Things are returning to normal in Ukraine. The lockdown has, for the most part, ended, and while there are still new cases of COVID-19 reported each day in Ukraine, the environment appears to be more or less safe at this point. Sadly, one area that hasn’t quite recovered is our coveted nights out on the town. Today, we’re bringing you a “boots on the ground” report, discussing the nightlife options that are available for those living in Kyiv at the moment.
The State of Kyiv Nightlife in 2020
2020 began like any other year in Kyiv. Debacherous New Years Eve celebrations left us excited for another year of success and prosperity in our favorite city on earth.
Sadly, by March, it was extremely clear that 2020 was going to be very different from what we were used to. A lockdown that was supposed to last a week turned into a month, which then turned into 3 of the quietest, darkest months we’ve ever experienced.
But hey, it was great for getting some work done, at least.
At the beginning of the year, local nightlife institutions CHI, Shooters, Forsage, and the Arena City area were all bustling.
Now, their future is a lot less certain.
Even if nightclubs are given clearance to open in the next two months (which we’re not hopeful towards), we wonder how many of these places are going to be closing up due to racking expenses and absolutely no one coming in whatsoever.
We’ve already seen this with more than a few of our favorite bars, which will remain unnamed out of respect and in the event that they do manage to reopen. Even though most bars in Kyiv are open at this point, a few of our favorites still haven’t seemed to have opened their doors to the public. A real shame.
One of our favorite parts about living in Ukraine as expats is the fact that Kyiv is possibly one of the most underrated cities for nightlife on the planet. Whether you’re into the most underground beats imaginable, or you like popping bottles to Top 40, you’ll find something to do here.
Below, you’ll find what we’ve been up to in Kyiv as of late.
Are nightclubs open?
In short, no.
However, it’s worth noting in Ukraine that we’re famous for, say, skirting the rules.
There’s one venue I’ve been really enjoying going to lately that is a normal bar, but they’ve instead moved all of their tables, started booking DJs, and killed the lights so that it’s a far more “clubby” atmosphere than before.
Is this legal? Probably not. But, do we really care? Definitely not.
I can’t reveal the exact name of this venue, but I’ll give you a hint in that if you’re staying close to Derybasivska Ultisa and you poke around enough, you’ll find it.
Another option, however, are terrace parties and standard bars.
Terrace Parties For The Win
One particularly exciting development that we’ve seen in Ukraine is the rise of outdoor parties as opposed to club nights.
Our prediction is that this is going to be the move even through fall. Outdoor parties are generally tougher to regulate, and far safer than being packed into a sweaty club where one person can possibly infect hundreds.
Our favorite terrace party we’ve stumbled across has been that which they’ve thrown together at CLOSER. We’ll be the first to admit that we don’t really like House or Techno music at all, but the vibe is still pretty good here.
The DJs don’t take requests either, which seriously blows. Oh well.
As such, the nightclub seems to have a third-floor pier that nobody knew about until recently, and there have been some serious parties being thrown there lately.
Check their Facebook page for the latest details, as it appears their schedule is changing by the week.
Bars
Bars in Kiev are fully functioning, but with limits on capacity, and the insistence that you must have your temperature checked upon entering. Some will require you to wear a mask, whereas others will not. Again, it’s really a matter of the venue, just like our above makeshift nightclub that’s found a way to skirt the rules entirely.
Hangover is open for business! Perhaps the biggest “meat market,” college-y spot in the entire city, I usually stay away from this place. But, as they say, “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” and I was happy to make my return when it reopened in June. There are less students in Kiev than before, but still plenty of people make their way here each weekend.
Usually a great spot to hit before the club, The Bar has been seeing some pretty lively crowds in the absence of larger venues to move on to. Hitting the sweet spot between pretentious and casual, we’re proud to say we’re frequent visitors here. Great for dates and booking a table with friends.
I dearly, dearly missed drinking weird imitation Hawaiian beverages at this Ukrainian favorite during lockdown. Lucky for you, it’s open for business once again! As eclectic and freewheeling as ever, Pink Freud is also seeing an upsurge in late night activity with local nightclubs being closed up for the time being.
It’s not everything, but it is something…
There’s no denying that COVID-19 has changed the nightlife scene in Kyiv. No longer can we attend many of our beloved nightspots, and that’s a real shame.
However, if you’re crafty enough, you’ll find a way to make the party happen anywhere you go, and Ukraine is no exception.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Ukraine right now, stay put! As many of you already know, re-entering the country as a non-resident right now is next to impossible. Furthermore, with the potential of another global lockdown coming in the winter months, we’re not taking any chances here!
In the meantime, enjoy the lack of foreigners and creepy tourists, and stay safe out there!
If there is one thing that Ukraine is known for, other than the ability to meet hot Ukrainian girls, it is vodka. While it may be cliched to death, vodka is an essential part of Ukrainian culture. Serving as the country’s national drink, Ukraine consumes more vodka per capita than any country on earth. Today, we’re discussing everything you need to know about Ukrainian vodka as an expat.
Let’s get started!
What is Vodka?
Vodka is a clear, distilled beverage that originates in Eastern Europe. It is produced from any ingredient that has fermentable sugars like rye, barley, and wheat.
