The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » Ukraine » 25 Best Things to Do in Kiev (Ukraine)

25 Best Things to Do in Kiev (Ukraine)

Ukraine’s capital is a green metropolis on flowing hills next to the Dnieper River. In the middle ages Kiev was the capital of an enormous state occupying a big tranche of Eastern Europe, and you can enter monasteries and cathedrals stemming from this golden age.

There’s no denying that Kiev has seen some tough times, from the Mongol invasion from the east in 1240, to the Nazis attacking from the west in the Second World War. These moments are part of Kiev’s identify and remembered with colossal memorials like the Motherland Monument.

But the city has always rebounded, as it did in the 19th century when it sprouted the many Baroque churches that pierce the skyline. Today, Kiev has 21st century history to retrace at Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the site of momentous demonstrations in 2004 and again in 2014.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Kiev :

1. Kiev Pechersk Lavra

Kiev Pechersk Lavra

One of the most important sites in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the World Heritage Pechersk Lavra is a marvellous complex of churches, bell towers and subterranean caves.

It can take around four hours to see everything, and you may need an English guided tour to get the most out of Pechersk Lavra.

Beginning in the 11th century, the oldest portions of this complex are underground, in two man-made cave systems, Near and Far.

If you’re planning to go below, try to arrive before the crowds as you’ll descend into a rather confined and bewildering space with a taper candle to light your way.

Canonised monks like Nestor the Chronicler used to live in cells, and are now preserved as mummified, imperishable relics.

Women have to observe a pretty strict dress code that entails covering your hair and wearing a skirt.

Available tour : Kiev: City Exploration and Kiev Pechersk Lavra Tour

2. Great Lavra Bell Tower

Great Lavra Bell Tower, Kiev

Still part of Pechersk Lavra, this sensational monument deserves special attention as it’s one of Kiev’s emblems.

The Great Lavra Bell Tower is an unmissable fixture on the city’s skyline and dwarfs the other monuments at Pechersk Lavra, climbing to just below 100 metres.

At the time of its construction (1731-1745) it was the tallest free-standing bell tower in the world, and is composed of four tiers, each narrower than the last, culminating with a gilded dome.

The style is Ukrainian Baroque, and while studying the three upper tiers architecture geeks will notice that the columns are Doric on the 2nd tier, Ionic on the 3rd and then Corinthian on the fourth.

For a small fee you can go up for an all-encompassing view of Kiev, while the mighty bell tolls every quarter of the hour.

3. Saint Sophia’s Cathedral

Saint Sophia's Cathedral, Kiev

Also included in the same World Heritage Site, Saint Sophia’s Cathedral is Kiev’s oldest surviving church and has architecture and ornamentation dating back to the 1000s.

Like the Pechersk Lavra it’s been elected one of the Ukraine’s Seven Wonders.

The cathedral, famed for its 13 gilded domes, was initiated in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise whose sarcophagus is on display.

You have to take your time shuffling around the interior because of the sheer quantity of medieval frescos and mosaics that have survived since the cathedral was built.

The pinnacle is the Orans of Kiev icon in the chancel vault, standing six metres high and depicting the Virgin Mary.

In the monastic buildings there’s a museum showing medieval artefacts from the cathedral and a model of Kiev before it was annihilated by the Mongols in 1240.

4. Pirogovo – Kiev Museum of Folk Architecture and Life

Pirogovo - Kiev Museum of Folk Architecture and Life

A perfect document of Ukrainian folk culture awaits at a sprawling open-air museum on the southern outskirts of the city.

Rural architecture from six different Ukrainian regions has been moved to this site and reassembled in six distinct villages.

There are more than 300 buildings, from churches to dwellings to workshops, in a living museum where you can watch time-honoured crafts in action like forging, weaving and pottery.

The museum was founded in 1969 and over time has amassed some 70,000 artefacts.

On show in old rustic buildings are glassware, ceramics, costume, metalwork, woodwork, embroidery and carpets, all opening a window on folk crafts and culture in days gone by.

Private tour : Kiev: Museum of Folk Architecture in Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi

5. St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery

On bluffs over the right bank of the Dnieper, this working monastery dates from the 12th century and boasts a multi-domed cathedral and a bell tower.

The exterior architecture is from the middle of the 18th century and in an elaborate Baroque style, but the interior of the cathedral kept hold of its Byzantine design.

Sadly the building was torn down in the Soviet era when its art was moved to Moscow, but it would be reborn 70 years later.

Come by to see the sky blue walls capped with shining domes and the majestic view of the Knieper from the top of the bell tower.

The museum on the lower floors of the bell tower records the history of the monastery and the fate suffered by other religious monuments in the Soviet era.

Guided tour : Kiev: St. Sophia Cathedral and St. Michael’s Monastery

6. The Motherland Monument

The Motherland Monument, Kiev

Erected in 1981 the Motherland Monument is a gigantic, 62-metre stainless statue commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

In a park beside the Knieper, this symbolic figure of a woman is visible from all over Kiev.

To give you an idea of the dimensions, the monument is made with individual blocks of steel, held together with more than 30 kilometres of welding.

The sword that the figure holds up is 16 metres in length and weighs nine tons alone.

On the figure’s left arm is a shield bearing the insignia of the Soviet Union.

The higher of the monument’s two observation decks is at the top of this shield, though you’ll need to wear a harness to visit this upper one.

7. Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II

Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II

The Motherland Monument is integrated into this museum, and the memorial continues at the base.

See the marble plaques for the city’s 11,600 fallen soldiers and 200 workers, a “Flame of Glory” in a giant bowl surrounded by military hardware from the war.

Also walk the “Alley of the Hero Cities”, where Soviet cities that offered stiff resistance to Nazi Germany are remembered.

The museum is also gigantic, telling the story of the Second World War from Ukraine’s perspective with more than 300,000 objects.

The exhibitions here are very well-curated and the galleries are loaded with weapons both heavy and light, as well as maps, uniforms and archive photographs.

8. Maidan Nezalezhnosti

Maidan Nezalezhnosti

To get a handle on current affairs in Ukraine make for ground zero, at Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). This has been a centre for political activism since 1990, and is where the Euromaidan protests occurred in 2013-14. There’s a contemporary memorial to the “Heavenly Hundred”, people who died in the protests.

On the lighter side, when Kiev hosted Eurovision in 2017 the fan zone was located here as if to show how much has changed in just a few years.

While you’re sightseeing, get a photo of the 2001 Independence Monument, Hotel Ukraine and the regal portico of the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy.

9. Khreshchatyk

Khreshchatyk

A gathering point and upmarket shopping street, Khreshchatyk ties the Maidan to the rest of Kiev.

This thoroughfare was almost obliterated in the Second World War, and was rebuilt in the Soviet Neoclassical style.

One of the neat things about Khreshchatyk is that during weekends and public holidays road traffic is prohibited and the street fills with families and couples strolling along and checking out the many street performers.

All of the major international retailers are on Khreshchatyk and there’s an wide choice of cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops, with outdoor terraces where you can sit and watch everyone going about their day.

Look out for the palatial TSUM department store, a Kiev institution, as well as the Ukrainian House convention centre and the lively Kiev Passage side street.

10. Andriyivskyy Descent

Andriyivskyy Descent

The most famous street in Kiev drops down the sharp slope from the Upper Town to the Podil quarter on the Dnieper.

At the top, St Andrew’s Church is in an opulent Baroque style and dates to the middle of the 18th century.

You can catch a funicular up from Podil, or inch your way up the cobblestone street if you’re feeling fresh.

The architect was Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, an Italian who made his name in Russia and the Baltic, designing the Winter Palace in St Petersburg.

From there make your way down through a neighbourhood known as the “Montmartre of Kiev”, not just because of the steep topography but also the arty ambience and evocative 19th-century architecture.

There are plenty of chic cafes to call in at, and stalls by the street sell paintings in summer.

Andriyivskyy Descent is also the location for the Kiev Day celebrations at the end of May.

Podil, Kiev

Kiev’s riverfront merchant’s quarter and former city centre was razed by fire at the start of the 19th century and rebuilt on a grid system.

To get there you could catch the funicular down from St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, which will drop you in a neighbourhood that was saved from major damage in the Second World War so looks jus as it did more a century ago.

Podil is a hip, cultural area, boasting Ukraine’s most prestigious university and lots of places to dine out.

Among the big sights are the spacious Poshtova Ploscha (Postal Square) next to the funicular station, and Kontraktova Ploscha (Cotracts Square), named for the Contracts House trading hall.

On this square look for the 18th-century Fountain of Samson, comprising a sculpture of Samson slaying the lion under a handsome rotunda.

Included in : Ancient Kiev Walking Tour

12. St Volodymyr’s Cathedral

St Volodymyr's Cathedral

Kiev has many churches, monasteries and cathedrals now run as museums, but St Volodymyr’s Cathedral is a functioning place of worship where you can observe Eastern Orthodox services.

These happen twice a day on weekdays (08:00 and 17:00) and three times on Saturday and Sunday (07:00, 10:00 and 17:00). Easy to spot for its yellow facade, St Volodymyr’s is the mother cathedral of the Kiev Patriarchate of the Ukrainian Eastern Orthodox Church.

The architecture is 19th-century Neo-Byzantine, and many of the frescoes were painted by the feted Russian Romantic Nationalist Viktor Vasnetsov.

When the St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery was pulled down in the 1930s the relics of St Barbara were moved here, where they remain today.

13. Mykola Syadristy Microminiature Museum

Mykola Syadristy Microminiature Museum

Within the Kiev Pechersk Lavra complex is a museum for the artist Mykola Syadristy.

All of Syadristy’s works fit into a single room.

And that’s because they’re miniscule and require microscopes to see them.

Only then will you realise how complicated these pieces are, like a chessboard on the head of a pin, or the smallest book in the world at no more than 0.6 square millimetres.

The artist’s sense of imagination is also made plain in microscopic works like a poppy seed turned into a bird’s nest or a flea wearing a pair of golden shoes.

14. Mikhail Bulgakov Museum

Mikhail Bulgakov Museum

One of the most acclaimed Russian writers of the 20th century was born and grew up in Kiev.

His fine late-19th-century house on Andriyivskyy Descent is now a museum about his life and novels.

What makes the house so engrossing is that it inspired the home of the Turbins in the novel the White Guard, and the play The Days of the Turbins that came after.

The house is filled with Bulgakov’s possessions, and where replicas have been used they have been painted white.

At the end of a tour you’ll be invited to a cup of tea or coffee in this genteel setting.

15. Hryshko National Botanical Garden

Hryshko National Botanical Garden

Just downriver from the Motherland Monument, this sweeping botanical garden is managed by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

In all there are 13,000 varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers from far and wide.

The gardens are lovely in almost any season, but if there’s a time you simply have to come it’s the end of spring.

This is when the hundreds of lilac bushes on the “Lilac Alley” are in full bloom.

Spring and early summer bring a riot of colour as the peonies, magnolia and roses are also in flower.

Check out the greenhouse for exotic species and there are reptiles in the terrarium.

Bring a picnic blanket and give yourself time to watch the Dnieper bending past the spires of the St.

Michael’s Vydubytsky Men’s Monastery far below.

16. State Aviation Museum

State Aviation Museum, Kiev

Situated inside the old terminal building for Zhulyany Airport, the State Aviation Museum is a few kilometres southwest of the city centre.

Anyone with an eye for aircraft or Soviet hardware will be in heaven here.

The museum opened in 2003 on the 100th anniversary of the first manned flight.

It’s the second largest museum of its kind in former Soviet countries and has a growing fleet of aircraft, which numbered over 70 at the last count.

You can inspect Ilyushins, Antonovs, Sukhois, Tupolevs, Yakovlevs and of course, aircraft produced by the fabled Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (MiGs). The size of some of the helicopters may catch you by surprise, like the Mi-24, which is both a gunship and a transport for eight passengers.

Available tour : Kiev: 3-Hour Museum of Aviation

17. Landscape Alley

Landscape Alley, Kiev

On the south side of the Andriyivskyy Descent, just off Velyka Zhytomyrska Street is a green space that has been turned into a wonderland by dozens of pieces of public art.

If there’s one thing all the artworks have in common it’s that they’re whimsical, light-hearted and adored by kids.

Some of the characters you’ll meet are a 30-metre cat centipede, a happy elephant fountain and benches in the form of a crow, cat and rabbit, all covered with mosaic tiles.

And at this hillside setting you can bask in photogenic views of Podil, the Dnieper River and Zamkova Hora (Castle Hill).

18. One Street Museum

One Street Museum, Kiev

It’s hard not to be enchanted by Andriyivskyy Descent, and all the stories associated with this famous street.

If you’re thirsty for more information there’s a museum near the bottom.

The museum has been cleverly designed to recreate the atmosphere of the street at the dawn of the 20th century.

There are more than 7,000 exhibits in the showcases, and it’s a crazy miscellany of artefacts, from vintage postcards to sketches, antique Bulgakov editions, photographs, costumes, tableware, newspaper cuttings and antique typewriters.

There are insights about the noteworthy people who have lived on the street, the history of St Andrew’s Church, and the castle built by Richard the Lionheart that once crowned the hill.

19. Golden Gate

Golden Gate, Kiev

In the middle ages Kiev was the capital of the Kievan Rus’, a federation of Slavic states that stretched from the Black Sea to the Baltic.

In that time there stood a humungous gate at the southern entrance to the city, but it was pulled down in the 13th century and remained a ruin until the 1980s.

