Kyiv.
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Overview

Kyiv (Ukrainian: Київ, also transliterated Kiev from Russian: Киев) is the capital of Ukraine, as well as the country's largest and most vibrant city. It is a city where the golden domes of Orthodox cathedrals sit amidst royal palaces and the grey concrete of Soviet Brutalist buildings.

Understand

In 2020, it was home to 3 million people. It is in the north of central Ukraine on the Dnieper River (Ukrainian: Дніпро, Russian: Днепр).

Correct city name spelling The official name of the city has long been Kyiv, a transliteration from the Ukrainian Київ. A common alternative English name of the city, Kiev, is a transliteration of the Russian Киев. While the two names were formerly used interchangeably in English, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the choice of name has assumed political connotations; supporters of the Ukrainian government tend to use "Kyiv" as a sign of solidarity, while supporters of the Russian invasion tend to use "Kiev".

The Ukrainians are understandably very proud of their capital's role in establishing European civilization in Eastern Europe.

Kyiv, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, traces its origins to at least the 5th century, though archaeological evidence shows settlements in the area existed much earlier. By the late 9th century, Kyiv emerged as the heart of a burgeoning Eastern Slavic state. From the 10th to the early 13th centuries, it enjoyed a golden age as the capital of Kievan Rus’—a powerful medieval state also known as Kyivan Ruthenia or Rus-Ukraine. This entity laid the religious and cultural groundwork for the modern East Slavic nations of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. Russia’s claim to Kievan Rus’ as its historical origin remains a contentious issue between Ukrainians and Russians to this day.

In 1240, Kyiv faced catastrophic destruction at the hands of the Mongols, led by Batu Khan of the Golden Horde. After a brutal siege, the city was razed, its fortifications demolished, and much of its population massacred. This devastation marked the end of Kyiv’s political and economic prominence. By the late 13th century, the weakened city came under the control of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1569, it was incorporated into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Kyiv’s fortunes shifted again in 1654, when Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi liberated the city from Commonwealth rule during a Cossack uprising for independence. However, his subsequent decision to sign the Treaty of Pereyaslav with Muscovy is widely viewed as a dark chapter in Ukrainian history, as it initiated a gradual process of Russian colonization. Full annexation by Russia followed in 1775, and Kyiv remained under Russian dominion for centuries, with a brief period of Ukrainian independence from 1918 to 1920 amid the turmoil following the Russian Revolution. Over this time, Russification efforts intensified, accompanied by significant Russian immigration.

Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, Kyiv became the capital of an independent Ukraine, embarking on a journey to redefine itself as a major European city. In 2004, widespread protests against government corruption and election fraud sparked the Orange Revolution, also known as the First Maidan. A decade later, in 2013–2014, outrage over political corruption and police brutality fueled the Revolution of Dignity, or Second Maidan, which ousted the corrupt Yanukovych government. Both were called after Maidan Nezalezhnosti square where the protests took place.

In 2014, Russia launched an invasion, annexing Crimea and occupying parts of eastern Ukraine. By 2022, Russian forces mounted a large-scale offensive, reaching Kyiv’s outskirts, but the city’s heroic defense earned global admiration. Since then, active fighting has shifted to eastern Ukraine, sparing Kyiv from direct conflict.

Average temperatures are maximum 26°C (79°F), minimum 15°C (59°F) in summer and maximum -2°C (28°F), minimum -8°C (17°F) in winter. Spring and autumn (fall) can be very brief. Heat waves featuring temperatures as high as 38°C (100°F) are rare but not unheard of in the summer months, and brief but potent cold spells with temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) are not uncommon in winter. Wintery precipitation can begin as early as October, and snowfall is fully expected by late fall and the winter months, when it can become intense enough to affect travel. However, snow cover is not always constant and even in the winter there can be periods when the ground lies barren. Warm clothes are a necessity from November through March, but dressing in removable layers will help travelers stay comfortable in any situation.

Get in

The closest operating airports are in Moldova and Poland. From the airport, take a train or a bus to Kyiv, that will bring you into Ukraine across the border. Chisinau Airport is a 20-hour-long direct train from central train station to Kyiv. Warsaw Airport is a 17-hour train trip to Lviv. Jasionka International Airport is a 14-hour train trip to Lviv. Lublin Airport is a 12-hour train trip to Lviv.

On most Ukrainian trains tickets become available 20 days ahead of the departure date. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time as they get sold out fast.

Overnight sleeping trains may be more comfortable for the trips across long distances in Ukraine. Look for the "Flagship" trains that typically offer the power socket next to each berth and cleaner bathrooms. Meals are not served on the train, so make sure to bring enough of your own food and water for the whole trip.

Direct trains from Crimea (under Russian military occupation) remain suspended as of 2024.

By bus Tickets can be purchases on Omio, BlaBlaCar and other bus apps.

By boat Before 2022 war, it was possible to organize trips down the River Dnipro to the Black Sea in summer.

Get around

Curfew The curfew in Kyiv is every day since 01:00 until 05:00. During that time, only people with the special document (e.g., police and ambulance) are allowed to go outside on the streets, so plan your trip back to the hotel in time. Taxi prices can get very expensive around the time of the last Metro trains (~22:30 at the central stations).

Subway trains do not cross the Dnipro River during air raid sirens. Be careful about staying out later in the evening if you are staying on the left (eastern) bank of the river and are counting on the Metro to get home.

On foot For shorter distances, there is no better way of getting around Kyiv than hitting the sidewalk, especially in the areas of the city center like Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kontraktova Ploshcha, Arsenalna. The city center area consists of many hills, so be prepared and plan accordingly. The underground pedestrian crossings are ubiquitous and let you cross the busy streets without waiting for the traffic lights, many of them connect to the underground malls, being a specialty of Kyiv. Keep in mind they are often not equipped with elevators, just the stairs.

Additional discounts apply for journeys paid in bulk. Each transfer means another trip (unless in the metro). E-Ticket guide can be found on the website.

(look for orange-marked gates) Single-journey paper tickets called QR tickets (not to be confused with the digital payment method listed below) can be purchased at the ticket office or ticket machines and scanned at the turnstile. These have replaced the old token system on the Metro. Tap the prepaid Kyiv Digital (Київ Цифровий) multi-journey plastic card. The card can be purchased for 50 грн at all metro stations, and in T-Kiosks all around the city. You can top up the card at metro stations, via the Kyiv Digital app (iOS, Android), on EasyPay, and at EasyPay, PrivatBank, City24 terminals. All 4 are supported across the municipal transport network, including the funicular.

Tap or scan your public transit payment only once when entering at the turnstile or at a ticket validator inside (depending on the mode of transport) and wait for a few seconds for confirmation.

Buses and trams do not accept cash payment or sell tickets onboard, so remember to get a ticket or transit card ahead of time before boarding, if not using contactless payment. The modernised light-rail trams depart from dedicated platforms with turnstiles and ticket machines so there is no need to validate your ticket onboard; remember to choose the correct platform if catching a tram at the main railway station.

You can track public transport on the official website and EasyWay.

The Metro (Метро) is one of the pleasures of Kyiv. It is a clean and fast subway system, and it is easy to navigate once you realize that all three metro lines (red, blue and green) go through the city center. There are 52 stations operating, and ambitious plans for the lines' extensions. The official website can be found here.

All stations support contactless credit card/digital payment, but not necessarily at every turnstile - look for those marked with the corresponding logos, often indicated by bright yellow/orange color. A green arrow will appear, indicating that the payment has been successful. When passing through a turnstile, make sure you walk through the correct side of the turnstile i.e. scanning the ticket on your right, not to be hit with a metal gate that will slam shut.

You can also associate your contactless card with a monthly/half-monthly unlimited travel plan for further discounts.

Most maps and signposts in the metro are translated into English. Every station has a unique three-digit number, with the first digit showing the number of the line (M1 for red, M2 for blue, and M3 for green). Once on board, every station is announced by loudspeakers and screens. These screens show a lot of weird ads between the stations, but flag an impending station before arrival. Upon departure, they then show the next station.

Metro stations where you can interchange have two different names - one for each line. If you are changing lines, the other station can be reached by an overpass in the center or near one of the ends of the platform.

Trains run every 30 to 150 seconds during business hours, every 5 min after 20:00, and every 10–15 min after 22:30. The last trains depart from the terminal stations around midnight, so your last chance to catch a train in the city center is between 00:15 and 00:25 (check the timetable of late departures, which is signposted on each station). Trains are often very crowded. Be prepared to push, as this may be the only way you get on the train during peak hours.

