Are you thinking of visiting Ukraine? Uzhhorod is a city and municipality on the Uzh River in western Ukraine, at the border with Slovakia near Hungary. There are lots of things to do in Uzhhorod that make it one of the best tourist places to visit in western Ukraine.
- About Uzhhorod
- Travel to Western Ukraine
- Getting there
- Best time to visit?
- How long do you need?
- Things to do in Uzhhorod
- Other things to do
- Where to eat
- Where to park
- More about travel in Eastern Europe
About Uzhhorod, Ukraine
Uzhhorod is a city in western Ukraine. It is the capital of the Transcarpathia Oblast (region).
The city has long been an important cultural, educational, religious, and economic centre of the Carpathian Mountains region. It was founded in the 8th or 9th century and has long had commercial and military significance.
Uzhhorod belonged first to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and then to Czechoslovakia. Until in 1940’s it became officially part of Ukraine’s territory.
The current population of Uzhhorod is multiethnic. There are around 110,000 residents.
Most residents are Ukrainian, but there are a lot of Russians (who immigrated here after World War II).
The city’s industries have included the manufacture of machine tools, furniture, and foodstuffs. Plus, it is the seat of a university (which you can visit) founded in the 1940’s.
Though today one of the most popular things to do in Uzhhorod is to enjoy wine-tasting. For which the region is renowned for!
Travel to Western Ukraine
Albeit travel to Ukraine does not exactly roll off the tongue as a hot destination for 2025.
However, Uzhhorod is currently the only Ukrainian city that has yet to be bombed by a single Russian missile and has never been invaded.
It is literally just a few kilometres from the border with Slovakia and Hungary.
But just for a little disclosure first. I don’t want to be the one encouraging travel to places that aren’t safe. (No one needs to do that!).
All I can share is our experience and the status of the situation in Uzhhorod for now. Which is that as of 2025, Uzhhorod is touted as the most peaceful provincial capital. The city has not yet been struck by a single Russian missile.
- Tip: Definitely do your research before visiting and check for travel warnings and news updates in the region.
Getting to Uzhhorod
If you are already in Ukraine, from Lviv it is around 4 hours by road to Uzhhorod.
The closest city in Slovakia to Uzhhorod is Kosice. At only 97km away it makes sense that one of the best ways of getting to Uzhhorod is overland via the Slovakia Ukraine border at Vysne Nemecke.
- Kosice to Uzhhorod: 1h 29m (97.0 km)
- Budapest to Uzhhorod: 3h 46m (331 km)
- Satu Mare to Uzhhorod: 2h 30m (149 km)
We crossed the border from Romania to Ukraine at Halmeu near Satu Mare (Romania).
What is the best time of year to visit Ukraine?
Ukraine gets very cold in the winter months of the year. Like, very cold!
So, the best time to visit Uzhhorod is during the Spring (May), Summer (June to August) and Autumn (September).
We visited in June and the weather was stunning.
- Tip: May is tipped to be particularly beautiful in Uzhhorod for the cherry blossom season.
How long do you need?
Obviously the longer the better to explore any new destination. However, the current political situation in Ukraine and Russia doesn’t exactly bode for planned lengthy vacations in the country.
So, if you are feeling justly nervous or more cautious than usual, the good news is the things to do in Uzhhorod listed below can be explored in 1-2 days.
If you have two days in the city you could take a half day trip to Shenborn’s Castle near Mukachevo (about 1hr drive).
But even with one day to explore you will be able to experience all the things to do in Uzhhorod below – and taste some of Ukraine’s most famous dishes!
Ready?
Things to do in Uzhhorod, Ukraine
So here we go. These are 11 of the best things to do in Uzhhorod, Ukraine.
1. Mustard Seed Lane
I’m starting with Mustard Seed Lane as this was literally the first of the things to do in Uzhhorod for us!
It is a charming small alley way with a few cafes inside and some small, boutique shops.
