30 places to visit in Kyiv
There are thousands of prominent monuments in the capital of Ukraine. And it is no wonder, after all the city is more than 1500 years old. Coming here, you can get lost, not knowing where to go to first. Temples, museums, parks, theaters... Many people, that are coming to the capital for the first time, spend all day walking around Khreshchatyk, but the sights of Kyiv are not only there. IGotoWorld.com has selected 30 of the most interesting places to visit in Kyiv.
Podil
It is a historical district, the second most popular after the Starokyivska mountain. For a long time it gave refuge to the master and trade people.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
For example, two ancient Kyiv areas – Kontraktova and Poshtova are located on Podil. It can also boast with Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, many churches, the most real synagogue, low-rise cozy buildings of the 19th century, secret courtyards and many other interesting places.
How to get there: metro station "Kontraktova Ploshcha".
Elias church
One of the oldest temples of Kievan Rus (if not the oldest). It is mentioned in the Tale of Past Years (Primary Chronicle) in the year of 945.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
According to the legend, the church was built by Askold, after a trip to Constantinople. The stone church appeared on this site in 1692, later it was reconstructed many times. It is one of the most famous and cozy temples in Kyiv.
How to get there: metro station "Poshtova Ploshcha".
Funicular
This is a rare transport that directly connects Podil and Upper City, built between 1903 and 1905.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
In 1929, during the repair, the funicular was extended to Postal Square, since then and to this day its length is 75 meters.
How to get there: metro station "Poshtova Ploshcha".
Dnipro quay
It is one of the favourite walking places of the townspeople. Light breeze from Slavutych. Splash of waves and cries of gulls. Attentive fishermen that sit without a movement for hours in anticipation of a good catch.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
Boats parking and the River Station, around which nightlife with music, cafes, restaurants concentrates. Two hundred meters away from the pedestrian bridge, where only cars, clustering nearby, and rare passers-by will distract you from observing of the Dnipro. And further, behind the Metro Bridge, and you will hardly meet them.
How to get there: metro station "Poshtova Ploshcha".
Temple on the water
Mykola Chudotvorets Church on the water was built 15 meters from the coast in 2004.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
This unique Ukrainian temple, 23 meters in height, in the style of the Ukrainian Neo-Baroque is built on 12 concrete piles and reminds the "candles" of chestnut. You can find a 200-year-old icon of Saint Nicholas here.
How to get there: metro station "Poshtova Ploshcha".
Truhaniv island
A huge (about 450 hectares) area of the Dnipro, under the supervision of St Volodymyr. The name of the island is deduced from the name of Tugor-Khan – the father-in-law of Sviatopolk II Iziaslavich, who built a house here for his beloved wife.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
It was used by the townsmen as a beach holiday from the 19th century, and families were sitting here all day long. The 429-meter pedestrian bridge, incidentally, appeared only in 1956, but it did not stop the eager townspeople, who used the boats. Now there is a central city beach and many other places for "relaxation".
How to get there: metro station "Poshtova Ploshcha" and a walk along the quay to the bridge.
Hidropark
Another place to relax on the water, located on two islands, with a total area of 365 hectares. Many beaches, sports grounds, amusement rides and even a whole training camp.
Photo source: podrobnosti.ua.
And, of course, there are a lot of cafés, restaurants and beach-goers who in the season literally cover up the banks of the Dnipro and the Rusanivska Strait.
How to get there: metro station "Hidropark".
Andriyivskyi Descent
The most Kyiv of all the streets. The heart of the City. Here, surrounded by green hills, the craftsmen and painters sell their works (there are especially many of them on the Kyiv Day and the Independence Day).
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
The prominent Andriyivska Church is here, the same with the Gothic Castle of Richard-the-Lion-Heart, the house-museum of Mikhail Bulgakov, several theaters and the Museum of One Street (about the Descent). And most importantly, the whole area is literally soaked with the spirit of antiquity, tranquility, art, and true Kyiv.
How to get there: metro station "Kontraktova Ploshcha".
Volodymyrska Street
The oldest street in Kyiv is about 3 kilometers long, and begins with St. Andrew's Church. It grew together with the City, and it allows you to track the entire history of Kyiv.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
Ancient buildings, filled with legends and fables. The atmosphere of the millennia and the breath of time.
How to get there: metro station "Poshtova Ploshcha", funicular, and along the Desyatinna to the St. Andrew's Church.
Saint Sophia’s Cathedral
One of the brightest gems of Kyiv, built by Yaroslav the Wise, has survived to this day with serious external changes.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
But it still impresses us with its elegance and proudly elevated crowns. Do not forget to climb a 76-meter bell tower – from there you get a wonderful view.