In 1982, on Kiev’s 1500th anniversary the gate was reconstructed, even though nobody could agree exactly how it looked in its 11th-century heyday.

So even if the design is open to question the gate is an impressive structure with four tiers of merlons above the main portal and wooden extensions on each side.

In the surrounding garden there’s a monument to Yaroslav the Wise, an enlarged bronze version of a sculpture by Ivan Kavaleridze.

20. National Opera House

National Opera House, Kiev

It’s not often that you can visit a capital city and decide on a whim to watch Madame Butterfly, Rigoletto or Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

But that’s exactly what you can do at the National Opera House, and compared to the rest of Europe tickets cost next to nothing.

A seat in the stalls will cost around 500 Hryvnia, €18, and it’s even less in the balcony.

The building is magnificent as well, built in the Academic style over the turn of the 20th century after its predecessor burnt down.

If you’re staying at a hotel you can ask your concierge to book tickets if there’s more than a day’s notice, or you can go to the box office on the day.

21. St Cyril’s Monastery

St Cyril's Monastery, Kiev

If you want to browse one of Kiev’s exquisite churches without being jostled by tourists, this beautiful monument needs to be on your list.

St Cyril’s is a little way from the centre of the city and requires a metro and trolleybus ride.

But what greets you at the end of the journey is a monastery and church harking back to the Kievan Rus’. The church’s Ukrainian Baroque facade is from the 18th-century and conceals a 12th-centrury interior, the only one in Kiev that hasn’t required major interventions.

The many original frescos are bright and sharp after a restoration in the 1970s.

Go upstairs to the gallery for a closer look at the image of the Transfiguration on the ceiling.

22. Babi Yar

Babi Yar, Kiev

While you’re in the northwestern suburbs you can uncover perhaps the darkest period in Kiev’s history.

A brief walk from St Cyril’s Babi Yar is a ravine where a mass murder took place on September 29-30 1941. In two days 33,771 Jews were murdered by the SS, the largest single mass killing carried out during the campaign against the Soviet Union.

And during the remainder of the war up to 150,000 Jews, Romanis, the mentally ill, Soviet Prisoners of War and Ukrainian nationalists were killed in this place.

The site is now a memorial park, hosting separate monuments to the various group of victims: Jews, children, Romani people and clerics.

Available tour : Kiev: Babiy Yar Memorial & Museum World War II

23. Taras Shevchenko Park

Taras Shevchenko Park

Something that bears repeating is just how green the centre of Kiev is: You can whole quarters of the city without leaving tree cover.

One of the prettiest parks is Taras Shevchenko Park, fronting the Taras Shevchenko National University and a popular hangout for students.

But they’re not the only ones who meet-up here, as older citizens gather for boisterous games of chess that can get very heated.

Little ones can take pony rides, and you can also see the statue of Taras Shevchenko surrounded by flowerbeds.

This 19th-century writer and polymath has had an enormous influence on Ukrainian culture and helped to shape the modern Ukrainian language.

24. House with Chimeras

House with Chimeras, Kiev

Opposite the President’s Residence on Bankova Street is the pinnacle of Art Nouveau architecture in Kiev.

The House with Chimeras dates to 1901-02 and was designed by the Polish-Ukrainian architect Władysław Horodecki as his personal home.

Horodecki was a keen hunter, which explains the many creatures on the facade, both mythical and real, like dolphins, deer, elephants, frogs, rhinoceroses and mermaids.

Today the building is owned by the government and reserved for official receptions.

Access is restricted on the road, and in these tense times you can’t just show up to view the interior.

But if you fill out an online form well in advance there are tours on weekends, where Horodecki’s bizarre decoration includes a chandelier with catfish being strangled by lotus flowers.

25. Besarabsky Market

Besarabsky Market, Kiev

At the southern end of Khreshchatyk, a couple of streets across from Taras Shevchenko, is Kiev’s historic market.

Even plastered with advertisements, the early-20th-century market hall is imposing, and was the work of the Polish architect Henryk Julian Gay.

Shopping here can be intimidating as the stalls are run by fierce babushki.

Also, none of the produce is labelled with prices, as haggling is the way people do business.

So if you want to do some shopping you may need a Ukrainian friend with you.

If not, come for a snapshot of day-to-day life and grab something from one of the bars and cafes on the edge of the market.

25 Best Things to Do in Kiev (Ukraine):

  • Kiev Pechersk Lavra
  • Great Lavra Bell Tower
  • Saint Sophia's Cathedral
  • Pirogovo - Kiev Museum of Folk Architecture and Life
  • St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery
  • The Motherland Monument
  • Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II
  • Maidan Nezalezhnosti
  • Khreshchatyk
  • Andriyivskyy Descent
  • St Volodymyr's Cathedral
  • Mykola Syadristy Microminiature Museum
  • Mikhail Bulgakov Museum
  • Hryshko National Botanical Garden
  • State Aviation Museum
  • Landscape Alley
  • One Street Museum
  • Golden Gate
  • National Opera House
  • St Cyril's Monastery
  • Taras Shevchenko Park
  • House with Chimeras
  • Besarabsky Market

facebook pixel

These Are the Top Attractions in Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine

The Motherland Monument symbolises the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany

Kyiv is a treasure trove of ancient Ukrainian culture, complete with 950 churches, cathedrals and monuments dotting the city. Come to the capital of Ukraine to explore top attractions such as St Andrew’s Church, the MM Hryshko National Botanical Garden, the Mariyinsky Palace and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, with its underground catacombs.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Saint Sophia Cathedral

tourism kiev ukraine

Climb to the top of the bell tower in the oldest standing church in Kyiv for sweeping 360-degree views over the capital. The Saint Sophia Cathedral was built in the early 11th century to celebrate Yaroslav the Wise’s victory in protecting the city from tribal raiders. Today, the cathedral has undergone minimal reconstruction and is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site for its grand Byzantine architecture. Picture a chalk-white building topped with green and gold domes and decorated with elaborate mosaics and gilt frescoes inside.

tourism kiev ukraine

If you’re looking for an art fix, head to Mystetskyi Arsenal, Kyiv’s national art and culture centre. The complex is one of the largest in the city and offers a blend of art exhibitions, theatre performances, festivals and concerts. Once a military factory, the centre now promotes Ukrainian culture, with new shows every month. Time your visit to coincide with events such as Ukrainian Fashion Week, the annual book fair or one of Mystetskyi’s contemporary art exhibitions.

people cheering on a mountain

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 500$ on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Saint Andrew’s Church

tourism kiev ukraine

Built on a hill, Saint Andrew’s Church overlooks the Podil neighbourhood and the glittering Dnieper River. The church is one of Kyiv’s most majestic baroque buildings, loved for its white-and-blue exterior embellished with emerald domes and golden details. Renowned Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli designed Saint Andrew’s in the mid-18th century, and it has survived centuries of conflict and two lightning strikes. Climb the steps for views from the base of the church, which is now a protected architectural landmark.

Mikhail Bulgakov Museum

tourism kiev ukraine

Come to this small literary museum to learn about the famous Russian writer and doctor Mikhail Bulgakov. It’s set in his former home on historic Andreevsky Descent, where he lived with his family from 1906 to 1919. Take a guided tour for a fascinating glimpse into his life, where you’ll get to see personal artefacts, including the medical desk where he wrote books such as The White Guard (1925). Bulgakov even featured the house, which is now a national landmark, in this celebrated novel.

National Art Museum of Ukraine

tourism kiev ukraine

The National Art Museum of Ukraine dates back to 1899 and is the oldest museum in the city. Visit to discover national artwork from the Kyivan Rus era, when a federation of East Slavic tribes ruled between the ninth and 13th centuries. You’ll find around 40,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures and an outstanding collection of religious icons and statues. Sometimes called the “museum of lions” for its exterior sculptures, it lies in a neoclassical building in Podil.

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

tourism kiev ukraine

Wander a labyrinth of eerie catacombs at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The Unesco World Heritage site is a practising Orthodox monastery that sits atop a network of caves where mummified monks have been laid to rest since the 11th century. The complex sprawls over 28ha (69 acres) on the hills above the Pechersk district and is dotted with golden-topped churches. Pilgrims come from all over Ukraine to visit this holy site, named one of the seven wonders in the country.

Mariyinsky Palace

tourism kiev ukraine

This ornate palace is the official ceremonial residence of the president of Ukraine. Built in 1744 in the baroque style by architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace lies next door to the equally impressive Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) building. Explore it on a guided tour, where you’ll get to see the soaring ceremonial hall. It also hosts various events of national importance, such as political receptions, summits and awards, as well as meetings of official delegates from all over the world.

MM Hryshko National Botanical Garden

tourism kiev ukraine

Enjoy a slice of tranquillity among Kyiv’s urban sprawl at the MM Hryshko National Botanical Garden. Stroll around 120ha (297 acres) of themed gardens home to more than 13,000 plant varieties. The gardens serve as a research facility for the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and make for a serene space with hidden viewpoints. Come in May to see the lilacs bloom, and visit the Trinity Monastery of St Jonas with its 19th-century frescoes. Swing by the greenhouse complex to see tropical flowers, cacti and palm trees.

Saint Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

tourism kiev ukraine

This stately Orthodox monastery is named for Kyiv’s patron saint and its cluster of shiny golden domes. The original building was constructed in 1108 but torn down by the Soviets in the 1930s. Thankfully, many of its mosaics were recovered, and the building has been painstakingly rebuilt to reflect its former glory. Head up the monastery’s bell tower, which houses a museum where you can learn about Saint Michael’s history and enjoy views over Kyiv from its perch on the riverbank.

National Opera of Ukraine

tourism kiev ukraine

Catch a performance at the National Opera of Ukraine, one of the most prestigious ballet and opera centres in Europe, comparable to Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. Stepping inside the neo-renaissance building is a treat in itself, with its refurbished sculpted amphitheatre, originally opened in 1901. In addition to ballets and operas, it also hosts concerts. You’ll find the National Opera of Ukraine near the Golden Gate metro stop.

The Motherland Monument

tourism kiev ukraine

Kyiv’s arresting, stainless-steel Motherland Monument towers 102m (335ft) over the city. Taller than the Statue of Liberty, it depicts a woman holding a sword and shield to celebrate victory over Nazi Germany and symbolise the strength of the Ukrainian people. The monument lies on the riverbank and is part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. Notice the names of soldiers who fought in WWII carved into its base, then climb to the shield viewing platform for 180-degree skyline vistas.

National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War

tourism kiev ukraine

Learn about Ukraine’s World War II history at this mammoth museum complex, which lies on the hills of Pechersk by the Dnieper River. Aside from its striking Motherland Monument, the museum has 18 different galleries that catalogue its torrid war history. Browse more than 300,000 items, ranging from official military documents and weapons to personal photographs and diaries belonging to soldiers. Outside, you can roam the museum’s collection of Soviet jets, tanks and sculptures from WWII and the Cold War era.

National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine

tourism kiev ukraine

Pyrohiv, on the outskirts of Kyiv, is home to the National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine, tracing the history of the country’s rural population. As Europe’s largest outdoor museum, it displays a huge collection of architecture that dates back to the Middle Ages. Wander around various buildings that have been sourced from across Ukraine and carefully reconstructed on-site. You can also marvel at the museum’s selection of colourful folk costumes, period furniture and instruments. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with one of the folk festivals held here throughout the year.

Saint Volodymyr’s Cathedral

tourism kiev ukraine

Saint Volodymyr’s Cathedral was built in honour of Prince Vladimir of Kyiv, who introduced Christianity to Kyivan Rus in 988CE. Constructed in 1882 in the city centre, the church marks 900 years of orthodox Christianity. The neo-Byzantine building stands out with its distinctive yellow colour and seven domes (six blue and one gold). The interior is just as lavish, painted with intricate murals by famous artists such as Mikhail Vrubel and Viktor Vasnetsov.

The Golden Gate

tourism kiev ukraine

Once the imposing gateway to the city during the Kyivan Rus era, the Golden Gate is now one of the city’s Unesco-listed jewels. The ruins of the defensive structure date back to 1037. In the 1970s, a pavilion was built over the ruins, protecting the gates from further deterioration, and there’s now a tourist information centre and a small museum inside.

The Chocolate House

tourism kiev ukraine

The Chocolate House is named for its brown, block-like architecture, which resembles a candy bar. This famous neo-renaissance mansion dates back to 1901 and lies in one of the city’s wealthiest districts, Lypky. Restored in 2009, it now houses an art gallery that’s part of the Kyiv National Museum of Russian Art. Tour the Chocolate House to discover opulent interiors with chandeliers and carved Moorish ceilings. Rooms are named after architectural styles, including Byzantine, art nouveau and renaissance.

Expocenter of Ukraine

tourism kiev ukraine

The Expocenter of Ukraine is an exhibition complex that hosts fairs, events and concerts throughout the year, including Ukraine’s biggest music festival, Atlas Weekend. Amble among 180 Soviet, neo-baroque buildings spread over the 286ha (706-acre) site – 20 of the structures are listed as historical and cultural monuments. Be sure to photograph Pavilion Number 1 for an example of Stalinist Empire architecture, as well as the mural of Margaret Thatcher, who visited the centre, titled Tea Time with the Iron Lady .

Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral

tourism kiev ukraine

The Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral is considered a gothic-style architectural masterpiece. Built between 1899 and 1909, the church boasts two 60m (197ft) towers with spires that puncture Kyiv’s skyline. The building is the second-oldest Roman Catholic church in the city and served as the Ukrainian security service headquarters for a period before being restored in the late 1970s. Today, you can attend Mass at the church or a concert hosted by the House of Organ and Chamber Music.

Feofaniya Park

tourism kiev ukraine

Take a break from city sightseeing to relax in Kyiv’s most peaceful green space, Feofaniya Park. On the outskirts of the city, this beautifully landscaped park is perfect for a day of picnicking on the lawns. You can also follow paths to sparkling lakes and take in views of the Cathedral of St Panteleimon and its storybook domes – it stands on a hill overlooking the park.

PinchukArtCentre

tourism kiev ukraine

The PinchukArtCentre is Ukraine’s top contemporary art centre. Financed by billionaire Victor Pinchuk, the six-storey building highlights a selection of rotating artwork from local and European artists. There’s always something new to discover, with seasonal exhibitions from names such as Antony Gormley and Damien Hirst. Talk to one of the gallery’s guides to learn more about the pieces currently featured. On the sixth floor, you can take a break at the popular One Love Espresso Bar, a local favourite.

tourism kiev ukraine

Lysa Hora, otherwise known as Bald Mountain, is a popular hiking destination with a peculiar past. It’s linked to stories of the occult, featuring in Slavic folklore as a mystical mountain where witches and paranormal creatures gathered. Do a little exploring today, and you might find carved statues of pagan deities.

Kim Gregory contributed additional reporting to this article .

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

tourism kiev ukraine

See & Do

The 10 best things to do in kyiv (kiev), ukraine.

tourism kiev ukraine

Guides & Tips

An art lover's guide to kiev, ukraine.

tourism kiev ukraine

The Best Places for Breathtaking Panoramic Views of Kiev

tourism kiev ukraine

A Guide to the Festive Christmas Markets of Kyev

tourism kiev ukraine

The Best Museums to Visit in Kiev

tourism kiev ukraine

An Art Lover’s Guide to the Murals of Kyiv (Kiev)

tourism kiev ukraine

Places to Stay

The best hotels in kyiv.

tourism kiev ukraine

How To Make the Most of 48 Hours in Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine

tourism kiev ukraine

The Kiev Instagram Account Celebrating Gay Culture in Ukraine

tourism kiev ukraine

Kiev's Newest Escape Game Promises to Terrify Players

tourism kiev ukraine

The 10 Best Cultural Hotels in Kiev, Ukraine

Winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

tourism kiev ukraine

  • Post ID: 1576131
  • Sponsored? No
  • View Payload

Must-see attractions in Kyiv

Saint-Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine

St Sophia's Cathedral

The interior is the most astounding aspect of Kyiv's oldest standing church. Many of the mosaics and frescoes are original, dating back to 1017–31, when…

tourism kiev ukraine

Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra

Tourists and Orthodox pilgrims alike flock to the Lavra, set on 28 hectares of grassy hills above the Dnipro River in Pechersk. It's easy to see why…

Khreshchatyk-Stalinist buildings on Maydan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square).

Maidan Nezalezhnosti

Be it celebration or revolution, whenever Ukrainians want to get together – and they often do – 'Maidan' is the nation's meeting point. The square saw pro…

St. Michael's Monastery.

St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery

Looking from St Sophia's past the Bohdan Khmelnytsky statue, it's impossible to ignore the gold-domed blue church at the other end of proyizd Volodymyrsky…

tourism kiev ukraine

Skvorechnik

It's hard to characterise this beachfront hippie haven on Trukhaniv Island. It derives its name from the smattering of raised wooden chill-out huts that…

The PinchukArtCentre, Kyiv, Ukraine.

PinchukArtCentre

The rotating exhibits at this world-class gallery feature elite names in the world of European contemporary art and design, all financed by billionaire…

Statue of the Motherland, in Kiev, Ukraine.

As you journey into Kyiv from the airport, at some point this giant statue of a female warrior will loom up on the horizon and make you wonder, 'What the…

Mezhyhirya National Park, Novi Petrivtsi, Kyiv region, Ukraine - October, 16, 2020: Museum of Corruption. The large natural complex Mezhyhirya Residence with a beautiful garden, a cascade of lakes.

Kyiv's newest tourist attraction is Mezhyhirya, the estate that once 'belonged' to ex-president and wannabe Ukrainian dictator, Viktor Yanukovych,…

tourism kiev ukraine

Izolyatsia is a self-described platform for cultural initiatives and contemporary culture occupying an old shipyard in north Podil. Originally from…

tourism kiev ukraine

Khanenko Museum of Arts

This museum's 'Western Art' wing houses Kyiv's most impressive collection of European paintings, with Bosch, Velázquez and Rubens among the many masters…

tourism kiev ukraine

Khreshchatyk

Kyiv's main drag is named after a river, which these days runs underneath, enclosed in an underground pipe. Getting gussied up and strolling Khreshchatyk…

Ukraine, Kiev, St Andrews Church (1754 by Bartelomeo Rastrelli) on Andrews Decent (Andriyivsky Uzviz)

Andriyivsky Uzviz

According to legend, a man walked up the hill here, erected a cross and prophesied, 'A great city will stand on this spot.' That man was the Apostle…

tourism kiev ukraine

St Andrew's Church

The gold-and-blue baroque masterpiece that dominates the view as you walk up Andriyivsky uzviz was built in 1754 by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli…

tourism kiev ukraine

On 29 September 1941, Nazi troops rounded up Kyiv's 34,000-strong Jewish population, marched them to the Babyn Yar ravine and massacred them. Victims were…

wooden church pyrohovo folk museum kiev ukraine

Pyrohiv Museum of Folk Architecture

Some 300 traditional structures, some dating back to the 16th century, have been transplanted form various parts of Ukraine to this open-air folk museum…

tourism kiev ukraine

Chornobyl Museum

It's hard to convey the full horror of the world's worst nuclear accident, but the Chornobyl Museum makes a valiant attempt. It is not so much a museum as…

tourism kiev ukraine

House of Chimeras

Many of the 'chimeras' that adorn the awning of Kyiv's weirdest building are depictions of architect Władysław Horodecki's hunting trophies – antelope,…

tourism kiev ukraine

Great Patriotic War Museum

Located at the base of the towering Rodina Mat, this museum was built belatedly in 1981 to honour Kyiv's defenders during the Great Patriotic War (as WWII…

tourism kiev ukraine

National Museum of Ukrainian History

Located more or less at the spot where history began for Kyiv, this huge museum has been fully modernised in recent years and represents a fantastic…

tourism kiev ukraine

Bulgakov Museum

The much-loved author of The Master and Margarita lived in this house between 1906 and 1919 – long before writing his most famous book. The house became…

tourism kiev ukraine

Zoloti Vorota

Part of Kyiv's fortifications during the rule of Yaroslav the Wise, the famous Zoloti Vorota was erected in 1037. Modelled on Constantinople's Golden Gate…

tourism kiev ukraine

National Art Museum

In a historic neoclassical building designed by Władysław Horodecki, this long-running museum has a wide-ranging collection of Ukrainian paintings…

Ukrainians place candles in memory of the victims of the Holodomor famine during a ceremony at the Holodomor memorial in Kiev on November 22, 2014. Ukraine marked 81 years since the Stalin-era Holodomor famine, one of the darkest pages in its entire history that left millions dead and which is regarded by many as a genocide. The 1932-33 famine took place as harvests dwindled and Soviet leader Josef Stalin's police enforced the brutal policy of collectivising agriculture by requisitioning grain and other foodstuffs. AFP PHOTO/ SERGEI SUPINSKY        (Photo credit should read SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP/Getty Images)

Holodomor Victims Memorial

At the far end of Vichnoy Slavy Park, which is centred around a Soviet-era war memorial, you will find a shrine from an entirely different epoch. Former…

Kyiv Botanical Garden, Ukraine

Hryshko Botanical Gardens

The long, steep hill running along the Dnipro River from Olympic Stadium and Mariyinsky Palace to Rodina Mat continues south for several kilometres,…

tourism kiev ukraine

Museum of Microminiature

Beneath the Great Bell Tower on the south side of the Upper Lavra, the Museum of Microminiature provides something even for atheists within this holiest…

tourism kiev ukraine

Vydubytsky Monastery

Few churches appear more frozen in time than those of the Vydubytsky Monastery, nestled into a hill beneath the Hryshko Botanical Gardens. If you found…

Andriyivskyy Descent. Kiev, Ukraine

Museum of One Street

This museum lays out individual histories of Andriyivsky uzviz buildings. The sheer jumble-sale eclecticism of the collection – showcasing the lives of,…

tourism kiev ukraine

Historical Treasures Museum

This museum in the Upper Lavra, behind the Dormition Cathedral, has an astounding collection of precious stones and metal found or made in Ukraine. The…

tourism kiev ukraine

Mystetsky Arsenal

Once a storage for gunpowder and harnesses, these days it is a playground for visionary curators – each exhibition becomes an event of national importance…

tourism kiev ukraine

Aviation Museum

Located at the far side of Zhulyany airfield, this open-air museum displays dozens of Soviet aircraft designed to carry people or tanks, land on ice or…

tourism kiev ukraine

Kyiv National Museum of Russian Art

With 2000 paintings, only a fraction of which are on display at any one time, this museum, set in an impressive tsar-era mansion, has the largest…

tourism kiev ukraine

Florivsky Monastery

This 15th-century women's convent remained open during the communist era. Pass through the bell tower to the peaceful grounds, which contain several…

tourism kiev ukraine

Mid-Dnipro Museum of Folk Architecture and Life

This brilliant outdoor museum in Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky, 90km southeast of Kyiv, has around 70 heritage wooden buildings brought here from nearby villages…

tourism kiev ukraine

St Volodymyr's Cathedral

Although not one of Kyiv's most important churches, St Volodymyr's Cathedral arguably has the prettiest interior. Built in the late 19th century to mark…

tourism kiev ukraine

Peyzazhna aleya

Starting by the National Museum of Ukrainian History, the alley skirts around a large ravine offering great views of the city. It's always full of people…

tourism kiev ukraine

Fomin Botanical Gardens

Lying behind the Universytet metro station building, the landscaped gardens are best visited in spring when just about everything there is blooming.

tourism kiev ukraine

Desyatynna Church Ruins

Prince Volodymyr ordered the Desyatynna Church built in 989 and devoted 10% of his income to it, hence the name (desyatyn means 'one-tenth'). The church…

tourism kiev ukraine

Friendship of Nations Monument

The Friendship of Nations Monument is a giant metal parabola celebrating the 1654 'unification' of Russia and Ukraine. It's on an elevated plaza with…

tourism kiev ukraine

St Michael's Monastery Museum

The fascinating history of the St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery is explained in great detail (in Ukrainian and English placards) in a museum located in…

tourism kiev ukraine

National Museum of Literature of Ukraine

A must for aficionados of Ukrainian literature, this museum is housed in the former main building of the Pavlo Galagan Collegium, built in 1871. It…

More destinations you need to see

Ploshcha Rynok (Market Square) with historic buildings Black Mansion and Dominican Cathedral in background.

Kiev Solo Travel Guide

Kiev, Ukraine - Panorama

Notice: currently, the only way to visit Kiev is to drive or take a train from Poland.

Planning a solo trip to Kiev ? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

  • The capital and largest city of Ukraine, with a population of around 3  million .
  • It is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and a major industrial, educational and cultural centre since the 19 th century.
  • Despite sustaining heavy damage in World War II, the city remained the third largest city in the Soviet Union until its independence in 1991.
  • The third longest river in Europe, the Dnieper  snakes through the heart of the city on its way to the Black Sea.
  • Nickname: City of Golden Domes

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  • Currency:  Ukrainian Hryvna  (UAH).
  • Spoken languages:  Ukrainian  and Russian .
  • Best time to visit: from  May  to  July  (and in  September ). Gets very cold in the fall/winter, and summers can be excessively hot.
  • Arriving via airport:  Boryspil International Airport (KBP) is served by Sky Bus with single rides priced at ₴40 or by Sky Taxi for ₴250-300.

WHERE TO STAY

Khreshchatyk marks the epicenter of the city, an urban stretch that covers prime commercial interests such as upscale cafés, restaurants, boutiques and hotels. A cheaper alternative can be found in Podil and its range of accommodation located in the city’s oldest neighborhood while the area of Obolon is certain to enthral with its smattering of food markets, retail shopping and theaters.

GETTING AROUND

  • The Kyiv City Card combines free entry to 25 museums, up to 20% discounts at participating hotels, hostels and guesthouses as well as discounts on taxi, car and bike rentals; 3-day pass costs ₴200 and 7-day pass costs ₴400.
  • Public transportation around the city is not without its hiccups, as most signs and maps are detailed in Cyrillic script. Tickets for the subway cost ₴2 regardless of distance while trams and buses charge ₴1.50 and marshrutkas or taxicab from ₴2.50 to ₴3.00.
  • Taxis charge a minimum of ₴28 for rides within the city centre, with tariffs starting at ₴2.50/km. Dial 353 1353 or 227 1000 to pre-book.