We parked in the public parking on the road behind Mustard Seed Lane and entered Uzhhorod through the alley.
2. Uzhhorod Market
I always love the markets and bazaars in Eastern Europe. The main market in Uzhhorod is just to the side of Mustard Seed Lane off Koryatovycha Square.
Inside the market is filled with dried fruits and nuts, preserved meats and fresh cheeses.
There are neatly stacked fruits and vegetables and pretty much all kinds of tinned and canned foods that you might imagine from this region of Europe!
We bought some cherries and took them just outside to the park to enjoy.
3. Uzhgorod Castle
The Uzhhorod Castle is a beautiful fortress that dates back to Middle Ages. It is without question the oldest and the most imposing building of modern Uzhhorod. You can see it from the city on top of the historic volcanic hill.
It was built in a mixture of architectural styles and materials between the 13th and 18th centuries. Of which we later learned that it figured heavily in the history of Hungary.
In 1728 and 1879, fire ravaged the castle grounds. But today it contains the Transcarpathian Regional History Museum and is one of the main things to do in Uzhhorod.
- Tip: For an extra 15 UAH you can even enter the dungeon area – if you dare!
4. Korzo Street – Things to do in Uzhhorod
Korzo Street is one of the oldest pedestrian streets of Uzhhorod. Today it is a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare in the centre of the town. You will find a hub of cafes, retail and coffee shops.
We went for a wander around and enjoyed the sunshine and atmosphere along with the quaint cobbled streets.
5. Kresto-Vozdvyzhensky Cathedral
Kresto-Vozdvyzhensky or the Holy Cross Cathedral in Uzhhorod is a Ruthenian Greek Catholic cathedral of the Eparchy of Mukachevo. The church was built in 1646 at the behest of the Jesuits from funds donated by one of the citys noble families.
It is spectacularly stunning form the outside. The church is a bright yellow colour with huge white pillars in the front.
We happened to walk past while a celebration was happening. It was amazing to watch with incredible singing.
6. Botanical Gardens – Things to do in Uzhhorod
The small Uzhgorod University Botanical Gardens is a quiet place to explore in the old city.
The garden’s collections include plant taxa originating from several geographical regions, including the Mediterranean, Caucasus, Crimean Peninsula and as far as China and Japan.
There is a greenhouse with tropical and subtropical plants. Which I might add is impressive given the cold winters in Ukraine!
It is a peaceful spot to wander and filled with flowers, plants and trees.
You can walk around and take some rest after visiting Uzhhorod Castle which is close to the garden.
- Tip: It is free to enter the gardens.
7. River Uzh – Things to do in Uzhhorod
The city of Uzhhorod is situated right on the River Uzh. The river forms part of the Slovakia–Ukraine border for about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) near the village of Pinkovce.
There are several bridges that connect the banks of the river. Or there is a walking promenade along the main cityside that has several restaurants and cafes overlooking the river.
8. Bozdos’kyi Park – Things to do in Uzhhorod
The Bozdos’kyi Park is a large recreational area with a small lake and walking paths not far from the castle.
In the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse, many former Soviet states established monument parks or outdoor museums to house statues and monuments of Soviet leaders and symbols.
Though in Uzhhorod these statues in Bozdos’kyi Park are somewhat different…
There are mini-sculptures in the park including a miniature Statue of Liberty and a monument to a Lamplighter, named Uncle Kolya, who lit old electric lamps for 40 years in the town.
- Tip: See the small version of the Statue of Liberty is located on the railing of the stairs near the pedestrian bridge.
9. Pishokhidnyy Mist Bridge
This is the iconic green and yellow iron pedestrian bridge in Uzhhorod.
It was originally a wooden bridge built sometime in the 14th century along with Uzhhorod Castle. Though the original bridge was destroyed by a flood.
It was rebuilt as an iron bridge in 1986. Though again, the bridge was destroyed during World War II.
