So much more than a business centre, Kharkiv sometimes feels like two cities in one, with its ever-present industrial side and its modern entertaining side, filled with museums, a rapidly growing number of restaurants to expand the waistline and nightlife to keep anyone entertained until the wee hours of the morning.

 For a truly cosmopolitan weekend, look no further than Kharkiv. Explore its numerous green parks, indulge in some carefree shopping or enjoy a variety of wonderful architectural monuments and cathedrals.

 The urban architecture of Kharkiv combines aristocratic mansions of the 19th century, constructivist buildings of the 1920s and post-war Stalinist neoclassicism. It is this mixture of styles that creates the very character of the city’s building design heritage.

Day 1. Classic City Tour

Stroll about the city to take in its modern appearance, characterised by a mix of the old and new. The Protection of the Virgin Monastery is the oldest building in the city and represents a brilliant reflection of the Ukrainian Baroque era of the 17th century, though other well-preserved treasures include the Assumption Cathedral and Catherine's Palace. Among the newer buildings that have withstood the test of more recent times, the University Building stands as a fine example of heady Soviet designs from the 1920s.

Day 2. Day for Art

Art lovers seeking something special will find many museums and galleries to visit in Kharkiv. The History Museum’s collection ranks among the largest in Ukraine and is comprised of archaeological finds, ethnographic and numismatic items, plus paintings, a set of banners, decorations, postcards, photos and historical documents. The Fine Arts Museum houses one of the oldest and richest ensembles in Ukraine and boasts works by famous Ukrainian, Russian and international artists.

Hot tip!

Visit a great sample of contemporary art – the Statue of Kissing Lovers in Pushkinskaya Street – listed as one of the strangest and most mysterious statues in the world. Sit back, consider this striking piece and develop a sense of the love surrounding it.

Kharkiv Sights on the map