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A three day Kyiv itinerary

A post from Sebastiaan about his favorite city: Kyiv. This three-day Kyiv itinerary leads you through highlights of Kyiv AND off the beaten track places. A great introduction to capital, and the perfect Kyiv itinerary.

As of 24/02/2022 Russia has invaded Ukraine. Ukraine’s airspace is closed and there is open armed conflict. We don’t recommend anyone to visit right now.

Kyiv, sometimes called Kiev, is the capital of Ukraine and its largest city. It’s also one of my favorite cities!

After having lived in Kyiv for about seven months—spread out over three visits—I dare say I know the city pretty well. I think everyone who visits Ukraine should stay in Kyiv for at least three days, ideally more.

To make the most of your three-ish days in Kyiv, here’s a three-day Kyiv itinerary to ensure you see the best side of my favorite city.

Itinerary: three days in Kyiv

This three-day Kyiv itinerary combines some of Kyiv’s most famous sights with less common attractions. It includes a decent amount of walking, so make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes!

This itinerary does not include a visit to Chernobyl, which is best visited from Kyiv. If interested in visiting Chernobyl, I suggest you add another day or two to your stay in Kyiv.

Note that it’s always possible to cut out an activity or two depending on time and your interests. This itinerary is a guideline, not an end-all plan.

If this is your first visit to Ukraine, make sure to read my guide on everything you need to know before going to Ukraine !

Places to sleep in Kyiv

Headed to Kyiv and looking for a cheap place to sleep? Check out my article on the best hostels in Kyiv for travelers .

There are also plenty of Airbnb’s in Kyiv, and prices start around $20 per night (depending on the season and on how long you’re staying).

If you want to stay in Podil, the most charming area of Kyiv, check out this lovely place . It’s right on Andriyivskyy Descent, which is the most popular tourist street in Kyiv, full of souvenir stalls and close to the historical heart of Kyiv.

There are plenty of international and local luxury hotels in Kyiv. It is the capital, after all. Head over to Booking.com to pick the one that’s right for you.

Pretty, pretty Podil

Day one: metros, monasteries, and monuments

A visit to the deepest metro station in the world, a cave monastery, a monument to Ukraine’s contribution to the Second World War, and one of my favorite walks in the city.

I suggest breakfasting close to your hotel at any place that looks nice. Don’t worry, recommendations for lunch and dinner are coming! Once ready to start your first day in Kyiv, head over to Arsenalna Metro Station on the Red Line.

Arsenalna Metro Station

Arsenalna Metro Station is the deepest metro station in the world, at 105.5 meters/346 feet deep. It takes two escalators and about five minutes to reach the exit of Arsenalna. The name “Arsenalna” derives from the Arsenal factory across from the station’s entrance.

The factory’s front facade, which you can see when standing in front of the metro station, is riddled with bullet holes from WWII. Parts of the factory host an art gallery, Mystetsky Arsenalna, which is worth a detour if there’s an interesting exhibition or if the weather isn’t working for you.

From Arsenalna, continue to walk to one of Kyiv’s most famous monasteries: the cave monastery Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

The walk from Arsenalna Metro Station to Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is roughly 20 minutes. When exiting the metro station, face the Arsenal Factory and go left. It’s also possible to take bus 38 or 470 , which stop around 5 minutes away from the monastery.

Tip: I recommend walking, as there’s a nice park along the way with great views and several museums and monuments. This includes the Holodomor Genocide Museum , dedicated to Ukrainian famine that was deemed a genocide by several countries.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is one of Kyiv’s most famous monasteries—still active to this day—and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an important pilgrimage site for many Orthodox Christians, and buzzes with worshippers and tourists at all times of day.

Open to visitors from 09:00 to 18:00, the monastery is divided into two parts. The top part is run by the National Kyiv-Pechersk Historic-Cultural Preserve. The lower part, including caves with buried monks, is run by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). The top is ticketed, but the lower part is free. Tickets are 50 hrn per person.

The Motherland Monument

The Motherland Monument is about a 20-minute walk from the monastery. If you’re hungry, there are several small food stalls around… but I suggest you wait until later. There are better places to lunch!

The large monument stands atop the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War . It’s a very Soviet affair, with displays of Soviet battle tanks and marble plaques depicting Soviet heroes.

You can climb the observation deck for 300 hrn , and there are several museums on-site ranging from 5 to 30 hrn per person.

Lunch on your first day in Kyiv

After all this I’m sure you’re hungry. Head to the newly opened Kyiv Food Market , next to the Arsenal building. It contains several food stalls and a bar, so there’s sure to be something to your liking.

After lunch, it’s time to walk through one of my favorite parts of Kyiv.

Walk from Mariinsky Park to Podil

This walk can take one to two hours and is best done in the afternoon when the sun is a bit lower. The entrance to Mariinsky Park is 5 minutes to the right of Arsenalna Metro Station when facing the Arsenal Factory.

Mariinsky Park is around 130 years old, and houses several historic monuments. One is Mariinsky Palace : closed to the public, but beautiful nonetheless. It’s next to the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) of Ukraine.

Mariinsky Palace

Beyond Mariinsky Palace, stay right along the park until you pass the old Dynamo Kyiv stadium . There are several cool buildings and statues, so feel free to make detours. Try to stay to the right though, otherwise you’ll exit the park on the wrong side.

Beyond Mariinsky Park is the Friendship of Nations Arch . It’s supposed to symbolize the friendship between Ukraine and Russia; since this friendship has been strained a crack appeared in the arch. There’s a nice viewpoint here, and the spot is popular with locals and tourists alike.

From the arch, continue on the recently built bridge toward Volodymyrska Hill . Go right after the bridge, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the viewpoint-lined way.

The path ultimately leads to Artist Alley and the Church of Saint Andrew . From here, follow Andriivksy Descent into the historic Podil district.

Art for sale

Andriivsky Descent and the historic district of Podil

Walk down Andriivksy Descent while checking out the many street stalls. By all means buy something, but haggle hard—prices are inflated for tourists. Don’t hesitate to sit and have a drink at one of the many bars in the area.

If interested, check out the small Mykhailo Bulgakov Museum or Museum of One Street , both along the Descent.

Andriivsky Descent leads to historic Podil . Here you can wander, get some dinner, and have a drink before heading back home for some well-deserved rest… or heading out to one of Kyiv’s bumping nightclubs!

Podil’s main metro stop is Kontraktova Ploscha on the Blue Line. You can also Uber back.

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Best cafes for dinner in Podil

Some of my favorite cafes in Kyiv are in Podil. I recommend:

• Budget: Puzata Hata. Cheap and straightforward, this cafeteria is always a good option.
• Mid-range: Hum:Hum. Delicious hummus and other vegan food. One of my favorite places in Kyiv.
• Mid-range+: Kanapa . Famous Ukrainian restaurant, reservations necessary.

The National Opera and Ballet Theater

Day 2 in Kyiv: freaky art and fancy facades

A healthy helping of architecture, a trip to one of Kyiv’s best parks, and a reveal of my favorite ice cream places in the city.

Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine

To start the day off, head over to Teatralna Metro Station. Walk uphill from the metro exit for a quick glance at the National Opera of Ukraine, named after Taras Shevchenko.

Operating since, 1901, the opera house is a beautiful building. Note the two winged women above the entrance, symbolizing the mythical patron spirits who support artists in their ventures.

Interested in going to the opera? Check out this website for tickets and details.

After you’ve had a good look at the opera, breakfast at Kharms , a charming cafe with delicious breakfast and lunch options. It’s in a small courtyard just up the road from the opera house, past the UkrSibbank.

Once done feeding, head to The Golden Gate of Kyiv.

The Golden Gate of Kyiv

The Golden Gate of Kyiv , Zoloti Vorota, was the main gate of Kyiv’s fortifications back when it was the capital of the Kyivan’ Rus. The original gate dates back to the 11th century, but what you see now was built in 1982 and may or may not resemble the original gate.

There is a museum inside—entrance 50 hrn —and a monument to Yaroslav the Wise, the Grand Prince of Kyiv in the early 11th century.

From the Golden Gate, walk into Yaroslaviv Val Street toward the Park Landscape Alley , one of my favorite parks in Kyiv.

Along the way, you’ll find several historical buildings, cafes, and art galleries. Some of the buildings include the House of Baron Steingel and House of Actor .  If you feel like some coffee, head over to Honey or Paul . If in a museum mood, check out Suzir’ya or The Sixties Museum .

Ice cream, anyone?

Park Landscape Alley

A great ice cream parlor, amazing views of Kyiv, cool art and murals, and the Tithe Church—can you tell why this park is my favorite?

There are several entrances, but I recommend the one marked by a mural of a Cossack Eagle slaughtering a hand dragon (if someone could explain to me what this means, I’d be much obliged). From there, stroll through and enjoy the bizarre artwork and benches. Make sure to stop at AVERCAMP Val de Val for some ice cream. Thank me later.

At this point, it’s probably time for lunch. You can walk down Andriivsky Descent and eat at any place that strikes your fancy. Don’t walk too far down though, as our next destination is in the other direction: Saint Michael’s Golden-Dome Monastery.

Saint Michael’s Golden-Dome Monastery

Another famous monastery in Kyiv, this Ukrainian Baroque monastery includes a cathedral, bell tower, several gates, and the Refectory of Saint John the Divine. It’s also the headquarters of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

The still active monastery is stunning inside and out. It played an important role during the Euromaidan protest, offering food and shelter for protestors as well as a base of operations for volunteers.

The original monastery was founded in in the early 12th century. What you see now is 18th century, except for the cathedral which was destroyed by the Soviets then rebuilt in 1999. Outside the monastery is a mural dedicated to the war in Eastern Ukraine.

After visiting the monastery, move toward Saint Sophia’s Cathedral , which you’ll spot from the monastery exit.

Saint Sophia’s Cathedral

One of Kyiv’s most famous landmarks—and a UNESCO World Heritage site —this cathedral’s interior might be the most incredible in the city. Many of the original mosaics are early 11th century, and the golden baroque domes are 18th century. Make sure to climb the bell tower for a view of the grounds!

The cathedral, named after Hagia Sophia of Istanbul, housed the first school and library in Kyivan’ Rus. Entrance to the cathedral grounds only is 20 UAH per person . A regular ticket to enter the cathedral and bell tower is 100 UAH. When exiting the cathedral grounds, don’t miss the statue of Cossack hero Bohdan Khmelnytsky .

To finish the day off right, walk over to Maidan Nezalezhnosti  (10 minutes).

Khreshchatyk in autumn

Maidan Nezalezhnosti and Khreshchatyk Street

Maidan , also known as Independence Square, is the main square of Kyiv and the main area where the 2014 Euromaidan held place. Khreshchatyk Street is lined with Soviet-era government buildings.

Make sure to check out the Maidan photo exhibition to learn more about the 2014 revolution. If you have time and energy left, walk around the back of Hotel Ukraina to enjoy some beautiful—and weird—architecture. Highlights include the National Bank of Ukraine and the House of Chimeras , but there are several other beautiful buildings in this area.

For dinner, I recommend returning to Maidan for The Last Barricade ( Ostannya Barykada ) . This hidden bunker restaurant does amazing Ukrainian cuisine. To find it, go underground at the end of Maidan near the McDonald’s then and look for the sign. The password is Boritesy E Poboryte. Try to make a reservation if with a group.

Dinner restaurants on Khreshchatyk Street

• Budget: Billy Naliv – Hot dogs, oysters and cider for 29 UAH per pop.
• Mid-range: Musafir – Crimean Tartar and Middle Eastern food

If you feel like an after dinner drink, hit up some of the best bars in Kyiv: Barman Dictat , Parovoz SpeakEasy , or Alchemist Bar . If these don’t seem like your style, check out my list with some of the coolest bars in Kyiv for inspiration.

Besarabsky Market

Day 3 in Kyiv: roam free!

After two days of walking and sightseeing, day three in Kyiv will be a bit more relaxed. No set walking routes today, just suggestions based on interests.

All good days begin with a good breakfast. I recommend Blue Cup Coffeeshop, close to several museums on pretty Pushinska Street . Another breakfast option is All True East , close to Lva Tolstoho Square.

Art and architecture in Kyiv

If you’re into art and/or architecture, this section is for you. These museums will take up the better part of your day, especially if you stop in one of the many cool cafes in Kyiv along the way.

Tip: Make sure to check opening times of the places you want to visit—many aren’t open on a daily basis.

Pinchuk Art Centre

• Address: Baseina Street, 1, 3-2
• Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday 12:00-21:00
• Entrance fee: Free

Thought-provoking exhibitions and regular Ukrainian artists make Pinchuk Art Centre my go-to for art in Kyiv. It’s large enough for you to get lost in, but not overwhelmingly big.

On the 6th floor of the same building is One Love Coffee , one of my favorite cafes in Kyiv .

Next to Pinchuk is Bessarabsky Market. Pleasant for a quick look, but if you want to buy something bargain hard—the vendors can smell a foreigner from a mile away.

National Museum of Natural Sciences of Ukraine

• Address: Bohdan Khmelnitsky Street, 15
• Opening times: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
• Entrance fee: Adults 60 hrn, children 35 hrn

The National Museum of Natural Sciences of Ukraine can easily take hours. It has eight halls showcasing with geological, paleontological, zoological, and botanical themes. Unfortunately, not everything is accompanied by English explanations.

