Attractions

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.

Gorodetsky House or the House with Chimeras, Kiev, Ukraine
Gorodetsky House

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.

Name

Type

Details

Free

The city’s most artistic street.

Free, Park

Home to the Green Theatre and the Church of St Nicholas.

Free, Historic

Site of the largest single massacre of the Jewish Holocaust.

Free, Historic

Colourful indoor market.

Free, Park

Park in Kiev city centre with attractions such as Lovers Bridge and the Dynamo Stadium.

Bowling

Tenpin bowling centre in Obolon.

Historic

Ancient fortification built by Yaroslav the Wise.

Free, Historic

Unusual Art Nouveau house.

Park

Large botanical garden in the Pechersk area of Kiev.

Bowling

Tenpin bowling centre at the Gulliver shopping mall.

Free, Historic

The focal point of Ukraine’s Orange Revolution.

Free, Historic

Kiev’s most famous and well-trodden street.

Park

Attractive park at the end of Kiev's main street.

Free, Park

City centre botanical gardens.

Free, Park

Elegant park in the city centre.

Free, Historic, Museum, Park

Giant statue celebrating the Soviet Union's victory over the Nazi Germany.

Historic, Museum

Small, award-winning museum.

Theatre

National theatre offering a wide repertoire.

Arena

The biggest stadium in Ukraine. Hosts football matches of the Ukrainian national team and Dynamo Kiev, plus concerts, and other events.

Arena

Major music, exhibition, and sports venue.

Park

Frequently used as a venue for celebrations and exhibitions.

Historic, Religious

Kiev’s premier tourist attraction.

Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in the city centre founded by Ukrainian billionaire Victor Pinchuk.

Historic, Museum

Fascinating open-air museum.

Free, Park

Park offering some of the best views in the city.

Free, Historic, Religious

Colourful Baroque church.

Free, Historic, Religious

Monastery with sky blue cathedral and magnificent bell tower.

Historic, Religious

One of Kiev’s most impressive landmarks.

Free, Religious

Neo-Byzantine cathedral with striking yellow exterior.

Historic, Museum

Grim museum telling the story of the world’s worst nuclear accident.

error: Content is protected !!