Essential Travel Guide to Kyiv, Ukraine

Set along the banks of River Dnipro, the capital city of Ukraine, Kyiv is a place of great statements. The long history of the city has led to a fascinating blend of architectural styles that suit any taste. The people of Kyiv are very friendly, funny, and proud of their culture. These features make Kyiv a wonderful place to be. Tourist numbers are quite small here, meaning that you will have ample space to experience the city.

Planning a trip to Kyiv? This travel guide will help to ensure you have a smooth experience during your stay there.

When to Visit Kyiv

Kyiv has hot summers and very cold winters. Therefore, the best time to visit this place is during the summer season. The last weekend of May is also a great time to visit this city as that is when the Kiev Day is held. You could also visit in late June, where you will get a chance to experience the Kraina Mriy Festival.

Where to Stay in Kyiv

You can still get some cool places to stay in Kyiv even when working on a budget. For instance, the Podolski Hotel offers clean and safe accommodation at a fairly low price. The Staro Hotel is a good place too for the money. If you are in search of a luxurious stay, consider trying out the Premier Palace, which features a sauna, pool, and a gym. Some popular neighborhoods in Kyiv where you could stay include: Pechersk, Podil, and Shevchenko.

What to Eat and Drink

Kyiv is quite cheap and you don’t really need to have a lot of money to tour this place. In fact, you can eat and drink for a fraction of what it normally costs in the West. An example of a good restaurant is Puzata Hata, which is located on Sahaidachnoho Street. The café offers very cheap traditional Ukrainian food. Some specials here include local fermented bread drink and borscht.

What to See

Some incredible places to visit in Kyiv include:

• The Square of Maydan Nazalezhnosti

This fountain-filled square got its fame as the epicenter of Ukraine’s Orange Revolution in the year 2004. You can take a walk around this place during the weekend, when streets around this place are not open to traffic.

• Chornobyl Museum

The museum is more of a memorial to the individuals who lost their lives because of an explosion at a nuclear plant 70 miles away in 1986. While here, you will be taken on a two-hour trip to the site, during which you will see a documentary on the incident.

 

• Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Located above the Dnipro River, this Monastery of Caves is Ukraine’s holiest sites. The monastery comprises of a subterranean complex plus gold-domed churches.

• Mother Motherland Monument

Located at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, this monument was made to commemorate the period when the Soviet Union defeated the Nazis. When you come here early, you will be taken to the top, where you will get incredible views.

• Pyrohovo Museum of Folk Architecture

This is a very popular open-air museum located in Kyiv. The museum comprises of cottages, wooden churches, and windmills, each representing the distinct corners of Ukraine.

• Pinchuk Art Center

It is a large gallery featuring modern art and design from Ukraine and other places.

• Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

This is a must-visit place for anyone travelling to Kyiv. This historic monastery features a large Cathedral, a bell tower, and a refectory. Boasting a unique architectural design, the refectory and cathedral display Baroque and Byzantine influences. Take a stroll around this place as you admire medieval art.

• V. Fomin Botanical Garden

This botanical garden offers the best place for relaxing after a grueling day of exploration. Being great in size, the park offers plenty of space to rest, picnic, and practice yoga.

• Kiev Opera House

If you love theater, this is a must-do for you during your stay in Kyiv. This magnificent building is widely known for its rousing performances of modern and classic dance, opera, and theater. On top of this, the building has quite a lavish design. Therefore, if you don’t want to stay for a show, you can always visit this building to admire its fascinating architecture.

The Night Life in Kyiv

If you want to get the best out of Kyiv, explore this city at night as this is when it comes alive. With a wide array of clubs and pubs, Kyiv has the potential to offer you with the perfect nightlife experience. You have the option to select between normal Ukrainian clubs or go for modern and stylish cosmopolitan lounges. Whatever you choose here, you are guaranteed of a great experience. Partying in Kyiv starts at around midnight and goes all the way to dawn. A famous club here is Forsage, which has three floors playing different music styles.

Kyiv’s Street Life

The streets of Kyiv are full of cafes and bars, making hanging around the city a real pleasure. The city also features a lot of markets, especially in the underground parts beneath major streets, creating a stunning atmosphere.

How to Travel Around Kyiv

As you visit the aforementioned places, you will need a reliable mode of transport.

Kyiv has a wonderful metro system, despite the fact that station signs can only be written in Cyrillic. Buses and trams serve a lot of routes and tickets for them can be bought from the driver or street kiosks.

Conclusion

While the city’s history dates back to many centuries ago, it is the modern side of Kyiv that makes it so stunning and attractive to observe. While there, you will have a lot of enjoyable things to do. You will also get the chance to admire great art and culture. Moreover, you will get an opportunity to interact with the wonderful locals of Kyiv.

With this travel guide, you now have everything you need to make your next vacation to Kyiv memorable and one with no hassles.