top 5 places to visit in kiev

14 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Kiev, Ukraine

Written by Alison Abbott Dec 30, 2019

Kiev is having a moment. Regularly the subject of the nightly news, the city is just waiting to be discovered by tourists. You may know it as the capital of Ukraine and a manufacturing powerhouse, but what you may not know is that this lesser known European city also makes a dream destination for visitors.

Walk through the streets and visit the many small shops, restaurants, museums, and landmarks. The city has a population of three million, but in most neighborhoods, it retains its small-town vibe.

As the hub of science, industry, and culture in Ukraine, there isn't much you won't find in this undiscovered Eastern European gem. Whether you are looking for romance, history, or just a getaway to somewhere unique, Kiev offers a little something for everyone within the city limits.

Although there are many places to visit in the city, find the best spots for sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Kiev.

1. St. Sophia's Cathedral

2. st. andrew's church, 3. national art museum of ukraine, 4. kiev pechersk lavra monastery, 5. mariyinsky palace, 6. independence square, 7. mezhyhirya: former presidential palace, 8. national opera and ballet of ukraine, 9. museum of the history of ukraine in the second world war, 10. st. volodymyr's cathedral, 11. the golden gates, 12. feofaniya park, 13. the motherland monument, 14. m.m. gryshko national botanical garden.

St. Sophia's Cathedral (also called Saint Sophia Cathedral) is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine and was awarded the important status in the 1980s. It was constructed in 1037 and is named for Hagia Sophia. Since it's a favorite of tourists, visiting earlier in the day is recommended.

It's one of the oldest and most jaw-dropping of Kiev's impressive churches. Beautiful murals, ancient mosaics, and frescoes adorn the interior. Additional structures have been added over the years; one entrance fee is good for all.

Enjoy the views over the city form the bell tower. Tours are available.

Address: Volodymyrska St, 24, Kyiv

Another of Kiev's important landmarks is found in Podil, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It was built by the Russian architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli, during the time of Catherine the Great.

Churches were often built high on a hill for all to see, and St. Andrew's is a prime example. While the church is no longer religious in nature, it does house an important collection of paintings and sculptures . St. Andrew was a patron saint of Kiev, and the impressive Baroque architecture reflects his importance.

Address: Andriivs'kyi descent, 23, Kyiv

One of the most visited museums in Ukraine is the National Art Museum. It was established in 1897 by a successful patron of the arts, Bohdan Khanenko, who was determined to build the first museum in the country. Succeed he did—the historically important building contains a collection of important sculptures, artwork, and icons.

Represented are Ukrainian artists, both local and those who have moved to other countries and continued their career in the arts. The museum also shows the work of contemporary artists and is recognized around the world as an important representation of art from Eastern Europe.

Address: 6 Mykhaila Hrushevskoho Street, Kyiv

This monastery complex was founded by two monks of the caves: St. Anthony and St. Theodosius. Constructed over a series of caves excavated by the monks, it is remarkable to think they date to the 11 th century.

The Baroque style of Ukraine is again at work in the series of additional buildings in the complex. You might hear the attraction referred to as both the Near and Far Caves. Make sure to visit both areas, as you will find hundreds of artifacts.

Do not miss the underground crypts, where monks are buried under glass. Here, you'll find a fairly creepy and somewhat claustrophobic look into the past, and one of the most unique sights of the city.

This Baroque palace is the official ceremonial home for the President of Ukraine. After a fire destroyed the first structure, Alexander II had the palace reconstructed in 1870, following the model of the old drawings. The pale blue exterior lends a dreamy quality to the magnificent architecture.

Inside, visitors will find a collection of artwork by Ukrainian masters, as well as cultural and historic treasures. The surrounding landscaped gardens are a nice place for contemplation.

Address: 5A, Mykhaila Hrushevskoho St, Kyiv

Independence Square had its international debut in 2004 as the scene of the Orange Revolution, when the power of the people changed Ukrainian history and the future of the country.

As the central square in the city, many festivals, concerts, and parades take place in the area. The attraction contains six fountains, a waterfall, and a large column representing Ukrainian independence. In the evening, it makes for a great people-watching spot, and there is often a light show and music with the fountains on colorful display.

Visitors will find this area a convenient location for their stay in the city as it is close to many shops, restaurants, and popular areas.

Mezhyhirya is situated in a lovely location on the banks of the scenic Dnieper River. The comples is the former residence of ex-president of Ukraine, Viktor Yonukovych. If you are lucky, your tour guide might be a caped member of the former resistance. Charged with protecting this example of political greed and corruption, he makes for quite an interesting hour of commentary.

Visitors will be overwhelmed by the extravagance on display. Today, in all its glory, the building is a symbol and reminder of overindulgence and institutional greed and corruption. Within its gated walls, there are tennis courts, a shooting range, an equestrian club, helicopter pad, ostrich farm, dog kennel, golf course, and hunting grounds—all built while the population of the country struggled to feed itself.

The surrounding gardens are beautifully maintained and a nice place to have a picnic while trying to process all that you have just taken in on the tour.

Address: Novi Petrivtsi, Kyiv Oblast

From its humble beginnings in 1867, the National Opera of Ukraine has been a cultural mainstay in Kiev. The impressive structure that houses the cultural institution is filled with unique architecture and has modern amenities after it was rebuilt following a devastating fire in the 1980s.

It's one of the most popular cultural attractions in the city—millions of people over the last century have graced its halls and viewed classics like Swan Lake or the Nutcracker .

The National Opera isn't just a great place to view a performance. Outside is the perfect spot to people watch or grab a bite to eat. There is a waterfall sculpture outside, and across the street are a few excellent restaurants from which to choose.

Address: Chaikovs'koho Ln, 1, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast

Opened in 1981, the Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War is located on the banks of the Dnieper River. Within the complex, you will find everything related to the role that Ukraine played in the Second World War commemorated in statues and relics, like uniforms, letters, and larger pieces of history like airplanes and artillery.

Although most of the exhibits aren't in English, you will still get a sense of what it was like to be a soldier during that time, and walking around outside, you can see some impressive views of the city below.

As one of Kiev's key landmarks, St. Volodymyr's Cathedral is probably one of the city's most significant churches. Surely it is one of the most impressive. Many would consider it a key component of the Ukrainian Orthodox structure.

From the moment you walk in the door, you are greeted by the amazing Byzantine-style architecture and art that most visitors find breathtaking. The craftsmanship is exquisite and one-of-a-kind, complete with gilded murals , paintings , and hand-carved accents all nested into this holy space. The grounds are equally beautiful, on a tree-lined street near Shevchenko University.

When you visit, take note that both men and women will need to be appropriately dressed, and women will need a headscarf. Be mindful of the time as well. Regular services are hosted daily.

Address: Tarasa Shevchenko Blvd, 20, Kyiv

Although the original "golden gate" was dismantled in the Middle Ages, the gates that are here today pay honor to the main gate in the 11th century that helped fortify Kiev.

Modeled after the Golden Gate of Constantinople, the structure that stands today was built in 1982 amid controversy. There were no photos to compare it to, just oral tradition as to what the gates would have looked like, so there are many who feel as if this isn't an accurate representation.

At the gates, you will also find a branch of the Sophia of Kiev museum , and several vendors in traditional dress sell local wildflowers around the monument.

Getting here is easy—there is a station of the Metro with easy access.

Feofaniya Park is a beautiful respite in the bustling city of Kiev. Located near the southern outskirts, this park became part of the Soviet state farm system and home to the main observatory for the Institute of Botany of the Ukrainian Academy of Science . This school is well known in Ukraine and Europe in its studies of biodiversity.

Take a stroll in the park and explore the lush greenery and unique plants that call this park home. It's a great way to spend a lunch break or just get away from the city to recharge in a welcome sea of green.

This statue, located in Victory Park , commemorates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany and is a focal point in Kiev. Take a walk around the grounds and admire the views overlooking the Dnieper river.

Inside, visitors will find the Museum of the Great Patriotic War , opened in 1995 at the base of the statue. Thousands of visitors have flocked here to observe and view World War II memorabilia, from weapons to battle dioramas.

This giant titanium statue is taller than the Statue of Liberty. There is a viewing platform that can be reached by elevator, but only with a guide. When you are here, be sure to check out the Hall of Glory and the Hall of Remembrance and Sorrow , a sober reminder of those who lost their lives.

Named after the famed botanist Mykola Gryshko, this beautiful nature preserve is filled with local flora and fauna, as well as plants from all over the world.

Take a walk through the hothouses, greenhouses, or conservatories, where you can check out the exotic plants, as well as a plethora of flowers, from peonies to magnolias. If you are lucky enough to visit here during the spring, you can revel in the gorgeous lilacs in the central gardens, which are a favorite of visitors.

There is a small entry fee charged, but visitors could easily spend several hours here if they are looking for a green space to walk and enjoy the outdoors.

Address: 1 Timiryazevskaya Street, Kiev

Official site: http://www.nbg.kiev.ua/en/

Home » Travel Guides » Ukraine » 25 Best Things to Do in Kiev (Ukraine)

25 Best Things to Do in Kiev (Ukraine)

Ukraine’s capital is a green metropolis on flowing hills next to the Dnieper River. In the middle ages Kiev was the capital of an enormous state occupying a big tranche of Eastern Europe, and you can enter monasteries and cathedrals stemming from this golden age.

There’s no denying that Kiev has seen some tough times, from the Mongol invasion from the east in 1240, to the Nazis attacking from the west in the Second World War. These moments are part of Kiev’s identify and remembered with colossal memorials like the Motherland Monument.

But the city has always rebounded, as it did in the 19th century when it sprouted the many Baroque churches that pierce the skyline. Today, Kiev has 21st century history to retrace at Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the site of momentous demonstrations in 2004 and again in 2014.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Kiev :

1. Kiev Pechersk Lavra

One of the most important sites in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the World Heritage Pechersk Lavra is a marvellous complex of churches, bell towers and subterranean caves.

It can take around four hours to see everything, and you may need an English guided tour to get the most out of Pechersk Lavra.

Beginning in the 11th century, the oldest portions of this complex are underground, in two man-made cave systems, Near and Far.

If you’re planning to go below, try to arrive before the crowds as you’ll descend into a rather confined and bewildering space with a taper candle to light your way.

Canonised monks like Nestor the Chronicler used to live in cells, and are now preserved as mummified, imperishable relics.

Women have to observe a pretty strict dress code that entails covering your hair and wearing a skirt.

Available tour : Kiev: City Exploration and Kiev Pechersk Lavra Tour

2. Great Lavra Bell Tower

Still part of Pechersk Lavra, this sensational monument deserves special attention as it’s one of Kiev’s emblems.

The Great Lavra Bell Tower is an unmissable fixture on the city’s skyline and dwarfs the other monuments at Pechersk Lavra, climbing to just below 100 metres.

At the time of its construction (1731-1745) it was the tallest free-standing bell tower in the world, and is composed of four tiers, each narrower than the last, culminating with a gilded dome.

The style is Ukrainian Baroque, and while studying the three upper tiers architecture geeks will notice that the columns are Doric on the 2nd tier, Ionic on the 3rd and then Corinthian on the fourth.

For a small fee you can go up for an all-encompassing view of Kiev, while the mighty bell tolls every quarter of the hour.

3. Saint Sophia’s Cathedral

Also included in the same World Heritage Site, Saint Sophia’s Cathedral is Kiev’s oldest surviving church and has architecture and ornamentation dating back to the 1000s.

Like the Pechersk Lavra it’s been elected one of the Ukraine’s Seven Wonders.

The cathedral, famed for its 13 gilded domes, was initiated in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise whose sarcophagus is on display.

You have to take your time shuffling around the interior because of the sheer quantity of medieval frescos and mosaics that have survived since the cathedral was built.

The pinnacle is the Orans of Kiev icon in the chancel vault, standing six metres high and depicting the Virgin Mary.

In the monastic buildings there’s a museum showing medieval artefacts from the cathedral and a model of Kiev before it was annihilated by the Mongols in 1240.

4. Pirogovo – Kiev Museum of Folk Architecture and Life

A perfect document of Ukrainian folk culture awaits at a sprawling open-air museum on the southern outskirts of the city.

Rural architecture from six different Ukrainian regions has been moved to this site and reassembled in six distinct villages.

There are more than 300 buildings, from churches to dwellings to workshops, in a living museum where you can watch time-honoured crafts in action like forging, weaving and pottery.

The museum was founded in 1969 and over time has amassed some 70,000 artefacts.

On show in old rustic buildings are glassware, ceramics, costume, metalwork, woodwork, embroidery and carpets, all opening a window on folk crafts and culture in days gone by.

Private tour : Kiev: Museum of Folk Architecture in Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi

5. St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

On bluffs over the right bank of the Dnieper, this working monastery dates from the 12th century and boasts a multi-domed cathedral and a bell tower.

The exterior architecture is from the middle of the 18th century and in an elaborate Baroque style, but the interior of the cathedral kept hold of its Byzantine design.

Sadly the building was torn down in the Soviet era when its art was moved to Moscow, but it would be reborn 70 years later.

Come by to see the sky blue walls capped with shining domes and the majestic view of the Knieper from the top of the bell tower.

The museum on the lower floors of the bell tower records the history of the monastery and the fate suffered by other religious monuments in the Soviet era.

Guided tour : Kiev: St. Sophia Cathedral and St. Michael’s Monastery

6. The Motherland Monument

Erected in 1981 the Motherland Monument is a gigantic, 62-metre stainless statue commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

In a park beside the Knieper, this symbolic figure of a woman is visible from all over Kiev.

To give you an idea of the dimensions, the monument is made with individual blocks of steel, held together with more than 30 kilometres of welding.

The sword that the figure holds up is 16 metres in length and weighs nine tons alone.

On the figure’s left arm is a shield bearing the insignia of the Soviet Union.

The higher of the monument’s two observation decks is at the top of this shield, though you’ll need to wear a harness to visit this upper one.

7. Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II

The Motherland Monument is integrated into this museum, and the memorial continues at the base.

See the marble plaques for the city’s 11,600 fallen soldiers and 200 workers, a “Flame of Glory” in a giant bowl surrounded by military hardware from the war.

Also walk the “Alley of the Hero Cities”, where Soviet cities that offered stiff resistance to Nazi Germany are remembered.

The museum is also gigantic, telling the story of the Second World War from Ukraine’s perspective with more than 300,000 objects.

The exhibitions here are very well-curated and the galleries are loaded with weapons both heavy and light, as well as maps, uniforms and archive photographs.

8. Maidan Nezalezhnosti

To get a handle on current affairs in Ukraine make for ground zero, at Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). This has been a centre for political activism since 1990, and is where the Euromaidan protests occurred in 2013-14. There’s a contemporary memorial to the “Heavenly Hundred”, people who died in the protests.

