Lviv - The Heart of Western Ukraine

• HelloПривіт
  [Privit]
• GoodbyeДо побачення
  [Do pobachennia]
• YesТак
  [Tak]
• NoНі
  [Ni]
• Please/You're welcomeБудь ласка
  [Bud laska]
• Thank youДякую
  [Dyakuyu]
• Excuse me/SorryВибачте
  [Vybachte]
• How are you?Як справи?
  [Yak spravy?]
• Fine. And you?Добре. А ви?
  [Dobre. A vy?]
• Do you speak English?Ви розмовляєте англійською?
  [Vy rozmovlyayete anhliysʹkoyu?]
• I don't understandЯ не розумію
  [Ya ne rozumiyu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseЯ б хотів подивитися меню, будь ласка
  [Ya b khotiv podvytysya menyoo, bud laska]
• I don't eat meatЯ не їм м'ясо
  [Ya ne yim m'yaso]
• Cheers!На здоров'я!
  [Na zdorov'ya!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseЯ б хотів заплатити, будь ласка
  [Ya b khotiv zaplatyty, bud laska]

• Help!Допоможіть!
  [Dopomozhitʹ!]
• Go away!Іди геть!
  [Idy hetʹ!]
• Call the Police!Покличте поліцію!
  [Poklychte politsiyu!]
• Call a doctor!Покличте лікаря!
  [Poklychte likarya!]
• I'm lostЯ загубився
  [Ya zahubyvsya]
• I'm illЯ хворий
  [Ya khvoryy]

• I'd like to buy...Я б хотів купити...
  [Ya b khotiv kupity...]
• I'm just lookingЯ просто дивлюся
  [Ya prosto dyvlyusya]
• How much is it?Скільки це коштує?
  [Skilʹky tse koshtuye?]
• That's too expensiveЦе занадто дорого
  [Tse zanadto doroho]
• Can you lower the price?Чи можете ви знизити ціну?
  [Chy mozhete vy znyzyty tsinu?]

• What time is it?Котра година?
  [Kotra hodyna?]
• It's one o'clockОдна година
  [Odna hodyna]
• Half past (10)Пів на (десять)
  [Piv na (desyatʹ)]
• MorningРанок
  [Ranok]
• AfternoonПолудень
  [Poludenʹ]
• EveningВечір
  [Vechir]
• YesterdayВчора
  [Vchora]
• TodayСьогодні
  [Sʹohodni]
• TomorrowЗавтра
  [Zavtra]
• 1Один
  [Odin]
• 2Два
  [Dva]
• 3Три
  [Try]
• 4Чотири
  [Chotyry]
• 5П'ять
  [P'yatʹ]
• 6Шість
  [Shistʹ]
• 7Сім
  [Sim]
• 8Вісім
  [Visim]
• 9Дев'ять
  [Devyatʹ]
• 10Десять
  [Desyatʹ]

• Where's a/the...?Де є/знаходиться...?
  [De ye/znakhodytsya...?]
• What's the address?Яка адреса?
  [Yaka adresa?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Чи можете показати мені (на карті)?
  [Chy mozhete pokazaty meni (na karti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Коли наступний (автобус)?
  [Koly nastupnyy (avtobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Квиток (до ....)
  [Kvytok (do ....)]

Lviv was founded in 1256 by King Daniel of Galicia, who named the city after his son, Lev. It quickly became an important center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location at the crossroads of various trade routes. During the medieval era, Lviv flourished under the rule of the Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia and later the Kingdom of Poland, attracting merchants from all over Europe and the Middle East.

In 1772, following the First Partition of Poland, Lviv came under Austrian control and became known as Lemberg. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria. This period saw significant urban development and cultural flourishing. Lviv's architecture was heavily influenced by Viennese styles, and the city became a hub for intellectuals, artists, and scientists.

After World War I and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Lviv became part of the newly re-established Polish state. During the interwar period, the city was known as Lwów and continued to be a vibrant cultural and academic center. It was home to numerous Polish institutions, universities, and theaters, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry.

Lviv's history during World War II was marked by turmoil and tragedy. In 1939, the city was occupied by the Soviet Union under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. In 1941, Nazi Germany took control of Lviv, leading to the persecution and extermination of the Jewish population. After the war, Lviv was annexed by the Soviet Union and became part of the Ukrainian SSR. The post-war period saw significant demographic and social changes.

With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Lviv became part of an independent Ukraine. The city has since experienced a cultural revival, with efforts to preserve its historical heritage and promote Ukrainian identity. Lviv is now a major cultural and economic center in western Ukraine, known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning architecture, and rich history.

Lviv is accessible via Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport (LWO), located about 6 kilometers from the city center. The airport offers direct flights from major European cities. Alternatively, you can reach Lviv by train, with numerous connections from Kyiv, Warsaw, Budapest, and other cities. Buses also link Lviv with various European destinations, making it a versatile travel hub.

Lviv's public transportation system includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also widely available. For a more authentic experience, consider taking a 'marshrutka' (minibus), which operates on fixed routes throughout the city. Biking is another option, with several bike rental services and dedicated bike lanes.

The official currency in Ukraine is the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Lviv, and currency exchange offices are available at the airport and in the city center. Always ensure to use official exchange services to avoid scams.

Lviv is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Specific neighborhoods to be cautious in include Pidzamche and Zaliznychny Districts, where petty crime rates are higher. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for assistance. Lviv has several hospitals and medical facilities; Lviv Clinical Hospital is one of the main ones. Pharmacies are common and usually have staff who speak basic English. It's advisable to carry a travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, pharmacists can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket immediately upon boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. Saying 'Dobryy den' (Good day) is polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like borscht and varenyky. Don't refuse food or drink offered by hosts, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Lviv like a local, visit the bustling Rynok Square and explore its surrounding streets filled with cafés and artisan shops. Attend a performance at the Lviv Opera House for a cultural treat. Mingle with locals at the Vernissage Market, where you can find unique souvenirs and crafts. For a relaxed afternoon, take a stroll through Stryisky Park. Don't miss the opportunity to try Lviv's famous coffee culture at one of its many charming coffeehouses.