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
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
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 in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
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 flavours 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
Our customers said about us
Lviv
5.0Carl
Great tour
It was great to have Nadia as our tour guide. The tour was fun and informative. I highly recommend Nadia to all English speakers when they come to Lviv. Walkative tours are run by professionals..
Lviv
5.0Suzanne
Excellent tour
Fascinating we could see the most beautiful churches which seemed hidden away. Explaining about the importance it the different religions are. It was wonderful tour I really appreciated getting to know this beautiful town with a local.I highly recommend it
Lviv
5.0Cheryl
Complex history made clear
Halyna clarifies Lviv’s complicated history and offers some fun stories to illustrate.. It is clear that Halyna has a passion for her Lviv’s and her country’s history. Her English is impeccable and she is willing to interrupt herself to answer questions. A excellent tour and guide.
Lviv
5.0Unexpected gem
Halia turned our uncertain afternoon into a true journey through the historical and current story of Lviv and Ukraine. We learned about the city and the country and their people - Ukranians. She also recommended a ton of cafes and restaurants for us to try and experience. Definitely 5/5 stars.
Lviv
5.0John Herziger
Wonderful tour of old town Lviv
What a great two hour tour of, not only old town Lviv, but of this region of Europe, and the whole complicated history of this area. Helena (sp) our guide had perfect English skills and an obvious deep love and attachment to Lviv and Ukraine. She explained the complicated history of this region in an understandable way that added context to what we were seeing. I would highly recommend this wonderful two hour tour to anyone visiting for the first time or for those returning again to this beautiful city, like me!
Lviv
5.0Doug
A really interesting tour of a fantastic city
Nadia's tour was full of interesting detail about both Lviv's history and it's present. She encouraged both questions and a lot of group interaction. I wholeheartedly recommend both the tour and the city.
Lviv
5.0John
Amazingly Informative & Fun tour
Cannot recommend enough it was a fantastic experience
Lviv
5.0David
Simply the best.
My guide Nadia was absolutely superb. I had met Nadia by co incidence the day before at The Bear Sanctuary and we got into a really nice and relaxed conversation just like chatting with an old friend. On the day of the tour she got to know my interests and tailored the tour to match. We had some awesome chats about the city as well as discussing life in modern Ukraine especially while the country is at war. I learned some really useful information about places to visit, places to eat and tricks to save money. I would visit Lviv again like a shot, it is a beautiful city with great architecture, interesting (and sad) history. I give this tour 5 stars and if I could give it more I would. I recommend joining Nadia's tour without hesitation. Lviv needs more tourists to support the economy, yes entering a country at war carries a risk but I felt perfectly safe in Ukraine's most westerly city (Lviv). Don't take my word for it, go see for yourself.
Lviv
5.0Rinna
One of the best so far :)
Halyna is an amazing tour guide, I enjoyed the walking tour very much. Such a great experience to hear about the history of the city, its hidden gems and good recommendations!
Lviv
5.0Matt
One of the best walking tours I've done so far
I can really recommend this tour. It's been very captivating and illuminating, also with regards to the current events. Obviously, I hope these events will soon be history themselves.