Ukrainian Vodka, or Horilka?
In Ukraine, the traditional drink is called Horilka, and it is distilled from wheat or rye. Because “hority” in Ukrainian means “burning,” this implies that Horilka is hot and spicy in contrast to vodka.
Instead of filtering Horilka as is done with vodka, Ukrainians enjoy the taste of different unfiltered flavors in Horilka. This includes fruit, honey, spices, and even milk. However, it is also worth noting that Ukrainians use the words vodka and horilka interchangeably, as they are essentially the same thing.
Different Types of Horilka
Horilka comes in several different commercial varieties. In terms of home-distilled Horilka, there are numerous varieties involving different ingredients. Different companies produce types of Horilka, such as Nemiroff, Pervak, Hlebniy Dar, and many others.
Honey Pepper Vodka: A Ukrainian Specialty
The most famous of all Ukrainian vodka is Honey Pepper Vodka.
The most famous brand is Nemiroff, which has been around since 1872. Honey pepper vodka has become one of the most widely recognized Ukrainian products globally. The taste includes a strong hit of spice followed by the sweetness of honey. The combination of spices, apples, and honey gives it the color of whiskey.
Don’t be afraid to try it, as it won’t burn your mouth off.
The History of Vodka in Ukraine
Ukrainians, especially those who lived in the Soviet-era or the 1990s, have decades of vodka drinking experience. Drinking vodka reached its height in the 1990s when the break-up of the Soviet Union produced a massive shockwave of depression in newly-independent Ukraine, forcing many Ukrainians to drown their sorrows.
In the mid-1980s, Soviet dictator Mikhail Gorbachev launched an anti-alcohol campaign by raising the price of vodka in the Soviet Union. As Russians and Ukrainians couldn’t afford vodka, they turned to samogon. Samogon is homemade spirits, which were more potent and dangerous than vodka. Much like Prohibition in the United States, Gorbachev’s efforts failed, and Ukrainians devoured vodka throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
A generation of laid-off miners, steelworkers, and underpaid workers turned to vodka to ease the pain. People reminisced about the good times while denouncing the new generation of oligarchs and bandits. Vodka conversation topics shifted from World War II to skyrocketing food and gas prices, the latest political news, to the latest local gossip, and natural disasters. Today, this includes topics such as Chernobyl, the war in Eastern Ukraine, and the loss of Crimea.
How To Drink Ukrainian Vodka
Ukrainian vodka culture combines many aspects of Russian, Ukrainian, and European cultures.
First off, Ukrainians pour everybody a shot of vodka, and one drinker says a toast before everyone drinks together.
There are some basic rules. The person who starts pouring vodka must continue to pour throughout the night. There should be a break between the second and third shot, and empty bottles should not be left on the table.
Another funny fact is that there is no word for a “shot” in Russian or Ukrainian. Ukrainians call a shot “drinking 50 grams.” This makes for a funny conversation when you hear Ukrainians go on vacation to Turkey or Egypt the first time, trying to explain to the bartender “give for me 50 grams please,” producing laughable confusion.
With each new round, a different drinker must take their turn with a riveting speech to try to outduel their fellow drinkers with whit as he strives to maintain his composure. Intricate speeches are made, touching on love, family, business, and other areas of success.
Additionally, Ukrainian vodka is often consumed alongside a snack, like a piece of rye bread and some salo.
Giving a Cheers in Ukrainian
When drinking, Ukrainians generally say one of two phrases: “Budmo,” which means roughly “let’s live for the moment” in Ukrainian, or “Za Zdorovye,” which means “for our health” in Russian.
Thus, this hints at the fact that many Ukrainians believe, to some extent, in the medicinal value of vodka. Vodka is thought to disinfect the body and eliminates harmful bacteria in the event of a nasty sour throat.
According to some babushkas, vodka also warms up a person during a cold Ukrainian winter in the Carpathians.
While the above facts can be disputed, vodka can definitely disinfect wounds on the skin when medicines are in short supply. It also may or may not solve impotency issues, depending on how much is consumed.
Either way, even the most rugged babushkas will look like beauty queens after a few shots, and sweaty Ukrainian men will look like movie stars to female drinkers after a few rounds.
Vodka: Risky Business
Despite the positives, vodka can have risky consequences. Like any form of entertainment, vodka drinking comes with a need for responsibility in Ukraine.
There is no last-call like in America where vodka drinkers call it quits at 1:45 am, such that the bartender gets to go home at a reasonable time. Ukrainians don’t care about the bar, the bartender, or any man-made curfews.
Ukrainians keep going until the vodka runs out.
Every city and village in Ukraine is like downtown Miami. At around 4:00 AM, after the third bottle, the conversations seem to strangely get more political. The most experienced Ukrainian drinkers begin to rant about what Bill Gates’ agenda with free vaccines in Africa really is, why George Soros helps refugees, who started the coronavirus, why the Soviet Union broke up, and who actually controls Donald Trump.