On the lighter side, when Kiev hosted Eurovision in 2017 the fan zone was located here as if to show how much has changed in just a few years.

While you’re sightseeing, get a photo of the 2001 Independence Monument, Hotel Ukraine and the regal portico of the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy.

9. Khreshchatyk

A gathering point and upmarket shopping street, Khreshchatyk ties the Maidan to the rest of Kiev.

This thoroughfare was almost obliterated in the Second World War, and was rebuilt in the Soviet Neoclassical style.

One of the neat things about Khreshchatyk is that during weekends and public holidays road traffic is prohibited and the street fills with families and couples strolling along and checking out the many street performers.

All of the major international retailers are on Khreshchatyk and there’s an wide choice of cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops, with outdoor terraces where you can sit and watch everyone going about their day.

Look out for the palatial TSUM department store, a Kiev institution, as well as the Ukrainian House convention centre and the lively Kiev Passage side street.

10. Andriyivskyy Descent

The most famous street in Kiev drops down the sharp slope from the Upper Town to the Podil quarter on the Dnieper.

At the top, St Andrew’s Church is in an opulent Baroque style and dates to the middle of the 18th century.

You can catch a funicular up from Podil, or inch your way up the cobblestone street if you’re feeling fresh.

The architect was Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, an Italian who made his name in Russia and the Baltic, designing the Winter Palace in St Petersburg.

From there make your way down through a neighbourhood known as the “Montmartre of Kiev”, not just because of the steep topography but also the arty ambience and evocative 19th-century architecture.

There are plenty of chic cafes to call in at, and stalls by the street sell paintings in summer.

Andriyivskyy Descent is also the location for the Kiev Day celebrations at the end of May.

Kiev’s riverfront merchant’s quarter and former city centre was razed by fire at the start of the 19th century and rebuilt on a grid system.

To get there you could catch the funicular down from St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, which will drop you in a neighbourhood that was saved from major damage in the Second World War so looks jus as it did more a century ago.

Podil is a hip, cultural area, boasting Ukraine’s most prestigious university and lots of places to dine out.

Among the big sights are the spacious Poshtova Ploscha (Postal Square) next to the funicular station, and Kontraktova Ploscha (Cotracts Square), named for the Contracts House trading hall.

On this square look for the 18th-century Fountain of Samson, comprising a sculpture of Samson slaying the lion under a handsome rotunda.

Included in : Ancient Kiev Walking Tour

12. St Volodymyr’s Cathedral

Kiev has many churches, monasteries and cathedrals now run as museums, but St Volodymyr’s Cathedral is a functioning place of worship where you can observe Eastern Orthodox services.

These happen twice a day on weekdays (08:00 and 17:00) and three times on Saturday and Sunday (07:00, 10:00 and 17:00). Easy to spot for its yellow facade, St Volodymyr’s is the mother cathedral of the Kiev Patriarchate of the Ukrainian Eastern Orthodox Church.

The architecture is 19th-century Neo-Byzantine, and many of the frescoes were painted by the feted Russian Romantic Nationalist Viktor Vasnetsov.

When the St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery was pulled down in the 1930s the relics of St Barbara were moved here, where they remain today.

13. Mykola Syadristy Microminiature Museum

Within the Kiev Pechersk Lavra complex is a museum for the artist Mykola Syadristy.

All of Syadristy’s works fit into a single room.

And that’s because they’re miniscule and require microscopes to see them.

Only then will you realise how complicated these pieces are, like a chessboard on the head of a pin, or the smallest book in the world at no more than 0.6 square millimetres.

The artist’s sense of imagination is also made plain in microscopic works like a poppy seed turned into a bird’s nest or a flea wearing a pair of golden shoes.

14. Mikhail Bulgakov Museum

One of the most acclaimed Russian writers of the 20th century was born and grew up in Kiev.

His fine late-19th-century house on Andriyivskyy Descent is now a museum about his life and novels.

What makes the house so engrossing is that it inspired the home of the Turbins in the novel the White Guard, and the play The Days of the Turbins that came after.

The house is filled with Bulgakov’s possessions, and where replicas have been used they have been painted white.

At the end of a tour you’ll be invited to a cup of tea or coffee in this genteel setting.

15. Hryshko National Botanical Garden

Just downriver from the Motherland Monument, this sweeping botanical garden is managed by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

In all there are 13,000 varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers from far and wide.

The gardens are lovely in almost any season, but if there’s a time you simply have to come it’s the end of spring.

This is when the hundreds of lilac bushes on the “Lilac Alley” are in full bloom.

Spring and early summer bring a riot of colour as the peonies, magnolia and roses are also in flower.

Check out the greenhouse for exotic species and there are reptiles in the terrarium.

Bring a picnic blanket and give yourself time to watch the Dnieper bending past the spires of the St.

Michael’s Vydubytsky Men’s Monastery far below.

16. State Aviation Museum

Situated inside the old terminal building for Zhulyany Airport, the State Aviation Museum is a few kilometres southwest of the city centre.

Anyone with an eye for aircraft or Soviet hardware will be in heaven here.

The museum opened in 2003 on the 100th anniversary of the first manned flight.

It’s the second largest museum of its kind in former Soviet countries and has a growing fleet of aircraft, which numbered over 70 at the last count.

You can inspect Ilyushins, Antonovs, Sukhois, Tupolevs, Yakovlevs and of course, aircraft produced by the fabled Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (MiGs). The size of some of the helicopters may catch you by surprise, like the Mi-24, which is both a gunship and a transport for eight passengers.

Available tour : Kiev: 3-Hour Museum of Aviation

17. Landscape Alley

On the south side of the Andriyivskyy Descent, just off Velyka Zhytomyrska Street is a green space that has been turned into a wonderland by dozens of pieces of public art.

If there’s one thing all the artworks have in common it’s that they’re whimsical, light-hearted and adored by kids.

Some of the characters you’ll meet are a 30-metre cat centipede, a happy elephant fountain and benches in the form of a crow, cat and rabbit, all covered with mosaic tiles.

And at this hillside setting you can bask in photogenic views of Podil, the Dnieper River and Zamkova Hora (Castle Hill).

18. One Street Museum

It’s hard not to be enchanted by Andriyivskyy Descent, and all the stories associated with this famous street.

If you’re thirsty for more information there’s a museum near the bottom.

The museum has been cleverly designed to recreate the atmosphere of the street at the dawn of the 20th century.

There are more than 7,000 exhibits in the showcases, and it’s a crazy miscellany of artefacts, from vintage postcards to sketches, antique Bulgakov editions, photographs, costumes, tableware, newspaper cuttings and antique typewriters.

There are insights about the noteworthy people who have lived on the street, the history of St Andrew’s Church, and the castle built by Richard the Lionheart that once crowned the hill.

19. Golden Gate

In the middle ages Kiev was the capital of the Kievan Rus’, a federation of Slavic states that stretched from the Black Sea to the Baltic.

In that time there stood a humungous gate at the southern entrance to the city, but it was pulled down in the 13th century and remained a ruin until the 1980s.

In 1982, on Kiev’s 1500th anniversary the gate was reconstructed, even though nobody could agree exactly how it looked in its 11th-century heyday.

So even if the design is open to question the gate is an impressive structure with four tiers of merlons above the main portal and wooden extensions on each side.

In the surrounding garden there’s a monument to Yaroslav the Wise, an enlarged bronze version of a sculpture by Ivan Kavaleridze.

20. National Opera House

It’s not often that you can visit a capital city and decide on a whim to watch Madame Butterfly, Rigoletto or Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

But that’s exactly what you can do at the National Opera House, and compared to the rest of Europe tickets cost next to nothing.

A seat in the stalls will cost around 500 Hryvnia, €18, and it’s even less in the balcony.

The building is magnificent as well, built in the Academic style over the turn of the 20th century after its predecessor burnt down.

If you’re staying at a hotel you can ask your concierge to book tickets if there’s more than a day’s notice, or you can go to the box office on the day.

21. St Cyril’s Monastery

If you want to browse one of Kiev’s exquisite churches without being jostled by tourists, this beautiful monument needs to be on your list.

St Cyril’s is a little way from the centre of the city and requires a metro and trolleybus ride.

But what greets you at the end of the journey is a monastery and church harking back to the Kievan Rus’. The church’s Ukrainian Baroque facade is from the 18th-century and conceals a 12th-centrury interior, the only one in Kiev that hasn’t required major interventions.

The many original frescos are bright and sharp after a restoration in the 1970s.

Go upstairs to the gallery for a closer look at the image of the Transfiguration on the ceiling.

22. Babi Yar

While you’re in the northwestern suburbs you can uncover perhaps the darkest period in Kiev’s history.

A brief walk from St Cyril’s Babi Yar is a ravine where a mass murder took place on September 29-30 1941. In two days 33,771 Jews were murdered by the SS, the largest single mass killing carried out during the campaign against the Soviet Union.

And during the remainder of the war up to 150,000 Jews, Romanis, the mentally ill, Soviet Prisoners of War and Ukrainian nationalists were killed in this place.

The site is now a memorial park, hosting separate monuments to the various group of victims: Jews, children, Romani people and clerics.

Available tour : Kiev: Babiy Yar Memorial & Museum World War II

23. Taras Shevchenko Park

Something that bears repeating is just how green the centre of Kiev is: You can whole quarters of the city without leaving tree cover.

One of the prettiest parks is Taras Shevchenko Park, fronting the Taras Shevchenko National University and a popular hangout for students.

But they’re not the only ones who meet-up here, as older citizens gather for boisterous games of chess that can get very heated.

Little ones can take pony rides, and you can also see the statue of Taras Shevchenko surrounded by flowerbeds.

This 19th-century writer and polymath has had an enormous influence on Ukrainian culture and helped to shape the modern Ukrainian language.

24. House with Chimeras

Opposite the President’s Residence on Bankova Street is the pinnacle of Art Nouveau architecture in Kiev.

The House with Chimeras dates to 1901-02 and was designed by the Polish-Ukrainian architect Władysław Horodecki as his personal home.

Horodecki was a keen hunter, which explains the many creatures on the facade, both mythical and real, like dolphins, deer, elephants, frogs, rhinoceroses and mermaids.

Today the building is owned by the government and reserved for official receptions.

Access is restricted on the road, and in these tense times you can’t just show up to view the interior.

But if you fill out an online form well in advance there are tours on weekends, where Horodecki’s bizarre decoration includes a chandelier with catfish being strangled by lotus flowers.

25. Besarabsky Market

At the southern end of Khreshchatyk, a couple of streets across from Taras Shevchenko, is Kiev’s historic market.

Even plastered with advertisements, the early-20th-century market hall is imposing, and was the work of the Polish architect Henryk Julian Gay.

Shopping here can be intimidating as the stalls are run by fierce babushki.

Also, none of the produce is labelled with prices, as haggling is the way people do business.

So if you want to do some shopping you may need a Ukrainian friend with you.

If not, come for a snapshot of day-to-day life and grab something from one of the bars and cafes on the edge of the market.

25 Best Things to Do in Kiev (Ukraine):

• Kiev Pechersk Lavra
• Great Lavra Bell Tower
• Saint Sophia's Cathedral
• Pirogovo - Kiev Museum of Folk Architecture and Life
• St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery
• The Motherland Monument
• Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II
• Maidan Nezalezhnosti
• Khreshchatyk
• Andriyivskyy Descent
• St Volodymyr's Cathedral
• Mykola Syadristy Microminiature Museum
• Mikhail Bulgakov Museum
• Hryshko National Botanical Garden
• State Aviation Museum
• Landscape Alley
• One Street Museum
• Golden Gate
• National Opera House
• St Cyril's Monastery
• Taras Shevchenko Park
• House with Chimeras
• Besarabsky Market

This story was published before war came to Ukraine and suspended all travel there.

Saint Sophia Cathedral is one of many stunning churches in Kiev, Ukraine.

Discover the Best of Kiev

Explore this Eastern European capital with these top 10 tips.

Kiev was once a city with an identity crisis, but its enlivening spirit and perseverance throughout its recent history and current events have launched it into international recognition as a city with unprecedented tourism potential.

National Park

Holosiivskyi National Nature Park is a protected forest and natural reserve in Kiev and a must-visit for those who love the outdoors and being away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit. The forest is teeming with wildlife and plants. The park sits on 140 acres and contains four lakes that locals love to visit year-round. There are several pathways that visitors can cycle, run, or walk on. Children will also enjoy the Nature Park as it has playgrounds, paddle boats, and carnival rides.

UNESCO Site

Kiev has two UNESCO World Heritage sites that fall under the same category—the Kiev Pechersk Lavra and the Saint Sophia Cathedral. Both are Orthodox Christianity icons of the city. Kiev Pechersk Lavra is a cave monastery that dates back to 1051. The Saint Sophia Cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most famous sights in Kiev.

Cultural Sites

“Golden domes” are often what come to mind when someone thinks of Kiev and rightfully so. The city is home to an abundance of churches and cathedrals and many are worth your time. Saint Sophia Cathedral, Saint Michael’s, and Saint Andrew’s are among the most popular.

Best Day Trip

There are several cities to see outside of Kiev on a day trip but a city that is very deserving of a visit is Chernihiv, just to the north of Kiev. Chernihiv is a city of around 290,000 residents and is home to a popular square and green space called Dytynets Park that houses several churches. Another popular day trip is taking a tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat, which must be done through a pre-arranged tour.

Off the Beaten Path

Kiev is more diverse than meets the eye. If you head over to the Islamic Cultural Center off Starozhytomyrskyi Lane on Fridays from noon to 6 p.m., you will find a food market that will engage your senses in the best way possible. Visitors will find everything from Uzbek plov to meat vendors from Northern Africa to sweets from Turkey and the Middle East. Many people speak English and would love to share a tea with you while you devour a plate of delicious plov. This food market is definitely one of the hidden gems of Kiev.

Most Iconic Place

The Motherland Monument stands tall over Kiev at 102 meters (335 feet) high and weighing nine tons. She stands with a sword in her right hand, but it is the shield she is holding—with an emblem representing the Soviet Union—that has raised a bit of controversy in recent years due to the decommunization laws that were put in place in 2015. All World War II statues and monuments are exempt from the decommunization laws, but not without inevitable controversy. The statue commemorates the soldiers who perished during WWII and there is a museum close to the statue called the Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II. Regardless of your interest in the war and Soviet history, this area is a must-visit as the views of the river are gorgeous and its monuments are larger than life.

You can find a party and nightlife anywhere in Kiev. The craft beer scene is booming and you can support the entrepreneurs making the trend so popular by visiting one of the many craft beer bars spread throughout the city. Start with a drink in Podil and end up across the river and drink with the locals. You never know what kind of hidden gem you may stumble upon.

