Uzhhorod – what to do on weekends, what to see and try in the capital of Transcarpathia, where to go out of town.
In the spring of 2022, I lived in Zakarpattia in the small town of Chop. But Uzhhorod became my personal therapy from the war. At least once a week, I would go on business or just have a good coffee in cozy cafes in the capital of Zakarpattia.
So I’m happy to share my favorite places and establishments in Uzhhorod.
City walks and architecture
The Linden Alley is the longest in Europe, and it is actually a promenade over the Uzh River, which is a pleasure to walk along in any weather. In the spring, the trees begin to leaf out, and the first sakura trees bloom in front of the buildings. In the fall, the river is foggy, and yellow leaves fall, which are pleasant to rustle. In summer, the river gives off a pleasant coolness, and in winter, steam rises in which ducks swim.
On the opposite bank of the Uzh River is another promenade, Kyivska embankment. It stretches from Transportnyi to Pedestrian Bridge.
If you go to the right from the bridge, you will see the Uzhhorod Philharmonic. It is located in the building of a former synagogue, which is well preserved in perfect good condition. It’s a very beautiful building with stained glass windows and various windows. If there is a concert or some other performance, I advise you to go inside. It is no less beautiful here than outside.
The Children’s Railway station is located near the Philharmonic. It’s not working now because of the war, but if it resumes, I recommend a ride in small cars with children along the banks of the Uzh River.
Kapitulna Street is another area for walking between old villas, past the Greek Catholic Cathedral, which is also worth a visit. By the way, the cathedral has a small and wonderful garden, and behind it you can see the Castle Stairs, which are hidden from tourists and lead from the mountain to Fedynets Street. There is also a castle and a skansen on this street, which is described below.
Architectural highlights and monuments of Uzhhorod
The pedestrian bridge is one of Uzhhorod’s trademarks, where tourists take pictures and enjoy a wonderful view of the Uzh River. On the one side of the bridge is a very beautiful Sandor Petofi Square, on the other side is the Czech Quarter and Lipovaya Alley, which starts from there.
To experience the city’s architectural and historical peculiarity, take a walk through the Czech Quarter of Uzhhorod. These are Dovzhenko and Narodna streets, Nezalezhnist embankment, and Pushkin Square. There are buildings dating back to Czechoslovakia, built in the style of constructivism in the early 20th century.
The very center of the city is Voloshin Street and Korzo Street. There are many cafes and restaurants, shops, and the well-known monument to a street lamp. He was a real person, Uncle Kolya, who worked as a lamplighter in Uzhhorod for 40 years. His briefcase with books and newspapers stands on the pavement, which is also part of the monument to the well-read master.
Almost everyone knows about Uzhhorod mini-sculptures. Every year there are more and more of them. You can even walk along the routes in search of mini-sculptures.
I advise you to read it: Sakura trees and routes by small sculptures in Uzhhorod
From Koryatovycha Street, you can get to one of Uzhhorod’s passages, which has been transformed into a lane. This passage is called the Mustard Seed, which has coffee shops, shops, and cafes. A very nice and photogenic place – the Simple Cafe Store has delicious coffee and macaroons.
Museums, galleries and skansen
The central point of tourist attraction is Uzhhorod Castle. It is very well preserved not only outside but also inside. You can look at the walls and the castle courtyard, the exhibition inside the castle. Or you can join an interesting tour and plunge into the history of the castle, which dates back to the tenth century.
Entrance fee for adults is 130 UAH (3 $), for children – 60 UAH (1,5 $). Excursions – on the castle website .
Next to the castle is the Museum of Folk Life and Architecture, which houses old houses from different parts of Ukraine. There is also a unique church here, built without a single nail.
The ticket price is 100 UAH (2,5 $).
If you are interested in art, there are Transcarpathian Regional Art Museum. Yosyp Bokshay with collections of paintings and graphics of the 17th and 18th centuries. And if you want to see the works of Ukrainian artists, check out the Corridor Gallery, Pavlo Bedzir’s workshop and museum (Parkhomenka Street, 7). The ticket price is 75 UAH (2 $).
