Khmelnytskyi is a city that can easily surprise you even during a one-day trip. Historical landmarks, cozy parks, cultural spaces, and modern recreation areas are harmoniously combined here. A walk along the central streets allows you to feel the city’s atmosphere, learn more about its past, and see how it lives today. One day in Khmelnytskyi can be rich and diverse — from museums and churches to the embankment and pedestrian streets full of life. It is an excellent choice for a relaxed trip, a family walk, or a romantic getaway.
Khmelnytskyi Regional Art Museum
The museum complex is located on the main street of Khmelnytskyi in a building constructed back in 1903. Over decades of meticulous work, museum specialists have formed a powerful art collection that today is an important part of the history of Ukrainian art of the 20th–21st centuries. The museum’s holdings include more than 7,000 works created by nearly a thousand artists, making this collection one of the most complete and representative in Ukraine.
Monument to Bohdan Khmelnytskyi
The monument was installed to mark the 500th anniversary of the city’s founding. Bohdan Khmelnytskyi is depicted on horseback, holding the reins in his left hand and a mace — a symbol of hetman authority — in his right. Khmelnytskyi has more than one monument dedicated to the prominent hetman. Another monument stands at the Railway Station Square; it is a full-length reinforced concrete sculpture about four meters high. In addition, several smaller monuments and busts can be found in different parts of the city.
Ludwig Derevoied’s Pharmacy
In 1890, this building was considered the tallest structure in the then city of Proskuriv, the former name of Khmelnytskyi. Using the funds of the wealthy townsman Ludwig Derevoied, a unique three-story building in the neoclassical style was constructed. At that time, most city buildings were single-story, so this house made a strong impression. The city’s first pharmacy was located here on the ground floor. Today, the building houses a museum.
Independence Square
The central square in front of the regional administration is a logical starting point for getting acquainted with the city. Most large-scale city events and celebrations take place here. The square features the sculptural composition “Faith. Hope. Love,” created to mark the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
Nearby are a fountain and the city’s honor board. Architectural design, greenery, and comfortable benches create ideal conditions for walks and relaxation with family or friends. The central Independence monument has long been a popular spot for photographs.
Khmelnytskyi City House of Culture
This building is considered one of the most unusual houses of culture in Ukraine. It was built in the early 20th century as a theater. In 1907, at the time of its opening, it was the only stone theater in the city and played an important role in Khmelnytskyi’s cultural life.
Craftsmen’s Synagogue
You can learn more about Jewish culture by visiting the Craftsmen’s Synagogue, located in Pekarskyi Lane. The lane’s name has historical roots, as Jewish bakers lived here in the late 19th century. Only in the 1990s did the small building gain the status of a religious and cultural center. Today, it hosts a photo exhibition highlighting the religious life and traditions of the Jewish community.
St. Anne’s Church
St. Anne’s Church is an outstanding example of late 18th-century Baroque architecture. It attracts not only worshippers but also lovers of history and architecture. The elegant façade is decorated with Baroque-style sculptural elements and architectural details, while two tall towers on either side of the main entrance give the building a solemn and majestic appearance.
Taras Shevchenko Park
This park is considered one of the most picturesque corners of Khmelnytskyi. Its history spans more than a hundred years. According to the 1824 master plan of the city, a trading square with small shops was supposed to be located here. Later, the fair was moved, and a lush city garden appeared in its place.
Today, the park covers more than 25,000 square meters, contains over 1,500 flowerbeds, and is decorated with sculptures by the renowned artist Mykola Mazur. For more than 14 years, the park has had the status of a local landscape gardening monument.
Stometrivka
Proskurivska Street, where Stometrivka is located, is one of the oldest streets in the city and a favorite walking area for residents. Key city events take place here. On warm evenings, street musicians create a special atmosphere, while locals and tourists spend time in cozy cafés and restaurants. Along the street, old buildings have been preserved, each with its own fascinating history.
Love Island
The artificial island is located right in the city center on the Southern Buh River, although getting there is not very easy. “Love Island” is considered one of the most romantic and picturesque places in the Khmelnytskyi region. It was created by the city’s residents themselves. Today, the island is a popular spot for romantic dates and can be reached by boat or, in winter, across solid ice.
Water Park
The water park’s interior is designed in a marine style. Visitors can enjoy eight different water slides, several pools, a children’s area, a lazy river, and a café. Thanks to the maintained comfortable water and air temperature, the water park operates all year round, allowing visitors to feel like they are on vacation regardless of the season. In summer, an open terrace is also available.
Fire Station
The former fire station building has become one of the city’s symbols thanks to its expressive watchtower, which now resembles a town hall. The building was constructed in the 1950s and served its original purpose until 1987.
After reconstruction, a children’s cinema was opened here and continues to operate today. The tower has also gained a new function: it features a trumpeter figure that plays every three hours throughout the day.
Southern Buh Embankment
The embankment is considered one of the most beautiful locations in Khmelnytskyi. It is a pleasant place for a walk along the river, and in the warm season you can rent a kayak or a SUP board. Beyond the landscaped part of the embankment, it is easy to find quieter spots for a picnic by the water. There is also a beach here, which becomes a popular summer recreation area for both residents and visitors.