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Historic Site

Babi Yar , a ravine where Jews were killed during the German occupation, is easily one of the most somber sights in Kiev. There were an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 Jews murdered here and the ravine was also home to several other massacres during Soviet occupation. In September 1941, more than 33,000 Jews were killed there during a two-day period. This mass killing is said to be the largest of any single massacre during the Holocaust.

Local Quirk

You will likely hear two different languages in Kiev. The first is the national language of Ukrainian and the second is Russian, which is still widely spoken today. Depending on where you are in Ukraine, you will hear one more than the other, but Kiev is becoming more and more Ukrainian presently and you will notice it in the language. Kiev is the Russian spelling of the city and Kyiv is the Ukrainian spelling of the city. The country is also called “Ukraine,” not “The Ukraine,” as was announced by the government in 1993. Kiev locals will be extremely impressed if you have a few words of Ukrainian up your sleeve, but don’t be surprised if you hear them speaking Russian as their first language.

Neighborhood to Explore

Podilskyi, or Podil , is one of Kiev’s hippest neighborhoods. Podil is situated close to the Dnieper and is home to vibrant street art, quirky cafes, and some of the coolest bars in Kiev. Kiev’s city center can be a bit ostentatious for some, but Podil is intimate and charm radiates from every street corner in the district.

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• The Best Things To Do...

The 10 Best Things to Do in Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine

From sampling new Ukrainian cuisine and exploring monasteries to discovering Soviet-era modernist architecture, there is no shortage of things to do in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv (Kiev).

In Kyiv , UNESCO-protected historical sites stand proud alongside a vibrant art scene, while a new hip restaurant or coffee shop seems to be opening almost every week. The Ukrainian capital has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting contemporary cities, and an increasingly popular weekend break destination. After exploring the Pechersk Lavra caves, tasting the best local street food at Besarabsky Market and getting a feel for the city’s design scene, you’ll soon understand why.

Visit the mummies at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra caves

A must-visit on any trip to Kyiv is the Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, a UNESCO-protected historic Orthodox Christian monastery on the hills above the Dnipro River. As weird as it sounds, one of the biggest attractions here is the chance to descend underground and walk through the caves where mummified remains of former monks have been laid to rest. After exploring the caves be sure to marvel at the Byzantine- and Baroque-inspired architecture of the numerous onion-domed churches, particularly the Trinity Gate Church, Dormition Cathedral and Refectory. For one of Kyiv’s most impressive panoramas, climb to the top of the 96m (315ft) bell tower.

Get inspired on Andriyivsky Uzviz

Pro tip: don’t fall for the touristy souvenir stalls occupying Andriyivsky Uzviz’s boardwalks, but peek into the somewhat hidden Mriyi Mariyi shop for authentic Ukrainian items to bring home.

Embrace the eclectic architecture

Walking around Kyiv is like reading an architectural history book – this city has it all. For the lovers of all things ancient, there’s Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO-protected medieval masterpiece with well-preserved frescoes inside. The Art Nouveau enthusiasts will be mesmerised by the whimsical design of the House with Chimeras, an animal-figure-adorned work of local architect Władysław Horodecki, whose architectural style won him praise as the Antoni Gaudí of Kyiv.

Nevertheless, it’s in its Soviet Modernism that Kyiv really shines. Ukrainian director Antonio Lukich, whose film My Thoughts Are Silent (2019) was awarded the special jury prize at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in 2019, has some Kyiv Modernist favourites of his own. “First of all, there is the House of Cinema, a nostalgic place,” says Antonio. “I really like the Daisy Houses next to Obolon metro station, they were built (as were all the grandiose Soviet houses) so that the people didn’t forget how small they are. Finally, there is the impressive House of Furniture at the Druzhby Narodiv metro station.”

Taste new Ukrainian cuisine

Want to discover the best of contemporary Ukrainian cuisine? The restaurant 100 rokiv tomu vpered (100 years ago in the future) has you covered by creatively experimenting with traditional tastes to deliver healthy and innovative dishes. Its interpretations of borsch (beet soup served with plum) and Carpathian cornmeal dish banosh (corn porrige accompanied by feta cheese) are musts. Another representative of the new Ukrainian cuisine is Kanapa, where you can order a tasting set covering various regional specialities paired with local wine.

There are other food superheroes in Kyiv too. “Be sure to try the Bessarabian bryndza cheese with ripe tomatoes and varenyky dumplings with cherries at Barva. Neobistro Assambleya serves comfort food from the not-so-distant past, so come here for the bread with chocolate butter and smoked salt accompanied by hot tea,” recommends Olena Braichenko, a founder of the educational food project Їzhakultura and food-centred publishing house Їzhak.

Get outdoors on Trukhaniv Island

If you look at Kyiv from the height of its hilly right bank you notice how green it is. Divided by the expansive Dnipro River, the city limits include more than 30 islands. And that, in turn, means infinite outdoor possibilities to enjoy. The most accessible and developed option would be Trukhaniv Island, connected to the central part of Kyiv by the Pedestrian Bridge (where you can enjoy excellent vistas onto the river).

According to local musician Bohdan Bondarenko, founder of the city’s Bond Guitars design workshop, the best way to explore Trukhaniv Island is by bike. “Follow the path straight to the far southern beach where you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Metro Bridge over the Dnipro River,” says Bohdan.

Get immersed in the local design scene on Reitarska Street

Once Reitarska was just another picturesque street in the Zoloti Vorota district of Kyiv. Today, it’s a flourishing design quarter with abounding showrooms, clothing stores, galleries and cool hangout spots. Hunt for clothes by young Ukrainian designers at the Riot Division concept store (specialising in techwear), Kapkan for streetwear and the Sammy Icon concept store for socks. After a spot of retail therapy, visit the contemporary art gallery the Naked Room.

Yaroslav Druzyuk is a good person to ask for Reitarska recommendations. as he regularly writes about Reitarska happenings as the editor-in-chief of BAROUT, a local magazine on bar culture; and coffee mag Blackfield Coffee. “At Zigzag you can have a great meal any time of the day, Malevich is where to have a glass of wine, while Vesuvio is for a good old-fashioned pizza,” he advises.

Go on a coffee crawl

In recent years, Kyiv’s coffee scene has boomed – speciality coffee shops have conquered the Ukrainian capital. For a cosy central spot with Turkish sand coffee and books visit Paliturka, or for a hidden, truly local place, find refuge at 16.coffee. Blur Coffee is a vibrant café with an international crowd, while Come and Stay is a tiny student hipster hangout tucked away from the hubbub in a courtyard.

Sample the best of Kyiv street food

The central Besarabsky Market – notable for its Art Nouveau style – is one of the most popular street food hotspots in the capital. Vegans will be delighted by Green 13 Café Vegan Kitchen, where their grilled tofu green burger is the star of the menu. Right next to it is Vietnamsky Privet, offering affordable and incredibly tasty bowls of pho. For a market with a more modern vibe check out the Kyiv Food Market, a vibrant collection of restaurants, cafés and bars close to the Arsenalna metro station.

Rave like you’re in ’90s Berlin

Recent political and economic turmoil has given birth to lively countercultural movements in Kyiv, making the city one of Europe’s hottest spots for raves. This is not least thanks to techno collectives such as Cxema and Rhythm Büro, along with the already legendary Closer club, set in a former sewing factory. Don’t miss the annual Strichka Festival in May and Brave! Factory electronic and independent music festival at the end of August.

Marvel at Ukrainian and international art

Fit for such a creative megapolis, Kyiv’s museum scene is thriving. Start with something local, heading to the recently revamped National Art Museum of Ukraine (NAMU), which boasts a comprehensive collection of artworks by the country’s most renowned artists and covering all periods of history. Next up, there’s the Khanenko National Museum of Western and Oriental Art, set in a magnificent 19th-century mansion. Finally, stop by at the Pinchuk Art Centre , a world-class contemporary art venue that has hosted exhibitions by such famous international artists as Ai Weiwei, Banksy and Damien Hirst. All three of these museums are located close to the central Khreschatyk Street, making them easy to visit in a day.

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15 Best Things To Do in Kyiv, Ukraine [With Sample Itinerary]

Are you planning to travel to Kyiv, Ukraine soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Kyiv with suggested tours! You’ll surely have a lot of fun!

Kiev or Kyiv is the capital city of Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. It is known for its gold-domed St. Sophia’s Cathedral, with 11th-century mosaics and frescoes. Its high-tech industries, higher education institutions, and historical landmarks are the main reasons why you should visit this stunning city.

Other articles you can read:

• Weekend in Kyiv, Ukraine: How to Spend 3 Days in Kyiv, Ukraine
• My Ukraine Itinerary – Unraveling Its Unique Culture and Distillery Magic
• 7 Reasons Why You Must Visit Ukraine Right Now
• DIY Travel Guide to Lviv, Ukraine
• Weekend Trip from London – 15 Budget Cities in Europe to Visit

Table of Contents

15 Things that you should do and visit in Kyiv, Ukraine

1. insomnia haunted house kyiv.

By the name of the attraction itself, we all know what will happen when you visit this haunted house in Kyiv. It turns your greatest fears into reality. So, if you love the thrill, tell your friends or family to go to this haunted house. 

Suggested Tour: Survival Game Kyiv

2. Mykola Syadristy Microminiatures Museum

The tiniest art that you will see in your whole life. Why would you miss the chance? This unique museum provides you the micro-miniatures collections that would really amaze you. Each creation has its own microscope that would help you to see and appreciate even the tiniest details of every piece of art.

3. State Aviation Museum

Interested in planes? Jets? Or anything related to aviation? Then head to the State Aviation Museum in Kyiv, Ukraine! In this museum, you will see a collection of war-jets and military planes that were part of the cold war in the past. If this isn’t enough reason to visit this awesome museum then I don’t know what is. 

Suggested Tour: Kyiv State Aviation Museum Private Guided Tour

4. St. Michael’s Cathedral

St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine is the best example of local architecture. With its vibrant color and awesome stunning structure, it’s very difficult not to take a picture of it. Your trip to Kyiv, Ukraine will not be complete without a visit to this popular and magnificent church.

Suggested Tour: Total Kyiv Experience

5. Pirogovo Open-Air Museum

Experience traditional Ukraine in this attraction. You will see a lot of original buildings and windmills from Ukraine’s history that are well-preserved. Get to learn about their rich culture, lifestyle, and history. Such a very interesting place!

Suggested Tour:   Private Tour to Pirogovo Open-Air Museum

6. National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War

Kyiv, Ukraine is really a home of historical museums and landmarks. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War helps us to understand what Ukraine experienced during World War 2. 

Suggested Tour:  Museum of Second World War Tour

7. Chernobyl National Museum

If you know about what happened in Chernobyl, you’d probably have an idea of what this museum is about. The Chernobyl National Museum shows you the impact that the Chernobyl disaster left humans. During your trip, you will get fully informed about what happened. However, please expect a heavy atmosphere when you enter as this museum really depicts the situation in Chernobyl. 

Suggested Tour:  Group Tour to Chernobyl and Prypiat with Lunch

8. Rodina Mat (Motherland)

A breathtaking massive statue, even taller than the Statue of Liberty. It doesn’t matter wherever you are in Kyiv, you would see this statue easily. This statue also houses a museum that you can go to. But the statue itself is already a sight to see. 

9. After Two Hares Characters Monument

A visit to this monument would only take you a minute. However, if you’re familiar with the background story of the statue, then you’d definitely enjoy your short visit here. You could also take good pictures to add up to your photo collections.

10. Besarabsky Market

It is one of the oldest buildings in Kyiv. Inside, you will see fresh meat and a lot of different types of food. Not only that, this market is very soothing in the eye because it is very colorful. A definitely unique market indeed. 

Suggested Tour: Small-Group Waking Tour of Kiev Center

11. Kyiv National Academic Theatre of Operetta

This theatre in Kyiv was founded in 1934. If you enjoy watching operas, then this theatre is a must-visit. They were able to maintain the beautiful architecture of this building that’s why going here is really worth your time.

12. Lesia Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre Kiev

It is a theatre in Kyiv, Ukraine and is located in a building known as Bourgogne Theatre. If you like going to theatres and watching dramas especially of Russian and Ukrainian dramatic art, then go here.

13. National Opera House of Ukraine

This opera house in Kyiv was formally established in 1867 and is the third oldest in Ukraine. The interior is really beautiful that you would really enjoy seating while watching a great performance.

Suggested Tour:  Kiev Private 3-Hour Tour – Best Sights

14. Dream Town Shopping and Entertainment Mall

It’s a huge shopping and entertainment center in Kyiv, Ukraine. It has almost everything you need. Within the center, there are activities and attractions for kids and adults to enjoy like ice skating ring, rollerblading ring, and bumper cars.

15. Narodniy Dim Ukraine

This shop is perfect for souvenir shopping. It has an amazing variety of handcrafted Ukranian gifts crafted by local artisans. Not only that, the staff are very helpful and informative that you would feel comfortable shopping.

These are the possible things you can do in Kyiv, Ukraine. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Kyiv .

How to go to Kyiv, Ukraine from the UK

Via Ryanair: (one way)

*From London Stansted to Kyiv Airport

Ticket Price: £31.99

* Prices are subject to change. 

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Top 18 Things To Do in Kiev, Ukraine

Even though it doesn’t seem like that, Kiev (also written as Kyiv) has been there for a long time; before we all knew what Ukraine and Russia were. Considered one of the oldest settlements in Europe, it’s one of the first in the Slavic world. Wandering through its historic streets, visiting museums, admiring various architectural styles are some of the best things to do in Kyiv.

Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is not spoiled by many tourists. Therefore you get an authentic experience in a relatively budget-friendly country. The capital, Kiev, is a great place to start your Ukrainian adventure, and this travel guide will help you pinpoint some of the best Kyiv attractions.

HOW TO GET TO KIEV

There are two airports in Kiev – Boryspil International Airport and Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany). First is the biggest airport, only 29km from the town, and serves intercontinental and most international flights. Zhuliany, on the other hand, is about 7km away from the city center. Most of the budget-friendly airlines do fly here, along with more prominent airl ine companies.

18 THINGS TO DO IN KIEV

Kyiv boasts many exciting things to do, including museums, gorgeous churches, and landmarks scattered across the city. Most of Kyiv’s attractions are within walking distance. So we never used public transport to go from one place to another.

Join the Free Walking Tour in Kiev

Like many capitals worldwide, Kiev has a free walking tour to make you familiar with the city. The guides of such tours are usually locals, who know their city inside-out. Therefore, I highly recommend joining one of such tours. Free Tours Kyiv has several tours you can take; there is no booking required. Just show up at the designated place and enjoy it.

Do note that those tours are not entirely ‘free’; guides rely on your tips.

Visit the Independence Square

Maidan Nezalezhnosti is the most popular location in Kiev. This is where different concerts, festivals, protests, and significant events take place. The monument of Independence situated right in the center of the square makes it easy to recognize. You can’t miss it!