Museum of One Street

• Address: Andriivsky Decent, 2B
• Opening times: Daily 12:00 – 18:00
• Entrance fee: 50 hrn, 200 hrn for English audio tour

Although there’s few English explanations in the Museum of One Street (unless you pay for the audio tour), this museum gives an interesting glimpse into the history of one of Kyiv’s most famous streets.

The Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts

• Address: Vulytsya Tereshchenkivsʹka, 15
• Opening times:  Wednesday – Sunday 10:30 – 17:30
• Entrance fee: 30 hrn

Housed in a stately building across from Tarasa Shevchenko Park, the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts has the largest collection of foreign art in Ukraine, mostly focusing on Western and Oriental art. The 6th – 7th century Byzantine icons alone are worth a visit.

The history museum

Museum of the History of Kyiv

• Address: Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street, 7
• Opening times: Monday 11:00 – 16:00, Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 0 16:00
• Entrance fee: Adult 45 hrn, child 30 hrn

Want to learn more about Kyiv’s history? Visit the Museum of History of Kyiv. Though small, it gives a decent introduction to the complex history of this city.

It’s part of a larger collective of museums dedicated to Kyiv’s history, so if interested check out some of the other listed museums.

Murals in Kyiv

If you want to see art but museums aren’t your cup of tea, seek out some of the murals found all over Kyiv.

A beach day in Kyiv

You probably already noticed, but Kyiv has several beaches. The Dnipro river is clean enough to swim, and the beaches are quite pleasant on a hot day. The two most conveniently located beaches in Kyiv are…

Trukhaniv Island

Trukhaniv Island is one of the most popular beaches in Kyiv, for good reason. It’s easy to reach, has amenities, a large park, and is big enough to not feel too crowded.

To get to Trukhaniv Island, take the Blue Line metro to Poshtova Ploscha , or go to Saint Michael’s Golden-Dome Monastery and take the funicular from there. The funicular exit is next to the metro exit.

From there, cross the road to go down to the water, then go right and cross the walking  bridge . If you’re up to it, you can go rope jumping there!

There are several small places for a bite and a drink on the island, and bicycles are available for rent. For food, you can also return to the other side of the river and go to one of the bars and restaurants at the Kyiv River Port. In the summer you can smoke hookah from the comfort of beanbags there.

Kyiv River Port

Hidropark is fun regardless of whether or not you want to go to the beach. The park houses a large outdoor gym , with equipment made from salvaged debris like destroyed tanks! The gym is run by volunteers, and using the equipment is free.

Hidropark Gym

Hidropark also has a large beach with several places for a bite to eat and multiple beach volleyball courts. The main beach can get crowded, but there are secluded spots if you keep looking.

If you’re not feeling beachy, the nearby park is perfectly green and pleasant—bring some wine, food, and go for a picnic. To reach the park, take the Red Line metro to Hidropark Station .

Dinner on your last night in Kyiv

Planning a special dinner for your last night in Kyiv? Check out this restaurant guide from The Wayfarer’s Book.

Petrivka book market

Alternative things to do in Kyiv

There are so many things to do in Kyiv; this itinerary barely scratches the surface! Here are some more places to add to your itinerary.

Soviet Architecture in Kyiv

Expo center of ukraine.

The Expo Center of Ukraine, or VDNG, was opened in 1958 and houses many Soviet pavilions. It’s on the outskirts of a big forest, and quite a pleasant place to walk around in. There are often events around the grounds; check the website before going.

Take the Blue Line metro to VDNG to reach the center.

Kyiv Crematorium

One of the weirdest Soviet structures in Kyiv, this crematorium is in a graveyard. Though uncomfortable, you can’t get more Soviet than this—the building is so ugly it’s almost beautiful.

To get there, take the Blue Line metro to Palats Ukraina then walk for 30 minutes.

The Institute of Information

This Soviet building is lovingly known as “the flying saucer.” You’ll see why the moment you lay eyes on it!

To get here, take the Blue Line metro to Lybidska.

Feeling especially Soviet? Here are several other Soviet structures of interest around Kyiv.

Parks in Kyiv

Taras shevchenko park.

A small park across from the beautiful Taras Shevchenko National University. There’s often a small market on Sundays, and buskers at all times of day. Popular with elderly men playing chess and people picnicking.

A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden

The old botanical garden can be reached from the Universytet metro station, or from the backside of Taras Shevchenko University. Entrance is free, and it’s a pleasant place to walk around or have a picnic.

Other interesting things to do in Kyiv

• Petrivka Market: This large book market is interesting even if you can’t read Ukrainian or Russian! Booksellers are friendly and the small bookstalls are photogenic. It’s next to Poichaina Metro Station on the Blue Line.
• Saint Pokrovsky Monastery: A bit out of the way, but its interior is gorgeous. The grounds are pleasant, and the monastery is differently styled from its more famous counterparts in the city center.
• Kyiv Polytechnic Institute: A friend referred to the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute as “Ukrainian Hogwarts”, and she wasn’t lying. The building is gorgeous and there’s a nice park to walk around near the university. Befriend any of the students here, and you might be able to go inside the university. There are also several Soviet murals in the residential area near the university. To reach, take the Red Line metro to Politekhnichnyi Instytut.

Things to know about travel in Kyiv

Clubs in kyiv.

I’m not much of a clubber, and haven’t given any recommendations on going clubbing in Kyiv. However, if you’re trying to dance the night away…

• Closer: The most famous club in Kyiv houses several dancefloors, a courtyard, a record shop, and more.
• Caribbean Club: One of the oldest nightclubs in Kyiv is still going strong, with parties almost every day of the week.
• Skybar: This place has amazing views and is popular with well-heeled locals… which is reflected in the prices.
• Hangover: Super popular but a pain to get into, as the bouncers still think full Soviet face control is necessary. Normal humans, try at your own risk.

Staying connected in Kyiv

Mobiles: SIM cards are always a good idea. Calling and data are cheap, and phones are useful regardless of how short your trip to Kyiv is. Check out my article on things to know before going to Ukraine for more about getting SIM cards.

WiFI: Almost every cafe in Kyiv has high-speed WiFi.

Kyivstar SIM card

Transport in Kyiv

Kyiv has a good public transport system. The metro is the easiest way to get around, and most places listed here are within walking distance of a metro stop.

Besides the metro, there are buses, trams, and local trains to travel around Kyiv. If you don’t like to use public transport you can use the taxi apps Uber, Uklon, or Bolt.

A tram in Kyiv

Safety in Kyiv

Kyiv is a safe city. In my four months here, I haven’t faced any problems. Being a big metropolis, there is always a chance of something happening; keep your wits about you, and you’re unlikely to face trouble. Make sure to keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, notably in the metro during rush hours.

Money in Kyiv

You can pay almost anywhere with a card, but it helps to have some cash on you just in case. Most ATMs accept international cards, but some come with quirks. Check out my article on things to know before traveling to Ukraine for more information.

And so concludes this Kyiv itinerary. Have a blast in Kyiv! Give a shout in the comments if there’s anything else you want to know.

Yay transparency! There are affiliate links in this post. If you book something using one of the links, the blog will make a bit of change at no extra cost to you . Think of it as a way of saying thanks for the free information.

Alex Reynolds

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Treating Ourselves in Kyiv – on a Budget

August 31, 2017 by Silvia 26 Comments

I fell in love with Ukraine pretty much instantly when I traveled through the western part of the country in 2015 , so it’s kind of crazy to me that it took me a whole two years to return and finally see the capital city, Kyiv. I knew I would love it, and sure enough I did! Like, Kyiv might even have just replaced Belgrade as city I’d most like to move to if I ever leave Norway.

I spent all of last week in Kyiv, and a week definitely wasn’t enough time there. There are so many things to do in Kyiv, churches and museums to visit, Soviet monuments to photograph, and day trips outside of Kyiv to go on.

But this blog post isn’t going to be about any of that.

In fact, my week in Kyiv wasn’t meant to be about Kyiv at all, as the city was really just the most convenient place to meet up with these girls:

Stephanie and Alicia are two of my college besties, but somehow we’ve failed to end up living in the same place, which means that these days we have to travel farther than down the hall to see each other.

And this year it turned out that Kyiv was the cheapest place for us to all get to from our homes in Norway, the US, and Jordan. Who knew Amman to Kyiv was such a cheap route?

But! Cheap flights aside, Kyiv turned out to be kind of the perfect place for a girls’ reunion trip. In fact I can’t think of any other city in Europe that would have suited this trip better.

Ukraine is cheap

Ukraine is probably the cheapest place in Europe right now – as in, even cheaper than Albania and Macedonia. Of course the reasons for this are really sad, but at least the low prices meant that we could do our very best to add to the economy.

So whereas in most other European cities we would have kept a very close eye on our spending, here we splurged on all the fancy drinks, meals, spa time, and hotel rooms.

Since the whole point of this trip was to enjoy each other’s company, it was really lovely to totally relax and indulge in some luxuries.

Kyiv’s café scene is ridiculous(ly amazing)

Since we were prioritizing hanging out over seeing sights, we ended up spending most of our time café hopping around Kyiv, and oh my goodness, what a place to café hop!

Finding places to eat in new cities often makes me nervous and shy and I’ll end up sticking to supermarkets instead, but in Kyiv it seemed like every restaurant and café I popped my head into was cosy and super stylish, but also not at all intimidating.

I loved how beautifully decorated they were, every single thing I ate in Kyiv was delicious, and I especially loved that the wait staff mostly just left us alone, even when we spent hours talking after finishing our food.

Tres Francais  –  the food was on the pricier side, but the walnut latte was amaaazing

Fine Family  –  we went to two of these in Kyiv and both were so pretty inside

Zheltok –  an American style diner

Mamamia –  pizza! and… soul searching?

We went to a bunch more cafés that I can’t remember the names of, which is actually kind of crazy considering how many times we also kept going back to the same places.

We actually ate at the Zheltok diner four times! It was perfect because it was right around the corner from our first apartment in Kyiv, it serves breakfast all day (we never woke up before 11 am), it had strong enough WiFi for Alicia to get some school work done, and the wait staff didn’t raise a single eyebrow when Stephanie pulled out her paint set.

Stephanie and Alicia call me Slivia, because they are bullies

Kyiv’s city center is perfect for aimless walking

Downtown Kyiv is so pretty that it didn’t even matter that we never made a plan for where to go. We would just walk around talking and when we weren’t stumbling on a new café to check out we’d be stumbling on a pretty building, church or park.

I do feel like I need to return to Kyiv to see all the places I missed (and I realize I’m super lucky to be able to easily return), but it was fun to get to know the city without any planned itinerary.

Taras Shevshenko Park

Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

St. Sophia’s square

And we weren’t the only ones wandering around enjoying the city. Over the weekend it seemed like all of Kyiv was outside in the parks enjoying the sunshine and pretty views.

Maidan Nezalezhnosti – central square of Kyiv

I had been expecting more gray and concrete from Kyiv (which the outskirts of the city do have plenty of!), though after seeing how gorgeous Lviv is I should have known that downtown Kyiv would also have some beautiful architecture.

Kyiv is hip and stylish but still has old Soviet quirks

Yes,Kyiv’s café scene is super trendy, but the city still has its quirks.

We decided to spend our last two nights in a five star hotel outside the city center, mostly because it was a billion degrees in Kiev and we wanted an outdoor pool, but also a little bit because we wanted to see how Kiev does lavish.

This was definitely the most random part of our trip, but maybe secretly my favorite too. The hotel is surrounded by big apartment blocks – and a couple buildings down from a Kia Motors! – and there was a wedding reception both nights we stayed there.

Now, if I were a cooler person this would be the part of the blog post where I tell you about my adventure crashing two Ukrainian weddings, but instead my friends and I just quietly peeked inside from the hallway, wondered out loud what Minnie Mouse was doing there, and went to the supermarket to find some Ukrainian delicacies to dine on while watching ten more episodes of  This Is Us .

Accommodation in Kiev

We spent our first three nights in an apartment at Fire Inn , which was lovely and super cheap and right around the corner from our favorite American diner! It’s right next to Taras Shevshenko Park and several streets with trendy restaurants. Check current rates and availability here

We then spent a couple of nights in a BestKievApartment . I  loved this apartment – like, I kind of wanted to move in for good – and ours was right on the corner of Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kiev’s central square. The view was beautiful, and since we were there for the lead up to Independence Day we could watch the celebrations from our balcony!

The restaurants in this area were a bit more expensive than the ones by Fire Inn, but I think this apartment was nicer (and possibly slightly cheaper as well). The only downside is they don’t have a reception, so we had to arrange to meet someone to get the key and couldn’t store our luggage after we checked out. Check current rates and availability here

And then we spent our last two nights in Kiev at City Holiday Resort & SPA , which I don’t know if I’d necessarily recommend, as it’s far from the city center and not really nearby anything interesting.

But the hotel itself is super fancy (yet quite cheap), has indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and while perhaps not giving the best experience of Kiev did feel like a special Ukrainian experience in itself. Check current rates and availability here

stolen from Stephanie’s sketchbook

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August 31, 2017 at 5:37 pm

Ah, Kiev! I went there on a two-week school exchange in 1995, and it must have changed so much since then! But it’s good to see the statue of Bogdan Khmelnitsky (also the only name I remember from there) is still there :). It certainly sounds like I should go back sometime!

Silvia says

September 1, 2017 at 10:35 am

Oh wow, I bet it has changed! And funny, I actually only took the photo of the statue so that I could look it up later as a reference point to see the names of the squares we had walked through.

