Chernivtsi is one of my favorite places on Earth – not because I was born here, but because it’s one of the best-kept hidden gems in Ukraine. 😉

It’s the perfect place to get a taste of Ukraine because it has everything a traveler needs: small enough to navigate easily but large enough to spend one or two days; plenty of cafes and restaurants to get a taste of local cuisine; and close to other tourist cities in Ukraine such as Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and the Carpathian Mountains.

💃 CHERNIVTSI CITY GUIDE 🏤

Perfect for …
 Ukraine off the beaten path – Cozy cobblestone streets – A day trip from Lviv – Delicious food on a budget

 

If you’re looking for a city rich with history, look no further than Chernivtsi: this little town located on the edge of Ukraine is a melting pot of cultures thanks to its strategic location. In its history, Chernivtsi was part of Moldova, Turkey, Poland, Austro-Hungary, Russia, Romania, the Soviet Union, and, finally, Ukraine. Even though many of these empires haven’t existed for hundreds of years, every era left a little remnant of itself in Chernivtsi: in its architecture, in the food, in the cobblestone streets, and in the locals. 

In fact, journalist Georg Heinzen once wrote about Chernivtsi: “It was a city where one could find more bookstores than coffee houses. The city located in the middle between Vienna and Bucharest, Krakow and Odessa. It used to be an unofficial capital of Europe, where one sang the best coloratura soprano. Chernivtsi was a ship of pleasures with the Ukrainian crew, German officers and Jewish passengers on the board.”

No matter if you call it Czernowitz, Cernăuţi, Chernovtsy, Chernivtsi, or something else, the warm atmosphere of this city will make you feel like you’ve time traveled back to mid-century Austro-Hungary.

If you’re looking for the best places to eat, places to see, or things to do in Chernivtsi, look no further and keep this Chernivtsi travel guide your pocket — or get lost on one of the many charming streets – who knows what kind of surprise you’ll find. 😉

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How many days do I need in Chernivtsi?

I recommend at least one to two full days to see Chernivtsi. Although it’s a small city and you can see everything in a few hours, I suggest taking your time and slowly walking along the streets to really take in the atmosphere, do a little bit of people watching in a cozy cafe, and admiring the architecture.

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HOW TO GET TO CHERNIVTSI 

AIRPLANE

The easiest way on how to get to Chernivtsi is by a direct flight from Kyiv (KBP) to our super tiny airport (CWC). The flight itself less than an hour and anywhere from $50-100 round trip on Ukrainian Airlines (depending on the season). Flights from Kyiv to Chernivtsi leave at 8:40 pm and flights from Chernivtsi to Kyiv leave at 7 am every day.

TRAIN

There are trains available from nearby Lviv (4 hours on a high-speed train or 6 hours on a regular train) or from Kyiv (anywhere from 12 to 15+ hours depending on the route). Prices start at $10 from a third-class cabin and go up to $30+ for a VIP cabin on the Kyiv-Chernivtsi train. You can purchase tickets from the official website here. 

BUS

There are plenty of options to get to Chernivtsi by bus, private car, or marshrutka from most cities in Ukraine. I recommend the Ukrainian autobus website (click here), because you can look up times, the number of seats, and buy online – and best of all, the website is in English! Just be aware that Chernivtsi is written “CHERNOVCY” in the drop-down menu. 

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TRANSPORTATION & GETTING AROUND CHERNIVTSI 

WALKING

Chernivtsi is such a compact city that you can walk from one end of the center to the other in about 20 minutes. There are some streets that have cobblestones and uphill slopes, so take your time and watch the road (but don’t be scared – it’s nothing serious! )

TAXI

Taxis are plentiful and cheap in Chernivtsi. It might be an issue if you don’t speak Russian or Ukrainian (since the majority of taxi drivers don’t speak English!), so it’s best to have your destination written in Cyrillic or pre-loaded on Google Maps.

Likewise, it’s good to know the price beforehand – you can ask a local so the taxi drivers don’t try to overcharge you. I also recommend downloading a taxi app like TAXI 579, where you can punch in the pick-up and destination addresses (in Cyrillic) and it’ll call a taxi driver and tell you the price on the app (similar to Uber).

