For the purpose of a brief acquaintance with the city we suggest you to make a one-day trip, on which you will visit the main sights of Lviv. From our article you will learn what to see in Lviv, coming here only for one day.
Since most tourists come to this city by train, we will start our journey with railroad station, which also deserves the attention of tourists. After getting out of the carriage, put your things on the platform and look up, you are under a beautiful arched ceiling made of metal and glass — the debarkade.
Basically all the sights of Lviv are concentrated in the central part of the city, which makes it very easy to see them. Directly from the station you can get to the center by shuttle buses or streetcars. But if time permits, we recommend you to take a walking tour from the station to the city center.
The first landmark, (if you don’t count the train station) that you will meet on your way is the majestic Saint Elizabeth Cathedral on Kropivnicki Square. The temple is built in neo-Gothic architectural style and is reminiscent of French Gothic architecture.
Passing further along Horodotska Street, behind the circus, on the top of the hill (Yuriev Hill) you will see the domes of one of the most beautiful cathedrals of Lviv — The Cathedral of St. George, built in rococo style. In 1998 its architectural ensemble was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you wish, you can visit the Cathedral by going up Ozarkiewicz Street.
At the beginning of Horodotska Street you are met by the pearl of Lviv architecture — Opera Theater, which is rightly considered one of the best theaters not only in Ukraine, but also in Europe. In front of the entrance to the opera house there is a magnificent fountain, which constantly gathers a large number of Lviv citizens and guests of the city.
While you are full of strength, vigor and energy we suggest you to climb up to the observation deck of the city Ratusha, where you can see the beautiful panorama of the architectural ensemble of the central part of the city. From the Opera House to the Rynok Square, where the Town Hall is located, you can go several ways. We offer you the following route: walk along Svobody Avenue to the monument to T. Shevchenko, then to the monument to A. Mickiewicz, then turn to Teatralna Street, and passing the only landmark that has preserved the features of Gothic appearance — Latin Catedral Cathedral, go to Rynok Square. Walking along Svobody Avenue, pay attention to the peculiar structure behind the monument to T. Shevchenko — Jesuit Church of St. Peter and Paul. Peter and Paul, which is considered one of the first monuments of baroque architecture in Lviv.
After enjoying the unique panorama from the top of the Town Hall and coming down, you will take your time to walk around the square itself, scrutinizing every house, because it is the heart of Lviv Historical and Architectural Reserve.
Well, you are probably already tired and hungry. On Rynok Square there are many cafes, bars and restaurants where you can have a delicious snack and a cup of flavored Lviv coffee.
After you have refreshed yourself and rested a bit, let’s continue our walk around the city. We suggest you to visit High Castle. And not to waste time, on the way we will see some more sights of Lviv. Walking along Armenian Street, take a look at Armenian Catedral Cathedral. Then, coming to Museum Square, you’ll find yourself near the majestic Dominican Cathedral. A little further on is the Ensemble of the Assumption Church, which also includes the Chapel of the Three Saints and the Kornyakta Bell Tower.
Further our excursion goes along Podvalnaya Street. Here we can still see Lviv’s defense buildings of the 16th-17th centuries: Powder Tower, City and Royal Arsenals. The City Arsenal houses a museum of arms.
That’s how, after viewing the sights of the city, we almost came to the foot of the High Castle. So what is it? Many visitors to the city really hope to see the castle. But, unfortunately, only a fragment of its wall has survived to our time. You may ask, why do we have to go there? Well, here’s why. From the top of the castle mountain, at an altitude of 413 meters above sea level, a breathtaking panorama of the city opens up. If from the Town Hall you can see only the central part of the city, from this place you can see the whole beauty of Lviv. After descending from the observation deck, be sure to take a walk through the alleys of the High Castle Park.
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Next, along Winnichenka Street we go back to the city center. On this street we will come across the Carmelite Barefoot Church. Next to this church there is a majestic architectural ensemble of the former Bernardine Church, the current St. Andrew’s Church.
And lastly, you should take a walk along Shevchenko Avenue, which is very popular among both Lviv citizens and guests of the city.
On weekends you can make a small excursion around the city by excursion train, boarding which is made on the Rynok Square.
Of course, one day is not enough to see the main sights of Lviv, but we hope that you will visit this ancient city more than once.