Should You Visit Ukraine Now? 🇺🇦 Tourism in Lviv

Last week in Lviv. A lot of people ask me if it's possible to come to Ukraine now as a tourist and if they do, is it safe to travel here? The answer is both yes and no as you'll see in this video, for you to decide yourself.
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Ask anything in the comments below!

[@zuborest]

Thanks for visiting, Johnny. Next turn is mine in Kyiv 😉

[@JohnnyFD]

I'm waiting for you. =)

[@jamiel.harding4554]

I visited Kyiv for the first time in May this year. Absolutely fell in love. I hope to visit Lviv next within the next few months 🙂

[@snmr1318]

Did you travel alone or with a group, and did you get any specific travel assistance form in country?

[@jamiel.harding4554]

@@snmr1318 I went alone. No official travel assistance - just planned it out myself by researching beforehand 👍

[@icedem1]

Happy Independence Day beautiful people of Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@selini52]

🇺🇦🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🇺🇦beautiful city🇺🇦

[@nataliamarchenko7612]

Thanks a lot 🙏 ❤

[@GeorgePetrou-dj6uo]

Which Ukrainians do you consider "beautiful"? The western, the central or the eastern ones? The former who are partying or the last two who are killing each other in the battlefield?

[@Vintaztek]

Давайте будем честны 😂 Не какой "независимости" нет.

[@user-kj9es6bb4f]

​@@Vintaztekво первых "Никакой". Во вторых Россия тоже не совсем независимая

[@stevek9844]

When the war is over, I'd love to travel to Ukraine. If I get there, I'd love to have Orest as my tour guide, he's the perfect ambassador for Lviv and all of Ukraine.

[@Readysteadyeddie93]

I visited Lviv in June for one week. Beautiful city, very kind people. They were very happy and confused that someone from the west visited ukraine during a war. But when I was there, yes, I noticed the country is at war, and there is a risk. Because I stayed a couple of blocks away. Where the Russians attacked in July, I think. And I bought a ukraine version of V for vendetta.

[@snmr1318]

Can you provide any info / links on making the arrangements and the itinerary?

[@mkl80]

My favorite parts of this video were the people singing along with the accordion player. Brings back memories of my father playing musical instruments in Poland for his friends. Everyone always participated. Also, much vodka was drank and spilled. I miss my homeland so much! I'm stuck in the USA, but hope to come back one day and stay for good.

[@jake480]

I was in Lviv in April and during that time there were no issues. It was a great time and a fantastic place. I’ll be there in October again and I know there have been more attacks. The issue is that you not able to simply buy a train ticket via Polrail from Krakow to Lviv. So I will have to go a little bit differently. Orest sent me a link to his KZbin video and I’m kinda set (I’m disabled, so I have to plan for things a bit more).

[@kku6857]

You have to go by Przemyśl

[@user-vf6qn8ms6r]

Success man! Thank you for your support

[@snmr1318]

@@kku6857 hi, where can I find routing information?

[@kku6857]

@@snmr1318 Polish PKP or Ukrainian railways

[@StormSongs7]

I know I won’t ever have enough money to visit, so I “visit” thru your videos, Alex, Andrew and a few other people who post to YT. ♥️🇺🇦♥️🇺🇦♥️🇺🇦 Keep safe.

[@CymInUA]

Work/life stops me at the moment, but come Spring next year, I'm there! Likewise though, visiting UA regularly through You Tube. :)

[@JohnnyFD]

I'm glad you're able to visit and see vicariously though my lens. =)

[@StormSongs7]

@@JohnnyFD Thank you so much. I’ve been tempted to buy lottery tickets but my budget (SSDI) doesn’t allow much wiggle room. 💜💞💙.

[@JohnnyFD]

Please don't buy lottery tickets, it's always a bad financial investment given the odds.

[@StormSongs7]

@@JohnnyFD Oh no no no, sweet dude. My budget totally sucks - and buying lottery/lotto tickets would be a waste of money for me. I hadn’t planned at all financially, for this stage/era (can’t find the proper word) of my life. TBH, I didn’t think I’d still be here at my age…🤷🏼‍♀️.

[@sonicmoj1]

No Johnny. You don't like just eating here. You like eating anywhere there is food. lol

[@pennylane428]

I remember March 18 during Covid. We had an earthquake in Utah and my daughter lost her mind because it sounds like a really loud rumbling blast, and we were safe, so I can’t even for the life of me imagine what it’s like day and day out hearing the blasts from missiles from Russia, I’ve never hated anyone before or really anything but I hate war and Russia for instigating it. Also, Johnny, you blew my mind…you can dance. I was seriously shocked by your moves ! As I’m sure she was😂looks like a lot of fun.