Tray Lewis says

August 10, 2018 at 5:30 pm

I was in Ukraine, in particular Odessa, in 2011 before the civil war and it was wonderful. How does Kiev feel these days? I hope things are going well. The Ukrainians are remarkably friendly people who seem mre reasonable than most people realize.

Tosh Bene says

August 31, 2017 at 7:22 pm

Kiev looks SO neat!!! The architecture looks amazing and so colourful! Love that!!! 🙂

September 1, 2017 at 10:34 am

Oh my goodness, you would loooove Kiev!

August 31, 2017 at 9:34 pm

Aw I love it. Hi Alicia & Stephanie!

Anne! I didn’t know you were reading xx

Arielle says

August 31, 2017 at 11:41 pm

I also loved Kiev, although I went in January and things were not so pretty and warm. But I was still pleased with the combination of modern, hip, and old-school. People don’t give it enough credit!

September 1, 2017 at 10:33 am

Right? That’s exactly what I kept thinking!

Yosemite says

September 1, 2017 at 9:21 am

This is objectively the most profound and interesting post you’ve ever written.

September 1, 2017 at 10:28 am

I think so too.

September 1, 2017 at 11:12 am

Wow, Kiev looks so beautiful. It’s never really somewhere I’ve considered going, but your photos are making me want to start looking at flights right now.

September 2, 2017 at 10:18 am

I’d say it’s definitely worth the trip, if you get the chance!

Laryssa says

September 2, 2017 at 5:04 am

Ahhh, I LOVE Ukraine!! I just returned this summer myself 🙂 Love this post, Silvia!

September 2, 2017 at 10:04 am

I’m not surprised you loved it too – I already can’t wait to return!

Stefania - The Italian Backpacker says

September 4, 2017 at 4:13 pm

I love those churches with brights colors and the golden domes! People’s idea of former Soviet countries is mostly wrong. Their capitals at least seem to be a lot more interesting and less grey than one would imagine.

September 6, 2017 at 10:36 am

I agree – the cities all tend to be so bright!

Victoria @The British Berliner says

September 8, 2017 at 10:29 am

I so love this post but most especially ‘cos you spent most of the time just hanging out with your friends!

I recently spent a week in Ljubljana and 10 days in Croatia, and we spent most of the time having delicious food at really nice restaurants, drinking wine, and visiting castles!

In fact, in Zagreb (Croatia), I found the prices so cheap that a taxi ride was actually cheaper than two glasses of wine and a glass of ginger ale, and I kept the taxi on the meter too!

September 28, 2017 at 8:50 am

Aaah that sounds like the perfect holiday!

Agness of aTukTuk says

September 10, 2017 at 6:42 pm

I definitely agree that Ukraine is a great destination for a budget travel. Kiev seems so charming. When’s the best time of the year to explore it, Silvia?

September 29, 2017 at 5:59 pm

I’ve only been in the summer, but I imagine it would be lovely in winter as well!

May 8, 2018 at 4:34 pm

Thanks for this! I spent a random week in Kiev a couple years ago and still haven’t gotten over it, would really like to get back to spend more time. There is something about that city!

Victoria says

February 8, 2019 at 12:37 pm

Thank you very much, Silvia, for telling so kind about my lovely city of Kyiv! I’m always happy seeing such articles as yours, cause many people in the world think totally different about Ukraine and its capital. Blessings from Kyiv

Melissa says

October 10, 2019 at 4:11 am

Oh this sounds amazing Sylvia! Im a Canadian Ukrainian. My grandparents moved to Canada when they were young so their children could have a better life . I always wanted to go but always hear vad stories about the crime and scams there . Where is good places to get massages to relax? Every time I travel I must get massages! I want to see what my fellow massage therapists do ❤

Michael L. Davis says

February 25, 2022 at 7:29 am

An awesome guide on travelling to Ukraine! I visited there three times. As an American, I can say that information you provided is useful and attractive. Keep on that track! 🙂

Bea Adventurous says

January 4, 2023 at 2:26 am

I agree! I fell in love too and it was a brilliant destination for me on a budget that I really hope we can go back to again soon.

It’s full of amazing people, amazing sights, great nightlife and so much more.

Thank you for sharing you experience!!

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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Kiev Solo Travel Guide

Notice: currently, the only way to visit Kiev is to drive or take a train from Poland.

Planning a solo trip to Kiev ? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

• The capital and largest city of Ukraine, with a population of around 3  million .
• It is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and a major industrial, educational and cultural centre since the 19 th century.
• Despite sustaining heavy damage in World War II, the city remained the third largest city in the Soviet Union until its independence in 1991.
• The third longest river in Europe, the Dnieper  snakes through the heart of the city on its way to the Black Sea.
• Nickname: City of Golden Domes

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Currency:  Ukrainian Hryvna  (UAH).
• Spoken languages:  Ukrainian  and Russian .
• Best time to visit: from  May  to  July  (and in  September ). Gets very cold in the fall/winter, and summers can be excessively hot.
• Arriving via airport:  Boryspil International Airport (KBP) is served by Sky Bus with single rides priced at ₴40 or by Sky Taxi for ₴250-300.

WHERE TO STAY

Khreshchatyk marks the epicenter of the city, an urban stretch that covers prime commercial interests such as upscale cafés, restaurants, boutiques and hotels. A cheaper alternative can be found in Podil and its range of accommodation located in the city’s oldest neighborhood while the area of Obolon is certain to enthral with its smattering of food markets, retail shopping and theaters.

GETTING AROUND

• The Kyiv City Card combines free entry to 25 museums, up to 20% discounts at participating hotels, hostels and guesthouses as well as discounts on taxi, car and bike rentals; 3-day pass costs ₴200 and 7-day pass costs ₴400.
• Public transportation around the city is not without its hiccups, as most signs and maps are detailed in Cyrillic script. Tickets for the subway cost ₴2 regardless of distance while trams and buses charge ₴1.50 and marshrutkas or taxicab from ₴2.50 to ₴3.00.
• Taxis charge a minimum of ₴28 for rides within the city centre, with tariffs starting at ₴2.50/km. Dial 353 1353 or 227 1000 to pre-book.

KIEV NIGHTLIFE

• Drinking age is 18 , and last call is  5 AM .
• Downtown features a lively bar scene that keeps partygoers entertained until sunrise.
• Arena Entertainment is a massive complex housing several bars and nightclubs across four floors. Pick among casual sports bar, cabaret stages and European music clubs.
• Khreschatyk is host to several classy wine bars and cocktail lounges, perfect for an elegant night out.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

• Saint Sophia’s Cathedral is the city’s oldest church, built by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1037 to rival St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Constantinople. The 13 cupola monument became the prince’s resting place.
• Kiev Pechersk Lavra , also known as Kiev Monastery of the Caves, is one of the Seven Wonder of Ukraine and a historically distinguished Orthodox Christian monastery.
• The Golden Gate of Kiev is the ancient entryway to the city, one of three erected at the turn of the eleventh century. Today the landmark is one of the city’s most prominent symbols, also serving as a museum dedicated to the history of the city fortifications.
• Mariyinsky Palace is the splendid ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine, a Baroque fortress sited on the banks of the Dnieper River.

INTERESTING WALKS

• Maydan or Independence Square is the famous site of the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the heart of Kiev. Beautiful fountains, open-air terraces and cafés grace the busy square and make an interesting location to soak up the culture.
• Golosiyivsky Park is a picturesque park complete with lakes, cycling trails and well-marked walking paths for gentle outdoor exploration.
• Bessarabsky Bazaar is the perfect place to pick up unique handmade Ukrainian crafts and mingle with the locals as they purchase everything from produce to books.
• Landscape Alley Park is an on-going project started in 2009 to showcase contemporary art sculptures and is easily one of the friendliest installations in the city.
• The Embankment walk: Dniprovska Embankment and Rusanivska Embankment, with stops at Kukhmeister and Park of Partisan Glory.

LOCAL WISDOM

• For a real taste of Kiev, track down a bowl of borscht , a Ukrainian soup made with beetroot and cabbage that is a mainstay of family meals.
• Great restaurants to try in Kiev: 100 rokiv tomu vpered ($$), Himalaya Restaurant ($$ – Indian), Sutra Indian Restaurant ($$$ – great for vegetarians/vegans), Wake Cup Bar (cozy cafe)
• Where to find good cheap eats : Bessarbabsky Square and Kontraktova Square feature budget food stalls that sell traditional Ukrainian food in cafeteria-style. Check out “Puzata Hata” (delicious bistro – multiple locations around town)
• Dangerous areas : although Kiev is a generally safe city to visit, scams and petty crimes have been known to occur in public areas. Exercise caution, especially when walking alone. Avoid dimly-lit side streets at night.

Recommended trip duration:  2-3 days

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• Warsaw, Poland
• Lugansk, Ukraine

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How to visit Kiev in 4 days

By Joan Torres 10 Comments Last updated on May 3, 2024

The concept and perceptions of Kiev are a bit strange.

People who haven’t visited Kiev perceive it as a distant Eastern European city with close ties to Russia, a lot of apparent corruption and frequent protests going on.

The thing is that – as Bradt travel writer Michael Palin once said  – few stories in English romanticize Kiev and, for the last few years, with all the violent demonstrations and the ongoing war against Russia , many people from the West are even questioning the city’s safety and potential appeal.

Nevertheless, despite all these negative views, your perception of the capital changes radically as soon as you step into the city, because what you find is an extremely vibrant, energetic and beautiful capital with so much going on. 

Kiev is, in fact, one of my favorite cities in the world, but I only discovered that upon my arrival, because Kiev is a city that, unexpectedly, tends to wow all its visitors.

There is just so much to do here, from visiting Baroque-style buildings to a large WWII Heritage, loads of Soviet things to see, a great bar scene and, basically, something going on in almost every corner.

Traveling to Kiev won’t disappoint you.

I spent two weeks in the city and this guide contains everything you need to know to visit Kiev , including transportation tips, the best places to stay and, of course, the best things to do in Kiev in a 4-day itinerary, including off the beaten track stuff.

For a more practical guide to the country, don’t forget to read my ultimate Ukraine guide

In this Kiev travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• How to visit Kiev
• Moving around
• Where to stay
• Day 1 – Around Pecherski
• Day 2 – Around Shevchenkivskyi
• Day 3 – Around Podilski
• Day 4 – Get offbeat
• Day trips from Kiev
• More information

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How to prepare your visit when you travel to Kiev

Kiev is big, like damn big.

In area, it is almost as big as Berlin and definitely bigger than Madrid or Paris, so it might easily be the 3rd or 4th largest city in Europe.

Despite its size, however, it only has 3 metro lines.

It also has an extensive tram and city bus system but, when you have to make a connection, it just takes forever to reach some places.

Visit Kiev on a guided tour CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL AVAILABLE TOURS IN KIEV

Moreover, many things to do in Kiev, as well as bars and restaurants, are scattered all around the city, so you can’t just leave where you are staying and expect to find everything along the way. 

This means that visiting Kiev requires a bit of preparation and planning ahead, so that is why, in the itinerary section of this post, I thought it would be helpful to split all the places to visit in Kiev into area and day by day.

Kiev or Kyiv? The first day I posted something about Kiev on my Instagram Stories , I got a message from a young Ukrainian lady who was kind of upset because I spelled it Kiev instead of Kyiv. The fact is that Kyiv is the Ukrainian way of writing it and Kiev is the Russian transliteration, so given the current (and past) relationship between both countries, Ukrainians are a bit sensitive regarding this topic and, in any case, their spelling is the correct one, as the city was named after one of the three city’s founders, Kyi . As for me, in the article I am using Kiev because this is the term English-speaking people search for and, by any means, I don’t want to get political about it. In private, however, I will always spell it Kyiv. 

How to move around Kiev

Metro – As I said above, Kiev has two metro lines and one ticket costs as little as 8UAH, which is the equivalent of 0.30€. Something that surprised me about Kiev’s metro is that it is always very busy, no matter the time of the day.

Trams and city buses – Slower option but both tram and bus can take you literally everywhere. Google Maps can easily tell you which bus or tram number you should take when planning your route.

Taxi – It is easier if you download a taxi app and Bolt seems to be the most popular one.

Interested in visiting Minsk? Read my 3-day Minsk itinerary

Best places to stay in Kiev

Wherever you stay, I strongly recommend you stay close to a metro station and, if possible, near the center.

Otherwise, getting back home every day can be a time-consuming experience.

Where to stay in Podil area

Podil is the fashionable neighborhood where you can find the old pre-Soviet architecture. It is attached to downtown, is very well-connected and here you will find a wide array of bars, restaurants, and cafés.

Backpacker Hostel – Dream Hostel Kiev – Top backpacking hostel in the city, with a great traveling atmosphere and great location. A really good place.

Budget Apartment – Danchenko’s Apartment – In Kiev, booking an apartment is a popular thing to do.

A good hotel – Bursa Hotel – A nicely decorated hotel with a trendy style in the heart of Podil.

Where to stay in Pecherski (downtown)

This is the area around Independence Square and where you can find some of the most famous landmarks such as Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Backpacker Hostel – Friends Forever – A great hostel at the heart of downtown.

Mid-range Hotel – Ukraine Hotel – Surprisingly, the famous hotel that overlooks Independence Square isn’t expensive at all.

Things to do in Kiev in 4 days

These are, in my opinion, the unmissable places of any Kiev itinerary.