The Night Progresses…
After the conversation touches on freemasonry and world global conspiracies, things get back on track. After a few more vodka shots, even the most notorious Adidas-clad “gopniks,” which means “red neck bandits,” will start talking with the confidence of a doctor or professor about science, medicine, psychology, or any other subject.
Because vodka is generally a male beverage, the wives and girlfriends of vodka drinkers spend sleepless nights at home while they suspect their husbands or boyfriends are on day 1 of a “zapoy,” or drinking binge.
Ukrainian wives seem surprisingly accepting of their significant others binging compared to Western women.
Some experienced vodka drinkers come home so drunk that they drink the water from pickle jars to sober up before going to sleep. Half of the pickle solution makes it in the mouth of the drinker, while the other half ends up on the carpet in a pool of broken glass. If that doesn’t work, “belaya goryachka” sets in. This is a paranoid state where the person doesn’t know where he is or even who he is. Suddenly, he crashes on the floor as if knocked out by a Mike Tyson punch, or a Vitali Klitschko “Udar” as the Ukrainians say.
For the single man, perhaps he’ll end up sending a few late night messages to local girls on Tinder.
Ukrainian-Style Hangovers
The next day, a vodka drinker experiences a massive hangover and tries to rationalize all the bruises and scars on his body. From talking to his friends, he establishes a rough timeline of what happened the previous night, similar to The Hangover film series.
He already has a rough idea of who he needs to apologize to and for what. But none of that matters. The urgent issue is easing the pain and “fighting fire with fire.” He needs some more vodka, but must choose wisely. He takes a couple shots of honey pepper vodka and passes out again. He has lucid sweaty dreams that take him from the sarcophagus of Chernobyl to the night clubs in Odessa.
Our hero wakes up again with several missed calls. The first step is to empty his bladder, which he does simultaneously while apologizing to his hysteric girlfriend, dropping f-bombs. She has lost it, and he realizes the only way to save this one is to spend some of his hard-earned grivnas at the flower shop on some roses.
He heads to the flower shop and picks up some vodka at the liquor store on the way back to ease some of his pain and guilt from the realization of how much money he spent on partying the previous night. He feels guilty about some of the things he did the previous night, and vows not to drink for a long time.
Luckily, his girlfriend forgives him, and he spends the next few days sobering up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vodka produces some rough, but legendary nights. If you’re not ready, that’s entirely understandable. Nowadays, Ukrainian vodka drinking traditions are under attack from the aim to Westernize, attempting to replace our traditions with drinking wine and beer.
But, this is not surprising considering that male testosterone levels are down globally, especially in the context of changing gender roles. In any case, vodka drinking is like being a child soldier, it’s not for everyone.
You got to grow up in it and “have some balls,” as they say. Go hard or go home!
We hope you enjoyed reading our guide to Ukrainian vodka.
At Expat Ukraine, Lviv is one of our absolute favorite cities in the entire country. Often a lesser-visited destination when compared with Kiev, Lviv is a city of food, culture, and of course, and tons of beautiful women. If you plan on visiting Ukraine, a side trip Lviv is an absolute must. Today, we’re discussing our five favorite Lviv Ukraine restaurants, both for dating and just for grabbing a quick bite to eat.
Let’s get started!
Bachevskyy: Our Favorite of the Lviv Ukraine Restaurants
Bachevskyy is probably the most inexpensive “fancy” restaurant you’ll ever go to in your entire life. It is truly fine dining at its absolute best.
There are so many things we could say about Bachevskyy. Whether it be the domed, greenhouse interior, champagne brunches on lazy Sundays, upscale lunches, or big nights out, this restaurant is suitable for any occasion where fine dining is required.
Better yet, I’ll often manage to pay less than $35 for two people here. One of my favorite things to do in Lviv is to take people here, go all out ordering drinks, appetizers, and entrees, and show them how ridiculously small the bill is afterward.
Good for: brunches, fancy dates, shock value at the price of the bill.
Garmata at the Citadel Inn
The Citadel Inn is a hotel that is located on a hill that overlooks Lviv. Housed in a former army barracks, it may be the nicest hotel in the entire city. And, to the delight of diners from all over the world, it is also home to one of the nicest restaurants in the city as well, Garmata.
Being that it’s located in a hotel, this is probably one of the most expensive places on this list. Last I recall, I spent $110 here for a holiday tasting menu and two bottles of wine with a date. In the West, the meal would have easily cost three times as much.
Garmata is the brainchild of famous Ukrainian chef Evgeniy Sushko. Expect white table cloths, wine pairings, appetizers, and a delicious desert menu.
If you’re an adventurous eater, you absolutely must give Chaykhana Samarland a try.
Located in the lover level of Soviet block building, it does not look like much on the outside. Upon walking through its doors, however, you are immediately greeted with one of the most ornate, colorful restaurant interiors that I have ever seen in my life.
Chaykhana is an Uzbek restaurant, a country in Central Asia. Their food is known for being a fusion between typical Asian delicacies and the heavier, carb-laden Eastern European fare.
Cushy seating, hot tea, and traditional Uzbek ethnic music playing make this one of my favorite places to go when visiting Lviv. If you happen to be accompanied by a particularly bohemian type of girl, you can’t go wrong here.