How to get there: metro station "Zoloti Vorota" and along the Volodymyrska street to the Cathedral.
Golden Gate (Zoloti Vorota)
Long time ago the "front" entrance to the city of Yaroslav was located here. Later, the gates were destroyed, only the remains of the 12st century masonry have been preserved until now.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
What we see now is the reconstruction that appeared in 1982. Now there is a museum, under the arches of which you can be easily transported to the era of Kievan Rus.
How to get there: metro station "Zoloti Vorota".
National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet of Ukraine named after Taras Shevchenko
The most famous theater in Kyiv appeared in 1901 on the site of the burnt down City Theater. Antonina Vasilieva, Zoia Gaidai, Borys Hmyria, Feodor Chaliapin and hundreds of truly outstanding opera and ballet dancers danced and sang here.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
Also, it was here in 1911 that the prime minister of the Russian Empire, Pyotr Stolypin, was deadly wounded.
How to get there: metro station "Zoloti Vorota", and down the Volodymyrska street to the opera.
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
One of the oldest and most popular universities not only in Ukraine but also in the entire former Union. The Red Building of the University of St. Volodymyr (the "uni" had this name until 1919) was constructed in the style of Russian classicism by Vincent Beretti in 1837–1843.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
Ah, we cannot even imagine to how many outstanding people, it became an alma mater! Also, be sure to visit the small but cozy park of Taras Shevchenko with a monument to Kobzar and tables for tense chess battles.
How to get there: metro station "Universytet".
Peizazhna Alley
The alley, laid in the early 1980s on the site of the defensive shafts of Ancient Kyiv, right in the heart of the city – on the Starokyivska mountain.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
Later, in 2009, a children's square was opened here and many original and fun sculptures were put her that made the Alley one of Kyiv's most famous and favorite places for a stroll.
How to get there: metro station "Zoloti Vorota" and along the Volodymyrska street to the Velyka Zhytomyrska.
National Museum of Ukrainian History
The largest historical museum of our country. More than 800 thousand exhibits dating since the ancient times.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
In addition unique collections of weapons, numismatics and archaeological finds. You need to see it!
How to get there: metro station "Zoloti Vorota", and along the Volodymyrska street to the Velyka Zhytomyrska.
Saint Volodymyr Hill
This cozy park on the slopes of Dnipro has long become famous for being one of the most romantic places in the capital. Cozy alleys, comfortable benches, singing birds.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
And most importantly, the opportunity to visit nature, right in the middle of a multi-millionth city.
How to get there: metro station "Maidan Nezalezhnosti", and along Khreshchatyk to the European square.
Khreshchatyk
The central artery of Kyiv appeared on the map only at the end of the 18th century. But, despite its youth, and almost complete destruction during the Second World War, it has already become known as the street of the City.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
A place full of boutiques and expensive restaurants. Independence Square – the central square of Kyiv is also situated here.
How to get there: metro station "Maidan Nezalezhnosti".
Mariinsky Park
One of the most popular parks in the city and the location of the Mariinsky Palace, which was created in 1752 according to the orders of Empress Elizabeth. Also the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (built in 1939) – the house of the native Ukrainian parliament.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
Plus, in a couple of steps there is Hrushevska Street with a magnificent Cabinet of Ministers. Stadium "Dynamo". Bridge of lovers, Museum of water and Puppet theater. In general, you need to try and manage to see everything.
How to get there: metro station "Maidan Nezalezhnosti", and along Khreshchatyk to the European square.
Pechersk
One of the central, prestigious and pathos areas of the city, where the citadel of power and a huge number of unique buildings, so-called "cave mansions" – profitable houses (built mostly in the late 19th – early 20th centuries) are situated.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
These are the Weeping Widow's house. And the Chocolate house. And Baron Hildebanta Castle. And the Arab house. And many other charming buildings.
How to get there: metro station "Khreshchatyk", and up along the Institute street to the Shovkovychna street.
House with Chimaeras
And here is the most famous of them all, the authorship of the brilliant architect Vladyslav Gorodetsky. It was built on a pair in 1902–1903 on a site that is poorly adapted for the creation of large buildings.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
Vladyslav "excellently"coped with it, at the same time decorating his creation with a large number of enchanting sculptures (not only outside, but also inside), which brought the building a well-deserved glory. Keep in mind, getting here is not easy. On weekdays, the house (or rather the Presidential Administration) is enclosed by two police frontiers. Access to Bankova opens only occasionally on weekends. There are also tours inside, but the signing up process takes few months in advance.
How to get there: metro station "Khreshchatyk", and up the Institutska to Bankova street.
