- Home
- News
- Fans‘ Embassies
- Poland and Ukraine
- City Guides
- Blog
- Videos
- Links
- Tickets
- Contacts
- FAQ
Kharkiv (Kharkov) International Airport is a new modern airport, which was reconstructed last year, and is served by both Ukranian and international airlines. Currently serving the airport
AeroSvit (http://www.aerosvit.ua/)
Dniproavia (http://www.dniproavia.com/)
Donbassaero (http://www.donbass.aero/)
UIA (http://www.flyuia.com/)
UM Air Airlines (http://www.umairlines.com/)
UTAir (http://www.utair.ru/)
Khors (http://www.khors.com.ua/)
Armavia (http://www.u8.am/)
Austrian Airlines AG (http://www.aua.com/)
CSA Czech Airlines (http://www.csa.cz/)
Georgian Airways (http://www.georgian-airways.com/)
Pegasus Airlines (http://www.cmpt.com.ua/)
WINDROSE (http://www.windrose.aero/)
The airport is situated around 10 km from the city centre. To get to the airport you have a number of options from bus, trolleybus and express bus routes (note the metro doesn't serve the airport):
The airport access and facilities at the airport are created with disabled passengers in mind (entrances, maintenance services, providing extra services, sanitary spaces, escape routes, elevators, doors, exits are adapted for people on the wheelchairs).
The airport access and facilities at the airport are created with disabled passengers in mind (entrances, maintenance services, providing extra services, sanitary spaces, escape routes, elevators, doors, exits are adapted for people on the wheelchairs). Specially for the Euro 2012 tournament, the city bought an ambulift which will be put into operation before June 2012.
More information about access to the airport for disabled travellers can be found here
To get to Kharkiv by accessible train (special wagon), a wheelchair user should make their order 5 days in advance, making the provider aware of access requirements.
For a tourist coming to Kharkiv by train, the first obstacle upon arrival will be to get to the city from the railway station. It is impossible to do it via the subway, which lacks elevators. The wheelchair user should cross the railroad bed, which is difficult without assistance. As explains the Ukrzalisnitsya railway state company, "disabled people could use the help of the station servicemen". The problem here is that the employees often do not have such skills and technique, and do not know how to help wheelchair users. This could be problematic and cause inconvenience.
The "Metalist Arena" is a mid-sized stadium, painted in the club colours of FC Metalist - yellow and blue. The arena looks like a large spider thanks to its unique metallic columns, situated outside the stadium.
The capacity of the stadium is 38,633, which makes it one of the biggest stadia in Ukraine. The average attendance for league fixtures is nearly 26,000 spectators. Metalist also has one of the best and most popular fan groups in the country, which support both Metalist and the Ukrainian national team.
The stadium is situated near the metro stations "Metrobudivnykiv" and "Sportyvna", which lie on a direct metro line just two stations from the centre of the city, four from the railway station and one from the bus station. Near the stadium you'll also find bus and tram stations, and bus routes 232, 244, 251, 260 and tram routes N 5, 8 pass nearby.
Click here for photos of the stadium
On the routes to the stadium, there are modern buses and trolleybuses which are adapted for people in wheelchairs. In Kharkiv social services help people with disabilities to get to the stadium and to move during and after matches.
There are 102 seats and 2 turnstiles for fans with disabled facilities There are over 100 parking places for people with disabilities, and their helpers and carers. There are also four toilets and four special food points provided.
Each host city will have a permanent, stationary Fans' Embassy throughout the tournament, as well as mobile Fans' Embassy teams operating in the days around matches played in that city. The mobile teams will be based at strategic points throughout the city (transport hubs, near the fanparks and stadiums, etc) and all Fans' Embassy staff will be on hand to offer advice and assistance to all supporters, either in person or by phone/email.
In each host city the Fans' Embassy will serve as a crucial source of information as well as a meeting point for all visiting supporters. The essence of a Fans' Embassy is to provide fan-specific services - such as ticket availability, public viewing facilities, locally applicable legislation, stadium regulations, match-day arrangements, etc.
However, you will also be able to obtain more general information you would normally find at a tourist office: accommodation, details of local transport timetables and routes, sightseeing opportunities, money exchange, etc.
The staff of the Fan Embassy will generally be drawn out of the local fan scene and will offer visiting supporters detailed and relevant information in their own language, as well as provide swift and simple solutions to any problems that may arise.
Fans' Embassies will be located in easy to reach central areas and will be open daily throughout the tournament. Find out where they are by visiting their dedicated section of the web page and drop by once you arrive in town!
All fanzones are free to enter and will have at least one big screen broadcasting all 31 matches from the tournament. Facilities typically include food and drink stands, souvenir stalls, first aid points, toilets and information stands, as well as entertainment (DJs, live music, etc) while the matches are not being played.