KIEV NIGHTLIFE

  • Drinking age is 18 , and last call is  5 AM .
  • Downtown features a lively bar scene that keeps partygoers entertained until sunrise.
  • Arena Entertainment is a massive complex housing several bars and nightclubs across four floors. Pick among casual sports bar, cabaret stages and European music clubs.
  • Khreschatyk is host to several classy wine bars and cocktail lounges, perfect for an elegant night out.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

  • Saint Sophia’s Cathedral is the city’s oldest church, built by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1037 to rival St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Constantinople. The 13 cupola monument became the prince’s resting place.
  • Kiev Pechersk Lavra , also known as Kiev Monastery of the Caves, is one of the Seven Wonder of Ukraine and a historically distinguished Orthodox Christian monastery.
  • The Golden Gate of Kiev is the ancient entryway to the city, one of three erected at the turn of the eleventh century. Today the landmark is one of the city’s most prominent symbols, also serving as a museum dedicated to the history of the city fortifications.
  • Mariyinsky Palace is the splendid ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine, a Baroque fortress sited on the banks of the Dnieper River.

INTERESTING WALKS

  • Maydan or Independence Square is the famous site of the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the heart of Kiev. Beautiful fountains, open-air terraces and cafés grace the busy square and make an interesting location to soak up the culture.
  • Golosiyivsky Park is a picturesque park complete with lakes, cycling trails and well-marked walking paths for gentle outdoor exploration.
  • Bessarabsky Bazaar is the perfect place to pick up unique handmade Ukrainian crafts and mingle with the locals as they purchase everything from produce to books.
  • Landscape Alley Park is an on-going project started in 2009 to showcase contemporary art sculptures and is easily one of the friendliest installations in the city.
  • The Embankment walk: Dniprovska Embankment and Rusanivska Embankment, with stops at Kukhmeister and Park of Partisan Glory.

LOCAL WISDOM

  • For a real taste of Kiev, track down a bowl of borscht , a Ukrainian soup made with beetroot and cabbage that is a mainstay of family meals.
  • Great restaurants to try in Kiev: 100 rokiv tomu vpered ($$), Himalaya Restaurant ($$ – Indian), Sutra Indian Restaurant ($$$ – great for vegetarians/vegans), Wake Cup Bar (cozy cafe)
  • Where to find good cheap eats : Bessarbabsky Square and Kontraktova Square feature budget food stalls that sell traditional Ukrainian food in cafeteria-style. Check out “Puzata Hata” (delicious bistro – multiple locations around town)
  • Dangerous areas : although Kiev is a generally safe city to visit, scams and petty crimes have been known to occur in public areas. Exercise caution, especially when walking alone. Avoid dimly-lit side streets at night.

Recommended trip duration:  2-3 days

  • Krakow, Poland
  • Warsaw, Poland
  • Lugansk, Ukraine

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

tourism kiev ukraine

Kyiv travel guide

Kyiv tourism | kyiv guide, you're going to love kyiv.

Kiev (or Kyiv) is the capital of Ukraine and the country's largest city, with a population of three million. Sitting on the banks of the Dnieper River, it is one of the most ancient cities in Europe, dating back to at least 500 AD.

tourism kiev ukraine

The city's long history has resulted in a fascinating mix of architectural styles, creating a city center skyline that is all it own. The people of Kiev are also friendly, funny, and fiercely proud of their city and their nation.

Tourist numbers in Kiev are still small, and this means that you can experience the Ukrainian capital without hordes of visitors; it's an easy place to meet people and make new friends.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kyiv

1. the nightlife.

Kiev comes alive at night, with a huge variety of pubs and clubs. You can choose between typical Ukrainian bars or stylish cosmopolitan lounges. The club scene gets started around midnight and carries on until dawn. Forsage is one of the most popular clubs, with three floors pumping out different music styles.

2. The Street Life

Kiev is full of pop-up bars and cafes, often serving their fare from converted cars. It makes just hanging around on the streets of Kiev a real pleasure and you're never quite sure what is around the next corner. There are also markets everywhere, especially in the underground areas beneath the major streets, creating an electric atmosphere.

3. The Architecture

With 1,500 years of history, you will find architectural styles to suit any taste, from gold-covered domes and soviet tower blocks. One of the best-known sites is the Kyevo-Pecherskaya Lavra, or Monastery, dating back 1,000 years and with fascinating underground catacombs.

4. Chernobyl

It is now possible to take a day trip to the city of Chernobyl, site of one of the world's worst nuclear disasters. The full-day tour includes a two-hour coach trip to the site, during which you will be shown a fascinating documentary on the incident. Visitors are able to get quite close to the site of the reactors and experience some of the sights.

5. The Mother Motherland Monument

The Mother Motherland Monument - built to commemorate the Soviet Union defeating the Nazis - at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War is quite a sight. Turn up early in the morning and get a private guide to take you to the top, where you can take in some stunning views.

What to do in Kyiv

1. st. michael's golden-domed monastery: take in the beauty.

This is a must-see for any trip to Kiev. Sitting on the bank of the Dnieper River, the historic monastery includes a large Cathedral, a refectory and a bell tower. Boasting an architectural style that won't be found anywhere in the west, the complex's cathedral and refectory display both Byzantine and Baroque influences. Walk through the interior and take in a five-tier icon screen as well as the stunning examples of medieval art. Despite the building's destruction by the Soviets, its original decorations, mosaics and frescoes have been recently restored.

2. Motherland Monument: An Awe-Inspiring Sight

"Monumental" hardly does it justice. The massive 200-foot stainless steel statue weighs 560 tons and commands an imposing vista over the city. Part of the Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II, the incredible memorial stands in tribute to over 11,500 soldiers awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union title during the war - in other words, it's a history buff's dream. The statue is also incredible without taking any of that into account, as it stands over the countryside like something from a science fiction film. Visit, and you can journey up to the top of the shield and take in the cityscape from the observation deck.

3. Independence Square: The Finger on Kiev's Pulse

The largest square in the city leaves nothing to be desired. From monumental art to ceaseless activity, Independence Square is a whirlwind of energy. The calendar brings numerous festivals, parades, markets and protests to this meeting place. When you visit, be sure to notice the column topped by a statue of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of Kiev.

4. A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden: Escape From the Concrete

Renowned for its collection of succulents -- the largest in Eastern Europe -- this botanical wonder is the perfect place to relax after a few days of urban exploration. Massive in size, the park has plenty of places to picnic, rest and practice yoga. Calm and quiet walkways take visitors past over 8,000 plants, with many recognized as rare specimens. It's a popular place for locals to visit and relax in.

5. National Opera of Ukraine: Catch a Premier

If you're into incredible theater -- and incredible theaters -- this is an absolute must during your stay in Kiev. Home to the national opera, this magnificent building is known for its large size, warm acoustics and rousing performances of both classic and modern dance, theater and opera. The lavish design and opulence of the interior belie the affordability of the tickets. Even if you don't choose to stay for a show, it's well worth it to visit the building simply for its stunning architecture.

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery

Where to Eat in Kyiv

Puzata Hata on Sahaidachnoho Street is a cafe selling traditional Ukrainian food from ₴15-30 for mains. Specials include Borscht and the local Kvas, fermented bread drink. Kureni on Parkova Doroga is a more upscale Ukrainian restaurant, with specials such as the famous Chicken Kiev. A four course meal will cost around ₴800.

When to visit Kyiv

Kiev has a humid continental climate, with damp, hot summers and cold winters. The peak tourist season is in July and August, but May, June, and September are also good months to visit the city.

weatherbase

How to Get to Kyiv

Kiev's main airport is Boryspil International Airport (KBP), which is 22 miles to the southeast of the city center. Most of the international flights connect to other Eastern European cities and to Turkey, but there is a direct service to New York City. The SkyBus will take you into the city from the airport, charging ₴60. You can also take the bus to the Kharkivska subway station for ₴35 and then buy a subway ticket into the city center for ₴4. This is cheaper and quicker during traffic rush hours. Taxis into the city center cost from ₴250. A second airport, Zhuliany Airport (IEV), is just five miles southwest of the city center. This is used by regional budget airlines like Wizz Air. Taxis into the city from this airport cost around ₴60 and the bus costs just ₴5.

The main train station is Kiev Passazhyrskyi, in the city center. There are services to all major Ukrainian cities and international routes to Prague, Warsaw, Bucharest, Budapest, and Belgrade. A single to Prague will cost around ₴950 and domestic routes range from ₴90-120.

The main road from the west is Route 4 from Poland. Once in Ukraine, this becomes the E40 and runs all the way from Lviv to Kiev. Care is needed when driving in Ukraine, as even this main road is in a poor condition.

International buses from all over Europe arrive at Kiev Central Bus Station on Moskovska Square. Fares vary widely but a single from Prague can cost around ₴675.

Airports near Kyiv

Where to stay in kyiv.

The Podolski Hotel provides good, clean, safe budget accommodation in a central location. The Staro Hotel is a good mid-range hotel. It's a little outside the city center, but it is modern and in a quiet neighborhood. For a luxurious stay, try the Premier Palace, which has a gym, sauna, pool, and a superb central location.

Popular Neighborhoods in Kiev

Pechersk - this is a central neighborhood housing the Verkhovna Rada Parliament building and the pretty Mariinskyi Park. Pechersk is the city's central business district and is bordered by the Dnieper River. It is also home to the Pechersk Lavra monastery.

Podil - Podil is Kiev's oldest neighborhood and has some beautiful buildings and good restaurants. It's close to the major tourist attractions and has a good street market on Sagaydachnogo Street.

Shevchenko - this is a neighborhood of quiet, upscale streets and green open spaces. It is home to the National Opera of Ukraine and Taras Shevchenko University. It is also the area with most of the big, international hotels, such as InterContinental Kiev, Hilton Kyiv, Radisson Blu, Hyatt Regency, and Premier Palace.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kyiv

Most booked hotels in kyiv, how to get around kyiv, public transportation.

Kiev's public transportation system includes buses, trolley buses, and trams. The network can be crowded but it is very cheap. You buy your tickets on board and then validate them by punching them in a machine. Tickets cost ₴3. A second, and often faster and more comfortable option, is the subway. Tickets cost ₴4.

Unofficial taxis are widespread and cheap, costing around ₴55 for a city center journey and up to ₴100 to travel from one side of the city to the other. Official taxis will cost around ₴100 and ₴180 for the same journeys.

The roads within Kiev are in better condition than those outside the city, and traffic is not unusually heavy. Look out for faded road markings and traffic lights that don't always work, or are dimly lit. Car rental is available from around ₴1,600 per day, and there is a Budget outlet in town.

The Cost of Living in Kyiv

Shopping streets.

For traditional goods and souvenirs, try the market at Andrew's Descent. It's open every day but Saturdays and Sundays are best. The main shopping malls are at Ocean Plaza, which has 400 stores, a cinema, and restaurants, and Gulliver in the Downtown area, which has everything from groceries to beauty salons. Mandarin Plaza is the place for upscale fashion boutiques.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk in Kiev will cost around ₴17, while 12 large eggs cost ₴29. Major supermarkets include Velyka Kyshenya, with branches across the city, and Billa, on Gryshko Street.

Welcome to Kiev

Find hotels in kiev.

This story was published before war came to Ukraine and suspended all travel there.

tourism kiev ukraine

  • Destinations

Kiev Travel Guide

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Nat Geo Home
  • Attend a Live Event
  • Book a Trip
  • Inspire Your Kids
  • Shop Nat Geo
  • Visit the D.C. Museum
  • Learn About Our Impact
  • Support Our Mission
  • Advertise With Us
  • Customer Service
  • Renew Subscription
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Work at Nat Geo
  • Sign Up for Our Newsletters
  • Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

PlanetWare.com

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ukraine

Written by Alison Abbott Dec 30, 2019

As the largest country in Europe, Ukraine offers many attractions for tourists, including festivals celebrating its rich culture and a handsome selection of centuries-old architecture . From the rolling countryside to the cobblestone streets of old city centers, Ukraine's people are just as diverse as its landscape, and they are some of the most hospitable folks in Europe.

The word "Ukraina" literally means borderland, and the country has been prime invasion territory since its earliest beginnings. At different periods, the land has been shared by Russia, Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Romania.

Today, you'll find an undiscovered Eastern European gem in search of its own identity and making a unique mark in the world of tourism. When you visit, make sure to chat with a local at one of the many delectable eateries or markets. Old recipes are being reinterpreted with modern flair. Everyone wants to practice their English, so when conversations happen, use the opportunity to gain a local's perspective on the best Ukraine has to offer.

For sightseeing ideas, see our list of the top attractions and things to do in Ukraine.

1. Chernobyl

2. st. sophia's cathedral, 3. visit l'viv's historic center, a unesco world heritage site, 4. eat borscht, 5. visit a sunflower field, 6. take a cooking class and eat dumplings, 7. kamenets podolsky castle, 8. mezhyhirya: former presidential palace, kiev, 9. odessa opera and ballet, 10. visit a local outdoor market, 11. tarakaniv fort, dubno, 12. tunnel of love, klevlan, 13. odessa catacombs, 14. visit an experience restaurant, map of attractions & things to do in ukraine.

The never-opened Ferris Wheel in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, Northern Ukraine

Are you familiar with the term Dark Tourism? It refers to travel to places associated with death and tragic occurrences. The 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York City, Alcatraz in San Francisco, Pearl Harbor , Pompeii , and The Killing Fields of Cambodia are all popular examples. Visitors to Ukraine can add the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant , ground zero for the disaster, to the list.

The explosion, which took place in 1989, is located in the town of Pripyat in the Northern Ukraine. The sight has recently been open to the public—but you must visit with an authorized tour company. If you are worried about radiation, tests conducted disclose that travelers receive more exposure on a transatlantic flight than they receive during a visit to Chernobyl.

