Geography
Kiev straddles both sides of the Dnipro River, with its centre on the western bank (rather confusingly referred to as the Right Bank). The areas most frequented by tourists are:
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Centre/Upper Town/Shevchenkivsky | Includes Khreschatyk and many of the city’s hotels and restaurants. |
| Lower Town/Podil | One of the oldest districts in Kiev is now home to several boutique hotels and numerous restaurants. Connected to the Upper Town by Andrew’s Descent and the Funicular. |
| Pechersk | The political centre of Kiev and home to a variety of historical monuments including the Caves Monastery and the Motherland Monument. |
Reader Comments / Additional Information
The areas noted above are the most popular with tourists. They are also the most expensive. You'll find the cheapest hotels and restaurants in the suburbs, although the surroundings won't be as nice (typically a Soviet-style housing complex).