The Kyiv metro has some of the deepest stations in the world. The M1 "Arsenalna" is the deepest metro station in the world, at 107 m deep, and the M1 "Universytet" has one of the longest escalators (87 m long). Many stations have two long and intimidating escalators in a row.

Spend some time looking at the stations. The red line features impressive architecture, similar to that seen in the Moscow and Saint Petersburg metro systems. Elaborate mosaics in the "Zoloti Vorota" (Золоті ворота) station depict rulers and other historical characters of the medieval Kyivan Rus.

Note that as of 2022, several metro stations' names have been changed (for ex, Druzhby Narodiv is now Zvirynetska and Ploshcha Lva Tolsoho is now Ploshcha Ukrainskykh Heroiv); therefore, be careful when using maps of the city's public transit system that were printed before the war.

Metro trains do not cross the river during air raids. This can leave you with a difficult transport situation if you are staying out late and are counting on taking a metro from the center/right (western) bank of the Dnipro to accommodations on the left (eastern) bank.

There are two types of city-run buses available – bus (автобус) and trolleybus (тролейбус) – as well as slow and moribund trams. The message will signify the payment complete.

Unlike the buses in Western Europe, in Ukraine there is no need to neither wave for the bus to stop as it approaches, nor push a button to ask for a stop. They will always stop on every designated stop, which are marked by an inconspicuous sign on a telegraph pole.

The buses are often very crowded during peak hours, but the norm is to push your way in.

By tram Travelling by tram mostly for on or to suburbs can be an option. In western Kyiv maybe a useful end station which is at the M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha". From here depart No.14 far to the westward and No.18 to the M1 "Vokzalna". Also, from M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha" depart to northbound No.11 to M2 "Obolon", No.19 to M2 "Minska", No.12 to northwest, a bit out of city limit to Horenka settlement. For more info, visit Kyivpastrans website.

Funicular. A historic way constructed in 1905 to get from the upper city down to Podil (or, naturally, the other way around) is to catch the funicular from Mykhaylivs’ka Ploscha to Poshtova Ploscha in Podil. You can enjoy views of the Dnieper and left bank on the way down.

You can also travel on so-called route taxis or minivans called marshrutky (маршрутки). These are privately run vehicles that travel assigned routes, which are listed on the front of the bus. They are easy to be confused with the public city buses, as both are shown on the apps like Google Maps. Marshrutka routes can be hard to figure out, but they have a list of stops on the window and a Metro logo for the metro stops. The best way to figure out where these go is to ask some of the locals. City maps usually picture all public transport, normal buses, trolleybuses, trams and marshrutky. The one downside to using marshrutky is that they tend to be a little overpacked (understatement) and very warm or cold, depending on season.

You can hail a marshrutka at the assigned bus stops. When you board, you pay the driver directly in cash or, if you're not near the driver, pass the money to the nearest passenger who will pass it to the driver. Your change will be returned in reverse order, but it is unwise to pass big bills. Kyiv Tsyfrovyi card / QR code cannot be used in marshrutkas. It is good to have some change, so you can pay exact amount.

When you are reaching your destination, simply yell out to the driver to stop "Na zupyntsi" with stress on "-pyn-"', which literally means "on the stop" in Ukrainian (some 100 m in advance to the bus stop you need). If you overshoot, you get a nice walk and a driver gets a little extra stress a day.

Marked taxis that can be hailed on the street are relatively rare compared to ridesharing app drivers. An Uber trip within the inner city (i.e.

By scooter Kick scooter is a fun way to shorten your time while getting around the city. For the safety the max speed is programmatically limited to 15 or 20 km per hour (based on the app setting). When the bike lane is missing, it's acceptable to ride the scooter on the sidewalk as long as providing the priority to the pedestrians.

By bike There are more than 200 km of infrastructure for bicycles in Kyiv. While you can use your own bike, you can also rent one using one of the following companies:

BikeNow. App for non-electric bike rentals on demand.

Zelectra. App lets you rent an electric bike on demand

Veliki. Can only be picked up from specific locations around Kyiv, typically next to parks. And you must return the bike to the same location.

By car (rental) With the taxi app rides ubiquitous and cheap, there is generally little reason to rent a car unless exploring outside the city. Kyiv city traffic is known to be quite heavy unless on weekends.

Traditional car rental apps like Booking or Kayak let you compare the options across multiple locations for the car to rent for multiple days and has to be returned to the same location (unless paying extra fees).

Car-sharing apps like Getmancar may be a better choice for short trips and let you save money in comparison to the taxi apps, the cars can be picked-up and dropped off in minutes flexibly in the zones all over the city (including the airports). Make sure to sign up on the app a day before - as the validation is not instantaneous.

Talk

In general, the people in Kyiv are hospitable and will be eager to help you. Ukrainian language is the official language in Kyiv (and all of Ukraine), therefore Ukrainian language is spoken by the service workers at the museums and restaurants. However, if you don't have a knowledge of Ukrainian you may find service in restaurants and shops difficult, though this is slowly changing among younger generations with more exposure to English. 51% of all Ukrainians can speak English, while the percentage in cities like Kyiv is being higher than that.

While 85% of residents claim Ukrainian ethnicity, most Kyivans also speak Russian (all Kyivans can understand and speak Ukrainian, nonetheless). Many Kyivans, and even the residents of nearby villages, often speak a dialect referred to as Surzhyk in which it is common to hear phonemes and words which do not exist in standard Russian such as Ukrainian "г" (IPA: /ɦ/) or the word "немае". Like many former Soviet cities, Kyiv is a multicultural place: you will certainly meet ethnic Russians, who were about 13% of the city's population in 2001, and also Armenians, Azeris, Belarusians, Georgians and Tatars. There are also people claiming Jewish, Polish, Romanian and Hungarian descent.

Officially, all signs are in Ukrainian only. Since 2011, signs with Latin transliteration are starting to make an appearance throughout Ukraine. Kyiv can seem quite foreign to the western tourist, as most signposts are in Cyrillic script. It is still largely a city where few people know English, but their number among young people is growing quickly. Many may not be able to maintain a conversation, but are likely to understand spoken English. Many cafés and restaurants offer menus in English, and the Metro has all announcements in Ukrainian and English. For the non-Ukrainian speaker, it's quite possible to get around easily, and it is a very interesting city to explore.

It is advisable, however, to pick up a pocket Ukrainian phrasebook, and learn the Cyrillic alphabet, which can be fun and is easy to learn. Spend some time practicing key words and phrases (e.g. 'hello', 'thank you' and 'bill please'). Even what you regard as a feeble attempt at Ukrainian will amuse most people to the point where they become comfortable engaging in pantomime or trying out the little bit of English they know.

Among locals, it might be considered impolite to chat loudly (e.g. in the Metro), point or wave one's hands. According to a superstition, it's suggested to avoid whistling indoors.

See

Maidan Nezalezhnosti. Independence Square or Maidan is the place where opposition to pro-Russian governments gathered at different points between 2004 and 2013. This is a central meeting place in Kyiv.

On the weekend, go and people watch on Khreshchatyk. Start at Ukrainskykh Heroiv Square and head underground. Walk through the Metrograd shopping center, always sticking to your left. Head above-ground at Tarasa Shevchenka Boulevard (бульвар Тараса Шевченка), from where the council shuts down Khreshchatyk on the weekends. The main drag of the city center is closed to traffic on some weekends and full of entertainers and people wandering around. A big, happy crowd and very conducive to people watching. Walking up the street to Maidan, you will be treated to the sight of numerous street performers and animal handlers, or you can simply enjoy seeing families out and about for a weekend stroll.

Andriyivsky Uzviz or Andrew's Descent. At the top of this charming but rugged cobblestone street stands St. Andrew’s Church. It’s a steep climb, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Along the way, you’ll pass souvenir stalls, cozy restaurants, art galleries, and small museums. While it’s a popular spot with tourists, the street still retains its authentic charm.

Podil. Stroll around. Start at St Michael's Cathedral in the Upper Town. Catch the funicular behind it down to Poshtova Ploscha, and wander around the grid-like streets of Podil. The area was the merchant's quarter, and was completely rebuilt in the 19th century after fires destroyed the area. It was mainly untouched during WWII and is emerging as a hip restaurant district and is rapidly being gentrified. Walk along the Sahaidachnoho street. Finish your stroll by walking up Andriyivsky Uzviz, which will get you back to St Michael's Cathedral.

Arsenalna. Busy restaurants with many options.

