Dnipro

Dnipro, Ukraine's fourth-largest city, sits on the banks of the Dnieper River, giving the city its name and character. Originally founded in 1776 as Ekaterinoslav, the city has transformed from an industrial powerhouse of the Soviet era to a vibrant urban center with a unique blend of historical architecture and modern development.

The city has a fascinating past as a closed military-industrial complex during Soviet times, when it was a hub for rocket and space technology. Even today, Dnipro remains an important center for Ukraine's aerospace industry, with the Yuzhmash factory that built rockets for the Soviet space program.

Dnipro offers visitors a mix of broad avenues lined with Soviet-era buildings, beautiful parks along the river, and a growing number of trendy cafes and restaurants. The Dnipro Embankment is one of the longest in Europe and provides a scenic spot for walking or cycling while taking in views of the mighty river.

The local culture is diverse, reflecting the city's history as a melting pot of Ukrainian, Russian, Jewish and other cultures. Though not as touristy as Kyiv or Lviv, Dnipro has been developing its cultural scene with museums, theaters, and a growing number of festivals throughout the year. The Menorah Center, the largest Jewish cultural complex in Europe, stands as a testament to the city's historical Jewish community and is worth checking out for its architecture alone.