Good for: cheap dates, adventurous eating, a step away from the norm.
Arsenal Ribs: The Most Unexpected of the Lviv Ukraine Restaurants
Arsenal Ribs is probably one of the best places to eat meat on the entire planet. While it is something of a tourist trap, it is an absolute must-see in Lviv.
At Arsenal Ribs, they give you no silverware, as all of the food that’s served there are ribs, finger food, and beer. Gigantic, rotating grills that spin around a hot flame cook ribs right before your very eyes. Tables are long and communal. You’re likely to be seated next to a few other groups of people, which really just adds to the fun of the whole experience.
Occasionally, you may end up next to somewhat of a rowdy bunch, so I typically don’t bring girls here. Instead, I’ll make it the first stop on a night out with friends.
Good for: boy’s night out, casual dinners, drinking excessively.
Kumpel
One of Lviv’s only late-night eateries, next to the infamous drunk tank hangout that is Big Plate, Kumpel is yet another one of Lviv’s finest destinations for meat and beer.
That being said, it’s a huge step up from Arsenal Ribs. They brew their own beer, and have a lovely interior that isn’t quite date night worthy, but is definitely a bit lush when compared with similar places in its ranks.
With an interior that’s made up of wood, leather, and stone and the sizzling smell of hot sausages being fried up, this is one place that I make sure to visit every time I am in Lviv.
Good for: late night meals, craft beer, business meetings.
Conclusion: There Are Plenty of Excellent Lviv Ukraine Restaurants
Though most people will spend their entire trip to Ukraine in Kyiv, we really cannot suggest a trip to Lviv enough. It truly is a city like no other. And, it doesn’t get the credit it deserves, especially when it comes to its options regarding dining. Best of all, as Lviv is one of the cheapest cities in the work to eat well. None of these restaurants will truly break the bank.
Enjoy your trip to Lviv, and let us know how you experience was in the comments!
PS: If you’re interested in seeing the many beautiful girls in Ukraine, I suggest you check out this website.
One of the most common questions we receive at Expat Ukraine is whether or not Kiev is home to a red light district. Red light districts have become infamous all over the world, largely due to Amsterdam’s lax stance on prostitution. Naturally, many people think that just because you can find a beautiful woman in Ukraine, there must be a red light district nearby as well. Well, while there is an area that is often referred to as the city’s “red light district,” the answer to this question is more complicated than it may initially seem. Today, we’re discussing whether or not there is a red light district in Kiev!
What Is A Red Light District?
Generally speaking, a Red Light District is an area of a town in which there is a huge number of sex oriented businesses. This includes strip clubs, peep shows, sex shops for buying toys, and of course, prostitutes.
The origin of the name “red light district” comes from the fact that in the American Old West, red lights were used to signify the existence of a brothel. Obviously, this was before prostitution was banned throughout most of the world.
Today, some people will mistakenly refer to a nightlife district with a few strip clubs as a “red light district” as well. In fact, this is generally what’s happened in Kiev.
Is There A Red Light District in Kiev?
It’s complicated. The best answer I can give is…
Sort of, but not really.
There is one area known as Arena City, home of the Arena Entertainment Complex, that’s home to a swath of nightclubs, high end restaurants, and more than a few bars. The Arena Entertainment Complex is a four story building with about 50 or so attractions inside of it.
In Russia and Ukraine, complexes like this are rather common, whereas in the United States, nightlife is typically concentrated throughout a city block. This is yet another leftover, utilitarian Communist characteristic. After all, it’s more efficient to have all of the city’s entertainment in one area.
Though this is often seen as the “nightlife area” of the town, it is, for the most part a complete and total tourist trap, and hardly the best nightlife that Kiev has to offer.
In fact, we think that Kiev actually gets something of a bad name because most people end their search for nightlife at Arena City. The fact of the matter is that there’s a whole host of hidden gems in Kiev where you can have loads of fun at night, no matter what type of person you are.
Why Is Arena City Often Referred To As The Red Light District?
If you can’t tell by now, Arena City doesn’t so much as hold a candle up to a true red light district like those that exist in Amsterdam.
Venues tend to open and close relatively quickly in Arena City, but you can count on the fact that there’s always more than a few strip clubs operating in the complex as well.
And, if you must know, many of the boutiques that exist inside of Arena City are known to be frequented by “working girls,” otherwise known as prostitutes.
In other words, there’s a good chance that, if you look like a foreigner with foreign money, you may be propositioned by a prostitute while inside of the Arena Entertainment Complex. Remember, the girls you meet in a place like this are not exactly the nice, “girl next door with a freaky side” types that many men wish to find in Ukraine.
They’re professionals. You exist only as a wallet to them, one that they are trained to extract as much from as possible.
Despite the fact that we find Arena City to be lackluster in terms of both nightlife options and women, it’s relatively easy to get to if you insist on going.
Is Prostitution Even Legal in Ukraine?
Definitely not. Since 1987, prostitution has been banned in the territory of Ukraine. While the police largely ignore prostitution, it is definitely not front and center in Ukraine as it is in many other countries.