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Ukraine and in the territory of the former Soviet Union. Only the most important monasteries were designated as Lavras; there were only four, of which this Cave Monastery is the oldest. It was founded in 1077 by St Antoniy. The caves were dug out by priests who lived there as hermits. Nowadays, the caves are venerated by the faithful and tourists who visit the mummified monks, and pilgrims are still allowed access to the underground church there. There are two parts to the modern complex: the upper lavra, owned by the state and consisting of a number of museums (entry fee); and the lower lavra, owned by the Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarch) and consisting of the caves (you'll need 1 грн to buy a candle to enter). Do not miss the display of micro-miniatures in the Upper Lavra. It sounds lame, but it is fascinating. You can enter the caves in the lower part if you dress correctly (women must cover their hair and wear skirts, no shorts. Expensive scarves are for sale there). Women can only just get away with pants in the winter. Start at the Lower Lavra, visiting the caves, before the crowds descend for the day. There are two cave complexes, each housing the mummified remains of monks, as well as religious icons and other relics. Both caves are accessed through churches, with the entrance to the shorter caves at the end of a boardwalk. While it is free to enter the caves, you must purchase a taper candle in order to light your way. The caves are not recommended for the claustrophobic or overly tall. Once you're in there, it's hard, even impossible to turn around and go back out - you have to keep going.

Great Lavra Bell Tower. Climb upstairs the Lavra Bell Tower to enjoy a charming view of Lavra church area that used to be known as the religious center of Ukraine historically. The main bell tower of the ancient cave monastery. Built in 1731–1745. It was designed by the architect Johann Gottfried Schädel. Its total height, with the Christian cross, is 96.5 meters. A neoclassic construction with a total of four tiers, surmounted by a gilded dome. The diameter of the tower's lowest tier at its base is 28.8 m, and the thickness of the first tier walls is 8m. The tower's foundations exceed 7m meters. The tower is decorated with many architectural columns: the second tier with 32 Dorian columns, the third with 16 Ionic columns, and the fourth with 8 Corinthian columns. On the fourth tier there is a chiming clock, made in 1903, which has a total weight of 4.5 tonne.

Pechersk Lavra fortification. A system of walls, towers and other constructions built for the protection of the Cave Monastery. The fortifications consist of Upper Lavra: the Southwest Tower, or the tower of Ivan Kuschnik (Вежа Іоанна Кущника); the South Tower (Південна (Годинникова) вежа), or the Horlogium, 1818; the North Tower (Північна (Малярна) вежа), also called the Painting Tower; the East Tower containing the church of Saint Onufry (Онуфріївська вежа), Economic Gate and the Church of All Saints, West Gate Holidays to Holy Trinity Church, South (lower) gate 1792-95; North Gate, 19th century; Eastern Gate, 19th century; Wall with a gate at the Great Lavra Belltower, 18th-early 19th century and a retaining wall terraces with viewing platform. The Lower Lavra fortification parts are: The defensive walls of the Near and Far Caves, 19th century; entrance gate, 1840s; the lower gate at the entrance to the Near and Far caves, 1852-53; Retaining Wall of D. de Boskhuets, 18th century. Belfry Far Caves; Western gate of the lodge, 1883.

Refectory Church. A refectory and an adjoining church of Saint Anthony and Theodosius. Built in 1893-1895. The sturdy dome of the church incorporates some aspects of ancient Byzantium. The interior decoration of the building was designed by Aleksey Shchusev. The marble icons are in the Neo-Russian style. The paintings in the refectory and the church, painted in the beginning of the 20th century. In 1973-1977, the Refectory interior was thoroughly renovated.

Church of the Saviour at Berestovo. Berestovo was a suburban residence in the 11th century. - Its vaulting may have been unusually complicated, probably echoing the trefoil roofing of the porches. The outside of the church formerly displayed intricate brick patterns: double and treble niches, the meander, and decorative crosses.

Gate Church of the Trinity. In 1108 being built as a Kievan Rus' style church, the Gate Church of the Trinity is now decorated in the Ukrainian Baroque style, having been reconstructed many times through its history. Inside: a three-story wooden gilded iconostasis, (1735); a large sixteen-candle chandelier (1725); The church's frescoes were based on Biblical scenes, and the exterior decor was based on Ukrainian folklore, including: "Faces of the Holy Martyr," "The Traders Cast Out of the Temple," and "The Council of Nicaea." Interior frescoes: Allegorical and historical Biblical topics are given in a noncanonical way; some of them are made with Ukrainian national ornaments. Wood-carved chairs, are installed along the western wall. The chairs are covered with oil paintings.

Near Caves or the Caves of Saint Anthony. Are historic caves and a network of tunnels with a total length of 383 m and depth of 5-20 m with the width reaching 1.5 m and the height 2.5 m. Here is buried the founder of the Cave Monastery of Saint Anthony. Of the three existing entrances to the Near Caves, the original was probably the western one, in which you can enter from the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. A candle is required to enter the caves. Candles are available for purchase for 3 грн,

All Saints Church. Founded in 1696–1698. Its style is Ukrainian baroque. The church facades are richly decorated with architectural elements. In 1905, local artists painted the interior walls of the church. The carved wooden iconostasis is multi-tiered and was made in the early 18th century.

Far Caves. Relics of 49 saints, accompanied by plates with names and icons. The total length of underground corridors is 293 m. There are three underground cave churches: Annunciation, Nativity and Reverend Theodosius.

Dormition Cathedral. The main temple of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Built in 1073–78. The cathedral consisted basically of one story built on a cruciform plan with a cupola supported by six columns. It had three naves, which on the outside terminated in many-faced apses. In the 17th century with more cupolas and decorative elements, in the Cossack baroque style were decorated. Inside was decorated with mosaics and frescoes.

Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine. In the Kovnirivskyi building, which was a convent bakery built in the 17th century and reconstructed in 1744-1745. The main facade of buildings made in the same manner as the cell of the Old Cathedral. One of the leading museums of Ukraine and the world, the subject of the exhibition - historical and artistic monuments of precious metals and precious stones. The museum collection includes 56,000 pieces of archeology and applied art. Here you can find the 'Martynivka Treasure' (Мартинівський скарб), which is a hoard consisting of about 120 silver items of 400-900 probe found in Martynivka village (now Cherkasy Oblast) in 1909.

Book and print history museum. The museum contains a rich treasure book culture of the Ukrainian people (about 56 thousand units). The exhibition highlights the story of the book and of books from Kievan Rus to the present day.

Museum of Ukrainian folk art. The collection is more than 75,000 works of traditional folk and decorative arts from the 15th to the 20th centuries. It's housed in the former Metropolitan's residence.

Theatre and Cinematographic Arts Museum. There is various documentary material that reveals the formation and development of Ukrainian drama and theatrical presentation. Here are Ukrainian folk musical instruments which afford the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the history of Ukrainian culture, literature and ethnology. The museum has a branch - the house-museum of M.K. Zankovetska, where an exhibition reflects the life and career of the famous Ukrainian actress.

National Historical Library of Ukraine. More than 800,000 books, manuscripts and maps.

St Sophia's Cathedral. The oldest remaining church in Kyiv. Parts date from the 11th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has the world biggest ensemble of frescoes and mosaics dating from the 11th century, including the Virgin Orans mosaic. Several green-robed ladies maintain order and will shout at you if you look like you are planning to take a photo. The gatehouse and other restorations were completed in the 17th century. Outside the gates, there is a statue commemorating hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, who liberated Kyiv in the 17th century... then gave the city to the Russian Empire.

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery. A working monastery that goes back to the 12th century. Destroyed during the Soviet era, with many of its art works hastily removed, some of which were transferred to the museums in Moscow and St Petersburg, some were moved to St Sophia Cathedral. Some mosaics housed in St Sophia subsequently fell into the hands of the Nazis but were returned... to the Hermitage in St Petersburg. Rebuilt in 1997-98. Impressive gold domes, best visited on a sunny day. Behind the complex is a pleasant park with views of the Dnieper and, to the left, the entrance to the funicular.

St Volodymyr's Cathedral. Seven domed Ukrainian Orthodox brick cathedral in neo-Byzantine style, built in the 19th century. It barely escaped demolition by the Soviet authorities. Dome height (outer) 49 m (161 ft).

