Ivano-Frankivsk is a compact, walkable city in western Ukraine that serves as the gateway to the Carpathian Mountains. The centre is anchored by a handsome Rynok Square lined with Habsburg-era buildings, outdoor cafes, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels distinctly Central European.
Most travellers pass through on their way to the ski slopes of Bukovel or the hiking trails of the Carpathians, but the city rewards a day or two of its own. The streets around the old town are lively with students from the local university, and the cafe culture is strong — good coffee is easy to find and remarkably cheap.