Walk down the Andriyivskyy Descent

Often called the “Montmartre” of Kiev, gorgeous and historical descent features many authentic Ukrainian souvenirs. And the most important site of the area is the beautiful St. Andrew’s Church.

Find the cute couple statue

Located near the Andriyvskyy Descent, this lovely statue of a couple is a favorite spot for many visitors. Dedicated to Pronya Sirkova and Svirid Golokhvastov, characters of the play ‘After Two Hares,’ the statue is a famous spot for many tourists wanting to take a picture.

The plot is straightforward. One man promises two women to marry them – one for her wealth and another for love. During the play, all the characters end up in funny situations. And in the end, as the saying goes, ‘if you run after two hares, you won’t catch either!’.

Local’s believe that the statue brings luck if you rub it, so make sure to touch those places once there.

Things to do in Kiev: Admire gorgeous churches

St. Sophia Cathedral is probably one of my favorite ones in Kiev. A UNESCO World Heritage site has 13 beautiful golden domes known for its ancient frescos and mosaics. Stroll through the gardens to relax, enjoy the peace, and carefully observe the only cathedral standing during WWII.

You can even go up the bell tower for scenic views of the city. However, you will need to buy tickets.

St. Michael Church is another magnificent church right down the street from the cathedral. Soviet Government destroyed the original in the 1930s. However, it was reconstructed in 1999 after Ukraine declared independence in 1991.

St. Andrew’s Church , constructed between 1747-54, is the primary Baroque church of the city. Sitting on top of a small hill, this religious building overlooks the historic district of Podil. This 50m high church is gorgeous both from the outside and inside.

Pechersk Lavra is a famous complex of golden-domed churches and an underground tunnel leading to monks’ graveyards buried as mummies in caskets. You can also climb the bell tower to overlook the surrounding area.

Opening Hours : every day 9 a.m – 6 p.m Entrance Fee : to the territory – 30 UAH, Bell Tower – 60 UAH

Feel the city vibe at Kreschatyk Street

It’s the capital’s main street, full of governmental buildings, stores, restaurants, and artistic displays. During WWII, the entire road was destroyed by retreating Red Army troops. After the Soviet rule, the government rebuilt it in a neoclassical style. However, since Ukraine declared independence, the street was significantly renovated even more.

See the old gate of Kiev

The Golden Gate of Kiev was the primary gate of fortification of the city in the 11th century when the city was the capital of Kievan Rus . During the Middle Ages, the structure was destroyed, leaving only a few remains. Soviet authorities rebuilt the gate in 1982; however, the original images of the gates didn’t survive.

Admire unique Art Nouveau building

Often called Gorodetsky House, the House with Chimeras is an excellent example of Art Nouveau architecture. Located in front of the President of Ukraine’s office, the building occasionally hosts diplomatic and official ceremonies. Due to the proximity to the Presidential Administration Building, the street turned into a pedestrian.

Built by a Ukrainian architect of Polish origin, Horodecki, the House with Chimaeras was initially constructed as his own apartment building at the beginning of the 20th century. However, after several years, he had to sell it due to financial troubles. Afterward, it changed owners several times.

The name of the building comes from its decorations featuring hunting scenes and exotic animals. The word ‘chimera’ here refers to an architectural style and not to mythology. In architecture, when animal figures adorn the building as decorative elements, it’s called chimera style.

Visit Mariyinsky Palace

The palace is another jewel of Kiev architecture. This magnificent building dates back to the 18th century. Designed in Baroque style, the complex is open to the public to admire the architecture from the outside and wander through its gorgeous gardens. The palace sits on the hill at the bank of the Dnipro river, close to Maidan metro station.

Commissioned by Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter I, the palace was built by an Italian architect in 1750-55. It was a residence for the representatives of the royal family and nobles when visiting Kyiv. Unfortunately, she never managed to see her residence in real life. The first tenant of the palace became Catherine II.

Feel like a child at Park Landscape Alley

One of the cool things to do in Kiev is to visit the Park Landscape Alley. Tucked behind the city’s crowded streets, this park features cute, funny, and a bit bizarre statues of animals. It’s a great place to go back to your childhood and have some fun. Sit down on a rabbit, crow, or cat benches, admire the fountain of cheerful elephants and angles on the pillows.

Apart from walking in the park and taking lots of pictures, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the historic Kiev and Dnieper river.

Appreciate the beauty of National Opera House

This Neo-Renaissance-style Opera House in Kiev is another excellent spot for those who love admiring various architectural styles. The interior was redesigned in a classical style. And if you are an opera or ballet lover, make sure to attend any performance here. Tickets are not expensive and depend on the show you’d like to see. Check out their upcoming performances on their website.

Visit the deepest metro station in the world

Arsenalna Metro Station is a unique place, dug deep underground the city, lying nearly 105 meters below, making it the deepest metro station in the world!

As it’s so deep, the escalator takes about five minutes to reach the station or the exit. Moreover, there are multiple escalators and platforms to reach the station.

Arselalna Metro Station is part of the Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska line. On the maps, it’s marked with red color so that you won’t have a problem missing it.

Visit the museums in Kiev

Andriyivskyy Descent is also home to another incredible place – The One Street Museum . Here, you can learn more about the area’s history and see various historical items that total more than 7,000 pieces.

Browse through historical documents, autographs, antique postcards and books, and photos of the dominating St. Andrew’s Church and the district’s buildings.

Opening hours : Everyday 12 p.m – 6 p.m Entrance fee : 50 UAH; Guided Tour 200 UAH

National Museum Memorial to Holodomor Victims is a national museum devoted to the victims of the Holodomor Genocide of 1932-1933 . Located near the Pechersk Lavra, the museum is a fascinating place to visit, both to see its architecture and learn more about the tragic history of many locals.

The museum includes a memorial complex and an underground Hall of Memory that displays permanent exhibitions and artifacts from hunger. The symbolism of those horrific days and human sufferings is fully described on the territory and its architecture.

I won’t tell you all the details of the architecture and its symbolism. It’s better to see it with your own eyes.

Opening hours : Everyday 10 a.m – 6 p.m Entrance fee : Adult: 18 UAH; Students: 11 UAH; Pupils: 9 UAH

One of the unusual things to do in Kiev is to visit the Chernobyl Museum ! I didn’t have time to go to the actual city of Chernobyl, so I decided to visit the museum instead. I am not a big museum fan, but I like this type of institution where you learn more about the historic disaster.

Opening hours : Mon-Sat from 10 a.m – 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays Entrance fee : 10 UAH, to take pictures – 30 UAH, audio guide – 50 UAH

Visiting Chernobyl town is available via guided tours only, so join this one and explore Prypiat and DUGA. Get to know what’s it like to wander through Pripyat Amusement Park before you book any tour.

If you love art, then visiting the National Art Museum of Ukraine will be a must-do in Kiev. The museum displays a great collection of works of Ukrainian artists and sculptors. Here, you can find graphics from Kievan Rus to the present day.

Opening hours : Wed, Thur & Sun 10 a.m – 5 p.m; Fri 12 p.m – 7 p.m; Sat 11 a.m – 6 p.m. Closed: Mon & Tue Entrance fee : Adults – 20 UAH; Guided tour – 160 UAH.

WHAT TO EAT IN KIEV

Kiev has a bustling scene of cafes, restaurants, and bars. For instance, here’s the excellent list of breakfast places in Kiev you might want to start the day at. Everyone can find a place that suits their culinary needs, but trying the staples of Ukrainian cuisine is a must!

The best traditional food you can try once in Ukraine is its world-famous Borsch, a soup made from grated beet stir-fried with tomatoes and other vegetables served with sour cream. It’s heavenly delicious!

Besides Borsch, you have to try another Ukrainian staple –  Varenyky – the dumplings. The stuffing varies; you can have mashed potatoes, mushrooms, minced meat, pickled cabbage, and even cherries. And for more variety of local cuisine, here’s the list of the best Ukrainian dishes to try in Kiev .

The most affordable place to eat while in Kiev and the rest of Ukraine is Puzata Hata. During my whole trip across the country, this was the only place I ate.

Want more inspiration?

Spread the word!

13 Comments

This place is even more beautiful knowing there are so many things you can do for free 🙂

WOW, who knew there could be so many free activities in one city? My favorites would be visiting the churches/cathedrals and definitely walking the popular streets. Thank you for sharing about a lesser known destination!

Kreschatyk Street looks lovely! I would go to the Chernobyl museum first though.

Looks likes a cool city. Would love to visit the Cathedral and Chernobyl museum.

Thank you for this wonderful list! It reminds me that best things to see are usually free. Thank you for bringing me nice memories from Kiev!

Interesting to know about Ukraine.. And so many free options to do for tourists! It is like a jackpot. Turning that statue into a tourist spot is smart though 🙂

The underground tunnels, mummified monks and the Chernobyl museum are right up my ally! I definitely wouldn’t have thought of visiting Kiev but will definitely have to make a stop if I’m ever in Ukraine!

Oh my goodness those potatoes look amazing. I’ve never thought about visiting Kiev, but this is really inspirational.

Its always good to know of free and economical ways to be able to experience a place. Ukraine seems to have a lot of good things to do including exploring underground tunnels and museums !! Will keep this list in mind when visit here

Looks like a nice city to visit. I’d especially love to see the Chernobyl Museum!

So much history in Kiev, but i think yo’re right that it’s not on many people’s to-do list. Looks like a really interesting place to visit though, so i’ll definitely be putting it on mine after reading this

Wow, those are quite a few of free things to do in Kiev. The Monastery of the Caves appeals the most. It must be quite eerie and interesting at the same time. Full of stories. Thanks for the complete list.

Kiev is such an amazing city, one that I’m really wanting to learn about more, and explore more! You’ve included an amazing list with great images too. I agree, it’s less touristy than other European countries, but I really enjoy that. You get more of a local feel!

I really hope the amazing people get through this awful period right now.

Thanks for sharing!

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27 Unmissable Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Kiev (Kyiv)

Kiev or Kyiv is the national capital city of Ukraine. The city is situated on the banks of Dnieper River. The city is known for its rich history and culture. Some of the best places to visit in Kiev , Ukraine are historical landmarks. The city began as a Slavic settlement on the route between Scandinavia and Constantinople. The city had been ruled under Khazars, Vikings, Mongols, Lithuania, Poland and the USSR. You will see several Kiev attractions attributed to each of these period. The city is named after Kyi, one of its 4 founders. It is one of the oldest city of Eastern Europe with recorded history going back to 5th century.

The city is about 2 hours away from the infamous Chernobyl. One of the top things to do in Kiev , Ukraine is tour of Chernobyl site. You can book the tour from city itself. Under Kiev sightseeing , you can explore the various historical monuments. The city has some of the finest monastery and churches in terms of architecture, design and interior decor. It has equally beautiful palaces built by different rulers. Many of the churches and palaces have been inspired by iconic architectures of Constantinople. The city also has a variety of museums to explore as well. One of the most fascinating things to see in Kiev is the Museum of Microminiatures. It has the largest collection of smallest items of the world.

Alongside its history, it is also recognized for its modern infrastructure and for being one of the greenest cities in Eastern Europe. The culture, historical and contemporary, are also worth exploring. Another major aspect inclines people to visit Kyiv is the friendly and welcoming people of the city. You will experience this as you explore public places in the city like parks, bars, clubs and cafes.

Table of Contents

The Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kiev in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

1. babyn yar memorial.

This memorial commemorates the tragic event of mass shooting on 29th and 30th September 1941 by Nazis. It is one of the most important historical places to visit in Kiev. The shootings caused death of 34,000 Jewish people. You will need 10 to 15 minutes to learn about the event and pay your respects at this memorial.

2. St. Cyril’s Monastery

This medieval monastery is a very significant historical and cultural landmark. This church is one of the most wonderful things to see in Kiev for its Kiev Rus architecture. You will need about an hour for this monastery.

3. Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum

This museum is dedicated to the people who lost their lives in the 1986 nuclear accident. This is among Kiev tourist attractions which give a sombre and humbling experience. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.

4. Mikhail Bulgakov Museum

This museum is dedicated to Mikhail Bulgakov, who was one of the greatest literary figures hailing from the city. It is among important cultural Kiev attractions. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

5. Andriyivskyy Descent

This street connects Upper and Lower Story. It is perfect for Kiev sightseeing on foot as there are numerous historical buildings, restaurants, cafes, shops and more. You would need an hour for this street.

6. St. Andrew’s Church

One of the most architecturally beautiful places to visit in Kyiv. The baroque style architecture and green colored rooftops wasily make this 18th century church stand out. You will need about an hour to explore this church.

1. Khreshchatyk Street

You will definitely come across this street when you visit Kiev. It is the central street of the city and stretches for over 1.2 kilometers. It is a happening place for shopping, dining, sightseeing and nightlife. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this street.

2. St. Sophia’s Cathedral

This is the oldest church in the city and is renowned for its Byzantine architecture.  It is named after the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople and draws several elements of design and architecture from it. It is also one of the most culturally significant places to go in Kiev. You will need an hour to explore this cathedral.

3. Golden Gate

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 11th century. It has been named after the Golden Gate of Constantinople. The gate once held a dominating presence as the entrance to the old city and is among historically significant places to see in Kiev. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this monument.

4. St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral

This Neo-Byzantine church was built in the 19th century. It is easily recognizable among Kiev tourist places owing to its yellow exterior. It was built to honor the 900th anniversary of Kievan Rus. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this place.

5. A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden

This is the oldest botanical garden in the country and is spread over 22.5 hectares. It is a wonderland for those interested in botany and plant life with over 8000 species of flora to showcase. You will need about 2 hours to explore it fully when you visit Kyiv.

1. Feofaniya Park

This park is known for its beautiful alleys and wonderful landscape which is spread over 1.5 square kilometers. It is one of the best places to visit in Kiev for a leisurely stroll. You will need about an hour to explore this park.

2. Pyrohiv Open-Air Museum (National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine)

This museum portrays Ukraine as it was between 16th and 20th century. The museum extensively talks about folk architecture and pastoral life in Ukraine during this time period. It is one of the most fascinating things to see in Kiev. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.

3. Hryshko National Botanical Garden

This garden is named after a famous Soviet Botanist named Mykola Hryshko. It has a wide variety of plants and tree species. You will need about an hour for this garden.

4. Vydubychi Monastery (St. Michael’s Vydubytsky Men’s Monastery)

Exploring historical architecture is among top things to do in Kiev. This monastery is a wonderful example of 11th century architecture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this monastery.

5. National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (The Ukrainian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War)

This museum exhibits artifacts from German Soviet battle during second world war. It is one of the biggest museums in the country and also one of the popular Kiev tourist attractions. You will need about an hour for this museum.

6. The Motherland Monument

This monument was built as a symbol for Ukraine’s Victory over the Soviet Union. It won’t take you much time here, you will need about 10 to 15 minutes to admire this statue before you can move on to other Kiev attractions.