[@jeffgreenwaldJLG]

Some life insurance and travel insurance does not pay out to beneficiaries (or you for travel ins) if you are in a war zone. Make sure you check your policy before going and supplement it with coverage that includes war zones if applicable. 😮

[@mikeporecki9946]

My problem with visiting Lviv during war time is not safety, but getting there and mostly gettin back. Ukraine and Poland should really do something to make border controls faster. Flixbus waiting 12h to cross the border is not normal.

[@JohnnyFD]

Agreed. The border controls on both Poland and Ukraine's side have had 18 months to get their acts together, but they haven't. It's just as slow if not worse than before.

[@kku6857]

Well I read story that Poland wanted to pay for the whole terminal and Polish company won contract for doing the construction work. After that Ukraine cancelled that tender and choose Ukrainian company. So the problem is still corruption in Ukraine.

[@josgoudswaard7426]

I just returned from a month in Ukraine, 3 weeks in Kharkiv and a week in Kyiv. I looked at transport and I don't think bus or Flixbus is the best way to travell but that may depend on where you come from. I travelled by train, the Ukrainian side is not a problem at all, they do their checks in driving trains between the Polish border and the first stop in Lviv and out of Ukraine the other way around. The Polish side is more difficult, it took them about 3 hours to check everyone from the train and the borderguards were very grumpy and unfriendly, even to me as EU citizen. Poland should get it's act straightened out and create more capacity and EU should help them.

[@josgoudswaard7426]

Trains are much more comfortable to travell than a bus. You can choose a sleeper train where you have a bed to sleep, but I prefer the Ukrainian intercity, they drive very comfortable trains, specially first class and for a reasonable price. Intercity is much faster than a sleeper, about 8 - 9 hours to Kyiv.

[@snmr1318]

@@josgoudswaard7426 Hi, where could I get a sample intinerary? Looking to go in the spring.

[@kickboxer4340]

That fucking bollard going up and down is a major trip hazard. I hope this poor man was ok.

[@2000konnie]

Thank you for sharing this video. Lviv looks beautiful. I always enjoy your videos where you go to restaurants. I'm sure you can just laugh at the trolls who try to criticize you for including food in your videos. It's important for the economy of most countries. Only a small portion of visitors will buy souvenirs, but everyone needs to eat. They might as well go to places with good food.

[@JohnnyFD]

Thank you so much!

[@therichlife8657]

Ukrainian people seem so nice and hospitable. I’d like to sit in a Granny’s kitchen and eat and listen to stories. 🥰

[@SergiyParkhomchuk_vyshyvanka]

Thanks for supporting Ukraine

[@medicopedia9052]

johnny what is your mansion in Kyiv worth now?

[@CantiLudan1]

I'm coming to Ukraine in the Spring. Arrive Valentines day actually, so Lviv will be my valentine. I've got 2 months to explore Ukraine and my biggest fear is that not enough time to see all I want to see.

[@andreaskarlsson5117]

Thanks for the video Johnny! I was in Kyiv and Lviv in April this year and fall in love with these cities! Was supposed to come during Independence Day ,but things changed for me so by watching your videos atleast I get to see a little from there) Slava Ukraini❤️

[@snmr1318]

hi, any info you can provide about making the arrangements and the travel itself?

[@StevenKeery]

Happy Independence Day to all Ukrainians. God bless and keep you safe from all harm. Raise a glass that Prigozhin is shaking hands with the Devil and being shown his place by the fire. Slava Ukraini.

[@JAMMAJ-cq2bl]

😀💙💛💪🤛

[@russell2449]

So glad I found your video, I am also a big supporter of Ukraine ever since the start of this terrible and immoral war, and now I'm finally getting the chance to do more than just cheer from the sidelines as I'm planning to come for a visit sometime in January/February. I figure the least I can do is support the country with my tourist dollars and hopefully convince my friends/family to come visit as well ;?) Slava Ukraine!!!

[@russell2449]

I'm hoping to stay for up to 6 months if things work out, maybe even find some situation where I can volunteer some of my time in any way possible. So if I'm there through June/July I hope that there'll be another conference like the one in October ;?)

[@peterstewart4734]

Go and fight for Ukraine then

[@shwabb1]

@@peterstewart4734 Same logic as: You hate crime? Then why aren't you in the police? You hate when buildings burn? Then why aren't you a firefighter? You hate when people die of disease or injury? Then why aren't you a doctor?

