Hi,
I just wrote a very long letter regarding Serbia and Ukraine, a letter that unfortunately was not posted. Anyways, I just did a 3-month tour of Central and Eastern Europe. Two places I did not visit, however, are Serbia and Ukraine. I am reluctant to visit because of such contrasting views I hear regarding these two countries. For example, some people tell me that Kiev, Ukraine is a charming European town. Others tell me that its once-charming city has been significantly eroded by Soviet rule, thus becoming Grey and grim. Another example: some people tell me Belgrade is the best city in the Balkans-in terms of nightlife, beautiful and warm people and city appearance. Others tell me to definitely avoid Belgrade. I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nevertheless, I would definitely appreciate your input.
Basically, I am primarily interested in hearing input on Kiev and Lviv, Ukraine and Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia. I would expect to find warm, hospitable and good-looking people in both Ukraine and Serbia. However, are any or all of these 4 cities I listed above (Kiev, Lviv, Belgrade and Novi Sad) amazing from a sightseeing and architectural perspective? In other words, do any of these 4 cities have the kind of city appearance and charm that characterizes cities like St. Petersburg, Prague, Budapest, Krakow and etc?
Long story short, I am currently visiting family in Athens, Greece. I do not feel like I HAVE to visit any of these 4 cities. However, if any of them are among Central and Eastern Europe's best sightseeing and architectural destinations, I do not want to miss out! Please let me know what you think. Along with responding to this discussion thread, please email me at charlesstathoulis@yahoo.com I am not very familiar with how this discussion thread works, so emailing me would almost ensure that I do not miss reading your response!
I await your response. Please do not forget to tell me the most recent time you visited any or all the cities I listed.
Charlie
Thinking About a Visit to Ukraine and/or Serbia...
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Charlie,
I am originally from Ukraine (live in US since 1983). Kiev is interesting city, a lot's of history. Visit Pecher Lavra, cathedral. I cannot help you Lviv but if I would go to Ukraine now, I would go to Kiev, Odessa and Crimea. These are different cities, but all are very interesting. Odessa was built by french, it has European architecture. You will see Opera theather which is a copy of Vienna Opera house (actually we always argue which one is a copy). In Crimea - Yalta, you will find palaces which are in par with St. petersburg. These were summer residences of czar. Sevastopol has WWII historiscal sites and also archelogical site Hersones. Plus, Crimea has wonderful beaches if you go in summer. Same for Odessa. Kiev is not on the sea but on Dnepro River which is nice too.
Good news for that Visa is not required anymore for Ukraine while you still need visa for St. Petersburg and Russia.
I cannot help you on serbia.
Sophia
topping...
I love Lviv. My Husband's family is from Lviv and in 1997 we spent a week there visiting family.
What I loved most was the lack of tourist. The people are warm and friendly. The city was a little bit worn around the edges ( I found this romantic). There was a serious restoration effort.
My advice, if you are looking for major sites, art, etc. Skip Lviv. If you are interested in experience the wonderful history of the Ukranian people and getting a real feel for their culture - go!
There are some lovely castles in the countryside and the most interestingt - and beautiful - cemetary I've ever seen. Wonderful history on the Ukranian resistance.
One interesting fact about Lviv. My husband's cousins were born in the USSR, his father was born in Poland, his grandfather was born in Austria yet they were all born in the same village just outside of Lviv.
EmptyNest, have you been to Kiev? I would think so. What did you think (please refer to my first posting)?
My message is not a "message"... but rahter, a practice here, used to bring a message back up "to the top". I had the impression that you might not yet understand how to find your messages ("click on your own name").
Best wishes,
Rex
belgrade is a really nice city, though it does not have a shiny face. it IS warm, and it is interesting. people like tourists here.
Belgrade is dull and everyone is in too mch of a rush, ok the nightlife is great and girls gorgeous but Novi Sad is better in my opinion, especially for what you are looking for.
Lviv is excellent, bit cold right now though so wear thermals! Going to Kyiv for first time next weekend... will report back
I’m from Ukraine. Here www.photoukraine.com I collected more than 1000 pictures of sights of Ukraine. Welcome to Ukraine.
I asgree that for your tastes Lviv is a better city than Kyiv. It has many fine buildings and pleasant squares and streets, and the cheap and good George hotel (Cheap if you book on arrival, not if you book ahead). Kyiv is more Russian than European, with straight streets, modern buildings, and Orthodox cathedral and churches. Belgrade a good city for nightlife, and warm people, but the city appearance is Prussian and grey. Novi Sad has a fine baroque centre, the Voijvoidina Hotel, a fine Austrian fortress, a good museum in two neighbouring buildings, and people goad to chat, as they are in Belgrade.
I was in the four cities three and four years ago.
Ben Haines, London
bnhaines@yahoo.co.uk