Close to 65 miles from Kiev, it's an easy, full-day trip from the capital with a Chernobyl Tour. Tour operators can pick up visitors at their hotel and drop them off after the tour. During the transport, you will see an informative video about the disaster. Narration and actual footage bring the incident into reality and prepare visitors for what lies ahead.

The tour takes visitors through many buildings, some looking like a stage set. It is an incredibly moving experience, one that will stay with you long after you leave.

Saint Sophia's Cathedral, Kiev

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980s, St. Sophia's Cathedral (also called Saint Sophia Cathedral) is a favorite of visitors. With an elaborate Baroque exterior consisting of 13 golden domes, this cathedral stands out among the other historic buildings. Its beauty draws you into a jaw-dropping interior.

Inside, you'll find the space filled with beautiful murals, ancient mosaics, and frescoes that are centuries old. Take a tour or sit through a service to get the full experience.

Named for Hagia Sophia, St. Sophia's is one of Kiev's most noted landmarks since its construction in 1037. One of the best views in Kiev is from the bell tower—it's well worth the hike to the top!

Address: Volodymyrska St, 24, Kyiv

  • Top-Rated Attractions and Things to Do in Kiev

L'viv historical center skyline, Western Ukraine

One of the most charming and well-preserved Ukrainian destinations for visitors is the city of L'viv. The entire historic center has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status , and tourists will love walking the cobbled streets taking in the sights.

Often called " the Paris of Ukraine ," the old city has a very traditional European feel, with the addition of modern conveniences and excellent restaurants. Coffee lovers will find the café scene hard to beat. This is an area that takes its caffeine in all forms very seriously.

For a bird's-eye view of the town, climb the 1,000-plus stairs of the bell tower. The landscape in all directions is breathtaking.

Traditional Ukrainian borscht

With the explosion of gastronomic tourism of late, many feel there's no better way to dig deep into a new culture than through their food. Traditional Ukrainian borscht can be found in restaurants all over the country. Available either hot or cold, it's a perfect example of the citizens stretching ingredients when times were tough, and if you're lucky, the very best versions will inspire you to find a recipe to make once you're back home.

A field of sunflowers in Ukraine

Sunflower oil is one of Ukraine's largest exports; as a matter of fact, the country is the 2 nd largest producer of the oil in the world. Tourists will find enormous fields of the flowers all over the country. With shades ranging from buttercup to golden orange, these platter-size beauties thrive in the area's soil and climate.

While setting up the perfect location for that Instagram selfie, just make sure to stay close to the edge of the field. The flowers are enormous, and those that get carried away wandering off might find themselves soon lost in a sea of yellow and green.

Ukrainian woman holds a plate of vareniki (dumplings) with fried onions and sour cream.

Do a bit of research before your trip and find a restaurant that also offers cooking lessons of the famous Ukrainian dumplings, vareniki. They are available in many varieties, both sweet and savory, and foodies can find meat, potatoes, and cabbage, as well as sweet cherry and other local fruit flavors.

It's great fun to learn to carefully pinch the dough closed, have the restaurant cook them for you, and then indulge in a feast of traditional dishes after all the hard work you've performed.

Kamenets Podolsky Castle

Located in Kamianets-Podilskyi, a short walk from the old town, Kamenets Podolsky Castle is a striking landmark. This fortress, which has been in existence since before the 14th century, is the perfect place in the canyon to take pictures and explore. It's reminiscent of a fairy-tale castle.

Take a tour around the inside with all of its passageways and marvel at the manicured grounds. Even though this castle is centuries old, it has modern amenities like bathrooms and a café to make sure you enjoy your visit. The castle is especially beautiful at night when it's illuminated.

After spending the day exploring, take the short trip into the old town and grab a bite to eat at one of the many diverse restaurants.

Address: Zamkowa St, 1, Kam'yanets'-Podil's'kyi, Khmelnytskyi

Mezhyhirya, Kiev

Mezhyhirya is situated on the banks of the beautiful Dnieper River and is the former residence of ex-president of the Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych. There is no shortage of things to do here, and it may be the most interesting and over-the-top place you have ever visited.

Today, in all its glory, the extravagant building is a symbol and reminder of institutional greed and corruption. Within its gated walls, there are tennis courts, a shooting range, an equestrian club, helicopter pad, ostrich farm, dog kennel, golf course, and hunting grounds.

Be sure to check out the auto museum that houses Yanukovich's former exotic cars; head to the main mansion, nicknamed "Honka;" or explore the grounds with heated lakes. Excess is the theme here, and some attractions are more ridiculous than others, from the exotic animals at the president's farm to the restaurant in the form of a Spanish galleon.

Address: Novi Petrivtsi, Kyiv Oblast

Odessa National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet

The Odessa Opera and Ballet is located in a historic building in the center of town and is the oldest theater in Odessa, opening in 1810. Visitors can take in shows like Swan Lake or Madame Butterfly , all for about the price of a cup of coffee here in the United States. The unique horseshoe hall allows for excellent acoustics and gives the audience a full view of the performers on the stage.

If you are here when they are offering tours, this is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at this magnificent piece of architecture. If you are lucky enough to be in town during the holidays, even better. The Christmas Festival is not to be missed.

Address: Chaikovs'koho Ln, 1, Odesa, Odes'ka oblast

Traditionally embroidered blouses at an outdoor market in Lviv

Although there is much debate about the origin of the famous nesting "Russian" dolls , there's no denying the talented skill of the craftspeople making them. Visit a market and find a wide variety of handicrafts highlighting traditional arts in the country. Textiles are many, especially the traditionally embroidered blouses, called vyshyvanka, and hand towels used in many homes around the country.

Another favorite of visitors are the many vintage war items found at these flea market locations along with fun floral headpieces used for festival celebrations.

Tarakaniv (Dubno) Fort ruins

Grab your flashlight or headlamp and head to the Tarakaniv Fort, located just outside the village of Dubno and about two hours from Lviv, near the Ikva River in the west of Ukraine. It was originally built to protect the Lviv-Kiev railroad route, and visiting it is a one-of-a-kind experience.

This ruin has a tunnel entrance and is not for those with claustrophobia. Dating back to Imperial Russia, there are centuries-old tunnels and passages to explore.

Visitors will want to get here early to access the attraction before the groups. It's a great place for photographers, history buffs, and adventurers, but be sure to wear good shoes and watch out for the sometimes treacherous terrain.

Getting here is easy—take a cab from Dubno. There are many tours on offer as well.

Tunnel of Love in the spring, Klevan

Just outside of the town of Klevan, the Tunnel of Love is another popular spot to visit in Ukraine. For lovers and singles alike, the Tunnel of Love is a two-mile stretch of private railway that gives the illusion of a never-ending tunnel. A canopy of trees over the tracks are actually what makes the "tunnel."

Bridal parties and romantics head here to make a wish or take a romantic stroll. Legend says that for couples who make a wish together here, if the love is real, the wish will come true. It's also one of the most photographed spots in Ukraine .

Odessa Catacombs

If you want to see the city of Odessa in another light, be sure to check out the Catacombs. These subterranean tunnels, originally formed from mining of a rock called coquina, a soft off-white limestone, are rumored to be larger than the underground passageways of both Rome and Paris.

Giving tourists access to Odessa's underworld, there's a network of basements, bunkers, storm drains, and drainage tunnels, forming what feels like the ruins of an underground city. It's one of the world's largest urban labyrinths , with over 1,600 miles of tunnels.

The history of the tunnels is just as intriguing as the tunnels themselves. During the invasions of World War II, the people of Odessa took to the catacombs for planning and executing their counter attacks.

Proof positive that Ukraine doesn't take itself too seriously are the many Experience Restaurants found in the larger cities. All offer a bit of humor with a modern take on some piece of the country's historical past. Almost all need a secret password to enter. A bit of Google research should grant you the code, however you might need to work on the pronunciation!

There's a spot where you can sing for your supper and get a reduced bill. Another, buried deep in the underground, offers the chance to pose on vintage motorcycles and experience the life of a solider.

Coffee lovers will enjoy the cave that fires up a caramel crust on their lattes with a blowtorch in L'viv. It's all in good fun and part of the experience of a culture in the midst of establishing its own independent identity.

instagram logo

Useful tips and how to travel to Ukraine (2024)

By Joan Torres 9 Comments Last updated on January 4, 2024

visit to Ukraine

Bordering Russia to the east and the EU to the west, Ukraine is a massive piece of land barely discovered by the average traveler.

Intrepid adventurers will travel to Ukraine for visiting Kiev , and then pay a short visit to other big cities such as Lviv or Odesa, but the rest of the country remains pretty unknown to most of us.

However, Ukraine has a lot to offer and after spending 45 days roaming around the country, discovering everything from intriguing medieval castles to a nuclear missile launch facility, this is the best travel guide available on the internet, containing everything  you need to know for traveling to Ukraine , from transportation tips to top experiences, cultural facts, visas, safety and much more!

Interested in Belarus as well? Read my useful tips and how to travel to Belarus

visit Ukraine

In this Ukraine travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

  • COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
  • Introduction
  • Best time to visit
  • Top experiences
  • Travel insurance
  • Ukraine and Russia
  • Culture, language, and religion
  • Transportation
  • More information

eSIM card for browsing when traveling in Ukraine

With Holafly , you can now get an electronic SIM card for Ukraine from home with just 2 clicks.

5% discount with the following code:

AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

😷 COVID-19 Travel restrictions for Ukraine

Ukraine is currently out of limits due to the ongoing conflict.

Introduction: why travel to Ukraine?

Traveling in Ukraine is a unique experience, like nowhere else.

Do you know why?

Because here, you could spend weeks admiring dreamy, Medieval castles and fortresses and perfectly-shaped, cute old towns and, at the same time, you could discover the most offbeat places in Europe, ranging from a nuclear missile launch facility to the ghost city of Prypiat , and a vast range of Soviet and Communist heritage.

There isn’t another single country in Europe where you can do so much of the above in one single trip.

And the best of it is that, except for a few places, most of the country remains raw, authentic and very, very Ukrainian.

Traveling in Ukraine can be a real offbeat European adventure, like nowhere else on the continent.

how to travel to Ukraine

🪪 How to get a visa for traveling to Ukraine

Remember that Ukraine is in neither EU nor the Schengen area, so different visa rules apply.

Typically, most nationalities can get a 90-day free visa on arrival.

However, WATCH OUT! Because there are a couple of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico whose citizens, unexpectedly, will need to pre-arrange an e-visa.

I traveled to Ukraine with my Mexican girlfriend and, since Mexicans can get a free visa on arrival in absolutely every country in Europe, we just assumed that she wouldn’t need one for visiting Ukraine but apparently, she did and, on our arrival, she was deported.

We traveled to Moldova to apply and wait for her visa which, by the way, took almost two weeks, plus she had to submit a lot of documents, from travel insurance to the flight or train ticket out of the country.

Anyways, here you have more information about this painful process.

⛅ Best time to visit Ukraine

Visiting ukraine in winter.

Winters in Ukraine are deadly – as you already know – but if you are just planning to visit Kiev , Lviv or any other big city, as long as you wear proper clothes, you should be fine. In any case, traveling in Ukraine, in winter, onboard a Soviet train can be a unique experience.

Visiting Ukraine in summer

I traveled in Ukraine during the last two weeks of August and, whereas Lviv was mostly all right, the countryside was utterly hot, with temperatures around 30-35ºC.

Visiting Ukraine in spring and autumn

The best seasons to visit Ukraine. Not so hot, not so cold. I spent the whole month of October in the country and colors were at their very best, absolutely beautiful.

Traveling in Ukraine by marshrutka in summer Most marshrutkas don’t have AC and, for some incomprehensible reason, old women – and they have full authority to do it – will always close the windows because they feel cold, even when it’s 40ºC inside the minivan, and funnily enough, nobody will complain. If you are backpacking in Ukraine in summer, be aware of that.

best time to visit Ukraine

📚 Best books for independent travel in Ukraine

Ukraine travel guide by bradt.

The best guide book is, by far, the one written by Bradt, as they provide so many details about each and every region in the country, including many mentions of real offbeat gems and deep and useful travel tips for Ukraine.

tourism kiev ukraine

Ukraine travel guide by Lonely Planet

A good purchase as well, but I prefer Bradt, as the Lonely Planet doesn’t get that deep into the different destinations.

tourism kiev ukraine

Voices from Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexievich

If you are visiting Ukraine, it means that you may visit Chernobyl as well and, for that, I recommend you get this book, written by a Nobel prize winning author, a compilation of testimonies directly related to the disaster. A useful book for anyone wanting to empathize with all victims.

tourism kiev ukraine

Why visit Ukraine: Top 5 experiences

Travel insurance for Ukraine I recommend IATI Insurance : COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount Get your discount when buying through this link

Just a small glimpse of some of the things you can do when you travel to Ukraine:

1 – Explore one of the greatest cities in Europe

Kiev is an amazing city with loads to see, loads to do and so much going on.

I spent two weeks in the capital and they were the best days of my trip.

From epic churches to bizarre Soviet places and great nightlife, Kiev is a city which you will want to return to.

Read my guide: How to spend 4 days in Kiev

places to visit in Ukraine

2 – Wander around remote mountain villages in the Carpathians

If you want to visit and check out authentic rural life in Ukraine, head to the Carpathians and spend a few days hiking from village to village.

