St. Sophia’s Cathedral
Admire the ornate beauty of St. Sophia’s Cathedral, one of Kyiv’s most iconic landmarks. As the city’s oldest standing church, it offers a glimpse into the Kyivan Rus’ period with its stunning Byzantine architecture. Inside, you’ll be greeted by ancient mosaics and frescoes, which have been meticulously preserved over the centuries.
Entrance: Admission
Website: st-sophia.org.ua
Address: Volodymyrska St, 24, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01001
Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery)
Experience the serene beauty of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, a historic Orthodox Christian monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as the Caves Monastery, features stunning golden-domed churches, bell towers, and labyrinthine underground caves housing mummified monks. Don’t miss the on-site museums, showcasing a rich array of religious art.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.lavra.ua
Address: Lavrska St, 15, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01015
St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery
St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery is a mesmerising blend of history and modernity. Although the original 12th-century structure was demolished in the 1930s, it was meticulously rebuilt in 1999, showcasing its striking blue exterior and golden domes. The original cathedral’s intricate mosaics and frescoes were saved and are now on display inside.
Entrance:
Website:
Address:
Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew’s Descent)
Step into the artistic heart of Kyiv with a visit to Andriyivsky Uzviz, also known as Andrew’s Descent. This charming, bohemian street is a bustling hive of activity, with artists selling their work, musicians providing impromptu performances, and antique shops nestled between quaint cafes. It’s also home to the whimsical Mikhail Bulgakov Museum.
Entrance: Free
Address: Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)
Stand at the epicentre of modern Ukrainian history in Independence Square, also known as Maidan Nezalezhnosti. It’s the heart of Kyiv, and the site of numerous political rallies, concerts, and festivals. Surrounded by monumental buildings, the square is anchored by the Independence Monument, a symbol of the nation’s freedom.
Entrance: Free
Address: Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral
Discover the St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral, a striking example of the Neo-Byzantine architecture. Painted in warm yellow hues, it houses some of the most beautiful frescoes and mosaics in the country. The cathedral is also the mother cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, making it a significant place of worship.
Entrance: Free
Website: katedral.org.ua
Address: Tarasa Shevchenko Blvd, 20, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
National Museum of the History of Ukraine
Travel through time at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine. With a collection spanning from ancient times to the present day, it provides a comprehensive look at the country’s rich history. Exhibits include archeological finds, historical documents, folk costumes, and artworks.
Entrance: Admission
Website: nmiu.org
Address: Volodymyrs’ka St, 2, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
Khreshchatyk Street
Experience the pulse of Kyiv by taking a stroll down Khreshchatyk Street. As the city’s main thoroughfare, it’s lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. On weekends and holidays, the street transforms into a large pedestrian area, filled with street performers and local vendors. Its lively energy is infectious and perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Kyiv.
Entrance: Free
Address: Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
Mariyinsky Palace
Marvel at the baroque beauty of Mariyinsky Palace, nestled within the picturesque Mariyinsky Park. Designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the mid-18th century, this royal blue palace is an official ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine. Though the interior is not usually open to the public, the exterior is a sight to behold.
Address: 5A, Mykhaila Hrushevskoho St, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01008
Museum of the Great Patriotic War
Immerse yourself in Ukraine’s past at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. This expansive museum tells the story of Ukraine’s involvement in World War II through a range of fascinating exhibits. The towering Motherland Monument, a part of the museum complex, offers panoramic views of Kyiv from its observation decks.
Entrance: Admission
Website: warmuseum.kyiv.ua
Address: Lavrska St, 27, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
National Opera of Ukraine
Experience the grandeur of performing arts at the National Opera of Ukraine. Housed in a stunning Neo-Renaissance building, it regularly stages ballets, operas, and concerts. The interior is just as breathtaking as the performances, with its opulent decor and intricate frescoes.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.opera.com.ua
Address: Volodymyrska St, 50, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01030
Golden Gate of Kyiv
Visit the Golden Gate of Kyiv, a reconstructed medieval city gate that was once a part of Kyiv’s city walls. Today, it houses a small museum detailing the city’s ancient history. The area surrounding the gate is now a bustling neighbourhood filled with cafes and shops.
Entrance: Admission
Address: Volodymyrska St, 40А, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01034
Park of Eternal Glory
Find a moment of tranquillity in the bustling city at the Park of Eternal Glory. This beautiful green space hosts the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an eternal flame, offering a solemn tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. The park also offers stunning views over the Dnieper River.
Entrance: Free
Address: Lavrska St, 15, Kyiv, Київська обл., Ukraine, 01015
Taras Shevchenko National Museum
Explore the life and work of Ukraine’s national poet, Taras Shevchenko, at this dedicated museum. It holds an extensive collection of Shevchenko’s manuscripts, paintings, and personal belongings. The museum is also a centre for the study and promotion of Shevchenko’s literary and artistic legacy.
Entrance: Admission
Website: museumshevchenko.org.ua
Address: Tarasa Shevchenko Blvd, 12, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01004
St. Andrew’s Church
Perched atop the historic Andriyivsky Uzviz, St. Andrew’s Church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The blue and white church with its five domes is a real eye-catcher against Kyiv’s skyline. The view from the top of the hill is worth the climb, offering panoramic vistas of the city and the Dnieper River.
Entrance: Free
Website: andriyivska-tserkva.kiev.ua
Address: Andriivs’kyi descent, 23, Kyiv, Ukraine, 04070
House with Chimaeras
Let your curiosity guide you to the House with Chimaeras, one of Kyiv’s architectural oddities. Known for its unique Art Nouveau style and eerie sculptures of mythical creatures, it’s a feast for the eyes. Today, the building serves as a presidential residence for official and diplomatic ceremonies.
Address: Bankova St, 10, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
Ukrainian National Chornobyl Museum
Delve into the harrowing history of the 1986 Chornobyl disaster at the Ukrainian National Chornobyl Museum. Through a rich array of exhibits, the museum chronicles the aftermath of the nuclear accident, its cleanup, and its ongoing impact on the affected communities.
Entrance: Admission
Website: chornobylmuseum.kiev.ua
Address: Provulok Khoryva, 1, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
One Street Museum
Discover Kyiv’s past through the microcosm of its most famous street at the One Street Museum. This charming museum showcases the history of Andriyivsky Uzviz, featuring a collection of old photographs, historic documents, and personal items of famous residents.
Entrance: Admission
Address: Andriivs’kyi descent, 2Б, Kyiv, Ukraine, 04070
Kiev Fortress
Uncover the military history of Kyiv at the Kiev Fortress, a complex of historical and cultural monuments that once served as the city’s western fortifications. Its well-preserved structures include barracks, gates, and the impressive Kosyi Caponier, which is now a museum dedicated to the fortress’s history.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.kyiv-fortress.org.ua
Address: Hospitalna St, 24А, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01133
Pirogovo Open-Air Museum
Step back in time at the Pirogovo Open-Air Museum. Spread over 1.5 hectares, this museum offers a glimpse into rural Ukrainian life through the ages. Its collection includes over 300 traditional structures, from windmills and churches to typical homes, transported here from all corners of Ukraine.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.pyrohiv.com
Address: Vulytsya Akademika Tronʹka, Kyiv, Ukraine, 03026