Donetsk is the coal-mining and steel-producing heart of eastern Ukraine. Once a thriving industrial center, the city has been hard hit by the country’s political and economic crisis. Streets are potholed, buildings are in disrepair and the metro is closed, but there’s a defiant vibrancy to Donetsk that’s worth experiencing. The city center is home to a lively market, an opera house and a large park. From there, it’s a short walk to the Donbass Arena, the spectacular home of Shakhtar Donetsk, the city’s beloved football team. The team has been forced to play its home games in exile since the start of the conflict in 2014, but the fans remain as passionate as ever. Check out the team’s museum for a taste of the city’s industrial past.
Average temperatures during the day in Donetsk.
