Kyiv
Temperature
1°
Time
6:44 PM
Kyiv
Golden domes and shimmering spires peek out from the wooded hills rising above the wide Dnipro River. Leafy-green Kyiv, with its traffic-packed boulevards, shopping malls, countless churches, brilliant music and lively nightlife, has embraced capitalism, yet held firmly to its heritage. The Caves Monastery is the spiritual heart of Ukraine, and nearby, a gigantic Brezhnev-era Motherland statue bearing sword and shield casts her all-encompassing eye over the city, the river, and its island beaches.Find your trip
Restoration of the Golden Gate Monument was initiated on the occasion of Kyiv's 1500-year anniversary in 1982. This was met with some criticism, since this decision implied the structure's original ruins had to be removed to erect the new monument. The has now been rebuilt in a combination of brick and wood.
Seat of the Orange Revolution, Kyiv’s big social heart hosts many concerts, performances and festivals, and it is thus known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Surrounded and embellished with fountains, monuments and an underground shopping mall, this is where real life happens.
This tree-lined boulevard, the main street of Kyiv, is dominated by Stalin Empire architecture and upmarket shops. It stretches over one kilometer through a valley, that is thronged at weekends when it’s closed to traffic
This monastery is a historic pilgrimage place and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing amazing churches, museums and eerie monastery caves. In 2007, it was also elected as one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine.
The picturesque and steep cobblestone hill Andriyivsky Uzviz, meaning "Andrew’s Descent", is lined with souvenir sellers and artists. Historic landmarks, for example the Castle of Richard Lionheart, are spread out along the descent and they all a great sight.
This 11th-century cathedral, now being a museum, is adorned by stunning mosaics and impressive frescoes. Together with the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, this one is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The National Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War is a great place for getting a profound understanding of Kyiv´s history and the impact it has made on the country today. This museum has both an indoor section and a big outdoor section with monuments and statues.
St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery lies on the Dnipro river bank and it boasts soaring domes, mosaics and memories. It was built in 1713 and it has been complemented as well as rebuilt and reconstructed several times since.
Restoration of the Golden Gate Monument was initiated on the occasion of Kyiv's 1500-year anniversary in 1982. This was met with some criticism, since this decision implied the structure's original ruins had to be removed to erect the new monument. The has now been rebuilt in a combination of brick and wood.
Seat of the Orange Revolution, Kyiv’s big social heart hosts many concerts, performances and festivals, and it is thus known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Surrounded and embellished with fountains, monuments and an underground shopping mall, this is where real life happens.
Le Cosmopolite, as part of the Pees Boy Club, is a authentic brasserie specializing in Belgian beer and cuisine, and in a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. This venue is great for a friendly get together – especially, if you enjoy live jazz music.
Housed in a building that looks like a lighthouse, Chernomorka serves seafood and dishes of the Black sea region. The outdoor terrace and wide selection of wines are particularly inviting on balmy summers, so head here for enjoying the night .
For the widest whisky selection and a taste of Scottish haggis, head to this authentic restaurant downtown, where food and drinks come along with an excellent service. Order a sampling set of whisky to familiarize yourself with its large variety at once.
Enjoy a delicious pizza at Pizzeria Napule, where proper Neapolitan pizza without any oil or fat is served. Choose among 20 different pizzas, all of them prepared in a wood oven built with Neapolitan materials.
This Georgian restaurant awaits you with mouthwatering dishes and complementary drinks. Along with the unique traditional décor, this authentic location will easily become a favorite that will suit any taste. The restaurant's name is a portmanteau of chacha (a strong Georgian liquor) and khachapuri (a bread and cheese dish).
For delicious tacos and burritos, head straight to this location, where Mexican food is served around the clock. Complimentary snacks, additionally, will make your experience all the more exciting.
This restaurant's name has become synonymous with quality steak. Rightfully so, as the selection of meat cuts and wines leaves little to desire. Prices are above average but so is both food and service.
Le Cosmopolite, as part of the Pees Boy Club, is a authentic brasserie specializing in Belgian beer and cuisine, and in a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. This venue is great for a friendly get together – especially, if you enjoy live jazz music.
Housed in a building that looks like a lighthouse, Chernomorka serves seafood and dishes of the Black sea region. The outdoor terrace and wide selection of wines are particularly inviting on balmy summers, so head here for enjoying the night .
The boisterous Bessarabsky market with its fresh produce and incredible variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers is an essential stop for anyone looking for catching up the spirit of a lively marketplace. This authentic shopping experience should not be missed when in Kyiv.
As home to many high-end shops, the TsUM department store is an attraction as much as it is a shopping mall. The historic building has a very Soviet air about it, and as nicknamed "Kyiv's Harrods", this giant has anything your heart desires.
Little-known outside the former USSR countries, this major confectionery manufacturer produces an incredible variety of quality sweets, and its outlet stores are scattered all over Kyiv and easy to find. Roshen chocolates make great gifts, too.