Map of what to see in Kiev in 4 days

Each pin color refers to a different day of your Kiev itinerary

Day 1 – Things to do in Kiev around Pecherski

This is basically downtown and the first place you need to visit in Kiev is Independence Square, the most central square and from where you can do a loop while stopping by a couple of landmarks.

Independence Square

Or Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Ukrainian is one of the most beautiful and impressive squares I have ever visited in Europe , and one of the most symbolic as well, as Maidan has witnessed quite a few particularly violent and important revolutions, the last one being the Euromaidan , a series of demonstrations that lasted for several months back in 2014, when many people were murdered by the police.

You may remember these events because it was all over the news.

Today, at least during my visit, there is a permanent outdoor exhibition with photos and memorials from the protests.

As I said, I suggest you come here first but this is also one of the best places in Kiev to see the sunset.

Maidan Nezalezhnosti is definitely, one of the best things to see in Kiev.

Interested in booking a walking tour around Kiev? CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Saint Sophia Cathedral

This gorgeous cathedral was the first place in Ukraine to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. As in many places around Ukraine , you need to purchase a separate ticket for each place within the complex, including general entrance, getting inside the cathedral, going up the bell tour, visiting museums, etc.

I think the general entrance cost me around 65UAH (2.40€) – which was already enough for me – but if you want to visit everything, you may need to spend nearly 10€.

Food tip – Between Saint Sophia and Golden Gate you will find the Milk Bar , a Ukrainian café specializing in fancy dairy products and traditional pastries. Everything they serve is amazing, seriously, and I recommend you order Ukrainian Syrniki , which are some sort of cottage cheese pancakes with sour cream and honey. Delicious.

Golden Gate

This place is advertised everywhere as one of the best things to do in Kiev but, in my opinion, it’s pretty boring.

Basically, these are the last remains from what used to be Kiev before the Mongolian invasion in the 13th century. What I liked, however, is that there was always a street musician playing in front of the gates.

National Opera 

A Viennese style building constructed in 1901. You can’t get inside unless you purchase tickets and you can check all the events on this link .

St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral

One of the most important Orthodox churches in Ukraine is the Little Prince-themed Volodymyr Cathedral, completed in 1896.

Bessarabsky Market

This is one of the busiest markets in Kiev, and a cool place to take a break because inside there is a craft beer place and a pretty authentic Vietnamese food stall run by actual Vietnamese. 

Day 2 – What to do in Kiev around Shevchenkivskyi

The area around Shevchenkivskyi and Pechersk Lavra is my most favorite place to visit in Kiev, as it contains a large variety of very different sights to check out.

Hydro Park (Island)

Nobody comes here but I seriously recommend you stop by.

Hydro Park is the island located in the Dnipro River right in front of the Lavra, and one of the top places to go in Kiev.

On the shores that overlook the Lavra, there is a restaurant serving beer and Khachapuri Megruli , and I swear it was the best Khachapuri I ever had outside of Georgia, and you can trust my judgment because I lived in Georgia for 7 months . 

We were sitting under the sun, with a beer, an excellent khachapuri, the best views of the Lavra and there wasn’t anybody else around!

Arsenalna metro station

According to the locals and Wikipedia , Arsenalna is the deepest metro station in the world (105m) but, according to other sources like World Atlas , there is an even deeper one in Pyongyang, North Korea (110m).

In any case, unless you travel to North Korea, Arsenalna is the deepest metro station you will ever see. To get out, you need to stand on the two escalators for nearly 4 minutes (I timed it).  By the way, this is the closest metro station to the Lavra.

Salute Hotel

The coolest Soviet thing to see in this part of Kiev is an old hotel with an extravagant cylindrical shape. It must be a pretty awesome hotel to stay for a few days, and it is not very expensive.

Holodomor Memorial

Holodomor, better known in the West as the Great Famine , was a famine that took place in the 30s when several million Ukrainians starved to death.

This unfortunate event, however, wasn’t a coincidence but it was a real genocide organized by Joseph Stalin himself in an attempt to eliminate Ukrainian nationalism.

There is so much to say about it and I recommend you read the full story here .

One of the most sobering, yet interesting, things to see in Kiev is visiting the Holodomor Memorial, which is also a museum where you can read several absolutely crazy stories from survivors of the Great Famine. A must-see. 

Food tip – Before Salute Hotel, there is a traditional Ukrainian restaurant named Varenichnaya Katyusha that serves all sorts of local food and is always packed with Kievans. They have all types of Ukrainian dishes but their specialty is varenyky , which are the local dumplings. 

Pechersk Lavra

The top tourist attraction in Kiev, Pechersk Lavra, is a massive Christian Complex and the headquarters for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Composed of several churches and cathedrals with white walls and shiny green and gold rooftops, Kiev Lavra is gorgeous, and spiritual. Most buildings you see here were built between the 11th and 18th centuries. 

The general entry ticket costs 80UAH and it allows you to climb the bell tower, as well as visiting the cave. I think this is more than enough but, if you are interested in visiting the museums and entering other churches, you will have to purchase separate tickets for each.

Want to visit the Lavra on a guided tour? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Pechersky Park

This was something I wasn’t expecting. 

On my way to the Great Patriotic Museum, I bumped into a military exhibition.

Well, not one, but a few so if you are into military tanks, planes, and helicopters, Pechersky park has several outdoor exhibitions containing all types of military arsenal. Pretty cool. 

Some of the weaponry belongs to WWII and Soviet times but there are a couple of tanks (partially destroyed) that have been used during the ongoing war against Russia and each one has a plaque that tells the story of the tank and the soldiers that were riding in it. Some of the stories were pretty sad.

Great Patriotic War Museum and Motherland Monument

Soviets refer to World War II as the Great Patriotic War because it was a real conflict and struggle to protect their motherland, the Soviet Union, and the massive titanium statue that overlooks Kiev, wearing a sword and a shield with the hammer and sickle, represents precisely that.

If you can only visit one museum in Kiev, it should be this one.

Would you like to visit the museum with a professional guide? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Day 3 – Places to visit in Kiev around Podil

Podil area is the most European part of town.

Zhytniy Soviet Market

The best way to start your day is to check out this local market located in a Modernist Soviet building . It was built in 1982 and the interior is characterized by its peculiar roof. 

Interesting to see in this market are all the salo stalls. I have never seen so many together. Salo is like slices of pork fat, very salty, and Ukrainians either have it as a snack or with borsch, the local beetroot soup. I found it pretty disgusting but for Ukrainians, it’s like a delicacy. Anyways, Zhytniy Market has tens of food stalls and the ladies will invite you to taste it.

Chernobyl Museum

Extremely disappointing.

I don’t recommend you visit this museum because there is nothing to see, not even to read, and if you want to know about the nuclear disaster just book a tour to the exclusion zone . CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR TO CHERNOBYL

Kontraktova Square and around

Podil’s center and where you find a lot of bars and restaurants.

Beer Tip – In Kontraktova Square, there is a beer store called Hop Hey that sells several types of craft draft beer to take away, a concept which I haven’t seen anywhere else. I think they have several shops across the city but, if you want to skip the overpriced beer of Kontraktova, Hop Hey is a great alternative (drinking in the street is allowed in Kiev).

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

The place where this pyramid of bright domes is built dates from the 11th century but it was demolished under Stalin’s command in 1937 and rebuilt afterwards shortly after independence. 

This is one of the most important religious places to visit in Kiev.

By the way, this monastery and the next places from the list are located in the upper part of Podil and to get there, you can get the funicular located right next to Poshtova Ploshcha metro station.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

I like Ukraine because today, religious places get mixed and camouflaged among Soviet stuff, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is a clear example because this is an impressive concrete Soviet building placed right next to an important Christian site, St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.

Saint Andrew’s Church

This Baroque-style church is one of the most emblematic things to do in Kiev, especially because from there, you get breathtaking views of Podil’s district. Check this great photo I took with my drone.

Kiev’s Old Town

Saint Andrew’s Church is the beginning of Kiev’s Old Town, a set of narrows alleys full of art galleries and painters that reminded me more of Paris than an Eastern European city.

Interested in booking a walking tour for your Kiev itinerary? CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Day 4 – Off the beaten track things to do in Kiev

If you are into quirky stuff, on your last day you may want to add the following places in your Kiev itinerary.

Tank Factory

Don’t get excited, not yet.

Around 20km from Kiev’s downtown, there is a functional tank factory but, as you may imagine, visits are not allowed.

The factory, however, has a tank graveyard which you may find if you are lucky because the industrial complex is huge. I personally walked all around the area and couldn’t find but I did find the tank road, which was a 500m muddy path full of tank marks that lead directly to a factory backdoor. 

Doing what I did was illegal so be aware of that and, if you want to try your luck, this is the location: 50.420848, 30.702709. There is a metro stop (Chernovyi Khutir) 2 or 3km away.

Kiev Crematorium

A great example of Soviet Modernism, Kiev Crematorium is one of the most unique Soviet buildings in Ukraine. As you may imagine, it is located in the middle of a cemetery, a pretty big one.

When we visited it, there were two funerals and it was a bit awkward, so we left pretty quickly.

If you like weird stuff, don’t forget to check the 7 most offbeat things to visit in Belarus

Underground Kiev

To be very honest, I didn’t take this tour but one of the coolest things to do in Kiev is visiting its underground tunnel system and checking out a nuclear bunker from the Cold War.

Kiev Circus and Obelisk Hero City

Not that offbeat because it is not far from downtown, but if you are interested in Soviet stuff, you can check out the Soviet Circus and the Obelisk Hero City, which commemorates the defense of the city during WWII and which has a Gold Star on its top, a symbol of heroism in the Soviet Union.

Best day trips from Kiev

The capital of Ukraine is also an excellent base for doing a few cool day trips.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

You already know about Chernobyl , so I won’t go into details, but the exclusion zone is 150km north of Kiev and, if you want to visit it, you must go on a tour (you can’t visit it independently).

Strategic Missile Museum

Seriously, this was one of the best places I visited in the whole Ukraine, an old Soviet nuclear missile launch facility today turned into an awesome museum where, besides checking out all the military nuclear arsenal, you can also get into one of the silos and the underground control room. Really worth the trip and my full review is on its way.

144km northeast of Kiev you find Chernihiv, a UNESCO World Heritage city and one of the most beautiful in Ukraine, containing beautiful churches and old architecture.

Despite being so close to Kiev, not many travelers decide to take this day trip but I personally think it is an unmissable attraction to visit from Kiev.

For more day trips, you can read this post from Kathmandu and Beyond . 

More information for visiting Kiev

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Book your tour to Kiev

All guides and articles for traveling in Ukraine destination

• Travel Guide to Chernobyl
• Ukraine Travel Guide
• Lviv Travel Guide
• Ukraine Itinerary

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10 comments

Hard to take anything you say seriously after stating in the very beginning that Kyiv has only two metro lines.. haha

You are right, it was a small mistake. It has 3, not 2. After Kiev, I flew to Minsk, which only has 2 metro stations, that’s why the confusion. In any case, it doesn’t change anything. The city is too big for just having 3 metro stations.

I was just wondering. If you have any guided tours.? Any of these places you go?

Thank you for such a deep and wide view of Kyiv. After reading this article, I’m inspired to explore some new places of this vibrant city you’ve mentioned, that I didn’t know about, despite being a Ukrainian.

Thanks Iryna! It was a pleasure meeting you in Lviv 🙂

Thanks for the helpful article (and your blog, generally)! Regarding the Strategic Missile Museum, how did you get down here? Is there public transit, and any memory of how much it would cost? Thanks.

Hey! It was around 15USD per person, more or less. I went there from Kharkiv, doing several train/bus/hitchhiking combinations. It took me 2 days!

Ohh! Thank you so much for these warm words and a review of Kyiv city! As a tour guide in Kyiv, I am happy to read pleasant words, not only critique..Kyiv can definitely impress those who come for the first time and almost all my guests always want to come back, and explore more of it!

This is such a great, helpful article! Kyiv is such a special city that I loved, and what’s happening in Ukraine right now is horrific and I’m praying it’s over imminently. The people are warm and friendly and I cannot wait to visit this beautiful city and people again one day.

I can’t believe how an update on 13th September 2023 can fail to mention the war! Which was what I was interested in. An earlier review on TripAdvisor mentioned how crowded buses were and the difficulties finding a seat on long haul routes such as to Warsaw. A much more useful review would contain practical information instead of just being another puff piece. So 5 out of 10 for highlighting places to visit.

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15 reasons to visit Kyiv – the amazing capital of Ukraine

Last Updated on 04/01/2024 by kami

With the current situation in Ukraine, with a heavy heart, I strongly advise not visiting the country. This is the older, pre-war article and you can use it for future inspiration and information to plan a trip when it’s safe to visit Ukraine again.

I’ve just returned from yet another trip to Kyiv, Ukraine.

I honestly can’t count now how many times I’ve been there – recently it became one of my most frequently visited cities in Europe.

And I really don’t mind that at all as every time I visit Kyiv it’s a treat!

Quick Kyiv cheat sheet

Are you looking for the airport transfer directly to your hotel in Kyiv? Click here for the details!