The mountains are pretty and the region has never had much exposure to the outside world, not even during the USSR, as these remote lands were difficult to control.

people Ukraine

3 – Check out the dreamy castles & cute old towns in Western Ukraine

Most of Western Ukraine used to belong to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then to Poland, so it is easy to understand why they have so many castles, and the different towns and villages have Central European-like architecture.

travel guide to Ukraine

4 – Pay your respects to the victims in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

You already know about Chernobyl, so I won’t go into details, but the exclusion zone is 150km north of Kiev and, even though it is becoming too popular and kind of touristy, it is good to go and see with your own eyes the consequences of one of the worst human disaster in our history.

Read my guide: How to visit Chernobyl responsibly

top experiences in Ukraine

5 – Visit a nuclear missile launch facility

An old Soviet nuclear missile launch facility has been turned into an awesome museum where, besides checking out all the military nuclear arsenal, you can go into one of the silos and the underground control room.

Read: Offbeat places to visit in Belarus

things to do in Ukraine

🛫 How to travel to Ukraine

By air – Both Lviv and Kiev have daily flights to pretty much any country in Europe and it’s not difficult to find a budget flight.

By land – Ukraine shares a border with:

  • European Union: Hungary, Romania, Poland and Slovakia. Crossing these borders should be very easy, with no secret procedures.
  • Belarus : You can cross the border but be aware that the visa on arrival (for Belarus) is only available if you fly in & out from Minsk so, if you want to enter/exit Ukraine via Belarus, you need to apply for a Belarussian visa at the embassy.
  • Moldova: Countless borders to choose from but most people seem to prefer taking the train from Odesa to Chisinau. I personally entered Ukraine from the northern Moldovan border, near Chernivtsi, on my way to the Carpathians. Read my Moldova travel guide .
  • Russia: Despite the ongoing conflict, the border is open. Check this report to find out how to do it.

By sea – There is the possibility of traveling to Ukraine by ferry from Batumi (Georgia) to Odesa. There are two companies offering this service, Ukrferry , and Ferrysped , and detailed schedules may be found on their websites. A ticket costs around 100USD. Read my travel guide to Georgia .

Mukachevo fortress

🚑 Travel insurance for Ukraine

For Ukraine, get IATI Insurance because:

  • All types of plans: from families to backpackers
  • Covers both short-term trips and up to 1-year long trips.
  • Covers COVID-19 related stuff.
  • Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount .

Ukraine and Russia: What the hell is going on

CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR YOU TO KNOW WHEN YOU TRAVEL IN UKRAINE Ukraine is not Russia!

Ukraine is not Russia the same way that Canada is not the USA or New Zealand is not Australia.

Sure, they share a good piece of history and some cultural aspects, but you don’t need to spend much time in the country to realize that they are indeed very different, especially when you travel in Western Ukraine, which wasn’t part of the USSR until the end of WWII.

Ukrainians are particularly sensitive on this topic, to the extent that they even get offended when you write Kiev instead of Kyiv, as Kiev is the direct Russian transliteration, even though both terms are accepted in English.

travel to the Ukraine

The Ukraine-Russia war

Today, as you may know, there is an ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

It is an actual war.

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea to themselves and yes, Crimea isn’t part of Ukraine anymore.

Their map has changed and whatever Ukrainian map in which you see Crimea, is already outdated – unfortunately .

Nowadays, the ongoing conflict is happening in another region named Donbas, a historical region in eastern Ukraine, today covering Donetsk and Lugansk provinces (oblasts).

Most people living in these provinces are ethnically Russian and, after Crimea was annexed to Russia, these pro-Russian people declared their independence from Ukraine and the problem arose when Russia decided to support the rebels.

I don’t know what the end of this will be of this but Ukraine’s map might be altered again in the next few years.

These are reasons why, in the rest of Ukraine, especially in the West, the people absolutely despise the Russian Government and don’t like it when foreigners identify Ukrainian culture as a mere variant or extension of Russian, so be aware of that.

tank graveyard Kharkiv

Culture, people, language, and religion

Modern Ukraine as it is known today, with its current borders had never existed before the country got its independence in 1991.

Over the centuries, different parts of the country have been ruled by different civilizations, from the Kievan Rus – a federation found by Slavic people which Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus claim their cultural ancestors come from – to the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia – which used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then Poland and it was only annexed to the USSR after WWII .

Ukrainians claim that their modern culture directly derives from both the Kievan Rus and the Kingdom of Galicia, so their traditional culture is a mix of east and west – well, not that western but Central European – and their traditional clothes are named vyshyvanka , which are also worn in Belarus and are quite similar to Polish and Moldovan ones.

During the independence day, sometime at the end of August, I noticed that many Ukrainians were wearing the vyshyvanka.

tourism kiev ukraine

The people: Ukrainians

Some travelers say that Ukrainians are serious, or that they can sometimes be unfriendly, but this is just a classic Soviet attitude, seen in other former Soviet countries as well.

Yes, some of them do look serious but, once you get to know them, Ukrainians are great people and are very hospitable as well, especially in the rural areas.

In the Carpathians, for example, we were randomly hosted by some locals who followed us on Instagram and their level of hospitality was comparable to that you experience when traveling in Iran 😉

tourism kiev ukraine

Ukrainian is the official language and, in order to understand how it differs from Russian, take Spanish and Portuguese as examples.

Many Portuguese understand Spanish and vice-versa because both languages are very close but very different at the same time, same as with Ukrainian and Russian.

The Russian language, however, is widely spoken across the country and, in Donbas and the Crimea it is also recognized as an official language along with Ukrainian.

In Western Ukraine, Ukrainian is the language that prevails.

By the way, Ukrainians use the Cyrillic alphabet and if you can’t read it yet, I strongly recommend you do learn it, because it will be a real game-changer for traveling in Ukraine.

travel tips for Ukraine

Most Ukrainians belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and they affirm that this is the original Church of ancient Kievan Rus .

Something that surprised me about Ukraine was that religion plays a very important role in their society, more than any other European country I have been to.

religion Ukraine

In smaller towns and cities, churches are packed with young people during Sunday services and in big cities such as Kiev or Lviv, while the young generation doesn’t really practice their religion, they do believe in God, generally speaking.

Visiting the endless churches and amazing Orthodox complexes will always be one of the highlights of any Ukraine travel guide and I highly recommend you go to Pochaiv, the second holiest monastery in the country, after Kiev Lavra, but the one in Pochaiv is nicer, for the simple reason that it is bigger and located in a rural, mystical area.

Ukraine travel tips

🍲 Food in Ukraine

Ukrainian cuisine isn’t the highlight of the country but it is all right, not bad at all.

Sometimes it is difficult to determine which dishes are Ukrainian and which ones are Russian, as you can find them in both countries but in any case, Ukrainian cuisine is hearty and made for feeding masses.

Some Ukrainian foods you are likely to taste during your trip

  • Borsch – The national food which they are most proud of is borsch , a beetroot soup widely eaten across all the former USSR, but Ukrainians affirm and re-affirm it is originally from Ukraine, and I believe them, because borsch is nowhere else as available as on Ukrainian menus; well maybe in Belarus as well. Borsch is the way to go and it is traditionally served with sour cream and with something named salo .
  • Salo – Slices of pork fat, very salty and very popular. Ukrainians find it a real delicacy but I don’t like it.
  • Varenyky – When you don’t know what to order, you order varenyky , the classic dumplings available in many Slavic countries, but they always differ in shape, filling and have different names. Ukrainian varenyky are usually filled with brynza (local cheese) or potatoes.
  • Syrniki – Typically eaten for breakfast or brunch, these are some small, thick, local pancakes filled with cottage cheese, but they can also contain apple and other ingredients.
  • Chicken Kyiv – This was weird, and not my favorite, but it is very traditional. It consists of fried chicken filled with dairy butter and herbs. A real bomb.

Ukrainian cuisine

And there’s more.

Local restaurants in big cities will have many other choices but, in the rural areas, the options will be limited to borsch and varenyky.

I once had borsch + varenyky for 4 days in a row!

Then, in the Western part of the country, since that area used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then Poland, traditional dishes are more Central European, so you find things like goulash , whereas in the Carpathians, you find Moldovan and Romanian dishes such as banusz .

This blog is purely about Ukrainian food and has some really good information.

food in Ukraine

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Ukraine?

Because of recent events, some people may perceive Ukraine as a dangerous destination to travel to but trust me, it is not.

Maidan protests (2014)

In 2014, Kiev witnessed a series of protests against the Government that lasted for more than 3 months, resulting in several peaceful demonstrators being murdered by the police.

It was crazy and such was the gravity of those protests and repression, that they were all over the international news for weeks.

During those 3 months, traveling to Kiev wasn’t recommended, of course, but this was a past episode that ended with the Prime Minister Yanukovych fleeing the country and the celebration of new elections

As we previously discussed, there is a conflict going on in Donetsk and Lugansk, in which according to the UN, more than 13,000 people have died as of 2019 .

The war, however, solely affects those two provinces, doesn’t go beyond them and, even if you wanted to go there, you couldn’t because foreigners aren’t allowed anymore.

Other than that, besides all the regular crime-related stuff, such as pickpocketing, that happens in any city – or the problem with Ukraine brides , but that’s another story – traveling in Ukraine is safe, very safe, and any Ukrainian will tell you that.

tourism kiev ukraine

💻 Internet and connectivity in Ukraine

Ukraine has amazing 4G coverage and getting a SIM Card is very straightforward, as they didn’t even ask me for my passport.

I personally bought Lifecell, but Kyivstar seems to be the most popular one.

Prices are ridiculously cheap and I think I paid around 75UAH (3€) for a SIM Card packed with 4GB of data.

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Ukraine

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Ukraine . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Ukraine

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Ukraine. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money in Ukraine

In Ukraine, they use the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) and, approximately:

1 USD = 36.74 UAH

Credit cards are generally accepted anywhere and most banks will accept international cards, even though they tend to charge a small fee.

How much does it cost to travel in Ukraine?

As per costs, Ukraine is a cheap country to travel around, especially because their currency has devalued massively since the Crimea crisis, when 1€ used to be equal to 10UAH.

tourism kiev ukraine

Backpacking budget for Ukraine:

Assuming you stay in dorms and eat in budget cafeterias, you can easily travel in Ukraine for 25€ a day .

Typical costs (approx.)

  • Dorm in a budget hostel: 200 UAH
  • Budget apartment in Kiev or Lviv: from 600 UAH
  • Local meal in a cafeteria: 100UAH
  • Local beer: 40UAH
  • Night train from Lviv to Odesa economical class: 200 UAH

🛺 Transportation tips: How to travel around Ukraine

The country is big but the public transportation system is great, which makes traveling in Ukraine fairly easy.

Soviet trains at their best. Amazing way to see the vastness of the country.

If you have traveled in other Soviet countries such as Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan or Russia itself, their train system doesn’t vary much. In fact, it is the same.

You can get to pretty much any city but do book your tickets in advance, especially during high season, as the cheap ones run out quickly.

There are different types of carriages but the Soviet system has 3 classes:

  • berth: no compartments but bunk beds are placed all over the carriage.
  • compartment: 4-bed compartment.
  • deluxe: 2-bed fancy compartment.

If you have never ridden a Soviet train, I recommend you travel in berth .

In case you are wondering, economical class in Ukraine (berth) isn’t like in India or Sri Lanka, not even close. They provide you with clean bed linen and the beds are relatively comfortable.

You can check prices, timings and book your ticket on this link (official governmental site).

tourism kiev ukraine

By marshrutka

Marshrutka means minivan in Russian and you may use them when going to smaller towns.

If you count by kilometer, it is much more expensive than traveling by train and around 5 times more uncomfortable, but if you are getting deep into Ukraine, this might be your only choice more often than you think.

Apparently, buses also run between major cities but I don’t see a good reason for taking them, apart from when train tickets to your destination are sold out but in any case, for long distances, it is also recommended to book your ticket in advance.

Anyways, you can book your tickets on this website .

uaz Ukraine

❗ More information for traveling to Ukraine

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Ukraine destination

  • Travel Guide to Chernobyl
  • Kiev Travel Guide
  • Lviv Travel Guide
  • Ukraine Itinerary

Travel guides to former Soviet countries

  • Georgia Travel Guide
  • Belarus Travel Guide
  • Travel Guide to Moldova
  • Azerbaijan Travel Guide
  • Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
  • Travel Guide to Tajikistan
  • Uzbekistan Travel Guide
  • Kazakhstan Travel Guide

I hope you enjoyed my Ukraine travel blog. Please, leave a comment for any questions you might have.

travel to Ukraine

Awesome guide on traveling Ukraine! As a Ukrainian, I can say that information you provided is useful and accurate. Keep on that track! 🙂

Thanks Irina, I am happy that you like this post as an Ukrainian 🙂

Una vez más, Joan, nos dejas con ganas de más.

It would be great if I could actually read the content on the site without the pop up! I

You mentioned in another guide that you see a lot of misery in Ukraine, but you didn’t mention it in this guide. I think it’d be interesting to include more information like that.

I want to travel to Odesa from Romania by car. How would I do that?

Excuse me, but the Donbas conflict wasn’t started because “Most people living in these provinces are ethnically Russian and […] declared their independence from Ukraine and the problem arose when Russia decided to support the rebels.” Russia started the rebellion itself, pretending it to be started by those Ukrainians, just as Russia did it with all other neighboring countries, where they have disputed areas. I have a lot of friends in all parts of Ukraine, and I know what I’m talking about. And it wasn’t Prime-Minister Yanukovych who fleed, he was the President.

