Got to Lviv on a layover? Or perhaps you are visiting a friend for a short trip? OR maybe you are off for a conferece in Ukraine, and have only one day to travel before it? Then use this article as your checklist of things to do in Lviv for one day :) Here's our selection below!

Things to do in Lviv for one day

1. Take a three-hour guided city tour

Grab a cup of fresh coffee and hit off on a guided tour. If you've got only a day to spare, a walk with a guide is really your best choice for the start. The guide will show you all the top main attractions, and will be able to give you in depth insight into history/culture/art or anything that you are particularly into. 

Book our city tour  

2. Take bird view photos of Lviv from the High Castle hill

High Castle Hill is the perfect place for an early morning photo shoot

After the tour and a hearty lunch, go off the Lviv High Castle. It can be both a major disappointment and biggest surprise to you! Why disappointment? Because despite its promising name, the place is not that high (unless 413 m is impressive for you) and has no castle whatsoever. Why surprise? Because it offers a quiet refuge from the busy city streets, and it has indubitably the best aerial views of the city! The hill, also known as Vysoky Zamok, used to be a wooden fortress, built in the 13th century by King Lev. The structure was destroyed and then rebuilt again from stone a century late. Castle served as a residence for King's steward and as a prison, but fell apart some hundred years later. Nowadays, only fragments of old walls remind about place's former glory.

 

Where to find: High Castle (Vysokyi Zamok) is located just outside Lviv’s center inside Vysokyi Zamok Park. There are no direct transport links to the park, so wear good shoes and  enjoy the 15-20-minute walk from the center.  Just follow the small brown signs.

 

When to visit: sunny weather is the best for great bird view of the city

 

How much to pay: for FREE

3. Go cycling in one of Lviv parks

Cycle away at Lviv parks

For those who are looking for some active vacationing, Lviv has plenty to offer as well. While cycling along the main streets is still not that common (though definitely improving, with the addition of cycling lanes), city has a number of parks, that are just perfect for an afternoon getaway. Among most popular ones are Znesinnia (also known as Kaiservald), Stryjsky, Pohulianky, and Zalizni Vody parks.

Znesinnia park is easily accessible from the city center. You can enter it from the High Castle. When you get to the hill, look to your right, and you will find an entrance to the park. Roads there are not paved, so get ready for some rough cycling. With over 312,1 hectares of ravines, hills and forests, park offers plenty of cycling routes.  Combine them with a picnic at the Lysa Hill (Bold Mountain).

Stryjsky park is more well-maintained than the others, and cycling there can be suitable even for smaller kids. Park's entrance is located between the streets Ivan Franko and Stryiska, a mere 15 min walk from the city center. Park is much smaller than Znesinnia, but has a lovely pond with swans, greenhouse, rock garden and linden alley.

Bike rental shops are available throughout the city center.

 

Where to find: Znesinnia park entrance is located right at the High Castle Hill (Vysoky Zamok). Stryisky park is situated between the Ivan Franko and Stryiska streets. Pohulianky park is a bit further into the outskirts - take a tram #7 and get off at the Pohulianka street.

 

When to visit: April through September are definitely the best months for cycling in Lviv

 

How much to pay: renting a bike typically costs 5 EURO per hour (you will be asked to leave your passport, driving license or a substantial sum of money as a deposit for the bike)

Also, explore our FREE ultimate guide on how to take one day bike tour from Lviv to castles.

4.  Explore Lviv underground labyrinths

Up for a scary story or two? 

Would you like to check out the 18th century sarcophagus made from a solid stone? Its cover weighs over 600 kg. The object itself is taken apart, but the nature of wreckage indicates that sarcophagus was broken not from the outside, but ...from the inside! Eerie, isn't it? To hear the full Black Monk legend, head to the catacombs of St. Peter and Paul Cathedral of Jesuit Order.  For a tour into ancient medicine and treatments, you must check out the underground of Lviv's Pharmacy - Museum. More mysteries await you at the Church of Transfiguration. Its underground halls are by far the largest in the city. Last, but not least, is the basement of Dominican Cathedral. Scientists suggest that the first tier of King Leo palace used to be here once. Nowadays, it's not a royal sight, but a visit down there will take you to monk's cell, hall of torture and will tell you some more spooky legends of underground inhabitants.

Up for a chilling evening in Lviv underground labyrinths?

 

Where to find: Contact us to arrange for an underground tour of Lviv

 

When to visit:any time in the day

 

How much to pay: depending on your group size

Finish your day, sipping eating your dinner in one of the outdoor cafes on Rynok Square and enjoy the music of street musicians. 

Anything else you'd like to add? What is your favorite selection of things to do in Lviv in 24 hours?