Where to stay in Kyiv:

• DREAM Hostel Kyiv (budget)
• Summit Apart Hotel (mid-range)
• 11 Mirrors Design Hotel (luxury)

Best Kyiv tours:

• Urbex Underground and Bunker Tour
• Private Tour of Kiev Pechersk Lavra
• 3-Hour City Tour by Foot or Private Vehicle

Table of Contents

Reasons to visit Kyiv, Ukraine

If you’re wondering if Kyiv is worth visiting there’s a simple answer to that question – definitely yes!

There are so many reasons to visit Kyiv, from amazing architecture to interesting history and vibrant atmosphere and each of them is already a good excuse to plan the trip to the capital of Ukraine.

I remember how, before my first trip in 2012, I knew next to nothing about the place and how quickly I fell for it.

The city really has it all and now more than ever is a good time to visit Kyiv.

Long and interesting history

You might remember disturbing pictures from the center of Kyiv a few years ago when the revolution took over the streets and the president Viktor Yanukovych resigned .

You can still see remnants of these tragic events on the streets of Kyiv, especially around Maidan Nezalezhnosti area where the pictures of those who lost their lives are displayed.

But Kyiv has much, much longer history!

In fact, this is one of the oldest and most important cities in Eastern Europe that had a huge impact on the area.

It was founded at the beginning of the 5th century and over four centuries later it became the center of Kievan Rus – the Federation of East Slavic tribes that is considered the cultural ancestor of modern Russia , Belarus and Ukraine .

From the year 1363 on Kyiv was part of Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Cossack Hetmanate, Russian Empire, Ukrainian People’s Republic, Soviet Union and finally, in 1991 it became the capital of the independent state.

Over the centuries it always played an important role and you can see the remnants of the great times all over the city. It’s fascinating to track down the history when you visit Kyiv!

Beautiful golden dome churches

Golden dome churches are somehow the symbol of Eastern Europe and there is no better place to admire them than Kyiv.

There are so many beautiful churches in the capital of Ukraine it’s hard to pick the most amazing one.

Pechersk Lavra complex, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, since the foundation in 11th century has been one of the most important places for the Orthodox Christians.

Another UNESCO place – Saint Sophia Cathedral – and especially its interior takes a breath away (when you’re there be sure to climb to the bell tower for one of the best views of Kyiv!).

But my three favorite churches, all looking like straight from the fairy-tale, are St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, St Andrew’s Church and St Volodymyr’s Cathedral.

If you like shiny places you’re in for a treat!

If you have time I definitely recommend taking a tour at Pechersk Lavra as this place is really fascinating! Click here for more details and current prices!

Impressive Soviet architecture

Everyone knows I’m a big fan of Soviet architecture so Kyiv is like a huge playground for me (and, with almost 3 million inhabitants, I mean really huge!).

Most of the visitors will admire Khreschatyk street – the main avenue in the center that over the weekends turns into pedestrian zone.

But Kyiv has so much more to offer when it comes to the Soviet architecture.

If you’re into it too jump into the blue metro line and go to Expo center (Vystavkovyi tsentr) – I was literally walking around with jaw dropped, that’s how many awesomeness I’ve seen around!

On the other side of the street, you will find part of the university that you’d like to check out too for the concrete bas-reliefs.

Other spots that should interest you are State Scientific-Technical Library (near the Lybidska metro station), crematorium at Baikove Cemetery or Hotel Salute, just to name few.

There’s a Soviet Kyiv tour that you might be interested in joining – click here for more details!

The Motherland Monument

This itself is a very solid reason to visit Kyiv and one of the best things to see in the city! An enormous Motherland Monument gives me a “wtf?” reaction every single time I see it.

The first time I visited the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (until 2015 known as Museum of the Great Patriotic War) it was even crazier – the old war songs were played loud from the speakers around, giving the place even more surreal feel.

You walk through the tunnel with enormous Soviet bas-reliefs and at the end, you are greeted by even more enormous statue – try to beat that!

Well, with a height of 102 meters you can see the statue from far away but combined with the tunnel it makes your jaw drop.

You can go up the statue, either to the pedestal or to the shield – either option offers great views but the second one is definitely more thrilling!

Beautiful architecture

So yes, the churches in Kyiv are spectacular, the Soviet buildings are pretty amazing.

But that’s not all the architectonic wonders you can find in the Ukrainian capital! There’s so much beauty in the center of Kyiv, so many random houses that catch the eye!

But of them all, I’ve found the prettiest buildings in the back of Khreschatyk, along Arkhitektora Horodetskoho street or to Yaroslaviv Val street close to Zoloty Vorota.

The most famous one is definitely House with Chimeras – too bad these days you can’t get very close as it’s such a beauty!

Recently Kyiv has become the capital of street art in Eastern Europe. It’s impossible to see all the amazing works there over the weekend only, there’re so many of them.

But you can try to find some and a great online map will definitely help you with that – you can check it here.

The biggest influence on Kyiv’s street art has recent politic events and Ukrainian identity.

You can see works by some of the world-famous artists on the walls of Kyiv, including Fintan Magee, ROA or Vhils.

Be sure to check my friends Kirsty and Mark’s post about street art in Kyiv too!

You might also want to join the street art tour in Kyiv – click here for more details!

Food and cafe scene

Ukrainian food, even if a bit heavy, is really delicious.

I can live on various kinds of vareniki, sirinki and just salads for a week and still enjoy every meal (been there, done that!).

But in Kyiv not only you will find Ukrainian food, but there are also numerous international restaurants that are really affordable and with good quality of dishes.

If you’re looking for Georgian, Italian or just about any other kind of food – you can easily find it in Kyiv!

As I’m really into cafes Kyiv wins my heart on this field too.

There are so many of them, they are so cool and the prices are extremely cheap! By now I even have a loyalty card to some of them.

If I ever decide to become a digital nomad (which I highly doubt) Kyiv will be very high on the list of places I’d like as a base and that’s mostly because of the cafes.

If you’d like to find the best places check out the list of best cafes in Kyiv by my friend and fellow blogger Megan!

Speaking of food – there’s one more reason why Kyiv is amazing and that’s markets.

While most of the people go to Besarabsky Market I prefer Zhitniy Market in Podil area.

It’s much more authentic, so much is going on there, you can buy so many amazing products there and the building itself is another gem.

If you’d like to learn more about Ukrainian cuisine you should join the gastro tour! Click here for more details!

Diverse city

One of the reasons why I enjoy Kyiv so much is its diversity. You literally have everything in there and the city never gets boring.

After so many visits I still have lots of areas and angles to discover in Kyiv and each new trip there makes me super excited.

I don’t think I know any other capital that has so much to offer!

Before my first visit I’ve thought the weekend will be enough to get to know Kyiv, now I can see how naive I was. Kyiv really has it all!

Kyiv is diverse not only when it comes to architecture but also in vibe.

You can feel the good, old times only to enter a few minutes later the very much hip and trendy place: what happens for example when you go to Artzavod Platform and need to go through Lisova market.

Another place with the old-fashioned atmosphere is Hidropark with an amusement park that could as well has been in the 1990s or the seniors having open-air dance classes with the old school music.

Vibrant atmosphere

No matter which season I’m in Kyiv the atmosphere is always vibrant, making the city inviting.

People are out on the streets, enjoying the outdoor attractions (there always seems to be something happening, especially between St. Sophia’s and St. Michael’s churches).

In the warm weekend evenings, Khreschatyk is buzzing with life and is just the best place for people watching.

And all over the city, you will find numerous outdoor bars, restaurants, and cafes bursting at the seams.

People of Kyiv love to spend their time outside and this vibe is definitely addictive!

Relax in the park

For such a huge city Kyiv can be relaxing too.

You can take a rest at the sandy beaches at the shore of Dnieper river (fun fact: it used to be possible take the zip line across the river!) – I don’t know many European capitals where you can do that, actually now that I think of it only Warsaw comes to my mind.

But my favorite place to relax in Kyiv is Shevchenko Park, located in the very center close to the main university building.

I spent hours there, chilling on the funky benches, watching people, reading or napping. When I have nothing else to do in Kyiv I just head to Shevchenko Park and chill there, such a pleasant place it is!

Alternative, quirky Kyiv

But Kyiv isn’t only this cute capital. It has the edgy, alternative and quirky side too.

You already know about street art, brutalism architecture or countless cafes and bars (some of them hidden in the gates or located in the garage).

But there’s more!

Besarabski Market, besides being a decent place to shop for the local produce, is also a meeting place for hipsters, dining in the local restaurants.

Close to the fairytale-like St. Andrew’s church you will find the lane full of crazy sculptures, including clearly overdosed Alice in Wonderland.

Cross the river and you’ll be in a completely different world, the concrete jungle with enormous blocks of flats so high you lost the track when counting the floors.

Among them, you can find little parks, lakes or gems like Art Zavod Platforma – the biggest creative and cultural center in Ukraine.

Kyiv is also home to the funky funicular that goes up from the Podil area (next to Poshtova Ploshcha metro station) to the St. Michael’s Monastery.

It looks like from some futuristic movie and, even if it’s part of the public transport system, you’re encouraged to take pictures of it (such a nice change from so many of the post-Soviet countries)!

If you’d like to get to know the alternative side of Kyiv you can join the pub crawl tour – click here for more details!

The deepest metro station in the world

I’m a huge fan of metro systems just about everywhere and while the one in Kyiv doesn’t really make my heart beat faster (unlike metro in Kharkiv , Moscow or, recently, in Baku and Tashkent) there are few stations that I certainly appreciate, like Zoloti Vorota.

But the most famous one is, with no doubts, Arsenalna station.

With the location 105 meters underground it holds the title of the deepest metro station in the world.

Once I checked how much time it takes from the moment you leave the train till the moment you make it outside – it was a bit over 6 minutes, and escalators in Kyiv’s metro are crazy fast, so fast you need to jump on them when you’re still not used.

If like me, you’re interested in the metro system and its history you should join the metro tour! Click here for more details!

Kyiv is safe

There’s this stereotype that Eastern Europe is unsafe. With the recent war in Ukraine Kyiv is considered by many to be a super dangerous place.

Even before the recent revolution I got worried comments and looks from my closest family and friends, asking what I’m getting myself into with the idea of traveling to Kyiv.

Well, this couldn’t be farther from the true.

While every now and then we get news of some incidents happening in Kyiv (don’t they happen just about everywhere?) I feel very safe in the city and there wasn’t even one situation when I felt something is wrong.

Of course, you need to be careful, like everywhere else, it’s a big city after all. But I don’t think there’re any major threats or issues you need to be aware of.

I wrote the whole article about safety in Ukraine – you can read it here!

Kyiv is really affordable

Already before the revolution in 2014 Kyiv was a very affordable capital but after those events, the value of Ukrainian hryvnia dropped a lot, like three times.

Now Kyiv is among the cheapest cities in Europe and the quality you get for so little money is outstanding.

Accommodation, food, going out, cultural events and any other expenses won’t drain your budget really.

Another reason why it’s worth to visit Kyiv now is helping the economy, and especially local people. While it’s crazy cheap for us it’s not for the residents and by spending money you support them.

Getaway to Chernobyl and the rest of Ukraine

The most popular day trip from Kyiv is the Chernobyl tour . The exclusion zone and the place of the most tragic and best known nuclear disaster in 1986 are only one hour away from Kyiv.

I visited Chernobyl and Pripyat and while before the trip I was slightly skeptical I really loved it and I can recommend it to everyone! It’s such a somber yet fascinating experience!

Kyiv is also a great getaway to Ukraine!

With numerous train connections just about everywhere it’s easy to explore this beautiful country. There are buses too but I definitely recommend trains.

They are cheap, efficient, of a decent standard and you can buy the ticket online in advance. You can also meet or just observe fellow passengers and get a good insight into the local life.

Now that I think of it I took bus only once in Ukraine, between Kamianets Podilskyi and Chernivtsi – all my other journeys were by train.

Visit Kyiv – practical information

How to get to kyiv + how to get to the center.

If you’re flying to Kyiv you have two airports to choose from: Zhuliany (for low-cost airlines mostly) and Borispol. I think this is the only city where the low-cost airport is actually much more convenient than the regular one.

Zhuliany is located in the city, you have the public transport stop 3 minutes walking from the terminal (you need to go straight from the building and shortly you will see the stop on your left side, next to the main road) and for as little as 5 UAH you can be in the center.

Trolleybus no 9 takes you directly to the center (Lev Tolstoy Square), passing the train station and University metro station along the way.

There’re also other minibusses and trolleys going to Shulyavska metro station from where you can easily go everywhere.

If you land in the evening you can take Uber for 120 UAH (at least that’s what I paid once on Friday evening from Zhuliany to Arsenalna metro station), there is free wifi at the airport so you can arrange everything easily. From what I’ve heard from fellow passengers taxis charge around 500 UAH…

If you don’t want to deal with all the hassle after arriving just book the private transfer to the center – click here for more details!

Borispol, the main airport, is located some 40 minutes away from the city.

You can get the Sky Bus for 100 UAH all the way to the main train station (the stop is on the other side of the tracks than the main hall and metro station). The buses depart every 15 minutes.

There is also a direct train from Borispol to the central train station but the schedule is a bit chaotic.

You can also book the private transfer to the center and enjoy a hassle-free ride. Click here for the details!

If you arrive in Kyiv by train you need to take the metro to get to the center.

There’s a metro stop Vokzalna next to the train station. When you exit the main hall you need to go left to the round building some 50 meters away (or just follow the people and look for the M sign).

3 metro stops and you’re at Maydan Nezalezhnosti, the main square in Kyiv.