This blog post is very outdates and in many sections factually wrong, I don’t know why google is recommending this as if it was recently updated, when it obviously isn’t keeping up with the latest developments in Ukraine.

Im jone ukraine diffens

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Join our Expeditions

From Syria to Iraq in Pakistan, Against the Compass is finally running expeditions to the most epic and off-the-beaten-track countries.

We have scheduled expeditions for every month of the year.

Latest posts

  • Is Iraq safe to visit in 2024?
  • Things to do in Iraq in a 10-day itinerary
  • How to travel to Mosul in 2024
  • A guide to traveling in Iraq in 2024
  • How to travel to Haiti (2024)

Caution October 19, 2023

Worldwide caution, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

  • Travel Advisories |
  • Contact Us |
  • MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Ukraine Travel Advisory

Travel advisory may 22, 2023, ukraine - level 4: do not travel.

Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Those choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, civil unrest, and consult the Department’s latest security alerts.

The security situation in Ukraine remains unpredictable. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should stay vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. In the event of mortar, missile, drone, or rocket fire, follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If you feel your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.

There are continued reports of Russian forces and their proxies singling out U.S. citizens in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine for detention, interrogation, or harassment because of their nationality. U.S. citizens have also been singled out when evacuating by land through Russia-occupied territory or to Russia or Belarus.

U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance should email [email protected] for assistance. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas . U.S. citizens may also seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passports, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries .

On February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian government declared a state of emergency. Each province (oblast) decides on measures to be implemented according to local conditions. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections, among other measures. Follow any oblast-specific state of emergency measures.

Many in the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, do not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea in 2014, nor the September 2022 purported annexation of four other Ukrainian oblasts -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. There are also abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s occupation.

Although Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine severely restricts the Embassy’s access and ability to provide services in these areas, the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continue to remotely provide certain emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – to the extent possible given security conditions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over Ukraine. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ukraine.

Travel to High-Risk Areas

If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Ukraine, you should consider taking the following steps:

  • Visit our website on Travel to High-Risk areas .
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first and how they should share the information.
  • Enroll your trip in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

If you are currently in Ukraine:

  • Read the Department’s country information page on Ukraine.
  • Familiarize yourself with information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
  • Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notices related to your travel.
  • Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.
  • Understand the COVID testing and vaccine requirements for all countries that you will transit through to your destination.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Ukraine.
  • Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, ukraine map, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

UK Edition Change

  • UK Politics
  • News Videos
  • Paris 2024 Olympics
  • Rugby Union
  • Sport Videos
  • John Rentoul
  • Mary Dejevsky
  • Andrew Grice
  • Sean O’Grady
  • Photography
  • Theatre & Dance
  • Culture Videos
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Families
  • Royal Family
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Lifestyle Videos
  • UK Hotel Reviews
  • News & Advice
  • Simon Calder
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South America
  • C. America & Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Politics Explained
  • News Analysis
  • Today’s Edition
  • Home & Garden
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel & Outdoors
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Sustainable Living
  • Climate Videos
  • Behind The Headlines
  • On The Ground
  • Decomplicated
  • You Ask The Questions
  • Binge Watch
  • Travel Smart
  • Watch on your TV
  • Crosswords & Puzzles
  • Most Commented
  • Newsletters
  • Ask Me Anything
  • Virtual Events
  • Betting Sites
  • Online Casinos
  • Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Ukraine starts planning for post-war tourism: ‘We welcome our guests if they don’t come with guns’

Exclusive: ‘we know how to act from the moment when ukrainian borders and ukrainian skies open again’ – tourism boss mariana oleskiv, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Exclusion zone: a tourist at the radar array close to the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, which will be off limits initially

Simon Calder’s Travel

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Ukraine will this week launch a campaign for international tourists – telling the world that it has the infrastructure, hotels and service to support visitors.

On the eve of the world’s biggest travel event, ITB in Berlin, the chair of Ukraine’s State Agency for Tourism Development has told The Independent that tourism will be an essential part of post-war recovery.

Mariana Oleskiv said: “We welcome our guests if they don’t come with guns.

“Any money that people will spend in Ukraine will help the economy to recover.

“We have now the brand of Ukraine developed and well known around the world. But it's not associated with tourism.”

“People think about Ukraine – maybe about bravery, about war, about destruction. So they see the picture that Ukraine looks like Mariupol, for example.

“We have many cities look like this, but it's around 20 per cent or 30 per cent of territory that is occupied.

“The rest is alright. It’s very beautiful. We have good infrastructure and we have very good hotels, good service, internet coverage.

“We need to create interest to Ukraine not just as people that you support and you feel sorry for – but also the country you want to support by visiting.

“We don't know when. We don't know if it's going to be in this year, or next year or in two years.

“We have this time to prepare, to have plans – even though they are on hold for this moment. But we know how to act from the moment when Ukrainian borders and Ukrainian skies open again.”

Ms Oleskiv took up her role in March 2020 – on the eve of an expected rapid expansion of flights from the UK and elsewhere. But new links to Odessa that both Ryanair and Wizz Air were selling from London were scuppered by the Covid pandemic.

Glory days: Passazh Shopping Arcade, Odessa, before the Russian invasion

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, halting all tourism from abroad.

Remarkably, Ukrainians are still taking holidays, Ms Oleskiv said.

“We still have tourism – domestic tourism – in Ukraine. And this is something that helps us also to cope with everything that that is going on in our country.

“We have cafes, bars, restaurants, working. We have hotels open and actually during last winter, when we had blackout, very often the hotels were that place where people could have food, charge their phones because they all had generators.”

“People do travel, they travel with families with kids from the destinations that are less safe to destinations that are more safe: in the Carpathian mountains, western central Ukraine.

“This is something that keeps us our mental health being alright and being OK.”

But the chair of the Ukrainian tourism body stressed that visitors from abroad should stay away until the war is over: “Not now. We are not inviting anybody now because of many reasons. First of all, logistics are very complicated. And insurance companies do not cover risks in Ukraine. So even if you get flu somewhere in Ukraine that is not related to war, it would not be covered by most of insurance companies. So we're not inviting anyone here.”

Ms Oleskiv said tourism would resume “as soon as the flights are renewed and we can talk about complete safety in certain regions”.

Last month Ryanair renewed its pledge to set up a large-scale air operation in the three key tourist cities of Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa within six weeks of a ceasefire.

“That would be very important for the industry,” Ms Oleskiv said.

Fighting back: Tourism will return to Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities as soon as the guns fall silent

Before the Russian invasion, the three cities attracted the vast majority of international visitors to Ukraine. But the nation is keen to diversify.

“In 2021 – that was still Covid – we developed a new tourist route to the Carpathian mountains for tourists from Saudi Arabia,” the tourism boss said.

“They really loved it. We have very good resorts there, green with a lot of rain, nice weather. And we had plans for 2022 to triple the quantity of tourists.

“But of course Russia started the war and we couldn't do this.

“We are working with other destinations that are nature sites, that are rural tourism, to develop their product, to train them to provide better service now for domestic tourists – but to get ready and to be ready to later also welcome international tourists.”

Chernobyl , the site of a nuclear reactor explosion in 1986, was one of the leading attractions for visitors before the Russian invasion. But Ms Oleskiv said it will be off limits for some time.

“There was a Russian invasion through that territory. It was mined in order not to let them in again.”

But she said: “We don’t want to develop ‘dark tourism’. We want to tell people the history of this war and the story of people and also show the consequences and Russian war crimes. Our main audience is future generations.”

For more travel news, views and advice from Simon, download his daily Independent Travel podcast.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

  • My Independent Premium
  • Account details
  • Help centre
Young Pioneer Tours

logo

Can you travel to Ukraine in 2024?

Can you travel to Ukraine in 2024? As in is it possible to visit Kiev and Lviv during the current conflict between the Ukraine and Russia? The short answer is yes and with relative ease, although it is not something we currently advocate, nor are planning tours to do so.

Travel to Ukraine before the war

Can you travel to Ukraine

Traveling to Ukraine before the war was extremely easy, with numerous international flights, as well as trains from Poland, Belarus and of course Russia. Prior to the current conflict Ukraine was one of our main destinations, particularly Chernobyl.

In fact we had a tour ready to go on February 28th 2024, of course we cancelled it, ironically to the ire of guests who had booked, but with hindsight it was obviously the correct choice. 

We are though still running tours to Transnsitria, you can read about our Unrecognised Countries tours here . 

Things though have of course changed and all flights and most trains have been cancelled, there are though still some ways in which you can travel to Ukraine in 2024.

Traveling to Lviv and Kiev from Poland in 202 4

tourism kiev ukraine

While most people are trying to get out of Ukraine, many are traveling in to the country be it on humanitarian work, as journalists, or even as volunteers for the Ukrainian army. 

There are also now a number of Ukrainians traveling to Lviv and Kiev as both are now considered relatively safe. This can perhaps be epitomised by how often soon to be ex-PM of the UK Boris Johnson has been going in and out of Kiev. Wag the dog anyone?

tourism kiev ukraine

To read about Wag The Dog click here . 

The most popular route into both Lviv and Kiev is to take the train from Krakow in Poland. Train times change, but it essentially involves midday journey from Krakow to Przemysi Glowny (station) for 3 hours and then changing for the Kiev leg of the journey. This part of the trip takes 15, or so hours to Kiev, or about 5 to Lviv. The cost is just over $100 as things stand. Obviously this involves going through Ukrainian customs and immigration, but with the amount of volunteers and aid workers going through is a relatively pain free process.

With that being said do not travel there with bad intentions, nor a Putin t-shirt. Do not also go as a so called “war tourist” what is happening in Ukraine is very real and should be teated with good taste.

Is it safe to travel to Lviv in 2024?

OK, so pretty much all governments as advise against all travel to the Ukraine, so we are not advocating it, but merely saying how it is. Lviv has largely been spared the horrors of war and is now home to many Ukrainians who have fled the rest of the country. 

In fact the bars and restaurants of Lviv are now so full you can hardly get in. If you were to pick anywhere in Ukraine to visit then it is Lviv.

Is it safe to travel to Kiev in 2024? 

While it was under constant attack from Russia and could have fallen, the city has now been largely left alone and life has slowly started to get back to normal. Bars are now open and people are indeed returning, although there is an 11 pm curfew.

With that being said rockets and missile attacks do still periodically hit the capital and as things stand no one truly knows how the war will play out. Therefore while you could never truly call Kiev, Kyiv safe, it is about as safe as it could be since the start of the conflict. 

Can you travel to Ukraine in 2024 with YPT?

tourism kiev ukraine

Young Pioneer Tours are currently running tours to both Lviv and Kyiv, with our monthly departures being capped at six people. For obvious reasons we do not advertise these itineraries and we suggest getting in touch for more details.

About Post Author

Avatar photo

Gareth Johnson

Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.

See author's posts

  • Suspendisse tincidunt nunc nec

Tripadvisor

Latest news.

tourism kiev ukraine

THE YOUNG PIONEER PODCAST S2, E5: Horn of Africa Part Three – Eritrea

North Korea News Newspaper

North Korea Travel Update – January 2024

world nomad games Kazakhstan

2024 World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan Announced

tourism kiev ukraine

An American in South Korea Heads North (Part 1)

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Payment Policy
  • North Korea Tours – 2017 Tours
  • Tour Extensions
  • Independent Tours
  • North Korea FAQ
  • Our Terms and Conditions
  • Our Payment Policy Terms

©YoungPioneerTours.com 2024. All rights reserved.

  • Pre-Markets
  • U.S. Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Futures & Commodities
  • Funds & ETFs
  • Health & Science
  • Real Estate
  • Transportation
  • Industrials

Small Business

Personal Finance

  • Financial Advisors
  • Options Action
  • Buffett Archive
  • Trader Talk
  • Cybersecurity
  • Social Media
  • CNBC Disruptor 50
  • White House
  • Equity and Opportunity
  • Business Day Shows
  • Entertainment Shows
  • Full Episodes
  • Latest Video
  • CEO Interviews
  • CNBC Documentaries
  • CNBC Podcasts
  • Digital Originals
  • Live TV Schedule
  • Trust Portfolio
  • Trade Alerts
  • Meeting Videos
  • Homestretch
  • Jim's Columns
  • Stock Screener
  • Market Forecast
  • Options Investing
  • Chart Investing

Credit Cards

Credit Monitoring

Help for Low Credit Scores

All Credit Cards

Find the Credit Card for You

Best Credit Cards

Best Rewards Credit Cards

Best Travel Credit Cards

Best 0% APR Credit Cards

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Best Credit Card Welcome Bonuses

Best Credit Cards to Build Credit

Find the Best Personal Loan for You

Best Personal Loans

Best Debt Consolidation Loans

Best Loans to Refinance Credit Card Debt

Best Loans with Fast Funding

Best Small Personal Loans

Best Large Personal Loans

Best Personal Loans to Apply Online

Best Student Loan Refinance

All Banking

Find the Savings Account for You

Best High Yield Savings Accounts

Best Big Bank Savings Accounts

Best Big Bank Checking Accounts

Best No Fee Checking Accounts

No Overdraft Fee Checking Accounts

Best Checking Account Bonuses

Best Money Market Accounts

Best Credit Unions

All Mortgages

Best Mortgages

Best Mortgages for Small Down Payment

Best Mortgages for No Down Payment

Best Mortgages with No Origination Fee

Best Mortgages for Average Credit Score

Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Affording a Mortgage

All Insurance

Best Life Insurance

Best Homeowners Insurance

Best Renters Insurance

Best Car Insurance

Travel Insurance

All Credit Monitoring

Best Credit Monitoring Services

Best Identity Theft Protection

How to Boost Your Credit Score

Credit Repair Services

All Personal Finance

Best Budgeting Apps

Best Expense Tracker Apps

Best Money Transfer Apps

Best Resale Apps and Sites

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Apps

Best Debt Relief

All Small Business

Best Small Business Savings Accounts

Best Small Business Checking Accounts

Best Credit Cards for Small Business

Best Small Business Loans

Best Tax Software for Small Business

Filing For Free

Best Tax Software

Best Tax Software for Small Businesses

Tax Refunds

Tax Brackets

Tax By State

Tax Payment Plans

All Help for Low Credit Scores

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit

Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit

Personal Loans if You Don't Have Credit

Best Credit Cards for Building Credit

Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score or Lower

Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or Lower

Best Mortgages for Bad Credit

Best Hardship Loans

All Investing

Best IRA Accounts

Best Roth IRA Accounts

Best Investing Apps

Best Free Stock Trading Platforms

Best Robo-Advisors

Index Funds

Mutual Funds

After recent gains, Russia signals it could try to seize Kyiv again — saying the 'regime must fall'

thumbnail

  • A senior Russian official has signaled that Moscow will not be satisfied with occupying four Ukrainian regions and could again try to capture the capital, Kyiv.
  • Deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, told Russian media agencies that Russia could "reach Kiev," saying it could happen later, if not now.
  • Russia's confidence on the battlefield has been boosted by the recent capture of Avdiivka.