[@SM68Pete]

If I were to visit Lviv in say November. What one or two travel or guide portals should I use to book tours or get information on Lviv? Same for Kiev?

[@user-vf6qn8ms6r]

Tripadvisor can help you

[@snmr1318]

please reply if you find the answer... looking for help assembling an itinerary for spring trip to Lviv/Kyiv

[@magdalenagaton2737]

Thanks Johnny and Orest I felt I was in Lviv the restaurant is so elegant.

[@Thescintest01]

I want to visit Lviv for the second time, but i’m very worried about that. Thanks for sharing the video

[@miklek]

Great vid Johnny! I love Orest's positive energy and how he goes straight into the interview!😂

[@jeffvanderwerf3391]

I spent two years in L'viv. It is a beautiful city with wonderful people. I am confident that the Ukrainian people will persevere, and I look forward to returning one day!

[@josephb4865]

Great vid! I'm thinking of visiting Kyiv, how would i go about that coming from London? Do i need to fly to Poland and then take a train to Kyiv? TIA

[@kku6857]

You should fly to Kraków or Rzeszów then go to Przemyśl, there are trains to Lviv or Kiyev

[@trevmacc]

already booked be in Lviv oct 6 for 12 nights

[@hemsedalbest1585]

Thank you for interesting video, Johnny. Stay safe ❤

[@beliver9170]

Happy independence day

[@kathrinmuller7890]

Thank you so much for your videos, I never been to Ukraine but plan to go there, learning language now since July.

[@PegaseFRA]

Each time Johnny FD publish a new video I'm adding a new restaurant to my TO DO list ;-) I will spend my holydays, starting next week, in Ukraine. For the time being I'm more concerned by car queues at the border of poland/ukraine than by russian air raid, probably because I'll stay in western Ukraine. If I was going to cities targeted more often by Russian the story would be probably different. Lviv, Pilipets (carpatian moutains), Mukachevo, Uzhhorod and maybe Lviv again ;-)

[@user-vf6qn8ms6r]

Hi man, how are you, enjoying vacation? Be safe 🙂

[@PegaseFRA]

@@user-vf6qn8ms6r Vacations were greats!

[@user-yt9ql5hd3w]

I have a contract to go work in lviv please advise me if i should go or not because i am standing on top of the wall with that decision

[@coderipper]

Hey!! I’m wanting to go to Kyiv and see the possibility to visit Chernobyl I saw on one of the tours website and apparently they are working normally, can someone confirm this? Is it possible?

[@CymInUA]

I can understand the logic behind Ukraine not officially promoting tourism or encouraging tourists to visit while russian aggression is still taking place but it's very clear that they would be very welcome to do so, for obvious reasons. Work at home precludes me from travelling for any length of time right now but I am looking forward to being able to visit Ukraine in the Spring of 2024.

[@jacovandermerwe84]

I swear....I will be coming to Ukraine....even if it is only for the food!🙂 I really enjoy how you weave meals and food into your videos. It adds colour and flavour (pun intended!) Once again, very entertaining and informative. Thank you, Johnny! Slava Ukraini from Australia...

[@user-vf6qn8ms6r]

❤❤❤

[@deafdog]

A note to the sniffing brigade. A modification to civilian pick up trucks you may wish to consider. Would apply for ambulances as well. I was watching a You Tube video where an artillery barrage started and they need to get away as fast as possible. They piled into the car and started to drive away but the car went into limp mode and the speed was limited to 40 kph. Not good if you need to do over 100 kph to escape artillery. Fortunately the car went out of limp mode and they escaped. This made me think that you should be able to override limp mode in an emergency. For example if you could edit the code so that when limp mode is activated the speed is not limited but the engine check light still illuminated so that you know there is an issue to fix but no speed limitation. Or when the ECM gets a fault code that would trigger limp mode you have a time delay to allow an escape before speed limitation occurs. I don't believe you can disable limp mode completely and I'm not sure if you can edit the code in the map without hacking the ECM. The safety features in a civilian application don't fit the military use. So if you can remap the ECM for a military application it could save lives. Just thinking it could be useful to Ukraine.

[@zlauriault]

I love seeing the effort to get the word out to the travel world to visit Ukraine! What is the name of that restaurant you guys are in at the end of the video, though? Do tell!! I shared the info from Orest Zub's printings clips shared on the nomad page shown on the video where he mentions his law school on this video and sent it to the people who manage the travel group Daily Drop with the flight search app FareDrop. Their email writer was actually in Lviv a couple of months ago and raved about it.