Ironically, over 500,000 Ukrainian women were estimated to have left the country to work as prostitutes during the 1990’s. This was during the fall of the Soviet Union, when unemployment was rampant. Of course, these events have created a stereotype that Ukraine is a whorehouse, when that really isn’t the case.
I always tell people that Ukraine is a great place to find a girlfriend/wife type of lady (or two, if that’s your style). But, you’re certainly not going to get a Las Vegas type of experience there.
The problem is prostitution in Ukraine is that when seeking out illegal services in a developing country, things can get a little bit dangerous.
For example, prostitution in Amsterdam is a legal, well regulated service that’s astonishingly safe. You simply pop down to the real red light district, walk up to the window of a “provider,” agree to a price, and she’s yours for however long you choose.
Even still, you have to keep in mind that Holland is thousands of miles away from Ukraine, and is practically in a different part of the world.
In Kiev, well, let’s just say things are a little bit different.
Prostitution in Ukraine Is A Bit Shady
I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do is to be fooling around a business that’s run by organized crime while in a developing country like Ukraine.
We love this place because it’s somewhat deregulated and honestly a bit more lawless than the West. As such, you have to be a little bit more careful when walking on the dark side. While Ukraine is, by and large, much safer than the United States, you also need to be smart and avoid putting yourself in harm’s way whenever possible.
And, trying to find prostitutes is a surefire way of making your trip a bit more risky.
Think about it. If something goes wrong, you’re on your own. The police aren’t going to save you, or probably even have an ounce if you end up getting robbed, beaten up, or extorted while in the bedroom of a whorehouse.
On top of that, you have to consider that human trafficking is an issue in many developing countries. Do you really want to be having “intercourse” with a girl who’s being forced to work for some sleazy pimp?
Even if you manage to go to Kiev, find a prostitute, and have some fun with her, do you really want to walk away knowing that you may have contributed to some seriously shady practices?
Well, I don’t. Especially when the streets of Kiev are crawling with beautiful, feminine women who are naturally interested in dating foreigners.
I hate to dissapoint you, but if you’ve been to Amsterdam or even seen the movie Eurotrip, Arena City is going to be a sore dissapointment to you.
The reality is that Kiev, for the most part, just isn’t the type of place you should go if you’re trying to pay for fast, easy sex.
It is, however, possibly the best place in the world to meet beautiful women.
Are Strip Clubs Worth Checking Out?
We get this question a lot, and I seriously do not understand it.
Why on earth would you waste your time
Strippers do not like you. They’re not going to sleep with you. You’re not going to convince them to take your phone number and meet you after their shift, and nothing out of the ordinary happens during private dances.
Listen, if you want to waste your time in overpriced strip clubs with lowlife girls who are trained to trick foreigners out of their cash, go for it.
But, if you’re reading this website, I’d imagine you’re interested in spending some time with women who are actually interested in you, and would like to meet a nice foreign man who wants to get physical with her.
If that sounds like you, read on…
How To Meet Girls in Kiev
Ukraine is the country with the hottest women on earth. That’s a well established fact and is extremely common knowledge throughout much of the internet at this point.
That being said, the hottest women in the world aren’t necessarily the easiest women, either. If you’re jet set on getting laid in Ukraine, check out our guide on how to do just that.
But, the MOST important step to ensuring success in Ukraine is by using online dating apps while in Ukraine, and prior to arriving.
The fact of the matter is that it’s the 21st century, and most young girls are completely addicted to their smartphones. Whether they’re taking Instagram selfies, in massive group chats with their girlfriends, or using a dating app to meet a nice guy, you can bet that not jumping on this bandwagon is effectively shooting yourself straight in the foot.
What Is The Best App For Meeting Girls in Kiev?
We’re glad you’ve asked! While you can definitely waste some time on apps like Tinder, the only website worth messing with is known as Ukraine Date. Ukraine Date has over 1,000,000 active profiles, is monitored by an award winning trust & safety team, and is absolutely free to try.
There’s pretty much no denying that Ukraine Date is the most popular dating app in the entire country. If you’re serious about having some fun in Ukraine, Ukraine Date is simply a must have.
Conclusion – What’s The Deal With the Ukraine “Red Light District?”
If you’re visiting Kiev and want to check out Arena City, be my guest. But, if you’re expecting to go there and find hot, foreign girls ready to jump into your arms, you’ve got another thing coming.
Prostitution is illegal in Ukraine. Strip clubs typically have no “extras” offered on the menu, either.
If you want to visit arena city for shopping, culture and to feel the vibe of Kiev, go for it. But, if you want plan on poking your head around to try to pay for sex, you’re probably not going to have the best time.
Tourism continues to grow to Ukraine each and every year. Predictably, this has plenty of Westerners to head to Eastern Europe in search of fun, adventure, and some seriously beautiful girls. Of course, one of the most common questions we get at Expat Ukraine is “what is the best party city in Ukraine?” This is a very important question, as if you’re trying to head abroad to go on a bender, you must pick the right city. Today, we’re discussing the many options you have, and why Ukraine may be the next best place you can choose for a fun weekend out.
Why Go To Ukraine To Party?