Shopping doesn't get more central than this, as the Globus mall is located directly in the heart of Independence Square. As Kyiv's favorite clothes-shopping destination, its hosts global brand-name stores such as Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger as well as many others.
Slightly off the beaten track, this book shop is one of the few places in Kyiv where English-language literature can be found. The store specializes in textbooks but some fiction is also on offer, so do have a look.
As wine-lovers' mecca, this place houses an immense variety of high quality wines which can be sampled prior to purchase as well as consumed right there, accompanied by finest meats and cheeses.
Located on the left river bank in the new part of town, this enormous mall houses a variety of local and international brands as well as a food court occupying an entire floor. There is also an affordable supermarket, Auchan, that offers both traditional Ukrainian food and international specialties.
Kyiv's main artery, Khreshchatyk, is closed for traffic on weekends and holidays, and this makes shopping experience even more convenient. With its Globus Mall as well as numerous separate stores – both high-end and affordable –Khreshchatyk attracts hundreds of tourists and shoppers every day.
The boisterous Bessarabsky market with its fresh produce and incredible variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers is an essential stop for anyone looking for catching up the spirit of a lively marketplace. This authentic shopping experience should not be missed when in Kyiv.
As home to many high-end shops, the TsUM department store is an attraction as much as it is a shopping mall. The historic building has a very Soviet air about it, and as nicknamed "Kyiv's Harrods", this giant has anything your heart desires.
The largest passenger airport in the Ukraine, Boryspil, is located 35 kilometers away from the city centre. The easiest way to get here is by Sky Bus, which connects the airport with Kyiv's main railway station via the Kharkivska metro station: it runs with 15 minute intervals during day time and 30-45 minutes apart at night, and tickets may be purchased in terminals B and D or straight at the bus; the journey lasts about 50 minutes. There is a free airport shuttle bus circulating along the following route: Terminal D - Hotel - Terminal B (Bus terminal) - Hotel - Terminal D. Several long-distance bus routes directly from the airport are offered by the companies "Gunsel", "Autolux" and "Ukrbus", and all normally run via the central bus station. Taxis are available for hire as well, but make sure to agree on the price before departure.
The main business aviation airport in the Ukraine, Kyiv Zhulyany, is located only 8 kilometers to the South of the city centre. Due to its convenient location, getting here by public transport is easy and quite fast, as minibus routes 169, 565, 368, 302, 482, 496, 499 and trolleybus 22 route regularly.
Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Uzbekistan can enter the Ukraine without a visa for an indefinite stay, whereas holders of passports from all European countries and number of others can enter without a visa for a stay up to 90 days – use the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to check for individual requirements. Since 2019, citizens on a number of countries can apply for an eVisa. The application process is entirely online. Apply at least 10 days before your trip.
The best time to visit Kyiv is the summer season from May until September, as both the average temperature as well as rainfall are at their most visitor-friendly. However, this period is only second most crowded, as the charm of Christmas in Kyiv attracts many visitors – do travel around New Year's/Christmas time (January 7th is when the latter is celebrated) to experience Kyiv among festive locals.
Public transport runs from 5:45 am until midnight on trolleybuses, buses, the Metro and mini-buses (shuttle buses). The fast, clean and very deep Metro has three lines that are fairly easy to navigate, as metro schemes are available at all stations.
There are many different taxi companies in town to choose from. Agree on the price before the journey begins in order to avoid being overcharged upon arrival. Blues +380 44 529 300 0 Kyiv City +380 44 502 020 2 Alfa +380 44 227 711 1
The Central Post Office is a tourist attraction of its own, so make sure to visit it and possibly send a postcard or two to family and friends back home. Drop your mail off directly at the post office or use one of the yellow or blue post boxes scattered around the city. However, make sure it says "outside Kyiv" if you are sending international mail. Delivery might take a while, so turn to a private delivery service in case you are in a rush.
The largest passenger airport in the Ukraine, Boryspil, is located 35 kilometers away from the city centre. The easiest way to get here is by Sky Bus, which connects the airport with Kyiv's main railway station via the Kharkivska metro station: it runs with 15 minute intervals during day time and 30-45 minutes apart at night, and tickets may be purchased in terminals B and D or straight at the bus; the journey lasts about 50 minutes. There is a free airport shuttle bus circulating along the following route: Terminal D - Hotel - Terminal B (Bus terminal) - Hotel - Terminal D. Several long-distance bus routes directly from the airport are offered by the companies "Gunsel", "Autolux" and "Ukrbus", and all normally run via the central bus station. Taxis are available for hire as well, but make sure to agree on the price before departure.
The main business aviation airport in the Ukraine, Kyiv Zhulyany, is located only 8 kilometers to the South of the city centre. Due to its convenient location, getting here by public transport is easy and quite fast, as minibus routes 169, 565, 368, 302, 482, 496, 499 and trolleybus 22 route regularly.
