Kiev is an underrated city and often off the radar of most travellers. The city is safe according to the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the US Department of State. It is home to many Orthodox Christian cathedrals and monasteries with beautiful golden domes dotted across the city and overlooking the Dnieper River. It is also the greenest European metropolis adding to the scenic beauty and richness this ancient city has to offer.

Among the top religious and architectural attractions are St. Sophia’s Cathedral, Kiev’s oldest standing cathedral with many of the mosaics and frescoes in the interior being original and dating as far back as 1017-31. Looking straight across from St. Sophia, you will notice a golden-domed church with blue hues; this is St. Michael’s, named after Kiev’s very own patron saint. Around the left rear part of the building is the funicular that runs down a steep hillside to the river terminal to one of the oldest districts in Kiev and home to its commerce, industry and trade, Podil. The Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra (Cave Monastery) located on 69 acres of green hills in the Pechersk District overlooking the Dnieper River, is also popular among visitors and pilgrims. This is a senior monastery with clusters of gold-domed churches lavished in Scythian gold. It comprises the Museum of Historical Treasures, the Dormition Cathedral and a bell tower which can be climbed for stunning views at an additional cost.

Saint Andrew’s Church features Baroque architecture and is a great way to explore one of the most touristy areas in the city with a distinctive European feel to it. Located on Andrew’s Decent where there are plenty of souvenir shops, cafes and the Castle of Richard the Lionheart. Along the way watch out for a series of hidden viewing decks that can be identified by a series of steps.

Visit Khreschatyk, Kiev’s very own “high street”, a popular hangout destination among the locals.

 

Khreschatyk  features wide pedestrian lanes, large government buildings and shops, parts of the street are closed off to traffic during weekends and other festive periods.  A great way to start exploring this street is by starting at Bessarabsky Market, an indoor food market with some vegan and vegetarian options as well. This is a great place to taste, drink and savour the flavours of this city.

Independence square (Maydan Nezalezhnosti) is the go-to point for Ukranian’s during times of celebrations of revolt. It is an iconic place in the city and is located at the other end ofKhreschatyk from Bessarabsky Market, it has lots of different cafes and gets busy during the weekend.

If it is art you’re looking for, be sure to check out PinchukArtCentre, it is a world-class gallery featuring leading artists in the world of European contemporary and art and design scene. You can take in the beautiful cityscape from the top floor café.

 Across from Podil District in the Dnieper River is Trukhaniv Island, an experience in its own right. You can get to it by crossing a pedestrian bridge. On the island you can visit the iconic Skvorechnik “bird-house”Café, this is a unique experience with several wooden huts positioned up among the trees. You can eat a healthy meal while literally being in the tree tops. The beach front area belonging to Skvorechnik with the vegetarian café is an alcohol-free zone; hosting yoga, meditations, dream-catcher making classes, massages and the like.

There are many day trips to be taken from Kiev, one of the most frequented is that leading to Chernobyl. You get to explore the abandoned city of Pripyat, if you’re interested in this tour you need to make sure to book the tour at least a week in advance to ensure confirmation. Also dress code is important, no sandals, shorts or sleeveless t-shirts. If you’re looking for a more romantic day trip why not book yourself a private tour to the Tunnel of Love, ideal for couples, it is best visited in early spring to late autumn.

The fact that Kiev isn’t visited by hoards of tourists means prices are relatively low and the city can be experienced in a more authentic way. Kiev is also home to one of the world’s most beautiful metro stations, The Zoloti Vorota, with its large chandeliers and beautiful mosaics.