Kharkiv's fanzone can be found on Svobody Square – the main city square - which is located in the city centre on the crossing of the main highways and transport routes. The fan zone will cover 22 500 m². It will be able to accommodate 45,000 fans to watch the match on one of its 3 big screens, and will be open throughout the tournament. The fanzone is served by metro stations Gosprom and Universitet, and also by buses, trolleybuses and trams. A wi-fi zone will also be available.
Kharkiv is ready to accommodate Danish, German, Portuguese and Dutch fans as well as everybody who comes here to watch any of the three group stage matches.
More than 6,000 rooms are still available in hotels of 1-2-3 stars with prices ranging from 26 EUR to 210 EUR. Such rooms can be booked via www.accom2012.com and www.hotelsukraine.com.ua/en
Dutch visitors are welcome to check the “Orange Camp” which is being constructed specifically for followers of the Dutch national team.
Orange Camp
Location: In the Huravlevsky hydropark on Shevchenko Street 21, the camp will cover a total territory of 8 hectares.
Capacity: Up to 5000 fans.
Price: From 98 EUR per night for a two-person tent to 201 EUR for a two-person VIP tent.
Booking: http://www.oranjecamping.nl/EK_2012/oranjecamping_2012
There is also the possibility to rent apartments via the following links:
www.kievrent.net,www.ukraineapartments.com,www.kharkov-apartment.com, www.posutochno.kh.ua/en.html
Around 10 hostels are available in Kharkiv. Full information can be accessed at Hostelsclub.com (available in English and some more languages).
Hotel rooms prices are usually 2 or 3 times higher, reaching from €80-100 and even €120-130 for first-class rooms.
Here are some sites of Kharkiv hotels:
• Hotels24
The city is safe for walks and sightseeing in daylight and the evening, but it is not recommended to walk in the areas around "Traktorniy Zavod", "Akademika Barabashova", "Tsentralniy Rynok" and "Kholodnaya Gora" metro stations at night
In Kharkiv there is an entertainment area in Gorky Park, where you can play games like airhockey, basketball and so on.
If you want to try local beer you must visit Slavutich Brewery Shato. It is located in the city centre, on Svobody Square, near the underground station "Derzhprom" and "Universitet". There are Ukrainian, Russian and European menus. It's open 24 hours. In this brewery you can watch sport events, smoke hookah and sing karaoke
If you want to visit a traditional English pub, head for the Big Ben Pub. It is located on 48 Lenina Avenue. It is not far away from the centre, about 2,5 kilometres. The nearest underground station is "Botanichniy sad". There are many English and European types of beer such as Guinness, Heineken, Newcastle Brown Ale, Bitburger, Paulaner, Belhaven Scottish Stout, Blanche de Bruxelles and Strongbow cider. They also show football on TV in this pub.
Besides the traditional English pub you can visit the Irish Pub and the Patrick Irish Pub. They are both located in the center of city. Irish Pub is one of the best and oldest pubs in Kharkiv. It's located on 48 Mironositska Street, between underground stations "Universitet" and "Puskinska". There are Irish and European menus, many sorts of beer and whisky. You can also watch sport events on TV or play pool. The Patrick Irish Pub is located on 2 Universitetska Street, near underground stations "Radyanska" and "Istorychniy musey". It's open 24 hours. There are Irish, English and European menus, many sorts of Irish beer and football on TV.
The European beer club Frau Muller is located on 24 Petrovskogo Street, near the underground station "Pushkinska". It's open from 11:00 until the last customer leaves. There are European, Japanese, Russian, Italian and grills on the menu, and good beer. You can watch sport events, smoke hookah, dance and sing karaoke in this club.
In the Stargorod Brewery you can see how they brew and store beer and, of course, you can taste them. In their food menu you'll find mostly meat and fish dishes, as well as bar snacks. You can watch sporting events, smoke hookah, dance and sing karaoke in the brewery.
There are many Italian restaurants in Kharkiv. The best are Maranello, Bella Pizza and Adriano. You can eat delicious Italian pizza and pasta, either as eat-in or takeaway/delivery. For sushi lovers there are many Japanese restaurants like Yakitoria.
If you love American fast-food, you can visit McDonald's. There are two McDonald's in the centre: one of them is located on 9B Lenina Avenue (underground station "Naukova"), the other at 6 Rozy Luxemburg Square.
You must be older, than 18 to buy alcohol and cigarettes, but you aren't allowed to drink alcohol on the streets (only in designated bars, restaurants and cafes). Restaurants typically close at around 10-11 pm, but some restaurants like Shato are open 24 hours a day.
Accessible cafes and restaurants in Kharkiv can be found at http://invatourism.org.ua/?q=en/node/1311
There is a number of gay clubs and gay-friendly bars in Kharkiv:
Drive
Night Club
19-A, Rudneva Square
L-café
Bar
17, Artema Str.
Cabaret Club
Mixed night club
25, Sumskaya Str.
