This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you 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 Kharkiv.
Kharkiv is less than eighty kilometers from the Russian border, so there is a noticeable Russian influence, as it was a major city in the former United Soviet Socialist Republic. Now, Kharkiv is a leading education center in Ukraine, with more than fifty universities. Kharkiv’s population is about one and a half million, and it has between two hundred fifty thousand and three hundred thousand students. Kharkiv’s cultural influence is further emphasized by its twenty museums and more than ten theaters. There are plenty of restaurants and bars with tasty Ukrainian national food, but clubs are not very good.
The city was a crucial site during WWII and there were four battles for Kharkiv. Almost the whole city was destroyed and ninety percent of the population either escaped or died in the war. There are still many war memorials and monuments in the whole city. One of the symbols of Kharkiv is the Freedom Square, which is one of the largest in the world. Other interesting sights are the Assumption Cathedral, the Botanical Garden, the bridge between Lopan and the Kharkiv rivers, and the Historical Museum.
There are several hostels in Kharkiv, but some of them operate only during the summer so be sure to check that they are open when you plan to visit. Most Kharkiv hostels are located near the metro stations in the center, but there are also some in the outskirts. Generally, Kharkiv hostel prices are low, but most Kharkiv hostels offer very good facilities.
Kharkiv is very well-connected by train to Kyiv, Moscow, Donetsk, Odessa, and other Ukrainian and Russian cities. There is also a small airport, which is far from the city. The main train station is quite far from the center of the city, but you can take the metro that will get you to the center in about twenty minutes. The metro is very cheap and you can easily get to your Kharkiv hostel.
Written by local enthusiast for Kharkiv hostels
George Traveller