1. Kiev Pechersk Lavra

This orthodox christian monastery complex over 28 hectares. It is also known as Monastery of Caves and was built in the 11th century. It is an interesting place for Kiev sightseeing. The complex is well known for its network of underground tunnels and chapels. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place.

2. Mariinsky Park

This park is 144 years old and is one of the nicest places to visit in Kyiv to get away from hustle and bustle of the city. The garden also has several historical monuments and statues. You will need about an hour to explore this park.

3. Mariyinsky Palace

This baroque style palace is the ceremonial house of the President of the Country. It was originally constructed for Empress Elizabeth in the 18th century. You will need about an hour to explore this palace when you visit Kiev.

4. House with Chimaeras (Gorodetsky House)

This house is one of the unique places to see in Kiev. It was built in 1903 by Polish architect Vladislav Gorodetsky. Owing to its unique Gothic and baroque style architecture, it is also known as the House of the Mad Architect. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to see this house.

5. PinchukArtCenter

This art gallery is dedicated to the contemporary arts of the country. The art center is spread over 6 floors and is one of the best places to go in Kiev to explore this cultural aspect of the country. You will need about an hour to explore it.

1. Park Landscape Alley

This park is popular among Kiev tourist places for in its offbeat artworks, sculptures and murals. You will need an hour or so to explore this park.

2. National Museum of History of Ukraine

This museum is among Kiev must see as it gives you an insight into the history and cultural of the country. It has an extensive collection of ethnographic and archeological exhibits. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

3. St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

This monastery was one of the most beautiful things to see when you visit Kyiv. The golden domes of the monastery are an incredible sight. The interior of the church are equally fascinating to see. You will need about an hour to explore this monastery complex.

4. People’s Friendship Arch (Friendship of Nations Arch)

This monument was built in honor of the 60th anniversary of USSR and the 1500th anniversary of Kiev. This monument is beautifully lit up at night. You will need 10 to 15 minutes to admire this monument.

5. National Art Museum of Ukraine

This art museum is home to 20,000 works of art by some of the most renowned Ukrainian and international artists. The museum is housed in a beautiful Neo classical building. It will take about 2 hours to explore this museum.

If you are looking for more interesting things to do in Kiev Ukraine, check out this section below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of attractions and activities to explore in and around the city.

Things to do in kiev, monuments, museums & historical places to visit in kiev.

• St. Sophia Cathedral
• Kiev Pechersk Lavra
• Motherland Monument
• St. Andrew’s Church
• Golden Gate
• St. Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery
• St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral
• Pinchuk Art Center
• National Museum of Folk Architecture & Life of Ukraine
• The Ukraine State Museum of the Great Patriotic War
• Mariyinsky Palace
• Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum
• National Art Museum of Ukraine
• Gorodetsky House
• Mezhyhirya Residence
• Friendship of Nations Arch
• Oleg Antonov State Aviation Museum
• Mystetskyi Arsenal National Art and Culture Museum Complex
• Khanenko Museum
• National Museum of the History of Ukraine
• Bulgakova Museum
• Holodomor Genocide Museum
• Kiev Founders Monument
• National Opera of Ukraine
• One Street Museum
• Water Museum
• Museum of Toilet History
• Kyiv Fortress
• Bohdan Khmelnytsky Monument
• Kyiv Art Gallery
• Mykola Siadrystyi Micro Miniatures Museum
• St. Michael’s Vydubytsky Men’s Monastery
• Ukrainian Treasures Museum
• Holy Dormition Cathedral of Ukrainian
• St. Cyril’s Church
• The National Taras Shevchenko Museum
• Kyiv History Museum
• Tithe Church
• Ivan Honchar Museum
• Mamyeva Sloboda
• National Sanctuary Complex
• Volodymyr The Great Monument
• Natsional’nyy Muzey Ukraine
• National Science and Natural History Museum
• Museum of Modern Art of Ukraine
• Chocolate House
• National Museum of Literature of Ukraine
• National Kyiv Pechersk Historical and Cultural Reserve
• Great Lavra Bell Tower
• Gate Church of the Trinity of Ukrainian
• Museum of Jellyfish
• Kyiv City Teacher’s House
• Museum of Book and Publishing Ukraine
• Askold’s Grave
• Victoria Museum
• Princess Olga Monument
• Museum of the Formation of the Ukrainian Nation
• Pirogovo Museum
• National Memorial Complex of Heroes of Heavenly Hundred
• Baron Steingel House
• Oblique Caponier Fortress

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Kiev

• Holosiivskyi National Natural Park
• Hora Zamkova
• Kytayiv Forest

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Kiev

• Kyiv National Botanical Garden
• Expo Center of Ukraine
• Park of Eternal Glory
• E.V. Fomin Botanical Garden
• Kiev Miniature Park
• Kyiv Planetarium
• Park of Partisan Glory
• Protasiv Yar Ski Complex
• Hryshko Kyiv National Botanical Garden
• Experimentanium
• Kyvian Rus Park
• Akvapark Terminal
• Underground Tour
• Chernobyl Tour

Shopping in Kiev

• Bessarabian Market
• Gulliver Mall
• Manufactura Outlet
• Khreshchatyk Street
• Velyka Vasylkivska Street
• Lesi Ukrainky Boulevard
• Besarabsky Market
• Ocean Plaza
• Zhytniy Market
• Volodymyrskyi Market

Beaches & Islands in Kiev

• Trukhaniv Island
• Muromets Beach
• Venice Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Kiev

• Kiev Funicular
• River Boating

Sightseeing in Kiev

• Independence Square
• Khreschatyk Street
• Andriivs’kyi descent
• Park Landscape Alley
• Vladimiro Kalva Hill
• Babin Yar Park
• Taras Shevchenko Park
• Feofaniya Park
• Kontraktova Square
• Mariinskyi Park
• Park Bridge
• Park Natalka
• Syretskyi Park
• Khreshchatyy Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Kiev

• Puzata Hata
• Whisky Corner
• Hutorets na Dnipri
• Pizzeria Napule
• Favorite Uncle
• Ostannya Barykada
• Tsarske Selo
• Osteria Pantagruel
• Dogs & Tails
• Klukva & Brukva
• Carpaccio Bar
• Cafe Nikala
• Vino e Cucina

How to Reach Kiev?

There are 2 airports for Kiev travel namely Kyiv Boryspil Airport (KBP) and Igor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (IEV). You can get direct flights from Frankfurt , Stockholm , Alicante, Amman , Warsaw , Amsterdam , Kharkiv, Istanbul , Lviv, Dubai , Bologna, Vienna , Riga , Nice , Prague , Geneva , Doha, Rome , Munich , Dusseldorf , Zurich , Odesa, Cairo , Berlin , Tel Aviv, Baku , Paris , Barcelona , Naples , Dublin , Krakow , Milan , Tbilisi and many more. You can get train, bus and cabs from KBP airport. From IEV Airport you can catch cabs and buses to get around for all the things to do in Kiev Ukraine.

There are several places in Europe from where you can get trains to visit Kyiv including Belgrade , Budapest , Przemysi, Bratislava , Prague, Minsk, Chisinau , Sofia , Bucharest , Vienna, Warsaw, Moscow , Saint Petersburg, Berlin, Nur Sultan , Baku, Murmansk, Venice and more. The bus network is even more widespread, there are numerous cities and towns from where you can get direct buses for Kiev tour.

If you are planning to reach there by car, you should pick between routes E95, E373 or E40.

There are no water routes to visit Kiev, so you would need to pick between air and road travel only.

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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Best attractions in Kiev: Top 30

Do you want to have an unforgettable trip to the capital of Ukraine, but don’t know what to see in Kiev? Then read our review: its recommendations will tell you about the most fascinating and unusual sights of Kiev.

What to see in Kiev first of all?

Excursions in Kiev are so numerous and diverse that it is quite difficult to make their rating. In our opinion, every tourist should see such sights of Kiev as:

1. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

Legendary historical and architectural object of the city. Date of construction - 1051. It is famous for its unique churches, colorful towers, and mysterious caves with the remains of saints. A trip here for divine blessing is annually planned by thousands of believers.

Official website: https://lavra.ua/

Kiev | Save on hotel reservations

2. sofia cathedral.

What to visit in Kiev for fans of historical and religious masterpieces? The building from the 11th century was created in the baroque style. The interior decoration is represented by remarkable mosaics and ancient frescoes: including the famous mosaic of Our Lady of Orant.

Official website: https://st-sophia.org.ua/en/home/

3. Vladimirskiy Cathedral

It took about 20 years to create a temple in Byzantine style. The building with paintings by Ukrainian and Russian masters has eclectic forms and heavy proportions.

4. St. Nicholas church

Few places of interest in Kiev have such majestic architecture as this church with its original patterned decoration. Inside the Roman Catholic Church there is the House of Organ and Chamber Music.

5. St. Andrew’s Church

Beautiful orthodox temple in baroque style. The building is in the shape of a cross, with decorative turrets at each of the four corners and a beautiful dome in the central part.

Official website: http://andriyivska-tserkva

6. Andriyivsky descent

Where to go in Kiev in order to feel the spirit of the real capital of Ukraine? To this famous neighborhood with its many attractions: the One Street Museum, Bulgakov Museum, Richard Castle and St. Andrew’s Church. The street is surrounded by green hills and inhabited by folk crafts merchants. Experienced guides in Kiev recommend going here for souvenirs.

7. St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

The church was named in honor of its gilded dome. The current building of the monastery with 7 domes, built in 1999, was a replacement for the ancient cathedral of 1108.

8. Richard’s Castle - The Lionheart

The former owners of the castle in neo-Gothic style of the 19th century were the Earls Orlovs. There are many legends connected with the building, one of which is about evil spirits living there. Today, this age-old myth has been debunked: immured bottles were found in the walls - their necks made mysterious sounds, similar to the howling of unearthly beings.

9. The House with Chimeras

Original architectural building of the 20th century (Art Nouveau style). The interior and facade of the house are guarded by sculptures and images of inhabitants of the underwater world, magical creatures and beasts. If you are in the mood for a tour of this sightseeing of Ukraine , buy the ticket in advance. Tours of the inner halls are held on strictly defined days and hours.

Official website: http://infoportal.kiev

10. Khreshchatyk Street

The main pedestrian street of the city, 1.3 kilometers long. It is famous for the fact that at one time Prince Vladimir was baptized nearby. Today, the most important events and public holidays are held on it.

Official site: http://infoportal.kiev.ua/kreshhatik

12. Taras Shevchenko Opera House

Erected to replace the former Kiev theater, destroyed by fire. On the stage there sang and danced such famous ballet and opera artists as Shalyapin, Gmyria, Gaidai. This place is often included in lists of “the best sights of Kiev” also due to the fact that more than 100 years ago Stolypin was killed here.

Official site: https://www.opera.com.ua/en

13. Building of the National Bank of Ukraine

The Venetian-style building is called one of the most majestic and beautiful in the country. The magnificent facade of the bank has remained unchanged since its construction in 1905. Periodically, it only gets renewed.

14. National University of Kiev

It is impossible to miss the rich red color of the main building. It was built in the 19th century in the spirit of Russian classicism. Inside the university there are history museums, faculties and the rectorate.

15. Sofia Square

What to see in Kiev in 1 day? This square with its early 18th century stone bell tower and sculpture of Bogdan Khmelnitsky on a horse. The central and ancient part of the city, considered to be its heart.

16. Maidan Nezalezhnosti

Recent unfortunate events have brought this place a sad fame. Protests, rallies and state holidays of Kiev citizens are held here to this day. The Independence Stela is the main sight of the square. From the foot of the monument there is a cascade of water. On the right side of the monument, you will see the Dandelion, a unique fountain that splashes with every whiff of wind. On the left side is another original fountain in honor of the founders of the city. Within walking distance are the Globus shopping mall, the main post office, the People’s Cultural Center and the Metropolitan Conservatory.

18. National Museum of History of Ukraine

The largest historical house-museum of the state. Its collections contain over 800 00 items, including unique exhibits of ancient times: archaeological artifacts, objects of numismatics, weapons, etc.

Official site: https://nmiu.com.

19. Bulgakov Museum

The building is located on Andrew’s Descent in Kiev. Bulgakov and his family lived here until 1919. Exhibitions began to be held here at the end of the 20th century: they were based on private collections of Konchakovsky (the first director of the house-museum).

Official site: http://bulgakov.org.ua/museum

20. Museum of Water (Water Information Center)

Describing the main places of interest in Kiev briefly, no guide or Kievan will ignore this unique museum. For over 15 years, the Water Information Center has been located underground in the old water tower. It has a 1,350,000-liter fluid reservoir and several 20-meter water towers.

To see the collections of the original museum, you have to go underground in an elevator. All exhibits and expositions are related to Ukraine’s water resources, water treatment technologies and the Earth’s hydrosphere. There is a special area for kids, where you can create your own bed in the sand. The most visited attraction of the center is the “soap bubbles”. Buy a ticket to the museum, and you can find yourself inside a huge soap-ball.

Kiev sights: what else is there to see in Kiev?

We told you only about a small part of the sights and interesting places in the capital. If you have free time, you should visit these places:

21. Mariinsky Palace

Even the most modern hotels in Kiev can not compare in its beauty with this architectural monument. The baroque palace building is located on the right bank of the Dnieper. Inside the luxurious halls you can see the residence of the president of the country. State celebrations and receptions for the most important people in the world are also held here. The palace was built on the order of Empress Elizabeth in 1744.

Official website : hm-palace.com.ua

22. Open-air museum Pirogovo

On an area of more than 130 hectares there is an open-air museum that tells about the Ukrainian architecture, folk culture and traditions. The territory is built up by 275 buildings of 16-20 centuries. Information necessary for the erection of historically accurate ancient rural houses and other objects of the settlement was taken from documentary sources. In Pirogovo there are not only buildings themselves, but also various exhibits: ancient furniture, crockery made of wood and clay, folk costumes.

23. The Kiev fortress

The fortress complex is also located on the right bank of the Dnieper. It includes administrative and household buildings, citadels, earth fortifications. The approximate date of the construction of the object is the 5th century. In the 13th century the buildings were destroyed almost completely, but the authorities allocated a lot of money for their reconstruction. The complex is of great historical value.

24. Golden Gate

It is a monument of history, defense architecture and architecture from the reign of Yaroslav the Wise. In former centuries the structure was a giant fortress with a vast passage. Now you have to visit it in person in order to appreciate its scale. There are temporary and permanent exhibitions inside the building.

Official site: zolotivorota.com.ua/ru/

25. Motherland

A majestic monument created in 1981 on the right bank of the Dnieper River. The monument glorifies the heroes of World War II. The giant sculpture stands in the middle of a beautiful park zone. Arriving here, you can get acquainted with historical exhibits telling about the events of the Great Patriotic War.