Where to stay in Kyiv, Ukraine

This is the question I get the most often – where to stay in Kyiv.

Personally, my favorite area is around Zolote Vorota metro station as the location is just perfect and the neighborhood itself is really lovely.

It’s close everywhere and you have two metro lines crossing there, and another one just short walk away at Khreschatyk/Maidan Nezalezhnosti.

Kyiv (and Ukraine in general) offers a great quality/price ratio (it’s the only country where I feel stupid for paying so little for such a good service). And accommodation is no different here.

You can find a place to stay for every kind of traveler and it won’t drain your pocket. Here are few of my types:

• Hostel Veselka – Key2Gates (rating on Booking 8.7/10) – I stayed there once and can definitely recommend it for budget travelers. The hostel was really clean and quiet during my stay and the location is just the best – next door from Zoloty Vorota metro station! Click here to check the reviews and current rates!
• Globe Runner Hotel & Hostel Kyiv City Center (9.2/10) – located near the Golden Gate, this hostele is highly rated for the location, cleanliness and comfort. Click here to see more details and check current rates!
• Theatre Boutique Apart-Hotel (8.1/10 on Booking) – Near Teatralna metro station, hidden in the quiet street this hotel is valued for the comfort, good wi-fi and the location. Click here to see more details and check current rates!
• Live.Here.Hotel (9.2/10 on Booking) – Located half way between St. Michael’s Church and Maiden Nezalezhnosti the hotel is highly valued especially for comfort, staff and cleanliness. Click here to check reviews and see current rates!

Luxury hotels:

• 11 Mirrors Design Hotel (9.4/10 on Booking) – Hidden just behind the Opera the hotel has a beautiful interior and gets high notes in just about every aspect! Click here to see more details and check current deals!
• Hyatt Regency Kiev (9.0/10 on Booking) – 5* hotel located right next to St. Sophia Cathedral, known for the comfort and cleanliness. Click here to see the details and current deals!

How to travel around Kyiv

The core of Kyiv public transport is the metro system with three lines.

They can easily take you to all the city’s highlights: Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Khreschatyk (stations with the same name), St. Sophia’s, St. Michael’s, Zolote Vorota (station Teatralna/Zolote Vorota), Podil area (stations Poshtova Ploschta or Kontraktova Ploschta), Lavra and Motherland Monument (Arsenalna and a bit of walking).

All three lines cross in the center making it easy to change between them.

One ride costs 8 hryvnias and you can get a token either in the ticket office or in the machine, you can also use your Mastercard to enter the metro.

There’s also a big network of buses, minibusses, trams, and trolleybuses.

You pay for the ride inside, either to the person who collects the money and sells a ticket or directly to the driver.

Insurance for Ukraine

I never travel without the insurance as you never know what might happen on the road and better safe than sorry ( I’ve learnt my lesson ).

I can recommend SafetyWing that offer the insurance dedicated to travelers just like you and me.

Click here to get the insurance policy for Ukraine here.

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Ukraine too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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43 Comments

John Campbell

Kami, This is an great article and the Ukraine is definitely a place I want to visit once I get over there. But I have another question for you now. I am an American who wants to retire in Poland next Spring or Summer. I have been looking at many cities and would like to narrow down my choices to just a few that I will check out once I get there. One city that seems interesting and inexpensive, but that I can find little about is Kielce, can you give me your opinions about it? Also looking at Katowice & Gdansk, and half a dozen others. Can you make any suggestions to help me narrow it down? But, is Kielce a possibility or should I cross it off my list? I love your insights and way of looking at all the places you’ve spent time, so especially regarding your home country of Poland I’m hoping you have a few words of wisdom? Thank you so much in advance.

Thank you for your comment John! To be honest I don’t really like Kielce as there’s not all that much to see and do. I think Katowice or Gdańsk would be good choices, depending if you prefer mountains or see. If you’re after culture then maybe Lublin or Poznań would be good, or Wrocław (then you’d be also close to Germany and Czech Republic, and mountains). Or Warsaw as you’re centrally located then :) Maybe asking me wasn’t such a good option after all, I gave you more ideas than I should have ;)

Thank you very much for your reply! I do think it’s helpful! As a reader of your blog for a while, I’ve always loved the way you can (usually) find something interesting to appreciate about almost every place you visit! In fact, it would be hard to decide based your descriptions, as everywhere you go sounds wonderful in some way or another! Not surprisingly, those cities you named were also on my list, along with Krakow and Bydgoszcz. Katowice tops my list mostly because of your piece on it, where you called it the most underrated city in Poland. Many have said, it’s best to go and spend the first few months traveling around seeing the different cities in Poland, as it’s a diverse country with something for everyone. I like it all, sea, mountains, cultural activities & events, so it’s about the best compromise for me. Thank you again for responding and thank you for all the info you provide about your travels!

Thank you so much for your nice comment John! I always try to focus on positives and I believe every place has something interesting to offer so I always find beauty where others can’t see it. And Poland really is diverse so you will definitely be busy here :) if you have any questions about Poland feel free to ask!

Chris Baumgart

Lublin old town us fun & lovely but I don’t remember many people speaking English. Would you recommend Slovenia or Ukraine for a visit this summer? Thanks

It’s hard to compare these two countries really, depends what you are looking for. Ukraine will be definitely cheaper.

In my opinion (I’m from Poland): Warsaw. Krakow. Gdansk. Lodz. Wroclaw. Katowice

Libbie Griffin

Thank you for all this good information and for your fine photographs. I plan to spend a few days in Kiev in 2019 and this blog will be saved today and read often as the time of my visit nears. Kiev appears to be a beautiful and exciting city. I look forward to reading about Lviv on your blog. Have you been to Minsk? I think I’ll go there as well. Libbie Griffin

Hi Libbie, thank you for your comment! Kiev is amazing and I’m sure you will enjoy it. The city is so diverse, with so much to see and do that you just can’t be bored there. I’ve recently published a post about Lviv, you’re more than welcome to take a look! Yes, I’ve been to Minsk few years ago and really enjoyed it. There’s a post about it here as well. I’m going again next March as I’m sure it has changed a bit over the time.

Kavleen Kaur [email protected]

hey! I have read your blog it was amazing. thank you for sharing such a useful blog.

Carl Muncher

Such a wonderful review Kami, Kyiv is a wonderful city, would be great if you spelt the capital as ‘Kyiv’ instead of ‘Kiev’ though, ‘Kiev’ is the Russian translation into English whereas ‘Kyiv’ is from Ukrainian. Just imagine if a tourist agent did a review on “warschau”, can you imagine?? Also the historical legacy of Kyivan Rus is highly controversial, most historians dont consider it to be “the cultural ancestor of Russia” rather the cultural ancestor of Russia is more the Grand Duchy of Moscow or “Muscovy” as it was known then. Have to agree with you that this is the best time to travel to Kyiv. Since 2014 the city has absolutely lifted off, it even feels more free and democratic than before, they are finally shacking off the shackles of Moscow. Also can’t agree with you more varenyky and syrnyki they are by far the best things to eat there. haha i know Poles think pierogis are theres but rumour has it Saint Hyacinth of Poland brought them from back from a trip to Kyiv. Also must agree with the you about the architecture, the churches are the best, most of the good ones like Pecherska Lavra were built during the Ukrainian Cossack Hetmenate or Cossack-Ukraine. Would love to get some tips from you about visiting Gdansk (Danzig). I have heard it is such a beautiful city, many of my German friends recommend going and say it used to be theres haha.

Thank you Carl for your nice comment. I did write in the post that I know the correct name of the city is “Kyiv” but I use “Kiev” on purpose as more people use it when searching for information about the city and we all want to spread the word about Kyiv. You must have missed this part of the article :) And to be honest, as much as I love pierogi I prefer varenyky a bit more ;) But don’t tell it to anyone. Gdansk is great and you should definitely visit it if you have a chance. There’s a lot to see and do there, I think you will enjoy it! Just don’t tell anyone it’s a German city, there were short periods of time when Gdańsk was under the German rule but that’s it.

Hi kame, i am male solo tourist going to europe in may , i am not a sex tourist but i would love to know some ukranien womens, friends , whaever , my question will be wich city you think has better plaes for that, maybe nightlife , or parks , or the people is more open to the tourist , Kiev o Lviv , i can visit just one, ..many thans for any info

I’m sorry but I can’t really help you with your question. Both cities are great and worth a visit.

Hi, I would advise to try Kyiv first. This city is full of great places, as well as great people. Bright nightlife, a lot of youth, comfortable infrastructure, and a bunch of different pubs, bars and cafes, also there are beautiful sightseeing and so on. The article is really good, and it is worth to feel the atmosphere :)

I’ve been living here for 9 years, and love this city so much.

Next you could try Lviv or Odessa. A little bit different culture

I couldn’t agree more. Thanks!

Kami, thank you for such a good article. I’m from Kyiv and it is very pleasant to read your impression.

Thank you Olena! I’m really glad you enjoyed it :)

Sorry, but I have to report a bug in the text. The correct name is Kyiv( not Kiev). “Kyiv” is the right version as decided by UNCSGN (United Nations Conferences on the Standardization of Geographical Names) and UNGEGN (United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names).

if you read the article carefully you would see that I mentioned that and I explained why I’m using “Kiev” instead of “Kyiv”.

Matius Teguh Nugroho

Hi, Kami. Greeting from Indonesia! Glad I found your blog.

I’ve been thinking to visit Kiev recently for my Europe trip in a year or two. Ukraine is one of few European countries where Indonesians are permitted to enter without a visa. The other are Serbia and Belarus. But I think Kiev suits me best! Just like you, I’m a fan of architecture and metro systems. I ride the metro in any Asian cities I’ve visited, then review them on my blog. I see Kiev has many things to see, to do, to learn.

I think you definitely should visit Kiev when you can, it’s such a fascinating city. I’m sure you would enjoy it!

Thank you for this wonderful post (and for your wonderful blog in general–such a great find!). I am thinking of adding a few days in Ukraine to my upcoming trip to Poland and I love walking tours, especially history-oriented ones, or food/pub tours. I’ve noticed, though, that a lot of Ukrainian tours are either for private groups or charge a higher rate for only one person. Do you know of any tours or companies that offer mainly small-group tours that anybody can join?

Thanks! Caroline

Hi Caroline, unfortunately I don’t know any of such tours but why don’t you join my Facebook group about traveling in Eastern Europe and ask there? I’m sure some of the members will be able to help you! Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/121053081614593/ All the best and happy travels!

Ukraine is truly a beautiful country with Kiev having some of the most beautiful cathedrals.I truly enjoyed my trip .I would highly recommend this city .

I’m hapoy to hear that. All the best and safe travels!

Kami, I must say you have outdone yourself in this description of Kiev / Kyiv. All of your travelogues are animatedly descriptive and interesting but reading this one has made me feel I have experienced the city without having been there and I feel most compelled to get there asap. So I have been trying to interest a group of friends to chose Kiev as our next destination for a retreat and they were convinced the minute I shared your piece with them.

Thank you for your lovely comment. I’m glad you managed to convience your friends to visit Kiev too. Have a great trip!

Victoria@TheBritishBerliner

Yes! Yes! Yes! This is such a cool article about Ukraine. I’m quite the expert at East European countries myself but I do believe that you’re the top blogger when it comes to countries from the former USSR!

Well done Kami! :D

Thank you for your article. My name is Alexandra and I am from Kiev. It was so nice to read about it. My husband and I are going there in a few weeks. Can’t wait.:)

Thank you again for such a positive article. Safe travels!!!

I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the article, Alexandra. Have a wonderful time in Kiev!

Arsenalna Station isn’t the deepest in the world. The Pyongyang Metro is deeper. Arsenalna Station has a depth of 346 feet (105.5 meters) The Pyongyang Metro has a depth of 360 feet (109 meters). Therefore the Pyongyang Metro is the deepest metro in the world. Arsenalna is the second deepest.

Thank you for your comment, I’ve always heard Kyiv has the deepest metro station in the world, guess Ukraine has better marketing for that than North Korea.

Dear Kami. I am a non Ukraine born Ukrainian who speaks the language fluently. My 20 year daughter and I just came back from a a two week trip, one of those weeks spent in Kyiv, the other in Lviv where I have family Your post about Kyiv was a wonderful starting point, as this was my first time visiting outside of the more familiar to me western Ukraine. Unfortunately the funicular was out of order, but the subway escalators definitely give a thrill. We were there over Independence Day celebrations which were amazing. I have one wish, and that is that you would put labels on your photos so that the spots are easier to identify! Also…. I would actually recommend that people visit Lviv first. It is more intimate, more compact and has less “grunge” than Kyiv. While there is no subway, the trams are from the 50’s and 60’s and provide us westerners with an extraordinary view of how a vibrant city can carry on without the newest in travel technology. I was there 7 years ago and by now the tourist cafe and restaurant environment is extraordinary. Lots of street musicians. The Opera is beautiful and the best tickets are extremely cheap by Western standards.

I adore Lviv too, it’s such a charming city too and I try to visit it as often as I go to Kyiv! I’m glad you enjoyed Kyiv during your last trip to Ukraine! As for the pictures – it’s a bug I keep working on but I will try to add descriptions again here.

Basil Galarnyk

Hi Kami, We are planning our first trip to Ukraine in the spring, Kyiv, Lviv, Bratislava & Vienna. Loved this article about Kyiv and wait to share it with my wife.

This sounds like a great plan! I’m sure you will have a wonderful trip! :)

John caroline

Thank you for your article

you’re welcome!

