Kyiv
Visited in April 2015
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Ukraine. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Ukraine
- Region
- Ukraine
- Population
- 3 million
- Best time to go
- May to June, September
- Main airport
- Kyiv Boryspil (KBP)
- Coordinates
- 50.46°N, 30.52°E
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Overview
Kyiv stands on wooded hills above the broad Dnipro river, one of Europe's oldest cities and the cradle of medieval Kyivan Rus. Golden domes rise above leafy boulevards, cobbled streets and grand Soviet-era avenues.
This guide is written for a time when visiting is safe again. When that time comes, Kyiv will reward visitors with its monasteries, cafés and parks, and with the warmth of its people.
Things to see
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Photo: Rbrechko, CC BY-SA 4.0 Saint Sophia Cathedral
An 11th-century cathedral with original mosaics and frescoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Falin, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
A great monastery complex of churches and caves where monks are buried, above the river.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Rbrechko, CC BY-SA 4.0 St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery
A striking blue and gold monastery, rebuilt in the 1990s after Soviet demolition.
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Photo: George Chernilevsky, Public domain Golden Gate
A reconstruction of the medieval city's main gate, set over the original ruins.
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Photo: Imadanat, CC BY-SA 4.0 St Andrew's Church
A baroque church by Rastrelli perched at the top of the Andriyivskyy Descent.
Things to do
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Photo: Smyk iLya, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk the Andriyivskyy Descent
A cobbled street winding down to Podil, lined with galleries, craft stalls and the Bulgakov museum.
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Photo: Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ride the metro to Arsenalna
One of the deepest metro stations in the world, reached by a very long escalator.
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Photo: liz west from Boxborough, MA, CC BY 2.0 Eat borscht and varenyky
Try beetroot soup with sour cream and dumplings in a traditional Ukrainian restaurant.
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Photo: Unknown photographer, Public domain Relax by the Dnipro
Cross to Trukhaniv Island for riverside paths, beaches and summer picnics.
Where to stay
Podil
The historic merchant quarter, full of character, cafés and bars.
Hotels in PodilOld Kyiv
Near Saint Sophia and the Golden Gate, central and elegant.
Hotels in Old KyivPechersk
Leafy and upmarket, close to the Lavra.
Hotels in Pechersk
Getting around
The metro is fast and efficient, supplemented by buses, trams and trolleybuses. The centre is hilly but walkable.
In normal times, Boryspil airport is linked to the centre by train and bus; many travellers also arrive by overnight train from Poland.
When to go
Late spring and early summer bring chestnut blossom and long evenings, and September is mild and golden. Winters are cold and snowy.
Plan your trip to Kyiv
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.