St Andrew's Church. Baroque church, constructed in 1747–1754. Length 31.7 m (104 ft). Width 20.4 m (67 ft). Height 50 m (160 ft). Both the external and internal decoration on the church was carried out at the same time. Cast iron floor slabs were delivered from Moscow. Also, forms were made for the church's windows, doors, walls, and for space under the cupola. The planned iconostasis, designed by the Italian architect Rastrelli, was also added. The wood for the iconostasis, altar canopy, pulpit, and tsar's place were carved out in Saint Petersburg in order to save time. The iconostasis' icons were carried out by Petersburg artists. For gilding, 1,028 slabs of gold were used in the interior.

Saint Cyril's Monastery. A medieval monastery. Founded in 1140. Reconstructed by the Ukrainian architect Ivan Hryhorovych-Barskyi during 1750–1760. Saint Cyril's Church, including the medieval interior frescoes and the 1880s murals by the famous Russian painter Mikhail Vrubel, were fortunately preserved. The remaining constructions of the complex, the rest of the monastic walls, one corner tower (see picture), and two buildings constructed by Barskyi were also preserved. Of the monastery's cemetery, only two 18th-century graves remained.

Golden Gate of Kyiv or Zoloti Vorota. The Golden Gate was built in the 11th century, destroyed in the 17th, and was reconstructed in 1982. Today, it stands as a striking crenelated tower, 14 meters tall. The entrance is flanked by a metal-covered wooden portcullis on one side and intricately patterned doors on the other. Buy a ticket to explore the interior, climb to the roof, and learn about the ancient city walls. The area also features some beautiful nearby buildings worth seeing. From there, take a stroll along Yaroslaviv Val — a lively street where locals love to hang out. You’ll find plenty of great restaurants and cozy spots to relax.

Pyrohiv / Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life. Covering 160 ha, the area shows how people used to live in different parts of Ukraine. Six restored rural Ukrainian villages, with old huts, wooden mills and churches from all over Ukraine have been carefully restored and function as living museums. English-speaking (sort of) guides with expertise on the whole site are available and well worth-it. Ukrainians come on sunny days to relax in the grass.

National Museum of History of Ukraine. Museum represents different times from ancient till nowadays.

Blacksmithing and metalworker's museum.

Literary and Memorial Bulgakov Museum. House of Turbiny. The legendary Andriyivsky Descent was the street where the great writer lived with his family and where he "lodged" the heroes of his immortal novel "The White Guard".

Chornobyl Museum. A fascinating and moving museum. No signage in English.

'Cultural wealth of Ukraine' Ukrainian icon museum. The exhibition presents about 300 icons late 15th - early 20th century.

One Street Museum. The collection of the One Street Museum is dedicated to the history of the Andriyivskyi uzviz (Andrew's Descent) and its famous residents. Tu-Su 12:00-18:00.

Museum of the Magdeburg law, Museum of Self-Management of Kyiv. A very interesting permanent exhibition about "On the history of government in Kyiv", devoted to 500th anniversary of providing the city of Magdeburg law.

Luk'yanivs'ke Cemetery. By the administration building has a museum room, telling stories about the cemetery and its famous "Dwellers".

Pushkin Museum. The main part of the museum's collection are exhibits first half of the 19th century - a period called the "Pushkin". Among the most valuable items - books with author signatures of friends and contemporaries Pushkin political writings of famous public figures. The pride of the museum, editions of the works of the poet, including some sections of the novel Eugene Onegin.

Pedagogical Museum. Former the meeting place of the Ukrainian Club, Rodyna, and the Ukrainian Scientific Society. The museum of Lenin, which was here until 1982. The first floor of the building now houses the escalators leading to M3 "Zoloti Vorota".

Kyiv Fortress also known as the Pechersk Fortress. A 19th-century fortification building, that once belonged to the system of western Russian fortresses. Some of the buildings are restored and turned into a museum called the Kyiv Fortress, while others are in use by various military and commercial installations. It is semi-underground.

Mother Ukraine Statue and WWII memorials Kyiv was pretty much destroyed during the invasion in World War II. The memorial near the motherland statue is pretty gripping. Lots of examples of classic Soviet-era memorial statuary, as well as some amazing exhibits of military hardware. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War located in the base of the statue is a must-see for visitors interested in the impact the German invasion had on the Soviet Union. Well worth the visit even if you don't speak or read any Russian or Ukrainian (several English language tours are provided daily). It's well curated and full of artifacts (including weapons, battle maps, hundreds of original photographs, and a moving installation at the end of the exhibit symbolizing the great losses suffered). There is also a small museum of the Afghan conflict nearby. Try to enter coming from the top part of the Pecherska Lavra. This way you get submerged with old soviet music and dark statues. M1 "Arsenalna".

The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. A fairly large museum, starting with World War II, going through Nazi occupation until Ukraine's independence. The museum is at the base of the massive statue of Mother Ukraine. While the displays are mostly in Ukrainian. The museum has laminated cards in each room with varying languages including English, German and French. The museum also offers guided tours in several languages.

Babyn Yar Monument. A ravine which was the site of massacres of Jews, Gypsies, and other civilians by the Nazis and their local puppets during World War II. Approximately 60,000 civilians were shot dead at this site during the war (over 34,000 Jews in the first two days alone). Now a memorial to Soviet citizens murdered by the Germans.

German Military graveyard. About 10,000 German soldiers are buried here, after the battles around Kyiv in 1941 and 1944.

Kyiv Zoo. Situated on about 40 hectares. The zoo has 2,600 animals from 328 species. 130 different kinds of trees and bushes decorate the zoo's lands.

Mezhyhirya Residence. Once the lavish private estate of Viktor Yanukovych—Ukraine’s most notoriously corrupt president—this opulent residence is now open to the public. After he fled to Russia in 2014, ousted during the largest protests in Ukraine’s history, the grounds were reclaimed and now is a popular park in the outskirts of Kyiv overlooking the Dnipro River.

A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden or Botanical gardens of the Kyiv university of St. Volodymyr. 22.5 hectares, with 8,000 plant species. The garden is famous for its exotic plants. Building of greenhouse, which was built for the largest and the oldest palm trees in Northern Eurasia, long time had been considered one of the highest in the world. In 1935, the garden was named after the academician A.V. Fomin, who directed the garden for years.

Hryshko National Botanical Garden. The perfect place for a stroll in any season. There are unique floristic complexes on 130 hectares: "Forests of the plain part of Ukraine", "Ukrainian Carpathians", "Steppes of Ukraine", "Crimea", "Caucasus", "Central Asia", the "Altai and Western Siberia", "Far East".

Mamaeva Sloboda open-air museum. A theme park on the 9.2 hectares site and represent a full replica of a historical settlement depicting Ukrainian nature, architecture and the way of life. The architectural ensemble, which consists of 98 units.

Hydropark. Island in the Dnieper River. Kyiv is endowed with natural city beaches that line Dnieper. Many a summer day can be spent in the parks and on the beaches of the islands, where you can buy shashlyk from stalls, play beach volleyball, swim in the river or in the pools on the island, or just soak up the sun.

Syretska arboretum. Different kinds of trees and shrubs on 6.5 hectares. It is a park-monument of landscape art of national importance - it is, above all, diverse flora (900 species). And an extensive opportunity for recreation and harmonious unity with nature.

Mariyinsky Palace. The ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine in Kyiv. It is a Baroque palace on the hilly bank of the Dnipro River.

Kyiv TV Tower - Televiziyna vezha. A 385-m-high (1,263 ft) lattice steel tower built in 1973. It is not accessible for tourists. The operational platform is at 200 m.

Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People. A huge arch with diameter of 50 m, made out of titanium, with sculptures underneath. It was erected in 1982 for the 60th anniversary of the Soviet Union and 1,500th anniversary of Kyiv city. One of the two sculptures, a bronze statue symbolizing a Ukrainian and Russian worker, was dismantled in 2022 following the Russian invasion.

A part of the city on far north. These territories far beyond of its historical neighborhood with the same name. Its current population is 290,000 inhabitants. The Obolon district encompasses the territories of the former Minsk district and is still sometimes referred to by that name. It also includes the former town of Pushcha-Vodytsia that used to be part of the Podil Raion. The name Obolon comes from the Old-Ukrainian word оболонь → болонь → болоньє (obolon' → bolon' → bolon'ye), which roughly translates as "flood plain" or an area that is being engulfed by water. The district was built up in the 1970s as a microdistrict in Kyiv on the Obolon sands to satisfy the growth of the city. Due to the composition of the soil at the time, the majority of the buildings were at most nine-stories tall, and few trees were planted when compared to other parts of the city. That and few other reasons originally made the district not prestigious. With the second construction period (2000–2005), the district has seen new, comfortable apartment buildings constructed closer to the Dnipro river and has become an attractive residential area. The new apartments are also more expensive, although still cheaper than in the center of Kyiv. The district was connected by M2 in the 1980s, with a station M2 "Obolon" opened on November 5, 1980. Now, here is M2 "Minska" and M2 "Heroiv Dnipra", too.

