Cheap Flights To Kharkov

Kharkov is the second largest city in north west of Ukraine. Founded in the 17th century, the city grew to be one of the major educational, cultural and trade centres. The city's well-developed transport infrastructure has been facilitating consistent economic growth over the years. Today, Kharkov is a fledging high-tech hub specialising in IT and electronics, attracting lots of attention from international investors.

There is a strong influence of the Soviet rule seen in city's architecture. After the devastating destruction that happened during WWII, the city lost most of its original historic buildings which were replaced by concrete brutalist structures, such as the Derzhprom building, which gave way to some of the biggest squares in Europe. Nevertheless, city visitors can discover beautiful baroque cathedrals and neo-Byzantine structures such as Annunciation Cathedral which adds a delicate touch to the city's concrete landscape.

This industrial city is determined to continue nurturing its artistic side. The city is like a peculiar playground for the cultural Easter-egg hunt. Odd-looking avant-garde statutes, scores of fountains, monuments commemorating writers, actors, politicians, mechanic wheels, trains and even football balls are dotted around the city to lift the spirits of Kharkovites.

Things To Do

Kharkov's industrial reputation can distract from the essence of this romantic post-Soviet city. A walk around the old town can reveal some architectural jewels hiding in the concrete jungle.

• Annunciation Cathedral or Blagoveshchensky Cathedral
  With its distinctive bell tower, the cathedral is a stunning representation of the neo-Byzantine-style architecture of the 19th century. The candy-striped Cathedral is seen from multiple points of the town making it impossible to miss. Today, it's the symbol of Russian Orthodox faith.

• Gazprom Building
  A real symbol of Soviet constructivism of the 1920s. Labeled as the first skyscraper in the USSR, this brutalist 63-metre steel and concrete construction is ambitious even by modern standards. At the time of building in the 1920s, most of the construction pieces were carried manually by men.

• The "Mirror stream" fountain.
  This is one of the main symbols of Kharkov and was built in 1947 to commemorate the victory over Nazi power in WWII. UNESCO officially protects it. The fountain mirrors the shape of the gazebo around it and is amplified by light installations at night.

Calendar Of Events

Kharkov's city events are often held outside allowing Kharkovites to mingle together in the open air. The outdoor music events, food feasts and various exhibitions are very popular amongst residents and city guest.

• Retro Car Convention. A spectacular annual event for retro car lovers where visitors can discover some of the rarest 20th-century retro car collections. The convention displays over 170 cars, motorbikes and bicycles from around the world including 1920s classic Cadillacs and the Russian Volga.

• Kharkov Impulse Fest. A three-day annual music event taking place every last weekend in July in the Art Plant Mechanics' Park. It's the largest open air music event in Eastern Ukraine with over 40 music performance acts from Russia and Ukraine.

• Go-Go Food Festival: During the last week of August, the Shevchenko Park welcomes Kharkovites and city guests to indulge in gastronomical creations from more than 20 restaurants and independent chefs. Original food and live music will make up a great day out for the family.