26. Babi Yar

The name of the ravine where the Germans shot the population of Kiev (mass murder) during WWII. For a short time, several tens of thousands of citizens died here and were buried in mass graves (the number of dead exceeds 100,000 inhabitants). Now there are memorials to the victims of the Nazi atrocities erected on the ravine.

27. N.N. Grishko Botanical Garden

In the greenhouse of the Botanical Garden there are perfect conditions for the growth of many exotic flowers and plants, which are brought here from different parts of the world. The total area

of the complex is about 130 hectares: you can see roses, irises, magnolias, and other “inhabitants” in a huge arboretum. There is also the Ioninsky Holy Trinity Church on the square. The garden belongs to the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences.

Official website: http://www.nbg.kiev.ua/ru/

28. Vladimirskaya Gorka park

The most picturesque and ancient park of the capital city, laid out back in the 19th century. Here is a monument to Vladimir the Great (it gave the place its name). In addition to this monument, you can find a lot of other sculptures of Ukrainian masters. The area of Vladimirskaya Hill is 17 hectares. It is famous for its historical monuments, beautiful landscapes and majestic architecture. Moreover, a funicular operates here: buy a ticket to the ride and you will see all the landscapes of Kiev at once.

Official site: http://infoportal.kiev.

29. The Kiev funicular railway

If you want to quickly ascend or descend the steep Volodymyrska Hill, take this rare form of transportation. Its construction and reconstruction dates back to 1903 and 1929, respectively. The length of the current route is more than 220 meters, the path runs at an angle of 18-20 degrees. From the starting point “A” to the end point “B” you can go down or up on the funicular in three minutes. The difference between the lower and upper stations - 75 meters. Each carriage can hold up to one hundred passengers. However, the number of seats is limited to only three dozen. You should not be afraid of traveling on the cable car - the construction is subjected to timely repairs and regular maintenance.

30. Hydropark

Visiting Hydropark in Kiev should be for those who love water and everything related to it. The site is located on an area of 365 hectares (on several islands). The complex on the shores of Rusanovsky Strait and the Dnieper includes a small town with training machines, many cafes and restaurants, nightclubs and extreme attractions, sports fields and endless beach lines with deck chairs and umbrellas (some beaches are free). The islands are connected by a 144-meter Venetian bridge. The park opens to the public in May (during the winter months the complex “falls asleep”). One of its own attractions is the museum “Mini Kiev” - in a scale of 1 to 33 are created all the important objects of the capital - the city bridges, Dnieper, airport, St. Nicholas Church and Independence Square.

Official site: http://gidropark.org.ua/

We hope that our Kiev sights, photos with names and descriptions of which you have just seen, will cause you genuine interest. We hope that every visitor of the capital city will enjoy them. Read also about Sights of Lviv and be inspired for your further journey around Ukraine.

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The most amazing attractions & places to visit in kiev.

Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is a beautiful city filled with Orthodox churches, monasteries and cool hang-out spots. Best of all, Kiev is not only one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe, but it is super budget-friendly for travellers too! Read on for a one-stop guide to the most amazing places to visit in Kiev.

WARNING: This post was created before the war in Ukraine. We are in no way promoting travel to Ukraine at this time, due to the ongoing conflict.

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The best places to visit in Kiev

Pejzazna alley.

First up on our list of places to visit in Kiev is Pejzazna Alley. This cute little street is great for a stroll through a colourful mosaic wonderland. Whilst the alley is mostly for kids to play on the slides, it’s still fun for adults to admire the bizarre designs and quirky features. You will find a giant Alice In Wonderland play area, a wall with cat designs, and even benches decorated with mosaic tiles. Not only is this alley great for photo opportunities with life-size animal designs, but you will also have magnificent views over the Dniepr River.

St. Sophia’s Cathedral

Like when exploring Odesa , Kiev also has plenty of fascinating buildings to marvel at. St. Sophia’s Cathedral is a spectacular building that is a popular attraction for tourists. The cathedral dates back to 1037 and is Kiev’s oldest standing church. Inside the church, there are many tombs of several Ukrainian princes. What makes this church impressive is its 13 golden domes that will leave you in admiration. To go inside you must pay a small entrance fee. You can buy your ticket from the kiosk before entering the grounds.

St. Michael’s Monastery

St. Michael’s golden dome monastery is a famous site in Kiev. The blue walls and fascinating design with shiny new cupolas are something to be admired. The monastery was built in 2001 and is a copy of the original that was torn down by the Soviet Union in 1937.

Independence Square

Independence Square is a great place to hang out and get in touch with the locals. Parades and festivals often take place in the square as it’s in the heart of the city.

Kiev Pecherk Lavra

The Lavra is a complex of Orthodox Christian monasteries and caves. It’s considered the holiest ground in Ukraine as pilgrims regularly visit the site. For tourists, the complex is fascinating, and the designs of each monastery are outstanding. The grounds are well-kept and make for a nice stroll among the horse-chestnut trees. Whilst the Lavra is not free, it still makes it on the list of cheap things to do in Kiev because it only costs 30 UAH ($1.18) to enter the complex. However, you will need to pay extra should you want to go inside some of the museums.

Rodina Mat / Motherland Statue

The Motherland Statue is a 62-meter monument that represents how the Soviet Union became victorious in World War 2 after defeating Nazi Germany. If you want to delve deeper into war history, you can pop by the WW2 Ukrainian history museum, which is located on the grounds of the Motherland Statue. Aside from the statue and the museum, the park is a nice place to stroll around.

Chernobyl & Pripyat Ghost Town

A trip to Chernobyl from Kiev is not cheap in comparison to the other things on this list, but it is an absolute MUST when backpacking Ukraine ! Plus you get a full day out, a chance to wander around a ghost town and indulge yourself in the history of the world’s biggest nuclear disaster. A trip to Kiev would not be complete without venturing out for a day trip (or even an overnight trip) to Chernobyl. Chernobyl is the place where a huge nuclear disaster took place in 1986. Subsequently, an entire town was abandoned and inhabitable for over 600 years.

Click here to search for tours to Chernobyl.

Where to stay in Kiev

Budget private room: Favor Sport Hotel – This hotel provides modern, clean rooms at budget prices. Perfect for those who want their own space.

Dorm life: Citrus Hostel – Super cheap dorm rooms! Surrounded by shops and metro stations, making it super easy and convenient to get around the city.

Have you been to the love tunnel yet?   Find out how to make the trip to the magical love tunnel here.

Essential resources for travelling in Ukraine

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway . Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

Planning to travel more in Europe? Check out how to explore Krakow cheaply !

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6 thoughts on “ The Most Amazing Attractions & Places to Visit in Kiev ”

I love your budget guide! I’m not planning to go to Kiev in the near future, but it’s an inspiring and helpful guide for those who do. Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome 🙂 We are writing plenty more budget guides for other places in Europe too.

Kiev looks like a beautiful city with some great architecture. Really like your pictures too! Captured a lot of the city’s beauty

Thanks a lot 🙂 Kiev has so many churches to explore.

I love Kyiv, I been there a few times and love the city. Everything is in walking distance and I love the pretty buildings and the walk out towards the Lava/Mother statue area. 🙂

We loved the city too 🙂 We hope to go back one day.

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How to visit Kiev in 4 days

By Joan Torres 10 Comments Last updated on April 9, 2024

The concept and perceptions of Kiev are a bit strange.

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

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

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

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

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

Traveling to Kiev won’t disappoint you.

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

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

In this Kiev travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

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

Travel insurance for Ukraine I recommend IATI Insurance : COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount Get your discount when buying through this link

How to prepare your visit when you travel to Kiev

Kiev is big, like damn big.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to move around Kiev

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

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

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

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

Best places to stay in Kiev

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

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

Where to stay in Podil area

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Pecherski (downtown)

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

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

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

Things to do in Kiev in 4 days

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

Map of what to see in Kiev in 4 days

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

Day 1 – Things to do in Kiev around Pecherski

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

Independence Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Sophia Cathedral

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

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

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

Golden Gate

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

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

National Opera 

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

St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral

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

Bessarabsky Market

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

Day 2 – What to do in Kiev around Shevchenkivskyi

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

Hydro Park (Island)

Nobody comes here but I seriously recommend you stop by.

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

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

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

Arsenalna metro station

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

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

Salute Hotel

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

Holodomor Memorial

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

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

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

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

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

Pechersk Lavra

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

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

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

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

Pechersky Park

This was something I wasn’t expecting. 

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

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

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

Great Patriotic War Museum and Motherland Monument

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

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

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

Day 3 – Places to visit in Kiev around Podil

Podil area is the most European part of town.

Zhytniy Soviet Market

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

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

Chernobyl Museum

Extremely disappointing.

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

Kontraktova Square and around

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

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

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

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

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

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

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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

Saint Andrew’s Church

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

Kiev’s Old Town

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

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

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

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

Tank Factory

Don’t get excited, not yet.

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

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

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

Kiev Crematorium

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

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

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

Underground Kiev

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

Kiev Circus and Obelisk Hero City

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

Best day trips from Kiev

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

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

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

Strategic Missile Museum

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

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

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

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

More information for visiting Kiev

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

Book your tour to Kiev

All guides and articles for traveling in Ukraine destination

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

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• Asmara Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Dubai
• Beirut Travel Guide
• Erbil Travel Guide
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Baku Travel Guide
• Tbilisi Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Minsk
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• A City Guide to Mosul

10 comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Top 5 places to see and things to do in Kyiv, Ukraine

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

I didn’t know what to expect from my first trip to visit Kyiv, Ukraine .

It was actually my first time ever in the country itself and even if I didn’t have any expectations I was more than ready to get to know this country and explore its capital city.

And I loved it, big time.

Kyiv is huge, busy and cosmopolitan but it also hides so many of beautiful monuments and places well worth a visit.

I’ve been there for 3 days yet I didn’t manage to see everything that I’ve hoped for. So whenever I have a chance I’ll gladly return to Kyiv and see more of it.

But in the meantime here are a few places to see and things to do in Kyiv when you visit the city for the first time.

Tip for you: if you want to take the most of your time in Kyiv be sure to stay somewhere in the center, preferably close to Khreschatyk as you will be nearby many attractions and all metro lines. Check the best deals and details on accommodation in Kyiv here (click!)

When you arrive at Borispol airport you can easily get to the center with the affordable private transport! Click here to see the details and book the transfer!

Table of Contents

Things to do in Kyiv

Pechersk lavra.

A must visit place for everyone. This huge complex of Cave Monasteries is over 1000 years old and is listed on UNESCO World’s Heritage List.

Since the foundation, it’s been the very center of Eastern Orthodox Church in that part of the world. The monasteries are incredibly beautiful, with golden domes that shine in the sun.

But the insides are even better!

Rich adornments make them look like from a fairytale.

When walking around the Pechersk Lavra you have a feeling that it’s a special place for Ukraine as the atmosphere there is definitely elegiac.

In the oldest monastery, a special gem is hidden – graves of monks in the underground corridors.

You just need to buy and light a candle and follow the people into the labyrinth of narrow lanes with coffins on both sides.

The place felt pretty spooky but it was really interesting and I’m glad I didn’t freak out and visited it after all.

To admire the greatness and enormity of Lavra it’s best to go to the other side of the Dnieper River from where the view is stunning.

Walking around the Lavra and visiting all the monasteries, museums and belltowers takes a few good hours but is definitely worth all the time and money.

You can also visit Pechersk Lavra with a private tour (highly recommended!). Click here to see the details and prices!

Museum of the Great Patriotic War

That was with no doubts my favorite place in Kyiv!

The Museum is located just next to the Pechersk Lavra but is like from another world.

The complex is a memorial commemorating the German-Soviet war and it was opened in the current location on 9th May 1981.

This must have been the most surreal place I’ve ever visited.

It’s a park full of war machines: tanks, cars, planes. There are also huge Soviet monuments and the Soviet war songs used to be played in the background.

But the best thing in that Museum is a huge monument of Mother Motherland that overlooks the area and can be seen from far away.

And by huge I mean 102 meters high! It’s enormous and mind-blowing!

You can take a lift and visit the viewing platform in the head of the sculpture – sadly it was closed when I was there, that would have been quite an experience!

I’ve found a tour focused on the Museum and Mother Ukraine statue and next time I’m going to take it as it sounds really great! Check the details here!

Maidan Nezalezhnosti and Khreshchatyk street

Let’s stay in the post-Soviet spirit. Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) is the very center of Kyiv and the place where the main events in the city happen.

The most known one was the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the recent revolution in 2014 – the whole world could see this place in the news then.

Maidan is surrounded by the massive buildings – fine examples of Soviet architecture typical for the Stalin times.

The best view of the Square is from the bridge and the view platform next to the Hotel Ukraine.

The most important street that goes from Maidan Nezalezhnosti is Khreshchatyk. It’s wide, with 4 lanes each way and over 1 km long.

The street was completely destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt in the post-war Soviet style.

It’s busy on the weekdays but closes on the weekends and serves as pedestrian zones.

All the main institutions are located there: City Administration, Main Post Office or few Ministries.

Khreshchatyk is on the list of 20 most expensive streets in Europe and that’s definitely the place to be in Kyiv.

I strolled down the street at least 10 times during my visit and each time I could spot something new, interesting, exciting.

But simply looking at people there is the best thing one can do.

Saint Sophia’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

When looking at Maidan Nezalezhnosti from the viewing platform you can spot golden domes in the back.

These belong to Saint Sophia’s Cathedral, the oldest church in Kyiv that is also on UNESCO World Heritage List.

The complex isn’t as big as Pechersk Lavra but consists quite a few buildings, among them, are the Cathedral, Bell Tower or the high school.

This unique place got its name from Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and is of such an outstanding beauty too.

Not far from Saint Sophia’s another shining golden domes can be seen – these belong to St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.

This one can be visited for free and it’s definitely worth coming inside.

The monastery dates back to the Middle Ages but it was demolished just before World War II and recently re-opened.

It’s worth to spend a while and inspect all the details closely as the building is very rich in all the adornments.

You can visit both monasteries as well as other top attractions of the city during Highlights of Kyiv sightseeing tour! Click here for more details and prices!

Andriyivskyy Descent and Podil

Too bad Andriyiskyy Descent was under construction when I was in Kyiv. This part of Ukrainian capital feels like a small town and not a huge city.

It’s the area where Kyiv’s artists used to live and places like Mikhail Bulgakov’s house are located. Probably that’s why it’s often called “Montmartre of Kyiv”.

It’s best to see the area from the surrounding hills and Zamkova Hora that offer spectacular views or this colorful part of the city.

Podil is quite contrary to the upper part of the city.

The buildings are smaller, colorful and charming, the streets are narrow and the life goes by there much slower. Yet a lot of interesting places, museums and monasteries are located there.

It’s worth to spend an afternoon there to take a rest from the busy monumental center or the overwhelming beauty of UNESCO monasteries.