Yachting club. This place for kids and adults was opened in around 1990. Many of the Obolon lakes were cleaned up in order to make the area more attractive. The area closer to the Dnieper River is a popular relaxation place for Kyivliany (residents of Kyiv).

Beer factory Obolon. The area is also well known for the beer factory.

Revival (Probudzhennia) Church. This is an evangelical Christian Baptist church and a missionary center. It was opened in March 2001, with room for 500 seats.

Intercession Cathedral on the Obolon. Built in 1993. The temple complex occupies an area of 2.6 ha.

Minsk Square. In the 1850s-1950s, it was Trinity Square. It was renamed "Minsk Square" in 1982. Near the square, is a monument to Archangel Michael, the patron saint of Kyiv.

Pivnichnyi Bridge. It was built in 1976. It is a cable-stayed bridge, designed by the architect A.V. Dobrovolsky and an engineer by G.B.Fux, with the beam of the main span being held by a cluster of steel ropes which are fixed to a 115 m tall A-pylon. The bridge consists of two spans: one is 816 m long and 31.4 m wide span across the Dnieper and another which is 732 m long, 29.1 m wide and span across the Desyonka, what is a Dnieper tributary. It is a key structure on the northern end of the Kyiv Smaller Beltway, connecting Petrivka to the densely-populated north-eastern residential neighborhoods. The bridge was built as a part of a high-speed freeway.

Church of the Nativity. Built by the popular architect of Ukraine, V. Isaac, in 2006-2007. The temple was built in the style of post-modern, cross-dome. The church has five domes, four of them are located over the crossbar of the cross. The Mid-Dome decorated with glass, so that give the impression of transparency. When you see it from the outside, it seems inside is very bright.

Chapel of the St. Catherine. This was a Greek Orthodox Private Chapel. Founded in 1738, when the decree of the Holy Synod was allowed to build a temple. The church was proposed to conduct services for the local Greek community. In 1929, during the Stalinist persecution, a church dedicated to St. Catherine was destroyed. In 2006 the local community was able to arrange a chapel in the newly acquired premises of the Center of Theological Studies.

Church of the Intercession on the Pryorka. A stone church built in 1902-1906 this was replaced the former wooden 'Dimitriyevskoho' house, what is built in 18th century. The new iconostasis, preserved until today, was built in 1944 and decorated by the famous Ukrainian artist Ivan Izhakevichem. In 1953 the house was made major renovations.

Church of Peter and Paul on the Kurenivka. The first wooden Church of Saints Peter and Paul Kurenivka, known since 1759 (according to other data - from 1735). Since 1944 the church building used plant, club, galvanic shop and factory. In 1986, the temple was destroyed completely. The new church opened in 2003.

Church of St. Cyril and St. Athanasius the Great, Archbp. of Alexandria and Athanasius. This was established in the 12th century. Dorogozhychi quarter played an important role in the historical destiny of Kyiv. There the fate was solved for many princes pretending to the Kyivan throne on the one hand, and the fate of Kyiv itself, on the other hand. Numerous invaders carried out from here their multiple attacks on Kyiv, and Kyivan princes conducted bloody battles with them. Such a strategic importance of this location became one of the reasons for foundation of a monumental church-fortress. In 1139, Vsevolod Olhovych, Prince of Chernihiv approached Dorogozhychi, an important strategic point, on the Kyiv’s north-western outskirts, gained possession of the area and simultaneously obtained a convenient bridgehead at the approaches to Kyiv. In 1140–1146, Vsevolod Olhovych erects St. Cyril’s Church at Dorogozhychi. Construction of a church-fortress is a logical step of Vsevolod as a prince-worrier, and prince-strategist, for the sake of fortifying outskirts of the “capital city” so desired by many. St. Cyril’s monastery is an example of a unique functional combination, because it is a sacred center, patrimonial palace church, and at the same time it is a monumental church-fortress. The church was named after Cyril, the holy hierarch Cyril of Alexandria — Christian patron of the church’s founder, prince Vsevolod Olhovych. - The most precious treasure of the St. Cyril’s Church is its unique mural painting. - In the 12th century, walls of the St. Cyril’s Church were painted in fresco technique according to the Christian iconographic canons of that time. In the 17th century, the fresco painting of the Church was partially renewed by means of tempera. In the 1800s, during repair of the Church its walls instead of painting were just plastered and whitewashed. - In the 1880s, restoration works were carried out in the Church under the guidance of the professor of St. Petersburg University, A. Prakhov. At that time from under centuries-old layers of plaster and whitewash a unique Old Russian mural painting was discovered. However, soon after, in order to provide the mural painting for “grandeur” the frescoes were refreshed with oil paints. In the 1970s, a large-scale restoration works on frescoes’ discovery from under layer of oil paint of the 19th century were carried out. - Fresco painting: Monumental figures of twelve Apostles are located in window piers of the dome’s drum. Four Evangelists are portrayed on sails (architectural spherical triangles serving for transition from the drum’s cycle to the under-dome square). The representation of the EvangelisMark on the south-eastern sail has preserved the best of all.- Central arches supporting the dome’s drum are decorated with images of theSeban Martyrs placedewithin medallions literally interconnected by means of loops and hoops. These representations form as if “alive holy chain” protecting the celestial sphere. In the central apse there is a figure of the Holy Mother, Orans with her hands raised in prayer. Oil painting of the 19th century represents the major part of the composition; of the ancient fresco representation only an edge of the Holy Mother’s blue chiton and a podium on which she is standing have survived. Beneath the Orans the Eucharist fresco composition is located featuring the scene of the Apostles’ holy communion, in which the Christ is depicted twice: at the left He serves the body of Christ (bread) to the group of Apostles headed by the St. Peter, and at the right He serves the blood of Christ (cup of wine) to the group of Apostles headed by St. Paul. Similar plot depicting two figures of Christ is already known in miniature of Rossan Code in Asia Minor dated with the 6th century. According to the canon which can be recognized already in the Church of San-Vitale in Ravenna, in the St. Cyril’s Church the center of the composition represents a double dome on pillars over the throne on which a cross, a paten with seven round flat breads, a cup of wine and an asterisk are placed. - Belfry: Of the monastic buildings Ivan Hryhorovych-Barskyi constructed within the monastery, his most important construction was a free standing belfry, built in 1760. The belfry combined the idea of a tall campanile with a gate on the ground level and a chapel on the belfry's second tier. The two lower levels of the belfry had some elements of a Ukrainian tripartite church, consisting with the belltower placed over the central part of the nave. This architectural combination in a belfry with two apse-like lower elements on each side. The original roof above the belfry's chapel was a stepped-hipped roof, which was popular at the time. After the fire of 1849, the roof's over the chapel and the cupola were modified from the original. After the Ukrainian SSR's decision on the demolition of the belfry in 1936, the belfry was destroyed a year later, to be used as bricks in construction projects.

Podil Raion This is a historic neighborhood and an administrative raion (district) in Kyiv. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Kyiv, the birthplace of the city's trade, commerce and industry. It still contains many architectural and historical landmarks, and new archaeological sites are still being revealed. Numerous attractions of Podil particularly include: Frolivskyi and Pokrovskyi Convents, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, House of Ivan Mazepa, House of Peter the Great, Fountain of Samson, Zamkova Hora hill, Andriyivskyy Descent — the main link of Podil to the city's administrative Uppertown, Borychiv Descent, Kyiv River Port, Kyiv funicular, Poshtova Square, and the Kontraktova Square. Modern Podilskyi Raion, despite its tourism and culture importance, remains one of Kyiv's main business, transportation and industrial districts.

Temple in honor the icon of the Mother of God Vsetsarytsia-Pantanassa.