Even several years ago Kharkiv wasn’t well-known in Europe. But now everything has changed – mainly due to FC Metalist.
In early years of Ukrainian independence there was only one team of European level – Dynamo Kyiv. Later appeared the second force in our football – Shakhtar Donetsk with businessman Rinat Akhmetov at the head. Quite a long time no one in Ukraine couldn’t compete with these two grands, until the mid-2000. In this time started the rise of the so-called “third force” – FC Metalist. As in the case with Shakhtar (and really with many European clubs now) the progress of the Kharkiv team was provided by a sponsor – Olexandr Iaroslavski. In 2005 the businessman became president of the club. In the same year it was decided to invite Myron Markevych to become coach of the team, and his appointment was probably a key in a further development of Metalist.
Metalist’s successes in Europe
From the season 2006/07 started that club’s “golden era”. Third place and the right to play in UEFA Cup was an enormous success for the team, that only the year before had to fight for survival in the top flight. Metalist became a permanent participant at first in UEFA Cup and later in Europa League because of permanent third place in Ukrainian championship. The first performance in Eurocup wasn’t very long, Metalist finished it after the first rival, but it was a great experience that allowed the yellow-blue team to demonstrate good results later. Already the next season – in 2008/09 – the club from Kharkiv not only got in the group stage of UEFA Cup, but even won his group and reached the round of the last 16. There, the rival of Metalist was the compatriot from Kyiv – Dynamo. As in the Ukrainian League, in Eurocup the yellow-blues also failed to overcome the team from the capital of Ukraine.
But the most successful season in his history Metalist holds now. For the first time the team of Myron Markevych reached the “last 8” stage of Europa League.
After several bronze medals, in Kharkiv talk began that Metalist has to set the task of getting in the Champions League, that means the necessity of winning gold or silver medals in Ukrainian Premier League. But, unfortunately, Metalist couldn’t yet reach the first two places in Ukrainian football. Certainly, the team, the president and supporters of Metalist don’t like the status of “always the third”, but as of now all attempts to become second or first are unsuccessful.
A business man’s club
Anyway, the appearance Metalist has increased the level of Ukrainian football. It must be admitted that the key players in the squad aren’t Ukrainian, but it doesn’t make Metalist “less Ukrainian”. Also the president of the team and the main investor of Kharkiv Olexandr Iaroslavski invest large sums of money in the development of infrastructure. To tell the truth, there are different ways to evaluate the activity of Iaroslavski, but we can say definitely, that without his involvement it wouldn’t be Euro 2012 in Kharkiv. I think it’s incorrect to speak about Iaroslavsky as about a big philanthropist who gives away his money for Euro. He is a businessman and all his actions have to be justified from a financial point of view. But we know that business interests provide more benefits for all participants than patronage. This approach gives many reasons to hope that all the commitments will be fulfilled.
Metalist Kharkiv has one of the most numerical and faithful support in Ukraine. The average attendance of "Metalist Arena" is about 30,000 and in away matches several hundreds of fans support their favorite team.
The main fan group of "Metalist" is "United Kharkiv". This group organizes a lot of different performances and devotes permanent and quality support during the entire match.
These "organised" fans occupy the North tribune. "United Kharkiv" is in excellent relations with president and management of FC Metalist, but not all the fans think that cooperation with managers is good for fan culture. That's why last year the fans were divided, and a new alternative group has now taken to the South tribune.
Fans of Metalist have their friends and enemies among supporters from other Ukrainian clubs. The biggest of their "enemies" are fans of Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and Dynamo Kyiv. In good relations they are with Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih and Karpaty Lviv.
Kharkiv fans use a lot of popular songs in supporting. Several years ago the famous Ukrainian music band "TNMK" composed a song "Vpered, "Metalist!" ("Go ahead Metalist!"), that became an unofficial anthem of the club. All the matches begin with this song and all supporters are standing and raising their scarves.
Not only the club but also the national team of Ukraine is loved by fans in Kharkiv. Both official and friendly matches were hold on "Metalist Arena", such as against Croatia, Uruguay and Sweden. For every game the Kharkiv fans organized a special performance.
In Kharkiv you can find a zoo and a dolphinarium, two places to be recommended when travelling with youngsters.
Right out of town there is a place called Bezludovka, a cosy beach along the riverside.
Pictures say more than 1000 words: for some photos of the city click here.
Saturday 9 June 2012, 18.00CET
#3: Netherlands vs Denmark
Wednesday 13 June 2012, 20.45CET
#12: Netherlands vs Germany
Sunday 17 June 2012, 20.45CET
#19: Portugal vs Netherlands
In Kharkiv there are three main ways of getting around by public transport: subway (metro), trolleybuses and buses. A subway ticket costs 2 UAH, a trolleybus ticket costs 1,5 UAH, and the bus ticket varies between 2 UAH and 3 UAH depending on the length of the journey.
