Kharkov (Kharkiv in Ukrainian) is the second largest city of Ukraine and the administrative centre of the relative oblast located in the north-east of the country. The city was nominated to the capital of Bolsheviks' Soviet Republic from 1917 to 1934 and later has yielded the scepter to Kiev. Those who have already visited Kiev and consider Kharkov their next destination will discover a city less chaotic, less cosmopolitan and, in some ways, less modern but certainly the one which enables you to breathe the very essence of post-Soviet Ukrainian living and make friends that in a way has a flavor much more genuine.
The heart of Kharkov is represented by Pushkinskaya and Sumskaya street (the street that once connected the fortress of Kharkov with the city of Sumy). These two roads are the true center of the city, in fact they are homes to many shops and trendy restaurants, historical buildings and the most visited places like pubs and Kharkov disco. To those who prefer to rent a Kharkov apartment instead of staying at the hotel, it is strongly recommended to choose a studio or one bedroom apartment in this area so you can enjoy all the attractions at hand though we admit the subway service is very good throughout the city.
Speaking about Kharkov's most famous historical places we should mention the famous Plosha Svobody Площа Свободи) also called Freedom Square. Covering nearly 11,000 square meters it is one of the largest squares in the world (the fifth to be exact) and it is one of the largest gathering place especially in the summer evenings.
Kharkov and university seem to be synonymous. The city has one of the oldest universities (Karazina) of eastern Europe (founded in 1804) which each year attracts thousands of students not only from Ukraine but also all over the world (especially the Faculty of Medicine). The same ukrainian girls and guys who attend the numerous Ukrainian universities will enliven the nightlife since the prices of pubs, clubs and disco in Kharkov are in general much cheaper than in the capital.
It is possible to reach Kharkov with direct flights from the most important european airports. A cheaper alternative would be to reach the capital of Ukraine and then go to Kharkov by internal flight Kiev-Kharkov (operated by Dneproavia or Aerosvit). The trip price is about € 60/90. The same route is also covered by Train (travel time is anywhere from 7 to 10 hours) and bus (maximum 7 hours of riding). The distance between Kiev and Kharkov is approximately 500 km.
Many thanks for the correct translation to Tatiana from Kalush.