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
One of the most ancient monasteries of Kievan Rus, which appeared in 1051 year.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
From that time on, it experienced a lot of ruin, hardships and flourishing. It is now one of the most famous places of worship in Europe. Nearby there is a monument "Motherland" (“Bat’kivshyna Maty”) (total height together with a pedestal is 102 meters) and the National Museum of Ukrainian History in the Second World War.
How to get there: metro station "Arsenalna", trolley bus № 38.
Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life of Ukraine
The open-air museum in Pyrohiv, founded on February 6, 1969, with a total area of 133.5 hectares.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
There are many architectural highlights collected from different regions of our homeland. Village houses, wooden churches, windmills, authentic household buildings. Plus a huge amount of household items, clothing, furniture and works of folk art.
How to get there: metro station "Vystavkoviy Centr", trolley bus № 11.
Kyiv Zoo
The largest zoo in our country and one of the largest in Europe.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
There are about two and a half thousand animals and 330 species. It is a necessary kingdom of animals in the vast world of people.
How to get there: metro station "Politechnichniy Institute".
National Botanical Garden named after M. Hryshko
And this is the kingdom of flora, which allows you to visit different parts of the globe. Thousands and thousands of beautiful plants in the spring and autumn make this place a real paradise. And in the summer there is something to look at. Lilacs, magnolias, roses, tulips, azaleas.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
At the end of the botanical garden, the charming Vydubetskii monastery is situated.
How to get there: metro station "Pecherska", trolley bus № 14.
Pushcha Vodytsia
Giant ancient forest area on the north-western outskirts of the city, which has been the site of princely hunting since the 11th century. At the end of the 19th century, a country village grew up here.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
And in 1904 there was a fun tram ride here. Now there is a large number of sanatoriums and holiday facilities, which is not surprising. Such great air, filled with pine flavor and damp breeze from the whole chain of lakes. It is a rare find.
How to get there: metro station "Kontraktova Ploshcha", tram No. 12.
House of Organ and Chamber Music / St Nicholas Church
The Church of St Nicholas was built back in 1909. Proud towers that penetrate the sky, strict narrow shapes that want to fly high. Everything as it should be in Gothic architecture.
Photo by: Yuriy Perebaev IGotoWorld Photo Group.
It is stunning, moreover the Roman Catholic religious buildings are a rarity in our latitudes. However, the Soviet power was not impressed with the spires, and the church was closed. Fortunately, in 1978 the Republican House of Organ and Chamber Music was settled here. Otherwise it could have been destroyed.
How to get there: metro station "Olimpiyska", and along the Velyka Vasilkivska to the palace "Ukraine".
Mystetskyi Arsenal
The National Cultural, Artistic and Museum Complex appeared near Lavra recently, in 2006.
Photo by: TanyaS IGotoWorld Photo Group.
But it has already become famous in the world of art as a venue for many exhibitions, concerts and other artistic projects.
How to get there: metro station "Arsenalna", trolley bus № 38.
National Expocenter of Ukraine
A huge complex where the achievements of our country are demonstrated. It was opened in 1958 as a Republican Agricultural Exhibition.
Photo Source: skyandmethod.com.
Later, until 1993, it was named the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy of the USSR. There are 17 pavilions, where exhibitions and festivals are regularly held on various spheres of human activity. Architecture, agriculture, horticulture, energy, robotics. Particular attention is attracted to the public beer festivals, where producers of drinks from around the country are gathered.
How to get there:metro station "Vystavkovyi Center".
State Museum of Aviation
This technical museum appeared on the City map in 2003, located near the Zhuliany airport. Here, on 20 hectares, there are 90 planes and helicopters of the most diverse models and destination.
Photo by: TanyaS IGotoWorld Photo Group.
Experimental and Passenger. Combat and transport. Expanse for lovers of aviation. For additional (and small – from 5 to 10 UAH) money it is possible visit to the salons of some exhibits.
How to get there: metro station "Shuliavska", trolley bus № 22, stop "Vulytsia Andersa". Or the metro station "Palats Sportu", trolley bus № 40 (to the end). Then you can walk or take bus № 220 from Kharkiv array right to the museum.
PinchukArtCentre
The International Centre for Contemporary Art, with a total area of over 3000 square meters, was founded in 2006. "An open platform for artists, art and society," which holds many paintings of various masters of pencil and brush, as well as young artists.
Photo Source: pinchukartcentre.org
The opening hours of the gallery are very convenient: from 12:00 to 20:00; and the entrance is free. Thanks to this, it has a tremendous respect among art lovers.
How to get there: metro station "Ploshcha Lva Tovstogo", and to Besarabsky market.
30 stops while walking through the city of Kyiv. 30 milestones from the giant list entitled "The Best Sights of Kyiv". 30 places, from which one should start and continue to get acquainted with the Great City over the Dnipro.