You can learn more about the area during Andrew Descent & Podil District Tour! Click here for more details!

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Ukraine

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Ukraine here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

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

• If you don’t want to miss new posts and news from me click here to sign to my newsletter! You can also follow me on Bloglovin!
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Kyiv too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. If you like what you are reading and seeing here and would like to support me and my blog please consider using those links. It would be like getting me a virtual drink that you don’t have to pay for! Thanks!

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All the familiar and beloved places.

I’m glad I could bring back some good memories to you :)

I’ve never been Europe, but you’ve definitely given a reason to with this post! Amazing photos.

Thanks! You definitely should visit Europe soon, it’s really cool!

Our Dream Destinations for 2016 - Reflections Enroute

[…] do! Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and I bet you will fall in love with it too! Kiev, the capital, can show you the best of East: gold-dome churches and impressice Soviet architecture […]

Steve Sherwood

Hi Kami, my name is Steve. ive never been out of the States but I’m traveling to Kiev for my first visit out of the states. what about Dialects? I only speak English. and what about Money exchange? I’m trying to learn every thing I can before going. should I use a card to pay for things I buy? the truth is I met a lady on a dating site and want to look a little like I know what I’m doing. I appreciate any help you can give me. thank you. steve

Hi Steve! I think in Kiev in most cases you should be fine with English as a lot of people, especially young, can speak the language. As for money I always use ATMs but you can exchange them in lots of places around (i.e. shops) and you can pay by card as well. Kiev is amazing and I’m sure you will enjoy your time there a lot! If you need any more help feel free to join my FB group (you can find the link in the post in the yellow frame) – I’m sure members will help you!

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Donald Trump could face prison time if he is convicted in upcoming NY hush money trial

If former President Donald Trump is convicted on all counts in his New York criminal hush money trial that begins April 15, he could theoretically face more than a decade in prison.

But most legal experts who spoke to USA TODAY said such a dramatic outcome is unlikely. Instead, he would likely be sentenced to something between probation and four years in prison. And he would probably still be out, free to campaign for president as the presumptive or actual 2024 Republican nominee, while his all-but-certain appeal was pending.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Each count carries a maximum sentence of four years.

While Trump could in principle be sentenced to serve multiple counts consecutively, several experts said that is unlikely because he has no felony criminal record and the charges don't involve allegations of physical violence.

On the other hand, Trump has tested boundaries and feuded with the judge who may determine his fate.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Trump has antagonized Judge Juan Merchan

Trump's sentence would be decided by Judge Juan Merchan, who has grown exasperated by the former president's pretrial behavior. Merchan expanded a gag order this month after Trump attacked the judge's daughter on social media over her marketing work with Democratic candidates, including posting a photo of her. Merchan said Trump has a history of attacking the family members of judges and lawyers in his legal cases.

"The average observer, must now, after hearing Defendant's recent attacks, draw the conclusion that if they become involved in these proceedings, even tangentially, they should worry not only for themselves,  but for their loved ones as well ," Merchan wrote in his gag order decision .

John Moscow, a New York lawyer who spent 30 years in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, told USA TODAY that type of behavior could worsen any sentence Trump faces.

"If I were representing somebody in (Trump's) position, I would suggest to him that the judge is the one who imposes sentence and he ought to be careful," Moscow said.

If Merchan did consider a hefty sentence, it wouldn't be the first time he has taken a harsh view about behavior in Trump's orbit.

In 2023, Merchan was forced to sentence former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg to only five months in jail because Merchan had previously accepted a plea bargain agreement between Weisselberg and prosecutors specifying that jail term. Weisselberg pleaded guilty to tax and record falsification charges and agreed to testify against the Trump Organization at trial in order to get that sentence.

The judge said, however, that he "would be imposing a sentence much greater than that" had he not accepted the plea bargain before hearing all the evidence at the trial. Without the plea deal, Weisselberg could have faced many years in prison.

What is Trump charged with?

Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts in the case, which focuses on whether he falsified business records to cover up reimbursements to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels. Daniels has said she had a sexual encounter with Trump soon after Melania Trump gave birth to their son, Barron Trump. Trump denies the claim.

In order to secure felony convictions, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office must convince a 12-person jury that Trump falsified the records in order to commit or conceal another crime. In this case, Bragg argues Trump was trying to conceal a federal campaign finance law violation by falsely recording his reimbursements to Cohen as payments for legal services. The federal violation was a limit-exceeding contribution to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, as the payment was allegedly designed to keep Daniels' story from hurting the then-Republican nominee's election prospects. Bragg also alleges Trump was trying to conceal a plan to violate New York tax and election laws.

Nothing in the Constitution prevents Trump from becoming president even if he is convicted or sentenced to prison. If he won the election, however, courts may delay any prison time until after his term in office expires .

What is the maximum possible sentence?

The 34 felony counts Trump faces are classified as "Class E felonies" under New York law – the lowest level felony in the state. The maximum penalty on each count is four years of prison, and a judge would have discretion over whether to order Trump to serve sentences on each count at the same time or one after the other. However, New York caps such sentencing for Class E felonies at 20 years .

In addition, New York judges often impose sentencing ranges, where an incarcerated person becomes eligible for parole at the low end of the range. For Class E felonies, the lowest end of a range would be one-and-a-third years per count, while the highest would be four years. Good behavior in jail or prison can speed things up even more.

A sentence limited to probation?

Merchan would also have discretion to order a fixed sentence of less than those ranges, including probation.

That's what Mitchell Epner, a New York lawyer with decades of criminal law experience, expects would happen even if Trump were convicted on all counts. Epner noted the felony charges aren't violent and don't involve drugs.

"With a defendant who has no prior criminal record, my absolute expectation would be a sentence of probation," Epner told USA TODAY.

Epner wasn't alone in thinking that could be the sentencing outcome.

"This is a case that does not involve any physical violence, and it doesn't – there's not sort of a 'named victim,' so to speak – and so the court is going to take that into consideration," Anna Cominsky, who directs the Criminal Defense Clinic at New York Law School, told USA TODAY.

"In addition, I think it is unlikely that he would be sent to prison given who he is, given both the fact that he has no criminal record, and there is no getting around the fact that he is a former president of the United States," Cominsky said.

Incarceration a real possibility

Norman Eisen, a Brookings Institution senior fellow who served as special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee during Trump's first impeachment, thought a sentence that includes some incarceration is likely.

Eisen co-authored a report looking at sentencing for other defendants with no criminal history who were convicted of falsifying business records in New York. There, he noted one construction executive was sentenced in 2015 to spend two days each week in jail for a year for falsifying records to conceal payments in a bribery scheme. In 2013, two corporate executives were ordered to spend four to six months in jail for falsifying records to misclassify their salaries as expenses under their employer's larger bribery and fraud scheme.

"I think he's likely to face a sentence of incarceration if he's convicted," Eisen told USA TODAY.

Cominsky said the evidence Merchan hears at trial could also influence his thinking when it comes to sentencing.

"Often you'll hear judges refer to testimony at trial, evidence that was presented at trial, and say, 'This is why I'm imposing this sentence, because I heard from this particular witness or I saw this particular piece of evidence,'" Cominsky said.

Moscow pushed back against the assumption that Trump's sentences on each count would run simultaneously, instead of being stacked on top of each other. Just as a judge may take into account that a defendant has won a Nobel Peace Prize or lifted orphans from poverty, the judge may look at significant evidence of bad acts, Moscow said.

"When you start attacking the judge's daughter, and making her out to be a target, you have just breached the normal rules," Moscow said.

Trump has also posted a photo of himself wielding a bat, with his eyes directed toward an adjacent photo of Bragg, among other attacks on the district attorney. Bragg's office has received thousands of harassing emails, calls, and texts – including death threats – after Trump's social media attacks, it said in a court filing .

Diana Florence, a New York lawyer who spent decades in the Manhattan District Attorney's office, said Merchan's sentence would need to have some relation to what other white-collar defendants in similar cases have received, and she would be surprised if someone had ever gotten a sentencing range for falsifying business records with a minimum of 10 years or more.

Such a long sentence "would be very, very, very, very unusual, and if Judge Merchan wanted to make a point and do that, I highly doubt the appellate division would allow that to stand," she said. "It's just too much time for the conduct."

However, Florence added that a reasonable sentencing range could include a minimum period of more than a year incarcerated.

Sentencing someone with Secret Service protection?

Contemplating any jail or prison sentence would take Merchan into unchartered territory: Trump is the first former president ever criminally charged, and the Secret Service provides him with around-the-clock security.

But avoiding a sentence of incarceration on that basis risks undermining the idea of equal treatment under the law, Moscow suggested.

"If I were the judge − and I don't know what a judge would do in this case − I would reject out of hand the concept that because he was once president, and because as a matter of policy the Secret Service guards former presidents, that therefore he can't go to jail," Moscow said.

The question would then become how to reconcile equal treatment with ensuring a former president's security, according to Moscow. The judge could get creative, for example by ordering the former president to stay in a hotel wing or at a military base, where he is isolated just like any other prisoner but still has Secret Service protection.

"You can structure things to achieve the proper result without conceding that the defendant has the upper hand," Moscow said.

Chances of immediate prison? 'Less than 1%'

Many convicted defendants are "remanded" pending sentencing, a process in which they are taken into custody while they await their sentence, Florence said.

But Florence didn't expect Merchan to give that order when it comes to Trump, and even if Merchan did, Trump would likely be able to get bail set by an appeals court in the thousands of dollars to stay free during his appeal. That's all the more likely if Trump receives a low sentence, since the appeal could take longer than his actual sentence, she said.

"The chances of him going to prison immediately, even if he's convicted in whatever, six weeks from now or whenever, are I would say less than 1% because he would immediately be released on bail pending appeal," according to Florence.

Eisen agreed Trump probably wouldn't be incarcerated by Election Day, even if he's convicted on all counts.

"I think he's extremely unlikely to be forced to serve that sentence pending appeal," Eisen said.

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More civilians die in Ukraine as analysts warn that delays in US aid will hamper Kyiv’s forces

A Ukrainian serviceman from the Azov brigade, known by the call sign Chaos, smokes a cigarette while he waits for a command to fire, in a dugout around one kilometer away from Russian forces on the frontline in Kreminna direction, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)

A Ukrainian serviceman from the Azov brigade, known by the call sign Yenot, smokes a cigarette in trenches around one kilometer away from Russian forces on the frontline in Kreminna direction, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)

Ukrainian servicemen from the Azov brigade, known by the call sign Batya, left, and Buk, right, wait for a command to fire, at positions of 122 mm HM 16 mortar around one kilometer away from Russian forces on the frontline in Kreminna direction, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)

Ukrainian servicemen from the Azov brigade, known by call sign Batya, left, and Buk, right, wait for a command to fire, at positions of 122 mm HM 16 mortar around one kilometer away from Russian forces on the frontline in Kreminna direction, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)

A Ukrainian serviceman from the Azov brigade known by call sign Chaos, right, carries mortar shell, while he waits for a command to fire, at positions of 122 mm HM 16 mortar around one kilometer away from Russian forces on the frontline in Kreminna direction, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)

Damaged trees are seen in the forest around one kilometer away from Russian forces on the frontline in Kreminna direction, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)

Ukrainian refugees, one impersonating a Russian soldier, other playing roles of Ukrainian war prisoners, perform during an event in Bucharest, Romania, Saturday, April 13, 2024. Members of the Ukrainian refugee community staged an event dubbed “Voices of Captives” to raise awareness to the plight of Ukrainian servicemen and civilians still in Russian custody. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Ukrainian refugees, playing roles of Ukrainian war prisoners, sing their country’s national anthem at the end of an event in Bucharest, Romania, Saturday, April 13, 2024. Members of the Ukrainian refugee community staged an event dubbed “Voices of Captives” to raise awareness to the plight of Ukrainian servicemen and civilians still in Russian custody. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — More civilians died across Ukraine on Sunday as analysts warned that delays in U.S. military assistance would see Kyiv struggle to fight off Russian offensives.

One man was Sunday killed after a Russian drone hit the truck he was driving in the Sumy region, the local prosecutor’s office said. Elsewhere, a 67-year-old woman was killed after shelling hit an apartment block in the Donetsk region, said Gov. Vadym Filashkin.

Officials in the Kharkiv region also said Sunday that they had retrieved the bodies of a 61-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man killed by a Russian strike the previous day. Ten Russian Shahed-type drones were shot down over the Kharkiv region overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said Sunday.

Meanwhile, shelling in the Russian-occupied Kherson region killed two civilians Sunday, said Moscow-installed leader Vladimir Saldo. Ukrainian drones were also reported in Russia’s Krasnodar and Belgorod regions and over the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The news came as the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, warned that delays in Western military assistance would increasingly hamper Ukraine’s ability to push back Russian advances.

With the war in Ukraine entering its third year and a vital U.S. aid package for Kyiv stuck in Congress , Russia has used its edge in firepower and personnel to step up attacks across eastern Ukraine. It has increasingly used satellite-guided gliding bombs — dropped from planes from a safe distance — to pummel Ukrainian forces beset by a shortage of troops and ammunition.

In its report, the ISW said that Russian forces were prioritizing grinding, tactical gains with operational-level efforts focusing on the cities of Lyman, Chasiv Yar, and Pokrovsk.

“The Russian military command likely assesses that Ukrainian forces will be unable to defend against current and future Russian offensive operations due to delays in or the permanent end of U.S. military assistance,” the think tank said.

Ukraine’s military chief, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi , said Saturday that Ukraine’s battlefield situation in the industrial east had “significantly worsened in recent days,” as warming weather allowed Russian forces to launch a fresh push along several stretches of the more than 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) -long front line.

In an update on the Telegram messaging app, Syrskyi said that Russian forces had been “actively attacking” Ukrainian positions near the cities of Lyman, Bakhmut and Pokrovsk, and beginning to launch tank assaults as drier, warmer spring weather made it easier for heavy vehicles to move across previously muddy terrain.

‘Top Chef: Wisconsin’ Episode 5 recap: It’s a supper club showdown at Madison's Harvey House

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Top Chef" Season 21, Episode 5, which aired April 17, 2024.  

After last week’s disappointing showing — and a pep talk from host Kristen Kish — the 10 remaining “Top Chef” contestants had a lot to prove this week. 

And they’d have a lot to prove to Wisconsinites, too, as this week’s Elimination Challenge was all about one of our state's most timeless traditions: the supper club. 

The cheftestants stayed in Madison to salute supper-club standouts like the relish tray, Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib, and while the concept may have not been familiar to some of the chefs, they loved the full song-and-dance as they dined at The Harvey House , 644 W. Washington Ave., Madison. 

The full episode recap is below, but before we raise our brandy old fashioneds, here’s a peek at the Madison-area sites and celebs that showed up this week. 