M2 "Tarasa Shevchenka". This is a station on Kyiv Metro's Kurenivsko-Chervonoarmiyska Line. The station was opened on December 19, 1980 in the northern part of the historic Podil neighborhood and is named after the famous Ukrainian poet, writer, and painter, Taras Shevchenko. It was designed by T.A. Tselikovska, A.S. Krushynskyi, and A. Pratsiuk. The station is located shallow underground and consists of a central hall with rectangular marble pillars. The walls along the tracks have been finished with dark red marble and ceramic tiles with a plant motif. The lighting comes from large round lamps hanging from the ceiling. At the end of the hall is a white stone bust of Taras Shevchenko, surrounded through the same plant motif that is located on the station's walls. The station is accessible by passenger tunnels on the Mezhyhirska and the Olenivska Streets

Ascension Convent. Originated in the 16th century as the wooden church of Sts. Florus and Laurus. Its buildings occupy the slopes of the Zamkova Hora. - The main church, or katholikon, is a notable example of Ukrainian Baroque architecture. Its first stone was laid in 1722. Ten years later, the three-domed building was dedicated to the feast of the Ascension of Christ. Its Neoclassical bell-tower is of later construction. The wooden buildings of the monastery were entirely destroyed by fire in 1811. Only the katholikon and a 17th-century refectory were left standing amid the ashes. It was Andrey Melensky, a Neoclassical architect from Kyiv, who was in charge of the convent's reconstruction. The convent's notable residents included Princess Natalia Dolgorukova, one of the first Russian women writers. It was closed in 1929 but reopened after the Germans entered the city in 1941.

National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Motto in English: "Time is running, Academy is eternal". The library of the old Kyiv Mohyla Academy contained a notable collection of the books. However, the archive was plundered in the 1920s when the academy was closed. - The Halshka Hulevychivna house belonging to the university is the oldest civil building in Kyiv.

Bila Tserkva. For more, see Central Ukraine

Fastiv. For more, see Central Ukraine

Kaniv. Possible visit like a day tour. For more, see Central Ukraine

Pereyaslav. Excellent "skansen" or outdoor folk museum, easily done as a day-trip from central Kyiv. For more, see Central Ukraine

Vyshhorod. A summer winter resort. For more, see Central Ukraine

Do

Attend Ukrainian Orthodox church. Even if you'd never do so at home: Orthodox services are strangely moving even to unbelievers. They are also mighty long and there are few if any seats in church, but it's perfectly acceptable to come and go as you please, as locals do. Women must cover their heads before entering the church. Pick any church you please, but St Volodomyr's (on Tarasa Shevchenka Blvd, listed above) is a good choice.

Go kayaking in-between the islands of Dnipro river or countless river bays. There are several places in Kyiv to rent SUP board or kayak for an hour or two. It’s great way to explore the birds and nature of Kyiv newbies with no previous experience needed. Operating April to September. Pick the days with the nice weather and low wind conditions. Make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen as there is no shade on the open water.

Pysankarstvo workshop. Sign up for a workshop lasting 1-2 hours to decorate your own pysanka. Ukrainians are known to create some of the most beautiful Easter eggs with this ancient decorative technic.

Petrykivka drawing workshop. Go for a workshop to learn this unique Ukrainian decoration style.

Palace of Sports. Indoor complex in the center of Kyiv. The hall hosts ice hockey, basketball and boxing competitions. Apart from sporting events, it's also the venue for Eurovision Song Contest and other concerts

Kyiv has many recreational running routes with different road surfaces. If you like plain terrain, opt for Mariinskyi Park in the city center. You can even extend your route and run across the Lovers’ Bridge to the Puppet Theatre. If you fancy moderate hills, go for Spivoche Pole, with lots of open air and field tracks for those who do not like blacktop surface. For moderate mountainous lovers, there is Hryshko Botanical Garden with views to Paton Bridge and the Dnipro River. Kyiv Shooting Club offers firearms shooting, providing different kinds of weapons available even for non-licensed travelers. Ice skating is possible inside the city’s shopping centers. The largest indoor rink is at the Kosmopolit Shopping Center with an area of . You can of course find outdoor and covered skating rinks, such as Katok. It is a spacious “ice rink bubble”, just 15-minute walk from the M2 "Pochaina".

Other Watch football at FC Dynamo Kyiv, who play soccer in the Premier League, the Ukrainian top tier. Their home ground is Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, capacity 70,000, one km south of city center. Shaktar Donetsk, who also play in the Premier League, have been displaced from their home city by the fighting. They've had a spell based in Lviv, but since 2020 have shared Olimpiyskiy stadium with Dynamo.

Tank Driving. Several tour operators that offer Chernobyl day tours, offer other tours as well. Many tour agencies offer shooting tours involving shooting guns such as the AK-47. A few tour agencies offer tours, in which tourists get to drive a tank.

Urbex for urbex enthusiasts, Kyiv is a goldmine. A quick Google search will turn up myriad abandoned spots and several groups willing to take visitors on tours of unusual spots around the city.

Festivals Visit different eco-cultural, ecological, ethnic, rock and other festivals both inside the city and near its suburbs.

Learn

There are a number of private schools where you can learn Ukrainian or Russian, either part-time or full-time. There are also experienced teachers in the city - check out resources such as Kyiv In Your Pocket, The Kyiv Post, and What's On Weekly for details of schools and teachers.

Universities Many of Ukraine's universities are situated in the capital city.

National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy ― one of the smallest and oldest universities in Ukraine. Offers courses in English.

Work

Foreigners can sometimes find work teaching their native language. Pay is usually decent enough to live on in Kyiv if you get enough pupils and live by local standards.

As is the nature in a global economy, professionals with skills in demand, e.g. accountants and IT professionals, can be employed with global firms in Kyiv, without knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian languages.

Getting a work permit (visa) is a necessity for foreigners if they are going to be employed by any legal entity (exceptions apply only for international institutions and representative offices of foreign companies). The work permit is more of a hiring permit. The potential employer has to apply with the labor administration for hiring a non-resident employee. With the application a complete CV, as well as documents showing an accredited education, have to be submitted.

Buy

For more information on currency, see Ukraine#Money

Not all hotels will change money and if you arrive in the evening or on a Sunday you could find yourself with no money for dinner if you don't change at least some at the airport. Most banks operate on Saturdays as well as Mondays to Fridays.

ATMs are everywhere and generally work with international credit and debit cards.

Like in most places in Ukraine, having plenty of small change will prevent hassle from shop staff who perpetually lack small money.

Market at Andriivskyi Descent. For a nice collection of traditional things, old communist goods (real goods as well as some that are fake and mass-produced) etc.

Zhytniy Market. Covered food market. Already in the 15th century was this market an important shopping center. There met twice yearly fair. Then remained one of the major shopping centers, because of proximity to the Dnieper River and harbour.

Besarabsky Market. Covered food market on base level a Novus supermarket. Offers a wide variety of grocery products. The building is a protected monument. Constructed in 1910-1912.

Groceries Ukrainian supermarkets are known for their convenience and long working hours, always open during the weekend, many operating up until a midnight (when the curfew starts) and 7 days per week.

Most supermarkets conveniently have the coffee/tea machines inside. Some bigger ones have the food courts with a variety of cuisines so that you can enjoy a full meal in-between buying groceries.

Most bottled waters are sparkling. To purchase regular bottled water, ask for literally "water without gas" (VoDA bez gaza).

Do not forget to buy a few big jugs of bottled water, such as Morshynska (Моршинська) or Truskavetska (Трускавецька). Kyivskij tort (київський торт) is another thing you should eat in Kyiv if you love cakes. Dark rye bread, Ryazhenka (Ряженка, Ukrainian style yogurt), Kvas (Квас, fermented drink made of bread) could also be interesting things to taste.

Plastic bags are available but are not free. Bag your own groceries.

MegaMarket. A leading supermarket chain. This MegaMarket is big but can get busy. Foodstuffs are available on the ground level, and non-food available on the first level. You have to go through the cashier on each level, which means two long lineups on busy days.

Velyka kyshenya. A leading supermarket chain with more than thirty stores in Kyiv. This supermarket is in the Ukraine Shopping Center.Kyiv Working hours: around the clock. Availability of parking: parking by multi-department store "Ukraine". Directions: M1 "Vokzalna", trolleybuses 8, 17, bus 1, 3, 15, tram 18 (stop "Victory Square") bus 439, 558, 404, 720, 230, 5 7, 450, 169. Own production: meat and fish department, cooking, commercially available baking and confectionery own production networks "Big Pocket". The presence of other departments, "United Pharmacy", "My Book"

Silpo. A leading supermarket chain. 24/7.

Fora Supermarket. A popular chain of mini-marts that are widely distributed, particularly on the Left Bank side of the city. They are about the size of 7-Eleven and stock most staple items, including toiletries, bread, dairy, sweets, and of course alcohol.

Raiffeisen Bank Aval, Shevchenkivske office 15. Extra long opening time, also on weekends is open!

