Interesting Places In Lviv To Discover Beyond the Center
Lviv’s old town is full of charm: cobbled streets, coffee aroma, and beautiful architecture at every corner. But step outside the city center and you’ll find a completely different side of Lviv: green parks, peaceful neighborhoods, and everyday places where locals live, relax, and recharge.
If you are curious about interesting places in Lviv to discover beyond the center, here are ten great places to visit outside the usual tourist spots.
1. Znesinnia Park (Парк Знесіння)
Just east of the old town, Znesinnia Park is one of Lviv’s largest green areas. Forest trails, panoramic viewpoints, and wildflowers make it perfect for a quiet afternoon walk. You can even spot old railway tracks running through the park. On weekends, locals come here for picnics or short hikes — it’s nature right inside the city.
2. Shevchenkivskyi Hai (Шевченківський гай)
At the edge of Znesinnia Park lies the open-air museum of folk architecture. Wooden churches, windmills, and farmhouses from across Western Ukraine are scattered among the trees. It feels like walking through a living village museum. Especially magical in autumn when the leaves turn golden. If you visit it during religious holidays like Easter, don’t forget your vyshyvanka!
3. Lychakiv Cemetery (Личаківський цвинтар)
Lychakiv Cemetery isn’t just a cemetery; it’s a peaceful open-air museum filled with sculptures, history, and stories. Many notable Ukrainians are buried here, from poets and artists to modern-day heroes. If you enjoy quiet walks and history, this is one of the most atmospheric spots in Lviv. Next to it is the Field of Mars, where the fallen defenders of the war in Ukraine from the Lviv municipality are buried.
4.
Bryukhovytsʹkyy Lis – Dachi
(Брюховицький ліс – дачі)
Just north of Lviv lies Bryukhovytsʹkyy Lis, a quiet forest that’s perfect for an escape from the city. Locals often come here on weekends to relax, take long walks, or simply enjoy the fresh forest air. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to explore Lviv’s surroundings, enjoy nature, and discover a side of the city that’s far from the usual tourist crowds.
5. Vynnyky Forest (Винниківський ліс)
If you’re craving a nice nature escape, head east to another forest: Vynnyky Forest. You’ll find forest paths, wooden benches, and even a small lake where people swim in summer. It’s easily reachable by marshrutka/minibus, yet it feels far away from city noise; a great spot for a picnic or a weekend stroll.
6. Sknyliv Park
Located near the airport, Sknyliv Park is a calm green space on the outskirts of the city. It’s a peaceful area for short walks, ideal if you want a quiet moment away from the bustle of downtown and experience a bit of quiet village life without going too far away from the center.
7. Dvirtseva Square (Площа Двірцева)
Probably the first place you visit when arriving at Lviv’s main train station but while most people go directly to the center, it is worth it to walk around. Grab a coffee nearby and enjoy watching the rhythm of daily life unfold. Great to watch people while you wait for your bus or train. Or when you arrive, walk down the road and you end up at Pryvokzal’nyy Rynok (Привокзальний ринок). Especially fun on Saturdays since it is the day that everybody comes from their village with home grown fruits & vegetables.
8. Sykhiv District (Сихів)
Sykhiv is one of Lviv’s largest and greenest residential districts, full of parks, cafés, and local markets. Explore the quiet walking paths and small lakes nearby. If you want to have an idea about a modern part of Lviv where families, students, and professionals live side by side, you should check it out!
9. Vynnyky (Винники)
Just 30 minutes by marshrutka, Vynnyky feels like small town next to the city. You will find everything you need here while less hectic as a busy city like Lviv. There are several direct (mini)bus routes so it is easy to get there. Great if you want to check out a more lively place just outside Lviv while not having the quiet life of a village.
10. Victoria Gardens & King Cross Leopolis
If you’re curious about how Lvivians spend their weekends, visit one of these two large shopping centers on the city’s edge. You’ll find restaurants, cinemas, a bowling alley and a mix of families, students, and others passing through. It’s modern-day Ukraine in everyday form.
Final Thoughts
Beyond the old town, Lviv reveals a slower, greener, and more local side of itself. Whether you love history, nature or simply watching daily life unfold, there’s always something new to discover, just a few stops away from the center.