Wisconsin’s spotlight moments from “Top Chef,” Season 21, Episode 5: 

What in MKE did we see?: Nothing! The entire episode took place in Madison. 

What in Madison did we see?: The Park Hotel , the State Capitol building, downtown Madison, the Dane County Farmers' Market , the rooftop of L’Etoile , Madison’s Whole Foods Market, The Harvey House , UW-Madison's Carson Gulley Center , Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club, the Tornado Club Steak House  

Celebrity sightings: Tory Miller, executive chef and co-owner of Madison’s Graze and L’Etoile; Kristine Miller, operations manager and pastry chef of L’Etoile; W. Kamau Bell, comedian, director and activist; Joe and Shaina Papach, co-owners of The Harvey House  

Where was the challenge set? The Quickfire Challenge was at the Dane County Farmers' Market ; the Elimination Challenge was at The Harvey House . 

How did Dan do? He couldn’t have done better. Dan’s upscale take on the classic relish tray wowed the judges, leading to him being the overall winner of this week’s Elimination Challenge — his first-ever win on the show. Go, Dan! 

Best Wisconsin-related quote: “I know you guys have been spending a lot of time in Milwaukee, but Madison’s the capital of Wisconsin for a reason,” said chef Tory Miller. “You just shaded Milwaukee!” W. Kamau Bell responded.  

The 10 remaining cheftestants were feeling a little shaken up after last week’s rough Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired challenge, but they didn’t have long to sulk.  

As they regrouped from their hotel on Madison’s Capitol Square, host Kristen Kish interrupted with a video call, urging the chefs to take a peek out their window. 

The Dane County Farmers Market , the largest producer-only farmers market in the nation, was already bustling that Saturday morning (as it does every Saturday from April to November), and for this week’s Quickfire Challenge, the chefs would get to join the fun. 

Quickfire Challenge: Dane County Farmers' Market mania 

Each chef got $100 to spend on ingredients for the Quickfire Challenge, but there was a catch: they wouldn’t learn the theme of the challenge until after they shopped, when they’d meet on the rooftop of upscale farm-to-table restaurant L’Etoile to learn their fate. 

With so little to go on, the chefs made a mad dash (some of them, at least — “I don’t run,” Dan said) to the market, grabbing fresh ingredients that could be versatile (heirloom tomatoes, mushrooms, various peppers) or unconventional (pork brats and jalapeno popcorn for the always-creative Rasika). 

They met at L’Etoile, where Kish was joined by the restaurant’s chef/owner, James Beard Award-winner Tory Miller, and comedian/documentarian W. Kamau Bell, who said he’s been watching the show “since the beginning.”

Miller was pumped that the contestants were in his city. 

“I know you guys have been spending a lot of time in Milwaukee, but Madison’s the capital of Wisconsin for a reason,” he said. 

“You just shaded Milwaukee!” Bell responded with a laugh. 

I’m gonna let that one slide, for now. Madison has its own incredible food scene, and Wisconsin’s plenty big enough to support both. (But I've got my eye on you, Miller...) 

Kish explained that the Quickfire Challenge would be centered around another Madison culinary icon: chef Carson Gulley, who was the University of Wisconsin-Madison's residence hall chef from the 1920s through the 1950s. From 1953 to 1962, he and his wife hosted a weekly cooking show on WMTV — the first-ever African American couple to host a cooking show. 

Chefs chose recipe cards from sauces that appear in Gulley’s 1949 cookbook, " Seasoning Secrets. " They’d use the ingredients they blindly purchased from the farmers market to personalize those sauces, which varied from classics like tartar sauce (“the state condiment,” joked Miller, which coincidentally went to Dan) to unique recipes like raisin sauce, whose sweet-sour flavor threw Michelle for a loop (“Why is this a recipe?” she asked). 

After the dishes were tasted, Michelle, Amanda and Kévin were in the bottom three, while Charly, Laura and Manny made the top three dishes. 

The $7,500 prize went to Charly, who serendipitously drew a Creole sauce recipe that he used to make a Creole chicken dish from his restaurant back in New Orleans. The dish paid homage to his mother, who passed away 15 years ago. 

That prize money will come in handy for Charly. “Pay for that wedding!” he cheered. Charly proposed to his fiancee the day before he left for the “Top Chef” competition. 

The Elimination Challenge reveal: It’s suppertime at The Harvey House in Madison! 

After the celebration subsided, Kish went on to reveal this week’s Elimination Challenge. 

“You have things like Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib, Sunday broasted chicken ... I just learned about that,” said Kish, but she couldn’t get past “Saturday prime rib” before Dan excitedly blurted out the challenge theme. 

“Supper club!” he exclaimed. Oh, he was waiting for this one, and the producers knew it. Dan — and his happy little dance — got a lot of close-up shots as Kish explained just what in the world a supper club is to the nine contestants who don’t live in Wisconsin. 

“It’s one of Wisconsin’s most beloved traditions,” Kish said.

Carrying on the tradition today are Joe and Shaina Papach, who own Madison’s Harvey House restaurant, a modern take on the classic Wisconsin supper club, where this week’s challenge would take place.  

It was another team challenge, where each group of five would serve 40 dinner guests and eight judges separate courses representing supper club staples: the relish tray, a fish dish, a chicken dish, a beef dish and dessert. 

After drawing knives, the green team included Manny, Danny, Amanda, Laura and Charly. On the purple team were Savannah, Kévin, Michelle, Dan and Rasika. 

Everyone was invited to dine at The Harvey House after to draw inspiration for their supper club courses. 

As a Wisconsinite, watching the chefs feast on supper club fare was adorable. They clinked old fashioneds, their eyes bulged at a massive chicken schnitzel and everyone was oohing and aahing over the minty-green grasshopper pie. 

Laura was curious about the creamy cocktail she was sipping.  

“How do you call that drink?” she asked.  

“It’s a brandy Alexander,” the Papaches said.  

Consider Laura inspired. 

Dan was inspired, too. He claimed the relish tray course right away. “It’s the one I have the most memories of,” he said, adding that his family would make a Christmastime chopped liver they dubbed “Jacobs family catnip.” 

“We’d box each other out trying to get at the chicken livers,” he said. 

RELATED: 14 of Wisconsin's best supper clubs, according to readers

Grocery gripes: Things got heated at Whole Foods 

After dinner, the teams headed to Whole Foods, where they had $1,000 and 30 minutes to shop for ingredients. At $200 per course to serve almost 50 people, that’s one of the tightest budgets we’ve seen on the show so far. 

And that was the source of this week’s drama.  

While shopping, some chefs scrimped by choosing inexpensive products and sharing ingredients with one another. That helped the purple team easily come in under budget, but on the green team, Laura’s multitude of dessert ingredients like milk and alcohol pushed their bill way over the $1,000 limit. Some of the chefs put ingredients back while Laura wouldn’t budge. And poor Danny was left with around just $75 to make his relish tray course. 

Is Laura becoming the de facto villain this season? Two weeks ago , things got heated between her and Dan when he slipped in liquid she spilled in the Top Chef kitchen, and earlier that day, he rubbed her the wrong way by being choosy with the recipe card she selected for the Quickfire Challenge. 

His “Midwest nice” might be strained when it comes to Laura, and the other contestants didn’t seem too thrilled with her, either. 

The Elimination Challenge: Supper club standouts and stinkers 

The green team had to set aside their differences in the Harvey House kitchen, where they were first to serve the judges and a dining room full of guests (including the Journal Sentinel’s Hannah Kirby , who I spotted a couple times during dinner!). 

At the judges' table was host Kish, perennial judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, and guest judges Bell, the Papaches, Miller and his L’Etoile pastry-chef wife, Kristine. 

They loved Amanda’s hot chicken dish, which was juicy and nicely fried. “Technically, she did everything right,” Colicchio said. 

But they weren’t so kind to Charly, who attempted a fish dish with Haitian pikliz relish to honor his roots as he did when he won the Quickfire Challenge. Back in Episode 2 at the Historic Miller Caves, he served an undercooked mackerel dish to guest judge Kyle Kall of Milwaukee’s Birch restaurant. 

“Last time, the fish was undercooked, but that’s not gonna happen this time,” Charly said. 

I’ll give it to him: He was right. The judges said his trout was severely overcooked and the pikliz was under-seasoned. 

Laura’s pricey tres leches cake with a chocolate brandy sidecar was a fun idea, the judges said, but the two didn’t complement each other. 

Overall, it seemed like the green team struggled with the disproportionate ingredients across the courses. “I would have graciously loved a little bit more, but I made it work,” Danny said when the judges asked about the $1,000 limit. 

But the purple team started hot with Dan’s relish tray, comprised of chicken liver mousse, steak tartare, crudités in “soil” and fried seed toast. 

“He hit the nail on the head,” Joe Papach said.  

And his chicken liver mousse was a showstopper. Simmons actually stuck her finger in it to enjoy some more after running out of toast. 

But when Kévin’s roasted beef tenderloin came out, the judges had to gather themselves. 

“It’s still got a name,” joked Bell of the “way undercooked” beef.  

The rest of the team fared better. Savannah’s chicken tonkatsu was “a nice little dish,” according to Colicchio. Rasika, who had immunity, may have made an overly salty fish dish, but the peanut-jaggery dip it was served with was tasty. And Michelle’s coconut bread pudding stood out as a classic supper club dessert — even if most of the judges would’ve liked a bit more of its pineapple cream sauce. 

Who won immunity on “Top Chef: Wisconsin” Episode 5?    

When teams were called to the judges' table, Kish revealed that the purple team was the top-performing team of the day.  

The top three chefs this week were Savannah, Michelle and Dan. But only one could win immunity. 

And it's the moment Milwaukee’s been waiting for: The win went to our hometown chef, Dan. 

The judges continued to rave about his relish tray. 

“This is one dish I thought was executed from start to finish flawlessly,” Colicchio said. 

“I truly loved it,” Simmons added. “I thought every component, as complex and complicated as it might have been to make, felt really clean and classic.” 

It’s Dan's first win of the season, and what a fitting challenge to win for the Wisconsin-based chef with childhood memories of visiting supper clubs on family road trips.  

His confidence showed throughout the episode and he rode it all the way to earning immunity. 

“Even though I have physical limitations, my brain is sharp as a pencil,” he said. “I know how to put flavors together and it just reaffirms the fact that I belong here.” 

Congratulations, Dan! With immunity in next week’s Elimination Challenge, we know for sure he’s headed to Week 7, at least. 

Who went home on ‘Top Chef: Wisconsin’ Episode 5? 

But there would be another chef that wouldn’t make it that far.  

The bottom three dishes this week were Charly’s overcooked fish, Manny’s practically mooing beef and Laura’s incongruous dessert. 

What’s more, Laura got an earful from the judges for monopolizing the team’s budget. 

“Laura, if you have a tight budget, why do you try to do two things?” Colicchio asked. “Do one thing right. Don’t do two things OK.” 

But even after that scolding, Charly was the one who was asked to pack his knives and go. 

He was disappointed he overthought his dish with Haitian flair, but was proud of the work he’d done to that point. 

“I don’t really like to live with regrets,” he said, smiling. “I always want to make sure my dish is always representative of me, where I come from, my culture, my cuisine, and I just did that in every dish, and that makes me really happy. 

“And I'm going to kick ass on Last Chance Kitchen, so I gotta be ready for that.” 

Speaking of Last Chance Kitchen, tonight is, well, the last chance for the chefs to fight their way back to the regular competition. 

Last week, surprise 16th cheftestant, Soo , battled with both Alisha and Kaleena, ultimately knocking Alisha out of the game while Kaleena’s second-place dish kept her afloat. 

Soo, Kaleena and Charly will cook in a two-part Last Chance Kitchen face-off, with the winner joining the remaining nine contestants in regular “Top Chef” competition next week. 

What’s on the table next week? The preview keeps things shrouded in secrecy. I honestly can’t tell where the Elimination Challenge is set, but the theme is “chaos,” so buckle up for a wild night, viewers. 

How to watch 'Top Chef: Wisconsin': TV channel, streaming  

Viewers can watch live on Bravo on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. or stream the next day on Peacock , BravoTV.com or the Bravo app.  

Here's your guide to Texas' top 10 state parks to visit this Earth Day weekend

Celebrate the weekend with just you, the outdoors and mother earth..

Texas boasts one of the most extensive portfolios of ecosystems of any state in the country. With that, it also brings an impressive state park system of 89 locations covering more than 171 million acres.

In celebration of Earth Day on Monday, here are the top 10 state parks to visit in Texas this weekend, according to Yelp .

10. Old Tunnel State Park, Fredericksburg

Although it's the smallest state park in Texas, Old Tunnel State Park in Fredericksburg features a historical railroad tunnel that is home to 2 to 3 million bats.

• Pets allowed: No.
• Camping allowed: No.
• RVs allowed: No.

9. Inks Lake State Park, Burnet

Inks Lake State Park is a 1,200-acre park known for its 803-acre lake used for fishing, scuba diving and other water recreation.

• Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed.
• Camping allowed: Yes.

8. Brazos Bend State Park, Needville

In Needville, Brazos Bend State Park is a 4,897-acre reserve with a wide range of wildlife, including birds, alligators, deer, bobcats and raccoons.

• RVs allowed: Yes.

7. McKinney Falls State Park, Austin

On the outskirts of Austin, the 641-acre McKinney Falls State Park offers fishing, mountain biking and hiking.

• Pets allowed: Outdoors only, leashed; dogs cannot enter water.
• RVs allowed: Yes, less than 30 feet long.

6. Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City

A 5,212-acre park in Johnson City, Pedernales Falls State Parks offers 6 miles of river frontage for camping, horseback riding, hiking and off-road bicycling.

• RVs allowed: No. Car camping is also not allowed.

5. Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis

With more than 2,700 acres, Davis Mountains State Park has one of the highest peaks in the state. Visitors can hike, bike or take scenic drives throughout the park.

4. Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque

The third-largest state park in Texas, Caprock Canyons has nearly 14,000 acres and is home to the official state bison herd. Also in the park is the historic Clarity Tunnel, a former railroad tunnel that houses hundreds of thousands of bats.

3. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose

Dinosaur Valley State Park, nestled alongside the picturesque Paluxy River in Glen Rose, offers visitors a chance to witness ancient history firsthand. Here, dinosaur footprints are preserved in certain areas, providing a glimpse of the distant past.

2. Longhorn Cavern State Park, Burnet

Longhorn Cavern is an ancient underground riverbed, covered in calcite crystals and home to millions of bats. The state park also has an extensive hiking trail system.

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon

The second-largest canyon in the United States, the 60-mile-long, 800-foot-deep Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers hiking, fishing, equestrian rides, bikes and camping. There are also nearby businesses that offer additional recreational activities, such as ziplining and "TEXAS Outdoor Musical" at the park's amphitheater. Cabins are also available for visitors.