Let’s say you’ve got a week of vacation saved up that you’re just dying to use. Maybe a few friends are down to tag along for the ride. You want to go to a new country where you’ll be immersed in a new culture, check out the local bar or club scene, meet interesting people, and make some memories.
Of course, you’re going to hear about the same, played out cities that everyone and their mother has been to a million times.
“Prague is crazy, like that movie Eurotrip!”
“Budapest has tons of hookers.”
“Smoke weed in Amsterdam!”
The list goes on. I don’t know about you, but a lot of these places sound seriously played out to me. That’s not to say you can’t possibly have a good time by going to a more “touristy” location, as I’ve had plenty of fun times in all of the above cities.
But, they get old quick. I don’t go on trips to hang out with British tourists and pay $8 a drink at an overpriced bar. Travel is all about having new experiences, and Ukraine is a great place to do so.
And, it’s one country that you can do so more affordably than almost anywhere else on earth.
Ukraine Might Be The Cheapest Holiday Ever
The big advantage that choosing a place like Ukraine that it’s infinitely cheaper than most common European party destinations. Believe it or not, it’s absolutely possible to drop thousands on an organized stag party in a place like Budapest or Prague.
The reality is that neither of these cities is particularly expensive, but that they are so used to tourists showing up that an entire industry has been built to screw you over.
Now, let’s compare that with Ukraine. There’s certainly a large number of tourists that visit the country, but it hasn’t become “mainstream” to visit there just yet.
As a result, drinks in Ukraine will typically run you between $1-$6. The nightlife scene in both Kyiv and Lviv is surprisingly good, regardless of if you want to hang out in pubs or are more interested in mega-nightclubs.
Ukraine Has The Best Women in the World
I can’t tell you how ridiculous it is to hear people talk about “hot German girls” or “sexy chicks in Sweden.”
Ha, ha, ha. Don’t make me laugh.
If you say these things, it’s clear that you haven’t really travelled to that many places at all.
Look, the fact of the matter is that the women in Germany or Sweden are basically identical to the women that you find in Australia, the United States, or the U.K.
In other words, they’re nothing special at all.
They live in a culture that doesn’t encourage them to maximize their beauty and femininity. Of course, there are some attractive girls in these countries, but we have to keep in mind that women across all Westernized nations are generally held to the same lax standards.
On the other hand, Ukrainian women are some of the hottest in the entire world. It’s one place where they are taught from a young age that they are basically required to do their hair, wear makeup, and have a fashion sense if they want to meet a good man.
If you’re coming from a place like the UK, Germany or the USA, you will be absolutely stunned at the quality of the local women in Ukraine. While not every girl is an absolute knockout 10/10, you’ll find that even the most average, basic girls typically hover around 7/10 in terms of their attractiveness.
Compare that to any Westernized nation, where the average girl is quite likely a 4/10, or maybe a 5/10, and you’ll see that Ukraine is worlds better.
In many ways, Ukraine is Europe’s best-kept secret. The economy is still recovering from Communism, so prices are still dirt cheap for any visiting Westerners. You’ll spend a fraction of what you would in any other European country, have access to world-class nightlife and an excellent bar scene, and be surrounded by a huge population of beautiful women.
What’s not to love, right?
Now, it’s time to choose a city to visit.
What is the Best Ukraine Party City?
Kyiv – The obvious winner.
Most people are going to choose Kyiv nine times out of ten, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Kyiv has the most variety of any Ukrainian city. Countless bars, nightclubs, and restaurants await you there.
Some of the downsides include that the city is just massive, getting around can be somewhat difficult and that flights can be surprisingly expensive when compared with cities like Lviv that are more popular for tourism.
Even still, for a quick trip, you’ll find that Kyiv is a seriously great time. It’s only when you decide to live in Ukraine full time that the difficulties become a bit more pronounced.
CHI has a bit of the “super club” type of vibe, but not in an overly pretentious way. Tables are available for less than a $100 spend, and there’s a big dancefloor area as well.
CHI books some of the world’s best DJ talent and is one place where you’ll see the absolute hottest women in Kyiv out on full display.
They can be a little bit strict at the door, so if you’re with a group, I suggest calling ahead and booking a table a day in advance to guarantee entry.
If there’s a reason that Kyiv is frequently compared to Berlin’s nightlife, this would be it. CLOSER is consistently rated one of the best clubs in the world for Electronic music.
Now, let’s make no mistake. This is not the type of place you get suited up and buy a table at. It’s a bit grungy, bit druggy, strictly Electronic nightclub that specializes in House and Techno music.
The irony is that you can see many of the same artists who play at CHI here as well. Same music, but different vibe entirely. Both are a great time.
Skybar is similar to CHI, but a little more mainstream and slightly less classy. I prefer both CLOSER and CHI because they’re a bit less tacky than a standard club, but if you’re into a more mainstream vibe, head over to Skybar.
Located directly in arena city, Skybar offers a picturesque view of the Kyiv skyline. The door prices can be a little bit high, around $20 or so per person. Even still, it pays to call ahead and book a table in advance.
And, this is, of course, another place where you’re going to see some absolutely stunning women.
Lviv – The one you didn’t expect.