Thanks, great article! Have you been to Kyiv after the Russian invasion of Ukraine? What do you think about the war?

No, unfortunately I haven’t been to Ukraine since the war has started, I don’t think now is the right time to travel there for tourism, although I really miss the place.

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• Through a Travel Lens: Plan. Travel. Share stories

• Love Letters to Ukraine

Travel to Kiev

Kyiv old town: a free walking tour around andriivska street.

18 Stops on One of the Most Picturesque Kyiv Old Town Routes

Dear friend, thank you for stopping by. A lot has changed in Ukraine since this post was published. It was written in good faith to promote Ukraine as an amazing travel destination. However, on February 24th, 2022, russia launched a full-scale invasion, turning our beautiful and peaceful country into a battlefield. It breaks our hearts to say that many locations that we wrote about are now either destroyed, occupied, or not entirely safe to visit. We are doing our best to update the posts about Ukraine, but for many reasons, this is a slow and painful process. So, for any posts that haven’t been updated yet, we leave this small note. Please stay safe, and please continue to support our nation during these hard times. Every Ukrainian believes that freedom and democracy will prevail, and hopefully, sooner rather than later, we will once again be able to celebrate life and travels.

Any of the professional guides in Kyiv will tell you – a walking tour around the old town around the Andriivska street area is the second most popular route in the city, after Khreschatik. Any of the city’s residents will most probably place this street first, or at least among the top 3 of their favorite Kiev places to visit. It has a special and controversial, a bit demonic, but also an extremely charming atmosphere…

…So, Let’s Dive Into This Kyiv Old Town Route

Today’s Kiev is split between the left and right banks of the river Dnipro. In the olden days, however, it was divided into the upper and lower towns. The upper one was home to the elite, and still has remains of the luxurious residences. The lower town was where the poor ones and workers lived. 

The only bridge between these two worlds was the Andriivsky descent. During your stay in the city, we highly recommend you to take one of the guided walking tours around this area. 

It is filled with mysteries, stories, and noteworthy landmarks. While we did our best to pack this virtual Kiev free walking tour around the old town with as many details as possible, there is no such thing as too much of Andriivsky descent. This is something any local will tell you.

We will begin our journey the most logical way, from the top, at Mykhailivska square. The path will lead us down, and we will be stopping to explore the monuments and landmarks. We will have a bite to eat at a local Ukraine-themed cafe and will maybe even wander off to the nearby smaller streets.

Note: Before we proceed, please give it up for our mom. She was the one to write this post. She is currently in Donetsk, and missing her Kiev life.

Table of Contents

1. Mykhaylivska Square and the Monastery – Welcome to the Historic Heart of Kiev Old Town!

We offer to start a walk at Mykhaylivska square. A charming beauty is located in the city center, on the historical Knyazha mountain. Though overcrowded at times (on weekends and holidays), the square manages to remain a very cozy place. 

Its main attraction is, of course, the St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Church and Monastery. This sky-blue cathedral is famous worldwide for its unique frescoes and shimmering mosaic. 

Though being a rather touristic site, it is still working as a monastery. We recommend you not only take a picture next to the cathedral’s entrance decorated with unique frescoes but to also go inside. 

Hiding behind the walls is a lush garden, which is particularly lovely during spring and the cherry and apricot blossom seasons. The insides of the church are decorated to the Orthodox canon. A tall bell tower opens fantastic views on the capital. 

If you are a female, be sure to cover your head.

2. Walk by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Located in close proximity to the church is a grandiose building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can spot it from where you are standing near the St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. Originally the headquarters to the Soviet Ukraine’s Communist Party, it is an example of the monumental and ambitious architecture of the Soviet Era.

Tip: The building is also located next to the cozy park Volodymyrsky Hill, with its gazebos overlooking the Dnipro river and the left bank of Kyiv.  

From here, you can not only enjoy the fantastic views of the city, but you can also ride the Kiev funicular down to the Podol area and the Dnipro river. It will be a detour from this route, but it is a ride worth taking. We are currently working on a detailed Kiev walking tour of Podol. 

The funicular provides a nice, comfortable and rather cheap ride downhill. By the way, you can pay on the turnstile by your PayPass card, which will be even cheaper, and not many visitors to the city know about it!

3. Try to Spot the Monument to Gogol’s Nose on One of the Buildings

Kiev old town has a fair share of strange monuments, and the nose of Nikolai Gogol, the legendary writer, is exactly one of them. 

This peculiar bronze nose framed with ornate mustache adorns the facade of the house №34 on the famous Andriyivsky Descent. 

The monument is a tribute to the writer’s famous work «The Nose». There is an opinion that one day Gogol was walking around Kiev in search of inspiration for the next novel, but unfortunately, he had a bad cold, so all his thoughts were only about one thing – about his running nose. The idea to create “The Nose” came to the sculptors after they learned about that episode in the writer’s life.

This is a cute city legend. It is not the only one for such a tiny monument! Another tale of the city says that touching the Nose helps to cure minor colds and runny noses.

4. Discover the Local Goods – Shop at the Vsi.Svoi Market

Sightseeing in Kiev old town is great, but there is another great thing to do in this city, and it is to shop. I do not mean mass-market or brands that you can find at the malls pretty much anywhere around the world, so we’re offering to maybe combine these two experiences during the walk. Why?

One of the positive impacts of the Revolution of 2014 was the rise of the local production. It started out modestly, with a few of the young brands launching social media pages and offering shoes, bags, clothes and other goods produced here, in the small productions.

Today, many of those pioneer startups have turned into the thriving local brands, at the same time showing an example and giving motivation to more Ukrainians to venture into this business, as well. 

Why This Particular Place?

What’s notable about the Vsi.Svoi Market is that it first started as a small initiative, too, a fair and a platform for those first brands, and has now evolved into a chain of shopping malls with all-Ukrainian products. The name of the shop means «Our People», by the way.

This is now a place to buy different, often exclusive clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. from the Ukrainian designers. Besides, while the prices are usually the same as in the world-famous branded stores like Zara and whatnot, the level of style, diversity, and quality at Vsi.Svoi is usually higher.

To quote my good friend, the owner of Nine (the local clothing brand): “Unlike some major brands, I can not screw up and sell something of poor quality. The customers usually don’t come knocking on the door of a major brand to complain. But they will come knocking on mine because they know where I live. They know I am local. So, I must deliver”. 

What’s really good about this market – three floors of all sorts of products, including some locally produced furniture – is that it also features street food market stalls located on the two terraces. Stop by, if not for the sake of shopping, then at least for a glass of lemonade and a snack.

5. Get Inspired by the Oldest Tree in Town – The Kiev Linden

This Linden (Lipa is what the locals call it) is a definite Kiev old town must-see. It is one of the most legendary old trees in the city, with its own glorious history. 

Some sources say that it was the Metropolitan Peter Mogila who planted the tree near the Desyatynna Church at the beginning of the Andriivskiy descent back in 1635. According to this story, the tree is more than 400 years old! There is, however, a version that the linden is close to 1000 years old as it was planted even earlier than 1635.

It is almost impossible to miss this beauty. Its trunk and the crone make it as high as 15 meters. Each summer, in June, the linden blossoms with small yellow flowers, filling the air around with a beautiful aroma. A few years ago, the trunk of the tree was sealed – a move that will help the tree to stay alive for at least 2 more hundred years, the experts say.

Some believe that the tree fulfills desires. The recipe is simple and somewhat entertaining: make a wish and walk around the Lipa 7 times counter-clockwise.

6. Wander Off to Peyzahna Alley

This tiny street is the pride and joy for many locals. Also known as the Landscape Alle due to the panorama of the Vozdvyzhenska street, all the hills and even the left bank opening from it, it is also famous for its colorful, Alice-In-Wonderland-like sculptures.

In 2009, an old street turned into an unusual playground with statues of fairies, cats, zebras, and elephants, as well as with a fountain and benches, all decorated with tiny and colorful mosaic tiles. 

Once part of an old fortification that surrounded the city, and from which our ancestors looked outside the borders of Kievan Rus, it is now a cozy place to come to have some tea or coffee and to rest. Because it is also a mini-park, many locals come here with their kids.

The alley also gradually keeps extending, with more and more objects appearing on it. 

7. Take a Shortcut from the New Stairs to Vozdvyzhenska Street

A stylish and modern bridge uniting two very popular areas – the Andriivsky Descent and the Vozdvyzhenska street, these stairs are in fact rather old. They were designed in 1695 and got renovated fairly recently. 

You can walk past them on your way down the Andriivsky Descent, and come back later to maybe even go up. The stairs have comfortable handrails and many benches to rest.

We especially recommend walking here in the evening. All 247 steps and rails are nicely illuminated, which creates the illusion of a fairy tale. At daytime, the main benefit of this location is, of course, breathtaking panoramic views over the Dnipro river.

It is absolutely safe to walk here in the evening because the stairs are equipped with surveillance cameras. There is also free access to wi-fi.

8. Rub the Ring of the Pronia Prokopovna’s Monument

Returning back from the Peyzazhna Alley detour, you will spot a peculiar monument hidden under a tree not far from the Andriivska Church.

Pronia Prokopovna and Svirid Golokhvosty are the legendary characters from the 60’s comedy «Running After the Two Hares». In the story, a bankrupt business owner decides to marry a rich but a not-so-pretty lady Pronia, while at the same time falling for a prettier but poorer girl and offering his heart to her, too. On the day of his wedding to Pronia, the liar gets exposed. The family then chases him away from the church.

These personages became so popular that people decided to immortalize them. The monument was built in 1999 on Andriiskiy descent and since then gathers lots of fans of the story around it.

The monument shows Svirid Golokhvasty kneeling to kiss the hand of Pronia Prokopovna. Many local couples come here to have their pictures taken in the exact same poses. Also, rumor has it that if you rub Pronia’s engagement ring, you will be successfully married in the nearest future. This is, however, not the only legend about this monument (as you might have already noticed, we, the Ukrainians, loooove assigning many legends per each of the monuments).

Attached to the back of Svirid’s costume is a small bug – a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and also a desirable object for many visitors. For at least 6 times, the mischievous locals managed to steal the bug, and for that exact amount of times, its copy was reattached back.

If you want to fully immerse into the atmosphere of this famous Kiev story, we recommend you to have lunch at a restaurant «Running After Two Hares» near the Andriivska church.

9. Explore the Andriivska Church of Kiev Old Town

St. Andrew’s Church is one of the most famous Orthodox temples in the Ukrainian capital.  It is currently one of the four architectural landmarks of Ukraine accepted into the List of Mankind Treasures of Five Continents by the world society. 

This graceful church has five green domes – a color not that typical for Orthodox architecture in this town. Its designer is the famous architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Many think that the church is the swang song of the master. The church has no bells, which is another thing atypical to the Orthodox canon.

Legend says it that the hill, on which the church stands, was once washed by the sea from all of its sides and it is due to St. Andrew who erected a cross on this hill that the waters retrieved. They are now hidden under the hill. However, the ringing church bells can awaken the sea and cause the flood, which is why St. Andrew’s cathedral does not have any of those.

Even more impressive than its Baroque exterior is the church’s interior with its notable bright-red wooden iconostasis and golden highlights. Today this church is a working temple and services are being held here regularly.

The church’s terrace is a place to admire the panoramic views of the city. The holy territory starts right behind the gates. Women must cover their heads and to wear skirts below the knee.

10. Hunt for Treasures Amidst the Souvenir Stalls

“A picturesque street with diverse souvenir stalls”, “a major tourist attraction in Kyiv old town”, “Ukrainian open-air market” – these opinions about the Andriivskiy descent are the most common among the guests.

This place is famous for its numerous street vendors, big and little gift shops and small art-galleries for every taste. It is a perfect hunting ground for ones who love collecting trinkets during the travel. Among those are old fur hats with stars from the Soviet era, hand-made pipes and our traditional clothes – vyshyvankas. Bad news, though: the place can be a bit pricey, especially for a foreigner. Haggling may work, though. 

Despite the fact that it is very tourist-oriented, this is also a very authentic place where you can feel the real atmosphere of Kiev. It is also a convenient area for a snack or for a lunch stop. Those of you looking for a fancier meal can stop by Kanapa (Andriicky descent, 19). This is a fine-dining place offering a mix of traditional Ukrainian cuisine with a modern serving. A salad, main course, and a drink will cost you around 20 USD. 

Kanapa’s closest neighbor and a budget swap is a casual cafe Gnezdo (Andriivsky descent, 21), where on average you will spend under 10 USD for a lunch.

Speaking of lunch at Kanapa…

11. …Dine at the Last Wooden House of the City

…the restaurant shares a wall with a peculiar building.

Located at Andriivsky descent 19a is a true wooden beauty. It is the last wooden house of the Kyiv old town. It dates back to the 19th century. The house once belonged to a merchant woman. Today it is an art gallery and, well, a fine-dining place.

12. Ascend Richard the Lionheart’s Castle Stairs

Oh what an odd place this castle is! To be honest, Richard the Lionheart has never lived here. If the king were alive, he would’ve been very surprised to learn he owns such a peculiar residence. In reality, this is a poetized name of the building №15 on the Adriivskiy Descent. 

The castle dates back to 1902-1904 and once finished, it became notoriously known for the howling sounds its walls made. It also had a reputation for chasing away its inhabitants. Some were killed, others mysteriously disappeared. Neither of the owners stayed here for long.

