Ukraine is a diverse Eastern European nation rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the golden-domed churches of Kyiv to the charming cobblestone streets of Lviv, Ukraine offers travelers architectural marvels, vibrant cultural traditions, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Vyshyvanka (Embroidered Shirt)
Traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts or blouses featuring intricate regional patterns in red, black, and blue. These are national symbols worn during celebrations and as everyday fashion.
Price: $20-80
Where: Lviv Crafts Market, Andriyivskyy Descent in Kyiv
Kosiv Painted Pottery
Distinctive Hutsul-style ceramics from the Kosiv region featuring geometric patterns and folk motifs in earthy tones. Each piece is hand-painted and unique.
Price: $10-50
Where: Andriyivskyy Descent, craft fairs, Lviv Old Town shops
Ukrainian Wooden Decorations
Hand-carved wooden items including Easter egg stands, decorative spoons, and boxes featuring floral folk motifs. A traditional craft passed down through generations.
Price: $5-30
Where: Pirogovo Open-Air Museum shop, Kyiv craft markets
Pysanka (Decorated Eggs)
Intricately decorated Easter eggs using wax-resist technique with symbolic patterns carrying centuries of meaning. Pysanky are considered talismans of protection and fertility.
Price: $5-25
Where: Andriyivskyy Descent, Rynok Square Lviv shops
Ukrainian Honey (Mед)
Ukraine is one of the world's largest honey producers with numerous varieties including linden, buckwheat, and sunflower honey. Available in attractive gift jars and sets.
Price: $5-15
Where: Besarabka Market Kyiv, Lviv Halytskyi Market
Rushnyky (Embroidered Towels)
Traditional decorative embroidered towels used in Ukrainian rituals including weddings and religious ceremonies. Feature intricate symbolic patterns with regional variations.
Price: $15-60
Where: Craft markets, souvenir shops throughout major cities
Horilka (Ukrainian Vodka)
Traditional Ukrainian spirits including pepper-infused horilka, honey-based medivka, and herbal varieties. Nemiroff and Khortytsia are well-known brands.
Price: $10-25
Where: Supermarkets, duty-free, liquor stores
Bandura or Trembita (Folk Instruments)
Decorative miniature versions of traditional Ukrainian folk instruments make unique collectible souvenirs. The bandura is Ukraine's national instrument.
Price: $15-40
Where: Andriyivskyy Descent art shops, specialty music shops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Besarabka Market (Besarabskyi Rynok)
Kyiv's most famous covered market dating to 1912, housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building. Offers fresh produce, meats, cheeses, honey, and gourmet Ukrainian food products in a lively atmosphere.
Where: 1 Bessarabska Square, Kyiv
Hours: 8AM-8PM daily
Andriyivskyy Descent Market
Bohemian open-air street market along Kyiv's most atmospheric cobblestone street. Artists, craftspeople, and antique dealers sell paintings, embroidery, Soviet memorabilia, and handmade jewelry.
Where: Andriyivskyy Descent, Kyiv
Hours: 10AM-6PM daily (weekend peak)
Halytskyi Market (Rynok), Lviv
Lviv's oldest and most traditional market with roots going back centuries. Local vendors sell fresh produce, meats, pickled vegetables, baked goods, and traditional Carpathian products.
Where: Halytska Square, Lviv
Hours: 7AM-6PM daily
Lviv Vernissage (Craft Market)
Open-air antique and craft market near Rynok Square where local artisans sell handmade goods, antiques, vintage items, and traditional Ukrainian crafts. Perfect for unique souvenirs.
Where: Virmenska Street, Lviv Old Town
Hours: 10AM-7PM daily
Zhytniy Market, Kyiv
Traditional neighborhood market in historic Podil district with fresh seasonal produce, pickled goods, grains, dried mushrooms, herbs, and local specialties at authentic local prices.
Where: Zhytny Market, Podil district, Kyiv
Hours: 7AM-5PM daily
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Khreshchatyk Street
Kyiv's central boulevard is the main shopping street lined with international brands, local boutiques, cafés, and department stores. Bustling with life especially on weekends when it becomes pedestrianized.
Best for: Fashion, international brands, department stores
Rynok Square (Lviv Old Town)
Lviv's central square surrounded by boutique shops in historic townhouses selling amber jewelry, embroidery, leather goods, chocolate, and souvenirs. Perfect for high-quality artisan purchases.
Best for: Artisan goods, souvenirs, Lviv chocolate, amber jewelry
Andriyivskyy Descent
Kyiv's most atmospheric shopping street winding downhill between Podil and Old Town. Galleries, antique shops, craft stalls, and quirky boutiques make every visit a unique experience.
Best for: Art, antiques, handmade crafts, photography
Podil District, Kyiv
Revitalized historic waterfront district with independent boutiques, concept stores, designer studios, and specialty food shops alongside cafés and restaurants. Kyiv's creative shopping hub.
Best for: Independent designers, concept stores, local brands
Lviv Centrum Shopping Area
Lviv's central pedestrian zone around the main square features a mix of international and local shops, coffee houses serving Lviv's famous coffee culture, and specialty food stores.
Best for: Everyday shopping, Lviv chocolate, coffee products
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Ocean Plaza
One of Kyiv's largest and most popular shopping centers near Vasylkivska metro station. Features over 300 stores including international fashion brands, an entertainment complex, food court, and cinema multiplex.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Dream Town
Massive shopping and entertainment mall in northern Kyiv with extensive retail options, a large entertainment zone, bowling alley, ice rink, and numerous dining options. Popular with families.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Manufaktura, Lviv
Modern shopping center in Lviv built in a former factory, blending historic industrial architecture with contemporary retail. Features fashion brands, food court, and entertainment facilities.
Hours: 10AM-9PM daily
Victoria Gardens, Lviv
Lviv's contemporary shopping mall offering a good selection of Ukrainian and international brands, restaurants, cafés, and a cinema. Conveniently located near the city center.
Hours: 10AM-9PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not common in malls, supermarkets, or established shops — fixed prices are standard
At Andriyivskyy Descent and craft markets, polite negotiation is acceptable, especially when buying multiple items
Street vendors and flea markets may offer discounts for cash payments or bulk purchases
Be respectful when negotiating — Ukrainians appreciate genuine interest in their crafts more than aggressive bargaining
Asking for a small discount at the end of a transaction is generally well-received at independent market stalls
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques, artwork, and cultural heritage items require export permits from the Ministry of Culture; military paraphernalia may be restricted; contact customs for current regulations
Tax Refund: VAT refund (20%) available for non-Ukrainian residents on purchases over UAH 500 at participating retailers displaying the Tax-Free logo; claim at airport upon departure
Duty Free: Duty-free allowances include up to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, 200 cigarettes, and goods under EUR 200 in value for personal use
Shipping: International courier services (DHL, FedEx, Nova Poshta International) available for sending purchases home; factor in potential customs duties at destination country