- Kharkiv served as the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919 until 1934.
- The city is home to one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, founded in 1804.
- The Derzhprom building was the first Soviet skyscraper, completed in 1928, and it remains a global example of constructivist architecture.
- Kharkiv's metro system features elaborate, ornate station designs reflecting the mid-20th-century architectural style of the region.
- The city has historically acted as the primary scientific and research engine for Ukraine's defense and aerospace industries.
About Kharkiv
Kharkiv is Ukraine’s second-largest city and a historic hub of industry, science, and education located in the northeastern part of the country. The city is defined by its grand constructivist architecture, most notably the massive Derzhprom building, which serves as a landmark of the early Soviet era. Visitors often explore the serene pathways of Sarzhyn Yar or take in the iconic architecture at the Mirror Stream. The city also features extensive green spaces like the Maxim Gorky Central Park for Culture and Recreation, balancing its urban industrial scale with large-scale landscaping.
Highlights of Kharkiv
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Examine the iconic constructivist design of one of the world's first massive concrete skyscrapers.
Parks
Visit this natural park to see the local mineral water spring and refreshing woodland walking paths.
Places of interest
View this signature fountain monument that stands as a historic symbol of the city’s post-war restoration.
Parks
Explore one of the country's largest recreational areas featuring diverse themed zones and amusement rides.
Historical places
Pay respects at this prominent memorial dedicated to Ukraine’s most celebrated national poet.
Parks
Walk along the Lopan River embankment for panoramic views of the city's architectural skyline.
Zoos
Tour one of the oldest zoological gardens in the region, which has undergone significant modern renovations.
Parks
Stroll through this quiet, central park known for its mature trees and connection to local academic institutions.
Top things to do in Kharkiv
The 199 highest-rated places in Kharkiv, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Sarzhyn Yar is a multi-level recreational ravine located in central Kharkiv, featuring a natural mineral water spring th...
2
Parks
Maxim Gorky Central Park for Culture and Recreation is a sprawling 130-hectare landscape park in Kharkiv, Ukraine, desig...
3
Historical places
The Taras Shevchenko Monument in Kharkiv is a massive constructivist-style bronze and granite ensemble inaugurated in 19...
4
Places of interest
Mirror Stream, locally known as Dzerkalʹnyy Struminʹ, is a signature neo-classical pavilion and fountain located in Vict...
5
Parks
Skver Strilka is a riverside park situated at the confluence of the Lopan and Kharkiv rivers, forming the historic cente...
6
Historical places
Derzhprom, or the State Industry Building, is a monumental constructivist complex completed in 1928, serving as a landma...
7
Parks
Park Yur'yeva is a prominent green space located in the Nemyshlya district of Kharkiv, positioned near the landmark 'Kha...
8
Zoos
Kharkiv Zoo is Ukraine’s oldest zoological park, first established in the late 19th century. Following a massive multi-y...
9
Venues
The Palace of Students is a prominent cultural venue housed within the historic complex of the Yaroslav Mudryi National...
10
Parks
Molodizhnyy Park in Kharkiv serves as a multi-functional recreational space featuring a dedicated skate park and various...
11
Venues
The Les Serdyuk House of the Actor serves as a premier performing arts hub in central Kharkiv, dedicated to the legacy o...
12
Amusement parks
AquaZhur is a prominent outdoor water recreation complex located within the Zhuravlivka Hydropark in Kharkiv. The facili...
13
Temples
The Annunciation Cathedral in Kharkiv is a neo-Byzantine structure completed in 1901 by architect Mikhail Lovtsov. It se...
14
Parks
Park Peremoha is a major green zone in the Saltivka district of Kharkiv, distinguished by its Soviet-era planning and la...
15
Venues
The Kharkiv Ukrainian Drama Theatre, officially the Taras Shevchenko National Academic Ukrainian Drama Theatre, is one o...
16
Museums
The M. F. Sumtsov Kharkiv Historical Museum is one of Ukraine's oldest and largest museums, housing over 300,000 artifac...
17
Temples
The Svyato-Pokrovsʹkyy Cholovichyy Monastyr is a historic Eastern Orthodox monastery complex founded in 1689 within the...
18
Historical places
The Memorial Complex of Glory is a large-scale memorial site located in the northeastern part of Kharkiv, situated withi...
19
Parks
Mashynobudivnykiv Park is a historic green space situated in the Slobidskyi district of Kharkiv, primarily serving as a...
20
Venues
The Kharkiv State Academic Russian Drama Theater, named after Alexander Pushkin, is one of the oldest professional theat...
21
Places of interest
Lovers' Bridge in Kharkiv is a pedestrian bridge crossing the Lopan River, connecting the historical city center to the...
22
Places of interest
This viewpoint is situated on the elevated bank overlooking the Lopan and Kharkiv river confluence, providing a panorami...
23
Venues
Teatr Muzychnoyi Komediyi, formally known as the Kharkiv Academic Theatre of Musical Comedy, is a major cultural institu...
24
Museums
The Museum of Photo Illusions in Kharkiv is an interactive art space featuring 3D paintings designed to create optical i...
25
Museums
AVEK Gallery and Feldman Museum is a prominent private cultural institution located in central Kharkiv. The facility hou...
26
Amusement parks
Izolyatsiya is a specialized escape room facility located in the historic center of Kharkiv on Rymars'ka Street. It feat...
27
Historical places
The Star-Kharkiv Division Monument is a prominent Soviet-era memorial located in the Nemyshlianskyi district of Kharkiv....
28
Parks
Park Kulʹtury Ta Vidpochynku Imeny Kvitky-Osnov'yanenko is a historic municipal park located in the Moskalivka district...
29
Museums
The Kharkiv Art Museum, also known as the Kharkiv State Museum of Fine Arts, is one of the oldest and most significant a...
30
Temples
Ozeryansʹkyy Khram is a functioning Ukrainian Orthodox Church located on Poltavskyi Shliakh Street in Kharkiv. The churc...
Around Kharkiv
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Kharkiv on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Kharkiv
Late spring (May) to early autumn (September) offers the most favorable weather for exploring the extensive parks and outdoor sites.
3 days, allowing enough time to tour the central architectural landmarks, local museums, and the primary green spaces.
The city is serviced by a comprehensive metro system supplemented by an extensive network of trams, trolleybuses, and buses.
The city center (near Svoboda Square) is the most convenient location, providing proximity to major historical sites and transport links.
Generally an affordable destination, with costs significantly lower than in Western Europe or major tourism-heavy hubs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 199 curated attractions in and around Kharkiv, ranked by traveller ratings.
Sarzhyn Yar is the highest-rated place to visit in Kharkiv right now.
The largest category is temples, with 66 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Kiev, Lviv, Odessa.
Explore more of Ukraine
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