BUSES

Chernivtsi, like most Ukrainian cities, has various busses, trolleys, and marshrutkas that can take you to most places in the city. However, unless you’re going to one end of the city (like the Kalynivskyi Market or Formarket Mall), I wouldn’t bother with it – sometimes the busses are late, crowded, and not always obvious how much to pay the conductor.

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WHERE TO STAY IN CHERNIVTSI
ACCOMMODATIONS IN CHERNIVTSI

Yard Hostel

Chernivtsi Hostels

Yard Hostel – Chernivtsi’s newest hostel, Yard is a cozy spot that’s right off the main pedestrian street (Kobilyanska). The rooms are well-decorated, the staff is exceptional, and it’s in the middle of the trendiest restaurants and cafes. There are even options for dorm beds or private rooms. What more could you want? ;)
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined 

 

Square Hostel- Located right next to Chernivtsi University (the UNESCO site), Square Hostel is the most popular hostel in Chernivtsi. The staff are nice, the location is excellent, and it’s in the center. Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined 

 

Central Magnat

Chernivtsi Hotels

Central Magnat – Central Magnat is another hotel that’s located on Kobilyanksa (the pedestrian street), albeit towards the quieter end of the street. The rooms are decorated in a lovely modern style, and breakfast is served every day. Fun fact: if you want to watch a movie, there’s a cinema club in the lobby! Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined 

Allure Inn Hotel – Allure is one of the fanciest hotels in the city. Located right off of the Central Square, it has a delicious breakfast spread, is close to all of the tourist attractions, and even a terrace restaurant if you get hungry for dinner. Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined

Hotel Kaiser – Just a 10 minute walk to Chernivtsi University and a 5 minute walk from the Chernivtsi train station is this cozy cottage-style hotel. Reasonably priced, great service, and large rooms. Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined

Hotel Bukovyna – One of the best hotels in Chernivtsi, Hotel Bukovyna is the perfect accommodation for first time visitors to the city. There are helpful English-speaking staff, a huge hotel complex, and spacious rooms. In fact, this was where foreign diplomats used to stop when they visited Chernivtsi back in the day. 😉 Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined

 

Chernivtsi Apartments

Apartment 7 Chernivtsi – Located right across Park Shevchenko is this super chic and stylish apartment. There’s free parking, friendly service, and even an option to include breakfast. Agoda || Booking.com 

Kobilyanska 9 Apartment – One of my favorite apartments in Chernivtsi, this accommodation is located directly in the middle of the city’s most popular pedestrian street and is in walking distance of everything you could ever want. Agoda || Booking.com

2 Room Luxury Apartment – Located in the center of Chernivtsi, this apartment is modern, luxurious, and spacious. Agoda || Booking.com

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WHAT TO DO IN CHERNIVTSI 

Take a Tour Around Hogwarts
Чернівецький національний університет

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, don’t miss the chance to visit our most famous tourist spot – the Chernivtsi National University (ЧНУ)! This majestic complex was the former residence for the church metropolitan (bishop) and is now one of the best univiersities in Western Ukraine. It’s also a UNESCO world heritage site thanks to its gorgeous architecture and stunning facades – which looks a lot like another famous school. ;) 

If you want to get an in-depth look at “Hogwarts,” the university runs group tours daily. You can book online by emailing their tour faculty here or show up – tours begin on the hour every hour starting at 10 AM.  It costs 70 UAH per person (around $2.80 USD) if there is a group of 8 people or less, or 45 UAH ($1.80 USD) for bigger groups. I recommend asking for an English-speaking guide beforehand, as they can arrange it with prior notice (either by emailing or asking the security guide at the entrance). 

 

 

 Shpatzir along Kobilyanska Street
Улица Кобылянской

There’s a local joke that all roads in Chernivtsi go through Kobilyanska, and it’s no secret why: Kobilyanska Street is our main pedestrian street and is chock-full of cafes, bars, restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and more (check out the Where to Eat section below for tons of recommendations!). It’s where locals from every corner of the city come together to meet each other, drink coffee, take a leisurly walk, and relax.