[@JohnnyFD]

Hi, it's called Seven piggies. =)

[@OrestZub]

Thank. Actually Mike from DailyDrop is also coming for our event

[@snmr1318]

@@JohnnyFD Hi! Looking to go to Lviv in the spring.. any recommendations on a travel agent to assist with the itinerary? I am assisting five families in Ukraine since the war started.

[@Will67267]

After the war, I will visit Kiev and Odessa.

[@user-vf6qn8ms6r]

❤

[@Bobwa2008]

So what’s the best way to get to Lviv from Vancouver Canada

[@nurseSean]

This is a good topic for a video. You should understand the dangers of traveling to Ukraine and also the ways to get in trouble while you’re in the country. Львів is a good place to visit because it is in the set of safer cities but you are less likely to be in the way of national activities like you might in the capital city.

[@kasiakondracki5171]

Johnny, how is Ternopil today? My dads side pre WWII was from Kozliv right outside of Ternopil before they were moved to Wrocław, where I was born. I want to visit.

[@stevenwalsh3795]

Nice!!! Seven Pigs that's a cool name, looks yummy! You can't beat home grown pork! We raise a couple of pigs each year and it's hands down better than anything you could buy at a market. Very cool restaurant there!

[@JohnnyFD]

I'm coming over for dinner. =)

[@irmakalember3709]

Hello Johhyn I would love to visit Ukrain it’s really pretty nice their.

[@alexchemist8902]

10:45 dudes push the blue trough. Johnny, change to your Porsche.

[@kev4ev]

15:37 You can forget everything (3) Just remember Starry road (3) To the grove, green grove

[@LeonidAndronov]

Riding a motorbike is still much more dangerous

[@DS_Foodtime]

How to enter Lviv?

[@MarioMadness1]

I'd wait like 4-5 years before ever do any traveling to Ukraine

[@toniwilson6210]

If there were more talented travel vloggers using their powers for good the world would be a better place.

[@JAMMAJ-cq2bl]

Unbreakable Ukrainians singing to their nation in the town square. 👏👏True patriots💙💛❤. Slava Ukrainii. Gloria aos Herois💙💛💪🤛

[@cfcfan9976]

Hopefully going Lviv and Kyiv this November.

[@elistal8390]

God,how sweet is my Country!💛💙 Oceanside,CA

[@Josecitox]

So glad Josephine is doing alright, we must protect her at all cost.

[@deananderson7877]

I’m booked for July 2-10 Lviv 10-aug 15 Kiev

[@rudyguidi5538]

I support Ukraine with all my heart very strong people. They love their country and they will fight to the end for their country for independent and I agree with them 100 perceit. God bless you stay safe. You're worth it.😢

[@ff-dy1gz]

16:55 it's Josephine Jackson?

[@EnglishPrincess30]

I want to go to Lviv ❤

[@fogofwar2]

can you go to frontline? if so , safety or logitics

[@reginaayat5390]

I hope the S&M bar/ museum is still there!

[@amak731]

this is great!

[@puddingmoni]

Im in high school and its my last year, but i seriously wanna visit Ukraine before i graduate!

[@user-pg7iq8zd5u]

I was in Odesa for 2 weeks...in September...it was JUST fine! I was also in Lviv...all is OK there !

[@princeofcavancreations4826]

Johnny, on the timestamp of 11:30 where is the location? Me and my mate are here and want to visit the location. We laughed so hard at that! 😂

[@bernabecaneta6154]

God Bless yuo all ways sir Panda and yuor family and our loving cuontry please regards me to my sweet heart Taya Bernabe asid çañeta Philippines ❤❤

[@MistyMcLane7985]

I think I might visit Ukraine seems like a rush but I'm being serious though. Lviv ❤

[@ikeintl9878]

Johnny every time you dance I get nervous you’re going to trip on your own legs 😂 👍🏾

[@JohnnyFD]

Haha I havne't tripped yet. =)

[@Hordaric]

❤

[@inquisitvem6723]

No place is safe…Lviv was attacked a few days ago. Would love to visit after the war. I can see it being inundated with tourism after the war. So where are missiles coming in from to Lviv? Are they being launched from Belarus?

[@0piateed]

I was in Lviv as a tourist last September had a great time. the only who where worried was my mom. So if u at going to Ukraine don't tell you mom. And tell your bank you are going to Ukraine last time My bank card was blocked. so theat was expensive call to my bank back in norway.

