Travelling to Ukraine (Uzhhorod and L'viv)

[Emperor]

Hello! I am a 24 year old Austrian guy who wants to travel to Ukraine (Lviv) in April for holiday. Therefore I need someone who writes me an invitation in order to receive a viza at the embassy. Perhaps you could also give me some tips where to stay in Lviv (Hotel, Motel,...). I would also be very pleased if you could tell me some nice sightseeing places in the Lviv area and I am interested about the nightlife there. Are there some kinds of cool discoteques or even Rock/Metal clubs in Lviv or near Lviv? I have travelled a lot in eastern Europe but I have never been to Ukraine before so I am glad for every answer.

[Irina_gem]

Dear Emperor,
It's nice You plan to come to Ukraine.
Please note that You do not need anybody to send You visa invitation - according to new regulations You just need to come to Ukrainian consulate in Vienna and fill in the forms. But anyway please check it with the Consukate first. I do not live in Lvov - I'm a travel agent also aged 24 and live in Kiev- capital of Ukraine so I can not advise You about night life. But I can advise You about good place to live - the best hotels are Dnister hotel - good standard of 3 stars hotel, especially renovated rooms, though if you wish to save some money - choose non-renovated - he difference is about 20 USD, and you will not see 20 USD difference.
The more luxury hotel is Grand Hotel - fine 4 stars- sgl room there starts around 90 USD per night but it's in the very center of Lvov.
If You find offers on George hotel - do not take it - located in the center - it still has all features of Soviet style hotel - including suspicious babushkas on the floor and non-renovated rooms.
These are the best options. If You need cheaper options - less then 50 USD per night- let me know and I will advise You them.
Anyway, I wish You a nice stay in Lvov- it's a wonderful city !
Regards,
Irina

[svitur]

Hi Emperor,
Quite interesting - I am also a travel agent and also 24, but unlike Irina I am from Lviv, although in Reykjavik at the moment.
accomodation - I do agree with Irina about Dnister and other hotels. But note - if you donЄt worry so much about the quality of accomodation I would recommend you to rent an appartment for the period of your stay. It will be sure much more cheaper and you might find very fency appartment for a small price. There are several companies providing such sevrices in Lviv, but unfortunately I donЄt have their telephone number withme. If you want I can ask my collegues in Lviv, just mail me t.svitur@ukraine.com. I think it would be the best solution for you - you will be able to travel more or to spend these money in nightclubs to pay for a hotel.
nightlife - for sure you have to visit Lialka night club. It is situated in doll theater (Lialka is a doll in Ukrainian), at the basement. It could be overcrowded during weekends, so better to come at 9.30 p.m. They organize also concerts of alternative music on working days, esp. interesting ones are held normally on Thursdays. Just check a schedule upon arrival there (it is in the center!).
Besides, it could be interesting for you to go to Picasso night club - normal modern club, it was a cinema before and I do like design of the interior they have arranged there! Picasso is better known as Zirka cinema by taxi driver. By the way, it will cost you not more than 6 hrn (1USD) to get from city center to this place and donЄt pay MORE than this! You can take also taxi buses (1 hrn), - typical mean of public transportation. Just ask someone at the street how to get to Zirka and you will be explined, donЄt worry. DonЄt worry also when it will be a small crowd trying to explain you the way ! - People normally donЄt speak English or German but they are willing to help
sightseing: there are plenty of info on the web - just search! I could advise you only several places which are normally not in the guides - Citadel, there are nice abandoned towers just in the city center. Just ask how to get to the Citadel. There is a business center in the central building of this citadel, but try to find towers, there are 4 of them at the corners !!! You wonЄt regret! Visit also Stryjskij Park and Tax Administration building nearby! If you want to see typical Sovjet style district, mosern labirint - take a look at Sykhiv dystrict, it is sleeping district of Lviv with app. 180 thousand people living there - just take a look at this ugly district, but for a certain extent it is cool! And for sure try pizza in Chelentano pizzerias - they are typical Lviv and are really cool, - besides, I donЄt think that in Austria you will have a chance to eat pizza for 2USD, and a BIG one!
one more moment - DONЄT take a train to Lviv unless you have a lot of money to spend! Better take a bus to Zheshuv in Poland, and then there is direct bus to Lviv, - just find out about buses! It will cost you $100 by train and only $60 by buses! So, decision is up to you! Several phone calls, but still ... you can mail me also to know details - I can ask in Lviv
Hope I help you a bit! Have a nice time in Lviv, - feel free to mail if you have other questions! Und du kannst auch Deutsch schreiben, es ist kein Problem fuer mich - also, tschuess ! Volodja, momentan aus Reykjavik, Island