You can buy a map of the city in any post office. Here is an electronic map of Kharkiv.
There aren't any travel cards, only one ticket for one ride.
There is a Global Taxi Service in Ukraine available in all cities and towns (567 from cell phone). At first you must name the city you are in, then your exact location and the destination needed. A taxi will be arranged for you soon.
There are many banks with exchange offices, in almost every part of the city.
24 hr pharmacies
Plekhanivska str, 66
Konstytucii sqr, 1
Lenina av, 9
Banks
Privatbank - Chervonoshkilna Naberezhna, 16
Ukrsibbank - Sumska str, 80
Ukreximbank - Chernyshevskogo str, 11
Currency Exchange:
Chervonoarmiiska str, 4/6
Poltavsky Shliakh str, 21
Dentist
AOSTA - Puskinska str, 96-a
Vesta-Dantim - Gagarina av, 38-B
1 Dental Clinic - Pushkinska str, 11/13
Hospital
Rustaveli str, 14
Metrobudivnykiv, 3
Plekhanovska str, 126
Internet
A fast Wi-Fi connection can be accessed at all Mc'Donald's fast-food restaurants.
Mc'Donald's - Lenina av, 9b (Naukova station), 'Karavan' centre at Heroiv Praci str., 7 (Heroiv Praci station), Poltavsky Shliakh str.,58\1 (train station)
Enter - Lenina av, 48
Gold-net - Rymarska str, 3/5
Cybercity-2000 - Chernyshevskogo str, 27
Police
Artyoma str, 49
Gagarina av, 76
Rollana str, 13
Post Office
Kirova str, 6
Peremogy av, 75-a
Chernyshevskogo str, 28
Private clinics
Evviva - Sumska str, 90
Oxford Medical - Sumska str, 13
Doctor Alex - Vorobjova str, 4
Tourist info
International airport Kharkiv - Romashkina str, 1
Supermarkets
The most popular supermarket chains are "Billa", "KLASS" and "Rost". They are open until 10 pm. After 10 pm you have to look for small 24-hour shops or kiosks.
To leave a social legacy in Poland and Ukraine UEFA supports, besides RESPECT Fan Culture – Fans' Embassies, three further programmes that aim on social change.
50% of all European disabled people have never participated in leisure or sport activities. EURO 2012 provides an opportunity to improve access to football and for the removal of physical, sensory and intellectual barriers in public places in the region. It is recognised that supporting and playing football is an integral and vital part of European culture and tradition. Football is increasingly diverse; this naturally includes many more disabled people. The Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) has formed a disability alliance in the region to help to deliver the awareness project, Respect Inclusion – Football with No Limits.
For more information about accessible venues and facilities in Kharkiv, please go to http://euro2012.cafefootball.eu/Kharkiv.aspx.
EURO 2012 offers a unique chance to promote a positive message of diversity and inclusion. The programme will be delivered on behalf of FARE by the long established regional partner, the 'Never Again' Association. Civil society organisations, and ethnic minorities in particular, have been motivated to engage with the preparations. Important stakeholders have signed up to the anti-discrimination agenda. The FARE activities concentrate on minimizing the risk of racist incidents during the tournament as well as promotion of anti-discrimination measures.
LGBT-life in Ukraine
Homosexuality is legal in both Ukraine and Poland, but that doesn't mean to say people are as accepting of it as they are in Western Europe. Public displays of affection in general could be frowned upon, even more so if it's between members of the same sex. There are discreet, lively gay scenes in the larger cities but outside the main tourist cities they are virtually non-existent.
RESPECT your Health - Euroschools 2012 is the official community health education programme of the UEFA EURO 2012. This one-year project aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on smoking prevention, responsible alcohol consumption, healthy diet and physical activity among young people and their families in Poland and Ukraine. Through a train the trainers approach, local institutions and NGOs in the eight UEFA EURO 2012 host cities will be empowered to activate their communities and promote good health. A guide will help coaches, teachers, social workers and Orlik animators use the power of football and sport to engage communities, increase health literacy levels, and establish a common feeling of ownership for public (sport) grounds.
UEFA EURO 2012 will be tobacco-free. A complete ban on the use, sale or promotion of tobacco will be in force in both indoor and outdoor areas of all match venues. Put into place to protect the health, safety and comfort of all fans and other tournament participants, the tobacco ban complements other activities such as Respect your Health that use the force of football to promote social issues.
EURO tournaments bring people together on and off the pitch. All sorts of encounters are made, some closer than others. The fun may know no bounds, but there are of course rules. Encounters between people from all over Europe can be unforgettable, as long as they are respectful, good humoured and a danger to no one. Show HIV and AIDS the red card. The HIV virus doesn't play fair, so you have to. Unforgettable encounters should leave no lasting damage. When you think fun and passion, think health too: condoms protect!
