Lviv in the western Ukraine is wonderful, and although these days the city is quite shabby and rundown, I thoroughly enjoyed being there. Unlike other Ukrainian cities, Lviv escaped destruction during both the First and Second World Wars. Moreover, lack of money has prevented the city from being modernised and even worst renovated, so the central urban area consists of street after street of original 18th, 19th and early 20th century buildings. Sure they need work but at least they have survived. 
It is a city of grand boulevards, spacious parks and elegant buildings. Even better for the visitor but less so for the city, these days Lviv attracts few foreign tourists which makes a refreshing change from those more popular European cities overwhelmed by tourism. Along with the architecture, the city has pleasant cafes, good food and smart restaurants and all a very affordable price (especially given the state of the NZ dollar.
And it is safe too, not just from the war which is at the other end of the country, but on the street as well.
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