The current Pishokhidnyy Mist Bridge was built during the Soviet Era as a 90-metre long pedestrian footbridge.
It has since become one of the city’s landmarks.
- Tip: It is well worth a wander across and leads on to the famous Linden Alley (below) – another of the popular things to do in Uzhhorod.
10. Linden Alley (Sakura Alley)
Linden Alley is a lengthy park lined with two rows of Linden (Tilia) or lime trees. It is one of Uzhhorod’s proud claims to fame as the longest avenue of lime trees in Europe.
The alley is located on the right hand bank of the Uzh River and stretches for 2.2 kilometres along the riverside.
It is beautiful for a wander in the shade and there are numerous seating areas and lookouts over the riverbank.
- Tip: You can make a loop walk across the pedestrian bridge and back around over the main bridge towards Korzo Street.
11. Intercession Orthodox Church
This is not one of the main churches in Uzhhorod – that would be the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. But this church is beautiful and designed and decorated in the typical Orthodox style of Eastern European churches.
If you cross the pedestrian bridge to Linden Alley and walk along you will see the Intercession Orthodox Church.
Other things to do in Uzhhorod, Ukraine
If you have more time there are other things to do in Uzhhorod.
- Uzhhorod Synagogue
- Faculty of Physics Building
- Christ the Saviour Cathedral
- Holy Cross Cathedral
- Transcarpathian Regional Administration Building
- Uzhhorod Train Station
- Museum of Folk Architecture and Life
- Bozdosh Park
- Independence Embankment
- Uzhhorod Rotunda
Or if you have a second day you could take a day trip to Shenborn’s Castle near Mukachevo (about 1hr drive).
Restaurants, cafes plus where and what to eat in Uzhhorod
In Uzhgorod there are all kinds of cafes, from vegetarian to fast food, and many serving traditional, national and local dishes.
We were specifically on the hunt for Borscht, which we had yet to try. And spoiler alert – we found some and it was delicious!
Though there are many other Ukrainian foods to try in Uzhhorod:
- Borscht (beet soup)
- Varenyktk (boiled dumplings)
- Holubtsi (cabbage rolls)
- Chicken Kyiv (fried chicken dish)
- Salo (cured pork fat)
- Syrnyky (cheese pancakes)
Plus there are plenty of cool cafes in the centre of Uzhhorod serving great coffee and beautiful cakes.
- Eat Me! Café: This was a top find and our first stop to sit down for coffee in Uzhhorod. The staff were super friendly and very welcoming – we loved the cake and coffee here.
- Lviv Croissants: A small café near Mustard Seed Lane serving delicious buttery croissants – which we stocked up on to take away with us.
- Aroma: You can find this coffee shop and café in Linden Alley on the other side of the river.
- Vertep: This was the amazing underground restaurant we found with Borscht and all kinds of other traditional Ukraine dishes. If you want to try traditional we highly recommend here!
This region is known for its vineyards and wine production too. Plus there are a few Ukraine beers to try from the many pubs and restaurants around the city – in case you are into that!
What about parking?
We made the most of the public parking space in the road behind Mustard Seed Lane near the Central Market.
There are several parallel parking spots to suit longer (up to 7m) vehicles.
Payment for parking is possible by card at the automatic ticket machine.
The verdict on Uzhhorod?
We had a really good day out in Uzhhorod. It is a beautiful city. We found tasty food, traditional Ukrainian dishes aplenty and friendly people in the markets, cafes and restaurants.
Thank you Uzhhorod for a great experience of Ukraine!
Read more about travel in Eastern Europe
- Things To Do In Bucharest, Romania.
- Border Crossing: Romania to Moldova.
- Border Crossing: Kosovo to North Macedonia.
- Things To Do In Podgorica, Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Belgrade, Serbia.
- Border Crossing: Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Border Crossing: Bosnia to Montenegro.
More useful links for your travels in Europe and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel to Ukraine and things to do in Uzhhorod!