Dare to Ukraine | Lviv, the ultimate first stop to experience Ukraine

For the first episode of “Dare to Ukraine,” we journey to Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine, known for its magnificent architecture, lively streets, and delicious cuisine. Since its founding in the 13th century, Lviv has flourished under various empires until the Soviet occupation in the 20th century, and now stands as a beacon of the Ukrainian spirit. Join our host, Masha Lavrova, as she uncovers the many layers of this captivating city.

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00:00 - Introduction
02:26 - Lviv: The largest city in western Ukraine
03:33 - Exploring the weekend market at Rynok Square
05:30 - Behind-the-scenes at the Lviv National Opera
12:42 - Dare to Ukraine challenge
13:45 - Cooking traditional vorshmak and Lviv palianytsia with locals
25:07 - Must-try foods and experiences in Lviv
25:40 - Lviv street art tour
33:47 - Lychakiv Cemetery: one of Europe’s oldest and largest cemeteries
39:19 - Savoring Ukraine’s victory
44:00 - Conclusion and next steps
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“Dare to Ukraine,” produced by The Kyiv Independent, is more than just a travel show — it’s an invitation to explore Ukraine beyond the wartime headlines in the media. Through Masha’s adventures, you’ll see the beauty, culture, and resilience of a nation that continues to thrive despite adversity.

Team:

Executive producer: Gaygysyz Geldiyev
Editor: Toma Istomina
Director: Tetiana Koronkova
Host & scriptwriter: Masha Lavrova
Line producer: Valeriia Snopkova
Camera persons: Oleksii Matiushenko, Maryna Vereshchaka, Olena Zashko
Video editor: Alexander Zabolotnyi
Motion designer: Dana Loboda

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Places & people in this episode:
Lolia Landa – Instagram: @lola_queen_of_herring
Marianna Dushar – Instagram: @panistefa
Pretty High Kitchen – Instagram: @prettyhighkitchen
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🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of “Dare to Ukraine.” Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what you’d love to explore in Ukraine!

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Additional footage:
Getty Images
Wikimedia Commons

[DFWTexan]

This is exactly what the world needs to see. We need to appreciate what Ukraine is fighting to defend: A sophisticated, open minded and free society with a rich artistic heritage.

[HollywoodMarine]

Lviv is my first Ukrainian city visited when I first entered in May 2022. It made a positive impression and impact in my life as an International volunteer. 🇺🇸 🙏🏻 🇺🇦

[ianbatty]

Thank you so much Masha for creating this portrait of Lviv, for showing the world the warmth and creativity of Ukrainians, Slava Ukraini 💙💛

[Odarka_lu]

My Portuguese friend visited Lviv and Kyiv recently and she loved it despite all the air raid warnings

[maria_]

I cannot wait to visit Ukraine! ❤️ lot's of love from Finland.

[tracybastian]

I spent October 2023 studying Ukrainian language in Lviv at UCU. Absolutely love it in Lviv. I am coming back as soon as possible.

[sofi_mtl]

The host is lovable, wears her heart on her sleeve, is well-articulated & fun. This 1st episode kept me hooked till the end. Great filming, editing, very entertaining, educational, moving. I felt myself transported through a magical portal straight into Lviv, I could smell it, feel it. Now that's true mastery, congratulations guys. Slava Ukraini

[roboconnor]

This is an absolutely top notch video. Lviv was our last trip to Ukraine before the full scale war. It was great to be reminded of the great food and culture and incredibly sad to see the graves of the Ukrainian heroes. We wait to be able to return to Ukraine after victory. Slava Ukraini. Thank you for producing this video, I can't wait for the next one.

[gustavogarcia]

Thank you for showing a spark of Light, a taste of delicacy, a dance of emotion, a palette of Victory, a moment of silence and Peace in the presence of Galant and brave Warriors who will live eternally in our hearts. I am looking forward to visiting your lovely country when the moment of Victory is at hand for Ukraine. Que viva Ukrainia!!!

[craigster]

I have a close Ukrainian friend lived in Lviv About 7 years ago. I’ve been working on making Lviv a 😮sister city of San Francisco. Both are beautiful cities on the western edge of their respective countries, both famous for tourist, writers artistsperformers. I’m so grateful that you’re able to do this in English… I wish this could be shown on our public television. KQED PBS

[justinneill]

I travelled to Ukraine around 20 times since the mid-1990s, winter and summer, and I really miss it. I mostly used the Autolux coach services which connected every city. I met some wonderful people, warm hearted, kind and humourous. Obviously Kyiv, with its leafy main street Kreschatyk and the iconic Maidan, and the beautiful cathedrals; but also I took the Podilskvi Express train from Kyiv to Khmelnitsky and from there visited the historic castle of Kamaniets- Podilskyi. It's such a beautiful country, so green with forests and vast open fields. I also visited Lviv, with its fine old architecture and lovely atmosphere. One time I visited Crimea, and took a boat ride from Yalta to see the famous "Swallows Nest" up on the cliff, and the Livadia Palace, scene of the Yalta Conference.I also had the long-distance rail experience, as I travelled from Kyiv to Budapest by train in the familiar sleeper cabins. I have had wonderful experiences in Ukraine, which is why I feel its current situation so deeply. Now, I have Ukrainian friends in the UK and I am happy that I can return some of the hospitality their country has shown to me. I look forward to returning there again soon, when Putin's evil adventure is over and the free and independent country rebuilds and flourishes, which I know it will. Slava Ukraini!!! 🇺🇦🇬🇧

[rickyladno]

Thankyou and best wishes from Poland! I hope you left safely. Slava Ukraine

[seanthegreat]

The presenter is so likeable and talented ❤ I want to visit Ukraine more than ever

[rAg]

Thank you Masha! You brought back every memory of my mom and I visiting in May 2023 from New York. It was her first time visiting where her parents were born. It was truly an honor for me to be able to give her an amazing experience..meet family, visit her grandparents graves. She just passed away in March. Thank you for the beautiful video.
Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦 Heroyam Slava 💙💛

[edwsc]

As an American, .I would LOVE to visit someday. Beautiful Country and the most wonderful kind people.

[RudyfromGraz]

Your video is a masterpiece! Thank you, Masha. Slava Ukraini! 🟦🟨

[balazs]

Big yes to Lviv! Been there 3 times, also during war, and I still have lots of places saved on my map to discover. The city feels like Vienna, just more vibrant. So many coffee shops, and other shops selling handmade chocolete. Beautiful parks everywhere. Will go back next year again!

[tonywormer]

Thank you Masha for sharing your beautiful Ukraine with me. If I live long enough I would love to visit your country and visit its brave and long suffering people. Slava Ukraine!

[JamesMartin-hs]

I spent a great few days in Lviv in August. A fantastic city, more people should go visit.

[golokavrndavana]

Дуже сподобалось. Дякуємо за поширення культури. Це дуже добре для майбутнього. Люблю це. ❤