An important question to consider for anyone traveling here is whether Lviv is safe for remote workers. Lviv is considered to be the safest city in Ukraine and one of the safest in Europe. Indeed, the safety that this city offers visitors is one of the reasons it is so popular among tourists and slow travelers. Of course, it is important to observe the usual safety precautions here, and be aware of the main places and things to avoid across the city.

While Lviv is safe for remote workers, it will be important to know that pick-pocketing is indeed a problem across the city. Particularly in busy tourists areas, cafes and restaurants, all visitors are advised to be extra vigilant. Having said that, this is probably the most common form of crime in Lviv and still not as much of a problem here as in other Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv and Odessa. Taking the usual safety precautions will certainly help in preventing you from becoming a target for pick-pockets here - don’t flash your valuables, carry only small amounts of cash if possible, and always look confident and aware when walking around the city. In general, the center of the city and its main neighborhoods are safe, although you are perhaps likely to feel out of place and less safe towards the outskirts of the city where visitors are not usually seen.

Lviv is indeed filled with culture and increasingly feels modern and vibrant. Having said that, however, it is important for remote workers here to be aware of conservative social attitudes. In general, the city is safe for solo female travelers and there are lots of communities around the city which will make finding friends easy. Yet it is advised for women to avoid walking alone at night here and to be generally vigilant. Equally, LGBT individuals and people of color may want to be extra careful in Lviv, since there have been reports of crime against these groups across Ukraine, particularly as there is a rise of far-right activism across Europe. Having said that, lots of PoCs and LGBT remote workers in Lviv have also reported the city to be a safe and tolerant place.

In general, you can also expect transport in Lviv to be safe for remote workers and a convenient, affordable way to get around the city. Certainly, learning at least some of the local language will help you navigate the city with more confidence and feel safer in social situations if you’re looking to experience the city’s nightlife. Excessive drinking by tourists is known to be a problem in Lviv, and it is generally recommended for all visitors to enjoy local beer and wines responsibly to ensure everyone’s safety.

For more information about living in Lviv as a remote worker, check out our complete Lviv guide.