Botanical garden and parks
Near the castle there is an interesting but somewhat unremarkable Botanical Garden of UzhNU. I highly recommend visiting the botanical garden in April or May. At this time, rhododendrons, wisteria, magnolias, and other plants bloom here. Be sure to add the garden to your sakura walk – you won’t regret it. The botanical garden page on the UzhNU website .
If that’s not enough, check out the Loudon Arboretum, which is a small island with exotic trees hidden in the city center. There is a wonderful rock garden nearby with rocks, a pond, and benches where you can relax while walking around the city.
Bozdosh Park, with its bike paths, suspension bridge, and lake, is large and sometimes looks like a real forest. You can come here for a walk or organize a picnic.
Restaurants, cafes and bars
While I was in Zakarpattia, I tried to do something nice for myself at least once a week: drink delicious coffee or try some of the dishes of Transсarpatian cuisine. That’s why I’ve compiled my list of favorite Uzhhorod establishments.
Coffee and breakfast
- RIVERSIDE. Coffee shop, roastery and brasserie (13 Fentsyka Sq.) – near the pedestrian bridge there is a very cool coffee shop with specialty coffee roasted in-house, delicious breakfasts and burgers.
- Eat Me! (22 Voloshyna St.) – good coffee, delicious breakfasts, salads, opens at 8:00 a.m.
- Valentin & Valentina Shtefanyo coffee shop – there are two of them in the city on vul. Dukhnovicha, 16 and ul. 18 Sandor Petofi Street. The first one is more cozy, in my opinion, because the street is narrow and there is no constant flow of cars if you sit on the street. Delicious pastries – try the Uzhhorod sweet business card Cake Uzhhorod here. They also bake delicious bread here, and Easter cakes for Easter.
- Korzo Family. The first family confectionery
- Simple Cafe Store – very good coffee and macarons in Mustard Seed Lane.
- Muffin Espresso & Brew Bar (36 Svobody St.) – good coffee and breakfast, I liked the cheesecakes.
Restaurants
- The Hinkalnya is located in the Mustard Seed Lane. Delicious khinkali, good atmosphere.
- The Hungarian Yard restaurant (24 Kapitulna St.) is not a cheap place, but the interior and Transcarpathian cuisine are worth a visit. Zakarpattia-style ukha, venison bograch, and delicious salads with interesting presentation. In addition, the restaurant is decorated in the spirit of an 18th-century villa, and the appliances are also from that time.
- PLAN B. Gastrobar (3B Tolstogo St.) is a modern restaurant with Italian and Asian cuisine. The pizza here is very tasty.
Beer and wine
- The SyroVina tasting room (23 Dukhnovycha St.) is a great place to try new wine and delicious Transcarpathian cheeses. If you don’t know much about wines, just tell the waiter about your preferences and tastes, and he will suggest an interesting wine and an appetizer that will set off its best notes.
- Beer is available at the Egan Irish Pub (38 Voloshyna St.).
What to see outside the city
I wrote some tips about interesting places in Transcarpathia. I advise you to check it out if you plan to stay in Uzhhorod longer than two or three days on the weekend.
A separate topic is thermal springs and vats of Transcarpathia. I have visited several of them, so read my reviews and tips.
Where to stay in Uzhhorod – hotels and apartments
Accommodation in Uzhhorod – there are hotels and hostels in the city center, as well as a large selection of comfortable apartments for those who come here for a longer stay.
- Villa P – is a very stylish boutique hotel near Uzhhorod Castle. For those who want to feel the atmosphere of ancient Uzhhorod.
- Gogol 14 – Apartments in the historic center of the city.
- Hotel Uzhhorod – classic standard rooms with views of the Uzh River, the embankment and Linden Alley.
- Hotel Antonio – is a modern hotel with quality furniture, plumbing, and a good location.
Useful links for organizing your trip:
Bus schedule and bus tickets are available at InfoBus.ua
Flights, train and bus tickets are available at Tickets.ua
Green card for traveling by car abroad – EKTA
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
I recommend reading it:
- Potocki Grotto – an interesting excursion in Odesa
- Odesa in winter – what to do in the city by the sea
- Routes in Transcarpathia
