Kiev has a good selection of tourist attractions, enough to occupy most visitors for a week or more. Conveniently, most are in the city centre or just a short Metro ride away.
The city is known for its magnificent churches and cathedrals. Top of the list and Kiev’s most popular tourist attraction is Pechersk Lavra (the Caves Monastery). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a huge complex of churches and museums, and if you see nothing else, you must visit this. Other notable places of worship include St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, St Sophia’s Cathedral, St Volodymyr’s Cathedral, and St Andrew’s Church.
Kiev is a very green city with many beautiful parks and gardens to choose from. Many run along the western bank of the Dnipro River. You can start in the city centre at Khreschatyk Park and walk right to National Botanical Gardens around 5 miles away, passing Mariyinsky Park and the Park of Glory on the way.
Museums and historic buildings and sites are also a big draw. The Golden Gates date back to the 11th century and were once part of the Kiev’s city walls. The Motherland Monument, Soviet Ukraine’s answer to the Statue of Liberty, towers high above the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. 10 years after Ukraine gained its independence a similarly sized monument was erected at Independence Square.
For a pleasant day in the country visit the open air museum at Pirogovo. Located on the outskirts of Kiev, this is one attraction that can’t be reached on foot or by Metro.
To relax in the city take a stroll along Khreschatyk or browse the colourful stalls at Bessarabsky Market.
Haunting insights into darker aspects of Ukraine’s history can be found at Babi Yar and the Chernobyl Museum.