Kharkiv (Kharkov) International Airport is a new modern airport, which was reconstructed last year, and is served by both Ukranian and international airlines. Currently serving the airport
AeroSvit (http://www.aerosvit.ua/)
Dniproavia (http://www.dniproavia.com/)
Donbassaero (http://www.donbass.aero/)
UIA (http://www.flyuia.com/)
UM Air Airlines (http://www.umairlines.com/)
UTAir (http://www.utair.ru/)
Khors (http://www.khors.com.ua/)
Armavia (http://www.u8.am/)
Austrian Airlines AG (http://www.aua.com/)
CSA Czech Airlines (http://www.csa.cz/)
Georgian Airways (http://www.georgian-airways.com/)
Pegasus Airlines (http://www.cmpt.com.ua/)
WINDROSE (http://www.windrose.aero/)
The airport is situated around 10 km from the city centre. To get to the airport you have a number of options from bus, trolleybus and express bus routes (note the metro doesn't serve the airport):
The airport access and facilities at the airport are created with disabled passengers in mind (entrances, maintenance services, providing extra services, sanitary spaces, escape routes, elevators, doors, exits are adapted for people on the wheelchairs).
The airport access and facilities at the airport are created with disabled passengers in mind (entrances, maintenance services, providing extra services, sanitary spaces, escape routes, elevators, doors, exits are adapted for people on the wheelchairs). Specially for the Euro 2012 tournament, the city bought an ambulift which will be put into operation before June 2012.
More information about access to the airport for disabled travellers can be found here
To get to Kharkiv by accessible train (special wagon), a wheelchair user should make their order 5 days in advance, making the provider aware of access requirements.
For a tourist coming to Kharkiv by train, the first obstacle upon arrival will be to get to the city from the railway station. It is impossible to do it via the subway, which lacks elevators. The wheelchair user should cross the railroad bed, which is difficult without assistance. As explains the Ukrzalisnitsya railway state company, "disabled people could use the help of the station servicemen". The problem here is that the employees often do not have such skills and technique, and do not know how to help wheelchair users. This could be problematic and cause inconvenience.
The "Metalist Arena" is a mid-sized stadium, painted in the club colours of FC Metalist - yellow and blue. The arena looks like a large spider thanks to its unique metallic columns, situated outside the stadium.
The capacity of the stadium is 38,633, which makes it one of the biggest stadia in Ukraine. The average attendance for league fixtures is nearly 26,000 spectators. Metalist also has one of the best and most popular fan groups in the country, which support both Metalist and the Ukrainian national team.
The stadium is situated near the metro stations "Metrobudivnykiv" and "Sportyvna", which lie on a direct metro line just two stations from the centre of the city, four from the railway station and one from the bus station. Near the stadium you'll also find bus and tram stations, and bus routes 232, 244, 251, 260 and tram routes N 5, 8 pass nearby.
Click here for photos of the stadium
On the routes to the stadium, there are modern buses and trolleybuses which are adapted for people in wheelchairs. In Kharkiv social services help people with disabilities to get to the stadium and to move during and after matches.
There are 102 seats and 2 turnstiles for fans with disabled facilities There are over 100 parking places for people with disabilities, and their helpers and carers. There are also four toilets and four special food points provided.
Each host city will have a permanent, stationary Fans' Embassy throughout the tournament, as well as mobile Fans' Embassy teams operating in the days around matches played in that city. The mobile teams will be based at strategic points throughout the city (transport hubs, near the fanparks and stadiums, etc) and all Fans' Embassy staff will be on hand to offer advice and assistance to all supporters, either in person or by phone/email.
In each host city the Fans' Embassy will serve as a crucial source of information as well as a meeting point for all visiting supporters. The essence of a Fans' Embassy is to provide fan-specific services - such as ticket availability, public viewing facilities, locally applicable legislation, stadium regulations, match-day arrangements, etc.
However, you will also be able to obtain more general information you would normally find at a tourist office: accommodation, details of local transport timetables and routes, sightseeing opportunities, money exchange, etc.
The staff of the Fan Embassy will generally be drawn out of the local fan scene and will offer visiting supporters detailed and relevant information in their own language, as well as provide swift and simple solutions to any problems that may arise.
Fans' Embassies will be located in easy to reach central areas and will be open daily throughout the tournament. Find out where they are by visiting their dedicated section of the web page and drop by once you arrive in town!
All fanzones are free to enter and will have at least one big screen broadcasting all 31 matches from the tournament. Facilities typically include food and drink stands, souvenir stalls, first aid points, toilets and information stands, as well as entertainment (DJs, live music, etc) while the matches are not being played.
Kharkiv's fanzone can be found on Svobody Square – the main city square - which is located in the city centre on the crossing of the main highways and transport routes. The fan zone will cover 22 500 m². It will be able to accommodate 45,000 fans to watch the match on one of its 3 big screens, and will be open throughout the tournament. The fanzone is served by metro stations Gosprom and Universitet, and also by buses, trolleybuses and trams. A wi-fi zone will also be available.
