Kharkiv
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Ukraine. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Ukraine
- Region
- Kharkiv Oblast
- Population
- 1.4 million
- Best time to go
- May to June, September
- Main airport
- Kharkiv International (HRK)
- Coordinates
- 49.99°N, 36.23°E
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Overview
Kharkiv is Ukraine's second city, a centre of science, industry and education, and briefly the capital of Soviet Ukraine. It is known for its bold Constructivist architecture, big parks and a large student population.
The city has been badly damaged in the war, and this guide is written for a safer time. When travel returns, its squares, churches and lively cultural life will deserve the long journey east.
Things to see
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Photo: Konstantin Brizhnichenko, CC BY-SA 4.0 Freedom Square
One of Europe's largest city squares, framed by monumental buildings.
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Photo: Ekaterina Polischuk, CC BY-SA 4.0 Derzhprom
A pioneering 1920s Constructivist complex of linked towers and bridges, among the first Soviet skyscrapers.
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Photo: Serhii Bobok If you have any questions please contact with m, CC BY-SA 4.0 Annunciation Cathedral
A red and white striped cathedral by the river with a tall bell tower.
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Photo: Lystopad, CC BY-SA 4.0 Shevchenko Garden
A large historic park beside the university, with a monument to the poet Taras Shevchenko.
Things to do
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Photo: Lystopad, CC BY-SA 4.0 Gorky Park
The city's main amusement park, with rides, playgrounds and long woodland paths.
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Explore the university quarter
Students give the city its energy, with cafés, bookshops and a busy cultural scene.
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Photo: Ace^eVg, CC BY-SA 3.0 Walk to the Mirror Stream
A much-loved fountain and pavilion in the centre, a classic meeting point.
Where to stay
City centre
Around Sumska Street, close to parks, restaurants and theatres.
Hotels in City centreNear Freedom Square
Convenient for the main sights and the metro.
Hotels in Near Freedom Square
Getting around
The metro is quick and cheap, with buses and trams filling in. The centre is pleasant to walk.
In normal times, the airport lies south of the centre, a short taxi ride away, and fast trains link the city with Kyiv.
When to go
Late spring and early autumn are mild and green. Summers can be hot, and winters are cold and snowy.
Plan your trip to Kharkiv
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.