[@uribensh]

Great video, thanks !

[@DeanRamser]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 We are now in Lviv. A beautiful city! Ukrainian people are strong, smart, ethical!! Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@jerrykorolchuk6114]

This my city lviv

[@felixgarciasas6545]

How to get there

[@KateKosmo]

Oh no sounds like your mic bit the dust!😅

[@JohnnyFD]

This is exactly why I never use external mics!

[@StevenPrewitt]

I have 3 kids myself I couldn't imagine having to deal with the fear of bombings on schools!!! In the U.S we deal with fears of shootings but being in a active war zone is another ball game!!!! As always keep up the great work Johnny much love and many blessings!!!!

[@JG-nm9zk]

I'm always so jelouse seeing the food. I could get half the amount of food from McDonalds and it would never be half as good.

[@kebrum2008]

I have a friend in Ukraine.I think I want to visit this place.

[@user-wx4nv8xr3d]

Pretty sure I wouldn’t be welcome there with my Russian citizenship but I love the vibes of the city and the people are so nice ❤

[@user-yh8vr8bk4t]

✅Поставте лайк відео Тривалість місії 30 хвилин ✅ Якщо у вас виникли питання щодо завдання, звертайтеся до адміністратора. ✅ Ви можете отримати 30 грн за виконання завдання, а також можете отримати 6 грн знижки продавця, якщо пропустите завдання. Наступне завдання о 13:30

[@ThinkLascivious]

I was in Ukraine twice before the war. I really want to come back now but I am concerned about my drone getting confiscated at the border or... just the fact that I likely would not be allowed to fly the drone there at the moment.

[@Poetry4Us]

so dont bring drone unless ur using it on the terrorist

[@halareus1361]

Wow Johnny with some impressive dance moves.

[@MayaUndefined]

I am a software engineer with a concept drone that I've been working on in the United States. I want to finish it and Ukraine and connect with other engineers. where do all the technology people hang out

[@magdalenagaton2737]

Please fix the sound is so bad Johnny and Orest . Warm greeting’s from Australia Oblast to you both . Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇦🇺💐

[@steven9541]

Maybe it's on your end😮

[@LeY-ji6mq]

Xem nào mấy năm butin chưa được chi tuong ngon nhưng không dễ ăn. Putin thích ăn cá

[@arkon6084]

Let them have some missiles in Moscow too so they know how other people feel about the war they created.

[@DeanRamser]

Lviv British School is set to open next week!

[@JohnnyFD]

That's cool they are coming here, it means Ukraine will be ready for more expats.

[@DeanRamser]

Hi Johnny. Cindy and I are loving our life in Lviv. Although there are some creature comforts we miss. How did you manage the convenience of shopping in the US (especially the Bay area) with shopping in Ukraine? Does Amazon deliver here? If so, how? I went to two malls and walked all over Lviv and I found one XL winter trench coat; one.@@JohnnyFD

[@octavioveliz]

Did you get any problems posting this?

[@JohnnyFD]

No, why would I?

[@octavioveliz]

@@JohnnyFD because I did the same and I got into a lot of problems.

[@mgtowgamer9977]

10:28 - Zachem? Zachem?! 🥺

[@ericgorder1]

Happy Independence Day to Ukraine! Slava Ukraini ! Slava Heroyam ! 💙💛

[@juststeve5542]

As I bought my train ticket last week, should I watch this video? 🤣

[@MarinaSkvortsovaP]

🤦‍♀️

[@magdalenagaton2737]

Thank you Johnny and Orest for promoting the tourism industry in Ukraine. Ukraine is one of my bucket list after the war was over .Slava Ukraine

[@purdu3]

In any case, you shouldn’t undermine the reality of a war environment. People can get hurt

[@JohnnyFD]

Yes of course, that goes without saying.

[@herefobeer]

Won’t be possible unless eVisa is opened again. Ukrainian embassies are the kind of mess nobody wants to deal with, especially for tourist visas.

[@Romans15-13]

I’ll come over as long as I can stay with you ❤🎉

[@Dr.Z73]

Thumbnail had me hooked

[@monsieurmike2072]

Legends

[@jimhansen1245]

Seems like a bad idea

[@magdalenagaton2737]

What a vlog it was wonderful to watched young and old are engaging. More dancing Johnny you nailed it . Warm greeting’s from Australia Oblast.

[@worldoftravels2020]

Looking forward to visiting Ukraine.

[@Vismaiorek]

Beautiful Polish old city 😊