A senior Russian official has signaled that Russian forces could make another attempt to capture Kyiv, after a failed attempt to seize the Ukrainian capital early in the war.

Deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, told Russian media agencies that Russia could "reach Kiev," using the Russian spelling of the city, saying it could happen later, if not now.

"Where to stop? I don't know ... Will it be Kiev? Yes, probably it should be Kiev. If not now, then ... maybe at some other phase in the development of this conflict,"  Medvedev  said in an interview with Russian media, including RIA Novosti, which published his remarks .

The comments suggest that, two years into the war and bolstered by recent gains, Moscow continues to harbor ambitions to conquer the whole of Ukraine and will not be content to occupy just a fifth of the country, as is currently the case.

Russia claims that the partially occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson are now a part of Russia, a claim roundly rejected by Ukraine and its allies.

Medvedev, a former Russian prime minister and president who served alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin over the last two decades — albeit remaining subservient in either role — is as a vocal hawk in Russia's political establishment and is known for his saber-rattling when it comes to the war.

Nonetheless, his comments indicate that within Putin's inner circle, capturing Kyiv and destroying the pro-Western government under Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains a key ideological and political ambition.

In his latest interview, Medvedev commented that "this regime must fall, it must be destroyed, it must not remain in this world."

Kyiv was a "Russian city," he claimed, warning that in Ukrainian hands it was "a threat to the existence of the Russian Federation."

"An international threat, because although Kiev is a Russian city in its roots, it is controlled by an international brigade of opponents of Russia led by the United States of America," Medvedev said, echoing Moscow's much-repeated claim that Western nations have coerced Kyiv into fighting Russia in a bid to destroy the country.

Russia has made no bones of the fact that it wishes to destroy the pro-Western government in Kyiv that's led by Zelenskyy. Still, Moscow has generally toned down such rhetoric recently, given that its forces are tied up in intense fighting in eastern and southern Ukraine, with little apparent appetite to open a new northern front again.

Russia's military ambitions

Early on in the war, Russia's military ambitions were given a reality check amid staunch resistance from Ukrainian forces and strong support from its Western allies.

Russian forces were forced to beat a humiliating retreat on their approach to Kyiv amid heavy losses and logistical and supplies issues, and have since focused their efforts on consolidating territory they occupy in southern and eastern Ukraine.

Analysts question whether Russia would be content to occupy around 18% of Ukraine, as they currently do, without making another attempt to capture Kyiv in future, given Putin's "imperial ambitions" and desire to restore Russia's sphere of influence over Ukraine and other former Soviet states.

Close followers of Russian politics, and the president, warn that it's unlikely that any peace negotiations or eventual political settlement to the war will dampen those ambitions.

"If Putin's initial invasion plan had succeeded and his troops had captured Kyiv in three days as anticipated, he would have deposed the government and installed a puppet regime drawn from Ukraine's pro-Kremlin political forces," Peter Dickinson, editor of the Atlantic Council's Ukraine Alert publication, said in analysis .

"The many people currently proposing peace plans may well have good intentions, but they are delusional if they believe Putin will be satisfied with relatively modest territorial gains in eastern and southern Ukraine," Dickinson added.

"In reality, any concessions will merely whet his imperial appetite while convincing him of the West's fundamental weakness. The Russian dictator is already openly comparing his invasion to Czar Peter the Great's eighteenth century wars of imperial conquest. If Putin is rewarded for his aggression in Ukraine, he will inevitably go further."

Russia's military ambitions and morale have undoubtedly been boosted by the recent capture of the industrial city of Avdiivka in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. The victory marks the biggest gain for Russia since the capture of Bakhmut nine months ago.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russian President Vladimir Putin about Avdiivka's capture last Saturday, with the president congratulating troops on their "absolute success" and saying that it "needs to be built on."

Capturing the city, much of which has been reduced to ruins, means that the front line moves farther away from the nearby city of Donetsk, protecting the regional capital and making it easier for Russian forces to push west.

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War  noted Tuesday  that Russia is relishing its recent victory, stating that Putin and Shoigu have since "preened themselves on the Russian seizure of Avdiivka." The success has come at a high cost, however, with estimates suggesting that Russia lost between 16,000 and 47,000 troops in the fight for the city.

comscore

IMAGES

  1. Kiev, Ukraine

    tourism kiev ukraine

  2. Kiev, Ukraine

    tourism kiev ukraine

  3. 15 reasons to visit Kiev, Ukraine

    tourism kiev ukraine

  4. Tourisme à Kiev : guide voyage pour partir à Kiev

    tourism kiev ukraine

  5. 14 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Kiev, Ukraine

    tourism kiev ukraine

  6. Kiev, Ukraine

    tourism kiev ukraine

VIDEO

  1. #kyiv #kiev #ukraine

  2. Cities of Ukraine

  3. WALKING ON KIEV (1)

  4. [4K] LIFE IN KYIV TODAY 🇺🇦 Ukrainian people rest after work on a weekday

  5. Выехать из Украины

  6. Киев Михайловская площадь, выставка уничтоженной российской военной техники, обстрелянный ж/д вагон

COMMENTS

  1. Kyiv, Ukraine 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    Having survived the Mongol Empire, WWII, and Chernobyl, Kyiv is the proud capital of Ukraine. Filled with theaters, museums, religious sites, modern buildings and ancient ruins, the city of Kyiv is the center of Ukrainian culture. The Monastery of the Caves, founded in 1015, and Saint Sophia Cathedral, founded in 1037, are both World Heritage ...

  2. Kyiv travel

    Ukraine, Europe. In the beginning there was Kyiv. Long before Ukraine and Russia existed, the city's inhabitants were already striding up and down the green hills, idling hot afternoons away on the Dnipro River and promenading along Khreshchatyk - then a stream, now the main avenue. From here, East Slavic civilisation spread all the way to ...

  3. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kyiv

    The Holy Dormition Kyiv Caves Lavra. 3,750. Historic Sites. Built by Kiev monks back in 1051, this striking building is the most holy place in the Ukraine. The caves on the property serve as burial grounds for monks. See full details. See ways to experience (30) 2. Saint Sophia Cathedral.

  4. 14 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Kiev, Ukraine

    14. M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden. 1. St. Sophia's Cathedral. Saint Sophia's Cathedral. St. Sophia's Cathedral (also called Saint Sophia Cathedral) is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine and was awarded the important status in the 1980s. It was constructed in 1037 and is named for Hagia Sophia.

  5. 25 Best Things to Do in Kiev (Ukraine)

    The museum on the lower floors of the bell tower records the history of the monastery and the fate suffered by other religious monuments in the Soviet era. Guided tour: Kiev: St. Sophia Cathedral and St. Michael's Monastery. 6. The Motherland Monument.

  6. These Are The Top Attractions In Kyiv Kiev Ukraine

    Amy Blyth 30 January 2023. Kyiv is a treasure trove of ancient Ukrainian culture, complete with 950 churches, cathedrals and monuments dotting the city. Come to the capital of Ukraine to explore top attractions such as St Andrew's Church, the MM Hryshko National Botanical Garden, the Mariyinsky Palace and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, with its ...

  7. Top 10 Things to Do in Kiev, Ukraine

    Kiev has two UNESCO World Heritage sites that fall under the same category—the Kiev Pechersk Lavra and the Saint Sophia Cathedral. Both are Orthodox Christianity icons of the city. Kiev Pechersk ...

  8. Visit Kiev Ukraine

    Every tourist visiting Kiev should go to a performance at the National Opera of Ukraine. Golden Gate The Golden Gate of Kiev is a fortification that was part of the ancient city walls.

  9. Must-see attractions Kyiv, Ukraine

    Sevastopol. Discover the best attractions in Kyiv including St Sophia's Cathedral, Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra, and Maidan Nezalezhnosti.

  10. The Ultimate Kiev (Ukraine) Solo Travel Guide

    Mariyinsky Palace is the splendid ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine, a Baroque fortress sited on the banks of the Dnieper River. INTERESTING WALKS. Maydan or Independence Square is the famous site of the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the heart of Kiev. Beautiful fountains, open-air terraces and cafés grace the busy square and ...

  11. Kyiv Travel Guide

    Kiev (or Kyiv) is the capital of Ukraine and the country's largest city, with a population of three million. Sitting on the banks of the Dnieper River, it is one of the most ancient cities in Europe, dating back to at least 500 AD. ... Kyiv Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Kyiv city guide for the best Kyiv travel tips. To help you organize your ...

  12. How to visit Kiev in 4 days

    This gorgeous cathedral was the first place in Ukraine to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. As in many places around Ukraine, you need to purchase a separate ticket for each place within the complex, including general entrance, getting inside the cathedral, going up the bell tour, visiting museums, etc.. I think the general entrance cost me around 65UAH (2.40€) - which was already ...

  13. Kiev.info

    Kiev is the capital city of Ukraine, its largest economical, political, educational and cultural center. Kiev offers endless opportunities for tourism. Traveling to this city may be one of the most pleasurable experiences in your life.

  14. Best Places to Visit in Kyiv, Ukraine

    Wondering what to see in the heart of Ukraine? Our Ukrainian guide, Julia, shares her local tips and suggestions for visiting Kyiv.Kyiv (or Kiev) is one of t...

  15. Tourist attractions in Kiev Ukraine

    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.

  16. Kiev Travel Guide

    Everything to Know About Kiev. Read. National Geographic's latest travel stories about Kiev, Ukraine.

  17. 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ukraine

    It refers to travel to places associated with death and tragic occurrences. The 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York City, Alcatraz in San Francisco, Pearl Harbor, Pompeii, and The Killing Fields of Cambodia are all popular examples. Visitors to Ukraine can add the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, ground zero for the disaster, to the list.

  18. Tourism in Ukraine

    Tourism in Ukraine. Ukraine used to attract more than 20 million foreign citizens every year (23 million in 2012). But since 2014 this has lowered to about 10 million. Visitors primarily come from Eastern Europe, but also from Western Europe, as well as Turkey and Israel. [1]

  19. Visit Kiev Ukraine

    Essential. Kiev is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, the largest country on the European continent. It boasts a population of approximately 2.8 million people. To see where Kiev is in relation to the rest of the world, head to our interactive map and zoom out. Relaxed immigration laws mean that visitors from the European Union, the ...

  20. Useful tips and how to travel to Ukraine (2024)

    1 - Explore one of the greatest cities in Europe. Kiev is an amazing city with loads to see, loads to do and so much going on. I spent two weeks in the capital and they were the best days of my trip. From epic churches to bizarre Soviet places and great nightlife, Kiev is a city which you will want to return to.

  21. Ukraine Travel Advisory

    Ukraine - Level 4: Do Not Travel. Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia's war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory. All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media ...

  22. Tourism In Ukraine

    Kiev is the most visited city in Ukraine, with over 4 million tourists in 2019. The tourism industry contributed 2.3% to Ukraine's GDP in 2019. The average length of stay for international visitors to Ukraine is around 3.5 days. Accommodation options in Ukraine include hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.

  23. Ukraine starts planning for post-war tourism

    Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, halting all tourism from abroad. Remarkably, Ukrainians are still taking holidays, Ms Oleskiv said. "We still have tourism - domestic tourism - in ...

  24. Can you travel to Ukraine in 2024?

    Is it safe to travel to Kiev in 2024? While it was under constant attack from Russia and could have fallen, the city has now been largely left alone and life has slowly started to get back to normal. Bars are now open and people are indeed returning, although there is an 11 pm curfew.

  25. Russia signals it could try to seize Kyiv again at some point

    "An international threat, because although Kiev is a Russian city in its roots, it is controlled by an international brigade of opponents of Russia led by the United States of America," Medvedev ...