The city of Dnipropetrovsk (a calque of Ukrainian spelling) or Dnepropetrovsk (Russian spelling) is situated on the Dnieper River. It's population is over 1.05 million (third city in Ukraine by population).

The best time to visit Dniepr is May when the city is blooming along the wide and slow-moving river and its embankments, long boulevards and spacious parks.

Dniepr is also known for its high-technology industries, higher education institutions, machine-building, metallurgy and trade.

The city is not only famous for its commercial industry, but for its deep history as well.

The old fortress settlement has been known since the mid 16th century. The new town was started in 1776 by Russian Prince Potemkin on an order of Catherine II, Empress of the Russian Empire and was called Yekaterinoslav from 1776 to 1926. During 1918 the town’s name was Sicheslav after Sich’ (Fortress of Cossacks).

Dnipropetrovsk has been the major center of the steel industry from the early 20th century up to the present. It has also gained the lead in the machine building and aero-spacebuilding from 1950s.

Dnipropetrovsk was closed for foreigners in the Soviet era, due to its rocket plant. For visitors now the rocket museum is one of the highlights. Rockets are laid out in sections in the car park. Other sights include the history museum, the musical fountain.

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This Dnepropetrovsk travel guide will provide you with all you need to know to have a great time while visiting the city of Dnepropetrovsk. This major Ukrainian city continues to flourish as one of the largest tourist and business cities in the entire area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the city of Dnepropetrovsk is during May when the city is warm and budding with spring flowers. During this time you can thoroughly enjoy the city’s wide and impressive Dnieper River without freezing. You can take a walk along the streets of Dnepropetrovsk and visit some of the many museums and colleges.

The average temperature during this time of the year is around 60 degrees F, making it quite comfortable. If walking isn’t your thing you will find that Dnepropetrovsk has great mass transportation available throughout the city.

History

Dnepropetrovsk history is pretty well established. In fact, ancient civilizations in this area can be traced back to the end of the last Ice Age, nearly 10,000 years ago. The city itself is located where a permanent settlement was first established in the 16th century. The city as it exists today was formed in 1776 by Russian Prince Potemkin and was named Yekaterinoslav.

This name remained in place until the mid 1920s. Dnepropetrovsk became a closed government-run city during the mid 20th century and has only recently been released from this position to allow for foreign visitors. This has helped Dnepropetrovsk to become the city that it is today, with over 1 million residents making it the third largest city in the Ukraine.

Now Dnepropetrovsk exists not only as one of the largest cities in the Ukraine but also as one of the most prosperous with a sprawling industrial scene present. It is one of the area’s most business-oriented industrial cities.

Sights

Be sure to visit Dnepropetrovsk’s many shops and attractions. You can shop for anything you desire in the area known as Zhotneva Square. While in the Zhotneva, or October, Square area make sure to visit the fabulous Preobrazhensky Cathedral.

If you are looking for something more entertaining for the children there is a variety of parks and museums in the Dnepropetrovsk area. You can have lunch in one of the many peaceful area parks after visiting the ever exhilarating rocket museum. This museum showcases all you ever wanted to know about what was going on in Dnepropetrovsk when it was closed to outsiders. It is a fascinating place to visit and kids love it.