About Nikolaev, Ukraine

Population: 505,900 people
Postal code: 54000
Area code: +380 512
Geographical position: confluence of Ingul and Southern Buh rivers, 65 km from the Black Sea
Climate: mild continental
Language: Russian, Ukrainian
Currency: Ukrainian Hrivnas

History

Nikolaev was founded around 200 years ago by count Potiomkin. Occasional findings made during its construction suggest the existence of highly-developed Greek, Skiphian and Sarmat civilizations, that were prospering here long time ago.

In summer 1788 the town and the first shipbuilding dockyard were founded in the estuary of Bug and Ingul. On the 7th of September 1789 the order came from Queen Ekaterina II to name the city Nikolaev. The warm and bright city near the sea at the confluence of two great rivers played important part in the establishing of Russia as a maritime state.

The headwaters of the South Bug river is called "Ukrainian Switzerland" because of the beautiful landscape with fast rivers, rifts and steep rocks, as in kazak's legends.

A well known painter V.V. Vereshagin lived and worked in Nikolaev. Presently a lot of the artist's famous paintings are kept here in Nikolaev in a museum named after him.

Climate

The South of Ukraine has mild continental climate. All the seasons of the year in Nikolaev are attractive in their unique way. Winters are snowy and cold. The coldest temperature gets about 15 degrees below zero in February. But frosty days are usually sunny. That is why you will feel comfortable walking in the snowy park enjoying the sunlight.

Spring is absolutely gorgeous. Everything is blossoming starting from April and till late May. The temperature is 15-25 degrees above zero.

The hottest season of the year is summer. Many tourists come to the South of Ukraine for their holidays and vacations. The Black Sea is not far from the city. It is easy to go to the sea side for the weekend or a day off. The average temperature in Nikolaev in the summer is about 30 degrees above zero.

Autumn in Nikolaev can be divided into two periods: the first is a real "St. Martin's summer" and the second less attractive period of rains. Nature disasters like earthquakes, tornados or floods never strike Nikolaev because of favourable location of the city.

Modern Nikolaev

In Nikolaev you can see very clearly how the city is taking full advantage of the emergence of free market and the development of democracy. The investment boom is visible everywhere you look. The city has become one big construction and renovation site. The number of new office buildings is going up in Nikolaev. They accommodate hundreds of businesses, banks and international organizations. The demand for high-class office space is high. New hypermarkets and shopping centers are opened every year. Yet it is the city's people who are its real asset.

Nikolaev people have always been known for their hospitality and friendliness. Many young people in Nikolaev speak English. It is never a problem to ask for help or directions from people in the street if you need some.

Nikolaev Ladies are famous for the warmth and good nature. Not only they are physically attractive, but also intelligent, charming and very family-oriented. They are fond of arts and reading. Southern blood makes them passionate!!! You will never feel bored in the company of a beautiful and humorous Nikolaev lady.

There is a number of theatres, concert halls and cinemas, night clubs, bars, discos and casinos open in the city. Two years ago a big skating-ring was open. Gyms equipped with spa, massage rooms and bars are waiting for those who like to keep fit and healthy.

Nikolaev is famous for its Zoo located not far from the Central Bus Station. It is the largest zoo in Ukraine. Nikolaev Zoo has Polar bears, tropical animals, an amazing collection of snakes, fishes and many other species of animals, birds and even rare plants, which grow on its territory. A day spent in Nikolaev Zoo is unforgettable!

Nikolaev is a green city. Its unique beauty is blooming in spring and summer. There are many parks and green spots all around the city. In winter all this beauty is supplemented with white fluffy snow.



Nikolaev welcomes tourists, business men and visitors. There are many hotels and apartments for rent in the city. If you choose to stay in a private apartment you will find it equipped with all the necessary appliances. There are apartments with Internet connection, satellite TV, air conditioning, jacuzzi, washing machine, etc. There are apartments are available for rent right in the center of the city, very close to the main pedestrian street. This area has many shops, restaurants and places of interest. It is absolutely safe and pleasant to stay.

Nikolaev is not a big city though it is located on the both sides of the river. Transport works 24/7 in the most of the areas of the city. Public transport includes trolleybuses, trams and route buses. But the best service is provided by private taxies. They are fast, reliable and their cost a reasonable.

As an option for traveling to another city you can choose a train. Trains run on a regular basis and you can find the schedule at the train station. Currency and cash

There are hundreds of ATMs and State Currency Exchange Places in Nikolaev. You can use VISA, MAESTRO, SWITCH or MASTER cards to withdraw money from ATM or at the bank. There are many restaurants and shops in Nikolaev which accept payment by these credit cards.

The most popular foreign currencies are US dollar and Euro. British pound can be exchanged at some banks.

Ukrainian National currency is Hrivna. 1 dollar is approximately 6 hrivnas. 1 euro is approximately 7.6 hrivnas. 1 British pound is approximately 10 hrivnas.



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