Best attractions in Lviv: Top 30

If you want to know what every tourist should see in Lviv, our rating will help you with that. In our review we have included the most significant and visited attractions in Lviv.

What to see in Lviv in the first place

It would take a long time to list all the interesting places in Lviv. Therefore we have chosen for you the objects that are most often recommended by experienced guides in Lviv:

1. Market Square

Rynok Square is the historical and tourist center of Lviv

If you do not know where to go in Lviv, go to this medieval square. Literally every building here is an architectural and cultural monument. In the olden days, it used to be a bazaar for foreign and Ukrainian merchants. It was also used to organize festivities and take the most important decisions. The reviews about the visit to the Market Square are invariably rapturous.



2. Town Hall

A top view of the Lviv city administration building

The date of construction of the current building of the City Hall (the 4th City Hall) is 1835. Its entrance is guarded by stone statues of two lions, which Ukrainians call the Burgomaster and the Mayor. Guests are invited, among other things, to visit the high tower and its observation deck.



3. Prospekt Svoboda

Old houses of different architectural styles on Prospect Svoboda in Lviv Aeou

The main street of the city is 350 meters long. Along the avenue there are cottages made in the styles of Neo-Renaissance, classicism and baroque. If you do not know what to see in Lviv in 1 day, but wish to feel the spirit of antiquity, come here.

4. Potocki palace

Potocki Palace in French Classical style on Copernicus Street in Lviv Andrey Okhrimets

Beautiful building in the style of classicism you should definitely make a trip to. The palace was built to receive high-ranking foreigners. Today the castle is open for tourists. Its interior is decorated with stucco decorations, marble and gilded decorations. The complex includes a chapel, which houses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.

5. The palace of Kornyaktas

Kornyakta Palace (Lviv residence of Jan Sobieski) Yarko

Also like many other sights of Ukraine, this one has a long history. It was built in the 16th century at the behest of the rich Greek merchant Kornyakt. In addition to the castle itself, which now houses a museum, you can explore the surrounding area, a courtyard in the style of a Florentine patio.

Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Lviv!

6. House of scientists

The sculptures at the main entrance to the "House of Scientists" in Lviv

Date of construction - 19th century. The building is made in the style of castle architecture. A hundred years ago there was a casino. Later the house was given to scientists. Now it is also a property of the educational institutions. One of the reasons for the popularity of this place is that it often hosts a masquerade ball.

7. Opera theater

Fountain on the square near the Opera Theatre in Lviv at night

The best option of what to visit in Lviv for fans of opera and theater arts. The interiors amaze with their richness: numerous sculptures, paintings by famous masters, and gilded decorations. It took several years to erect the building in the Renaissance, Baroque and pseudo-Renaissance styles. Not far from the opera house stands the statue of Glory.

Official website: http://opera.lviv.ua

8. St. Jura Cathedral

View of St. Jura Cathedral in Lviv Vodnik

When listing the main attractions of Lviv, we should not forget about this baroque Greek Catholic cathedral of 1744-70. On the square of the temple there are quite a few structures: the chambers of the Greek Catholic metropolitan, arbors, bell towers, etc. The complex also includes a garden of St. Jura. The main building is decorated with sculptural compositions.

9. John the Baptist church

Church of John the Baptist of the XIII century on the Old Market Square in Lviv Alex Zelenko

One of the oldest buildings in the city, built back in the 13th century. During its long history it has been restored, rebuilt and almost entirely destroyed by fires, wars and other calamities. The last reconstruction was done in the 19th century. Inside the church there are antique religious and household items.

10. Church of Sts. Olga and Elizabeth

Interior of the Church of Saints Olga and Elizabeth Alex Zelenko

Church of St. Olga and St. Elizabeth was built in the 20th century in the Neo-Gothic style. The first name of the church was given by Elisabeth of Bavaria (current name the object received only in 1991). In the appearance of the building one can see the lines of French and North German cathedrals. And also elements of Romanesque architectural style. The building is owned by the UGCC.

11. The Latin church

A bird's-eye view of the Latin Cathedral or the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the city of Lviv

Your trip to Lviv would not be complete without a visit to this grand Catholic cathedral with a 7-meter high stone tower topped with a black dome. The size of the structure is quite impressive - as is the interior decoration with wispy columns, monks and frescoes. Until the 18th century, burials were held on the church grounds. There are sculptures and plaques in the chapels of the Latin Cathedral to commemorate those buried.