Eat

Enjoy the Ukrainian cuisine. Grab a Ukrainian meal with borshch, varenyky, kholodets, holubtsi or mlyntsi. In general, it is very cheap to dine in Kyiv by Western European or US standards. So long as you stay away from the places that totally pander to tourists or to the Porsche Cayenne-driving "elite", the food is great and cheap.

Baked goods are cheap and great too. Even the ice-cream on the street is great. Try, for example, the one to the right from M1 "Khreschatyk" - blue kiosk with varying length of queues.

Drink some nastoyanka (alcoholic) or kvas / uzvar (non-alcoholic). When you see vendors selling some liquid from big yellow/blue tanks on the street, you can be sure that it is "Kvas," which is a brewed bread drink. Some people like it and others hate it. It tastes a bit like malt, and the alcohol content is so low (0.05-1.44%) that it is considered acceptable for consumption by children. Try "Odyn Malenkyi" (one small) drink.

Get a medovyk or napoleon cake for dessert.

You should not drink the tap water (for reasons both chemical and microbial). It is advisable to buy bottles in the supermarkets. You can always order "Bonaqua" (a brand of sparkling mineral water), but beer is just about as cheap.

Celentano. Italian food and wine, pizza, salads. Favorite for local youngsters. A couple more places near to metro stations Khreschatyk str., 10; (M1 "Khreschatyk"); Heroiv Stalinhrada ave., 24A,(metro: ?) ; Dovzhenka Oleksandra str., 1 (M1 "Shuliavska"); Yaroslaviv Val str., 37/1 (M3 "Zoloti Vorota"); Velyka Vasylkivska str., 111/113 (M2 "Palats Ukraina"); Vokzalna sq., 2 (M1 "Vokzalna"); Telihy Oleny str., 13/14 (M3 "Dorohozhychi"); Kotsiubynskoho Mykhaila str., 14 (M1 "Universytet").

Korchma Budmo. National Ukrainian cuisine, simple, but tasty and cheap, pleasant atmosphere. All the major credit cards are accepted.

Mister Snack. Cheap sandwich and salad chain, hamburgers. More places exmpl. Sakcaganskogo St., 88.

Potato House. and more couple in suburbs.

Puzata Khata. More locations are through the second arch to the right of the M1 "Khreschatyk" [past McDonald's, turn right through the big decorative arch]; and another on the corner of Sahaidachnoho Street, opposite Bohorodytsi Pyrohoschi (a square with a church on it). There is another one at Kontraktova Square, close to M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha", at the end of a downhill walk from the Andrivskyj Uzviz. "Puzo" is Ukrainian for "belly," and a khata is a traditional Ukrainian hut or shack. It is a pay-per-plate cafeteria, popular with locals. Food is good, but almost entirely traditional Ukrainian. They also offer kvas and good Ukrainian beer. Two people can eat like absolute pigs here for less than 480 грн. You'll be full for the rest of the day, guaranteed.

Two Geese - Pechersk. serves decent cafeteria-style meals. Look for the signs with two geese on yellow background. Sometimes there's a vintage car painted with their logo out front. Fast, decent, easy, all you have to do is point. No language skills needed.

Vesuvio Pizza. Kyiv's first North American style pizza, probably the best in the city. 25 types of pizza, pan pizza and thin crust, pastas, lasagna, green salads, starting from approx. More units: bulvar Shevchenko 2 (Шевченко) - near Khreschatyk (Хрещатик), and Balzak 2a (Global Shopping Center) .

Viola's Bierstube. cheap pub with a great variety of sausages and different meat meals. Also beer here is always good.

Namelaka. Extremely popular among Kyiv women, because they have all the furniture colored in pink, and the pastries are pretty good.

Zavertailo. Has delicious pastries, main focus is on croissants.

Zustrich. Serves a tasty Ukrainian traditional borshch.

Corsair. Serves Mediterranean-inspired food.

Ikon restaurant & bar. About 1,600 грн/person complete. Serves fusion cuisine, unique cocktails. Open Su-W 12:00-13:00, Th-Sa 12:00-18:00.

In Mood café and restaurant. A Lebanese-Syrian place with excellent kitchen and a stylish, but still cosy ambience. Vegetarians and meat-lovers find fantastic food, good music and very friendly staff. A real enrichment for ! Reservations (in English, Russian, Ukrainian) are advisable

Kureni. Wonderful national restaurant with very tasty dishes. Dinner for five persons, including different appetizers, soups, main dishes and gorilka is around 5,400 грн. It is situated on the bank of the Dnepr river and in summer it is very nice to get dinner in the garden, while in winter inside the main building you can enjoy view through large windows and fire from the fireplace. All major credit cards accepted.

Lola Pizza. You can eat in the café area or take-away.

Fayna Familiya. And you can have English breakfast there from early morning until 11:00.

O’Panas. Traditional wooden restaurant, popular to tourists. Really good mlyntsi. try the mushroom ones. (800 грн/person). If you just want to try the mlyntsi, you can walk-up to a stand on the side of the restaurant and get them to go.

ResTop. Offers a sushi menu and European dishes in a friendly atmosphere. Closed for renovation.

Vernissage. One of a chain of four restaurants in Kyiv with the same name, this has a Bohemian feel to it that goes well with the "Montmartre" reputation of Andrew's Descent. Outdoor eating in summer but the small indoor restaurant is nicely decorated and the toilet tucked away in a difficult corner is not to be missed.

It's also worth checking out pubs and restaurants that offer business lunches during weekday lunch.

Good Music Bar&Restaurant. Good Bar Kyiv: restaurant, night club, karaoke bar in Pechersk. Karaoke restaurant in the center of Kyiv.

Guramma Italiana. A modern restaurant with mixed European and Asian cuisine, famous for its exceptional selection of cakes and pies.

Buddha Bar. The restaurant has a longest bar in town. Restaurant and Lounge zone. Pan-Asian cuisine: enjoy Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indian dishes in an exclusive interior.

Concord. On the roof of the Donbass Center at Ukrainskykh Heroiv Square.

Da Vinci Fish Club. Seafood-orientated restaurant with an Italian influence. Very delicious food a place to see and be seen. M3 "Zoloti Vorota"

Mimino. Based on the Soviet film of the same name about a Georgian pilot. The waiters are attired in the 1970s-influenced flight attendant uniforms. Very nice Georgian food, mainly lots of meat. Good Georgian wine available also. M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha"

Touch cafe. Mostly a restaurant but also turns into a nightclub.

Two Hares. At the top of Andriivskyi Descent. 19th-century themed place, good food. Have the rabbit pie (about 90 грн), which is served in a rabbit made of pastry.

Wolkonsky café, bakery and patissiery. Good croissants and perfect place to have meal.

Ukrainian: There are many restaurants that claim to serve authentic Ukrainian food.

Shynok. Very traditional food and furniture. 11:00-24:00.

Italian: Momento on Zolotoustivska Street (near the Circus), Napule on Mechnikova (near M3 "Klovska") Georgian: Mimino on Spaska Street (Podil) Vietnamese: there are several restaurants, owned by a person from Vietnam (the cuisine is a comprise of "hits", rather than complete luncheon sets; considered above-average within local Vietnamese community; extremely expensive) Chinese: There is a good one near M1 "Universytet". It's called "Jiu Long", which means "Nine Dragons" (there is a fast food store upfront, but if you go through the arch, you will see an entire Chinese-style building, that's where the real restaurant is; quality is good and prices are lower than some other similarly fancy restaurants). Other above-average venues (but no one who's experienced anything like the real thing will find satisfactory Chinese food in Kyiv are Mandarin on a floating entertainment complex near the river port in Podil, and Vostok which is across the road from Mandarin. Japanese: There's one called Hanoi which serves Japanese and Vietnamese food. It is near M1 "Arsenalna". The quality is quite high, although the prices are too. Further, you will find various sushi-bar-chains in Kyiv (namely Sushi-Ya, Murakami and Yakitoria)

Nobu. Good Japanese restaurant, but don't be fooled by the name it's not owned by famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Sumosan. In The Premier Palace hotel. Sister restaurant to Sumosan in London. Decent sushi.

King David. Glatt Kosher, many traditional Eastern European dishes. Many Vegetarian dishes.

Drink

Shed any stereotypes you have about poor quality alcohol in Ukraine. Particularly since the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, there has been an explosion of excellent craft beer, wine, and liquor to rival any in Europe. Downtown Kyiv is full of excellent brew pubs, wine bars, and cocktail spots where you can enjoy excellent drinks for far cheaper than elsewhere in Europe.

Notable craft beer brands include Varvar, Tsypa, Mova, Pravda, and Underwood.

