From gold-domed churches to trendy cocktail bars, Kiev is brimming with history, culture and style. The cosmopolitan city is set on the banks of the Dnipro River and is laden with contemporary art galleries, bohemian cafes and the Ukraine's best restaurants. There are historic neighbourhoods to explore, vibrant cultural centres to visit and above all, a fascinating revolutionary history to discover.
Things to do in Kyiv
Perched high above the Dnipro River, Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra is a city landmark. The monastery is peppered with gold-domed churches that gleam in the sunlight. In addition to admiring the interiors, you can descend into underground caverns that house mummified monks.
Bustling Maydan Nezalezhnosti Square serves as the beating heart of Kiev. While in the past it's hosted pro-independence protests and revolutionary guerrilla camps, today locals flock to enjoy produce markets, weekend concerts and an evening fountain show.
For a glimpse at Kiev's flourishing arts scene, don't miss Izolyatsia. The cultural centre is housed in an old shipyard and showcases works from a host of international and local artists. It also hosts workshops, lectures, concerts, flea markets and food festivals.
Opened in 1901, the Taras Shevchenko National Opera Theatre is one of Europe's most iconic venues. Nights out at the lavish theatre are black-tie affairs, so don't forget to dress up.
Getting around Kyiv
Kiev's metro system is fast, efficient and safe. Above ground, you can also take advantage of buses, trolleys and trams, as well as local "marshrutka" minibuses that zip around the city. If you're between the historic Podil district and the city centre, ride the vintage cable car.
Kyiv, Ukraine is flocked with hotels with great views. If you are looking for a beautiful place to stay during your visit with a breathtaking view of the outdoors, consider the Bakkara Art Hotel. Just as the hotel name implies, this hotel makes the top of the list in the artistic and cultural space. In contrast to the ancient Soviet-era design of most parts of Kyiv, the Bakkara has a modern design setting, making it stand out. With its location on Venetian Island, the hotel has a great view of the entire river and city.
If you are looking for an eco-hotel to stay in during your visit to Kyiv, the area has a few that could meet your preference. Consider Oselya Eco-Hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine, operating under the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" principle in an attempt to care for the environment. The hotel uses Green Global Standard to ensure it aligns with environmental preservation and sustainability. The hotel grows its fruits and vegetables served to guests and purchases other necessary products from local farmers.
Kyiv, Ukraine has an extensive public transportation and infrastructure system. When visiting Kyiv, one of the things you can do is book a hotel well connected to a public transport system. Consider staying at the Hermitage Boutique Hotel, about 800 m from Kyiv train station. The hotel connects to Ukrzaliznytsia, the tram, and the metro system.