and in the former chancellery building is the Lutsk Art Museum.

Another place of interest in Lutsk is the only Bells Museum in Ukraine, located in the Vladycha Tower. It houses the most valuable bell from 1647, made using a unique technology. In addition, Lutsk has many other places worth attention:

• St Peter's Cathedral — the largest Christian church in the city.
• Radziwiłł Palace — a historic building that shows the rich culture and history of Lutsk.
• St Ludwik's Church — one of the best-known churches in Lutsk.
• Water Museum — a unique museum dedicated to water and its use.
• Taras Shevchenko Park of Culture and Recreation is a large park located in the city center.

Spend the May holidays in a way that nourishes the soul and enjoy the beauty of Volyn!

3. Romantic Chernivtsi

If you are thinking about where to go for the May holidays, pay attention to Chernivtsi — a city that is called the “Ukrainian Paris.” It is often overlooked, although this city can surprise anyone with its refined architecture. In the heart of Bukovyna, it is worth visiting the drama theatre, the city hall, Fedkovych University, and the city square. A walk along Kobylianska Street will also be interesting, where you can visit one of the restaurants serving the national cuisine of Chernivtsi residents. Fans of Georgian cuisine should choose the restaurant Zhordzhyna, while those who have not tried Bukovynian cuisine will enjoy the dishes at Panska Huralnia.

In the evening, Chernivtsi is especially beautiful, when the streets are filled with the light of lanterns — an ideal time for romantic dates. In the morning, we recommend enjoying Viennese coffee and pastries at the Vienna Coffee House, one of the oldest and most famous cafés in the city.

If you still have time, pay attention to such tourist spots as: the Residence of Bukovyna and Dalmatia Metropolitans, the Chernivtsi Oleha Kobylianska Academic Regional Ukrainian Music and Drama Theatre, the Filvarka House in the Art Nouveau style, the Boyarska Rada House, the synagogue, the German military chapel, and the House with Chimeras.

4. Myheia — an unforgettable holiday on the Southern Bug

If you are looking for a place for an active outdoor holiday during the May holidays, we recommend visiting the Myhiia rapids on the Southern Bug River. This stretch of the Southern Bug is located in a rocky area and is characterized by a fast current, good rapids, and shallow depth. It is an excellent place for rafting trips on rafts, kayaks, and catamarans. The landscape of the Myhiia rapids is unique and is compared to the mountain rivers of the Carpathians.

The Myhiia rapids are located within the Buhskyi Gard nature reserve. Unique ancient archaeological monuments and local flora and fauna have been preserved here, with many plants and animals listed in the Red Book.

Near the river are numerous rafting bases, where a variety of programs for active recreation in nature are offered. Also in Miheia there is the Byzantine Bridge — a monument of architecture of the 12th century, which provides a link between the village and the city of Ostroh. In addition, on the territory of the Buh Gard nature reserve is the Hunting and Fishing Museum, where exhibits from the lives of hunters and fishers of Bukovyna are displayed. Here you can see weapons, fishing gear, and also learn more about hunting and fishing in the regions.

In Miheia, it is worth visiting the open-air museum of folk architecture and everyday life. This is an incredibly interesting place that offers an immersion into the life of the Carpathian Hutsuls. It brings together exhibits of folk architecture and everyday life, as well as a variety of crafts.

In search of tasty dishes, visit the local restaurants and cafes, where traditional dishes of Bukovynian cuisine are offered. We recommend trying banush — a dish made of corn flour, cheese and sour cream, which is one of the most popular in the region.

5. Hospitable Lviv

If you have arrived in Ukraine's “western capital” for the first time, it is worth starting with walks through the old part of the city and seeing the main and most popular sights. One of the best tips for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of Lviv is a trip for the May holidays in Ukraine.

Detailed tourist guide to Lviv with addresses: Rynok Square and the Lviv City Hall. Rynok Square is — the historical and modern center of Lviv, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the city and buy souvenirs to remember it by. The main ornaments of the center are the city hall with an observation deck and its four fountains with figures of ancient gods.

High Castle is a must — a place that is definitely worth visiting. It is located not far from the city center. The castle itself, unfortunately, has not survived to our time, but on its site there is an observation deck, which offers a panorama of the whole city. In summer, you can also set up a picnic in the park area here.

In addition to celebrating City Day (6 May), Lviv is also known for its May holidays, which are traditional for Ukraine. For example, the Flower Festival, Culinary Day and Craft Beer Day are held every year in Lviv. As part of this celebration, tourists can see huge floral compositions in Rynok Square, taste national cuisine dishes and sample a variety of beers from local producers.

Also in May, Lviv hosts the Open Gates theatre festival, which offers a rich program of performances and other cultural events.

There are still many interesting places, which you can visit in Lviv, but the May holidays are truly the best time to visit the city. Spring awakens it to life, and the celebrations and festivals give the city a special atmosphere of fun. So if you are planning to visit Ukraine in May, be sure to stay in Lviv and experience all the beauty and hospitality of this city.