Home › Destinations › Kyiv
Kyiv, Україна - Things to Do in Kyiv

Kyiv

Kyiv, Україна - Complete Travel Guide

Kyiv, the ancient capital of Ukraine, stands as one of Eastern Europe's most historically significant and culturally rich cities. With over 1,500 years of history, this magnificent city along the Dnipro River showcases golden-domed Orthodox churches, Soviet-era architecture, and busy modern culture. The city's UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Saint Sophia's Cathedral and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, tell the story of the birthplace of Orthodox Christianity in the region. Beyond its historical treasures, Kyiv pulses with contemporary energy through its thriving arts scene, innovative cuisine, and dynamic nightlife. The city's tree-lined boulevards, expansive parks, and riverside beaches create an unexpectedly green urban environment, while its affordable prices and warm hospitality make it an accessible destination for travelers seeking authentic Eastern European experiences.

Top Kyiv

Historic Orthodox Monasteries and Cathedrals

Visit the ancient Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex with its underground cave systems containing naturally mummified monks, and marvel at Saint Sophia's Cathedral with its impressive Byzantine mosaics. These UNESCO World Heritage sites represent the spiritual heart of Orthodox Christianity and showcase incredible medieval architecture and religious art.

Booking Tip: Entry to Lavra costs around $3-5, with additional fees for photography. Visit early morning (9-10 AM) to avoid crowds and bring modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Audio guides are available for $2-3 and highly recommended.

Soviet History and Architecture

Explore the massive Motherland Monument and World War II Museum, then walk through Soviet-era neighborhoods to see Brutalist architecture and visit the Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II. The city offers fascinating insights into life during the Soviet period through preserved buildings, monuments, and museums.

Booking Tip: Museum entries range from $2-4, with combo tickets available. Book guided tours through local operators for $15-25 per person to get historical context. Tuesday-Sunday operations, closed Mondays.

Stroll Through Golden Gate and Old Town

Walk through the reconstructed Golden Gate, the ancient entrance to medieval Kyiv, and explore the charming cobblestone streets of the old town. The area features traditional Ukrainian architecture, local artisan shops, street performers, and cozy cafes perfect for experiencing authentic local atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on foot, though Golden Gate museum entry is $2. Join free walking tours departing daily at 11 AM and 2 PM from Independence Square, or hire private guides for $20-30 for 2-3 hours.

Traditional Ukrainian Cuisine

Sample authentic Ukrainian dishes like borscht, varenyky (dumplings), and salo while exploring local markets, traditional restaurants, and modern eateries. Food tours often include visits to Besarabsky Market and tastings at family-run establishments that have preserved recipes for generations.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $25-40 per person including tastings and typically last 3-4 hours. Book through reputable local operators who include market visits and restaurant stops. Evening tours often include traditional music and cultural performances.

Cruise the Dnipro River

Take a scenic boat cruise along the Dnipro River to see Kyiv's skyline from the water, including views of the Lavra monastery, modern bridges, and riverside parks. Evening cruises offer spectacular sunset views and often include dinner or entertainment with traditional Ukrainian music and dancing.

Booking Tip: Day cruises cost $8-15, evening dinner cruises $20-35. Book 1-2 days ahead during summer peak season. Cruises operate May-October, with best availability on weekends. Look for operators offering multilingual commentary.

Getting There

Kyiv is accessible via Boryspil International Airport (KBP), located 30km southeast of the city center, which serves as the main hub for international flights. The Sky Bus express service connects the airport to the city center in 45-60 minutes for about $2, while taxis cost $8-15. Alternatively, Kyiv can be reached by train from major European cities, with comfortable overnight services from Warsaw, Budapest, and Vienna arriving at the central railway station. The city is also well-connected by bus services from neighboring countries, though journey times are longer than flying or rail travel.

Getting Around

Kyiv's extensive public transportation system includes three metro lines, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, with a single ride costing less than $0.25. The metro system is particularly efficient and features beautifully decorated Soviet-era stations that are attractions in themselves. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available and very affordable, with most city center trips costing $2-5. Walking is pleasant in the historic center, and bike rentals are increasingly popular, with several bike-sharing systems and dedicated cycling paths along the Dnipro River.

Where to Stay

Podil District
Khreshchatyk Street Area
Pechersk District
Shevchenkivskyi District
Obolon District
Lukianivka Area

Food & Dining

Kyiv's culinary scene brilliantly balances traditional Ukrainian cuisine with modern international influences and Soviet-era nostalgia restaurants. Traditional dishes like borscht, varenyky, and chicken Kyiv can be enjoyed at authentic establishments like Kanapa or Pervak, while modern Ukrainian cuisine is expertly crafted at upscale venues such as Ostannya Barykada. The city offers excellent value dining, with hearty meals available for $5-10 at local restaurants, while fine dining experiences rarely exceed $25-30 per person. Don't miss the busy food markets like Besarabsky Market for fresh produce and local specialties, or the trendy food courts in modern shopping centers for diverse international options.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ukraine

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

DonVito

4.9 /5
(7216 reviews)

Trattoria Sicilia

4.7 /5
(3779 reviews) 2
cafe

Monica Pinza Pasta Bar

4.6 /5
(3821 reviews) 2

Valentino

4.7 /5
(1336 reviews) 3
bar cafe meal_delivery

Casa Nori

4.6 /5
(920 reviews) 3

Nonna Macarona

4.9 /5
(809 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Kyiv is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild, ranging from 15-22°C, and the city's numerous parks and tree-lined streets are at their most beautiful. Summer months (July-August) can be warm and occasionally humid but offer the longest daylight hours and outdoor dining opportunities, plus river activities and festivals. Winter visits (December-February) provide a magical snow-covered cityscape and festive Christmas markets, though temperatures can drop to -5°C to -10°C, requiring warm clothing but offering fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.

Insider Tips

Download the Kyiv Smart City app for real-time public transport information and digital tickets - it's free and works offline
Many restaurants and cafes offer excellent business lunch menus (12-4 PM) for $3-6, providing great value and authentic local dining experiences
Visit the beautiful Kyiv metro stations like Arsenalna (world's deepest) and Zoloti Vorota during off-peak hours for the best photo opportunities without crowds

Complete Kyiv Travel Guide

Explore our dedicated guide to Kyiv with detailed neighborhood guides, activities, and local tips

Explore Now →

Activities in Kyiv