Free Walking Tour of Lviv's Historic Old Town Center
Historical introduction to Lviv as a crossroads between East and West, focused on the UNESCO-listed Old Town. We trace medieval, Polish, Habsburg and Soviet layers as we walk the historic center – Rynok Square, City Hall, the Armenian Cathedral, the Dominican Church, and the Opera House.
Basic Information
Total time
2h
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
Meeting point
Neptun Statue next to the Town Hall, Information Center at Market Square Nearest public transport: Площа Ринок tram stop; Руська tram stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Lviv guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗Our tours run no matter the weather. High or low temperatures, rain or snow is not a reason for us to cancel our tours. We are always here for you. The only reason for cancellations are extreme weather conditions (like heavy storms…), guide's sudden sickness or no minimum number of people (5) to run the tour, but we will always let you know using the data you provided during registration for the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 7 people on them. If you travel in a party of 8 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.
About the tour
A historical bridge between East and West. A gate to the Orient. A multicultural port in the ocean of steppe. Are you ready to experience Lviv?
Established in the Middle Ages by the revered King of the Rus’, Danilo of Galicia, and named after his are Lev, the city grew to become one of the region’s most important trading hubs. After being taken over by the Kingdom of Poland, it was one of its administrative centers. Inhabited by the Ruthenians, Poles, Jews, Germans, Greeks, Tatars, Turks, Persians, Arabs and Armenians, the city was famous for its unique character and atmosphere. In the 19th century, Lviv became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire only to return to Poland for twenty years between WWI and WWII. In 1939, it was annexed by the Soviets, then conquered by the Germans to finally fall back into the Soviet hands for almost 50 years as part of the Ukrainian Socialist Republic. In 1991, it became one of the most important cities in independent Ukraine. Traces of this both glorious and complicated past are still visible in the fabric of the city. But Lviv is also a window through which one can discover present-day Ukraine – a fascinating country torn between West and East.
Come and join us for a tour around one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Eastern Europe. Enjoy the marvellous architecture, great food and unique atmosphere – all still unspoilt by the massive tourist industry.
Highlights
- 1
Medieval Origins
Learn about the city's founding by King Danilo of Galicia and its early medieval roots.
- 2
Multicultural Heritage
Explore the legacy of Poles, Jews, Armenians, and others who shaped the city’s unique character.
- 3
Austrian Lemberg
Discover the elegant architecture and legacy from Lviv's time as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- 4
20th-Century History
Understand the city's complex past under Polish, Soviet, and German rule throughout the last century.
- 5
Modern Ukraine
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of independent Ukraine’s most important cultural centers.
- 6
Lviv's Architecture
Admire the marvelous architecture that serves as a testament to the city's rich and complex history.
7Local Food
Enjoy the great food and unique flavors that reflect the city's diverse cultural influences.
Map
Neptun Statue next to the Town Hall, Information Center at Market Square Nearest public transport: Площа Ринок tram stop; Руська tram stop