Kharkiv is ready to accommodate Danish, German, Portuguese and Dutch fans as well as everybody who comes here to watch any of the three group stage matches.
More than 6,000 rooms are still available in hotels of 1-2-3 stars with prices ranging from 26 EUR to 210 EUR. Such rooms can be booked via www.accom2012.com and www.hotelsukraine.com.ua/en
Dutch visitors are welcome to check the “Orange Camp” which is being constructed specifically for followers of the Dutch national team.
Orange Camp
Location: In the Huravlevsky hydropark on Shevchenko Street 21, the camp will cover a total territory of 8 hectares.
Capacity: Up to 5000 fans.
Price: From 98 EUR per night for a two-person tent to 201 EUR for a two-person VIP tent.
Booking: http://www.oranjecamping.nl/EK_2012/oranjecamping_2012
There is also the possibility to rent apartments via the following links:
www.kievrent.net,www.ukraineapartments.com,www.kharkov-apartment.com, www.posutochno.kh.ua/en.html
Around 10 hostels are available in Kharkiv. Full information can be accessed at Hostelsclub.com (available in English and some more languages).
Hotel rooms prices are usually 2 or 3 times higher, reaching from €80-100 and even €120-130 for first-class rooms.
Here are some sites of Kharkiv hotels:
• Hotels24
Disabled fans can find accessible hotels here
The city is safe for walks and sightseeing in daylight and the evening, but it is not recommended to walk in the areas around "Traktorniy Zavod", "Akademika Barabashova", "Tsentralniy Rynok" and "Kholodnaya Gora" metro stations at night
In Kharkiv there is an entertainment area in Gorky Park, where you can play games like airhockey, basketball and so on.
If you want to try local beer you must visit Slavutich Brewery Shato. It is located in the city centre, on Svobody Square, near the underground station "Derzhprom" and "Universitet". There are Ukrainian, Russian and European menus. It's open 24 hours. In this brewery you can watch sport events, smoke hookah and sing karaoke
If you want to visit a traditional English pub, head for the Big Ben Pub. It is located on 48 Lenina Avenue. It is not far away from the centre, about 2,5 kilometres. The nearest underground station is "Botanichniy sad". There are many English and European types of beer such as Guinness, Heineken, Newcastle Brown Ale, Bitburger, Paulaner, Belhaven Scottish Stout, Blanche de Bruxelles and Strongbow cider. They also show football on TV in this pub.
Besides the traditional English pub you can visit the Irish Pub and the Patrick Irish Pub. They are both located in the center of city. Irish Pub is one of the best and oldest pubs in Kharkiv. It's located on 48 Mironositska Street, between underground stations "Universitet" and "Puskinska". There are Irish and European menus, many sorts of beer and whisky. You can also watch sport events on TV or play pool. The Patrick Irish Pub is located on 2 Universitetska Street, near underground stations "Radyanska" and "Istorychniy musey". It's open 24 hours. There are Irish, English and European menus, many sorts of Irish beer and football on TV.
The European beer club Frau Muller is located on 24 Petrovskogo Street, near the underground station "Pushkinska". It's open from 11:00 until the last customer leaves. There are European, Japanese, Russian, Italian and grills on the menu, and good beer. You can watch sport events, smoke hookah, dance and sing karaoke in this club.
In the Stargorod Brewery you can see how they brew and store beer and, of course, you can taste them. In their food menu you'll find mostly meat and fish dishes, as well as bar snacks. You can watch sporting events, smoke hookah, dance and sing karaoke in the brewery.
There are many Italian restaurants in Kharkiv. The best are Maranello, Bella Pizza and Adriano. You can eat delicious Italian pizza and pasta, either as eat-in or takeaway/delivery. For sushi lovers there are many Japanese restaurants like Yakitoria.
If you love American fast-food, you can visit McDonald's. There are two McDonald's in the centre: one of them is located on 9B Lenina Avenue (underground station "Naukova"), the other at 6 Rozy Luxemburg Square.
You must be older, than 18 to buy alcohol and cigarettes, but you aren't allowed to drink alcohol on the streets (only in designated bars, restaurants and cafes). Restaurants typically close at around 10-11 pm, but some restaurants like Shato are open 24 hours a day.
Accessible cafes and restaurants in Kharkiv can be found at http://invatourism.org.ua/?q=en/node/1311
There is a number of gay clubs and gay-friendly bars in Kharkiv:
Drive
Night Club
19-A, Rudneva Square
L-café
Bar
17, Artema Str.
Cabaret Club
Mixed night club
25, Sumskaya Str.
Even several years ago Kharkiv wasn’t well-known in Europe. But now everything has changed – mainly due to FC Metalist.