I’d recommend people who don’t need to go completely “balls to the walls” consider Lviv. There are really only two good nightclubs, so if you’re more of a local bar or pub type of person, Lviv is certainly a good choice.
On top of that, the town is extremely small and easy to get around in. You can stay in any hotel or Airbnb in the city center and walk everywhere that you need to go.
Plus, budget airlines have made trips to Lviv incredibly cheap from many of Europe’s capital cities. Round trip tickets can be had for as low as $40 for a weekend, making it possibly the cheapest party city in all of Europe right now.
If you’re interested in checking out Lviv’s burgeoning nightlife scene, and the secret gems that we uncovered while there, check out our guide on Lviv nightlife.
Lviv is not exactly known as a nightlife city, and yet this is one club that may have you thinking otherwise.
Malevich is the largest club in Eastern Europe. DJs are mostly local and the music policy is very commercial, but that doesn’t change the fact that you can have a seriously good time here.
Table service is extremely cheap, door prices are low, and entry is quick and painless. You can spend as little as $70 here for a few bottles.
Even still, most people don’t go to Lviv to go clubbing, and that’s why the bar scene is what we really recommend doing.
The Drunk Cherry is a Lviv institution. This is the perfect place to start off your night.
Situated right on Rynok Square, this place is little more than a tiny room where you buy Cherry flavoured Brandy, stand around a communal set of tables, and chat with groups of people. It’s always full, and you can meet tourists from all over here also.
Choven is a Western-style beer pub that’s situated two streets away from Rynok Square. Here, you’ll find groups of people hanging out after work. It’s less popular with girls (for obvious reasons), but sells excellent beer and has a lively atmosphere.
Both bar and table seating makes it a reasonable choice for socializing and seeing friends.
It’s usually packed, which makes it a great place to mingle with the locals as well.
Odessa – Seasonally amazing.
Odessa is amazing…for about three months a year.
In many ways, Odessa is somewhat of a perfect city. The climate is a few degrees warmer than the rest of Ukraine. It is situated directly on the coast of the Black Sea. Nightlife is incredible and it’s just as affordable as the rest of Ukraine.
Unfortunately, this lasts from about June until September…and then it all goes away.
Odessa has something of an exodus outside of the summer months. The nightclubs are empty, the girls have traded their bikinis for parkas, and the season has officially ended. If you’ve ever been to Ibiza, it is a little bit like that. It’s on fire for a few months, and then it goes back into hibernation.
If you’re looking to party in Ukraine during the summer months, there are few choices better than Odesa. Particularly for a short trip, Odessa can be a lot of fun.
Located directly on Arcadia Beach, this is consistently rated as the “place to be” when visiting Odessa.
Sure, you’ll get hit with a door cover of $15 and probably meet just as many tourists as you will locals, but so what? It’s a beach club.
Best of all, you can rent a cabana here during the day, and come here to book a table at night. Plan to visit on the weekend, and prepare to have a good time!
Itaka is nothing short of world-class. Just like Ibiza, it’s open both day and night. The first thing you’ll notice about Itaka is that it’s modelled after Greek ruins. This means gigantic white pillars, statues of gods, etc.
Yeah, it’s a little bit tacky, but it’s still a fun time. Sadly, a few of our writers have reported that they’ve fallen victim to the “bottle girl scam” here, where a girl will sit down at your table and run up a bill for the most expensive things on the menu.
We cannot confirm nor deny this, so keep your wits about you.
If you want to get away from the “beach club” type of experience, take a trip over here for the evening. If this place reminds me of anything, it’s a college bar.
There are girls dancing on the bar, cheap drinks, and actually some pretty decent food! It’s not a dive by any means, but it’s not some high-class establishment like Ibiza is either.
This place is just a bit less pretentious and easier to approach girls at than a beach club, in my opinion. While it’s #3 on this list, it still comes in highly recommended from us.
Conclusion – What Is The Best Ukraine Party City?
The answer to this is largely going to depend on what you’re looking for.
To recap: Kyiv is generally the best choice unless you’re looking to do it on the cheap, at which point Lviv would be the most cost-effective. At the same time, if you’re not a huge nightclub person, a smaller city may be your best bet as well.
If you happen to be looking to go during the summer months, Odessa is a close competitor if you’re looking for more of a beach-style experience.
No matter where you go, choosing Ukraine as a destination to party in is sure to provide a good time.
If you’ve spent any time at all in Ukraine, you’ll be familiar with salo. Loved by many, and hated by plenty, salo is the national dish of Ukraine and a still a favorite among tourists and locals alike. It’s inevitable that when dating a Ukrainian girl, you’re going to have a chance to try it. Today, we’re going to discuss salo, how to eat it, where to try it, and why it is so important to Ukrainian culture.
What is Salo, Ukraine’s National Dish?
So…get ready for it.
Salo is, basically, thinly sliced pork fat.
That’s it. Salty pig fat, most commonly served on bread with a shot of vodka.
I know, I know. As a Westerner, this may sound pretty weird to you. In many ways, it is.
You can think of it in the same way that you do bacon or ham, except is has been either cured or smoked to the point where it’s safe to eat raw.
