Kiev

Kiev is the capital city of Ukraine, its largest economical, political, educational and cultural center. Kiev offers endless opportunities for tourism. Traveling to this city may be one of the most pleasurable experiences in your life. Ukrainians’ very lifestyle will be as interesting to foreign visitors as the capital’s major attractions and museums.

Kiev is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, dating back to the 5th century and the capital and largest city of Ukraine. Located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River, Kiev is a city rich in history and beautiful architecture, with countless cathedrals and monasteries, and with a thriving contemporary art scene. Check out our Top 6 Places To Visit In Kiev.

1. Andriyivsky Uzviz and St Andrew’s Church – Andriyivski Uzviz, also known as Kiev’s Montmartre, is one of the oldest and most picturesque places in the city. This serpentine, cobbled slope marks the heart of arty Kiev, the place to come for art, crafts and fun as its steep descent is lined with numerous art galleries, museums, unique souvenirs shops with traditional Ukrainian goods, as well as cafes, bars and restaurants. Climb to the top of the hill and you can feast your eyes on St Andrew’s. This church is the last work of Rastrelli, the Italian architect who built the Winter Palace in Petersburg. Completed in 1762, the building is a lovely piece of Baroque fantasy.

2. Mother of the Fatherland – One of the biggest monuments in Kiev (62 meter / 203 ft). It is part of the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, built to commemorate the German-Soviet War.

3. Independence Square – Also known as ‘Maidan Nezalezhnosti’ is the central square of Kiev and the place for the Orange Revolution (2004). It is located on Khreshchatyk Street in the Shevchenko Raion. It’s a huge open space with fountains, the Independence Column, the famous Hotel Ukraina and across the Khreshchatyk street, benches and some stalls together with Lyadski Gate.

4. St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral – Built in Russian-Byzantine style with a yellow exterior and a colorful fresco-filled interior, this seven-domed church is a good place to experience a Ukrainian Orthodox service. St Volodymyr’s Cathedral is one of the city’s major landmarks and the mother cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchy. It was constructed in the late 19th century to mark 900 years of Christianity in the country.

4. Kiev Monastery of the Caves – Kiev Monastery of the Caves, also known as Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, was founded almost 1000 years ago and it acts as a tomb for over 100 revered monks. It comprises an entire complex of churches and other religious buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is perhaps most famous for its cavernous interior, where you’ll need a candle to find your way around. Even if you’re not overly religious it is worth the experience.

5. Khreshchatyk Street – One of the main streets of Kiev, Khreshchatyk extends from the European Square to the Bessarabska Square, which is home to the Besarabsky Market. There are many places on this street to shop as well as cafes, and restaurants. In 2010, Khreshchatyk Street was including in the top 20 most expensive streets in Europe. During the weekend they close the street for traffic and it fills with performers, artists, markets and events of all sorts.

6. National Opera House of Ukraine – Established in 1867, the National Opera House of Ukraine is an ornate, romantic theatre with a 200 year history, this opera house is currently home to the Kiev Opera Company. Aficionados of classical music, this is your destination. Known for drawing world class talent, this facility is one of the most prestigious in the country.