In early years of Ukrainian independence there was only one team of European level – Dynamo Kyiv. Later appeared the second force in our football – Shakhtar Donetsk with businessman Rinat Akhmetov at the head. Quite a long time no one in Ukraine couldn’t compete with these two grands, until the mid-2000. In this time started the rise of the so-called “third force” – FC Metalist. As in the case with Shakhtar (and really with many European clubs now) the progress of the Kharkiv team was provided by a sponsor – Olexandr Iaroslavski. In 2005 the businessman became president of the club. In the same year it was decided to invite Myron Markevych to become coach of the team, and his appointment was probably a key in a further development of Metalist.
Metalist’s successes in Europe
From the season 2006/07 started that club’s “golden era”. Third place and the right to play in UEFA Cup was an enormous success for the team, that only the year before had to fight for survival in the top flight. Metalist became a permanent participant at first in UEFA Cup and later in Europa League because of permanent third place in Ukrainian championship. The first performance in Eurocup wasn’t very long, Metalist finished it after the first rival, but it was a great experience that allowed the yellow-blue team to demonstrate good results later. Already the next season – in 2008/09 – the club from Kharkiv not only got in the group stage of UEFA Cup, but even won his group and reached the round of the last 16. There, the rival of Metalist was the compatriot from Kyiv – Dynamo. As in the Ukrainian League, in Eurocup the yellow-blues also failed to overcome the team from the capital of Ukraine.
But the most successful season in his history Metalist holds now. For the first time the team of Myron Markevych reached the “last 8” stage of Europa League.
After several bronze medals, in Kharkiv talk began that Metalist has to set the task of getting in the Champions League, that means the necessity of winning gold or silver medals in Ukrainian Premier League. But, unfortunately, Metalist couldn’t yet reach the first two places in Ukrainian football. Certainly, the team, the president and supporters of Metalist don’t like the status of “always the third”, but as of now all attempts to become second or first are unsuccessful.
A business man’s club
Anyway, the appearance Metalist has increased the level of Ukrainian football. It must be admitted that the key players in the squad aren’t Ukrainian, but it doesn’t make Metalist “less Ukrainian”. Also the president of the team and the main investor of Kharkiv Olexandr Iaroslavski invest large sums of money in the development of infrastructure. To tell the truth, there are different ways to evaluate the activity of Iaroslavski, but we can say definitely, that without his involvement it wouldn’t be Euro 2012 in Kharkiv. I think it’s incorrect to speak about Iaroslavsky as about a big philanthropist who gives away his money for Euro. He is a businessman and all his actions have to be justified from a financial point of view. But we know that business interests provide more benefits for all participants than patronage. This approach gives many reasons to hope that all the commitments will be fulfilled.
Metalist Kharkiv has one of the most numerical and faithful support in Ukraine. The average attendance of "Metalist Arena" is about 30,000 and in away matches several hundreds of fans support their favorite team.
The main fan group of "Metalist" is "United Kharkiv". This group organizes a lot of different performances and devotes permanent and quality support during the entire match.
These "organised" fans occupy the North tribune. "United Kharkiv" is in excellent relations with president and management of FC Metalist, but not all the fans think that cooperation with managers is good for fan culture. That's why last year the fans were divided, and a new alternative group has now taken to the South tribune.
Fans of Metalist have their friends and enemies among supporters from other Ukrainian clubs. The biggest of their "enemies" are fans of Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and Dynamo Kyiv. In good relations they are with Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih and Karpaty Lviv.
Kharkiv fans use a lot of popular songs in supporting. Several years ago the famous Ukrainian music band "TNMK" composed a song "Vpered, "Metalist!" ("Go ahead Metalist!"), that became an unofficial anthem of the club. All the matches begin with this song and all supporters are standing and raising their scarves.
Not only the club but also the national team of Ukraine is loved by fans in Kharkiv. Both official and friendly matches were hold on "Metalist Arena", such as against Croatia, Uruguay and Sweden. For every game the Kharkiv fans organized a special performance.
In Kharkiv you can find a zoo and a dolphinarium, two places to be recommended when travelling with youngsters.
Right out of town there is a place called Bezludovka, a cosy beach along the riverside.
Pictures say more than 1000 words: for some photos of the city click here.
Saturday 9 June 2012, 18.00CET
#3: Netherlands vs Denmark
Wednesday 13 June 2012, 20.45CET
#12: Netherlands vs Germany
Sunday 17 June 2012, 20.45CET
#19: Portugal vs Netherlands
In Kharkiv there are three main ways of getting around by public transport: subway (metro), trolleybuses and buses. A subway ticket costs 2 UAH, a trolleybus ticket costs 1,5 UAH, and the bus ticket varies between 2 UAH and 3 UAH depending on the length of the journey.
You can buy a map of the city in any post office. Here is an electronic map of Kharkiv.
There aren't any travel cards, only one ticket for one ride.
