Bordering Slovakia and near Hungary, Uzhhorod sits on the Uzh River in Western Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region. Its name literally means "Uzh castle‑town," reflecting its centuries‑old fortress roots. With a population around 115,000, it blends Central European charm, diverse architecture, leafy promenades, and quiet cultural flair 

Despite the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine, Uzhhorod remains one of the safest cities in the country — no missile strikes or curfews — making it a calm haven in the west 

Top Things to Do

1. Uzhhorod Castle & Transcarpathian Museum

Built between the 13th–18th centuries, this historic hilltop fortress now houses the Transcarpathian Regional Museum. Inside, explore Bronze Age artifacts, Celtic treasures, folk costumes, historic manuscripts, and more. The ramparts offer panoramic views of the city 

2. Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture

Located right near the castle, this museum displays 30 traditional wooden structures from around Zakarpattia, including the 16th‑century St. Michael’s Church. It provides insight into rural life, folk crafts, and regional styles

3. Holy Cross Cathedral (Greek Catholic)

A striking Neo‑Baroque/Classical church built in the mid‑17th century. It’s the seat of the Mukachevo Greek Catholic eparchy and dates to 1640–46, featuring dramatic twin towers and elegant interiors 

4. Linden Alley & Stone Pedestrian Bridge

Stroll along Europe’s longest lime tree alley (2.2 km) that lines the Uzh River embankment during spring bloom. The stone bridge marks its beginning and is a popular sunset spot for couples 

5. Uzhhorod Synagogue Concert Hall

Originally built in 1904 in flamboyant Moorish‑Revival style, this former synagogue now serves as a philharmonic concert hall known for its excellent acoustics and richly decorated interior 

6. Horiany Rotunda (St Anne Rotunda)

Located just outside the city in Horiany, this 10th–13th century rotunda is one of the oldest religious buildings in the region, with Gothic-prenavels and Giotto-style frescoes inside 

7. Botanical Garden

Uzhhorod National University’s botanical garden features thousands of plant species grouped geographically, with themed areas like American, Central Asian, Chinese, and more 

8. Day Trip: Nevytske Castle

About 12 km north of Uzhhorod, this picturesque ruined castle perched on a volcanic hill offers photogenic views and easy hiking terrain. Some restoration has taken place, including a reconstructed tower 

 Eat & Drink

Uzhhorod’s food scene reflects its mixed cultural history — Hungarian, Slovak and Ukrainian influences blend into hearty cuisine, excellent pastries, and wine culture 

• Eat me! (Voloshyna St 22) – hip café with pies, coffee, breakfasts and hot wine in evenings

• Medellin (Koryatovycha 5a) – oldest pastry shop famed for cherry strudels and local coffee 

• Urban Food (Korzo 7/4) – budget hotdogs and burgers, popular with locals 

• Café Mir (Dukhnovycha 25) – cozy traditional interior and regional meal options 

• Chardonnay Hall (Voloshyn 18b) – for Transcarpathian wine tasting

• Panorama Terrace (Leo Tolstoy 5) – fine dining with scenic views 

Don't miss local markets like Nezalezhnosti and Petofi squares for street snacks — langos, korzhik sweets, grilled meats and local cheese specialties like bryndza halušky

Where to Stay

Orient your stay around Korzo pedestrian area or near the castle for walkable access to cafés, sights, and the river. While there are few big hotel chains, small boutiques and local guesthouses in restored Austro-Hungarian buildings offer charming and affordable lodging.

Consider lodging within the Old Town for easy access to nightlife and festivals — sometimes local museums or cultural houses offer guestroom options.

 Travel Tips

• Peaceful and safe: Uzhhorod has never been attacked and currently has no curfew — a safe haven in war‑torn Ukraine 

• Best seasons: Spring (May for cherry blossoms in Linden Alley), summer and early autumn offer pleasant weather.

• Getting around: City buses and marshrutkas (small vans) cost around 12 UAH. Ride‑hailing services like Uber, Bolt, Uklon operate widely 

• Local manners: Greet with a handshake, be polite and respectful of older people; customary to remove shoes when entering private homes 

• Language: Ukrainian is dominant, with some knowledge of Hungarian or Slovak. English is limited; learning basic phrases helps.