12. The Armenian Cathedral

Courtyard with gallery and sculpture "Savior with Cross" in the Armenian Cathedral in the historical part of Lviv

The Cathedral was built over 6 centuries ago, and was repeatedly rebuilt and supplemented by new constructions. Currently, it is a whole architectural complex, to which tours are organized in Lviv. Visitors are offered to take a tour of the main building as well as climb the bell tower.

13. Dominican Monastery and Cathedral

General view of Dominican Monastery and Cathedral from Lviv City Hall User:Russianname

The dome of the cathedral is visible from afar. In the 70s the building housed the Museum of History and Religion. However, now both buildings have passed into the possession of the church. Visitors can tour both the monastery and the cathedral from the inside, as well as attend services led by the sound of the organ and the local bell tower.

Official website: http://lviv.travel

14. Bernardine church and monastery

Decorative Column on Cathedral Square in front of Bernardine Church in Lviv

If you are interested in the history and architecture of Lviv, you should pay close attention to our following recommendations. Unlike most other churches and monasteries, this church has its own system of fortification (as the building is located outside the city walls). Walking around the grounds, you will see a well with which many interesting stories and legends are associated.

15. Jesuit Church

Baroque Jesuit church in Lviv Aeou

A 17th century building created by an Italian architect. It is one of the first Baroque churches to appear in the city. In the 18th and 19th centuries, meetings of the Lviv Parliament were held in the church. In 2011 a large-scale restoration of the church began.

16. Chapel of Boimov

The stone carved facade of Boimov Chapel

The beautiful 17th-century annex is included in all lists of “Lviv’s Best Sights”. The walls of the Baroque building are covered with sculptural paintings, showing biblical scenes. The three-story chapel is slightly less than 15 meters high.

17. The railway station

View from the square to the Lviv railway station

The first station was opened in 1861 by order of the Austrian authorities. In the 20th century it could no longer cope with the increased passenger traffic, and was replaced by the current complex with spacious waiting rooms of different levels of comfort, utility rooms, post office, cafe and canteen.

18. Lviv Beer Museum

The Brewing Museum in Lviv Slavutich, Carlsberg Group

Even the best hotels in Lviv cannot boast of so many guests as this museum, which began its work in 2005. Its area exceeds 600 square meters. There are about three hundred samples: bottles, labels, ancient barrels of different sizes and colors. Visitors can take a look at how beer is brewed and learn the secrets of brewing. There is also a tasting room on the territory. The varieties of beer that you like can be bought.

19. Pharmacy Museum

Entrance to the Pharmacy Museum "Under the Black Eagle" in Lviv User:Russianname
The exhibits of the Pharmacy Museum in the basement of the oldest city pharmacy in Lviv Vodnik

The museum’s base for opening was the pharmacy, which is still in operation today. In the 16 rooms of the museum complex you can see objects that were used by pharmacists and medical workers for many decades and even centuries. One of the rooms is a medical laboratory, the other is a library with books on medical topics.

Official website: http://lvivpharmacy

20. Shevchenko Gai

The old church in the "Shevchenko's Hay" scansion in Lviv Vodnik

Outdoor ethnography museum, showing what traditional western Ukrainian villages look like. The complex of the ethno park is represented not only by houses, but also outbuildings and churches. Tourists can learn more interesting information about the traditions and cultures of different regions of the country.

Lviv sights: what else can I see in Lviv?

If you’ve already been to Ukraine and have seen all those sights of Lviv, the photos with the name and description of which we have given, we recommend you to visit:

21. Museum of Ethnography and Arts and Crafts

Museum of Ethnography and Arts Crafts in the historical building of the Galician Credit Fund Netmate

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The modern complex was created when the Museum of Industry and the Museum of the Scientific Community, opened back in the 19th century, were combined. The exhibits are located in the historic building of the savings bank. The collections include folk art and ethnographic exhibits.