There is a Global Taxi Service in Ukraine available in all cities and towns (567 from cell phone). At first you must name the city you are in, then your exact location and the destination needed. A taxi will be arranged for you soon.
There are many banks with exchange offices, in almost every part of the city.
24 hr pharmacies
Plekhanivska str, 66
Konstytucii sqr, 1
Lenina av, 9
Banks
Privatbank - Chervonoshkilna Naberezhna, 16
Ukrsibbank - Sumska str, 80
Ukreximbank - Chernyshevskogo str, 11
Currency Exchange:
Chervonoarmiiska str, 4/6
Poltavsky Shliakh str, 21
Dentist
AOSTA - Puskinska str, 96-a
Vesta-Dantim - Gagarina av, 38-B
1 Dental Clinic - Pushkinska str, 11/13
Hospital
Rustaveli str, 14
Metrobudivnykiv, 3
Plekhanovska str, 126
Internet
A fast Wi-Fi connection can be accessed at all Mc'Donald's fast-food restaurants.
Mc'Donald's - Lenina av, 9b (Naukova station), 'Karavan' centre at Heroiv Praci str., 7 (Heroiv Praci station), Poltavsky Shliakh str.,58\1 (train station)
Enter - Lenina av, 48
Gold-net - Rymarska str, 3/5
Cybercity-2000 - Chernyshevskogo str, 27
Police
Artyoma str, 49
Gagarina av, 76
Rollana str, 13
Post Office
Kirova str, 6
Peremogy av, 75-a
Chernyshevskogo str, 28
Private clinics
Evviva - Sumska str, 90
Oxford Medical - Sumska str, 13
Doctor Alex - Vorobjova str, 4
Tourist info
International airport Kharkiv - Romashkina str, 1
Supermarkets
The most popular supermarket chains are "Billa", "KLASS" and "Rost". They are open until 10 pm. After 10 pm you have to look for small 24-hour shops or kiosks.
To leave a social legacy in Poland and Ukraine UEFA supports, besides RESPECT Fan Culture – Fans' Embassies, three further programmes that aim on social change.
50% of all European disabled people have never participated in leisure or sport activities. EURO 2012 provides an opportunity to improve access to football and for the removal of physical, sensory and intellectual barriers in public places in the region. It is recognised that supporting and playing football is an integral and vital part of European culture and tradition. Football is increasingly diverse; this naturally includes many more disabled people. The Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) has formed a disability alliance in the region to help to deliver the awareness project, Respect Inclusion – Football with No Limits.
For more information about accessible venues and facilities in Kharkiv, please go to http://euro2012.cafefootball.eu/Kharkiv.aspx.
EURO 2012 offers a unique chance to promote a positive message of diversity and inclusion. The programme will be delivered on behalf of FARE by the long established regional partner, the 'Never Again' Association. Civil society organisations, and ethnic minorities in particular, have been motivated to engage with the preparations. Important stakeholders have signed up to the anti-discrimination agenda. The FARE activities concentrate on minimizing the risk of racist incidents during the tournament as well as promotion of anti-discrimination measures.
LGBT-life in Ukraine
Homosexuality is legal in both Ukraine and Poland, but that doesn't mean to say people are as accepting of it as they are in Western Europe. Public displays of affection in general could be frowned upon, even more so if it's between members of the same sex. There are discreet, lively gay scenes in the larger cities but outside the main tourist cities they are virtually non-existent.
RESPECT your Health - Euroschools 2012 is the official community health education programme of the UEFA EURO 2012. This one-year project aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on smoking prevention, responsible alcohol consumption, healthy diet and physical activity among young people and their families in Poland and Ukraine. Through a train the trainers approach, local institutions and NGOs in the eight UEFA EURO 2012 host cities will be empowered to activate their communities and promote good health. A guide will help coaches, teachers, social workers and Orlik animators use the power of football and sport to engage communities, increase health literacy levels, and establish a common feeling of ownership for public (sport) grounds.
UEFA EURO 2012 will be tobacco-free. A complete ban on the use, sale or promotion of tobacco will be in force in both indoor and outdoor areas of all match venues. Put into place to protect the health, safety and comfort of all fans and other tournament participants, the tobacco ban complements other activities such as Respect your Health that use the force of football to promote social issues.
EURO tournaments bring people together on and off the pitch. All sorts of encounters are made, some closer than others. The fun may know no bounds, but there are of course rules. Encounters between people from all over Europe can be unforgettable, as long as they are respectful, good humoured and a danger to no one. Show HIV and AIDS the red card. The HIV virus doesn't play fair, so you have to. Unforgettable encounters should leave no lasting damage. When you think fun and passion, think health too: condoms protect!
Getting There
Stadiums 
Fans' Embassies
Public Viewing 
Accommodation 
Going out 
Local Club(s) 
Fans 
Things to do and see 
Match day Info 
Getting Around 
Respect 
Show all