If you are not keen about alcohol, try one of the abundant coffee houses. They are always neat places with similar menu featuring all imaginable versions of coffee, a good choice of tea, fancy milk shakes and smoothies, and a selection of cakes. Their main advantage is free Wi-Fi, while on the downside are the prices that are rather high on Kyiv standards. Coffee and piece of cake start from 20 грн each.

Kyiv is famous for its coffee culture. Capu-orange drink, a mix of espresso and orange juice, is a local Ukrainian specialty, served in every coffee shop.

When you urgently need a shot of espresso, you can also try coffee sold on the street. Basically, every second kiosk will offer some kava (Ukrainian word for coffee), but its quality is at best iffy. A safe choice would be special cars equipped with coffee machines. These cars can be found in most public places and next to entrances to the metro stations. They offer decent take-away coffee for 8-10 грн.

If you prefer places that do not look the same in each town and are not owned by big companies, you should try the café "Living-Room" in the vul. Spas'ka, 6, near M2 "Kontraktova Ploscha". The small but cozy place is organized by some enthusiasts and musicians. Two pianos and some other instruments can be used by the staff or guests! While most cafés would close at 22:00 this one is open as long as the staff wants to work. Besides excellent coffee they offer a wide range of very tasty teas, original cakes (e.g. beetroot-chocolate cake!), Beer and so on (no vodka). The kitchen will help you out for the small hunger.

Like a Local's Wine Bar. The place specialises on Ukrainian wine and cichetti-style Ukraine-sourced snacks to which the menu mistakenly refers as tapas; also wine-paired pies. Ask staff for other meal options available, as well as for wine guidance. A small, lively place with great music and friendly staff.

Bar Fidel. Well worth checking out. DJ plays late on a Friday night and there is some serious moshing and crowd surfing in what must be Kyiv's lowest bar/club. Great fun, open till 05:00.

Blyndazh. (Блиндаж, means "entrenchment") at the basement of 15 Mala Zhytomyrska Street (200 m off Maidan sq.) Military-themed bar (it has changed its signboard to Blind Age with a cartoon mole with shades on it). Small, cheap and popular, mostly student types.

Orech. Small, good selection of local beers, used to serve unlimited free walnuts if you drink beer, but the walnut servings are now limited

Trolleybus. A decent pub on Prorizna Street. Their design may look strange until you take a ride on an old USSR-type trolley-bus and fully appreciate the charm of this transport. The pub offers some fancy Ukrainian beer and a selection of home-made vodka-based spirits as well as the full row of typical snacks (dried salted bread, salted fish, calamaris, etc.)

Viola's Bierstube. Well hidden behind a dark door in a small alley.

Irish There are several Irish pubs, none authentic, but OK if you're in need of a Guinness and expat company. One is located near Golden Gate (Zoloti Vorota) on Volodymyrska Street (called, eponymously, The Golden Gate Pub). Another (and the first in Kyiv) is O'Briens on Mykhailivska Street (one of the streets running west off Maidan sq., the one to the right, with a branch of OTP Bank on the corner). Both are expensive by Kyiv standards. A new one has opened in Podil, on the corner of Gostyny Dvor, near the Dutch embassy (can't miss it as it's close to the bottom of Andriivskyi Descent) called the Belfast Pub. Other than these centrally located ones, others lie scattered around Kyiv, they do not cater to the ex-pat crowd and have better prices than you expect to find in any 'western' country. Keep your eyes open. Also try Dockers Pub.

Belgian There are two Belgian beer cafés.

Le Cosmopolite Belgian beer café. Service is in perfect English usually and they do serve Belgian beer and traditional Belgian food (expensive).

Belle-Vue Café. Service is in perfect English usually and they do serve Belgian beer and traditional Belgian food (expensive).

Clubs Kyiv has a nice club scene. Ranging from very cheap to overly-expensive, you can find what you want.

Faberge Club. Also an upscale club, similar to Chaikovsky Deluxe.

Club Forsage. One of the most known clubs has 3 floors with different music genres, is supposed to have strict face control but you can find some underage students inside, they only look at shoes and make sure it's not sport shoes.

Patipa. This is one of Kyiv's dinosaurs, but still one of the most trendy and best visited clubs in Kyiv.

Stolytsia. An upscale lively place close to the Water Museum. Expensive and pretentious, but beware of the face control, e.g. no sport shoes allowed.

Xlib-club. Brings what is called cutting-edge music to Kyiv. The club is neither expensive nor pretentious and exceedingly crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. It's in Podil one of the romantic districts near the Dnieper river.

A few popular venues are at the Mandarin Plaza shopping mall (Arena Entertainment complex), rumored to be owned by the Klitschko brothers. The clubs include Arena, Sky Bar, Barsky and Grotesque. They're right next to Bessarabsky market; most of the clubs are accessible from the court.

Sleep

Kyiv Central Station Hostel. The hostel staff speaks English, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Spanish and Portuguese. Fully equipped, discounts for tours and different activities. Age-limit: 40, no families & no long-terms.

Magic Bus Hostel Kiev. Hostel within walking distance to the main street Kreschatik and railway station. Uniquely designed room. Professional & friendly staff.

The Hub Hostel Kyiv. A hostel in a freestanding building in the center with a huge yard. Privates and 4-12 bed dorms, including female only dorms; free Wi-Fi, linen, tea and coffee. A 24-hr reception, free lockers. Big, soundproof social area with variety of board games, movies and books, well-equipped kitchen. Different activities every day of the week: movie nights, guided tours, pub crawling. Can accommodate groups and provide lodging for all sorts of events.

TIU Kreschatik. Fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi access, friendly English speaking staff, common rooms with big-screen TVs and DVD libraries, private rooms, frequent pub crawls, security lockers and digital coded front door locks.

Really Central Hostel. Very friendly, one communal dorm, two private twin rooms. English speaking staff, Wi-Fi and communal kitchen.

St. Sophia Hostel Kyiv. Located in the very center in a quiet green area, with a view on Sophia Cathedral.

Hostel United. 24-hr reception, 4-6-8 dorms, free Wi-Fi, shared laptop, clean bed linen, towel, free tea/coffee, lockers, big social area, big well-equipped kitchen. Helpful and outgoing staff who speak English, German, Russian, Ukrainian fluently.

Randevu Hotel. Private network has 9 hotels in Kyiv in different parts of the city. Excellent prices and comfortable rooms.

Diplomat Hotel. The apartments offers fully renovated classic single and double rooms, each with ensuite facilities, including plated breakfast. All of the accommodations come equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, heating, desk, safe deposit box, mini bar, hairdryer, double glassed windows and satellite TV.

Hotel Kozatskiy. A 3-star hotel in the center (Independence Place).

Hotel Tourist. Rooms are good, but service is Soviet. Especially breakfast. Reception ok, English speaking. Bring your own teabags or instant coffee. 29 floors. Restaurant with English menu. Close to metro, market and shopping center. Overlooking Soviet-style housing flats, view on city from 3 km away. Strange bath tube.

Premier Hotel Rus. One of the oldest hotels in the city. Aging has contributing to some deteriorating quality in the hotel, but still a 'classic'.

Bratislava Hotel. Three-star hotel on the left bank of the River Dnieper near International Exhibition Center in Kyiv. Has 337 guest rooms and suites.

Gintama Hotel. Centrally located boutique hotel with 23 rooms.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv City Center.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv Podil City Center.

City Park Apart-Hotel Kyiv. A boutique hotel in the cultural, historical business part of Kyiv.

Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv. A five-star luxury hotel in the heart of the historic Podil district. Complete with 258 elegant guest rooms with spectacular views of the Dnipro River.

Hyatt Regency Kyiv. Opened in 2007, a five-star luxury hotel offering great views and featuring a 25-m indoor swimming pool, spa and fitness center.

InterContinental Kyiv. First InterContinental in Ukraine. The 11-storey hotel is designed by celebrated Ukrainian architect Sergey Babushkin. Its angular marble-and-glass façade is a blend of classical and contemporary features, highlighted by a three-metre statue of the Greek Goddess Nike (mythology) by Ukrainian sculptor Michael Reva. InterContinental Kyiv has 272 deluxe rooms, five Ambassador Suites, Royal Suite and Presidential Suite, both overlooking St Michael’s Square.

Opera Hotel Kyiv. The Opera Hotel is 5-star and member of the leading hotels of the world. Opened in 2006 and owned by Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine's wealthiest billionaire.

Premier Palace Hotel. A nice 5-star hotel in a historic building.