22 Lviv Art Gallery

Hall of the Lviv Art Gallery Lestat (Jan Mehlich)

The largest Ukrainian gallery, opened in the 20th century. The paintings of Robert, Rubens, Repin and other famous artists are kept in the palace, built in neo-Renaissance style. In the permanent exhibition - tens of thousands of paintings, written by masters of different epochs and countries.

23. National Museum named after Andrew Sheptytsky

Hall of Ukrainian art in the National Museum named after Andrey Sheptytsky Vodnik

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The complex was opened in the early 20th century. Originally, the objects of its expositions were supposed to have religious themes. Today, however, the collections include a variety of items that tell about the development of Ukrainian culture. The total number of samples is more than 150,000 units.

Official site: http://www.mankurty.com

24. Prison on Lontskogo

A view of the facade of the prison on Lontskogo from M. Shashkevich Square in Lviv Johnny

The building is made in neo-Renaissance style. It was built for the needs of the Austro-Hungarian Gendarmerie. During the USSR times there was a division of NKVD, then - administration of Gestapo, later - isolator and department of Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The building was reconstructed as a museum ten years ago by order of the SBU. The exhibits give a vivid idea of the different periods of the occupation of Western Ukraine and their unfortunate events.

25. City arsenal

Gate and tower of a 16th century fortification structure made of solid stone in Lviv User:Russianname

In earlier years, the building of the arsenal housed a prison, as well as a room for accommodation of the executioner of Lviv. Not far away there was a shop for casting cannons. In the collections of the modern museum there are numerous strange weapons. The samples were brought not only from all over the country, but also from more than 30 countries of the world.

Official website: http://www.lhm.lviv.

26. The Citadel

Big Maximillian Tower No. 2, converted into a hotel Vodnik

Remains of a 19th century defensive structure, erected by order of the Austrian government. At one time the “owners” of the citadel were Polish, Soviet and Russian armies. One of the towers of the fortification is in excellent condition (thanks to large-scale reconstruction): inside it there are rooms of a 5-star hotel with luxurious interiors in the palace style.

27. Powder Tower

Powder Tower is a monument of Renaissance military and defense architecture Lestat (Jan Mehlich)

In the 16th century the landmark, with its powerful 2.5-meter thick stone walls, was an important part of the Lviv defensive zone. It had to defend the approaches to the city from the north. Here were stored stocks of provisions, gunpowder and ammunition in case of the siege of Lviv. The construction is officially recognized as an important architectural and military historical monument in the Renaissance style. The last restoration of the tower was carried out in the 20th century.

28. High Castle Park

Great panorama of Lviv from the observation deck of High Castle Park

Due to its favorable location and several observation decks, this park complex of the mid-19th century is a great success not only among travelers, but also among residents. It is located in the central part of Lviv and occupies over 36 hectares. From viewing platforms you can admire the surroundings and take great pictures. Earlier on this territory there was a defensive fortress of D. Galitsky. It protected the citizens from the Mongol-Tatar yoke. Only ruins of the fortress have survived. The Vysokiy Zamok park has two levels: lower and upper. On the lower terrace you can see the historical signs created in memory of the Polish King Jan III and Cossack ataman Krivonos, as well as remarkable sculptures of stone lions. The upper level is an artificial mound, on which is located the Lviv TV center and the TV tower, more than 190 meters high.

Official site: http://www.lvov

29. Stryisky park

The sculptural composition in the center of a small pond in Stryisky Park

The park complex is located in the south of Lviv in the area of the former Stryisky cemetery from the 19th century. Initially there were about 40 000 trees, well-kept alleys and flowerbeds, asphalted paths. During the Soviet era, the boundaries of the park were greatly expanded (at the expense of neighboring vacant lots). Now the complex is also carefully monitored, so a walk here can give you a lot of pleasure.

30. Lychakiv Cemetery

One of the alleys of the 16th century Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv Lestat (Jan Mehlich)

An unconventional architectural landmark whose history began over 200 years ago, it is considered one of the greatest European necropolises. The area was used to bury famous cultural figures, famous artists, politicians and simply wealthy citizens. The monuments and tombstones there were executed by famous sculptors and architects. In recent years, the object is intended for viewing by tourists, and functions as a museum-reserve.

We have told you about the main attractions of Lviv in brief, and we hope that they have aroused your interest. Read also about sights of Odessa and be inspired for your further journey around Ukraine.

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