The Ultimate Lugansk Solo Travel Guide

UPDATE: Luhansk is currently in a conflict zone and not safe for travel. All travel to Luhansk is strongly discouraged due to active fighting, unstable security situation, and lack of consular services.

Planning a solo trip to Lugansk, Ukraine? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The eastern regional center of Ukraine (now Lugansk People’s Republic).
Well known in the area for being an industrial city (with a great football team).
Nicknames: Lugano, Lohansk, Voroshilovgrad (older name, after marshal Voroshilov).

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Currency: Russian Rubles (RUB).
Spoken languages: majority (95%) speak Russian. Ukrainian also spoken among older generations.
Best time to visit: from May to July (and in September). Gets very cold in the fall/winter, and summers can be excessively hot.
Airport is not currently operational.

WHERE TO STAY

Most hotels are closed or repurposed for military use.
Limited options for tourists.

GETTING AROUND

Public transportation is limited and unreliable due to the conflict.
Taxis are a popular way of travelling around the city. It is highly recommended to call the taxi company and order one in advance, as this will be cheaper than just flagging one down.
– Note: taxis may still operate, but safety cannot be guaranteed.
Stay vigilant on public transport – beware of pick-pockets and thieves.

LUGANSK NIGHTLIFE

Drinking age is 18, and last call is 5 AM.
Warning: you will be fined for drinking in public (on the street). Also, smoking is not allowed in bars or clubs (any crowded areas). Be careful when drinking with strangers or suspicious people – if you are not careful, it could turn into a bad situation.
Nightlife regions: downtown, the eastern part (“Vostok”, which means East in Russian), and “Myrnyj” (means “peaceful” in Russian).
Note: nightclubs are located at the corners of town (not in crowded areas). Always call a taxi to take you there.
Great bars to start your night: ПивБар Берлога, Коктейль-Бар “Мичиган”, and Hookah Bar.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

The Avangard Stadium. A beautiful building, it’s in the busy region of town – near the circus, major stores and groceries.
The OUN-UPA monument. Situated in a spectacular park near town’s center, it was erected to honor the fallen at the hands of the nationalists.
The Park of VLKSM is a great place to rest and to walk. A great starting point for further exploration of the city. From here, make your way north to the old town center – full of great architecture.

INTERESTING WALKS

Note: the area between the city center and the Vostok region is not safe – take a bus or taxi instead of walking between these two areas.
Check out the bars and cafes on Sovetskaya and Oboronnoya Streets.
Check out Budyonnogo and Korolyova Streets in the Vostok region.

LOCAL WISDOM

Avoid gypsies – don’t talk to them or give them money.
Also, tipping is completely unnecessary – no one should expect anything extra.
Always try to find the price for locals – the cost of pretty much anything goes up when being sold to foreigners.
Dangerous areas: exercise caution anywhere you go at night. Stay in crowded and well-lit areas, and call a taxi to take you between places. Don’t joke around or mess around with the police – this could lead to a bad situation very fast.

Recommended trip duration: 1-2 days