Sometimes, salo has a small amount of pork meat on it as well, but this is rarer. Typically, salo is served with no extra meat on it, unlike American bacon. It’s also important not to confuse it with lard, which is rendered and has a completely different taste.
Believe it or not, salo is enjoyed across virtually every Slavic culture. Each country has its own way of preparing it. If you go further east, you’ll find Salo that is cured with paprika. Go to Southeastern Europe, and you’ll find Salo that’s been smoked.
There’s no denying salo is a rather niche type of foodstuff. That being said, salo certainly wasn’t created by accident and is a hugely important part of Ukrainian history and culture.
History of Salo
First thing’s first, it is important to realize that salo actually wasn’t created in Ukraine.
In fact, salo was first created in the XIV century in Italy (of all places). Yes, the land of spaghetti and meatballs created the national dish of Ukraine…
But, salo wasn’t being served to Italian royalty. Salo was seen as a cheap, nutrient-packed item of food that was most often fed to slaves and other farmhands to keep them strong and healthy.
While many people may not consider salo to be the spitting image of health food, it is important to remember that animal fat is a hugely nutritious food source. It was over 700 calories in just 100 grams, as well as 12 grams of protein and 14 grams of carbohydrates.
For you non-gym goers: that’s a ton of nutrition.
While many people may not find it to be the world’s most appetizing dish, salo is indeed a food that makes survival during thin times easy.
Ukraine has been a poor country for many centuries, necessitating the people of the country to make use of every animal part they could during times of food shortage. Nothing went to waste, and though Ukraine has come a long way from needing to resort to grubbing on pig fat for survival, it’s become an important part of Ukrainian food culture.
On top of that, we have to remember that Ukraine has one of the coldest winters on earth. Though the country is known for extremely fertile farmland, people needed to stay fed outside of the harvest season.
That, my friends, is why salo has become a staple part of the Ukrainian diet.
A Versatile Food Source
Better yet, unlike the lean meat of a pig that expires relatively quickly, salo can be kept for months on end with or without refrigeration. It is a thick, calorie-dense food, something of a perfect food source for people in the unique economic and geographical constraints that Ukraine has historically felt.
Salo can even be melted down and used as cooking oil. In fact, it’s a personal favorite of ours to make potatoes fried in salo. The Ukrainians are indeed a crafty people, with some particularly frugal village people even using salo that’s truly gone bad as a water repellant for their boots!
While I’m guessing you probably won’t be spending so little money in Ukraine that you have to use expired salo to keep your boots fresh, it’s still important to give it a try while visiting Ukraine.
Preparation of Salo
Unless you’re a serious foodie, the chances of you making your own salo are pretty slim. Preparing salo the Ukrainian way typically means butchering a pig, and curing the fatback itself using salt in a cool, dry area for over a month.
The best way to try salo in Ukraine is to head out to a local pub with some friends, or your Ukrainian girlfriend, and enjoy it alongside some vodka.
How To Eat Salo in Ukraine
Salo is a multipurpose food. But, as a foreigner living in Ukraine, chances are you’ll be enjoying it as a snack alongside some alcoholic beverages.
Salo is most commonly eaten with some rye bread, garlic, and a little bit of paprika. If you order salo in a restaurant, chances are you’ll have it served to you like this the above photo.
I’d advise you to start slow with salo at first. It can really be an acquired taste, especially if you’re not the type of person who likes eating big portions of fatty meat.
Even still, salo really does go best when served with some vodka. The richness of the fat is balanced out nicely whenever you have a nice palette cleanser to wash it down with.
Personally, I enjoy eating salo with some rye-bread, a heavy dose of salt, and some spicy pepper slices. This makes a lovely little thing to munch on.
Chances are, most women you meet are not going to be big salo fans. Just like most Ukrainian women don’t like drinking vodka, they also don’t enjoy eating salo. It’s considered to be a dense, masculine food that puts meat on your bones, and it certainly is.
There’s no denying that eating salo is somewhat of a Ukrainian stereotype. The locals are known to make jokes about it, just because of how ridiculous of a foodstuff it really is.
But, that’s all the more reason you need to give it a try!
Where To Eat Salo in Ukraine
To be perfectly honest, you don’t need much of a travel guide to find good salo in Ukraine. Preparing it is as easy as plating it up with a few nice condiments. Even still, our favorite restaurants for chowing down on Ukraine’s national dish are as follows…
Kyiv: Every time we’re in Kyiv, we make a stop at Hatynka. While not quite an institution in the city, it’s just under the radar enough to prove one of Kyiv’s finest dining options.
Lviv: The best Salo in Lviv is often said to come from Kumpel, a legendary brewpub right in the city center. While there are plenty of tourist traps that promise to sell you the best salo in the city, take it from us, you can find it here.
Salo is Part of the Culture – Enjoy It!
Salo might not sound like the most appetizing dish in the world. Surely, it’s no comparison to eating pizza in Florence, or khinkali in Georgia. But, you must remember that traveling internationally is all about trying new things!
Even if you’re not super keen on this idea, I suggest you give it a whirl. Better yet, a plate of salo is usually no more than $3-$4. If you only try a few bites, I’m sure your waiter won’t blame you.
