Things To Do
in Donetsk

Photograph the main square, monument sculptures and typical Soviet apartment blocks for classic regional urban scenes.

Riverside at dawn and dusk offers reflective water shots, local fishermen, and wide-open skies over the steppe.

Industrial facilities, coal-mining infrastructure and warehouses provide gritty, atmospheric subject matter — best shot with permission and from public vantage points.

Nearby steppe offers panoramic golden-hour vistas, lone trees and rural roads — ideal for landscape photography.

A firm handshake and direct eye contact are common when meeting people; use formal greetings (Здравствуйте) for elders and officials.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages or at private properties; avoid photographing military installations or sensitive infrastructure.

Dress modestly for visits to civic buildings and religious sites; public displays of loud or aggressive behavior are frowned upon.

If invited to a local home, bringing a small food gift, sweets or flowers is appreciated — avoid giving large sums of money or overly expensive presents.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants leave around 5–10% if service was good. Round up taxi fares or leave small change for porters and café staff.

Cash (rubles) is commonly used, especially in markets and small cafés. Larger restaurants and hotels generally accept cards, but always carry some cash for smaller vendors and rural areas; contactless payments are increasingly accepted in urban settings.

Early spring is cool and can be muddy after snowmelt; wildflowers begin to appear later in spring and outdoor activities become more enjoyable by late April–May.

Summers are warm to hot with plenty of sunshine — ideal for outdoor walks and barbecues, but bring sun protection and stay hydrated in midday heat.

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and colourful foliage in river valleys; this is a pleasant time for hiking and photography with fewer tourists.

Winters are cold with snow and freezing temperatures; expect shorter daylight hours and the need for warm clothing — some rural roads may be harder to access.

The main commercial airport serving the Rostov region with domestic and some international flights; ground transport (bus, taxi, car) connects to Donetsk — expect around 1.5–2+ hours depending on road conditions.

A regional airport with limited scheduled flights; could be an option depending on route availability but is further away and requires additional ground travel.