This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Kamianets-Podilskyi. To help you make friends with Kamianets-Podilskyi before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
Kamianets-Podilskyi has been called the Carcassonne of Ukraine, and although this may be a slight misnomer and exaggeration, this charming, sleepy, little town perched on the hills above the banks of the Smotrych River is well worth a visit. Backpackers will probably want to stay in the newer part of town, as it is closer to the bus and railway stations. There is a large, central market almost next to the bus station, where visitors can buy everything from food to general sundries. The older part of town, while more charming, has fewer amenities such as supermarkets and shops, and is home to more small, boutique-style hotels as well as a small souvenir market. Despite having a small airport, most visitors will most likely be arriving to Kamianets-Podilskyi by bus or train, and there are more bus connections to Kamianets-Podilskyi than railway connections.
While it is possible to walk from the newer part of town to the old part, visitors can also take a short and inexpensive ride on a marshrutka (shared taxi), and it’s fairly easy to get from place to place. Most visitors will probably be in town in order to visit the ruins of the large Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress, which is accessible by a short walk from the old town. Visitors should spend time wandering through the old part of town and "getting lost," as this area is home to a variety of old buildings in differing states of repair and renovation. Visitors may also want to investigate taking a day trip to the town of Khotyn, which houses another impressive fortress. Hostels in the Kamianets area should be able to provide all the necessary information and staff can advise on the best way of reaching Khotyn.
