Kiev City Guide Kiev is a cultural and historic treasure. Built on seven hills along the Dnieper river, the capital of Ukraine is one of the oldest cities in eastern Europe. You can find churches and monasteries dating back 1500 years, m...
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Kiev is a cultural and historic treasure. Built on seven hills along the Dnieper river, the capital of Ukraine is one of the oldest cities in eastern Europe. You can find churches and monasteries dating back 1500 years, mingling with tower blocks from the Soviet era. Even though just over a third of the city was destroyed during WWII, Kiev still retains much of its historic charm. The “Rome of the East” is a stunning sea of green, clinging to its rich heritage while embracing the modern world.
Things to Do
If you love art and history, then St. Sophia’s Cathedral should top your sightseeing list! It’s an architectural wonder that has secured its place as a UNESCO site. It’s one of Kiev’s most visited landmarks and serves more like a museum than a church. While it’s breathtaking from the outside, the Cathedral has a calming and serene ambience within that’s the perfect spot to relax and peruse the 1000-year-old paintings and Orthodox Christian artefacts. Ascend to the bell tower with care and gawp at stunning views of the city. Just be sure to visit on a clear day to get the most out of your climb! The Cathedral has an entrance fee, plus there are additional fees to access certain parts of the church, such as the bell tower that are however optional.
When in Kiev there are many historic sites and churches to explore, like the 19th-century cathedral, St. Volodymyr. But if you like a little adventure and getting off the regular tourist trail, then you may want to make the trip to St. Cyril’s Monastery. This hidden gem is an oasis of tranquillity away from the congested boulevards of the city centre. Built in 1139, the medieval monastery has endured fires throughout the centuries and was most recently restored in the 1970s. Depending on how squeamish you are, the underground caves will either make or break your trip. Here you can visit tombs of over a hundred well-regarded monks that were sealed in their burial chambers.
Kiev may have one foot in its historic past, yet it has another in the natural beauty of modern day Ukraine. Break yourself away from ancient Kiev and walk through several breathtaking parks the city has to offer. Mariinsky Park is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the stunning views over the Dnieper river. Not a fan of walking? You can still bask in all the city has to offer from the comfort of a boat cruising down the river.
Once you’ve replenished yourself with a dose of Kiev’s natural beauty, you can dive right back into a world of art and history. Andriyivskyy Descent is considered the oldest and most stunning place in the city. It’s a small, snake-like slope lined with art galleries, museums, craft shops and unique souvenir shops as well as quirky cafes and bars to rest with a drink or three on your way. Climb to the top of the cobble-stoned hill to visit the 18th century baroque St. Andrew’s church.
Getting Around
Public transport is inexpensive in Kiev. There’s a wide range of options from the trusted bus, trams, to trolleybuses and a subway system. There are also minibuses available which can take you almost anywhere in the city. If you don’t fancy yourself a walker and prefer to get around in comfort, then you can order or flag down a taxi on the streets. A taxi ride in Kiev won’t leave you out of pocket.
When to Go
Summer is without a doubt the best time to visit Kiev. This is the magical moment when the city’s infamous golden domes light up to transform Kiev into a glittering city. Temperatures rarely exceed the 30-degree mark, the perfect weather to explore a new city and all it has to offer.
Health & Safety
Kiev is one of the calmest cities in Ukraine at the moment. While there have been many travel warnings to other parts of the country, it’s best to keep a close eye on travel advice to Kiev closer to the time of your planned visit. When in Kiev, beware of petty crime and street scam artists. If you spot someone drop their wallet, you may want to think twice before picking it up. Tap water is OK for brushing your teeth, but it’s not advised for drinking. When in Kiev, do as the locals do and stick to bottled or filtered water.
Sleep
Whether you dive head first into Kiev’s rich art and history or spend your days shopping and nights hopping from bar to club, the one thing you’re guaranteed to do is sleep. Peruse our selection of available accommodation in the city and find something perfect for you during your stay in Kiev.
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