Years passed by until one of the castle’s tenants finally cleared the reputation of the building. Intrigued by the devilish noises, he inspected the walls of the building to discover that some of them contained the bottoms of the glass bottles and these were producing noises whenever the wind was blowing. Some believe it was the way that the builders avenged the first owner after he underpaid them.

But even with its reputation cleared, the building remains empty. Which is something we won’t say about its terrace. Located to the left of the main gates, there are the steep metal stairs leading to the upper level of the castle. From there, you can enjoy…

…you guessed right – the panoramic views of the Podol area. In the early mornings in spring and summer, this terrace is also a place where the Kiev yogis gather for the early practices.

13. Wander Off to Vozdvyzhenska Street

Just across from the castle, there is a turn to the Vozdvyzhenska street. This street has an interesting story to it.

Due to its colorful and unusual buildings, this was one of the most popular projects in the city. All of us were waiting impatiently for the construction to be over, and for the street to start living its life. But time passed by. The buildings were completed. And they just stood there empty, for quite a few years.

At first, the entire street reminded more of a colorful decoration in the Hollywood studio. As the years went by, it then became known as the Dead City for the Millionaires. Back in 2012, the price for the apartments here reached around 4 million UAH (approximately 500,000 USD back then). Only wealthy people could afford to live on this street.

In reality, however, behind the luxurious facades of the stylish buildings, there were lots of problems. These included sewerage malfunction, excess dampness, mold…. The houses were pretty. But they were also impossible to live in.

Gradually, all of these problems got fixed. Today Vozdvyzhenka is the go-to place to shop local clothing brands, to wine and dine in some of the best restaurants, and to stay in one of the best Kiev boutique hotels. It is also a street popular among wedding and fashion photographers.

14. Visit the Most Mysterious House of Andryyvsky Descent

The house at Andryyvsky descent 13 is the most mysterious building in the area. It is a place where the legendary writer Mykhail Bulgakov lived. He was the person to write the legendary Master and Margarita novel.

In this house, Mykhail lived with his family. This is where he also wrote The Days of the Turbins – a novel where fiction intertwined with his real life. Today the house at Andryyvska 13a is the museum, where each room tells an episode from the writer’s life. Very much in Bulgakov’s style, each room also hides a mystery. This is a museum well worth a visit.

This is the part of the street that has a mystery number 13 repeated 4 times! The museum stands at 13a, with 13b the restaurant and 13 the house attached to it. The writer lived here for 13 years.

15. Admire the Renaissance Mural

Kiev is known for its murals, and not only in the old town. Artists from all corners of the world come to Ukraine’s capital to paint the walls and metro stations.

The Renaissance mural is located almost at the bottom of the Andriivsky descent. It appeared on the wall in 2014. Its author is the artist from Sevastopol, Oleksiy Kislov. He painted a girl dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothes. This girl symbolizes the rebirth of the Ukrainian culture.

16. Treat Yourself with Some Delicious Chocolate…

Shall we wrap up the walk with a nice cup oh hot chocolate with red pepper? Or with some tea and handmade candies?

Andriivsky descent 2b hosts the famous cafe that came to Kiev from Lviv. It is the Lviv Chocolate Workshop, a cozy place with lots of visitors. You might probably need to wait in line for a table.

But the sweets and the atmosphere is well worth the wait!

17. …Or Maybe, Mingle with The Locals Over a Glass of Cherry Cordial

Adjacent to the Lviv Chocolate Workshop cafe is the no-less famous Drunken Cherry cafe. It serves its signature cherry cordial by glasses or by bottles. As a side dish, it offers chocolate candies with the cherry inside or cherry paste.

In the evening, this is one of the most crowded places in Podol. Many locals come here to have a drink and to mingle. As the place does not offer tables to sit at, the visitors stand by the cafe. This is a very dynamic and fun place to explore. 

18. Observe Kiev Old Town from the Podol Ferris Wheel

Technically, this is not Andryyvsky descent anymore, but it is such a nice way to wrap up the walk! A round of the Ferriss Wheel costs around 3 USD and shows nice panoramas of the Podol area.

That’s it for the walk around the Kiev Old Town. Hope you enjoyed it!

Written by Inessa Rezanova

I am a Kyiv-based screenwriter with 10+ years of experience in producing scripts. I love my job, and no, I did not quit it to travel the world. I see different countries in my spare time. As a storyteller, I believe that it is the emotional journey that matters the most. This is why together with my sister I started this blog to encourage everyone to travel and to do so with a heart and mind opened to adventures.

Images by Natalie Rezanova

I am a photographer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. I am lucky to be able to do what I love the most for a living. Photography is an endless source of inspiration for me. My mission on this blog is to inspire by sharing some of the favorite captions from my journeys. I also provide professional photography tips to help the readers bring home some beautiful photo memories.

Inessa Rezanova

I live in Kyiv, Ukraine. I am a screenwriter with 10+ years of experience in producing scripts. I love my job, and no, I did not quit it to travel the world. I see different countries in my spare time. As a storyteller, I believe that it is the emotional journey that matters the most. This is why together with my sister I started this blog to encourage everyone to travel and to do so with a heart and mind opened to adventures.

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Is Kyiv Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.

This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…

At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.

Ukraine : Safety by City

Kyiv is the capital and largest city of Ukraine with – officially – as much 3 million inhabitants.

One of the great things about Kyiv is that people here are kind and generally easygoing.

If you only speak English, many locals will accommodate you.

Many people adore living in Kyiv, even though it’s sometimes dangerous: the costs are low, the people are friendly, and the city has a lot to offer.

Since Kyiv is a huge metropolis, its cultural life is very vibrant.

There is always something to see, be it a gig, a play, an exhibition or other entertainment.

Kyiv’s nightlife is also rich.

• Warnings & Dangers in Kyiv

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Kyiv is not too safe for visitors. It is a city where travelers aren't too common, but if you do visit, some areas should be avoided at all costs.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Driving a car in Kyiv is very dangerous and may prove fatal, especially if you didn’t get your license in Ukraine. Public transportation is one of the most common places where you'll find pickpockets operating.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are a serious issue in Kyiv, and it can occur everywhere so you should be careful particularly in crowded places, in tourist areas, in bars and nightclubs and on public transportation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, what still represents the biggest issue in Kyiv is the legacy of the Chernobyl disaster. It is also susceptible to frequent freezing winters and storms.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

As for violent crime, it has been on the rise in Central Kyiv, especially after dark. This includes muggings, and armed robbery, particularly in secluded and dark streets and areas.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Kyiv and the authorities in Ukraine have announced that they have already disrupted numerous planned attacks precisely in the capital

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scamming is also an issue in Kyiv. Apart from online scams, be careful on the streets, keep an eye on your drink and always check your change twice. Be especially careful around taxi drivers trying to overcharge you.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Kyiv is not a safe place for solo female travelers. Crime is widespread throughout the country and there is political turmoil as well as terrorism threats disrupting peace in the country.

• So... How Safe Is Kyiv Really?

There are many sights Kyiv offers to its visitors.

When it comes to crime, you should try and lay low and refrain from showing the fact that you’re a tourist or your belongings.

Try to fit in, as foreigners are still rare in this city.

Petty theft is an issue here, so be very careful and guard your stuff.

Kyiv, Odesa and other major cities are more accustomed to tourists, which is why pickpockets here are more common, especially in crowded places like metro, bus and train stations.

And even though bad blood between Russia and Ukraine is unlikely to affect tourists, you should know that there are no government services like police, hospitals, firefighters, ambulance services, etc.

Another big risk here is probably the traffic: namely, a lot of people don’t use seat belts even if their chosen taxi has them – a lot of Ubers don’t have seat belts.

Get a reputable taxi, an Uber Select, or take public transport.

Regarding separatists and war, it’s all politics, and if you are not a civic activist, and aggressively politically-minded personality you may just relax and enjoy discovering this amazing ancient city.

There are no protesters or separatists in the streets, but if there were, it would be wise not to join them.

• How Does Kyiv Compare?
• Useful Information

Many countries do not need a visa to enter Kyiv. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of your travel and you need to apply for your visa well in advance as they cannot be acquired on Ukranian airports. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Ukrainian embassy for further information.

Ukrainian hryvnia is the official currency in Kyiv. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and you can expect them even outside of the city. Credit cards are also accepted in most establishments.

The climate is cold and temperate in the capital of Ukraine. Kyiv is a city with a significant amount of rainfall. Even in the driest month, there is a lot of rain. Winters here are warm without much snow while summers are rainy.

Boryspil International Airport is the country's main international airport. It is located in Boryspil, 29 km east of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Kyiv, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Kyiv Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Ukraine - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

9 Reviews on Kyiv

This is not true.

You make it sound so much worse than it is. I am not even going to point out what is wrong, because most of this article is so not true. You should really review this city again.

I agree with Polina. Just came back from Kiev. Great city. Very safe More than certain major Western European or North American cities. The person who wrote such report has not been to Kiev, certainly not recently.

Hi Massimo thank you for your review and I just had a question about traveling to Kyiv. I’m an American and I wanted to meet my lady in the city. How do you recommend I go about getting there? I will be coming from Georgia where I will be staying initially. My lady does not want to travel to me so I have to travel to her. I appreciate any recommendations you may have. thank you Dan

the article is fake, Kyiv is awesome

This article reads noty like a satirical joke poking fun at some ww2 era stereotypes. But in case anyway too it seriously — just don’t take it seriously, because the last time there were no government services, as mentioned in the article, such as the police, ambulance, the fire department etc was back in 1944.

The war with Russia is taking place in the far east and does not affect Kyiv, because it’s a positional for (think ww1 trench warfare)

I’ve been to Kyiv well over ten times and it’s one of the safest cities in the western world. There are no ‘bad’ neighborhoods, you can pretty much go anywhere, walk anywhere, see the amazing restaurants, visit the opera and if you’re a woman your experience is not going to differ at all. Ukrainians are generally very secular, pro-western and you’ll feel comfortable wearing anything you want. Public transportation is just as safe as ubers.

The only people getting scammed, for the most part, are old men visiting the country to find cheap prostitutes, but if you’re a regular person coming to enjoying the great restaurants and visit the theaters — you will have no problems.

Awful article. The author probably had never been to Kyiv.

False information

All wrong on Kyiv and Ukraine. Unless you visit separatist controlled regions, you are reasonably safe (comparing to other Eastern European countries)

I absolutely loved it all and can’t wait to go back, what a beauty and the people are as good as people in England.

Now when Russia has attacked and bombing cities in March 2022. Visiting is dangerous.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to the western regions of:

• Zakarpattia
• Ivano-Frankivsk

FCDO  advises against all travel to

• within 50km of the borders of Volyn, Rivne and Zhytomyr with Belarus, due to the ongoing presence of Russian and Belarusian military and security personnel on the Belarusian side of the border
• the rest of Ukraine

Russian invasion of Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with missile and drone attacks across the country. Russian missile and drone strikes have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, energy and industrial facilities, injuring and killing civilians.  Ukraine’s airspace remains closed.

There is an ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine, including from missiles and drones that hit unintended targets or from falling debris. Whilst these are more frequent where FCDO advises against all travel, they could also happen in the western regions, where FCDO advice is against all but essential travel.

In the event of attacks, follow the advice of the local authorities, including responding to air raid sirens.

The situation in Ukraine can change quickly. Local rules and measures may change at short notice or with no notification. FCDO cannot confirm that all information here reflects the latest situation in Ukraine.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Explosions continue to be reported near the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant indicating ongoing military activity. There have been no reports of any radiation release.

Leaving Ukraine

Expect increased documentation checks, transport restrictions and increased security measures. Other measures could include additional border controls, restrictions on public events, curfews, restrictions on telephones, internet and broadcasting, and evacuations of certain areas.

If you are a dual British-Ukrainian national or you have the right to reside in the UK, and want to leave Ukraine, contact the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on [email protected] for advice.

Ukrainian national and dual-national males aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.

The authorities in the countries bordering Ukraine set and enforce their entry rules. Before you travel, check the foreign travel advice for any countries you plan to travel through. If you need consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in that country (contact details can be found in the relevant foreign travel advice page).

Assisted departure or evacuation

The British Embassy in Kyiv is unable to provide in-person consular assistance.

FCDO cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine or evacuation. If you are in Ukraine against FCDO advice, or require support to leave Ukraine, take advice from a private security company and take appropriate security measures.

FCDO cannot endorse or recommend any private security companies. Research whether a service provider will be suitable for your requirements and meets code of conduct and safety standards. The Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG) has several companies listed on their website. These companies have accredited certification for international standards.

FCDO has not completed due diligence checks on these companies. FCDO does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information. FCDO is not able to provide financial assistance for employing private security or medical evacuation companies.

Visas for the UK

If you are a family member of a British national normally living in Ukraine and intend to apply for a visa under the Ukrainian Family Scheme, read the guidance on visas for family members of British nationals normally living in Ukraine . Call +44 (0)808 164 8810 (select option 1) for assistance before applying.

Under this scheme, which is free, those joining family in the UK can stay in the UK for up to 3 years. They will be able to study, work and access public funds.

Foreign fighters

If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation.  You could be prosecuted on your return to the UK.

British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of mistreatment, is high.

Our ability to provide consular support in these circumstances is very limited.

Supporting Ukraine

There are many ways to support Ukraine from the UK. For further information, see Ukraine: what you can do to help .

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