By the way, were you wondering what Shpatzir was from the title? It’s a local slang word that means to leisurely stroll or walk – something that Chernivchani (the name for locals) love to do ;)

 

Central Square
Центральна площа

At the end of Kobilyanska Street is the Central Square, where you can sit in front of City Hall or see a statue of Taras Shevchenko. Every day at noon, a local musician comes out at the top of City Hall tower and plays a traditional tune on the flute.

Enjoy Nature in Park Shevchenko
Парк імені Тараса Шевченка

After exploring the center of Chernivtsi, take a break and head over to Park Shenchenko, where you can relax, enjoy nature, and grab some delicious ice cream. In the summer, Shevchenko Park turns into one big fair where you can ride the ferris wheel and other attractions. 

Check Out the Unique Boat House
дом корабль

Legend has it that two navy captain brothers retired, came to Chernivtsi, and missed living on a boat … so they built this one! You can’t go inside unfortunately (since it’s a private residence), but it’s still pretty cool to see on your way to the Turkish Square.

 

 See Panoramic Views of Chernivtsi at Turkish Square
турецкая площадь

So called for the Turkish merchants who used to sell their goods hundreds of years ago, Turkish Square is now a quiet little spot where you can watch the sunset or enjoy a picnic. There’s also a huge bike sculpture you can climb, and once a year there’s an enormous outdoor market selling handmade goodies.

Admire the Local Churches

Like most Eastern European cities, Chernivtsi also has many interesting churches. The most historic one is the Assumption of Jesus Church (Костел Пречистого Серця Ісуса), which is located near the Central Market – you can’t miss the huge spiral.

If you’re walking on Kobilyanska Street, you’ll pass by the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which used to be painted in Pepto Bismol pink. Unfortunately, it was repainted to a more subdue yellow color, although you can still find photos on the internet of our bright pink church. A little further down is the brick-style Armenian Church, which now holds various concerts thanks to its acoutstic hall. Finally, a little further off center is my personal favorite, St Nicholas Church (Свято-Миколаївський собор) – you’ll know why when you look at the domes!

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WHERE TO EAT IN CHERNIVTSI

 

There is no shortage of places to eat in Chernivtsi, no matter if you’re looking for a cafe, restaurant,traditional Ukrainian food, or even something unique. Here are some of my favorites:

CAFES IN CHERNIVTSI

Pierrot Cafe ❤️ – One of my favorite cafes in Chernivtsi! It has a cozy interior, very friendly staff, and delicious breakfast (although the homemade spirits are delicious as well 😉). Best of all, they’re open every day from morning until evening. 

Yugo Coffee – Located at the end of Kobylianska Street, you can’t miss Yugo Coffee – it’s the cafe with the Pug logo! Yugo is a cute little cafe with a summer terrace and delicious iced coffee that’s perfect if you want a quick bite to eat. The service is friendly, fast, and convenient. 

Gusto Coffee ❤️ – One of my favorite cafes in Chernivtsi, Gusto Coffee is one of those rare establishments that caters to both locals and travelers. There’s an English menu, as well as waiters who can help you order in English as well. Gusto sets itself apart because it’s part of the third-wave coffee movement and has dozens of beans from around the world. Don’t miss their breakfast menu and daily desserts!

The best Coffee Shop on the Universytetskiy & Skovorody Street ❤️ – Yes, that’s literally what it’s called. This cafe is super cozy and perfect for rainy days, especially if you can get a table on the second floor. It has a large menu that’ll please even the pickiest eaters, starting with breakfast, waffles, blinchiki, salads, and a few main courses. 

COTTE Cafe – If you’re hungry for waffles and can’t make it to Belgium, COTTE (short for Come On Time To Eat) is your place. It’s tucked away off Kobilyanska Street and has indoor and outdoor seating. 

Literatur Cafe – Literatur Cafe is located on the second floor of a souvenir store on the Central Square – just look for the mosaic in the window. This cafe has over 50 (!) different types of coffee and an entertaining barista who loves to collect international currency. 

Viennese Cafe – One of the classics of Kobilyanska Street, Vienna Cafe has been around for years. It has standard German/Austrian dishes along with a nice variety of coffee, desserts, wine, and everything else you need to enjoy an indulgent evening on the town. 

Terrace -Practically next door to the Viennese Cafe is Terrace, which, as you may have guessed, is a terrace. It offers a simple but chic menu and you can see local Chernivtsi ladies enjoy lunch or dinner here. 

Mantulki ❤️ – For those craving sweets, look no further than Mantulki. A cafe/bakery hybrid, this cute pastel storefront bakes dozens of cakes, quiches, pastries, macarons, and other sweets daily. 

RESTAURANTS IN CHERNIVTSI

Kioto (Sushi) – Right in the middle of Kobilyanska Street, Kioto has a nice assortment of sushi rolls in a chic atmosphere, along with an outdoor terrace.

Yoki (Sushi) – Yoki has two locations in Chernivtsi and has a large menu of sushi and Asian-inspired dishes, like gyoza and noodles. 

Pizza Monopoli (Italian) – Cute and kitschy decor (there’s a grass wall!) along with a nice assortment of Italian food. 

Di Bocca (Italian) – For a fancier Italian meal, Di Bocca has a large menu of food and drinks. 

Kartoteka (Italian) ❤️ – Specializing in pizza, Kartoteka is a themed restaurant with simple and delicious dishes. 

Hopachok (Ukrainian) ❤️ – If you’re looking for Ukrainian food, Hopachok is the place. The menu offers dishes from all around Ukraine, such as vareniki, borsch, meats, and more. As a plus, the restaurant is decorated with elements from the Ukrainian countryside, making it feel like you’re at your grandmother’s dacha. :) 

Panska Guralna (Ukrainian) – A step up from Hopachok, Panska Guralna is a classic for Ukrainian food. Try the borsch – it has a unique presentation! 

Khinkali (Georgian) – Delicious Khinkali, Khachapuri, shashlik, and more – and it’s conveniently located off Central Square.  

SOHO (European) – A nice spot to meet friends for lunch or dinner. They also have a large selection of hookah. 

Bruno Gastropub (European) – For those who can’t decide what they want, Bruno has a huge menu and photos of their food. :) 

BARS IN CHERNIVTSI

BlaBlaBar – My personal favorite, BlaBla is located near the Central Square and has food in addition to interesting cocktails. There’s also a nice balcony terrace where you can do some people watching. 

Drunk Cherry (П’яна Вишня) – Similar to the one in Lviv, this Drunk Cherry has one signature drink – and they do it well. If you’re looking for a chaser, there’s a strudel bakery next door. ;) 

VYO – Located on Kobilyanksa, VYO is one of those perfect places to meet friends and enjoy a beer. During the summer there’s an outdoor terrace and a large horse sculpture. 

Shypuchka (Бар Шипучка) ❤️ – Not far from the center is this cute retro-style bar. Try the tiki-inspired Mai Tai. 

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SHOPPING IN CHERNIVTSI 

Even though it may seem like a small town, there are so many places to shop in Chernivtsi. Most travelers will start at the boutiques and shops on Kobylianska Street — one of my favorite places to get souvenirs is a store called Художній салон (Kobylianska 23). Half of the store sells homemade souvenirs, while the other half is an art gallery where you can buy locally-made paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more.

If you’re serious about shopping, take a taxi or marshrutka to Kalynivskyi Market. This is one of the biggest markets in Ukraine and is virtually like it’s own little town (there’s even a police station and bank!). Kalinka has everything you could ever want, from food, clothes, shoes, souvenirs, household goods, shoes, and even wedding favors. The best part is you can bargain for most things get a discount if you buy in bulk.

Finally, there are a few shopping malls located around Chernivtsi. My personal favorite is Formarket at the south end of the city because it’s the most organized and has the most boutiques. Plus there’s a flower market at the base of the mall.

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That’s all for this Chernivtsi travel guide! I’m sure that you’ll return to this wonderful city over and over again – to enjoy the delicious cafes, stroll along the cozy streets, and talk with the charming cities. :) 

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